Abstract: An adjustable hinge includes a tension spring having a first end and an opposite second end, the second end of the tension spring being fixed relative to a swing arm hinge mount, a pin having a head including a plurality of projections about a circumference of the head and an opposite end of the pin spaced from the head. The projections of the head are configured to be received by the recesses of a base plate hinge mount, and the pin is positioned to extend through the base plate hinge mount and the swing arm hinge mount and to cooperate with the tension spring so that a first end of the spring is fixed relative to the head of the pin, and then the head of the pin is rotated the first end of the spring also rotates.

Abstract: A damping device for movable furniture part, includes a damper housing, a fluid chamber which is arranged in the damper housing and in which a piston is movably mounted, a tappet which is connected to the piston, at least one seal being arranged between the damper housing and the tappet in order to seal the fluid chamber, wherein the tappet passes through the seal, a compensating chamber which is fluidically connected to the fluid chamber, which runs laterally parallel to the fluid chamber. At least one deformable compensating body is arranged in the compensating chamber in order to compensate for a volume change due to the tappet being immersed into the fluid chamber. The deformable compensating body and the at least one seal are designed together as a single piece.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic device is provided. The hinge mechanism includes a hinge, a pivot part and a friction part. The hinge and the pivot part are fixed to a first body and a second body of the foldable electronic device respectively. The friction part is connected to the pivot part and selectively contacting the hinge. When the pivot part rotates relative to the hinge to drive the first body to rotate from a close position to an open position in relative to the second body, the friction part does not contact the hinge. When the pivot part rotates relative to the hinge to drive the first body to rotate from the open position to the close position in relative to the second body, the friction part contacts the hinge and limits a rotation of the pivot part on the hinge.

Abstract: An extension pole assembly having an extension pole and a pole grip is provided. The extension pole has a first and second ends, with a first connecting member at the first end and a second connecting member at the second end. The first connecting member has first implement connecting devices and the second connecting member has second implement connecting devices. At least one of the second implement connecting devices is different than at least one of the first implement connecting devices. The pole grip has a third implement connecting device that releasably mates with at least one of the first implement connecting devices and at least one of the second implement connecting devices so that the pole grip can be secured at either the first end or the second end of the extension pole.

Abstract: An extendable handle comprises an outer tubular rod member, an intermediate tubular rod member slidably disposed within the outer tubular rod member, an inner tubular rod member slidably disposed within the intermediate tubular rod member, and a line routing through and operatively engaging with the tubular rod members such that the inner tubular rod member extends from or retracts into the intermediate rod member when the intermediate rod member is moved relative to the outer member.

Abstract: A fiber laying machine includes a laying head with a roller able to pivot about an axis of rotation and to apply a plurality of preimpregnated fibers to an application surface by rolling over the application surface. The fibers are distributed along a lower generatrix of the roller and in contact with an exterior surface of the roller over an angle of wrap. The roller includes a cylindrical body, pivoting rings around the body, and means for immobilizing the pivoting rings with respect to the body in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The pivoting rings are able to pivot independently of one another.

Abstract: In a closure for the non-detachable connection of two ends of a preferably textile band by which means the size of the loop formed by the band can be reduced but not enlarged by sliding the closure along the parallel-running band ends, wherein the closure includes an insertion part having at least one insert carrying a tip and an outer sleeve, which has a first opening and a second opening for passage of the band, wherein the first opening is surrounded by a stop for the insertion part with insert and the dimensioning of the second opening allows the insertion of the insertion part with the insert, it is provided that the insertion part has a recess for receiving the insert at its end facing the first opening and the stop of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A piece of furniture (10) includes a rectangular frame (12) for supporting a plurality of sinuous springs (20). A plurality of clip assemblies (18) are secured to opposed side walls (14) of frame (12). Each clip assembly (18) comprises a non-metallic piece (22) having openings (40) and a metallic piece having tacks (42) extending through the openings (40) for insertion into the frame (12). Flexible connectors (38) may be located in grooves (36) of the clip assembly (18) to collate multiple clip assemblies (18).

Abstract: There is provided a slider for a slide fastener. A cover member is attached to a body in a cantilever manner to cover a pillar portion and a lock member. An opening/closing member slidably formed between the cover member and the body is configured to open and close an insertion gap. The cover member has a first surface which is formed on the rear end portion of the cover member in substantially parallel to the body, and a second surface extending rearward and upward at a predetermined angle from a rear end portion of the first surface. The opening/closing member has a third surface which overlaps with the first surface in an upward and downward direction and is formed in substantially parallel to the first surface, and a fourth surface extending rearward and downward at a predetermined angle from a rear end portion of the third surface.

Abstract: A shoelace fastening system is provided having a first and second element that allow a user to tension shoelaces of a footwear article without tying the same, wherein the shoelaces remain in tension and are secured over the wearer's foot. The system includes a first member that is secured to the lowermost shoelace crossing at the throat line of the footwear article. This member is an arcuate structure that includes a plurality of apertures to accept the first crossing of the shoelaces, while also providing a location to secure the free ends of the shoelaces after being tensioned. A second, sliding member provides an apertured body member that accepts the shoelaces therethrough for tensioning the same over the footwear tongue. The sliding member secures the footwear to the wearer by operably applying tension to the shoelaces between the uppermost lacing eyelet and the arcuate member at throat of the footwear.

Abstract: A crime-scene body bag is made with a flexible material forming an enclosure defining an interior chamber sufficient to accommodate the remains of a deceased person. The bag is opened and closed with a zippering mechanism. A platform is embedded into the flexible material containing a variety of components including an electronic data storage unit; a fingerprint scanner, a digital voice recorder, a camera, a nozzle for insertion of a cover gas and for release of gases within the enclosure, a global positioning system monitor, a display screen, and a radio-frequency identification tag. Optional components include a pressurized gas capsule, an odor absorbing compound, an anti-bacterial agent, a sensor recording when the zipper is opened and the location, a bio-medical scanner, a radiation dosimeter, a locking mechanism, an end-lift handle, a central lifting strap, a zippered pouch, and a vacuum attachment.

Abstract: A hand held felting device includes a body with one or more felting needles and a handle attached thereto for manually felting materials. A motor is provided in the body and is configured to selectively move a shaft reciprocally along the vertical axis upon receipt of power from a power source. The felting needle(s) are mounted to the shaft in the body and thus are configured to move continuously in a reciprocal motion when activated by the motor to felt two or more materials together as a user manually moves the device relative to two or more materials. A safety switch is included with the device in order to selectively activate the motor to move the needle(s). A guard may be operatively associated with the switch to prevent access to the needle(s) and reduce user injury. The needle(s) can be replaced as needed.

Abstract: A method for machining at least one aircraft gas turbine engine rotor blade wear indicator is provided. The method includes machining the wear indicator using a laser so as to melt part of the blade, and collecting the molten material of the blade. The method further includes fitting a plug into the bathtub squealer. The plug includes at least one cavity for receiving the molten blade material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing piezoelectric resonator devices according to the present invention includes the following steps: a wafer forming step of preparing a thick-walled wafer 30 integrally formed with multiple lower lid members 3; a bonding step of bonding crystal resonator plates 2 to one main surface 31 of the wafer 30 via a bonding material 5 and bonding upper lid members 4 on the crystal resonator plates via a bonding material 5; a thinning step of thinning the wafer 30 from the other main surface 37 of the wafer; an external terminal forming step of forming external terminals on the other main surface of the thinned wafer; and a dividing step of cutting the wafer between each adjacent pair of crystal resonators so that multiple crystal resonators are obtained.

Abstract: A Push To Connect (PTC) fitting cartridge for connecting to a pneumatic device, such as, an air brake or a height control valve, the PTC fitting cartridge including at least one protrusion positioned on an outer surface of the PTC fitting cartridge, which is provided to interact with an undercut positioned on an inner surface of a port. The undercut interacts with the protrusion to substantially eliminate stress on the surrounding material to reduce the chance of fraction thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a clamping device mountable to a bench top for setting an edge piece to an edge thereof such that the edge piece projects from the bench top at a predetermined angle, with interengaging surfaces of the edge piece and edge being formed with mating mitres whereby a mitre joint is formed between the edge piece and the bench top, the clamping device comprising a body, a first clamping means supported from the body for clamping the device to the bench top, a second clamping means supported from the body for applying clamping pressure to the mitre joint, and first and second locators carried by the body and engageable with the edge piece and bench top respectively to maintain them in the required configuration during clamping. There is also disclosed a related method of attaching an edge piece to an edge of a bench top.

Abstract: A method for bedding a brake disc and/or pad includes monitoring the temperature of the brake disc and/or brake pad throughout the bedding process wherein the monitored temperature is utilized for adjusting the force of the brake pad on the brake disc including the steps of: raising the temperature of the brake pads and/or discs at a controlled rate to a desired bedding temperature; and maintaining the brake pads and/or discs at the bedding temperature. A machine for bedding a brake disc and/or pad is adapted to conduct the method by including at least one temperature sensor monitoring the temperature of a brake disc and/or brake pad throughout the bedding process. The machine regulates the speed of the motor, the pressure of the caliper, or a combination thereof, based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensors.

Abstract: An artificial flower and the associated method of its manufacture. To produce the artificial flower, two films of material are laminated. The films of material have markedly different coefficients of thermal expansion. The laminate is formed into a curve shape. Petals and leafs are cut from the laminate. The petals and leafs are cut at different orientations across the curved shape. Accordingly, various petals and leaves change shape in different manners in response to changes in temperature. The various petals and leafs are then formed into an artificial flower.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward spiral wound modules along with methods for making and using the same. Several embodiments are described including methods for making spiral wound filtration modules using membrane sheet provided from a roll, wherein the membrane sheet is unrolled and assembled in a direction parallel to the permeate collection tube of the module.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is disclosed that includes graphene nanoplatelets dispersed in a metal matrix. The composite provides for improved thermal conductivity. The composite may be formed into heat spreaders or other thermal management devices to provide improved cooling to electronic and electrical equipment and semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A beam structure of the present disclosure includes a baffle plate. A plurality of lap strips are attached around outer edges of the baffle plate. An adhesive layer is applied to outer surfaces of the lap strips. A plurality of sidewalls are assembled together around the adhesive layer, the lap strips and the baffle plate, thereby forming the beam structure. In an embodiment, the beam structure may be used as a boom assembly for a machine, such as an excavator machine.

Abstract: A method for making a projection on a metal panel includes providing a lower die having a recess in the shape of the desired projection, laying the metal panel atop the lower die, positioning a filler material atop the metal panel, and lowering an upper die onto the filler material so that the filler material is forced into the metal panel and in turn forces the metal panel into the recess of the lower die whereby a projection is formed and the projection is filled with the filler material.

Abstract: Restraints are used to restrain a pipeline having pipe segments coupled together in an end-to-end manner. A first restraint is coupled to first and second pipe segments, which are non-adjacent to one another. A second restraint is coupled to third and fourth non-adjacent pipe segments, wherein the third pipe segment is between the first and second pipe segments. The first and second restraints are coupled together at an overlapping portion.

Abstract: A gasket insertion apparatus and method for inserting a fluid sealing gasket between the bolted connection flanges of adjacent underwater pipe line segments is provided. The gasket insertion apparatus includes of a flat frame having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the frame has a plurality of angularly cut teeth. The gasket is mounted within the frame and is held in place by the plurality of angularly cut teeth. The gasket insertion apparatus has a handle with an open geometric ring-shaped grip that is configured so that the gasket insertion apparatus may be gripped by a manipulation arm of an underwater remotely operated vehicle and/or by a diver. The apparatus, with gasket attached, is brought to an underwater location and inserted between adjacent flanges of a bolted flange connection by a diver or an underwater remotely operated vehicle.

Abstract: A sports ball having a high-performance cover formed from a plurality of embossed panels. The panels embossed at 2-3 mm from the edges of each of the panels. High tension stitching applied at the embossed regions for formulating a high performance soccer ball.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor is provided. The method includes providing a frame having a loop structure, and covering the frame with a coating material to provide a sensor body having at least one diaphragm structure. The one or more diaphragm structures of the sensor body bias an emitter housing and a detector housing of the frame toward one another. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, and so forth, to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated core includes: preheating a rotor core body; attaching a cull plate onto a surface of the body removed from a preheating device; placing the body in a resin-sealing mold; heating and liquefying resin in resin reservoir pots by the mold; extruding the liquefied resin into plural magnet insertion holes and curing the resin; and ejecting a laminated rotor core from the mold and detaching the plate, wherein attaching the plate and detaching the plate are performed at a same station, and the plate detached is used as the plate at the attaching of the cull plate.

Abstract: A method for producing a gradient coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system includes applying a number of primary gradient coils and a number of secondary gradient coils to a winding mandrel to form the gradient coil assembly. A control coil arrangement is associated with the winding mandrel. During an intermediate check before completion of the gradient coil assembly, at least one coupling inductance value between the control coil arrangement and at least one of the primary gradient coils and/or at least one of the secondary gradient coils is determined. An arrangement of the relevant gradient coils on the winding mandrel is corrected as a function of the at least one coupling inductance value.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning device according to an embodiment includes a first moving unit that is movable in a horizontal direction, a second moving unit that is movable in a vertical direction, and a rotating unit that is placed on either an upper end or a lower end of the second moving unit. The second moving unit and the rotating unit are kept within the width of the first moving unit that is perpendicular to the moving direction of the first moving unit on a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A single-cell workstation for processing a tire-wheel assembly including a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The single-cell workstation includes a mounting and indexing sub-station including a first plurality of tire engaging portions including one or more first tire-engaging surfaces, and a second plurality of tire engaging portions including one or more second tire-engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multilayer article, the article comprising two crosslinked semiconductive layers separated by and bonded to an insulation layer, the semiconductive layers formed from a peroxide-crosslinkable olefin elastomer and the insulation layer comprising composition comprising a silane-grafted olefinic elastomer, the process comprises the steps of: (A) injecting the silane-grafted olefinic elastomer between the two crosslinked semiconductive layers so as to have direct contact with each semiconductive layer, and (B) crosslinking the silane-grafted olefinic elastomer in the absence of a peroxide catalyst.

Abstract: A reusable electronic circuit assembling system facilitates assembly and testing of electronic circuits. The system has at least one baseboard and one or more assembling blocks magnetically or mechanically attached to the baseboard. Each assembling block has at least two electrically connected conductive clips located separately in the opening holes of the assembly block. Discrete electronic components are connected by selectively inserting the electrodes of the to-be-connected electronic components into the clips of the assembling blocks. A complete circuit is constructed by attaching the above block-component assemblies on the baseboard and connecting them in accordance with the desired circuit diagram.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes (a) depositing an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a recess in the insulating film; (c) depositing a conductive film on the insulating film while filling the recess with the conductive film; and (d) polishing the conductive film. Step (d) includes a first polishing substep of using a first polisher pad conditioned with a first dresser and a second polishing substep of using a second polisher pad conditioned with a second dresser different from the first dresser.

Abstract: A circuit board structure includes a core circuit structure, a first and a second dielectric layers, a first and a second conductive blind via structures, a third and a fourth patterned circuit layers, and a first and a second surface passivation layers. The first and the second dielectric layers have at least one first and second blind vias exposing parts of a first and a second patterned circuit layers of the core circuit structure, respectively. The first and the second conductive blind via structures are disposed into the first and the second blind vias respectively. The third and the fourth patterned circuit layers are electrically connected to the first and the second patterned circuit layers through the first and the second conductive blind via structures respectively. The first and the second surface passivation layers respectively expose parts of the third and the fourth patterned circuit layers.

Abstract: A method for inserting a wire into a contact pin utilizes a wire insertion tool. The wire insertion tool includes a first division block having a first wire insertion guide ditch forming plane where a first wire insertion guide ditch has been formed, a second division block having a second wire insertion guide ditch forming plane where a second wire insertion guide ditch has been formed, and a division block positioning guide. When the first and second division blocks are fitted together by fitting the first and second wire insertion guide ditch forming planes, the first and second wire insertion guide ditches form a wire insertion guide hole. The division block positioning guide guides one of the blocks linearly to the other block such that these planes approach each other or separate from each other.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a grounding arrangement on a shielded cable which includes a conductive core, a core insulation layer, a conductive shield layer, and an outer insulation layer. An inner ferrule is positioned adjacent an end portion of the conductive shield layer that has been exposed, the inner ferrule is crimped around the core insulation layer, and the end portion is folded over the inner ferrule to radially surround the inner ferrule. An electrically conductive outer ferrule is positioned radially adjacent to the end portion and the outer ferrule is crimped radially around the inner ferrule to capture the end portion radially between the inner ferrule and the outer ferrule, thereby fixing the outer ferrule in electrical contact with the conductive shield layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a multi-part piston (10, 110) for an internal combustion engine, comprising the following method steps: producing an upper piston part (11) and a lower piston part (12), each having an inner support element (22, 26; 122, 126) having joining surfaces (24, 28; 124, 128) and an outer support element (23, 27; 123, 127) having joining surfaces (25, 29; 125, 129), applying a high-temperature solder material in the area of at least one joining surface (24, 28 or 25, 29; 124, 128 or 125, 129), assembling the upper piston part (11) and the lower piston part (12) to form a piston body by establishing a contact between the joining surfaces (24, 28 or 25, 29; 124, 128 or 125, 129), placing the piston body in a vacuum furnace and evacuating the vacuum furnace; heating the piston body at a pressure of at most 10?2 mbar to a soldering temperature of at most 1300° C.

Abstract: A method of repairing a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower without removing the blade from the tower is provided. The method includes positioning the wind turbine blade in a substantially vertical orientation. Next, a containment structure is positioned adjacent to a damaged portion of the blade. The damaged portion is at least partially enclosed by the containment structure and the temperature of the air within the containment structure heated. The blade is repaired by removing a damaged portion of the blade, installing a repair portion to the blade where the damaged portion was removed, and the repair portion is cured in the heated containment structure.

Abstract: A rotating machine and a method of assembly thereof is provided. The machine is a multi-stage rotating machine, such as a compressor, having a common shaft. The proposed method involves consecutively assembling the multiple stages. For each consecutive stage, the proposed method comprises mounting an impeller around a shaft along a tapered surface of contact on said shaft. Subsequently, the method includes applying a radially acting hydraulic pressure on said impeller to radially expand said impeller about an axis of said shaft. An axially acting hydraulic pressure is applied on said impeller to move said impeller relatively longitudinally along said tapered surface on the shaft. Subsequently, the method includes relieving said hydraulic pressures to cause said impeller to shrink radially and securely fit on to said shaft.

Abstract: A method of installing a solar energy system comprises laying an uninflated elongated tube of flexible material in a substantially flat configuration, winding the uninflated elongated tube on a spool, transporting the spool with the elongated tube, and filling the elongated tube with a gas and/or liquid such that the elongated tube inflates with the gas and/or liquid and unrolls from the spool.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for manufacturing rotogravure cylinders with a cylinder base made of a light weight material like aluminum. The method involves the surface treatment of the cylinder with mechanical means, the copper plating in an appropriate solution, the engraving of the cylinder, and the hardening of the cylinder by chromium plating. The advantage of this method is that the chemical treatment for the preparation of the cylinder surface which generates hazardous waste is replaced by a mechanical process. In addition, the reduction of the cylinder weight considerably (e.g. for aluminum base cylinder the weight reduction is two thirds of the weight of a steel base cylinder) reduces significantly the transportation costs. Moreover, the adhesion of the copper layer to be engraved is improved and the cost and time of manufacturing reduced.

Abstract: This invention is a manufacturing method of a liquid discharge head that includes a substrate having a plurality of discharge energy generating elements that generate energy that is utilized for discharging a liquid, and a discharge port forming member that constitutes a discharge port group including a plurality of discharge ports that discharge the liquid and flow paths that communicate with the discharge port group. The manufacturing method includes (1) disposing a photosensitive resin as material of the discharge port forming member on or above the substrate, and (2) forming an exposure pattern of the discharge port group using ultraviolet light in the photosensitive resin. In the aforementioned (2), the discharge port group is divided in a longitudinal direction and exposed, and the exposures are respectively performed so that regions in which there is a high degree of telecentricity face each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head includes forming a first electrode made of platinum, forming a buffer layer made of a compound having a pyrochlore structure that contains bismuth or platinum on the first electrode, forming an oxide layer made of an oxide containing bismuth on the buffer layer, forming a piezoelectric layer made of a compound having a perovskite structure that contains bismuth by burning the oxide layer, and forming a second electrode on the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: To provide a charging member that can not easily cause faulty cleaning on a photosensitive member while having a flexibility high enough to form a nip between it and the photosensitive member in a sufficient width. The charging member has an electro-conductive support and an elastic layer that is a surface layer, which elastic layer has at its surface a region having been cured by irradiation with electron rays, where this region supports spherical polyethylene particles in such a state that the spherical polyethylene particles are exposed to the surface of the elastic layer, thereby making the surface roughened.

Abstract: A process for the production of an acoustic treatment panel that can be connected at a surface of an aircraft, in particular at a leading edge such as an air intake of an aircraft nacelle, whereby the panel includes an acoustically resistive layer (24), at least one alveolar structure (26), and a reflective layer (28), and channels (30) placed between the alveolar structure and the acoustically resistive layer, each channel being bordered by a wall (32), the process including deforming a layer so as to produce furrows at one of its surfaces, flattening and making integral the deformed layer (34) with the acoustically resistive layer so as to border the channels, and removing material in such a way as to eliminate at least a portion of the thickness of the deformed layer (34) in which the furrows are formed between the channels, prior to the assembly of the alveolar structure.

Abstract: Floor covering, made of floor elements, which, at least at two opposite sides, comprise a male and a female coupling part, which allow that two of such floor elements can be interconnected at the respective sides at the respective sides by pushing one of these floor elements with the associated male coupling part, by means of a downward movement, home into the female coupling part of the other floor element, wherein at least one of said coupling parts, either the male coupling part or the female coupling part, is made as least partially in a filled synthetic material composite, such as extruded wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a group of elongate panels for imitating a slat, the group comprising at least two slat end panels which have respectively a first short traverse edge and a second short traverse edge and two longitudinal edges and which, when the first respective short traverse edges are placed end to end or are arranged on the end of short traverse edges of at least one elongate intermediate panel, form a slat which has a continuous decoration on the joint of the traverse edges. The panels may have bevel longitudinal edges on their decorated sides, and the second short traversal edge of the respective slat end panel is formed on the decorated side as a bevel transversal edge.

Abstract: A tool for removing shrink wrap from a product may include a first abrasive surface, a second abrasive surface, and a pressing surface, where the first and second abrasive surfaces are movable with respect to one another between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and where in the engaged position, the pressing surface presses the product into engagement with the first abrasive surface and the second abrasive surface. The first abrasive surface and the second abrasive surface may be located on a first arm and a second arm respectively. The first abrasive surface may be stationary relative to the first arm and the second abrasive surface may be stationary with respect to the second arm. The pressing surface may include a pressing element which is rotatable around an axis.

Abstract: A shaving blade unit having a housing that includes a primary cap, a primary guard, an upper face, and a rear face. The shaving blade unit also includes a first primary blade located between the primary cap and the primary guard and extending at said the upper face, a first spacer stacked with the first primary blade, and a trimming blade extending at the rear face of the housing where the trimming blade is unreleasably fixed to the first spacer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved pipe cutting tool based upon a ratchet closure action wherein handles are pivotedly attached to allow successive movement of a cutting blade in response to the squeezing of the handles. The handles are also hingedly coupled to the cutting member to maintain the cutting member in a position perpendicular to the tubular item to be cut while allowing the operator to squeeze the handles at offset angles, up to and including a right angle cut. The hinged handles allow for offset operation without forgoing the ease of operation by the consumer or causing a large reduction in the mechanical advantage. A ratchet allows sequential advancement of a cutting member toward a tubular shaped jaw that holds the item to be cut.