Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a floral grouping and/or potted plant are disclosed herein. The floral sleeve has a skirt insert or skirt extension attached to first and/or second panels of the sleeve.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a stackable and nesting plant-growing container system for a growing medium. The system includes a first growing medium unit and a substantially identical second growing medium unit. The first and second units are each of a unitary construction and includes a sidewall. The sidewall includes an inner side and an outer side, a top edge and a bottom edge. The sidewall includes at least one primary lobe extending from the cross-sectional circumference of the sidewall and uniformly increases in diameter as its distance from the bottom edge of the side wall increases and terminates in the top edge and arranged with an outwardly curving inner side extending outside the growing medium units.

Abstract: A module of plant growth medium for use in horticulture (2), comprises a container having at least one wall (4), which defines a reservoir (10) adapted to receive a cutting (22). The reservoir contains a viscous aqueous thixotropic planting fluid (12). The wall of said container comprises a further plant growth medium. The module provides a means for the improved propagation of plant cuttings, such as may result from improved rooting, reduced handling of cuttings and minimal root disturbance when planting on.

Abstract: Biomass, including waste biomass, is gasified by a process in which the biomass is first carbonized, and the char and pyrolysis gas from the carbonizer are respectively fed to a high temperature gasifying part and a gas reformer part of a two-stage gasifier A gasifying agent is continuously fed to the gasifying part, and intermittently fed to the gas reformer, to maintain the temperature required to avoid tar formation in the gas reformer stage. Multiple carbonization chambers are operated in rotation. When the carbonization/gasification apparatus is used to provide fuel to an electric power generator set, exhaust heat from the generator power plant is fed back to the carbonizer, and can be supplemented by exchange of heat from the gas delivered to generator power plant from the outlet of the gasifier.

Abstract: A method of gasification burner online feeding for a coal-water slurry gasifier, where a coal-water slurry line and an oxidizer line are both protected by shield gas. The method may realize online, pressurized and continuous feeding of the gasification burners which are fixed after they stalled for other reasons than their own, thus greatly reducing the probability of accidental shutdown of gasifiers and improving the reliability of long-term service of the multi-nozzle opposed gasifier.

Abstract: A fixing system with a fixing means for fixing a window of a motor vehicle. The fixing system comprising a slider and a displacement-force-introducing element being fitted on the fixing means. In an operating position there being an operative connection between the fixing means and the displacement-force-introducing element for the transmission of displacement forces. A reduction means used for reducing a direct transmission of force from the slider to the displacement-force-introducing element.

Abstract: A security gate comprises a pair of posts fixed adjacent opposing sides of a gate opening. The gate includes a pair of first gate panels pivotally mounted on the posts and second gate panels pivotally coupled to the outer ends of the first gate panels respectively so that the second gate panels meet one another in the closed position of the gate. Each first gate panel and the respective second gate panel pivotally coupled thereto are moveable together between an open position folded adjacent the respective post and a closed position spanning across the gate opening. A drive linkage is coupled between each post and the inner end of the respective first gate panel pivotally coupled thereto to drive pivotal movement of the first gate panel between the open and closed position. A guide mechanism is coupled between the fixed post and the inner end of the second gate panel for guiding pivotal movement of the second gate panel between the open and closed positions responsive to movement of the first gate panel.

Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle, including a first fastening element connectable to one of a stationary component and a movable component of the motor vehicle; a housing tube comprising a first end facing away from the first fastening element, and a second fastening element on the first end, the second fastening element being connectable to the other of a stationary component and a movable component of the motor vehicle; a spindle drive comprising a threaded spindle; and a spindle nut mounted on the threaded spindle; and an electric motor for driving the threaded spindle in rotation. The spindle drive is configured to move the first fastening element and the housing tube away from each other in an axial movement. When energized the electric motor drives the threaded spindle in rotation with a torque which decreases over the course of the axial movement.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes first and second fixed panels and upper and lower fixed panels with an opening defined between the fixed panels. At least one track member is attached to at least one of the fixed panels. A sliding unit is slidably engagable with the track member and slidable between an open position and a closed position. The sliding unit includes a carrier component having an outer face and a flange portion extending from the outer face. A sliding panel is attached to the flange portion. The sliding panel and the fixed panels form a substantially flush outer surface. A U-shaped seal is disposed on the fixed panels adjacent to and encircling the opening. The seal engages the outer face of the carrier component when the sliding unit is in the closed position.

Abstract: A weatherstrip is mounted along a peripheral part of a door opening of an automobile. The weatherstrip has a body including a cross-sectionally substantially-U-shaped trim portion, and a hollow seal portion. Additionally, a design lip is formed on the trim portion to extend therefrom. Then, a decorative layer formed of a woven fabric is provided on a design surface of the weatherstrip through a hotmelt adhesive layer. The woven fabric constituting the decorative layer is constituted by raw yarns. Also, a hotmelt adhesive layer is thermally fused thereto due to residual heat in a case where the body is cooled to a temperature, which is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, after vulcanization of a material of the body. Thus, the decorative layer is attached to a weatherstrip body.

Abstract: A weatherseal having an improved show surface is provided with an exterior cap that is either hinged to the body or separately formed and subsequently assembled thereto. The components of the weatherseal may be either extruded or molded, and the hinge provides the ability to form the assembly as one piece and then snap-fit the other end of the exterior cap into place over the body of the weatherseal.

Abstract: Abrasive articles, and methods of making abrasive articles that include a supersize coating or component, such as one configured to inhibit the collection of dust and/or swarf on the abrasive coating. The supersize component can be applied to the abrasive coating after converting the abrasive article with a laser or other conversion mechanism, whether non-contact or mechanical contact. In some embodiments, no fresh or exposed abrasive or backing surfaces exist; that is, the supersize component covers all surfaces.

Abstract: Abrasive articles, and methods of making abrasive articles by using a laser to convert (e.g., cut) at least a portion of the abrasive coating to form the abrasive article. The method includes laser propagation impinging on the abrasive back side (opposite the abrasive coating) and progressing through to the abrasive side. Such a process inhibits ridging effects around cut regions (e.g., openings) on the front side.

Abstract: Post-CMP treating liquids are provided, one of which includes water, an amphoteric surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a complexing agent, resin particles having carboxylic group and sulfonyl group on their surfaces, a primary particle diameter thereof ranging from 10 to 60 nm, and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. Another includes water, polyphenol, an anionic surfactant, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, resin particles having carboxylic group and sulfonyl group on their surfaces, a primary particle diameter thereof ranging from 10 to 60 nm, and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. Both of the treating liquids have a pH ranging from 4 to 9, and exhibit a polishing rate both of an insulating film and a conductive film at a rate of 10 nm/min or less.

Abstract: A portable barrier apparatus having a pliable skin defining an inflatable panel having a plurality of channels divided by a seam portion, the seam portion having at least two wind vent openings; an elongated base portion in communication with at least a portion of the pliable skin; an air producing apparatus contained within the elongated base portion; wherein the elongated base portion and the air producing apparatus supports the inflatable panel in an upright position by providing an upward stream of air into the pliable skin to provide the inflatable panel in an upright position.

Abstract: The Lawnsaver is the answer to a problem caused by rainwater rushing out of downspouts. The holes placed on three different sides of the Lawnsaver sprinkles water in a large area rather than in one location. The design also reduces the velocity of the water, which otherwise, causes trenches to be cut in your yard or washes out your landscaping.

Abstract: An information display shelter includes at least a canopy, a supporting structure, a receiving device, and a signaling path. The canopy includes a display area on at least one surface thereof. The supporting structure is connected to and supports the canopy over a sheltered area defined by a width and a length of a parking space. The supporting structure is configured so as to permit substantially unobstructed access to the sheltered area and viewing of the display area. The receiving device is operable to receive and process a signal including images to be displayed. The signaling path couples the receiving device to the canopy and facilitates communication of the images to the canopy for display in the display area.

Abstract: An insulation block is utilized with a corresponding baffle vent having a transverse width that will span several roof rafters, as is provided for use with manufactured housing. The insulation block includes uniformly spaced vertical ribs that extend from one edge of the insulation block to the opposing edge thereof to stiffen the insulation block which is formed of vacuum molded polyvinyl chloride film. After the baffle panel is placed on top of the roof rafters, which is before the roof sheeting is applied, the insulation block is attached to the wall top plate with the top edge of the insulation block placed into engagement with the baffle vent. The top edge of the insulation block is configured to mate with the undulating configuration of the corresponding baffle vent, fitting between transversely extending stiffening ribs on the baffle vent, to prevent insulation from entering the soffit area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cast-in-place window well walls includes first and second forming panel modules each having an inner and outer section. The forming panel modules may be connected together by a spacer panel which extends downwardly to a footing for providing a pier for supporting the window well wall. The forming panel modules are preferably configured with arcuate corners and upper and lower rails to permit stacking of the modules to increase the height of the window well wall, or include additional spacer panels or filler forms to increase the width or thickness of the window well wall.

Abstract: A stair system including an upper tread having a substantially planar body portion, a stair nose portion located at one side of the planar body portion, and a dado located behind the stair nose portion, at least one lower tread, the lower tread having a substantially planar body portion, a stair nose portion located at one side of the planar body portion, a dado located behind the stair nose portion, and a groove located at a side opposite the stair nose portion, and at least two risers, each riser having a substantially planar body portion. In the stair system, one of the at least two risers is receivable between the dado of the upper tread and the groove of the lower tread and the other of the at least two risers is receivable in the dado of the lower tread. Methods for assembling a stair system are also provided.

Abstract: A stair system including an upper tread having a substantially planar body portion, a stair nose portion located at one side of the planar body portion, and a dado located behind the stair nose portion, at least one lower tread, the lower tread having a substantially planar body portion, a stair nose portion located at one side of the planar body portion, a dado located behind the stair nose portion, and a groove located at a side opposite the stair nose portion, and at least two risers, each riser having a substantially planar body portion. In the stair system, one of the at least two risers is receivable between the dado of the upper tread and the groove of the lower tread and the other of the at least two risers is receivable in the dado of the lower tread. Methods for assembling a stair system are also provided.

Abstract: Structural support systems and methods are provided to reinforce lintel support systems. According to some embodiments, a reinforcement system to reinforce an elongated load bearing member having opposing ends and supporting a load can comprise an elongated reinforcing member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be disposed beneath the load bearing member between the opposing ends of the load supporting member and have a length substantially equal to the length of the load bearing member. The second portion can have length greater than the first portion. Also, the second portion can extend in a substantially normal direction from the first portion and be spaced apart from the load bearing member. The second portion can be securedly fixed in a substantially static position to support the first portion disposed beneath the load bearing member. In one configuration, the second portion can be fixed to a header associated with a lintel support system.

Abstract: A mullion assembly is disclosed comprising a pair of complementary mullion clip portions, each configured to be self retaining or frictionally engaged to a pair of window frames. Each mullion clip portion is configured to snap into corresponding recesses in the first or second window frame without the need for additional fasteners. The clip portions include integrally formed thermal barrier tabs to block airflow between the window frames. The clip portions may also have self-aligning features such as correspondingly shaped projections and recesses formed in abutting surfaces of the clip halves to facilitate alignment and fit-up of the window frames. The mullion clips may also have barbs for engaging interior and exterior snap on covers that are used to cover the gap between the first and second window frames and form a finished outer appearance.

Abstract: Described herein is a drywall apparatus for constructing planar partitions and corners. The drywall apparatus includes a first drywall panel, a second drywall panel and a pliable hinge connecting the first drywall panel to the second drywall panel. The hinge allows the first drywall panel and the second drywall panel to assume a range of angles therebetween to thereby enable the apparatus to be used for constructing planar partitions and corners. A flap extending from an edge of the drywall panel can also be included. The flap is designed to overlap a surface of an adjacent drywall panel abutted against the edge of the drywall panel and designed to affix the panel to a stud or other supporting member.

Abstract: According to the invention, a structure is disclosed. The structure may include a dual channel joint member and a plurality of panels. The dual channel joint member may define two channels, each channel possibly being configured to receive an edge of a panel thereby coupling two panels. The plurality of panels may include a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first panel or the second panel may define a cavity. The other of the first panel or the second panel may include a hooked tab. The hooked tab may engage the cavity and couples the first panel with the second panel. The dual channel joint member may couple the second panel with the third panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in the construction of water ride surfaces and comprises at least one layer of soft permeable material built into the padded substrate of a structurally supported ride surface. The permeable material connects to a drainage system and is preferably sandwiched between a slick skin upper waterproof membrane, and a supporting substrate beneath it. The advantage to this improvement is when water leaks through the waterproof membrane, the permeable material prevents water from building up inside the padded substrate, and allows the water to be drained out, rather than blistering and bubbling up under the waterproof membrane, thereby helping to preserve the integrity and longevity of the ride surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing system for joints, finishing profiles or decorative profiles, which can be applied in the fixing of finishing profiles, decorative profiles or expansion joints, for use with wall coverings, ceilings, partitions or floor panels, and in the case of the latter whether they are stratified, ceramic, or made of natural stone or parquet. It is characterised in that it consists of three parts that are applied or manufactured jointly with the profiles. The male part 1 comprises an upper element 2 with a central indentation 3 for fitting into a cavity 11 which extends below the decorative or finishing profile 5; a lower element 6 with peripheral ridges 7 for fitting into the corresponding ridges of the base part 8; a shaft 10 which connects the two aforesaid elements. The female part or base part 8 is screwed or glued to the surface that is going to be covered and it is composed of an open rectangular gutter whose internal walls or sides are covered with ridges or furrows 9.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire retardant roof system with a roof deck, a sealant material applied to the roof deck to prevent fluid migration, a polystyrene insulation board upwardly adjacent the sealant material and a sealing material upwardly adjacent the polystyrene material.

Abstract: A wall cladding and wall cladding system each comprising a plurality of panels, wherein opposing ends of each panel are substantially aligned with corresponding opposing ends of adjacent panels to form respective edges of an array of panels. Each panel includes at least one first recess in its first major face adjacent a first major edge configured in use to resemble a recessed mortar joint.

Abstract: A panel for use in constructing a ceiling of an enclosure, particularly a cleanroom without using a grid support. The panel includes a thin shell or skin which is placed around an internal bracing member in such as fashion that the resulting panel can be hung from an overhead support in a fashion to have a single join or seam between adjacent panels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing cored penetration in a concrete slab are described. The method and system may include providing a concrete hole plug. The concrete hole may include a lower hole plug and a top cover securely attached to the lower hole plug for sealing the hole. The lower hole plug may include an adhesive on the outside surface for adhering to the concrete wall of the hole and a well for holding fire-resistant sealant to form a perimeter seal on installed pipe. The top cover may include one or more securing mechanism for attaching the top cover to the hole plug. Further, the method and system may include exposing the adhesive on the outside surface of the lower hole plug, disposing the concrete hole plug into a hole bored in a concrete slab and securing the top cover to the lower hole plug using the securing mechanism.

Abstract: A masonry block wall bracing wall anchor having a threaded portion connected to an intermediate portion of the wall anchor with the intermediate portion having a vertical cross-section generally sized to fit between and substantially bridge the vertical thickness of a bed joint between two successive courses of masonry blocks and the threaded portion available for connecting by means of a washer and a nut to a side support that braces a masonry block wall during construction. The preferred embodiment has an upper transverse fracture groove and a lower transverse fracture groove through which after completion of the wall selectively can propagate a fracture line when the masonry block wall is completed. The fracture grooves can facilitate selective fracturing of the wall bracing wall anchor thereby allowing removal of a protruding threaded portion of the anchor that extends beyond the outer face of the masonry wall.

Abstract: A method of separating a floorboard material wherein the material has wood fibers oriented essentially in one direction.

Abstract: A member such as a board (10) configured to interlock with similar such boards, typically for use as flooring. The board (10) comprises an elongate body (11) having first and second opposed faces (13, 15) and two longitudinal sides (17, 19). A first locking portion (12) is provided at one longitudinal side (17) and a second locking portion (22) is provided at the other longitudinal side (19). The first locking portion (21) comprises a tongue (23) presenting a convex face (33), and the second locking portion (22) comprises a groove (41) for receiving the tongue (23) of a similar board disposed adjacent thereto. The groove (41) has a face incorporating a concave portion (49) for receiving the convex face (33) of the tongue (23), whereby interaction between the convex and concave portions (33, 49) serves to draw the tongue (23) of one board into the groove (41) of another board upon relative angular movement between the two boards towards a position whereby they are in side-by-side relation.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a prefabricated fit in blocks and derived and complementary pieces in cement mortar reinforced with steel fiber for raising of pillars and walls with no need to use mortar mixture or plasters. Pillars and resulting walls of the fit in of blocks and derived and complementary pieces do not require additional structural elements.

Abstract: A tile for a synthetic grass system having a top surface with a plurality of trusses, a bottom surface with a plurality of legs extending therefrom. The trusses intersect and form apertures. The top surface has a plurality of sections which are hingedly attached to adjacent sections with expansion members.

Abstract: A building element of wood intended to be stacked on top of each other in order to form a wall of a building. The invention is characterised in that the element (1) is longitudinally extended and has a rectangular cross-section, in that the element is designed with a protruding pointed piece (2) at its first end and designed with a point-shaped cavity (3) at its second end, in that the pointed piece (2) and the point-shaped cavity (3) have the same shape such that the pointed piece of a first element fits into the said cavity of a second element, and in that penetrating holes (4) are formed by building elements (1) that lie on top of and adjacent to each other, and in that fixing means (7) are available in order to fix neighbouring building elements to each other.

Abstract: A frame extender for attachment to a stud is formed as an L-shaped body having two orthogonal legs, a short leg and a long leg. The short leg serves as a mounting surface to which a wall surfacing material can be attached, while the long leg is fastened to the stud. The long leg terminates in an outer edge which preferably has a toothed profile. An indexing mark is provided on the long leg, extending parallel to the short leg and spaced apart therefrom, and substantially traversing the long leg. The indexing mark is preferably provided by a discontinuity in the surface of the long leg that is placed against the stud. A preferred method for fabricating the frame extenders uses stock that can be pressed or extruded, and which is cut along a serpentine path to form a pair of frame extenders.

Abstract: Since an inside piece of a joint block is abutted to a rib of a second opposed piece under a pressure by engaging a first opposed piece of a frame member with the joint block, the inside piece can be securely abutted at the position of the rib even when the second opposed piece and the joint block are slightly deformed, which secures a predetermined joint intensity by preventing a variation of the abutment position. Since the joint block is abutted with the rib, the pressure per a dimension can be more increased than abutting with the whole surface of the inside piece, which consequently increases the frictional force to improve the joint intensity.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to create an improved system of climate control over the traditional heating and cooling systems. It involves forcing temperature conditioned air into a system of ductwork. The ductwork runs from the heating and cooling system to a plurality of air cavities between the outer wall and the inner wall of a building. Therefore, the treated air is not forced into the occupied space of the building, but on the interior of the walls. By doing so, this permits the living or working environment to maintain a much more stable temperature as opposed to traditional forced air heating or cooling, which tend to have a high temperature gradient within the interior of a building and are also subject to high temperature changes within the course of a day or even minutes. This system may also be combined with other traditional or yet to be determined heating and cooling systems.

Abstract: Provided is a method for capping a ridge line of a tiled roof with one or more ridge cap tiles. The method includes positioning first and second flanges on first and second courses of header tiles respectively such that each flange extends upwardly from its respective course of header tiles. One or more ridge cap tiles are fitted over said ridge line and between said first and second flanges such that each flange is adjacent a respective side of the ridge cap tiles. A ridge capping system is also provided.

Abstract: Systems use mounting devices arranged to support a hollow post on or position the hollow post around a pipe. One lower mounting device slides along the pipe prior to fastening thereto to allow change or adjustment of a height at which the hollow post is to be supported on a base of the device. Another mounting device can be used with or without a base-defining attachment to facilitate selective use of the device to either support the bottom end of the post on the optional base or instead just engage the post's interior surface at any point along the post for positioning thereof about the pipe. Another mounting device is directly fastenable to the pipe through a wall projecting from the device's body or alternatively cooperable with a second body mountable on the pipe for engagement with this second body in different positions relative to the pipe.

Abstract: A curtain wall system and method comprises supporting channels including vertical receiving and retaining members which engage kerfs formed in the lower edges of curtain wall members. Latching members have locating and retaining members which are received in kerfs form in the upper edges of the curtain wall members. The curtain wall members are rotated inwardly causing the latching members to slide along the under surfaces of the supporting channels and into engagement with locking members. A second embodiment comprises supporting channels and latching members having spaced apart vertically disposed locating members which receive the opposite ends of the curtain wall members. A third embodiment comprises gap filling members which are received between adjacent curtain wall members and comprise hooks located adjacent to the lower ends of the gap filling members for engagement with vertically disposed receiving and retaining members extending upwardly from supporting channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new useful improvements in monolithic building construction that will reduce significantly the cost of it and will simplify the entire process and provide an outstanding quality. The innovation of the present invention is the idea to use a conventional material (drywall, backboard, brick, precast decorative stone, ceramic tile, etc), which usually is being applied to already build monolithic concrete structure, to assemble a form in which the concrete will be poured to raise the structure itself.

Abstract: A facade is formed on an upright supporting surface using a plurality of facade elements formed of plastic material having a flat rear side and a decorative front side protruding from the rear side. The flat rear side of the elements can be abutted directly against the upright supporting surface with the elements in spaced relation with one another and secured thereon using nails from an air driven nailer. Grouting in the form of mortar repair or caulking can be used to fill the gaps between adjacent elements on the supporting surface to complete the appearance of a natural stone facade on a building wall.

Abstract: A positioning device for adjusting a horizontal position of a window frame is disclosed herein, which includes a tube-shaped seat having a chamber defined therein and a limit slot formed on a side wall thereof; a lifting tube, in which an end of the lifting tube is received in the chamber of the seat, a screw is inserted through the limit slot and screwed into a fixing hole on a side wall of the lifting tube, whereby the lifting tube can be fastened on the seat, and a portion of the lifting tube is exposed from a top of the seat; an upper board mounted on the other end of the lifting tube; and an elastic member sleeved into the lifting tube and having both ends respectively pressed against the seat and the upper board.

Abstract: A closing tool assembly for a clip machine, in particular for a sausage clipping machine, containing: at least one first and at least one second tool holder, which can be moved to positions opposite each other and reversibly towards each other, and each of which supports at least one first and at least one second closing tool, wherein the first and second closing tool are each replaceably held on the first and the second tool holder by means of a fixing device. A linear guide contour is further provided on at least one of the two tool holders, and a linear guide counter-contour complementary thereto is further provided on the associated closing tool.

Abstract: A method and to a device for banding a stack of products which are to be stacked. A band is unwound from a store roll of a band machine and a loop is formed for the stack of products which is to be stacked, by a band insertion/withdrawal unit. After the free end of the band is fixed in a return device and the band is pulled to the stack of products which is to be stacked, the free end is stuck or welded and the pulled loop is cut. In a program-controlled, continuous process and prior to changing the band, the end of the band of a first band roll is detected and the remainder of the band is retracted. Then, the band threaded into the band store of a second complete band roll is inserted into the band insertion/withdrawal unit (39) and the band continuous with delay. The end of the totally automatic band exchange is optically and/or acoustically displayed and the roll can change without pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure.

Abstract: A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank. Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual product conveyer is maintained.