Abstract: A seal includes a housing with an exterior surface. The housing forms a cavity extending from the exterior surface into the housing and defines at least one slanted interior surface. The at least one slanted interior surface extends from the exterior surface of the housing and is in a substantially non-perpendicular and angled relation to the exterior surface of the housing. The seal also includes at least one electrical lead that extends through the housing and has a portion exposed across the cavity therein. The at least one electrical lead extends from the housing and is configured to be in electrical contact with at least one electrical component encased within the electronic control housing. The seal also includes an adhesive material that substantially fills the cavity and surrounds the exposed portion of the at least one electrical lead exposed across the cavity.

Abstract: In a method and system for forming tubing to achieve at least one predetermined performance characteristic relating to the flow of a flowable material therethrough, a relationship is determined between at least one material characteristic of the tubing material, at least one operating parameter of the tube forming machine, and the at least one predetermined performance characteristic of the tubing. Based on this relationship, at least one operating parameter for operation of the tube forming machine to achieve the at least one predetermined performance characteristic is determined. The at least one operating parameter is input into the tube forming machine and the machine is operated to achieve the at least one predetermined performance characteristic.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow component with an internal structure from first and second panels includes the step of forming at least one protrusion on a surface of at least one of the first and second panels by a material deposition process. The first and second panels are assembled into a preform the panels being oriented such that each panel defines an interior and an exterior facing surface, with the at least one protrusion extending from an exterior facing surface of a panel. The preform is expanded against a die, such that the at least one protrusion is transferred from the exterior surface of a panel to the interior surface of a panel so as to define an internal structure. Forming the at least one protrusion may include encapsulating an elongate member on the surface of a panel by a material deposition process.

Abstract: A method is provided for machining a slot having a slot base in a turbine engine rotor disk. The method includes forming a preform slot that extends along a longitudinal axis through the rotor disk. The preform slot includes a preform slot endwall connected laterally between a first slot sidewall and a second slot sidewall. A cutting tool is rotated about its axial centerline, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The preform slot endwall is machined with the rotating cutting tool to form the slot base.

Abstract: With the fabrication of integrally bladed rotors or stators (blisks) for gas-turbine engines, where the space confined by the pressure and suction side as well as the annulus surface is shaped by cutting and machining from the solid material, starting at the periphery of a ring or disk, a stiffness-optimized pre-machining contour is cut out in a cutting process at a certain distance from the pressure and suction side along straight control surfaces at a cutting angle varying in correspondence with the blade twist and along a conical surface extending at a certain distance from the annulus surface as well as along transition surfaces between the conical and the control surfaces, and subsequently finish machined by finish milling to produce the final contour of the blade, annulus and transition surfaces. The method reduces tool wear and is cost-effective.

Abstract: The invention apparatus and method is practiced in large steam surface condensers and in one aspect comprises relatively narrow horizontal trays installed between the vertical tube bundles to drain the condensate from the upper bundle around the lower ones and thereby improve the heat transfer coefficient of the lower bundle(s). A second aspect of the invention apparatus comprises relatively narrow horizontal trays installed slightly below the lowest bundle to improve reheating of falling condensate up toward the saturation temperature of the condenser thereby reducing subcooling and the level of dissolved oxygen in that condensate. A third aspect of the invention apparatus comprises a partial hood retrofitted at the top of the central tubesheet air off-take entrance which is a unique element of the starburst/core pipe condenser design to thereby improve the air removal capability and consequently the performance of the condenser.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a valve clearance in a cylinder head using a rocker arm of a support point adjustable type. In the method, an adjustment screw is rotated in one direction until a camshaft comes in contact with a cam shaft contact section to make the amount of valve opening zero, then further rotated until the valve is released with a certain valve opening amount, and after that, rotated in a reverse direction by a certain rotation angle and accordingly loosened until a desired valve clearance value is obtained. In the process above, the method determines a first rotation angle of the adjustment screw necessary for the adjustment screw to move from a position where the valve is released with the certain valve opening amount to a position where the camshaft comes in contact with the camshaft contact section.

Abstract: An axle spindle and wheel end assembly includes a precision-formed axle spindle, wheel hub, and axle spindle nut. The axle spindle is formed with parallel inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, a shoulder that is perpendicular to the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, and threads for a spindle nut that are aligned with the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces. The wheel hub is formed with inboard and outboard bearing surfaces that are in parallel alignment with one another, and bearing axial stop surfaces that are perpendicular to the wheel hub bearing surfaces. The spindle nut is formed with threads on its inner periphery and a flat inboard surface that is perpendicular to the threads. The axle spindle, wheel hub, and spindle nut cooperate to enable an axle spindle nut assembly to consistently provide a light preload on a bearing cone and spacer group of the wheel end assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing a watch case middle having reduced weight is disclosed. A 3-D data set is generated for the case middle, the model comprising at least one internal cavity within the case middle. The 3-D data set is converted into a plurality of layers, each layer representing a cross-sectional layer of the middle, and then the case middle is formed layer-by-layer from powdered material using an additive manufacturing process such as DMLS in order to provide the case middle with a unitary construction. Loose powder is removed from each cavity via one or more powder evacuation holes formed between the cavity and an external surface of the case middle, and a through hole formed through the middle is machined to a desired finish and/or precision, the through hole being designed to receive a control member stem when a watch movement is mounted inside the middle.

Abstract: A fire retardant, transparent panel and method of making the panel, that is especially well suited for use on mobile platforms, and particularly on aircrafts. The panel is a composite of a transparent matrix and a plurality of fire-retardant nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have a diameter less than the visible spectrum of light, and in one form between about 0.1 nm to about 400 nm in diameter. The nanoparticles may be arranged randomly or in predetermined patterns within the matrix during manufacturing of the panel. The panel is lightweight, transparent and yet highly fire retardant.

Abstract: An outer frame of a razor head includes two side parts, a front part and a rear part connecting the side parts. An inner side wall of each side part provides a positioning block which has a first plane for mounting and supporting razor blade assemblies. Resilient arms are connected with side walls of the positioning blocks. Each resilient arm includes a leg part connecting the positioning block and a head part connecting an end of the leg part. An inclination angle between the leg part and the first plane is in the range of 25°˜30°. The head part is extended out of the first plane. The resilient arm can provide a suitable supporting force to a razor blade holder within its allowable range to be prevented from being fractured easily, and in turn improve the using performance of the outer frame and extend its lifetime.

Abstract: A power driven tube cutter having a power source and an open end for receiving the tube to be cut is provided. A tool housing encloses a circular tube cutter and opposed rollers as well as a pair of gear trains which can rotate at different speeds. One of the trains drives tool rotation and the other of the trains drives the tube cutter. Tool rotation can be reversed for setting the cutter and rollers in starting positions, along with setting and presenting the open end for the next tube to be cut. Two power-take-offs for treating the tube are also provided.

Abstract: A knife comprising a housing and a rotating blade carriage pivotably associated with the housing. The knife further includes a compartment in which a plurality of blades can be stored and later advanced from the housing for performing a cutting action, the first end of the blade being exposed. The rotating blade carriage can be rotated with respect to the housing and placed in a second position so that the opposite end of the same blade is exposed for performing a cutting action when advanced. The rotating blade carriage can be selectively locked in the first or second position. A carriage locking lever can be accessible for unlocking the rotating blade carriage for blade reversal. When removal of the used or worn blade is desired, the knife can have one or more blade release members that allow the disengagement of the blade from the knife so that the user can manually remove the blade without the requirement of disassembly or partial disassembly of the knife.

Abstract: A rotating head for hedge trimmers, comprising: a support body (2, 3), predisposed to be fixed to a drive shaft of a hedge trimmer, which support body (2, 3) comprises a first half-shell (2) and a second half-shell (3), reciprocally and releasably couplable; at least a snap-fit engagement (4, 5), comprising a male connector (4) predisposed to snap-fit into an engagement seating (5); the male connector (4) is flanked to the internal side of a peripheral wall (31).

Abstract: A grooving sled for use with a pre-formed groove blade and hot knife, for making grooves in expanded polystyrene foam boards or walls. The grooving sled includes a built-in straight edge guide, one of two cutting position margins, and a stabilizer plate that fits inside a freshly-cut groove to keep the grooving sled straight while operating along the cutting layout line established on the board or wall. The stabilizer plate aligns with the groove blade by use of an angular adjuster, and if necessary, an insert bar. The stabilizer plate can also be adjusted vertically.

Abstract: A cooking utensil 10 having a stem or handle 12 and a bowl or containment portion 13 which has a cavity 16 and protruding ridges which may be used to selectively engage, cut and grind an item such as food.

Abstract: A bow sight that decouples the shooter's bow cant from elevation adjustments. A segmented support assembly includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion is adapted to attach to the bow. The distal portion is rotatably attached to the proximal portion and adapted to rotate around a Y-axis relative to the proximal portion. A micro-adjust controls the rotational position around the Y-axis of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion. An elevation assembly is attached to the distal portion. A bezel assembly is attached to the elevation assembly. The elevation adjustment moves the bezel assembly along a substantially vertical axis while the bow is held at a bow cant greater than zero. The micro-adjust decouples the shooter's bow cant from operation of the elevation assembly. A windage assembly is optionally located between the elevation assembly and the distal portion.

Abstract: An alignment tool is disclosed for aligning a first shaft assembly and a second shaft assembly to be connected by a coupling device. The alignment tool includes: a housing assembly having a first end and a second end, and a front plate assembly coupled to the first end of the housing assembly. The front plate assembly forms a cavity within the housing, and the front plate assembly has a stationary support housing disposed within the cavity and aligned with the first shaft assembly in the radial direction. The alignment tool also includes a core assembly having a rotatable core shaft disposed within the support housing of the front plate assembly and aligned with the first shaft assembly in the radial direction, the core assembly configured to receive an alignment device for aligning the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly in the radial direction.

Abstract: An inch rule for reading off distances has at least one lighting element that is adapted to lights up the surroundings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the protrusion of bearing shells, comprising the following steps: a) clamping a bearing shell at several bearing points; b) applying one or more test forces to at least one point of the bearing shell so that the bearing shell is elastically deformed; c) measuring the deformation of the bearing shell at one or more measuring points of the bearing shell; d) determining the protrusion from the measured deformation.

Abstract: A method of painting a five-sided container, which includes applying a water-based paint to the interior surfaces and the exterior surfaces of the container, and forcing heated air into the open side of the container to at least partially dry the paint on the interior surfaces and the exterior surfaces of the container.

Abstract: Method for spray drying a high-viscosity fluid product using a spraying device, wherein the method comprises projecting the fluid product out of an outflow opening of the spraying device for obtaining droplets of the fluid product, wherein the spraying device is arranged to cause a pressure drop in the fluid product across the outflow opening which is larger than 15 bar and at least partially drying the droplets in a drying medium, such as air, to become particles.

Abstract: This application discloses devices, articles, and methods useful for producing lyophilized cakes of solutes. The devices and articles provide for a method of freezing liquid solutions of the solute by the top and the bottom of the solution simultaneously. The as frozen solution then provides a lyophilized cake of the solutes with large and uniform pores.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for conductively heated vacuum-based drying of portable electronic devices. For example, a portable electronic device that has been exposed to excessive liquid is placed inside a drying chamber. The drying chamber is closed and a drying routine commences. During the drying routine, the chamber is pressurized to a vacuum level sufficient to gasify liquids inside the device, and the device is conductively heated at least to replace latent heat of vaporization lost during the pressurization. Some embodiments include techniques relating to payment processing, monitoring and feedback control, decontamination, and/or other functionality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam laundry drier, and more specifically to a steam laundry dryer capable of removing or preventing crease or wrinkle occurring in cloth, etc. and capable of improving assembling efficiency by easily mounting a steam generator provided to remove the crease or the wrinkle and a water supply source supplying water to the steam generator in the inside of the steam laundry drier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing lint from air that is discharged from a clothes dryer uses a lint filtration housing mounted on the frame of the clothes dryer, the filtration housing having an interior that contains a filter for removing lint from the dryer exhaust air flow stream. The housing provides an influent fitting for transmitting heating exhaust air from the drying chamber to the housing interior. An ambient air supply enables ambient air to be added to the filtration housing interior. One or more vanes is provided that create an annular vortex within the filtration housing interior. The flow of the annular vortex within the filtration housing interior can be between about 500 and 3,000 cubic feet per second. A flow line transmits pre-heated air from the filtration housing interior to the dryer interior.

Abstract: A magnetically-supported article of footwear that primarily supports a wearer's weight by repulsive magnetic forces from magnets arranged in and around the article's sole. The magnets are arranged between and around the article's insole and outsole and may be attached to pairs of magnetically-conductive plates located down the length of the article's sole. Each plate has two magnets, one with a north pole facing upwards and one with a north pole facing downward. Also disclosed is an independent magnetically-supported sole assembly suitable for attachment to an existing article of footwear's sole so that, when attached, the weight of the wearer of that article is primarily supported by repulsive magnetic forces.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.

Abstract: A multi-colored effect for a sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure comprises a sole member having a first color and an exterior layer having a second color that is different from the sole member. A plurality of slots are formed in the sole structure and the second color is visible on an outer surface of the sole structure through the plurality of slots.

Abstract: A dynamic golf cleat having a plurality of composite dynamic traction elements, the wherein the elements preferably assume an angle with respect to the plane of the shoe sole, to allow room for deflection toward the shoe sole under load. The dynamic traction element is preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as thermoplastic urethane. A hub portion having a threaded attachment means is preferably oriented perpendicular to the plane of the shoe sole. Extending outwardly in a radial manner from the hub portion is a plurality of embedded thin tensile members oriented to be integrally formed within each flexible traction element. Each individual tensile member is centrally located within each dynamic traction element creating a distinct upper surface area and a lower surface area, within each dynamic traction element. Said sections of the dynamic traction elements have facing surfaces joined by a thin tensile member sections.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: An excavator (1) includes an excavator main body (7), an apron (2) for the receipt of excavated material and a conveyor (3), the apron being located at or in proximity to the front of the main body, the conveyor extending from the apron to the rear of the main body. In use, the conveyor moves excavated material from the front to the rear of the main body, the excavator further includes an arm (11) having an attachment (5) for excavating material and moving the excavating material towards the apron (2). The excavator has a support associated with the front of the main body, the support being movable from a first position in which the support is in resilient contact with the ground to a second position in which there is substantially no contact between the support and the ground. The support includes one or both of the apron and conveyor.

Abstract: A control for an excavator of the type having a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for moving excavator components such that digging is accomplished at a worksite with an excavator bucket or other excavator implement, includes a plurality of hydraulic control valves, each of which is associated with a respective one of the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the application of hydraulic fluid pressure to the respective one of the hydraulic cylinders, and a plurality of manually actuated joystick valves for supplying hydraulic fluid pressure to the respective hydraulic control valves to control the movement of the hydraulic cylinders. The control includes a sensor arrangement for sensing the position of one or more excavator components.

Abstract: A wear assembly for excavating equipment which includes a wear member and a base each with upper and lower stabilizing surfaces that are offset and at overlapping depths to reduce the overall depth of the assembly while maintaining high strength and a stable coupling. The nose and socket each includes a generally triangular-shaped front stabilizing end to provide a highly stable front connection between the nose and wear member for both vertical and side loading. The lock is movable between hold and release positions to accommodate replacing of the wear member when needed, and secured to the wear member for shipping and storage purposes.

Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.

Abstract: A sign for displaying product information to a consumer. The sign includes first and second components for supporting primary and secondary product information. A first support member is provided for supporting the sign in an orientation to enable the product information to be visible to a consumer. A connecting interface is provided in the form of extenders emanating from the first and second components enabling the first and second components to releaseably attach to one another, the second component used for supporting supplemental product information in an orientation to enable supplemental product information to be made visible to a consumer.

Abstract: A firearms magazine has compound tapered side walls and feed lips having substantially parallel end portions for maintaining contact with the cartridge as it is loaded. Removable inserts reduce the interior length and width to hold cartridges of different sizes. The insert has a channel along its height to protect the cartridge noses, and is held by a reinforcing member. A movable cartridge follower feeds the cartridges out of the magazine and has projections slideable in channels of the insert.

Abstract: A changeover system is provided for a hand gun comprising at least two different barrels, able to be applied exchangeably on a first grip piece of a weapon, for bullets of different caliber, with at least two different magazines for cartridges of different caliber able to be applied exchangeably on a first grip piece of a weapon. Such a system has at least a second grip piece of the same weapon type, provided for a smaller caliber, on which at least one security arrangement against interchange is provided, which prevents the application of a barrel and/or of a magazine of a larger caliber on the grip piece provided for a smaller caliber. The user of a second large-caliber weapon can then mount components of the small-caliber weapon onto the grip piece of the large-caliber weapon, in order to fire small-caliber ammunition therewith, for example for training purposes.

Abstract: An improved Rail Adaptor System/Rail Accessory System (RAS) which attaches to a firearm. The rail is top opening, modular, and free floats the barrel. Provided is a rigid, lightweight, strong platform for mounting firearm accessories. Heat transmission from the barrel assembly to the user is limited. The user is also protected from ventilated gases originating from the operating system. A quick detachable top rail section is provided so that the gas system may be easily accessed. This removable top section of the rail is what makes this device unique because the RAS may be installed without removing the barrel, gas system, front sight base, flash hider or the barrel nut. The herein described RAS is adaptable to a wide variety of firearms with the use of conversion parts. The top tail “returns to zero” on reinstallation allowing the remounting of various optics and electronic gun sites without the need to realign them.

Abstract: In embodiments, a modular rifle includes a lower receiver assembly, an upper receiver assembly housing a barrel, and a coupling mechanism. Upper receiver assembly has two portions, an aft portion and fore portion, commonly comprising a hand guard. The barrel is releasably attached to the upper receiver first portion by a hand-tightenable barrel nut sleeve connector. Upper receiver second portion is both releasably attached to the barrel nut connector sleeve and to the upper receiver first portion to prevent the barrel nut connector sleeve from rotating during firing of the rifle and to keep the second portion from detaching during firing of the rifle. Attachment of upper receiver second portion to the barrel nut connector sleeve is accomplished by a removable take-down pin and common screw clamp, which secure the barrel nut connector sleeve. Upper receiver first and second portions are connected by an attachment tab and receptacle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a hard body fishing lure having a cavity disposed therein which conceals a fish hook held internal the body by a magnet. An axle is provided near the front of the lure about which the hook rotates from the internal position to an external position when the lure is struck by a fish and back pressure is placed on the fishing line so that the hook is deployed from internal the body to external the body so as to hook a fish in the mouth. A tube for receiving the line is placed between two halves of the lure wherein weights are placed near the bottom edges of the halves in order to properly weight the lure body. An additional embodiment is shown wherein a bill or lip is placed on the front of the halves of the lure body in order to make the lure dive deeper into the water column.

Abstract: A collapsing trap is described. The collapsing trap includes a base and a plurality of surrounding panels pivotally attached with the base. An outer panel is attached with one of the surrounding panels. A locking mechanism is attached with the surrounding panels to selectively hold the panels in an open configuration. A trigger is operably connected with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking pivot that is attached with the base and connected with the trigger. The locking pivot is adapted to rotate and lock onto each of the surrounding panels to hold the surrounding panels in an open and substantially planar configuration. When the locking pivot is activated by the trigger, the locking pivot rotates to release the surrounding panels and cause the surrounding panels (and outer panel) to collapse up and around the base to trap the item therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are designs and methods for integrating heating film onto surfaces and enclosures that are useful for preventing the infestation of pests. Specifically, designs to increase the effective heating area and location of said heating film within enclosures such as suitcases. Also, the use of heating films to create a thermal barrier to prevent pests from crawling across a surface. Heating films can be utilized that are inexpensive, low-profile, and lightweight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for producing and harvesting algae. The orientation of the production substrates is critical for maximizing production as a function of water area utilized. By employing an array of algae production substrates in a vertical configuration relative to the water surface, the yield of algae production per area of open water is increased substantially relative to prior art algae production systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the growth of an organism includes a parameter control system, a remote control center, a control box, at least one environment-regulating device and at least one sensor. The parameter control system is stored with a plurality of operation modes, and environmental parameters that correspond to the respective operation modes and govern a variety of growth conditions for different species of organisms. The apparatus can automatically change the environmental conditions from one state to another, so as to meet the user's requirements and enhance the productivity without being limited by the ambient conditions.

Abstract: A polyolefin sheet material carries layered segments of a polymer which contains a herbicide such as a 2,6-dinitroaniline. The sheet material can be porous to permit free passage of water. It may be either a perforated sheet or a woven or non-woven material. A desired material is a non-woven fabric of non-biodegradable polyolefin material, such as a geotextile, for example. In order to obtain a root growth-repelling property, the herbicide is blended with a polymer which is attached or bonded to or embedded in the geotextile, or other polyolefin carrier sheet material, in the form of spaced apart layered segments. Diffusion of the herbicide directly into the soil is prevented by a barrier material positioned on, coated on, or otherwise bonded to the layered segments, to encompass surfaces of the segments which are otherwise exposed on the sheet material.

Abstract: A vertical planter and gardening wall comprised of base planter blocks that are identical to each other and end blocks that are identical to each other. The blocks are stackable and interlock. The invention can be used by gardeners to cultivate and display their gardens indoors or outdoors in a restricted area.

Abstract: A chassis for a barrier operator is provided. The barrier operator includes a motor and a transmission configured to cooperate with a rail system to move a barrier. The chassis includes a unibody frame having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is configured to receive and secure the motor to the unibody frame. The second portion is configured to receive and secure the transmission to the unibody frame. The third portion is configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the rail system to the unibody frame. The first, second, and third portions are formed as a single, integral component.

Abstract: A panel, preferably made of plastic, for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle comprises a U-shaped passage for the reception of a seal which has a first sealing lip which contacts a first limb of the U-shaped passage in an uninterrupted manner and comprises a second sealing lip which contacts the second limb of the U-shaped passage. To improve the sealing effect, the second sealing lip contacts the second limb of the U-shaped passage in an uninterrupted manner.