Abstract: An airbag is disclosed that comprises a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and an adhesive. The first and second fabric layers are coated with silicone elastomer coatings. The adhesive is a heat-cured silicone adhesive, and forms a seam-bond between the first and second layers such that a bag-like structure is created.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus capable of recovering a damage of a low dielectric insulating film exposed to CO2 plasma to obtain the low dielectric insulating film in a good state, thus improving performance and reliability of a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus includes: an etching processing mechanism for performing an etching process that etches a low dielectric insulating film formed on a substrate; a CO2 plasma processing mechanism for performing a CO2 plasma process that exposes the substrate to CO2 plasma after the etching process; a polarization reducing mechanism for performing a polarization reducing process that reduces polarization in the low dielectric insulating film after the CO2 plasma process; and a transfer mechanism for transferring the substrate.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus is disclosed, which includes: a cathode module comprising a plurality of first channels which generate plasma; an anode having a chamber which contains the cathode and having at least one plasma outlet corresponding to the first channels; an electrode connected to a high-frequency electrical power and the cathode; and a plurality of second channels penetrating through the anode; wherein each first channel and each second channel are disposed alternately. A first gas is introduced into the first channels ionized under high frequency electrical power. In the first channels, the free electrons collided brings high density of plasma. The generated plasma is expelled through the plasma outlet to form a plasma diffusion region. A second gas is introduced into the plasma diffusion region through the second channels to take part in the reaction of plasma.

Abstract: There is provided a processing apparatus including a processing gas discharge unit provided within a processing chamber so as to face a mounting table and configured to discharge a processing gas into the processing chamber; a first space corresponding to a central portion of a processing target object; a second space corresponding to an edge portion of the processing target object; at least one third space formed between the first space and the second space; and a processing gas distribution unit including processing gas distribution pipes and valves. The spaces are provided within the processing gas discharge unit and partitioned by partition walls. At the spaces, there are formed discharge holes for discharging the processing gas. The processing gas distribution pipes communicate with the spaces, and the valves are opened or closed to allow adjacent processing gas distribution pipes to communicate with each other or be isolated from each other.

Abstract: To improve durability of an electric discharge part of a dielectric barrier discharge system, a plasma treatment apparatus is configured so that a plasma source of a corona discharge system is installed in the vicinity of a plasma source of the dielectric barrier discharge system, a plasma generated by corona discharge is used as an auxiliary plasma, and a discharge sustaining voltage of a main plasma generated by the dielectric barrier discharge is reduced.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an optical display device includes an optical display unit feeding apparatus with a counting section counting the number of optical display units fed, an optical film feeding apparatus with a roll exchanging section exchanging a roll of a previous category for a roll of a latter category and joining the optical films on each, a bonding apparatus bonding a cut optical film onto a surface of an optical display unit, and a controller storing the number N of optical display units that are bonded correspondingly with the optical films that are present from a joining position to a bonding position of the optical film, and stops the apparatuses when the number of remaining sheets of the optical display units of the previous category prior to bonding becomes substantially equal to the number N at the time of exchanging categories based on information from the counting section.

Abstract: A label printing device includes a label printing mechanism, a peeling mechanism, and a scanning and verifying mechanism. The label printing mechanism is used for printing an image on a label sheet. The label sheet includes an adhesive paper part and a releasing paper part. The peeling mechanism is used for separating the adhesive paper part from the releasing paper part. The adhesive paper part printed with the image is transmitted to the scanning and verifying mechanism to be scanned. The scanning and verifying mechanism includes a scanning module for scanning the image, a first transmission unit and a third transmission unit. The first transmission unit includes plural plastic or metallic coaxial thin wheels, and the third transmission unit includes at least one thin star wheel, so that the contact areas between the first and third transmission units and the adhesive side of the adhesive paper part are reduced.

Abstract: The sealing element for integration into a sealing tool for producing smooth stamping fields during the sealing of two plastic sheets has a base body. A first slot extends into the base body from a first narrow lateral surface, and a second slot, which is offset vertically from the first slot, extends into the base body from a second narrow lateral surface, in such a way that the two slots define a section of the base body which has substantially the shape of an S or reversed S. The first slot has a U-shape with a first leg of the first slot being longer than a second leg of the first slot, and the second slot has a U-shape with a first leg of the second slot being longer than a second leg of the second slot. Each of the two slots expands at its inner end to form a bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device (203) for a manual welding machine (300), particularly for a plastic welding machine, comprising at least one contact shield (16) associated with the manual welding machine (300) and a positioning ring (3) associated with the material to be welded. In order to perform precise welding and to prevent the subsequent slipping of the manual welding machine (300), according to the invention, the positioning ring (3) can be fixed to the material to be welded and a contact shield (16) that can be inserted in the positioning ring (3) transfers a pressure distributed evenly over the circumference to the materials to be welded, in order to allow secure welding over a large area.

Abstract: A window covering includes a first sheet of material connected to a mounting device adjacent to the front side of the window covering. A second sheet of material may be connected to a roller attached to the mounting device so that the second sheet is windable and unwindable from the roller. A third sheet of material is connected to the mounting device or the first sheet such that the second sheet is positioned between the first and third sheets. The first side of the first sheet is connected to a first side of the third sheet at first positions and the opposite sides of the first and third sheets are connected together at second positions. The second positions may be parallel to the first positions. The second sheet extends from the roller between the first and second positions and between the first sheet and the third sheet.

Abstract: A sealed blind for a double window is provided. A double window is installed in a frame formed by upper, lower and side frames in which an inner glass plate and an outer glass plate are installed spaced apart by a predetermined interval. A blind is installed inside the double window. An elevating shaft is connected to the blind and is configured to wind and unwind the blind. A sealed rotating unit is configured to rotate the elevating shaft. A first side of the rotating unit is installed in the elevating shaft and a second side of the rotating unit is disposed at an outer side of the side frame of the double window, such that outside air and dust are not introduced. An elevating wire is wound around the rotating unit and is configured to operate the rotating unit.

Abstract: An intelligent canopy greenhouse control system is provided with two main brackets symmetrically arranged, each of which penetrates a curved tubular beam at its upper edge for the curved tubular beam's one end to protrude from each main bracket. Several small crossbeams are installed between two curved tubular beams for a reinforced structure. At least a louvered shutter is provided between two curved tubular beams and between two main brackets. A film is covered between two curved tubular beams, and steel sheets are freely connected to gaps between two main brackets and under the lower edges of two curved tubular beams for development of a first skeleton unit with gutters installed, around which a canopy greenhouse can be assembled with a plurality of first skeleton units.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a system for adjusting the height of a covering, such as window or a wall covering formed of two or more covering segments that are axially aligned. The system includes a link that selectively transmits rotation between two adjacent coverage thereby allowing the two coverings to be controlled, e.g., raised or lowered, simultaneously. The link includes a clutch that allows one of the segments to be rotated with respect to the other so that the bottom end of one of the coverings can be adjusted and aligned horizontally independently of the other. Optionally, the clutch includes an internal member that provides a mechanical advantage while the one covering is adjusted.

Abstract: There is disclosed a strap that includes a casing, and a plurality of stuffer strands that extend lengthwise through the casing. The stuffer strands are located between two layers of the casing and are arranged in at least two sets. The stuffer strands resist elongation of the strap in response to tensile forces applied in the elongate direction of the strap, and have a maximum elongation at break of less than 7.5%.

Abstract: A spline apparatus is provided which includes a spline section and a spline channel cover section. The spline apparatus includes an intermediate section that is intermediate and joined to the spline section and a spline channel cover section. A frame member is also provided that can be used with the aforesaid spline apparatus. A center divider is also provided which can be used with the aforesaid frame member and spline apparatus to form a complete main frame assembly that can retain a screen insert and/or glazed insert. An “R” channel member is also provided for use with the aforesaid frame member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining cellulose by separating lignin from a biomass comprising lignocellulose in the form of plants or plant parts, wherein the biomass comprising lignocellulose is solubilized in a boiler in an alkaline medium comprising alkanol amine, and dissolved lignin is separated from the resulting raw cellulose. Said method is characterized in that the biomass comprising lignocellulose is not from a wood source, and is solubilized at a temperature of less than approximately 170° C. in a solubilizing agent based on alkanol amine and water, wherein the weight ratio of alkanol amine to water is set to 80:20 to 20:80, and raw cellulose thus produced is separated from the waste lye using a typical method. Said method is particularly advantageous for obtaining cellulose from annual plants, particularly wheat straw. The method is advantageously improved in that the solubilization takes place in the presence of a catalyst, particularly of anthrachinon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing nanostructured paper or board and a novel paper or board. The method comprises providing a liquid suspension of nanocellulose-containing material, forming a web from the suspension, and drying the web in order to form paper or board. According to the invention the water content of the suspension from which the web is formed is 50% or less by weight of liquids. By means of the invention, energy consumption of paper manufacturing can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing nanostructured paper or board and a novel paper or board. The method comprises providing a liquid suspension of nanocellulose-containing material, forming a web from the suspension and drying the web in order to form paper or board. According to the invention, the water content of the suspension at the time of beginning of the drying is 50% or less by weight of liquids so as to form a paper or board having an average pore size between 200 and 400 nm. By means of the invention, very opaque paper, for example for printing applications, can be manufactured with low energy consumption.

Abstract: Cationic or amphoteric (co)polymer obtained by Hofmann degradation reaction, in aqueous solution, in the presence of an alkaline-earth and/or alkali metal hydroxide and of an alkaline-earth and/or alkali metal hypohalide, on a base (co)polymer comprising at least one nonionic monomer chosen from the group comprising acrylamide (and/or methacrylamide) and N,N-dimethylacrylamide, is characterized in that the base (co)polymer is modified beforehand with at least one polyfunctional compound containing at least 3 heteroatoms chosen from N, S, O and P and each having at least one mobile hydrogen. Use as a flocculation, retention and/or drainage aid, and dry strength aid is contemplated.

Abstract: A method for preparing aqueous furnish to be used in paper or paper board manufacturing. Filler and/or fibers are treated with cationic polyelectrolyte and nanofibrillated cellulose. A furnish and a paper or a paper board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe press belt comprising polyurethane polymer prepared of a urethane prepolymer containing isocyanate groups and a blend of chain extenders, the urethane prepolymer being prepared using 1,4-phenyIene-diisocyanate (PPDI) and the blend of chain extenders comprising methyl-bis(3-chloro-2,6-diethyl-aniline) (MCDEA).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for remelting metal in an electric furnace, wherein material electrodes are melted on by forming a slag bath, and the melted-on metal of the material electrodes solidifies in block form in a crucible apparatus (10) as a result of cooling in such a way that a block growth forms from a block base by means of a progressing solidification process, wherein the block base is heated to influence the cooling process, wherein the block base is heated by applying energy directly to the block base.

Abstract: A mold boring apparatus including a mold boring tool having a flow passage formed inside of the mold boring tool which allows a fluid to flow therethrough, having slits and protruding portions formed on an outer peripheral portion of an outer body of a tool blade member of the mold boring tool in a circumferential direction thereof extending from a leading end to a base end of the tool blade member, and blades that are inclined inward and are formed at leading ends of the protruding portions formed between the adjacent slits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite metal foams comprising hollow metallic spheres and a solid metal matrix. The composite metal foams show high strength, particularly in comparison to previous metal foams, while maintaining a favorable strength to density ratio. The composite metal foams can be prepared by various techniques, such as powder metallurgy and casting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a casting die that can achieve the improved fluidity of molten metal and the improved ease release of castings from die. The casting die 10 comprises area of dimples D where a plurality of first dimples are formed in semispherical shape on the surface of the cavity 11 with no particular indication of direction and in a dispersed manner and where the ratio of communication is 80% or more, which ratio of communication is defined by the ratio of the number of the first dimples 12 that constitute the bound dimples 12b, which each comprise one or more of the dimples, to the total number of the first dimples 12. So, in the area of dimples D a number of bound dimples 12b that work as short flow-channels that have no particular indication of direction are randomly formed, thus improving the fluidity of the molten metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting nozzle for a horizontal strip casting system, in particular for casting steel strip, wherein the nozzle is designed as a narrow rectangular hollow block having a bottom, top and two side walls and made of refractory material, the outflow region being located only slightly above a cooled continuous belt receiving the outflowing melt. Viewed in the flow direction, it is provided that the clear cross-section of the hollow block in the outflow region reduces uniformly in the direction toward the outflow and the end face of the bottom of the hollow block is designed with respect to the surface of the continuous belt such that the melt contacts the continuous belt perpendicularly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for horizontal casting of a metal band (4). The device thereby comprises a dispensing vessel (3) for a melt (1) and a cooled conveyor belt (6) disposed downstream of the dispensing vessel (3) in the casting direction running between two deflecting rollers (77) and on which the metal band (4) can be transported, and wherein the device comprises at least one roller (8, 889, 9 that can be engaged with the metal band (4) for profiling. Early and therefore improved influence on the profile of a metal band (4), that is, the leader band (4), is made possible by said embodiment and further preferred embodiments of the device.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for green sand molding that prevents a bad casting by producing a mold that does not have a brittle surface. The method comprises the steps of filling the green sand into a flask while fluidizing the green sand by aeration at a pressure between 0.05 and 0.18 MPa, and squeezing the green sand that has been filled in the flask, wherein a mold is produced so that the friability of the mold is 10 or less. The friability is a value that is calculated by the following steps: putting the mold in a rotating cylindrical sieve that has a diameter of 177.8 mm and USA sieve size No. 8, rotating the cylindrical sieve at 57 rpm for 60 seconds, dividing the weight of the sand that has passed through the sieve by the weight of the sand that has been put into the sieve, and multiplying the quotient by 100.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature control apparatus for a vehicle, including an electric device that is cooled by circulating cooling fluid; a heater core that is disposed adjacent to an interior heat exchanger of a heat pump to receive the cooling fluid that has cooled electric device; and a first valve that controls supply of the cooling fluid from electric device to heater core. According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to improve air-conditioning performance of vehicles, using heat generated from electric devices, together with a heat pump, when the vehicles are equipped with the electric devices, such as a motor, an inverter, and a converter, such as hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles, and are air-conditioned by the heat pump.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing thermal energy, having at least one subterranean chamber for holding a first fluid, wherein a passage holding a second fluid is extended outside at least a part of the at last one chamber. The at least one channel is arranged to allow fluid communication of the first fluid between different sections of the chamber, and/or in that at least one channel is arranged to allow fluid communication of the second fluid between different sections of the passage. A method is also disclosed for improving an arrangement for storing thermal energy having the steps of providing at least one channel within the arrangement.

Abstract: A cooling device for a motor vehicle, including a cooling circuit configured to cool an engine assembly using a liquid coolant circulated by at least one variable-flowrate pump, the flowrate of each pump being controlled by a control system. The control system is configured to control the flowrate of each pump in a closed-loop regulating system as a function of the temperature of the liquid coolant and of a setpoint temperature.

Abstract: A spin-on adapter for a remote oil filter to provide additional cooling capability to the engine oil system includes a unitary piece main body having edges, a base attached the main body, a step between the main body and the base, a first orifice and a second orifice extending throughout the main body, the step, and the base, and plurality of cooling fins protruding from the edges of the main body. The plurality of fins are integrated to the unitary piece main body and the adapter is adapted to be secured to a vehicle engine.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a heat exchanger, a case clamping an outer part of the exchanger in its thickness direction, and an elastic body disposed at a part of the outer part of the exchanger between the case and the heat exchange on one side of the exchanger. The other side of the exchanger is held directly by the case. The elastic body is compressively deformed by a stress with which the case clamps the exchanger. A region of the outer part of the exchanger includes a planar portion on one of both sides of the exchanger. The case includes a proximity portion at a position of the case opposed to the planar portion in the thickness direction of the exchanger. The proximity portion is located adjacent to the planar portion to limit an air leak.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling temperatures in plasma processing chamber via pulsed application of heating power and pulsed application of cooling power. In an embodiment, temperature control is based at least in part on a feedforward control signal derived from a plasma power input into the processing chamber. In further embodiments, fluid levels in each of a hot and cold reservoir coupled to the temperature controlled component are maintained in part by a passive leveling pipe coupling the two reservoirs. In another embodiment, digital heat transfer fluid flow control valves are opened with pulse widths dependent on a heating/cooling duty cycle value and a proportioning cycle having a duration that has been found to provide good temperature control performance.

Abstract: Thermal energy storage systems and devices comprise at least one storage vessel, at least one heat transfer ramp adjacent to the at least one storage vessel, and at least one heat transfer fluid channel adjacent to the heat transfer ramp. Heat exchange occurs between a heat transfer medium traveling down the heat transfer ramp and a heat transfer fluid traveling through the heat transfer channel. The heat transfer ramp may be angled with respect to the storage vessel such that the heat transfer medium travels down the heat transfer ramp assisted by force of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of operating an assembly (1) of heat exchangers (2) for subcritical and transcritical conditions, by initially arranging at least two heat exchangers (2) in parallel for the subcritical condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat sink having improved heat-exchange. A heat sink (10) which transfers heat dissipated from a heat generating device (12) to a cooling fluid (CF), said heat sink comprises: a planar base plate portion (11) that is thermally connected to the heat generating device (12); and a fin unit (10A) having a plurality of louvers (13) and a frame portion (14) that connects to the plurality of louvers and surrounds thereof. One edge of said plurality of louvers is thermally connected to the base plate portion; and said frame portion is situated apart from a principal surface of said base plate portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-cooling module for a vehicle, and more particularly to a multi-cooling module adapted to simultaneously cool an engine, electric parts, and a condenser through one or more heat pipes. In the multi-cooling module for a vehicle, one or more heat pipes are mounted to pass through two or more refrigerant passage pipes which go through with the same cooling system core unit.

Abstract: A loop heat pipe includes: a first evaporator and a second evaporator each of which vaporizes a liquid-phase working fluid and converts the liquid-phase working fluid to a vapor-phase working fluid; a first condenser and a second condenser each of which condenses the vapor-phase working fluid and converts the vapor-phase working fluid back to the liquid-phase working fluid; a first vapor line through which the working fluid converted to the vapor phase is transported to the first condenser; a first liquid line through which the working fluid converted to the liquid phase is transported to the second evaporator; a second vapor line through which the working fluid converted to the vapor phase is transported to the second condenser; and a second liquid line through which the working fluid converted to the liquid phase is transported to the first evaporator.

Abstract: Method for the natural-draught cooling of a high-concentration thermoelectric solar plant that includes a central receiver or tower with a heliostat field, wherein the tower is used as a natural-draught cooling tower. The steam originating from the turbine will be made to circulate through a series of condensers located at the base of the tower, where said condensers condense the steam therein and discharge the condensation heat to the atmosphere. The fluid responsible for this heat exchange is the air at ambient temperature at the base of the tower. Once condensed, the steam is pumped back towards the receiver so that it can be re-used as a heat-transfer fluid. The cooling air travels up through the tower and exits through the highest part thereof. The plant can be used to reduce not only its own electricity consumption, but also water consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-dissipating device for an electronic device, comprising a graphite planar body, one or more metal layers, an insulation film and an adhesive. The heat-dissipating device is optionally attached to a heat sink. The method of using the heat-dissipating device to dissipate heat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a casing designed as a hollow box by a top plate, a bottom plate, a front plate, a rear plate, and two lateral plates and a heat transfer unit accommodated in the casing. The heat transfer unit has flat plates alternately folded back in reverse direction. A first flow passage and a second flow passage are alternately formed in multiple layers between the flat plates. A high temperature fluid inlet and a high temperature fluid outlet in communication with the second flow passage are provided on the front plate side. A low temperature fluid inlet and a low temperature fluid outlet in communication with the first flow passage are provided on the rear plate side. Biasing means applies pressure on the lateral plate sealing member to the end portion of the heat transfer unit and seals the end portions of the first and second flow passages.

Abstract: A shell-and-tube heat exchanger, for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution by degasification, includes a bundle of tubes arranged vertically and parallel to each other in a shell chamber through which a fluid heat-transfer medium flows. The upper end of each tube is fixed in an upper tube sheet and the lower end of each tube is fixed in a lower tube sheet, and the polymer solution flows through the tubes in the direction of gravity. One feature is that a multilayer woven wire fabric is attached to the top of the upper tube sheet. The finest meshed layer of the fabric has a mesh width of 50 ?m to 1000 ?m. The invention also relates to a method for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution by degasification in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and use of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

Abstract: This invention provides an efficient counter flow heat exchanger of various rectangular, cylindrical or spiral shapes, having two flow channels or more and four inlet/outlet or more. Wherein flow channels have a plurality of passageways created by interposing a roll formed metallic between metallic rectangular sheets to form the flow channel or chamber. Rectangular and roll formed sheets sealingly joined by linking means, preferably but not necessarily by continuous linear spot welding or argon welding process.

Abstract: A heat sink for a handheld device is found as a one piece chassis for supporting heat-producing circuits inside the device while having heat radiating surfaces outside the device. In another embodiment a battery pack control circuit under microprocessor control allows battery packs having different battery chemistries and characteristics to be interchanged in the same device without switches or adapters. Control of operating modes of the device despite changes in the battery pack including battery chemistry, state of charge, available voltage, or desired operating mode are automatic. The microprocessor measures the battery pack characteristics, using look up tables in a suitable program to adjust the circuit operating modes. The microprocessor also responds to sequential switch contact closures in setting operating modes.

Abstract: An exemplary heat-dissipating device includes a base having a first surface, and a number of fins extending from the first surface. Each fin includes a main body perpendicular to the first surface and an extending portion perpendicularly extending from an end of the main body distal from the first surface.

Abstract: Some example embodiments relate to a heat sink fin that has a first substrate. The first substrate includes a first angular dimple and a first micro air channel in fluid communication with the first angular dimple. The first angular dimple includes a first surface that forms an angle relative to a first plane of the first substrate. The first angular dimple includes a first micro diameter hole in fluid communication with the first angular dimple. The heat sink fin also has a second substrate folded against the first substrate. The second substrate includes a second angular dimple and a second micro air channel in fluid communication with the second angular dimple. The second angular dimple includes a second surface that forms an angle relative to a second plane of the second substrate. The second angular dimple includes a second micro diameter hole in fluid communication with the second angular dimple.

Abstract: Provided is a wind power generating system for a vehicle using a cooling fan motor that is operated by receiving power from a battery, the system including a cooling fan motor operated in a cooling mode to cool a heat exchanger with the applied power or operated in a power generation mode to produce electricity by rotating a cooling fan by driving wind, and a control device controlling rotation of the cooling fan motor and determining whether the cooling fan motor is operated in the power generation mode or the cooling mode.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer joined to a carrier via a double-faced adhesive tape having an adhesive layer of a heating separation property is heated for removal from the carrier. The double-faced adhesive tape is separated from the semiconductor wafer on a holding table. Thereafter, an air nozzle preliminarily cools the semiconductor wafer for a given time during transportation with a wafer transport section. Upon completion of the preliminary cooling, the semiconductor wafer is placed on a cooling stage to cool it to a target temperature.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes: a bypass valve; a stack of standard tubes; and, in the stack, a pair of stacked-together adapter tubes. Each standard tube end has spaced-apart walls including openings. Each adapter tube end has: a wall including an opening; and a passage. At one end of the pair, the passages communicate with one another and the openings communicate with the openings in adjacent standard tubes; at the other end, the openings communicate with the openings in adjacent standard tubes. The valve includes a plug with opposed plug walls, one plug wall having one of an inlet and outlet, the plug being disposed with its walls between and at said other end of the pair and with the inlet and outlet communicating with the passages. An actuator is adjacent to the plug and has a reciprocating plunger for selectively blocking at least said one of the inlet and outlet.