Abstract: A roller hemming apparatus includes: a cylindrical roller supported rotatably on a main body; a first position adjusting mechanism for adjusting a first position of the roller in a direction which is perpendicular to a rotating axis direction thereof; a second position adjusting mechanism for adjusting a second position of the roller in the rotating axis direction; and a control unit for controlling the first and second position adjusting mechanisms. The control unit adjusts the first position by controlling the first position adjusting mechanism to abut the roller with a third position which is apart from a bending point of the flange, and the control unit adjusts the second position by detecting a load acting on the roller in an axial direction thereof as a drive load, calculating a difference between the drive load and a given master load, and controlling the second position adjusting mechanism according to the difference.

Abstract: A guiding device for the chocks of work rolls of a rolling stand comprising guides arranged fixedly or horizontally movably on the inner sides of the windows of the rolling stand, wherein the upper and lower bending blocks of each side are respectively assigned two guides arranged parallel to each other. Each bending block is assigned one of the guides, while it has a recess for the parallel running guide that extends around said guide, wherein the upper bending block is guided on one of the parallel guides and the lower bending block is guided on the other guide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a bicycle pedal, comprising the following steps: (A) cutting, in which an elongate metal plate is formed by pressing and two coupling holes are formed through the plate; (B) bending, in which the metal plate is bent to have the opposite ends jointed to each other, forming a circumferentially enclosed hollow pedal frame with the two coupling holes concentrically located and spaced from and opposing each other; and (C) welding, in which a collar is mounted outside the pedal frame concentric with respect to each of the coupling holes through welding to provide a sufficient contact area for rotatably receiving and supporting a spindle therein, whereby the pedal frame is rotatable about the spindle for pedaling operation of a bicycle. This method overcomes the various drawbacks occurring in metal-cast or plastic injection-molded bicycle pedals, providing economic advantages for high-mix low-volume productions.

Abstract: A die includes a stationary die, a movable die, which is opposed to the stationary die and reciprocatable in a first direction to change a distance between the stationary and movable dies, and a transfer mechanism, which transfers a workpiece, upon which plastic deformation work is performed between the stationary and movable dies, in a second direction crossing the first direction.

Abstract: A tool for use on a generally tubular workpiece includes a clamp base having an opening, a first jaw coupled to the clamp base with a first linkage and a second jaw coupled to the clamp base with a second linkage, a translation mechanism disposed on or within the clamp base operatively coupled to the first and second jaws via one or more adjusting links, whereby the first and second jaws are adapted to move, under a force communicated by the adjusting links and the linkages, within the opening between an open position in which the respective bottom ends of the first and second jaws are spaced apart to a closed position in which the respective bottom ends of the first and second jaws are abutting.

Abstract: An anti-tipping clamp that is used as an intermediary support for a die tool. The clamp includes a body with a rail engagement section designed to engage with a rail on a conventional forming machine for securing the clamp to the rail. The clamp also includes a die tool holding section with two spaced apart lateral arms that extend upward from a body and which provide support for a die tool.

Abstract: A split die adapted for threads of a bolt may include a first die member and a second die member being detachably connected to the first die member. The first die member and the second die member may include a radially inward extending member having a radial thread to cooperate with the thread of the bolt. The first die member may include a first discontinuous circular interior surface, and the second die member may include a first discontinuous circular interior surface. The first die member may include a guiding pin, and the second die member may include a guiding pin aperture to cooperate with the guiding pin. The split die may include a retaining pin to detachably connect with the first die member to the second die member, and the split die may be six sided. The split die may be five sided, and the split die may be four sided.

Abstract: A performance inspection system for an array ultrasound transducer includes: a driver for selectively applying an electric signal to all or some parts of constituent channels of the array ultrasound transducer; an acoustic power measurement unit for measuring an ultrasound acoustic power emitted from individual channels receiving the same voltage from the driver; a radiation conductance conversion unit for measuring a voltage signal applied to each channel although the driver applies different voltages to the individual channels, and converting the measured voltage into an ultrasound acoustic power acquired when the same voltage is applied to the channels; and a channel uniformity estimation unit for estimating uniformity of the acoustic power value acquired by the radiation conductance conversion unit or uniformity of acoustic power values of the individual channels measured under the same voltage.

Abstract: A method of determining a need to perform regeneration of a diesel particulate filter in a diesel engine exhaust predicts a soot load of a diesel particulate filter with a pressure change based soot load estimate based upon a pressure change across the diesel particulate filter at a first time and a second time. A restriction sensitivity for the diesel particulate filter is calculated based upon the pressure change across the diesel particulate filter at the first time and the second time. The method transitions from the pressure change based soot load estimate to a model based soot accumulation estimate of the soot load of the diesel particulate filter upon the restriction sensitivity falling below a predetermined threshold. Regeneration of the diesel particulate filter is requested after the estimated soot level reaches a preset level based upon the soot accumulation model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool and/or a production machine, wherein the machine (19) has a sensor (8, 14, 15, 21) for monitoring a machine element of the machine, wherein the sensor (8, 14, 15, 21) detects a chemical substance. The invention creates a machine tool and/or a production machine, with which a machine element of the machine (19) is safely and reliably monitored.

Abstract: A fluid discrimination apparatus and a fluid discrimination method are provided for carrying out with accuracy a fluid discrimination such as a fluid type discrimination, a concentration discrimination, the fluid existence or nonexistence discrimination, and a fluid temperature discrimination for a discriminated fluid that is stored in a tank or the like. A characteristic measured value as an index value that indicates the characteristics of the fluid to be discriminated is measured, and a discrimination of a fluid is carried out by comparing the fluid discrimination data that indicates the relationship between a fluid that has been measured in advance and a characteristic value of the fluid with the characteristic measured value.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for removing resp. renovating a layer resp. coating (4) from a surface (2) covered with the coating (4), wherein the coating (4) to be removed comprises a hazardous material. According to the method, a working step, which produces dust, such as in particular a grinding or sanding, is performed only on, resp. in a portion of, the surface, which has been coated with at least one newly applied priming coat layer (26). In a first aspect, the method comprises: (i) pre-treating the coating (4) to be removed resp. renovated, so that at least a portion of the coating is transformed into a moist resp.

Abstract: A method for determining effective permeabilities of earth formations. The method includes receiving a database having one or more measurements made on a collection of fluid filled rocks and dividing the measurements into input measurements and output measurements. The input measurements include one or more measured properties of the fluid filled rocks and the output measurements include the corresponding effective permeabilities of the fluid filled rocks. The method then includes constructing a mapping function using the input measurements and the output measurements. The mapping function may then be used to predict the effective permeabilities of one or more rocks that are not part of the collection of fluid filled rocks.

Abstract: A test subject, which is filled with test gas, is placed in a testing chamber, which can be evacuated. A carrier gas is conducted into the testing chamber, so that a gas mixture made of carrier gas and test gas forms therein. The gas mixture is suctioned out of the testing chamber by a compressor pump. A testing gas sensor is connected to the outlet of the compressor pump. The test gas is contained in the compressed gas mixture at a partial pressure which is increased by the compression ratio. In this manner, the sensitivity of the test gas recognition is increased and/or the time constant of the measurement is shortened.

Abstract: A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.

Abstract: To provide a sensing device and a sensing method that, by a simple method of liquid supply to first and second excitation electrodes, makes it possible to make a first oscillation area adsorb an adsorption substance that adsorbs a substance to be sensed in a sample solution and a blocking substance that prevents the adsorption of a substance and to make the electrode in a second oscillation area adsorb the blocking substance. By the supply of a solution containing the adsorption substance to a first liquid storage space 53A surrounding a first excitation electrode 42A, a front surface of the excitation electrode 42A is made to adsorb the adsorption substance, and next, by the supply of a solution containing the blocking substance to the first liquid storage space 53A, an area, of the excitation electrode 42A, on which the adsorption substance is not adsorbed, is made to adsorb the blocking substance.

Abstract: A terminal is tested for its robustness. The terminal is for a photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is put on a frame unit and is connected with a load unit. The present invention reduces human errors, improves test accuracy and achieves easy operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining the degree of hardness of semisolid materials, in particular the present invention relates to a penetrometer for the measurement of the degree of hardness of road surfaces such as asphalt or for the measurement of the degree of hardness of lubricants. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method that allow a determination of the degree of hardness of semisolid materials with a higher accuracy and a simultaneously lower sensitivity with respect to electronic and mechanical disruptions in comparison to the prior art.

Abstract: An example method of controlling gas turbine engine debris monitoring sensors includes detecting debris carried by air moving through an engine using at least first and second debris sensors, and processing signals from both the first and second debris sensors using a common signal conditioning unit. Another example method of monitoring gas turbine engine debris includes configuring at least one first debris sensor to detect debris carried by airflow moving through a first portion of an engine and configuring at least one second debris sensor to detect debris carried by airflow moving though a second portion of the engine. The method alternates between using the first debris sensor to detect debris and using the second debris sensor to detect debris.

Abstract: A method for determining a value representative of the pressure in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, includes the following steps: i. measuring the vibration level (2) of the internal combustion engine with an accelerometer placed on the engine block of the internal combustion engine, ii. integrating a value from the signal (2) provided by the accelerometer in a window (t1, t2) delimited as a function of the position of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, iii. supplying the result of the integration (A1) as a value representative of the pressure, characterized in that the signal (2) provided by the accelerometer in step “i” is integrated while being raised to a power greater than 1 by a predetermined exponent.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a condition of a system for supplying fuel to a fuel injected controlled-ignition internal combustion engine, of a type including an electric control device that makes use of an oxygen probe for closed-loop regulation of a value of air/fuel ratio admitted to combustion chambers of the engine, and according to which a signal delivered by an oxygen probe is analyzed, the method a) deducing from the signal, a change in a effective injection time making it possible to regulate richness of exhaust gases leaving the engine; b) calculating CRITERION=?(CRITERION 1+CRITERION2+CRITERION3); c) comparing CRITERION against predetermined minimum and maximum threshold values THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX; d) diagnosing a defective condition when CRITERION is outside of a window included between THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (50) for inspecting a running surface (35) of a cylinder liner (25) of a combustion engine (10) comprising an inspection tool (65), a control device (55) and connection means (60) for power supply and transmission of measuring data and control signals. The inspection tool (65) comprises a bearing rail (70) and mounted thereon a rotary table (80) and tools (90, 96) for measuring the inner diameter (d) and running surface (35) of the cylinder liner (25) and for visual inspection of the surface condition. The inspection tool (65) has a size that allows its introduction into the cylinder liner (25) through an aperture (30) in the cylinder liner (25) to be inspected. The invention is particular suitable for the inspection of a cylinder liner (25) of a reciprocating piston combustion engine (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood flow simulation system, which comprises a first container, a phantom, and a second container. The blood flow simulation system according to the present invention contains a fluid by the first container. Then the phantom is used for transporting the fluid. Afterwards, the second container is used for containing the fluid output by the phantom, and transporting the fluid to the first container by way of the phantom. Thereby, the blood-vessel characteristics, the blood-flow characteristics, and the human muscle characteristics can be simulated effectively and hence facilitating experimental convenience.

Abstract: A system, method and device for measuring toner performance by randomly applying a toner sample having toner particles to a substrate, and positioning the substrate such that a force may be applied to individual particles of the measuring toner. A rolling resistance or rotation of the individual particles of the measuring toner is measured. The measurements may be analyzed to determine adhesion and distribution properties of individual toner particles of the measuring toner sample.

Abstract: A method of determining a particle size distribution in a wellbore fluid including collecting a volume of mud from a vibratory separator, sampling a volume of the collected mud, and testing the volume of collected mud with a test kit to determine the concentration of a sized additive in the mud is disclosed. A system for determining particle size distribution of a fluid, the system including a vibratory separator, a meter configured to receive a separated material from the vibratory separator, a counter configured to count the number of loads collected by the meter, a test kit including a sieve and a measuring tube, and a centrifuged configured to receive the measuring tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for associating measurements from a wellbore with times and depths is provided. Tools located in a wellbore obtain the measurements and provide time data used to determine the times. The tools and a surface clock may be synchronized. The times may be used to associate the measurements with corresponding depths of the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole characterization apparatus for formation fluids is provided. The apparatus comprises a downhole tool including a flowline for flowing the formation fluids capable of isolating a quantity of the formation fluids in a portion thereof; and a pump unit for depressurizing the isolated formation fluids; and a measurement controller which controls the downhole tool. The measurement controller includes a rough value estimation unit which estimates a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; and a speed controller which controls the depressurizing speed of the pump unit such that the isolated formation fluids are depressurized at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than said estimated rough value, and the isolated fluids are depressurized at a second speed which is slower than said first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.

Abstract: A method for demonstrating the comparative break-though strengths of at least two tissue products is disclosed. The steps include: a) providing a break-through test apparatus b) providing the tissue products; c) observing a first condition of each tissue product; d) disposing a first of the tissue products between a lower platen and an upper platen in a face-to-face-to-face relationship between coextensive apertures disposed within the lower and upper platen; e) providing a simulated mucous composition; f) directing a first portion of the simulated mucous composition toward the first tissue product; g) observing a second condition of the first tissue product; h) disposing a second tissue product between the coextensive apertures; i) directing a second portion of the simulated mucous composition toward the second tissue product; j) observing a second condition of the second tissue product; and, k) comparing the second condition of the first tissue product and the second condition of the second tissue product.

Abstract: A method for testing the break-through strength of a tissue product is disclosed. The method entails the steps of: a) observing a first condition of the tissue product; b) disposing the tissue product between a lower platen and an upper platen; c) disposing at least a portion of the tissue product within an aperture disposed within the lower platen and an aperture disposed within the upper platen; d) providing a simulated mucous composition; e) directing the simulated mucous composition toward the tissue product disposed within the aperture disposed within the lower platen and the aperture disposed within the upper platen; f) after step d), observing a second condition of the tissue product; and, g) comparing the first and the second conditions of the tissue product.

Abstract: A method of determining an estimate of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in a proposed site for a wind farm including the steps of measuring the wind speed at a predetermined sampling frequency fs during a number of time periods pz; calculating in each time interval pz wind speed statistical parameters Vmean, ?v and a wind speed trend parameter k in real time for each new wind speed measure xj as a function of the values of said parameters Vmean, ?v, k for the prior wind speed measure xj-1 and the new wind speed measure xj; storing the parameters Vmean, ?v, k obtained at the end of each time interval pz; determining the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in said proposed site using said stored parameters Vmean, ?v, k. The invention also refers to an apparatus for acquiring the data needed for the calculation of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI.

Abstract: Although flow detection accuracy deterioration due to a subject fluid inflow into a gap between a sensor device and an engaging portion is prevented by an underflow inhibitor, the underflow inhibitor overflow to a sensor device surface results in the subject fluid turbulence, causing a flow element output fluctuation risk. One solution is a configuration comprising a sensor device made of a planar semiconductor material with a heating element and an intake air temperature detection element formed thereon, a support member containing an engaging portion the sensor device is engaged to, which is placed at a passage the subject fluid circulates and underflow inhibitor being filled into a void between the sensor device and the support member to prevent the subject fluid from flowing into the void, and a pooling portion being placed to prevent the under flow inhibitor from overflowing out of the void.

Abstract: A tool to measure the depth of one or more through-silicon vias, the tool fabricated in silicon to include a microfluidic chamber that is positioned over the one or more through-silicon vias, further including a fluid actuation chamber to inject fluid into the microfluidic chamber and into the one or more through-silicon vias, and a pressure sensing chamber to sense the fluid pressure to indicate when the one or more through-silicon vias are filled with the fluid.

Abstract: An admittance meter having an electrical alternating signal source, a diode ring operated as a synchronous rectifier with at least four diodes connected in series and in the same direction in succession, a measuring sensor, and an evaluation unit. The diode ring is subjected to an alternating signal via first second feed points, which are each connected via two series-connected diodes. The measuring sensor is connected to the first feed point, and the evaluation unit is connected to a first or a second measurement point of the diode ring. The first and second measurement points are each connected via one diode to the first and second feed points, respectively.

Abstract: A method for the fill level measurement, in a container in which a first and/or a second fill substance can be located, for each fill substance present in the container. A rest position can be ascertained, which corresponds to the position, which the fill substance upper surface of the respective fill substance assumes due to the amount of the first fill substance present in the container and the amount of the second fill substance present in the container, when the entire amount of each fill substance in the container forms a single layer containing only this fill substance, wherein the first fill substance has a smaller specific weight than the second fill substance, and the two fill substances have different dielectric constants.

Abstract: A sight glass with a flow directing assembly is used to detect the presence of entrained liquids in natural gas during spot sampling procedures. The flow directing assembly directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon a first transparent window and swirl around in a chamber of the sight glass which may cause droplets of liquid to form on the inside of the window and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. At least one embodiment of this sight glass also acts as a fluid separator, collecting the liquids in the chamber which may then be periodically drained.

Abstract: A liquid separator with at least one flow passageway is used to detect and remove the presence of entrained liquids from natural gas during spot sampling procedures prior to analysis of the sample by a gas chromatograph. In one embodiment, the at least one flow passageway directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon the inside surface of a sight glass and swirl around in a chamber which may cause droplets of liquid to coalesce on the inside of the sight glass and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. The at least one flow passageway is less expensive to fabricate that some prior art flow directing elements.

Abstract: A vibratory rate z-axis gyroscope is characterized by drive-mode and sense-mode quality factors and rate sensitivity and is fabricated with at least two decoupled vibratory tines, a levered drive-mode mechanism coupled between the tines to structurally force anti-phase drive-mode motion of the tines at a predetermined drive frequency, to eliminate spurious frequency modes of the anti-phase drive-mode motion of the tines lower than the predetermined drive frequency and to provide synchronization of drive- and sense-mode motion of the tines, and a sense-mode mechanism coupled between the tines arranged and configured to provide a linearly coupled, dynamically balanced anti-phase sense-mode motion of the tines to minimize substrate energy dissipation and to enhance the sense-mode quality factor and rate sensitivity.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus combines an optical sensor in which acceleration, acoustic velocity, or displacement (vibration) causes a corresponding shift in the center wavelength of the sensor output, coupled to a high speed interferometric interrogator, through an unbalanced fiber interferometer. The unbalanced interferometer functions to translate optical wavelength shift into phase shift, which is easily demodulated by the interrogator.

Abstract: There is provided a solid seismic streamer cable for use in seismic surveying in marine environments. The streamer is characterised by a buffer layer 2 which is provided with a cut-out 50 and a sensor element arranged in the cut-out 50. There is also provided an associated hydrophone for integration into the seismic streamer cable. The hydrophone is characteristic in a split-element sensor base 10, 11 being suited for efficient mounting into the cut-outs 50 of the seismic cable. There is also provided an associated accelerometer for integration into the seismic streamer cable. The accelerometer is characteristic by a split-element sensor base 30, 35 for being efficiently arranged into the cut-outs 50 of the seismic cable. A method of producing a seismic streamer cable according to the invention incorporating a hydrophone or accelerometer according to the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A MEMS device capable of detecting external force with high sensitivity is disclosed.

Abstract: A universal acoustic emission test sensor fixing device includes a radial positioning mechanism, supporting mechanisms, bases, acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms, and parallelism adjusting members, in which the supporting mechanism includes a main supporting arm and an auxiliary supporting arm, with one end of the auxiliary supporting arm fixedly connected to or hinged with the main supporting arm and the other end being provided with a ball head, and a parallelism adjusting member mounting mechanism is provided at the joint of the main supporting arm and the auxiliary supporting arm, and the base is provided with a spherical hole.

Abstract: An acoustic emission test sensor fixing device, comprising a radial positioning mechanism, supporting mechanisms, bases, acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms, and parallelism adjusting members, wherein the supporting mechanism comprises a main supporting arm and an auxiliary supporting arm, with one end of the auxiliary supporting arm is fixedly connected to or hinged with the main supporting arm and the other end is provided with kink shaft members which are symmetrical about the auxiliary supporting arm; and the bases are provided with plugholes which form revolute pairs with the auxiliary supporting arm.

Abstract: A stress-wave sensor module, a stress-wave sensor, and a method for detecting a vehicle collision event utilizing the stress-wave sensor are provided. The stress-wave sensor has first and second support members and a diaphragm member coupled between the first and second support members. The stress-wave sensor further has first and second strain gauge sensors coupled to both the first support member and the diaphragm member. The first and second strain gauge sensors generate first and second signals, respectively, in response to the first and second strain gauge sensors detecting deflection of the diaphragm member due to stress waves propagating through the diaphragm member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection system useful for inspecting a tubular member provides for the use of ultrasonic transducer assembly for detecting weld flaws or other out-of range conditions in the tubular member. According to the invention, the tubular member is positioned horizontally on a rolling carriage and a predetermined amount of sound-conductive fluid is deposited into the tubular member. Wide rings secured to opposing open ends of the tubular member prevent the liquid from escaping, while forming a barrier for retaining a given level of liquid inside the tubular member. The transducers are submerged in the liquid and transmit/ receive sonic booms from reflected medium inside the tubular member. The transducers are connected to a computing control unit, which receives signals generated by the transducers and creates a report of any out-of range condition.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a pipeline with ultrasound, provided with a transport device arranged to move in a transport direction through the pipeline, a plurality of transducers and a transmitting and receiving device connected with the transducers. The transducers and the transmitting and receiving device are mounted on the transport device. The transducers are provided with a first set of transducers, a second set of transducers and a third set of transducers. The system is arranged to move the first set of transducers, the second set of transducers and the third set of transducers in a tangential direction with respect to the transport direction along an interior wall of the pipeline. The system is arranged to bring the transducers of the first set, the second set and the third set into contact with the interior wall of the pipeline during the performance of a measurement.

Abstract: A conductor track carrier, particularly a leadframe that is preferably insert-molded with plastic or a rigid/flexible circuit carrier, includes one or more conductor tracks, which are received and held at least partially by a conductor track carrier component designed in one piece. The conductor track carrier component is designed such that it receives and holds furthermore at least one component of one or more sensors. A method of producing such a conductor track carrier is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adhesive sheet for inspection, which is obtained by arranging an adhesive layer on a base film. The base film and the adhesive layer are electrically conductive, and an electrically conductive path is formed between the base film and the adhesive layer. Consequently, an inspection for electrical conduction of a semiconductor wafer or a semiconductor chip obtained by dicing a semiconductor wafer can be performed while the semiconductor wafer or the semiconductor chip is bonded to the adhesive sheet. In addition, this adhesive sheet for inspection enables to prevent deformation (warping) or breakage of a semiconductor wafer or generation of cracks or scratches on the back surface of the semiconductor wafer during the inspection.

Abstract: A measurement system (10) for detecting repeated large deformation comprising: a fiber optical strain sensor (12) including a flexible polymer optical fiber (POF) (20) in the form of a series of extended loops (40), the loops (40) being flexible to allow rotation in the plane; and notches (41) formed on at least one side of the fiber (20); a light source (11) connected to the POF (20); and a photo-detector (13) to detect a change of the light power transmission loss through the notches (41) caused by the alteration of the shape of the notches (41) when the strain sensor (12) is strained

Abstract: A method and system for determining the reliability of a rotating component compares a normalized stress curve with a normalized strength curve. The resulting overlap corresponds with the reliability of the rotating component.

Abstract: A testing device for structural panels is characterised in that it includes passive apparatus in the form of a mount and interface apparatus between the mount and the panel to geometrically apply stresses representing the stresses caused by the parts surrounding the panel during a normal utilisation thereof.