Abstract: A linear delta mechanism includes a base platform, a movable platform, and a plurality of guide sets. The base platform includes a base structure and a base stand. The base stand is disposed at a center location of the base structure. The movable platform is movable with respect to the base platform. The plurality of guide sets are connected to the base platform and configured to drive the movable platform. Each of the guide sets includes a linear actuator and an actuating rod. The linear actuators of the guide sets are symmetrically disposed around the base stand. Each of the actuating rods has a first end and a second end. The first end is driven by the linear actuator, and the second end is connected to the movable platform.

Abstract: The articulated multiple-axis robot structure has a frame, an arm and a forearm, a shaft for attaching a tool, an actuator commanding the pivoting of a slide-socket, an actuator commanding the pivoting, a rotatable nut-socket, and a coupling device for securing the sockets in rotation. The coupling device having a coupling washer between the sockets and connected in rotation with one of the slide-socket and the nut-socket. The coupling washer is movable between a coupling configuration, in which the translation of the shaft relative to the forearm is locked, and an operating configuration, in which the translation and rotation of the shaft relative to the forearm are freed by a first electromagnet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cheese slicer adjustable for slicing cheese in variable thicknesses, comprising a handle; a guiding plate pivotally connected to the handle; a slicing plate having a slicing blade, wherein the slicing blade and the guiding plate together define a gap as slice thickness; a linkage movably resting against the guiding plate so that the movement of the linkage enables the guiding plate to pivot around the handle relative to the slicing blade thereby to provide variable slice thickness for the item to be sliced; an actuator assembly in operative connection with the linkage to move the linkage on the guiding plate. The cheese slicer of the present invention further comprises an indicating mechanism to clearly indicate the selected thickness of the sliced cheese.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manual cutting tool including two jaws each provided with a cutting blade, the two jaws being mounted movable in rotation with respect to a securing system so as to define a closed position and an open position of a cutting area. The tool also includes two cams mounted rotating with respect to the two jaws and each including an aperture, and a bearing surface having a variable curvature, the two bearing surfaces being configured so as to be in permanent connection. The tool includes two connection parts positioned on the axes of rotation of the jaws and configured to connect the cams to the jaws.

Abstract: A razor blade cartridge which has a housing with a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and one or more blades mounted within the housing. An elongated resilient skin contacting element is joined to the proximal end portion of the housing. The elongated resilient skin contacting element has an alignment array of skin contacting members having a pattern of one or more flexible skin-engaging projections that are generally transverse to one or more of the blades and define a plurality of open channels that facilitate the generally unobstructed passage of hair to one or more of the blades during shaving. The elongated resilient skin contacting element also has at least one additional array of skin contacting members having a pattern that is different than the pattern of the alignment array of skin contacting members.

Abstract: A device (1) for grooving cardboard cuttings (2, 3) that features a driven, horizontally supported transport drum (11) and spaced-apart endless belts (51) that revolve around rollers (54.1 to 54.8) and effectively convey the cardboard cuttings (2, 3) by pressing them against the drum shell. Groove cutting tools (72) are arranged between the belts (51) at a defined distance from the drum shell and make it possible to produce grooves with essentially triangular cross section in the cardboard cuttings (2). In order to adjust the aperture angle of the grooves independently of one another, the adjustment of the angle within the respective groove cutting tool (72) is realized by curved guides (77). The center of curvature (81) of the curved guide (77) lies in the region of the drum shell, as well as in the region of the blade tip (71a) of the knife (71), such that the aperture angle and the depth of the groove can be adjusted independently of one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting food product includes at least one knife having longitudinal ends and a hollow spindle. The knife has a central region therebetween and a base and opposite sides located along a longitudinal extent thereof. The hollow spindle has a slot for receiving the knife. The slot has a base wall for engaging and supporting the base of the knife and side walls for engaging and supporting the sides of the knife. The spindle includes a circumferential wall in which at least two circumferential gaps are present to segment the wall into at least two end wall segments and a third wall segment therebetween. The gaps separate the slot into at least two end slot segments and a third slot segment therebetween that are complementary to and receive, respectively, the base and side walls of the knife at the longitudinal ends and central region, respectively, of the knife.

Abstract: A method for weighing sliced products to generate product batches of a pre-determined weight. A slicer slices products which are disposed onto a slice scale located beneath the output end of the slicer. An intermediate weight is measured at a pre-determined point in the slicing process. The intermediate weight information is used to calculate the minimum number of completion slices, based on thicknesses of the slices, needed to meet the target weight. The competed draft is transferred to a check sale where a final draft weight is measured and compared to a sum of the intermediate weight and the weight of the completion slices. Comparison of the weight is used to adjust slicing parameters for more precise targeting of the desired weight of the next draft. Completion slices may be adjusted in thickness to minimize the giveaway weight.

Abstract: A handle having improved ergonomics and relatively compact low cost design is provided. In particular, the handle may include two hand grip areas which may be integral with one another. The two hand grips may be approximately perpendicular to one another. Further, one or both of the grip areas may include grip alignment mechanisms that improve the ergonomic alignment of a persons hand on the hand grip area of the handle. In another aspect the hand grip(s) may have smooth rounded grasping surfaces to provide comfort when grasped by a hand. The alignment mechanism(s) may be placed at an optimal location on the hand grip(s) area and result in improved control and comfort during use. In addition, one of the alignment mechanisms may serve a dual purpose of hand alignment and as a stop that prevents a person's hand from slipping off of the grip area during use.

Abstract: A process for making a compressed wood smoking chip disc includes the following steps, which are not necessarily in order. First, providing a log. Next, drying the log. After that, removing bark and dry rot from the log. Following that, grinding the log into chips. Then, rehydrating the chips. Finally, compressing the chips into the compressed wood chip disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood composite panel having a major planar portion, at least one panel portion, and an inwardly extending contoured portion surrounding the panel portion and interconnecting the major planar portion and the panel portion. The contoured portion defines an inter-relationship between a vector angle and a deep draw depth that achieve a satisfactory stretch factor. The present invention also relates to a door having the disclosed wood composite door facings, and methods of forming the facing and door.

Abstract: A slurry distributor can include a distribution conduit and a slurry wiping mechanism. The distribution conduit extends generally along a longitudinal axis and includes an entry portion, a distribution outlet in fluid communication with the entry portion, and a bottom surface extending between the entry portion and the distribution outlet. The distribution outlet extends a predetermined distance along a transverse axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The slurry wiping mechanism includes a movable wiper blade in contacting relationship with the bottom surface of the distribution conduit. The wiper blade is reciprocally movable between a first position and a second position over a clearing path, which is disposed adjacent the distribution outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a concrete apparatus with incorporated lifter are provided. A concrete apparatus is formed by placing a reinforcement system in a mold. The reinforcement system comprises a lifter. Concrete is poured into the mold such that the lifter protrudes from the poured concrete. After the concrete has hardened and the mold is removed, the lifter is used to carry and position the concrete apparatus. After the concrete apparatus is positioned, the lifter is removed at the circumference of the concrete apparatus leaving no holes, thereby eliminating water leakage due to lifting methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a deep draw microcellularly foamed polymeric container comprising a polymeric sidewall integrally connected to a polymeric base along a bottom edge. The polymeric sidewall and base are contiguous with each other and define a shape of an open top container. The polymeric sidewall and base have a contiguous inner microcellular foam structure (having average cell diameters ranging from about 5 to about 100 microns) surrounded by a smooth outer skin layer integrally connected therewith. The polymeric sidewall defines a container height and a top opening, wherein the top opening defines a top opening width, and wherein the polymeric base defines a container base width, and wherein the area defined by the top opening is greater than the area defined by the polymeric base, and wherein the ratio of the container height (h) to the top opening width (w) is greater than about 1:1 (h:w).

Abstract: A process for the recovery of a plastic product from ASR or ESR mixtures can include five or more process steps selected from DEXRT; XRF; size reduction; density separation; NIR sorting; Electrostatic separation; LD sorting; Wood removal; rubber removal; metal removal; and glass removal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the processing of plastics, with a container with a rotatable mixing and/or comminution implement, where, in a side wall, an aperture is formed, and a conveyor being provided, with a screw rotating in a housing, where the imaginary continuation of the longitudinal axis of the conveyor in a direction opposite to the direction of conveying passes the axis of rotation, and wherein the radial distance (mb) between the implement and the inner surface of the side wall of the container is in the range from 15 mm to 120 mm, and complies with the following relationship: mb=k*DB, where DB is the internal diameter of the container in mm and k is a constant in the range from 0.006 to 0.16.

Abstract: Objects and methods for the manufacture of objects are provided such that the manufactured objects comprise a plurality of tile pieces and seams between the tile pieces, the seams allowing for controlled breaking of the objects. In some embodiments, the objects comprise casting molds or mold parts comprising a tile structure.

Abstract: Described are in-mold coated products such as vehicular components, in-mold coating methods, and in-mold coating compositions, involving the use of aqueous acrylic copolymer dispersions, desirably self-crosslinking.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a substantially uniaxially-oriented, high content cellulose nanocrystal film. The method includes providing a plant-biomass-based suspension of cellulose nanocrystals and altering the pH of the cellulose nanocrystals to a substantially neutral pH. The suspension is sheared at a shearing rate. The method further includes orienting the cellulose nanocrystals in a substantially axial direction and removing water from the sheared cellulose nanocrystal suspension. As a result, a substantially uniaxially-oriented cellulose nanocrystal film is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates: to a process for forming a texture on a substrate, comprising: depositing a deformable layer on the substrate; bringing this deformable layer into contact with the textured face of a daughter stamp; introducing the coated substrate and the daughter stamp into a pouch made of an impermeable material; introducing the pouch and its contents into a hermetic vessel; evacuating air from the vessel until a pressure at most equal to 0.5 bar is reached; sealing the pouch before reintroducing air into the vessel; introducing the sealed pouch and its contents into an autoclave; applying a pressure comprised between 0.5 and 8 bar and a temperature comprised between 25 and 400° C.

Abstract: A vibratory sensor is fabricated as a three-dimensional batch-micromachined shell adapted to vibrate and support elastic wave propagation and wave precession in the shell or membrane and at least one driving electrode and preferably a plurality of driving electrodes directly or indirectly coupled to the shell to excite and sustain the elastic waves in the shell. The pattern of elastic waves is determined by the configuration of the driving electrode(s). At least one sensing electrode and preferably a plurality of sensing electrodes are provided to detect the precession of the elastic wave pattern in the shell. The rotation of the shell induces precession of the elastic wave pattern in the shell which is usable to measure the rotation angle or rate of the vibratory sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a head restraint, in particular a motor vehicle head restraint, wherein the head restraint has a cover and a foam material, wherein the foam material fills out the cover at least in some areas, wherein the method comprises the following steps: producing a prototype mold, wherein the prototype mold comprises at least two parts, wherein when the parts of the prototype mold are assembled, the prototype mold has an inner surface that faces the interior of the prototype mold and an outer surface, producing the cover, assembling the parts of the prototype mold in such a way that the cover is arranged in the interior of the prototype mold, and introducing the foam material into the interior of the cover, wherein the foam material is at least partially liquid when said foam material is introduced into the interior of the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising certain thermoplastic polyesters, and antistatic additives, the compositions being in the form of masterbatches, or compounds, and their use for producing antistatic polyester single and multilayer films sheets boards and articles made of antistatic compounds.

Abstract: An injection molding system including a valve operated shooting pot and methods of use are disclosed. The shooting pot may have an inlet and an outlet and a valve may be control flow through both the inlet and the outlet. The valve may be selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The valve may block flow through the inlet and permit flow through the outlet in the first position, and permit flow through the inlet and block flow through the outlet in the second position.

Abstract: An injection molding method for manufacturing a functional part having a recess, e.g., a borehole, includes a) injecting a first thermoplastic component into an injection mold, in the cavity of which a first mold core is situated, b) replacing the first mold core with a second mold core, the second mold core being smaller than the first mold core, and the second mold core being situated in the cavity formed in the first thermoplastic component by the first mold core in such a way that the second mold core is situated at a distance from the first thermoplastic component by an intervening space, c) injecting a second thermoplastic component into the space between the second mold core and the first thermoplastic component, and d) removing the second mold core.

Abstract: An injection-molding machine comprising a hot runner, arranged in a manifold, for feeding a melt into a mold, a shut-off needle for optionally closing or opening the hot runner, a piston connected to the needle, is arranged in a housing with an opening and to which a fluid can be applied from both sides, and a covering plate having two fluid feeds, into the opening wherein the covering plate, the hot runner manifold and the housing are arranged in such a way that, at a first temperature of the manifold, a distance remains between the housing and the covering plate and, at a second higher temperature the thermal expansion of the manifold and/or housing causes the housing to come into contact with the covering plate, closing the opening. In a further embodiment, a flexible seal is provided between the housing and the covering plate.

Abstract: Injection-molding nozzles having any one or more of improved heat transfer, wear resistance, and melt transfer from a manifold to a mold. The operation and durability of a nozzle can be improved by integrally layering multiple materials to create a multi-property nozzle that is a unitary, monolithic, and seamless structure. For example, the heat transfer properties of a nozzle is improved by integrally layering certain materials in the nozzle housing such that heat is more effectively dissipated or transferred throughout the nozzle to maintain and promote melt flow. One or more components of the nozzle can be merged and thus seamlessly formed to improve melt flow by reducing joints that would cause the melt to hang up within the nozzle and, concomitantly, reducing manufacturing and assembly time. The process used to unitarily form some or all of the nozzle may also be used to create complex geometric configurations therein.

Abstract: A rotary knob assembly and methods for forming and controlling friction effecting features of the knob assembly are disclosed. The knob assembly includes a mounting structure and a knob. The knob is rotatably coupled to a bezel of the mounting structure. The knob includes a stabilizer, a guide member, and a retainer having a patterned surface. At least a portion of the stabilizer is disposed between the bezel and the retainer to maintain an axial position and a radial position of the knob. A detent formed on the guide member cooperates with a patterned surface of the retainer to provide a haptic feedback to a user.

Abstract: The hot runner nozzle (1) for injecting plastic material into a molding tool comprises a needle valve with a nozzle needle (19) for closing the discharge opening (25). The nozzle needle (19) has the same diameter as the cylindrical bore in the discharge opening (25) and is inserted therein in order to close the cylindrical bore in the discharge opening (25). During the injection process the nozzle needle (19) is outside the melt flow and cannot cause said melt flow to swirl and is not radially loaded by the melt flow.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus for encapsulating with a resin a semiconductor chip. A lead frame on which the semiconductor chip is mounted is provided between an upper mold and a lower mold. A tapered positioning pin is provided to the lower mold and includes a columnar portion having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of a positioning hole provided at an upper surface of the lead frame and configured to receive the columnar portion of the tapered positioning pin. Ejector pins are disposed in proximity to the tapered positioning pin at a distance determined by a thickness of the lead frame. The ejector pins are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the tapered positioning pin.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a process capable of manufacturing various types of curved members having a high-grade design surface which are used as glazing members for means of transport such as automobiles at a low cost. The present invention is the process of manufacturing a curved member having a high-grade design surface, comprises the steps of: (1) preparing a sheet having a high-grade design surface by injection compression molding a resin material containing a thermoplastic resin; (2) preheating the sheet at a temperature of (Tg+5)° C. to (Tg+70)° C. (Tg(° C.) is the glass transition temperature of the resin material) to soften it; and (3) applying pressure to the softened sheet to curve the high-grade design surface.

Abstract: In performing molding by injecting and filling a resin by an injecting device with a predetermined injection pressure into a mold formed of a fixed mold and a movable mold clamped by a clamping device with a predetermined clamping force, at least a clamping device which enables natural compression of the resin with solidification of the resin in the mold is used as the clamping device, a molding injection pressure and a molding clamping force with which a predetermined mold gap is generated between the movable mold and the fixed mold in injection and filling and a non-defective product can be molded are acquired and set in advance, the clamping device is clamped with the molding clamping force during production, the molding injection pressure is set as a limit pressure, and after the resin is injected and filled in the mold by driving the injecting device.

Abstract: Novel absorbable monofilament sutures and fibers having unique and improved properties are disclosed including mid-term strength retention post-implantation. Also disclosed is a novel method of manufacturing absorbable monofilament sutures and fibers. The sutures and fibers are extruded from poly(p-dioxanone-co-glycolide) copolymers.

Abstract: Extrusion-to-sheet production line and method comprise first and second rolls set to a predetermined gap through which a continuously-extruded sheet of molten plastic material passes to calender the sheet to a predetermined thickness. The sheet then passes through a nip formed between the second roll and a continuous belt looped around a third roll and a fourth roll spaced from one another. The belt comprises an embossing pattern of optical element shapes that is an inverse pattern of optical element shapes to be embossed at a first major surface of the sheet. The sheet remains in contact with the second roll until the sheet passes through the nip, where the pattern of optical element shapes on the belt is embossed into the first major surfaces of the sheet. Downstream of the third roll is a flat cooling area through which the belt passes while the first major surface of the sheet is still in contact with the embossing pattern on the belt.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a heated mold (12, 14, 16) of a device (10) for blow-molding thermoplastic containers, the device including: a mold (12, 14, 16) having an internal face which delimits a molding cavity (18) and which includes an external face (20, 28) which surrounds the molding cavity (18); heating elements for heating the mold to a determined temperature and which are deactivated when the cooling method is implemented; characterized in that the mold (12, 14, 16) is cooled by circulating heat-transfer fluid directly in contact with the external face (20, 28) thereof.

Abstract: Method of heating a plastic preform (1) for the manufacture of a container by forming it from the preform (1), this method comprising: a step of transporting the preform (1) along a predetermined path with rotation of the preform (1) about its axis (A); and a step of heating the preform (1) along said path by means of infrared radiation sources (11), wherein the intensity of the emitted radiation is regulated along the path so as to heat selectively at least one angular section (7, 7a, 7b) of the preform (1).

Abstract: A method and system is provided for forming a three-dimensional image and, more particularly, for making three-dimensional digital image transfer thermoformed objects on, e.g., generic molds. The system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to receive images of a subject, display the images, stitch together the images to form a single image, adjust portions of the images or single image to compensate for deformation during thermoforming of the single image, register the single image with points on a mold, and print the single image.

Abstract: The method for equipping a building component with a sealing tape includes providing a building component which has two profile channels open in an upward direction and providing a sealing tape comprising an elastically recoverable foam strip and a stiff strip-shaped element, which comprises a first side section and a second side section and includes two predetermined fold points. The first side section and the second side section of the stiff strip-shaped element are bent downward in opposite directions at the two predetermined fold points, and the bent-over first and second side sections are then introduced into the two profile channels where they clamp themselves in place.

Abstract: In a method of producing a stretchable sheet using a pair of gear rolls each having a plurality of teeth arranged on a circumference thereof, a raw sheet is drawn by passing the raw sheet through a gap between the pair of gear rolls. The raw sheet contains a plurality of types of fibers, and has a plurality of recessed sections formed by pressing. The recessed sections are formed collinearly at least along the drawing direction at a predetermined formation pitch in the drawing direction. An arrangement pitch of the teeth in the drawing direction is greater than the formation pitch and smaller than twice the formation pitch.

Abstract: Devices and methods are contemplated in which a plurality of microfractures are generated on the surface of an article to so generate a non-abrasive surface having a COF of at least 0.6. Most preferably, the surface is the surface of a transparent polymer and is the surface is structured to allow high-resolution display of an image that is disposed on a surface opposite the surface with the microfractures. Consequently, numerous anti-slip products with such surfaces are contemplated.

Abstract: A kit for fusing piping includes a plurality of couplings, each coupling having a susceptor layer concentric with a weld zone. A control unit provides a current to a wand with a handle for gripping by a user. The handle has opposing jaws mounted on the distal end, each jaw including an arcuate conductor such that the arcuate conductors form a circular inner diameter when the jaws make contact. A lever system couples to the distal end for opening and closing the jaws. The lever system includes a spring for selectively biasing the lever system in a latched position with jaws closed and an open position with the jaws open. Each coupling is sized such that the jaws will only close about the weld zone. The arcuate conductors create a fuse zone about the susceptor layer and the spring is outside the fuse zone.

Abstract: A heater plate for butt fusion of polyolefin pipe has concentric rings, each with an array of radial bores containing cartridge heaters, and a concentric cavity between the rings to carry wiring from the cartridge heaters. The inner ring components are symmetrical to provide a foundation for uniform surface temperature distribution across the entire area of the inner ring. The outer ring components are coordinated to counterbalance the heat sinks resulting from their asymmetrical configuration so as to increase the likelihood that the uniform surface temperature distribution foundation established for the entire area of the inner ring can be maintained and so that the total diameter of the heater plate, including the outer ring, can be used in fusing pipe.

Abstract: A reinforced polymer composite, and more particularly, a wool reinforced polymer composite is provided. The composition includes wool fibers combined with a polymer to form a reinforced polymeric matrix having at least one of improved Izod Impact Strength (ASTM D-256) or improved Tensile Strength (ASTM D-1708) as compared to the polymer without the fibers.

Abstract: A ply placement device uses a ply guide to place plies on a curved substrate surface. The ply guide includes a guide surface and a guide edge that are each curved to match the contour of the substrate so that the ply transitions smoothly from its planar form to a curved form as the ply is placed onto the substrate. The ply guide may be flexible or segmented to allow reconfiguration of the guide surfaces to match various substrate contours.

Abstract: A hybrid gear consisting of metallic outer rim with gear teeth and metallic hub in combination with a composite lay up between the shaft interface (hub) and gear tooth rim is described. The composite lay-up lightens the gear member while having similar torque carrying capability and it attenuates the impact loading driven noise/vibration that is typical in gear systems. The gear has the same operational capability with respect to shaft speed, torque, and temperature as an all-metallic gear as used in aerospace gear design.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens with an energy source incorporated therein.

Abstract: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses that are derived from a polymerizable composition including at least one siloxane monomer and at least one hydrophobic ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate-containing monomer, or at least one hydrophilic vinyl ether-containing monomer, or both, wherein, when the at least one hydrophobic ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate-containing monomer is present in the polymerizable composition, it is present in an amount of from 1 to 20 unit parts by weight, and when the at least one hydrophilic vinyl ether-containing monomer is present in the polymerizable composition, it is present in an amount of from 1 to 20 unit parts by weight, are described. Batches of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making silicone hydrogel contact lenses are also described.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for moving wet ophthalmic lenses are described in which the ophthalmic lenses are first placed in wells of lens carriers and are centered by the structure of the wells. The carriers are then moved to a transfer module of a packaging system for transferring the ophthalmic lenses in blister packages. The transfer from the carriers to the blister packages are performed by a pick and place robot having pickup heads sized and configured for suctioning the ophthalmic lenses from the lens carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an optical assembly, comprising at least two optical functional surfaces arranged in a fixed positional relationship to one another on a common supporting structure, wherein by means of a processing machine, in various process steps, at least two optical functional surfaces and at least one reference structure having a defined and measurable relative position to the optical functional surfaces are produced. The supporting structure remains rigidly connected to the processing machine until said process steps have been completed, and wherein the optical functional surfaces are then measured relative to the at least one reference structure, and any deviation from a target shape and target position is determined, after which said process steps are repeated at least once with modified actuation of the processing machine. The invention further relates to an optical device comprising an optical assembly produced in this way and to a unit for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: The present invention solves glare of an embossed matte film of a conventional product produced and sold by the applicant of the present application, and provides a light diffusion film and the like having a surface shape of an irregular pattern that significantly suppresses the glare even when an LED light source is used and also maintains the good optical characteristics. The following is believed sufficient for maintaining good optical characteristics of an embossed matte film and also for solving the glare. To maintain the optical characteristics, the surface shape was defined by use of an inclination angle histogram profile of an embossed surface. In order to solve the glare, the size of unit patterns which make up an entire pattern and do not cause glare was defined by use of the value of the average length RSm of the roughness curve element of the embossed surface.