Abstract: A method for manufacturing a décor paper or foil may involve providing a paper layer or a foil. The paper layer or the foil may be provided with a first printed motif that is provided by a first printing technique. A second printed motif may be provided above the first printed motif. The second printed motif may be provided by a second printing technique. The paper layer or the foil may be provided with an ink receiver layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a recorded matter having a stereoscopic image includes a first heating step, a foaming control liquid application step, and a second heating step. A surface temperature T0 (° C.) of the record medium before being heated in the first heating step, a surface temperature T1 (° C.) of the record medium after being heated in the first heating step, and a foaming start temperature Tf (° C.) of the foaming material satisfy a relationship represented by Formula (1): T0<T<Tf??(1).

Abstract: The present invention describes a ceramic tile with raised patterns and a method for producing raised patterns on a ceramic tile that comprises printing one ink followed by printing a second ink characterised by being insoluble in the previous ink, so as to form a raised pattern with a height of 50 micrometres to 500 micrometres. Finally, the ceramic tile is fired at a maximum temperature of 850° C. to 1300° C.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting apparatus is capable of preventing delamination between layers laminated in an anti-counterfeiting device through a structural color expressed by a load and images formed by the structural color. The anti-counterfeiting apparatus may include a first layer formed of a flexible material and including a high-corrugation region and a low-corrugation region, a second layer formed on an upper portion of the high-corrugation region in a pattern, to be adhered to the first layer, and formed of a material having a Young's modulus greater than that of the first layer, and a third layer adhered to the first layer to cover the low-corrugation region and the second layer, and formed of a material having a Young's modulus greater than that of the first layer and a Young's modulus smaller than that of the second layer.

Abstract: A marker having a body, a core having an ink and the core being within the body, and a tip having a first end connected to the core and the tip extending from the body towards a second end. The tip further has a first side opposite a second side and a front side opposite a back side, with the first side and second side therebetween. The second end has a concave section between the first side and the second side and the concave section is configured to accommodate a circumferential arc of intravenous tubing within the concave section to deposit the ink.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a digital pen cap that can be positioned on the end of a stylus. The digital pen cap includes sensors for measuring position and orientation of the tip of the stylus, a controller configured to process the sensor data and output processed data, a memory for storing the processed data, and a transmitter for transmitting the processed data.

Abstract: A multi-pen includes: an upper body; a lower body detachably coupled to a lower side of the upper body; at least one ink lead and a sharp pipe accommodated in the upper body and the lower body; a sharp knob coupled to an upper side of the sharp pipe and having a through hole formed therein; a cover detachably provided at an upper side of the sharp knob; and a sharp exposure part exposed to the outside of the lower body according to an operation of the sharp knob, wherein a sharp lead is supplied to the sharp pipe from the upper side of the sharp knob through the through hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retention device and method of use thereof for fitting wheel rims. In one form, there is provided a retention device including: a body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end at least partially towards the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the wheel stud therein; a plurality of wedge elements aligned and arranged within the body to engage with the wheel stud; and a magnetic member positioned at the mounting end of the body, said magnetic member configured to magnetically mount the retention device to a nave plate of a wheel rim.

Abstract: A wheel unit for overcoming an obstacle includes a hub, a plurality of unit blocks and a supporting body. The hub rotates by receiving a rotating force. The plurality of unit blocks is spaced apart from the hub and forms an outer shape of the wheel unit. The supporting body is configured to connect the hub with the unit blocks, or is filled between the hub and the unit blocks. The supporting body applies a tension to the unit blocks along a direction toward the hub, to close up the unit blocks with each other, when the wheel unit passes through a ground. The unit blocks adjacent to each other are relatively rotated or moved, when the wheel unit overcomes an obstacle.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly that includes a hub, a hub cap, first and second spider retainers, and a spider having a spider shaft. The hub and the hub cap cooperate to define an internal cavity. The first and second spider retainers are disposed in the internal cavity and cooperate to define a spider shaft hole. The spider shaft is received in the spider shaft hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a homopolymer, copolymer, block copolymer, and statistical copolymer comprising plural polyol monomeric units. The polyol monomeric units being acrylated and acylated or acetalized. The acrylated and acylated or acetalized polyol monomeric units have an average degree of acrylation which is 1 or more, but less than the number of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol and have an average degree of acylation or acetalization which is 1 or more, but less than the number of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol. The present invention also relates to a method of making the homopolymers, copolymers, block copolymers, and statistical copolymers, and using them in various applications, such as asphalt rubber modifiers, adhesives, or an additive in a fracking fluid for oil fracking.

Abstract: Provided are a tire tread composition comprising modified natural oil-based process oil and a tire tread manufactured using the same, and the tire tread according to the present disclosure has excellent performance while using process oil made of eco-friendly materials.

Abstract: A nonpneumatic tire (NPT) having an inner ring for receiving a hub by which the nonpneumatic tire is affixed to a vehicle or other apparatus, an outer ring encircled by a tread band, and a plurality of revolved and mirrored spokes that extend between the inner ring and the outer ring to form an interconnected web of collapsible open cells. Each of the spokes includes multiple segments, with at least some of the segments having a concave bias when in an unloaded state. The design and arrangement of the spokes results in a nondirectional web, and loads experienced by the NPT are distributed throughout the web in a manner that increases the load carrying capacity of the NPT.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubberized strength member for elastomeric products, especially vehicle tires, wherein the strength member includes at least one first yarn, to a process for producing the rubberized strength member and to a motor vehicle tire including at least one rubberized strength member. According to the invention, the first yarn is a yarn of HMLS-PET comprising recycled PET.

Abstract: A tire includes: main grooves provided in a tread; an intermediate land provided between a first main groove and a second main groove from a vehicle outer side; a first sipe extending through the intermediate land in a width direction; and a first lug groove open to the first main groove. The first sipe is bent in the intermediate land. The first sipe includes a first portion on one side of the bent portion in the width direction, inclined with respect to a circumferential direction, and open to the second main groove and a second portion on the other side of the bent portion in the width direction, inclined toward a side opposite to the first portion with respect to the circumferential direction, and open to the first main groove. Extension lines of the second portion and a groove center line of the first lug groove are substantially parallel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic vehicle tyre having a tread with at least one profile block row (3), which is delimited at each side by a respective circumferential channel (4, 5) and which is divided into profile blocks (3a) by a multiplicity of transverse channels (6) which open into both circumferential channels (4, 5) and which run parallel to one another in plan view, wherein each transverse channel (6), as seen in plan view, is made up of two channel portions (6a, 6b) which adjoin one another at an obtuse angle (?) of 100° to 160°. In each profile block (3a) there is formed a blind channel (7) which opens into both channel portions (6a, 6b) of a transverse channel (6) and which is elongate in plan view and which, with the transverse channel (6), forms a channel combination running in a Y shape in plan view, which blind channel (7) has a width (bR), determined at the tread periphery, of 1.0 mm to 6.0 mm and runs at an angle (?) of 0° to 60° with respect to the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle tire for running on rough terrain includes a tread portion having a designated rotation direction. The tread portion includes at least one first block. The first block includes a pair of block pieces adjacent to each other in the tire axial direction, and a tie-bar connecting the block pieces. The tie-bar has an outer surface in the tire radial direction, and the outer surface of the tie-bar has a height increasing toward the trailing side in the rotation direction. The pair of block pieces each has an outer surface in the tire radial direction, and the outer surface of each block piece has an axially extending leading edge located on the leading side thereof. The leading edge of each block piece is inclined toward the trailing side in the rotation direction from the end on the tie-bar side outwardly in a block-width direction.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle tire for running on rough terrain, the tire comprising a tread portion. The tread portion comprises a plurality of middle blocks located between a tire equator and a tread edge. The plurality of middle blocks comprises at least one first middle block having an outer surface in a tire radial direction, and at least one second middle block having an outer surface in the tire radial direction whose area is larger than an area of the outer surface of the at least one first middle block. The outer surface in the tire radial direction of the at least one first middle block is not provided with sipes. The outer surface of the at least one second middle block is provided with at least one sipe.

Abstract: A tire stud made of a cemented carbide including at least 50 wt % WC and a metal binder in the amount between 3 and 25 wt % is provided. The metal binder includes at least 30 wt % Ni and less than 50 wt % Co. The use of such tire studs leads to less wear of the road surface.

Abstract: A tire sensor pairing system for tire sensors mounted in a tire or on a rim of a wheel for a vehicle is provided. The tire sensor pairing system comprising an Radio Frequency, RF, shielding construction arranged to envelope the wheel and one or more RF signal receivers, thereby shielding the one or more RF signal receivers from RF signals originating from outside of the RF shielding construction and enabling the one or more RF signal receivers to solely receive RF signals from tire sensors mounted in the tire or on the rim of the wheel.

Abstract: A method of monitoring aircraft tire operating parameters includes pairing of transmission modules with wheel positions of an aircraft to obtain a cartography associating emission modules with wheel positions, storing the obtained cartography, transmitting data including information identifying the emission module, and operating parameter values of tire operating parameters measured by a sensor, checking an existence of an association between the information identifying the emission module and a wheel position on a given aircraft in the cartography to ensure that the information received belongs to the given aircraft, and displaying the operating parameter values and the wheel on which the one operating parameter values have been measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting tires in bicycles, motorcycles, includes at least one main frame and at least one support provided with a seat whose shape and dimensions are complementary to those of the hub of a rim of a wheel of a vehicle for temporary accommodation thereof. The support is integral with the main frame. The apparatus includes at least one pair of jaws that are integral with the main frame; at least one element for the mutual clamping of the jaws; and at least one portion of the lateral surface of the tire is interposed between the ends of the jaws subjected to clamping. In this configuration, the portion is compressed transversely to facilitate the arrangement of the bead of the tire within a respective receptacle of the rim, which is rotatably coupled with respect to the seat and therefore also with respect to the jaws.

Abstract: An adjustable drawbar for a towed vehicle, such as a trailer, which allows it to be connected to a towing vehicle. It includes a hollow member which is configured with an opening along a surface and slidably receives an extension member. The extension member includes a guide which is dimensioned to be received by the opening. When the extension member is axially rotated in a first direction, the guide is engaged with the hollow member and prevents slidable movement. When the extension member is axially rotated in a second direction, the guide is disengaged from the opening and slidable movement is permitted. In this manner, the length of the drawbar may be adjusted as required, for example, to reduce the overall footprint of the trailer when being stored in a confined area.

Abstract: A universal modular coil spring buffer having a plurality of modules arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of a coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks. The plurality of modules includes a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules. The top surface and the bottom surface of the primary module includes an elongated groove configured to fix and hold the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle. The secondary module having a first module, a second module and a third module. The different configurations of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils. The buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring thereby minimizing oil to leak caused from the shocks.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjuster includes an actuator provided to form vertical linear displacement between a leaf spring and a suspension arm, a power source connected to the actuator and configured to provide power to drive the actuator, a vehicle height sensor provided to detect a change in a height of the suspension arm relative to a vehicle body, and a controller connected to the vehicle height sensor and the power source and configured to receive a signal from the vehicle height sensor and to control the power source to drive the actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic vehicle height adjustment device including a storage tank part configured to store a fluid, a housing part connected to the storage tank part and configured to define a flow path portion through which the fluid moves, a gear pump part inserted into the housing part and having gears configured to press the fluid, an electric motor part mounted on the housing part and configured to operate the gear pump part when electric power is applied, an adjustment part connected to the housing part and configured to change a height of a vehicle body by using hydraulic pressure, and a pulsation reducing part inserted into the housing part, connected to the flow path portion, and configured to maintain a constant movement amount of the fluid.

Abstract: A control system (300) configured to control an active suspension system (104) of a vehicle (100), the control system comprising one or more controller (301), wherein the control system is configured to: determine (702) that the vehicle is travelling on or approaching repeating surface undulations; determine (709) vehicle speed; determine (708) an indication of surface wavelength of the repeating surface undulations; and control (722, 728) the active suspension system to control at least one of a leading wheel suspension frequency and a trailing wheel suspension frequency in dependence on the vehicle speed and surface wavelength.

Abstract: A control system (300) for controlling an actuator arrangement (104) of a vehicle (100), the actuator arrangement being capable of modifying a camber angle of at least one wheel of the vehicle, the control system comprising one or more controller (301), wherein the control system is configured to: receive (1004) surface information indicative of a low-traction surface over which the vehicle is travelling; and independence on receiving the surface information, control (1012) the actuator arrangement of the vehicle such that a wheel-to-surface contact patch of the at least one wheel is laterally moved relative to the vehicle as a result of camber modification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle axle for a motor vehicle. Two wheel carriers, each guided on an axle guide and pivotable by a tie rod, each having a wheel brake. At least one air deflection element per wheel brake, which deflects a travel air flow in the direction of the wheel brake for brake cooling. The air deflection element is fastened on the wheel carrier, on an axle guide, or on the tie rod. A stabilizer for reducing rolling movements of the motor vehicle. The stabilizer includes protective elements arranged in the area of the air deflection elements, which prevent direct striking of the air deflection elements on the stabilizer during steering and/or spring movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1), in particular for a motor vehicle. The heat exchanger (1) includes a plurality of tubular bodies (2) stacked onto one another along a stack direction (S), which in each case delimit a first fluid path (3a) for being flowed through by a refrigerant (K). The individual tubular bodies (2) are arranged along the stack direction (S) spaced apart from one another, so that between intermediate spaces (4) formed between the tubular bodies (2) that are adjacent in the stack direction (S), each form a second fluid path (3b) fluidically separated from the first fluid paths (3a) for being flowed through by air. The individual tubular bodies (2) extend transversely, preferentially perpendicularly to the stack direction (S) along a longitudinal direction (L).

Abstract: A multi-port rotary disc valve includes a valve housing having chamber walls that segregate an internal space of the housing into subchambers that each provide a portion of one or more fluid paths through the valve housing. The valve housing includes valve ports, where each valve port communicates with a subchamber and is an axially-extending through hole that resides in a plane that is common to all valve ports. The valve also includes a diverter assembly that is disposed in one of the subchambers and is configured to control fluid flow through the valve housing. The valve also includes seal assemblies disposed in the chamber so as to be aligned with the diverter assembly along a rotational axis of the diverter assembly.

Abstract: An air nozzle of an air outlet in an interior of a motor vehicle. An operating element is adjustable around an axis of rotation. A kinematics adjustment system has a deflection unit where, via an adjustment of the operating element, a shut-off flap inside the air outlet is displaceable around a flap axis by the kinematics adjustment system. The operating element is disposed on an end of an actuator rod where the actuator rod is displaceable in a direction of extension from an actuating position into a locking position. The axis of rotation of the operating element runs transversely to the flap axis, a rotational movement of the actuator rod is deflectable by the deflection unit into a rotational movement of the shut-off flap, and, by displacing the actuator rod into the locking position, the deflection unit is lockable by applying a spring force to the deflection unit.

Abstract: A closing apparatus for a fluid passage having a closing body arranged in the fluid passage. In order to simplify the regulated air supply in a motor vehicle, the closing body includes a definedly deformable base structure surrounded by a wrapper, which more or less closes the fluid passage as a function of the deformation of the base structure. The closing body closes the fluid passage when the base structure takes up a closed position with the wrapper. And, the closing body partially releases the fluid passage when the base structure with the wrapper takes up an opened position.

Abstract: An electric vehicle thermal management system for compressing a low pressure refrigerant with a centrifugal compressor to generate a high pressure refrigerant, determining a battery cooling condition, routing one of the low pressure refrigerant and the high pressure refrigerant to the heat exchanger in response to the battery cooling condition, regulating a transfer of heat between the refrigerant loop and the battery cooling loop in response to a temperature of the battery coolant within the battery cooling loop and the battery cooling condition, and regulating the transfer of heat between the battery coolant loop and a cabin coolant loop in response to the HVAC setting and a cabin coolant temperature within the cabin coolant loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for an artificial intelligence-based vehicle integrated thermal management system, and a method of controlling the same. The objective of the present invention is to provide a control system for an artificial intelligence-based vehicle integrated thermal management system and a method of controlling the same, in which an optimal target value for performing optimal control of a vehicle thermal management system is calculated, a control signal for tracking the calculated optimal target value is generated, and the generated control signal may be implemented without departing from hardware characteristics of the vehicle thermal management system by implementing artificial intelligence learning control.

Abstract: A vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a vehicle body, an armrest, a sensor, and an air blower port. The armrest is disposed along a side portion of a seat in the vehicle body. The armrest is disposed in the traveling direction. The armrest includes an upper surface on which an arm of a passenger sitting on the seat is allowed to rest. The sensor is provided on a side surface of the armrest. The sensor detects a hand of the passenger. The air blower port is provided on the side surface of the armrest and provided between the sensor and the upper surface of the armrest. The air blower sends out air from the armrest. The air sent out from the air blower port is changed on the basis of at least a detection result of the sensor.

Abstract: A cooling system for a moving vehicle includes: a compressor; a condenser; an expansion valve; an evaporator; an environmental temperature acquisition sensor that detects an environmental condition to acquire an environmental temperature to which the condenser is subjected by the cooling fluid; a pressure sensor that detects pressure of a refrigerant at the condenser; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the refrigerant downstream of the condenser; and a controller that performs first processing to regulate the flow rate of the cooling fluid so that the pressure of the refrigerant at the condenser is higher than saturation pressure of the refrigerant at the environmental temperature and second processing to regulate opening of the expansion valve so that the refrigerant downstream of the condenser is sub-cooled.

Abstract: An air register assembly for a vehicle includes a barrel and vanes operably coupled to the barrel. A knob assembly is operably coupled to the barrel and the vanes. The knob assembly includes a support body, at least one absorbent basket selectively coupled to the support body, and a cover selectively coupled over the at least one absorbent basket. The cover is configured to rotate between an opened position and a closed position. The opened position is configured to provide fluid communication with the at least one absorbent basket via apertures defined by the cover.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a windshield and an intrusion bar to a roll cage of an off-road vehicle. The connector includes: a clamp configured to be clamped to a front leg of the roll cage, the clamp being configured to clamp part of a windshield to the front leg of the roll cage, the clamp defining at least one aperture; and at least one fastener inserted through the at least one aperture, the at least one fastener being configured to engage the intrusion bar to connect the intrusion bar to the clamp. A windshield assembly for an off-road vehicle having a roll cage is also disclosed. The windshield assembly includes a windshield, an intrusion bar and a clamp for connecting the windshield and the intrusion bar to a front leg of the roll cage.

Abstract: A vehicle sunvisor assembly includes a portion of a vehicle body structure and a retractable sunvisor assembly. The vehicle body structure includes an A-pillar, a windscreen and a roof structure with the A-pillar and the windscreen extending downward from the roof structure. The retractable sunvisor assembly is attached to the A-pillar below the roof structure such that in a retracted orientation the retractable sunvisor assembly is positioned along-side the A-pillar and in an extended in-use orientation a portion of the retractable sunvisor assembly extends away from the A-pillar covering an upper area of the windscreen.

Abstract: A vehicle side structure including a rear impact beam mounted in a rear side door, a rear quarter section having a flange overlapping a rear portion of the rear impact beam, and a gusset aligned with the rear portion of the rear impact beam in an overlap area between the rear portion of the rear impact beam and the flange of the rear quarter section.

Abstract: An automobile pickup bed has a roof fixing unit which attaches the pickup bed to the automobile pickup bed. The automobile pickup bed has a window panel fixing unit for attaching a door panel to the automobile pickup bed roof in order to be an entrance passage and has a supporting panel unit which locks the front window panel in the holding-open position for air ventilation. Further, the rear of the automobile pickup bed roof has a water drainage device to facilitate water drainage out of a groove of the rear door panel.

Abstract: A vehicle top can comprise a targa top and a retractable top. The retractable top can comprise fabric and a frame. The targa top and the retractable top can be configured to be coupled to a vehicle such that the targa top overlies at least one front seat of the vehicle and the retractable top is pivotable between deployed and retracted positions. The fabric of the retractable top can be disposed closer to the targa top and overlie more of the vehicle when the retractable top is in the deployed position than when the retractable top is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A lifting roof for a vehicle having an outer shell and an inner shell which are adhesively bonded to one another. Production is carried out by separately producing the outer shell and the inner shell from a material comprising plastic, the shells being positioned in relation to one another and adhesively bonded to one another, wherein metal parts are also concomitantly introduced at least for receiving hinges and closures.

Abstract: A wind deflector for an openable vehicle roof having a displaceable lid element, the wind deflector having a deployable deflector element made of a flat, flexible material and a pivotable deploying bow, the lower edge of the deflector element being mounted on a vehicle-mounted base via a lower edge strip and the upper edge of the deflector element being mounted on a pivotable deploying bow. The vehicle-mounted base has a supporting portion on which a fastening strip is mounted. Across its length, the lower edge strip has a uniform cross section having a hook geometry which interacts with the fastening strip.

Abstract: A length of a sub seal of a door weather strip is sized and dimensioned in a manner that a distance is longer than a length with a glass run coupling to an outer-cabin side of a flange of a frame and the door weather strip coupling to an inner-cabin side of a door with a clip. The distance is between part of a lower part of a top end of the sub seal of the door weather strip in contact with an inclined surface of an upper side wall of the glass run and part of an upper surface of a top end of a lip of the glass run. The length is of a perpendicular line that extends between the sub seal and an inclined plate of the frame passing through the part of the upper surface of the top end of the lip.

Abstract: A vehicle cover includes a top structure, one or more sidewalls, and a valve. The top structure is configured to be positioned above a top of a vehicle. Each of the one or more sidewalls is configured to be positioned adjacent to a side of the vehicle and is configured to hold the top structure above the top of the vehicle. The valve is positioned adjacent to the top structure or one of the one or more sidewalls. The top structure and the one or more sidewalls define an interior space that is sized to receive the vehicle. The top structure and the one or more sidewalls are each formed from a plurality of inflatable tubes, where each of the inflatable tubes is fluidly coupled to the valve.

Abstract: A truck, comprising a rear axle, comprising a motor housing extending laterally between rear wheels of the truck, and an electric motor and power transmission coaxially aligned in said motor housing and arranged for driving the rear wheels; and a suspension system, for suspending the rear axle to a chassis of the truck, said suspension system at least comprising a pair of springs and shock absorbers, and an anti-roll stabilizer and a guiding rod linkage for allowing movement in a vertical direction relative to the chassis; wherein the motor housing is limited by a minimum vertical ground clearance between the road surface and a bottom surface of the motor housing; wherein the motor housing comprises a reinforced central top section providing a guiding rod mount for pivotally mounting the guiding rod linkage to the rear axle; wherein the motor housing further comprises suspension yokes integrated into the housing and extending on either side of the motor housing near both axial ends, said suspension yokes prov

Abstract: An electric drive unit having a disconnecting differential a multi-phase electric motor and an inverter that controls power to the electric motor. The inverter has an inverter mount, a plurality of power semiconductors that are mounted to the inverter mount, and a plurality of busbars. Each of the busbars has first and second busbar portions, each having a body and a plurality of fingers. The fingers on the first and second busbar portions are mechanically and electrically coupled to opposite sides of terminals on corresponding ones of the power semiconductors.

Abstract: A compact drive 1 has a housing 3 with two electric motors 5 and 31 therein and a transmission 9 provided with a differential 9 via which the electric motors are connected to output shafts 13. The transmission 9 further has a first switchable planetary gear set 17, which is present between the differential and the electric motors, and two second switchable planetary gear sets 23 located between the differential and the output shafts. One rotation body of these gear sets can be connected via a brake to the housing 3 and via a coupling to another of the rotation bodies. The brake and the clutch can only be operated simultaneously in such a way that when the brake is energized, the clutch is opened and vice versa. The output shafts, the electric motors and the transmission are concentric and the housing is cylindrical for a compact and robust construction.