Abstract: An ultrasonic atomization material applicator includes a material applicator with at least one transducer and an array plate with an array of micro-applicators. Each of the micro-applicators has a material inlet, a reservoir, and a micro-applicator plate with a plurality of apertures. At least one supply line is in communication with the micro-applicators and configured to supply at least one material to each of the micro-applicators. The at least one ultrasonic transducer is mechanically coupled to the at least one array of micro-applicators and configured to vibrate the at least one array of micro-applicators such that atomized droplets of the at least one material are ejected from each of the micro-applicators. A movement device configured to cyclically move the at least one array of micro-applicators back and forth about at least one axis of the at least one array of micro-applicators can be included.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a supply system for supplying multiple consumers with a substance to be applied, preferably paint, for application to motor vehicle bodies and/or add-on parts thereof. The supply system comprises a feed line, a return line, a first consumer device which comprises a first consumer, the first consumer being connected to the feed line and the return line and preferably forming a first consumer of the feed line in the flow direction of the substance to be applied, and a further consumer device which comprises a further consumer, the further consumer being connected to the feed line and the return line and preferably forming a last consumer of the feed line in the flow direction of the substance to be applied and/or being arranged after the first consumer in the flow direction of the substance to be applied. The supply system is distinguished in particular in that the feed line is connected to the return line via a connecting line.

Abstract: A flame coating machine for coating field joints of a pipeline has a flame spray system having two flame spray units configured for heating and/or coating with a thermoplastic polymer an annular junction portion and two annular end portions of an existing coating delimiting the annular junction portion; a control system having two temperature sensors configured for acquiring temperature values along the surface collectively defined by the annular junction portion and the annular end portions, and a control unit configured for actuating the flame spray unit in a polymer flame spraying mode or in a flame heating mode as a function of the detected temperature values and at least one threshold value.

Abstract: An application device for a viscous adhesive comprising a base body having a first inlet for a viscous adhesive; and a nozzle body which is rotatable about an axis with respect to the base body and which surrounds a portion of the base body radially on the outside with respect to the axis, wherein, via the interaction of a first dynamic seal with a separating agent chamber, in which a separating agent is stored, the introduction of humidity into the adhesive before it exits the nozzle opening is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A station for treating motor-vehicle bodies and/or components may include: a booth including at least one entrance for a motor-vehicle body and/or component and at least one exit for the motor-vehicle body and/or component; a system configured to move the motor-vehicle body and/or component between the at least one entrance and the at least one exit; at least one robot configured to treat the motor-vehicle body and/or component in the booth by spraying fluid toward the motor-vehicle body and/or component; and a platform inside the booth configured to support the motor-vehicle body and/or component. The system may be configured to rotate with the platform so as to align with the at least one entrance in order to receive the motor-vehicle body and/or component, and so as to align with the at least one exit in order to release the motor-vehicle body and/or component. The booth may have an octagonal shape.

Abstract: An automated drone-based surface treatment material delivery system includes a drone having a body, at least one propeller rotatably supported by the body, at least one propeller motor supported by the body and configured to selectively apply motive power to the at least one propeller, and a controller supported by the body and configured to control a flight path of the drone at least by manipulating a speed of the at least one propeller. The drone also has a rotary atomizer supported by the body for movement therewith. The rotary atomizer includes a rotating dispersion structure configured to disperse a surface treatment material from a material supply.

Abstract: A next generation painting robot with advanced fluid delivery system, enhanced kinematics and a service airlock compartment. The painting robot includes a fluid delivery system which places color changing valves and pumping hardware on the back side of the robot's mounting pedestal, where it can be serviced without a technician having to enter the spray booth. Additionally, the robot enables routine cleaning and maintenance to be performed without personnel entering the spray booth and without stopping the vehicle conveyor, due to simplified outer arm design, improved home positioning and an airlock booth adjacent to the robot pedestal. Service personnel can clean and service the applicator and other components on the outer arm from the airlock booth, while other robots continue painting parts moving on the conveyor, without allowing fume-laden vapors into the operator aisle.

Abstract: A printer deposits material onto a substrate as part of a manufacturing process for an electronic product; at least one transported component experiences error, which affects the deposition. This error is mitigated using transducers that equalize position of the component, e.g., to provide an “ideal” conveyance path, thereby permitting precise droplet placement notwithstanding the error. In one embodiment, an optical guide (e.g., using a laser) is used to define a desired path; sensors mounted to the component dynamically detect deviation from this path, with this deviation then being used to drive the transducers to immediately counteract the deviation. This error correction scheme can be applied to correct for more than type of transport error, for example, to correct for error in a substrate transport path, a printhead transport path and/or split-axis transport non-orthogonality.

Abstract: A coating device includes a rotary head, a power supply part that applies a voltage to the rotary head, and a control part that controls the power supply part. The rotary head is configured so that a coating material is electrostatically atomized. The control part is configured so as to calculate a discharge current based on a total current flowing from the power supply part to the rotary head and a leak current, and control the power supply part based on the discharge current.

Abstract: An automated mobile sprayer (AMS) includes a mobile base, an applicator arm supported by the mobile base, and a nozzle extending from the applicator arm. The nozzle receives fluid from a fluid supply and generates an atomized fluid spray for application to a surface. The applicator arm moves vertically relative to the mobile base and the surface to cause the nozzle to generate a vertical fluid stripe. The mobile base moves laterally relative to the surface to cause the nozzle to generate a horizontal fluid stripe.

Abstract: A system includes a laser measuring module. The laser measuring module is configured to provide a length measurement. The system further includes at least one display module. The display module is configured to electronically display at least one measuring point. The display module is further configured to be separate or removable from the laser measuring module. The bearings of the at least one measuring point are taken using the laser measuring module.

Abstract: An extruder has a valve assembly configured to move pins to open and close the nozzles in a multi-nozzle extruder head independently. The pins of the valve assembly that are driven by actuators into and out of engagement with nozzles in the extruder head are positioned within sleeves that extend between the valve assembly and the extruder head. A gap is provided between the extruder head and the end of the sleeves proximate the extruder head to enable thermoplastic material leaking from the extruder that contacts the pins to remain in a melted or plastic state so the thermoplastic material does not interfere with the movement of the pins.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the automated non-destructive inspection of wind turbine blades. In one embodiment, the automated apparatus includes: a cart comprising a cart frame, a multiplicity of wheels, and a cart motor for driving rotation of at least one wheel; a multiplicity of cables depending from the cart; a multiplicity of crawler vehicles respectively attached to the multiplicity of cables, each crawler vehicle comprising a crawler vehicle frame and a set of wheels; and a multiplicity of maintenance tools respectively coupled to the crawler vehicle frames of the multiplicity of crawler vehicles. The crawler vehicles are equipped with suction devices to enable adherence to the surface and may be configured for holonomic motion during such adherence.

Abstract: In a state in which an insert (310) is embedded in an embedding opening of a panel (300) and a nozzle (211) of a dispenser (210) is located above an injection hole of the insert, an air cylinder (230) presses an edge of a discharge port (212) of the nozzle on an edge of the injection hole of the insert. Subsequently, the dispenser discharges an adhesive from the discharge port of the nozzle. The adhesive is injected from the injection hole of the insert, and fills a gap between the insert and the panel. Therefore, the insert is fixed to the panel.

Abstract: A robot system and a control method of a robot are provided. The robot system includes a robot, a liquid application part being provided on the robot, an application thickness measurement part measuring an application thickness of a liquid applied by the liquid application part, a distance measurement part measuring a first distance from the distance measurement part to an application object, a control part controlling the robot based on the first distance so that a second distance from the liquid application part to the application object becomes constant, a supply amount adjustment part adjusting a supply amount of the liquid to the application object according to the application thickness measured by the application thickness measurement part, wherein the distance measurement part, the liquid application part and the application thickness measurement part are arranged in this order in an application direction of the liquid.

Abstract: A robot system includes a workpiece supplier, a work robot, and a support. The workpiece supplier is to turn a workpiece about a workpiece turning axis to position the workpiece at a work position. The work robot includes a base and a robot arm. The robot arm is connected to the base turnably about an arm turning axis to perform a work on the workpiece at the work position. The arm turning axis crosses the workpiece turning axis. The support connects the workpiece supplier and the base.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle, in particular for spraying insulation material, comprises a chassis (110), at least two driven wheels (122) having a common axis of rotation, and a wheel connecting member (151) which connects the two wheels (122). The wheel connecting member (151) is connected to the chassis by a pivotal connection which allows the wheel connecting member to pivot with respect to the chassis about a pivoting axis transverse to the common axis of rotation of the wheels. The wheel connecting member (151) may be removably mounted to the chassis (110).

Abstract: A system and method have been shown for the effective implementation of a height and rotational adjustment system for one or more spray guns for use in a line striper.

Abstract: A method of controlling application of material onto a substrate includes ejecting atomized droplets from an array of micro-applicators while the array of micro-applicators cyclically moves about at least one axis. The atomized droplets from each of the plurality of micro-applicators overlap with atomized droplets from adjacent micro-applicators and a diffuse overlap of deposited atomized droplets from adjacent micro-applicators is provided on a surface of the substrate. The array of micro-applicators cyclically rotates back and forth around the at least one axis and/or moves back and forth parallel to the at least one axis. For example, the at least one axis can be a central axis of the array of micro-applicators, a length axis of the array of micro-applicators, a width axis of the array of micro-applicators, and the like. Also, the array of micro-applicators can be part of an ultrasonic material applicator used to paint vehicles.

Abstract: A plasma spraying system is provided for coating a substrate. The plasma spraying system includes a plasma gun, a nozzle and a mounting system. The plasma gun is adapted to direct plasma towards the substrate. The nozzle is adapted to direct coating medium into the plasma. The mounting system is adapted to rotate the nozzle to change an angle of incidence between the coating medium and the plasma.

Abstract: A dispense for dispensing an adhesive onto a remote surface, such as a case mouth and primer ammunition. The dispense includes a reservoir containing an adhesive; a positive displacement pump; and a nozzle having a tapered tip. The positive displacement pump delivers a predetermined amount of the adhesive, preferably an anaerobic adhesive, from the reservoir to the nozzle at predetermined intervals. The nozzle discharges the predetermined amount of adhesive through the air and at least 1/16-inch onto the remote surface.

Abstract: A cup wash disk for cleaning a photoresist process tool is provided. An upper plate is arranged over a lower plate to define a cavity between the upper and lower plates. The lower plate comprises peripheral openings in fluid communication with the cavity and arranged along a periphery of the lower plate. A plurality of shims is arranged between the upper and lower plates to space the upper and lower plates and to define slits between the upper and lower plates. The slits are in fluid communication with the cavity. A method for cleaning the photoresist process tool using the cup wash disk is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coating method for coating a component with a coating agent, comprising the following steps: moving an application device over a component surface of the component to be coated, delivering a coating agent jet (9) from the application device to the component surface that is to be coated, defining switching points on the component surface for initiating a switching action, in particular for switching on or switching off a coating agent jet, and performing the switching action when one of the switching points is reached. The disclosure provides the following steps: marking the switching points on the component surface by generating a switching marking on the component surface at the individual switching points, detecting the switching markings corresponding to the individual switching points during movement of the application device, and performing the switching actions when the switching markings are detected on the component surface.

Abstract: A paint spraying machine includes an apparatus for containing and removing the leakage of paint drops from a rotating joint, without the risk of damaging the article being sprayed, and thus without the need for downtime to replace sealing elements. The rotating joint includes a hollow shaft for distributing paint, a drum including a plurality of flanges that define separate chambers for different paints, a plurality of seals for separating the different paints in the different chambers which together form a high-pressure circuit, a low-pressure circuit to refrigerate the seals, improve their sealing and possibly intercept leaking paint, and a plurality of centering rings provide for correct assembly of the seals and the correct alignment of different flanges. The rings are hollow, and allow for the passage of the refrigerating/cleaning liquid under low pressure.

Abstract: A method of covering a surface of a building, the method comprising spraying an expandable foam material onto the surface and allowing the foam material to solidify whereby to form a covering of the surface and a robotic vehicle configured to carry out the method.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coating system for coating components with a coating agent, in particular a painting system for painting motor vehicle bodywork components, comprising a first coating system component (12, 13) which during operation produces waste heat as a by-product and forms a heat source, and a second coating system component (1, 5) which is heated during operation and forms a heat sink. The disclosure provides that the waste heat of the first coating system component (12, 13) is fed to the second coating system component (1, 5) for heating. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding operating method.

Abstract: A coating device comprises at least one application apparatus to discharge a coating agent from at least one coating agent nozzle. The application apparatus is configured to apply an oscillation to at least one of the coating agent and at least one coating agent jet such that at least one of the coating agent and the at least one coating agent jet break up into droplets.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for treating a surface includes a material applicator configured to dispense a treatment material on a surface and an applicator clamp configured to support and position a dispensing end of the material applicator. An applicator tip is inserted into a dispensing aperture formed in the applicator clamp, and the applicator tip is configured to receive the treatment material from the dispensing end of the material applicator. The applicator assembly further includes an applicator bracket configured to slidably attach the material applicator and applicator clamp to an assembly support frame. Additionally, an automated applicator actuator operatively attached to the assembly support frame and applicator bracket manipulates the applicator bracket between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Rotating projector for a coating product including a spraying device having a circular spraying edge, driving means for driving the spraying device around a rotational axis, a body including primary openings arranged on a primary contour for ejecting primary air jets in a primary direction. The air jets having an axial component and an orthoradial component which are nonzero. The primary direction has a nonzero radial component, which is centrifugal relative to the rotation axis. Each primary jet extends along the rotational axis at a distance from the rotational axis than the radius of the spraying edge. The body includes secondary openings arranged on a secondary contour for ejecting the secondary air jets in a secondary direction having axial and centripetal radial components. The secondary jets hit an external surface of the spraying device. The contours coincide with a circle centered about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A fluid system for the reliable operation of an actuator controlled by fluid means, including a control device, a valve controller, fluid control valves that are designed to influence fluid flows on at least one actuator, sensors designed to determine a state of the actuator and a monitoring device designed to process the sensor signals and to provide a monitoring signal to the valve controller. The control device is designed in accordance with a first safety category of a safety standard and the valve controller, the fluid control valves, the sensors and the monitoring device are designed in accordance with a second safety category of the safety standard, wherein said second safety category is positioned at a higher level than the first safety category within the safety standard.

Abstract: In some aspects, a control algorithm is provided for manipulating a pair of articulation arms configured to control an articulation angle of an end effector of a robotic surgical instrument. Other aspects of the present disclosure focus on the robotic arm system, including the pair of articulation arms coupled to the end effector and guided by independent motors controlled by a control circuit. Each of the articulation arms are designed to exert antagonistic forces competing against each other that are apportioned according to a ratio specified in the control algorithm. The ratio of the antagonistic forces may be used to determine the articulation angle of the head or end effector of the robotic surgical arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for spray printing construction. In some embodiments, a system may include a rotating truss, which in some embodiments may be arch-shaped. The system may further include a sprayer apparatus configured to connect to and move along the truss, and a processor circuit configured to execute computer instructions to print a building structure using the sprayer apparatus and the rotating truss. In another embodiment, a method may include determining a spray pattern for creating a printable structure at a computer control system, and implementing, on the computer control system, the spray pattern to create the printable structure, including rotating an arched truss system supporting an adjustable spray printer, adjusting a position of the spray printer on the arched truss system, and activating the spray printer to execute the determined spray pattern.

Abstract: An electrostatic nozzle includes a first pipe, a second pipe, and a third pipe. The first pipe is configured of a conductor. Voltage is applied on the first pipe by a power source. The second pipe is configured of an insulator and connected to the first pipe. The third pipe is configured of a metal, connected to the second pipe, insulated from the first pipe by the second pipe, and thinner than the second pipe. Liquid which has flown through the first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe is discharged from a distal end of the third pipe.

Abstract: Methods for simultaneously dispensing a first fluid pattern at a first dispense region with a first applicator and a second fluid pattern at a second dispense region with a second applicator. The first and second applicators are moved toward their respective dispense regions with a positioner. While dispensing, the second applicator is moved relative to the first applicator in a direction or directions parallel to a first axis, a second axis, and/or a third axis, the axes being mutually orthogonal. The first dispense region may be provided with a unique first tilt and/or a unique first contour relative to the reference plane and along the third axis. Systems for dispensing fluid include a primary positioner supporting a first applicator, and a secondary positioner coupled to the primary positioner and supporting a second applicator and configured to move the second applicator relative to the first applicator.

Abstract: A thickness measurement device includes a chassis provided with an installation surface on which a measurement object is installed and a facing surface disposed parallel to the installation surface with a gap therebetween. A distance measurement instrument measures the distances to objects in two opposite directions. A movement mechanism positions the distance measurement instrument at a measurement point between the installation surface and the facing surface such that the measurement directions thereof are aligned with the direction along the gap between the installation surface and the facing surface. An arithmetic unit calculates the difference between the total of the distances measured at the measurement point in a state in which the measurement object is not installed on the installation surface and the total of the distances measured in a state in which the measurement object is installed on the installation surface.

Abstract: This system has an articulated robot having an arm and a base portion which rotatably supports the arm; and a rotation positioner to which the base portion of the articulated robot is mounted. A turn axis of the base portion of the articulated robot is orthogonal to a rotation axis of the rotation positioner. Thus, interference of a workpiece with the arm can be avoided and flexibility of works performed by the robot can be expanded.

Abstract: Provided is an application device for applying and spreading an application liquid to and on a predetermined application area of a target surface, which is capable of smearing the application liquid on the application area. The application device (D) includes a brush unit (4) having a brush bristle bundle (41a), and performs a step of causing, while moving a nozzle orifice (32a) of a dispenser (3) along at least a portion of the surface of a rivet (S1) and an area of a wall (Sp) surrounding the base of the rivet (S1), a sealing liquid to be ejected from the nozzle orifice (32a) and to adhere to the portion, and thereafter, a step of spreading the adhering sealing liquid by causing the brush bristle bundle (41a) to slide on the surface of the rivet (S1) and the area of wall (Sp) surrounding the base of the rivet (S1).

Abstract: A window assembly that can be opened and closed includes a transparent grid to prevent an operator from extending an arm through the opened window and into the path of a lift arm without impairing the vision of the operator. The window assembly may include more than one openable panes and/or one or more transparent stationary panes. The window may also include a sensor to sense if the window is compromised and may cause the lift arm vehicle to take a safety action if a compromise is detected.

Abstract: A device for the application of a liquid fluid to a peripheral area of a lid using pistols for injecting said liquid fluid. The device includes an articulated mechanical device combined with at least two coaxial tubular shafts: a main supply shaft and a lower shaft, where a lower end of the main supply shaft connects to a first part of the articulated mechanical device, while a second part of the articulated mechanical device connects to a lower end of the lower shaft. The two coaxial tubular shafts rotate independently by means of transmission devices. The main supply shaft is arranged in an inner hole of the lower shaft, which is arranged coaxially around at least one section of the main supply shaft.

Abstract: A paint circulation system includes a paint reservoir, a pressure transducer, a servo motor driven pump, an electronic servo drive and controller, one or more paint applicators in a spray booth and an isolation valve. The pressure transducer provides a signal to the controller indicating the current pressure in the system. The servo pump is controlled by the controller and servo drive, draws paint from the reservoir and maintains the desired pressure in the system. The isolation valve is downstream from the applicators and is closed when paint is requested by the applicators. When paint is flowing to the applicators, the servo drive adjusts pump speed to maintain the desired system pressure as sensed by the pressure transducer. When paint is not requested, the isolation valve is open and the servo pump motor operates to provide a minimum flow rate to circulate paint from, and return it to, the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for applying developer over a semiconductor wafer is provided. The method includes moving a nozzle over the center of the semiconductor wafer. The nozzle extends across the semiconductor wafer. The method also includes rotating the semiconductor wafer by a dispensing rotation angle that is less than 180 degrees. The method further includes dispensing developer over the semiconductor wafer relative to alignment marks formed on the semiconductor wafer while the semiconductor wafer is rotated by the dispensing rotation angle.

Abstract: An installation for spraying a coating product on objects, such as motor vehicle bodies, that are moved by a conveyor (4) parallel to a conveying axis (X4) and having base (102) and mobile (104-108) portions. A multi-axis spraying robot (50) is dedicated to spraying a coating product. A multi-axis handling robot (60) is dedicated to maneuvering the mobile portion (104-106-108) of an object (100) to be coated relative to the base portion (102). Each robot is movable parallel to the conveying axis. Ventilation means provide a flow of ventilation air (F1) inside a booth (3), perpendicular to the conveying axis (X4). The spraying and handling robots (50, 60) are both slidably mounted along a same rail (8) parallel to the conveying axis (X4), and can pass each other. The rail is disposed upstream from the objects to be coated (100), in the direction of flow of the ventilation air (F1).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for processing a surface of a substrate by subjecting the surface of a substrate to successive surface reactions of at least a first precursor and a second precursor. The apparatus includes at least one nozzle head having two or more two or more precursor zones for subjecting the surface of the substrate to at least the first and second precursors and a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle head in oscillating movement between a first end position and a second end position. The moving mechanism is arranged to store at least part of the kinetic energy of the nozzle head released in oscillating movement of the nozzle head.

Abstract: A system for providing an individually configured small control system. A list of possible individual configuration settings for configurable small control systems is kept ready in a configuration device and, from the list, by means of the individual selection and combination of individual configuration settings, an individual overall configuration setting of a small control system to be configured is predefined. An optical code is generated based on the predefinition of the individual overall configuration setting, within which code all the necessary data for provisioning the small control system to be configured individually on the basis of the individual overall configuration setting is stored. The optical code is provided to a process control apparatus, which reads and decodes said code and, on the basis of the data stored therein, controls the logistical process as far as the provision of the individually configured small control system based on the individual overall configuration setting.

Abstract: A spraying device comprises: a conveyer comprising a mesh crawler belt configured to carry an object to be sprayed; a baking chamber for heating the object to be sprayed; a spraying chamber having at least one atomizing nozzle disposed within the spraying chamber, the atomizing nozzle being configured to uniformly spray a coating solution on a surface of the object to be sprayed; a cleaning chamber for cleaning the mesh crawler belt and recycling the coating solution carried by the mesh crawler belt; and a solution storage apparatus for storing the coating solution that the spraying chamber needs for spraying; wherein the mesh crawler belt passes successively through the baking chamber, the spraying chamber and the cleaning chamber. The device of the present invention can ensure uniformity of the thickness of a coating layer on the magnet. In addition, the device can improve spraying efficiency and save raw material.

Abstract: Improvements to a table saw include a system for automatically adjusting the height of the cutting blade in relation to the height of the workpiece, a system for providing fine adjustment of the height or bevel angle of the saw blade or work surface, and a system for automatic speed control and shut-off for the saw blade.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate liquid processing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a substrate holding unit configured to hold a substrate horizontally; a nozzle configured to eject a processing liquid in a transversal direction toward a liquid arrival target position set on the substrate held by the substrate holding unit from an ejection port which is located at an injection position spaced away from the liquid arrival target position by a predetermined distance horizontally; and a liquid receiving unit provided below the nozzle to receive the processing liquid dropping from the ejection port of the nozzle.

Abstract: An ink printing process employs per-nozzle droplet volume measurement and processing software that plans droplet combinations to reach specific aggregate ink fills per target region, guaranteeing compliance with minimum and maximum ink fills set by specification. In various embodiments, different droplet combinations are produced through different printhead/substrate scan offsets, offsets between printheads, the use of different nozzle drive waveforms, and/or other techniques. These combinations can be based on repeated, rapid droplet measurements that develop understandings for each nozzle of means and spreads for expected droplet volume, velocity and trajectory, with combinations of droplets being planned based on these statistical parameters. Optionally, random fill variation can be introduced so as to mitigate Mura effects in a finished display device. The disclosed techniques have many possible applications.

Abstract: A coating apparatus and method allow for precise control of the application of a coating material on a substrate and provides a data recording system which is useful for certifying a coating job and assessing when and where any abnormalities occur.

Abstract: A method for printing at least one section of a flat or preferably curved surface of an object includes using a relative movement between an inkjet head and the object to move the inkjet head along a first path and print a first track in the process and to move the inkjet head along a second path and print a second track in the process. A first track edge of the first track and a second track edge of the second track meet at a point and enclose an angle between about 1° and about 179° at the point. The method permits the curved surface to be printed without perceptible track connections.