Abstract: A device and system for removing structures embedded in surrounding material is disclosed. Embodiments include a powered, expandable clamp attached to a rotating cutting tool for removing manholes from roadways. Select embodiments include anchoring a clamp to a manhole and using the manhole itself as leverage to move a cutting device through the surrounding material. Alternate embodiments allow an operator, working alone from a control station, to secure the manhole remover to the manhole, cut through the surrounding roadway, remove the manhole, and deposit the manhole at another location without requiring the operator to leave the control station. Further embodiments optionally include a depth gauge indicating the penetration depth of the cutting tool, an indicator reflecting the expanded state of the clamp, a pendulum mount allowing the clamp and drum to vertically orient using gravity, and/or the ability to attach to a host machine, such as a skid-steer loader.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel with a tri-flange hub includes a hub with a first flange, second flange, and a third flange. The rim of the bicycle wheel is connected to the first, second and third flanges by spokes. The third flange is located on the hub along a centerline which passes through the center of the rim.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly including a brake disc rotor assembly that defines an operating axis for a wheel and has a braking surface, a rotor head, an axially facing wheel mounting surface against which a wheel rim is placed, and a radially facing surface axially outward of the braking surface. A cover assembly with a wall conforms generally to the radially facing surface and is situated to block viewing of at least a part of the radially facing surface from an axial perspective.

Abstract: A bead seat clincher bicycle rim includes a tire supporting surface bounded by a first straight sidewall and a second straight sidewall wherein said bicycle rim does not comprise bead hooks. A method for forming a bead seat clincher rim includes forming composite plies in a bottom portion of a mold and placing a single piece upper portion over the bottom portion. A bladder is inflated in the center of the mold to form a closed cavity within the rim. The rim is cured and the bladder is deflated. The single piece upper portion and bottom portion of the mold are removed.

Abstract: There is described a bicycle (1) in which the rear wheel (3) is provided with a planetary hub gearbox (17) and is mounted on a single rear arm (13) positioned to one side of the rear wheel. The planetary gearbox comprises an outer casing (19) having an external bearing surface to engage a bearing mounted to the rear arm (13) of the bicycle, and releaseable mounting means for attaching the rear wheel (3) of the bicycle to the outer casing (19) of the planetary hub gearbox (17). The rear arm is of tubular or hollow construction, with the drive chain (15) or belt running enclosed within the rear arm (13).

Abstract: A wheel device for a carrier comprises a wheel, a shaft, a clipping fastener and a cover. The shaft passes through the wheel and has a channel at one end. The clipping fastener has a plurality of radical curved claws inwardly extending from an outer portion thereof and the claws are engaged into the channel to pivotally secure the wheel around the shaft. The cover has a connecting structure such as a snap-fit or a screw at an inner surface thereof for engaging with the clipping fastener.

Abstract: A bicycle axle assembly includes an axle in the form of a support part for a hub. The axle has a threaded end and a fast-action clamp end. The assembly includes a fast-action clamping device having a clamping axle disposed coaxially with the axle. The bicycle axle assembly has a stop device disposed and formed such that, on clamping the fast-action clamping device, the clamping axle is supported on the axle in the axial direction of the axle.

Abstract: Introduced is a compound crank axle having a flexurally stiff and torsionally soft cross member, on whose ends two trailing links are arranged. The respective ends of the cross member are joined with the trailing links through friction welding in an angularly stiff manner. Here, the trailing links joined with the cross member are held together at a common transition region which is created in that both trailing links are joined together simultaneously and evenly with the cross member in a materially connected manner through friction welding.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line includes a controller disposed within the vehicle. The controller is configured to be electrically connected with the power distribution circuit, determine a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and control a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.

Abstract: A power distribution module for a vehicle includes an insulating housing including a component grid, the component grid defining a plurality of circuit protection footprints, the housing further including at least one connector mount or terminal mating location; a printed circuit board (“PCB”) located within the housing and beneath the component grid, the PCB holding a plurality of fuse mounting terminals and at least one connector mounting terminal, the PCB including a plurality of conducting traces connecting the fuse mounting terminals to the at least one connector mounting terminal; and a cover that threadingly engages the housing, the threading engagement leading to a locking of the cover to the housing that tends to prevent the cover from loosening from the housing when the vehicle is being driven, the locking of the cover able to be overcome by a person so that the cover can be unthreaded readily from the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides an emergency power network for aircraft, for powering actuator motors (4) connected to the network, the network comprising a power bus (11) adapted to convey three-phase AC power generated by at least one DC/AC converter (12) that is powered by a DC source of the aircraft, the converter being fitted with modulator means for modulating the voltage and/or the frequency of the three-phase power generated thereby.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a photovoltaic module configured to receive and convert solar energy to DC power. The system also includes a sensor configured to detect a future change in solar energy to be received by the photovoltaic module. The system further includes a power conditioning unit coupled with the photovoltaic module and the sensor.

Abstract: A power management system for regulating supply voltage in at least two selectable power modes with low power, minimal leakage current and quicker startup times is disclosed. The power management system includes at least two regulators having regulator inputs and regulator outputs. The regulator inputs are respectively coupled to at least two voltage domains, wherein the voltage domains have different load traits and/or requirements. The power management system also includes at least one switch disposed between the regulator outputs so as to selectively interconnect the regulator outputs based on the selected power mode.

Abstract: A distributed power system including multiple (DC) batteries each DC battery with positive and negative poles. Multiple power converters are coupled respectively to the DC batteries. Each power converter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is adapted for coupling to the positive pole. The second terminal is adapted for coupling to the negative pole. The power converter includes: (i) a control loop adapted for setting the voltage between or current through the first and second terminals, and (ii) a power conversion portion adapted to selectively either: convert power from said first and second terminals to said third and fourth terminals to discharge the battery connected thereto, or to convert power from the third and fourth terminals to the first and second terminals to charge the battery connected thereto.

Abstract: An LED lamp includes an optical part, a heat dissipation member and an electric part. The optical part includes a hollow light penetrable tube and an LED module received in the tube. The heat dissipation member is received in the tube to mount the LED module thereon. The electric part include a circuit board and a rechargeable battery arranged in the tube, and two end covers arranged at two opposite ends of the tube. The LED module is provided with at least one first LED and at least one second LED. The at least one first LED and the at least one second LED cooperatively function as a main light source to provide normal illumination when an external AC power source is supplied normally. The at least one second LED independently function as an auxiliary light source to provide emergency illumination when the external AC power source is interrupted.

Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed. The system comprises an AC power source from a power grid and a DC power source from an alternative energy source. The alternative energy source is a solar system in the preferred embodiment. The system provides a means of supplying the electrical appliance the DC power from the solar system with the higher priority. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a switch controlled by a controller provides a means of switching the power supply in between the two power sources without disrupting the operation of the appliance. According to another embodiment, a voltage regulator combines power generated from both sources to supply the power for the appliance with consuming the DC power from the solar system as the priority source.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for interconnecting an array of power generating assemblies includes a cable assembly having a plurality of continuous conductors and a plurality of cable connectors electrically coupled to the continuous conductors. The continuous conductors are configured to receive inverter AC power generated by inverters and deliver the combined AC power to an AC grid or other power sink. The cable connectors are configured to mate with corresponding connectors of the inventers to deliver the AC power to the continuous conductors.

Abstract: A solar power system includes a number of solar panels, a bus, and a DC-AC inverter. Each of the solar panels includes a plurality of photovoltaic chips and a DC-DC converter wherein the photovoltaic chips are serially connected and configured for converting sunlight energy into electrical power. The DC-DC converter is configured for converting the voltage generated by the photovoltaic chips of each solar panel to a common voltage value. The bus electrically connects to the DC-DC converters for receiving the electrical power generate from the solar panels. The DC-AC inverter connects to the bus to invert the DC voltage of the bus into AC voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling light in a 3-way light circuit, where at least one of the switches in a 3-way light circuit includes an occupancy sensor and the on/off state of the load in the 3-way circuit is determined based on the voltage output of circuits configured to provide power to the 3-way light circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct linear drive having a stator (12; 112) and a runner (14; 114), to at least one of which electric energy can be applied in order to initiate a translational movement on a coupling element (36; 136); and having a position sensing device (16; 116) for determining the position of the runner (14; 114) in relation to the stator (12; 112); it further relates to a drive device with a direct linear drive of this type and to an actuating device which is equipped with a drive device of this type. According to the invention, the position sensing device (16; 116) is designed as a linear position sensor with a magnetostrictive measuring element (54; 154) and an associated measurement transducer (58; 158).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a step motor, including a lead screw, a rotor fixed to an outer surface of the lead screw, a fixture containing a stator disposed to face the rotor and a housing whose one side end part is open to insert the stator and wrap the stator, and a bracket having a bracket body of a plate shape on which the housing is disposed and a bending part bent towards the one side end part of the housing from the bracket body.

Abstract: An oil-cooled motor/generator for an automotive powertrain located outside of the transmission is provided, such as a BAS motor/generator. The motor/generator may have a stator, a rotor circumscribed by the stator, and a motor shaft on which the rotor is mounted for rotation. A housing assembly may surround the stator and the rotor, with a bearing positioned between the housing assembly and the motor shaft. A flow control member may at least partially circumscribe the rotor axially adjacent the stator. A bearing retainer may be positioned axially adjacent the bearing. A rotor end ring may be axially adjacent the rotor. The housing assembly may have an inlet configured to receive cooling oil. The housing assembly, the flow control member, the bearing retainer and the rotor end ring may be configured to distribute the cooling oil from the inlet to cool the stator, the rotor and the bearing.

Abstract: An armature includes an insulator component with a wiring member arranged in a wiring fixing groove positioned outside of an outer wall portion of the insulator component. When a lead wire is wound around the insulator component, a winding start portion and a winding end portion of the lead wire are arranged to intersect with each other in a radial direction to define an intersection portion. The winding start portion is pressed by the winding end portion toward the outer wall portion. A lead wire escape portion spaced from a radially outer end portion of a coil is defined in the outer wall portion. This contributes to preventing the outer wall portion from being deformed by being pressed by the lead wire at the intersection portion, thereby preventing difficulty in arranging the wiring member on the insulator component.

Abstract: An auxiliary bearing system for supporting a rotating shaft including a first auxiliary bearing coupled to the rotating shaft. A first inertia ring is coupled to and circumscribes the first auxiliary bearing. A second inertia ring circumscribes the first inertia ring. A radial clearance is defined between the first and second inertia rings when the rotating shaft is supported by a primary bearing system, and the first inertia ring engages the second inertia ring when the rotating shaft is not supported by the primary bearing system. A second auxiliary bearing is engaged with an outer surface of the second inertia ring.

Abstract: A permanent-magnet motor composed of an irony barrel, a magnet set, a magnet holder, and a rotor. The irony barrel includes a thin body. The magnet set includes a plurality of magnets. The magnet holder is received inside the irony holder and includes a plurality of retaining pieces located at an internal edge thereof for holding the magnet set. The rotor includes a rotor silicon steel sheet, a deflector, a rotary shaft, a front bearing, and a rear bearing, being inserted inside the magnet set. In light of this, the magnet set can not only maintain the same thickness as that of the conventional irony barrel but also reduce the thickness of the front and rear parts of the irony barrel, so that the production cost of the irony material can be effectively decreased. Besides, the magnet holder can definitely space and position the magnets to enhance the assembly efficiency.

Abstract: A first member (40a) has a magnet assembly (20) that includes a plurality of permanent magnets (10) held with their homopoles contacting one another. A second member (50a) includes magnet coils (30), and is designed to be changeable in position relative to the first member. The magnet assembly (20) generates the strongest magnetic field in a magnetic field direction lying in the homopolar contact plane at which the homopoles contact one another, the magnetic field direction being oriented outward from the magnet assembly (20) along the magnetic field direction.

Abstract: The main problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a superconductive rotor, a superconductive rotating machine and a superconductive rotating-machine system which are capable of inductive and synchronous rotation while employing the induction machine configuration and also offer satisfactory heat dissipation performance, stability under an excessive load, and easy magnetic flux trap for synchronous rotation. To solve the problem, the invention provides a superconductive rotor, as shown in FIG.

Abstract: A rotating electric machine system includes a rotor having a rotor plane. The rotor includes magnetic salient poles of more than one in a circumferential direction on the rotor plane. Adjacent magnetic salient poles are magnetized in different polarities from each other by a permanent magnet. A control magnet is arranged in an inside part of the adjacent magnetic salient poles. An excitation coil is placed so as to make an excitation flux collectively in the rotor. The magnetization state of the control magnet where the magnetic flux by the armature coils and the excitation flux flow in a same direction is changed irreversibly. An amount of the magnetic flux flowing through the armature coils is controlled by changing the magnetization state of the control magnet in accordance with an output of the rotating electric machine system so that the output is optimized.

Abstract: A rotor for a high power electric motor intended to operate at particularly high rotational speeds. It includes a magnetic mass, gripped on either side by short circuit rings, and passed through at a plurality of notches by main bars forming a squirrel cage. The rotor also includes secondary bars passing through the magnetic mass via notches. The shape and arrangement of each notch is defined so as to ensure contact between the main bars and the secondary bars sufficient to allow the passage of an electric current when the rotor is in rotation. In particular, the invention applies to asynchronous motors capable of operating at high peripheral speeds typically starting at 100 m.s?1, in particular motors intended for gas or oil applications, whether land-, sea-, or undersea-based.

Abstract: An armature core includes a back yoke and teeth. The teeth include a plurality of magnetic plates laminated along a lamination direction. The back yoke includes holes through which the teeth are inserted. The holes penetrate through a pair of surfaces of the back yoke. The back yoke and the plurality of magnetic plates are welded to each other at a point at which an edge of a boundary between the adjacent magnetic plates and a surface forming the hole are close to each other and any one of the pair of surfaces is exposed.

Abstract: A process for producing a capacitive electromechanical conversion device by bonding together a substrate and a membrane member to form a cavity sealed between the substrate and the membrane member, the process for producing a capacitive electromechanical conversion device comprises the steps of: providing a gas release path penetrating from a bonded interface between the substrate and the membrane member to the outside, and forming the cavity by bonding the membrane member with the substrate with the gas release path provided; the gas release path being provided at a location where the path does not communicate with the cavity.

Abstract: A magnetic head driving piezoelectric ceramic actuator having an actuator body and a coating layer. The actuator body has a piezoelectric ceramic substrate and first and second electrodes. The piezoelectric ceramic substrate has first and second principal surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and first and second edge surfaces. The first electrode has a first external electrode portion formed on a part of the first principal surface, and a second external electrode portion formed on the first edge surface. The second electrode has a third external electrode portion formed on the second edge surface, and a fourth external electrode portion formed on the first principal surface. Each of: at least a part of each of the first and second external electrode portions; and at least a part of each of the third and fourth external electrode portions, constitutes a joined portion mounted on the substrate by an electrically-conductive agent.

Abstract: The piezoelectric damping device is a passive piezoelectric vibration suppression and damping device for reducing amplitude of vibration in structures. The piezoelectric damping device includes a magnetic layer having opposed inner and outer faces, with the inner face thereof being adapted for releasable magnetic attachment to a vibrating structure, such as a metallic pipe, for example. A piezoelectric layer is secured to the outer face of the magnetic layer. Preferably, an electrically insulating layer is sandwiched between the magnetic layer and the piezoelectric layer. The electrically insulating layer is preferably an electrically insulating adhesive. An electrical shunting circuit is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric layer, such that vibration in the piezoelectric layer caused by the vibrating structure generates electrical energy, which is then dissipated by the electrical shunting circuit, thus damping vibration in the vibrating structure.

Abstract: An elastic wave device has the following elements: a piezoelectric substrate; an inter-digital transducer (IDT) electrode disposed on the piezoelectric substrate; internal electrodes disposed above the piezoelectric substrate and electrically connected to the IDT electrode; side walls disposed above the internal electrodes surrounding the IDT electrode; a cover disposed above the side walls so as to cover a space above the IDT electrode; an electrode base layer disposed on the internal electrodes outside the side walls; and connection electrodes disposed on the electrode base layer. Each connection electrode has a first connection electrode disposed on the electrode base layer, and a second connection electrode disposed on the first connection electrode. The horizontal sectional shape of the second connection electrode is non-circular.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for minimizing and compensating for cracking in piezoelectric devices so as to maintain long term functionality of the devices. Compensation for cracking is achieved by applying solid conductive electrodes over the entire surface of the piezoelectric device and extending the electrodes beyond the perimeter of the piezoelectric device. In this way electrical connections are maintained even in the presence of cracking. Cracking of the piezoelectric device is limited by minimizing the local bending moment of the piezoelectric device by way of applying insulative support materials that may vary in thickness.

Abstract: A spindle motor is disclosed. The spindle motor includes a rotation shaft; a bearing rotatedly supporting the rotation shaft inserted therein; a bearing housing supporting the bearing and coupled to a stator; and a base plate coupled to the bearing housing, wherein the base plate has a reverse burring part projected from an upper part of the base plate along the outer surface of the bearing housing and burred from the upper surface of the bearing housing towards the lower surface opposite to the upper surface to support the outer surface of the bearing housing.

Abstract: A modular integrated outdoor locker and system of interconnected locker units with common walls includes a floor base, four posts attached to the floor base, two side wall panels connected to the posts by panel assemblies and one back wall connected to the rear posts. A panel assembly includes an upper and lower track and two sets of opposing track connectors to connect the tracks to the posts. The lower track and each of the lower track connectors have at least one weep opening for water drainage. A front top brace connects the left and right front posts. A door is hingedly connected to either the left or right front post and has a lock mechanism for locking the door. A roof member with a back nape and downward taper from back to front provides side ventilation and is connected atop the posts.

Abstract: A modular integrated outdoor locker with enhanced cap and system of interconnected locker units with common walls includes a floor base, four posts attached to the floor base, two side wall panels connected to the posts by panel assemblies and one back wall connected to the rear posts. A panel assembly includes an upper and lower track and two sets of opposing track connectors to connect the tracks to the posts. The lower track and each of the lower track connectors have at least one weep opening for water drainage. A front top brace connects the left and right front posts. A door is hingedly connected to either the left or right front post and has a lock mechanism for locking the door. A cap having at least three sections, one being tapered downwardly forward and two tapered downwardly outward is located atop the posts.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a patient assist bar that is coupled to a wall or to some other structure in a room of a healthcare facility, such as a headwall that is configured to be coupled to the room wall. The patient assist bar is pivotable a first axis that is substantially vertical and parallel to the headwall and a second axis that is substantially horizontal. The patient assist bar provides the patient with a stable support and guidance in moving about the room.

Abstract: A housing includes a metal cover defining an opening and a patched member adhered to the cover to patch the opening. The patched member is formed by injecting resin into the opening of the cover in an injection mold for in-mold-decoration. A film is attached to an outer surface of the patched member.

Abstract: A network cabinet is provided comprising a base member, two pairs of vertical frame rail members connected to the base member, and a top cover supported by at least one of the vertical frame rail members. The base member defines an opening and another opening is defined in the top cover. The vertical frame rail members are positioned spaced apart from four sidewalls from four corners of the cabinet formed by the four sidewalls, where each sidewall comprises a panel or a door. The two pairs of vertical frame rail members and the four sidewalls define at least one cable management pathway and at least a portion of the cable management pathway is vertically aligned with at least a portion of the opening of the base member and the opening of the top cover.

Abstract: A supporting device having improved assembly efficiency used to commonly support a washing machine and a drying machine with legs having different sizes, and a washing machine having the same. The supporting device includes a supporting device main body to support a washing machine main body, and supporters installed on the supporting device main body to receive and fix legs connected to the bottom of the washing machine main body, and each supporter includes a guide member to receive each leg, and at least one fixing member to fix each leg.

Abstract: Article handling machine (1) having a frame (3) for receiving article handling elements, a roof (7) covering said frame (3), and an electrical cabinet (12) for receiving devices for controlling electrical power supplied to said handling elements, characterized in that the electrical cabinet (12) is pivotally mounted on the roof (7) between an erected position in which the cabinet (12) is substantially perpendicular to the roof (7) for allowing an operator to access inside the cabinet (12) in standing posture, and a lying position in which the cabinet (12) extends substantially parallel to the roof (7).

Abstract: A system for maintaining a large number of Handheld Electronic Devices (HEDs) includes a drawer having a divider structure configured to define compartments that are sized to hold the HEDs while the HEDs are stored in the drawer. A 20 port USB hub is provided in the drawer so that 20 HEDs may be connected to the USB hub while stored in the drawer. The USB hub allows the HEDs to be charged at a low rate while being synchronized with a computer and at a high rate when not being synchronized. The USB hub is designed using a tree structure of available USB hub chips to enable a larger number of USB ports. A microcontroller is provided to control the manner in which the computer is allowed to recognize the HEDs connected to the USB ports.

Abstract: A drawer organizer includes one or more extendible arms. The arms are positioned to be extendible beyond an outer surface of the peripheral sidewalls of the organizer, and selectably retractable to a position in which they are within a perimeter defined by the sidewalls, The extendible arms are positioned so that they tit within a space defined within longitudinal interior walls that divide the organizer into compartments, thereby allowing the extendible arms to extend at a location in line with the interior sidewalls and to retract within the space defined by the sidewalk.

Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a storage tank, a lamp, a liquid inlet pipe, a liquid outlet pipe and an actuator. The storage tank contains liquid therein. The lamp includes a lighting portion and a lid located at a top of the lighting portion. A flume is defined between a top end of the lighting portion and the lid. The liquid inlet pipe connects a first end of the storage tank and a corresponding end of the flume. The liquid outlet pipe connects an opposite second end of the storage tank and a corresponding end of the flume of the lamp. The actuator drives the liquid to circulate between the storage tank and the flume of the lamp to thereby dissipate heat generated by the lamp.

Abstract: An LED recessed light with heat sink comprises heat sink base, an LED illumination module, a sleeve and a transparent board. The heat sink base has an upper surface, a bottom surface and a side wall connected the surface to the bottom. The LED illumination module is mounted on the bottom surface of heat sink base. The sleeve has first open end, which is formed with a fixed portion, and a second open end, the fixed portion of the sleeve is mounted at the side wall of the heat sink base, so as to the first open end of the sleeve is located on the bottom surface of the heat sink base. And the transparent board is located on the second open end of the sleeve to cover the second open end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light source device having a high-voltage discharge lamp (1) on which a trigger line (10) for triggering the lamp is attached. The high-voltage discharge lamp (1) is formed such that an arc tube (7) having a pair of substantially cylindrical sealing portions (9R, 9L) formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction with a light emitting portion (8) in between is sealed with electrode assemblies (3R, 3L). The trigger line (10) is formed such that its one end (10a) is connected to a power supply lead (6), which is of the electrode assembly (3L) and protruded from the one sealing portion (9L), and its other end (10c) is wound around the outer circumference of the other sealing portion (9R).

Abstract: An LED illuminating device includes a first LED illuminating module, a second LED illuminating module, and a connecting module. The first LED illuminating module includes a first substrate and a first group of LEDs mounted on the first substrate. The second LED illuminating module includes a second substrate carrying a second group of LEDs, a wedge shaped light guide, and a reflector. The second substrate and the reflector defines a fan shaped space therebetween to receive the wedge shaped light guide, and the projections of the first substrate and the second substrate are spaced to each other. The LED illuminating device has a large light divergence angle and good heat dissipation ability.

Abstract: An electric incandescent lamp comprising at least one incandescent filament is provided. The incandescent filament is arranged inside a translucent envelope. The lamp also comprises support wires that protrude out of a stem. The filament has end portions, and each end portion is fixed to a corresponding support wire at a junction point. At least one of the support wires comprises at least one narrowed portion for reducing vibration. The narrowed portions are disposed between the junction point and the stem. In an exemplary embodiment of another aspect of this invention, at least one of the support wires has a second section overhanging beyond the junction point of the end portion of the filament. The at least one narrowed portion for reducing vibration is comprised by the second section. A method for reducing vibration is also disclosed. This method comprises a step of forming at least one narrowed portion in at least one of the support wires.