Abstract: A portable handheld machine saw having a saw assembly (11) which has a saw tool receptacle (14) for a saw tool (15) and a saw drive motor (12) for driving the saw tool receptacle (14), and having a guide device (17) which has a guide body (18) having a guide surface (19) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) for guiding the handheld machine saw (10) in a working direction (AR) on a workpiece (W). The handheld machine saw (10) has a pre-scoring assembly (31), arranged in front of the saw assembly (11) on the guide device (17) in relation to the working direction (AR), having a pre-scoring tool receptacle (34) for a pre-scoring tool (35), and having a pre-scoring drive (32A), for driving the pre-scoring tool receptacle (34), wherein, on the basis of the pre-scoring tool (35) protruding in front of the guide surface (19) during pre-scoring operation of the handheld machine tool, a score (RI) can be introduced into the workpiece (W), in the working direction (AR), in front of the saw cut (SAE) to be introduced.

Abstract: A worktable (100), having: a left slot grid (102); a right slot grid (104) secured to the left slot grid; and a center slide (106) configured to be adjustably positionable between the left slot grid and the right slot grid.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to adjustable tilt mechanisms (30), e.g., adjustable tilt mechanisms configured for enabling objects to tilt around a tilting axis (101). According to one aspect of the invention, an adjustable tilt mechanism includes a housing (100) that defines a tilt axis and an adjustment axis (103) oriented perpendicular and non-intersecting relative to the tilt axis and a torque adjustment assembly that is at least partially disposed within the housing. The torque adjustment assembly (118) includes an adjuster (130) positioned for rotation about the adjustment axis defined by the housing, a gear (120) positioned for rotation about the tilt axis defined by the housing, and a biasing spring (140) coupled to the gear. The gear being operatively coupled to the adjuster. The housing configured for coupling to an object.

Abstract: A blade guard assembly for a circular saw blade of a saw house includes a blade cover with a face panel and an edge portion that extends from the face panel. An actuator is mountable the blade cover and the structure of the saw house. When the blade guard assembly is mounted in saw house, the blade cover is movable with the actuator between a covered position and an exposed position. In the covered position, the face panel and edge portion at least partially surround the saw blade. In the exposed position, the face panel is spaced from the saw blade.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and system for operation of a timber-working device configured to perform at least one operation having an associated hazard zone. At least one signal from at least one orientation sensor associated with the timber-working head may indicate whether a predetermined location is within the hazard zone based on the orientation of the timber-working head. Operation of the timber-working head can be controlled based on the signal.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a spindle configured to hold a tool, a tool magazine configured to hold a plurality of tools and to exchange the tools with the spindle, and a cleaning mechanism configured to remove adhering objects adhered to the tool magazine by spraying fluid to the tool magazine.

Abstract: A method determines an optimized cutting plan for using a guillotine to cut a batch of rectangular pieces of glass out from at least one sheet of glass. The method includes initializing including defining cutting constraints and positioning constraints for the pieces together with an optimization criterion; creating a tree comprising a root, leaves, each presenting a complete cutting plan enabling all of the pieces of the batch to be cut out, the cutting plan associated with a node of the tree being obtained by adding to the partial cutting plan associated with the parent node of the node, and in compliance with the constraints, the next piece for the frame determined in compliance with the sequence predetermined for the frame; and selecting a complete cutting plan associated with a leaf of the tree as a function of the optimization criterion.

Abstract: A drill stand comprises a base, a mast defining a longitudinal axis and pivotably coupled to the base, a support bracket moveably coupled to the mast and pivotably coupled to the base, and a carriage moveably coupled to the mast. The carriage is configured to selectively receive a drill and is selectively removable from the mast in a tool-free manner.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for holding. The apparatus includes a base, the base operable to be fixedly attached to an opposing surface, and a head support coupled to the base, the head support being spaced from the opposing surface defining a grinder head gap, the head support having an end portion that is curved with an open top. The apparatus further includes a handle support, the handle support coupled to the base extending away from the opposing surface, the handle support having a curved portion and an open portion.

Abstract: Table saws and features for table saws are disclosed. Some of the disclosed features are particularly relevant to portable table saws such as jobsite and bench-top table saws. Disclosed features include, but are not limited to, extendable rails, mechanisms to lock rails in position, drawers, compartments and components to store table saw accessories, switch boxes, dust collection systems, table saw housings, tables, and handles.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at providing a device for learning, with no danger of accident, while complying with the conditions of actual cutting, by proposing to combine virtual equipment for cutting and resistance to the advancing of the cut with tangible supports of material to be cut. A hybrid facility according to the invention includes a numerical management unit for managing exercises, a cutting table, a stereoscopic videoprojector of a stationary cutting machine, a stereoscopic camera for tracking the position of a tangible workpiece of an operator equipped with markers, a control touch screen linked with the management unit and a tangible workpiece to be cut virtually. The projected machine is viewed by an operator equipped with 3D viewing goggles and said videoprojector is combined operationally with the stereoscopic tracking camera associated with position markers equipping said workpiece and said operator.

Abstract: A bender and base assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosure is provided. The bender includes a frame having a pivot shaft extending therefrom, and a shoe shaft extending from the frame for receiving a shoe rotatably mounted thereon, the shoe shaft defining a shoe axis and a shoe plane perpendicular to the shoe axis. The base includes a pivot shaft receptacle, wherein the pivot shaft receptacle defines a pivot axis, wherein the pivot shaft of the bender is received by the pivot shaft receptacle of the base; wherein the pivot shaft rotates relative to the pivot shaft receptacle, to rotate the bender on the pivot axis between a horizontal bending position and a vertical bending position; and wherein the pivot axis intersects with the shoe plane. A lock is provided to lock the position of the bender relative to the base.

Abstract: A universal base attachment bit and cutting bit assembly includes a base attachment bit and a cutting bit. The base attachment bit includes an outer threaded portion at a first end, a latch at an opposing second end, and at least one multi-sided gripping portion between the latch and the first end. The cutting bit includes a hollow cylindrical outer body and a cylindrical coupling portion within the cylindrical outer body. The cylindrical outer body includes a peripheral wall having opposed first and second open ends and a cutting edge at the first end. The coupling portion is spaced from the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body and includes an inner thread along an inner surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to powered cutting apparatus which includes a cutting unit mounted on one or more slide members and provided to perform a cutting action on a workpiece mounted on a base to which the one or more slide members are attacked by support legs. The apparatus includes at least one fence with a contact surface for the workpiece and the fence can be selectively positioned on any of a plurality of guide means provided on the base to aid in the performance of the cutting action.

Abstract: A scroll saw has a machine base. The machine base includes two parallel transmission shafts thereon. The two transmission shafts are connected to each other through a synchronous unit. The synchronous unit has an upper crankshaft and a lower crankshaft connected to the transmission shafts, respectively. A plurality of crankshaft connecting levers are connected between the upper crankshaft and the lower crankshaft. When one of the transmission shafts is rotated, another transmission shaft will be driven to rotate through the synchronous unit. Because the synchronous unit is composed of the crankshaft connecting levers, the connection between the transmission shafts is relatively tight. This ensures that the transmission shafts do not generate a deviation in rotation to avoid vibration and noise.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable drill press apparatus for drilling a bore perfectly perpendicular to a surface. This apparatus includes a horizontal base plate having an enlarged aperture and a horizontal adjustment plate having an adjustment plate aperture. The adjustment plate is parallel to and releasably connected to the base plate by a plurality of releasable fasteners extending through a plurality of adjustment slots in the adjustment plate. A plurality of guide bolts extends vertically from the adjustment plate through a horizontal guide plate, the guide plate being parallel to the adjustment plate and slidable along the plurality of guide bolts. The guide plate has a guide plate aperture. A vertical back plate interconnects the guide plate and at least one drill clamp, the guide plate and drill clamp extending parallel to each other. The drill clamp has a variably-sized drill aperture for clamping a portable drill.

Abstract: The rotary tool workbench cradle embodiment is a structural configuration that uniquely provides dual panel support to the collar and the housing of the rotary tool, utilizing a V-notched, slidable and ratcheted back panel to incrementally elevate the housing of the rotary tool for horizontal positioning. Accessories mounted in the collet of the rotary tool are aligned parallel to the workbench or table top providing a more effective means for a horizontal placement of the cutting tool surface to be sharpened. The parallel alignment of the grinding surface of the rotary tool accessory and the workbench surface to which a tool to be sharpened (chisel, knife, scissors) can be held or mounted, provides for sharpening with more precision. Moreover, the device facilitates the horizontal seating of the rotary tool for the young and for amateurs. Both hands are freed to more safely and effectively secure the workpiece.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for fabricating components, for example, 3D decorative items. In an embodiment, a method including positioning a spoil board on a worktable of a computer numeric control (CNC) machine; operating the CNC machine in a first mode to create an outline in the spoil board; positioning a first workpiece on the spoil board and over at least a portion of the outline; and operating the CNC machine in a second mode to cut into a portion of the first workpiece.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a workpiece planarization arrangement may include: a chuck including a support carrier; and a workpiece-support replaceably mounted on the support carrier; and a planarization tool configured to planarize the at least one portion of the workpiece-support and to planarize one or more workpieces on the at least one portion of the workpiece-support.

Abstract: Blade tilt mechanisms for table saws are disclosed. The disclosed tilt mechanisms provide easy and intuitive operation. They also provide auto-locking so that a user simply releases a component to lock the blade at a specific angle. The tilt mechanisms also provide defined incremental steps for the tilt of the blade and the steps are typically spaced at 1-degree intervals.

Abstract: In a handheld electric tool having a tool housing in which is disposed a gearbox for transferring a torque, generated by a drive motor, to a drive spindle with which a spindle locking apparatus is associated, the drive spindle being rotatably mounted in the tool housing at at least two bearing points, the at least two bearing points are provided in the tool housing in a region downstream from the gearbox, and the spindle locking apparatus is disposed between the two bearing points in an axial direction of the drive spindle.

Abstract: A non-stop rack device for temporary receipt of the flat elements in the form of sheets in a converting machine, the device comprising a plurality of parallel bars which are integral with a mobile support which can be displaced between a receipt position, in which the bars can support temporarily the flat elements which are being stacked, and a released position, in which the said bars are placed spaced from any stack of flat elements. Each non-stop bar is mounted so as to be mobile in transverse displacement relative to the mobile support, and the non-stop rack device also comprises a blocking arrangement, which can block the transverse mobility of each non-stop bar.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism of a table saw is provided with a support including a concave seat, two first sleeves spaced from both ends of the seat respectively, a guiding hole, and two parallel brackets spaced from the guiding hole; a drive rod rotatably extended through the brackets; a first bevel gear mounted to an open end of the drive rod; first and second guide uprights fastened in the first sleeves respectively; a threaded guide rod inserted through the guiding hole; a second bevel gear at a bottom end of the guide rod to mesh with the first bevel gear; a motor including a threaded guide hole secured to the guide rod, two second sleeves with the first and second guide uprights sliding through respectively; and two support elements each including a concave base member, a sliding rail on the base member, and a fastening member.

Abstract: In one example, a machinery fence support system comprises a worktable having a recess therein and a cutting element protruding upwardly from the worktable. The system has a track which is slidably received within the recess of the worktable. A bracket connected to the track; and a sacrificial fence is adjustably connected to the bracket. A track system is connected to the sacrificial fence and a stop assembly connected to the track system. The track slides within the recess of the worktable such that the sacrificial fence passes over the cutting element such that a beaded face frame feature is cut into a workpiece.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system, apparatus and method for preparing wood blocks. The embodiments disclosed may comprise paddle designs, trimming unit designs and methods, scanner unit designs and methods, for use in the trimming of wood blocks. The blocks may be used for finger jointing.

Abstract: Cutting assemblies are disclosed that include an entrance portion and a receiving portion, with the receiving portion defining a receiving opening configured to be axially aligned with an entrance opening of the entrance portion when mounted to the surface of a cutting apparatus. Cutting assemblies are also provided that include a material carriage configured to be borne by a cutting apparatus. Cutting assemblies that include a material receiving portion configured to be slidably mounted to a surface of a cutting apparatus are also disclosed. Cutting methods are also disclosed that can include rotating a piece of material around the materials longitudinal axis and delivering the material to a cutting tool while the longitudinal axis of the material is aligned substantially opposite the direction of rotation of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A system is provided for creating bevel edges on a plank. In some embodiments, the system comprises two bevel-cutting tools disposed in fixed positions and two guided cylinders disposed to independently move two edges of a plank to within varying degrees of contact with the bevel-cutting tools. Separate controllers can be provided to independently control the time, frequency, and rate of movement of the guided cylinders. Methods are provided for creating the appearance of a hand-scraped wood plank. A method for creating irregular bevel edges on a plank is also provided as are a system and method that use a plank production line operation. A plank having irregular beveled edges and the appearance of a hand-scraped wood plank is also provided.

Abstract: An optimizing planer infeed system for feeding an array of workpieces downstream to a planer includes an apparatus for setting the size of the gaps between successive linearly aligned workpieces so that each gap between successive workpieces provides enough time for at least one of movable cutting elements in the planer and movable guiding elements to be moved to their optimized position corresponding to the next successive workpiece.

Abstract: A wood product assembly includes a cutter subassembly and a skewing assembly. A cutter positioning body is movable by a slewing assembly along a slewing axis. A spindle housing is mounted to the cutter positioning body for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. A spindle, to which a cutter, such as a sawblade or chipper head, is affixed, is mounted to the spindle housing for rotation about a spindle rotation axis by a cutter driver. The skewing assembly is coupled to the spindle housing to position the spindle rotation axis to a selected angular orientation to position the cutter at a selected skew angle. In some examples the cutter driver comprises a drive source fixedly secured to a frame and an extendable length universal-joint driveline assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a log rotation verification system having an optimizer configured to determine an optimized cutting solution for the log and configured to identify an optimized rotational position, and a position indicator applicable to a log to indicate a reference rotational position of the log. A log rotator may be configured to rotate the log to reduce the difference between the reference rotational position and the optimized rotational position. And, a primary detector may be configured to detect a current rotational position of the position indicator.

Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces of wood and plastics has a rotatably driven spindle and at least one tool that is seated on the rotatably driven spindle and has a circular arrangement of knives. The tool has a tool body and the circular arrangement of knives is supported on the tool body. An inner table acting as a workpiece support is provided, wherein the circular arrangement of knives surrounds the inner table and wherein the inner table is a component of the tool. A machine table is provided on which the workpieces are fed to the at least one tool.

Abstract: A wood product assembly includes a cutter and skewing assemblies. A cutter positioning body is movable by the slewing assembly along a slewing axis. A spindle housing is mounted to the cutter positioning body for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. A spindle, to which a cutter, such as a sawblade or chipper head, is affixed, is mounted to the spindle housing for rotation about a spindle rotation axis by a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a fixed position drive motor and a drive shaft assembly. The drive shaft assembly comprises a hollow drive shaft sleeve and a drive shaft. The drive shaft sleeve extends at least part way through the drive motor and is rotatable by the drive motor. An end of the drive shaft is slidably housed within and rotated by the drive shaft sleeve. The skewing assembly is coupled to the spindle housing to position the spindle rotation axis to a selected angular orientation to position the cutter at a selected skew angle.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods in which work pieces are machined based upon the appearance of their surfaces. The work piece may be processed in such a way that surfaces with desirable features may be oriented so as to form visible surfaces of a finished part. In addition, the present invention includes woodworking machines that define joint features in and shape surfaces of rough work pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining the outer profiles of rectangular work pieces includes side and base fences for orienting a rough work piece upon a table. Edges of the rough work piece are cut (e.g., the rough work piece is sized), shaped, and optionally sanded while the rough work piece remains in place. The rough work piece may be rotated in a way that defines four square edges therefrom.

Abstract: An optimizing planermill system includes a control system and a workpiece feed path for feeding an array of workpieces linearly downstream to an optimizing planer. The gap size between successive workpieces is set so that each gap provides enough time for relative movement of at least one of movable cutting elements in the planer and movable guiding elements so as to obtain relative movement between the cutting elements and the workpiece being next fed in for optimized positioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily holding logs within cutting-off machines including two plates (60), each of which exhibits a plurality of pressers (61) and an appendix sliding within a guide (7). The plates (60) are associated with an actuator (8) which drive them, under control, in a substantially straight movement in the direction of the relevant guides (7). The pressers are disposed in mirror-like and parallel relationship to each other, that is, orthogonally to the logs (2) to be treated.

Abstract: A miter joint assembly system. The system comprises a generally planar assembly plate. A clamping assembly is attached to the assembly plate. At least one drill guide is detachably coupled to the assembly plate at a predetermined orientation. The clamping assembly is configured to releasably secure a first and a second mitered molding to the assembly plate such that the first and second mitered moldings are oriented generally orthogonally to each other. The drill guide is configured to bore a pocket hole and a pilot hole into the first mitered molding, the pocket and pilot holes receiving a fastener to draw and secure the second mitered molding to the first mitered molding.

Abstract: A sawmill having a carriage 1 for moving a saw between two points, the saw having a cutting blade 11 which can move between a substantially vertical cutting position and a substantially horizontal cutting position, the sawmill having a board removal system comprising a deflector flap 23 mounted adjacent the cutting blade 11 such that when a board has been cut from a log 13 by the sawmill that board is moved from the log by the deflector flap 23 as another board is being cut from the log 13 adjacent the first mentioned board.

Abstract: Cutting assemblies are disclosed that include an entrance portion and a receiving portion, with the receiving portion defining a receiving opening configured to be axially aligned with an entrance opening of the entrance portion when mounted to the surface of a cutting apparatus. Cutting assemblies are also provided that include a material carriage configured to be borne by a cutting apparatus. Cutting assemblies that include a material receiving portion configured to be slidably mounted to a surface of a cutting apparatus are also disclosed. Cutting methods are also disclosed that can include rotating a piece of material around the materials longitudinal axis and delivering the material to a cutting tool while the longitudinal axis of the material is aligned substantially opposite the direction of rotation of the cutting tool.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a new method for edging a wood board. This method comprises the steps of constructing from the scanned images of a wood board, a virtual entity of the wood board; determining from the scanned images an optimized cut line along the virtual entity; displacing the forward edge of the virtual entity ahead of the leading edge of the wood board; displacing the rear edge of the virtual entity behind the trailing edge of the wood board and sawing the wood board along the optimized cut line on the virtual entity. In another feature, the saw blades inside the board edger are mounted in saw collars and are shifted along the arbor by an electric setworks mounted on the top of the saw box and a shifting arm extending vertically between the setworks and a respective saw collar.

Abstract: A device that includes a plurality of routers, where the plurality of routers are independently positioned and can be placed in various orientations relative to the object being cut. The plurality of routers can be mounted on the same side, opposite side, or at any angle in between. The plurality of routers can also be positioned in three dimensions such that many different cuts can be made at the same time on objects of various shapes and sizes. Further, each router is easily removed from the device for handheld use, yet easily reattached to the device such that the router is returned to the same position it was in before removal. This creates a device that can make multiple cuts from multiple angles on objects of various shapes and sizes during one pass through the device.

Abstract: Apparatus for shaping a flitch includes an upper shaping head assembly for shaping an upper surface of the flitch, a lower shaping head assembly for shaping a lower surface of the flitch, and a groover assembly for placing at least one groove in a surface of the flitch. The apparatus further includes at least one centering arm and chain runner assembly. The at least one centering arm and chain runner assembly includes a chain runner assembly for conveying the flitch toward a transverse center of the centering arm and chain runner assembly, and a centering arm assembly for positioning the flitch. A flitch transport conveyor includes a conveyor frame, a first dogger arm assembly for engaging a first end of the flitch, and a second dogger arm assembly for engaging a second end of the flitch.

Abstract: A combination planer/moulder having means to raise, lower and lock a cutting member at a desired position is provided. The device includes a platform onto which a table for holding materials and an adjustment system are attached. The adjustment system includes at least one column having a rectilinear wall. A cutterhead is provided, having cooperative openings and a locking means, such that it may move along the at least one column of the adjustment system and locked in place. The rectilinear wall of the column cooperates with a similarly shaped opening in the cutterhead, such that by pressing the rectilinear shaped side of the opening against the rectilinear wall of the column the cutterhead may be fixed in desirable positions to permit work on materials and released for adjustment. The device includes a window such that the placement of the cutting knives on the materials can be viewed and debris can be seen and removed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the timber products industry, and particularly to methods and apparatus for use in the manufacture of reconstituted or reconsolidated wood products. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for use in the manufacture of reconstituted or reconsolidated wood products using crushing and steam pressing methods and apparatuses.

Abstract: A portable sawmill with bi-directional cutting circular saws includes a saw support pivotally mounted to a primary support structure for pivotal movement about a pivot axis which is transverse to the direction of movement. Two circular saws are rotatably mounted one above the other on the saw support. A first one of the two circular saws rotates in a first rotational direction and a second one of the two circular saws rotates in a second rotational direction. The teeth on both of the two circular saws are always moving toward a log resting on the log support as the log is being cut. An actuator is provided for selectively pivoting the saw support to invert the positioning of the two circular saws so that the teeth on both of the two circular saws continue to move toward the log being cut upon a change in direction occurring.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system, apparatus and method for preparing wood blocks. The embodiments disclosed may comprise paddle designs, trimming unit designs and methods, scanner unit designs and methods, for use in the trimming of wood blocks. The blocks may be used for finger jointing.

Abstract: A novel tree trimming system includes a crane which lifts a wood working implement and a tree trimmer together over obstacles if necessary to a location where a tree is to trimmed. The tree trimmer may cut limbs and feed them directly into the wood working implement that is mounted just beneath him or may drop them to the ground or fasten them to holders that have been lifted with the tree trimmer by the crane. On the ground, a cart which may be motor driven by hydraulic motors or manually moved or pulled by another vehicle can be retracted to fit through ordinary garden gates. The retraction may include moving the wheels or tracker treads of the cart together and moving the hydraulic motor outside of the space between tractor treads so that the tractor treads may be moved closer together. Moreover, side members may be folded upwardly to compress material on the top of the cart and extensions moved in place at the front and end of the cart to increase load carrying capacity.

Abstract: A machining system comprised of a computer controlled milling machine and a manual lathe mounted on the mill table provides an improved combination that will be advantageous for many machining operations. The machining system preserves the full functionality of both machines and allows them to work cooperatively together. The computer control capability of the milling machine can be used to machine complex surfaces on a workpiece rotating in the lathe. The workpiece can also be locked in a given rotational position so that traditional milling operations can be performed by the computer controlled milling machine. By sensing the rotational speed and position of the workpiece the system is able to provide the functionality of a computer controlled lathe at a fraction of the cost. The lathe can be easily and accurately mounted on the mill and easily removed from the mill to serve as a fully functional independent machine.

Abstract: In a circular saw etc having a machine frame (1) on which a table board (2) is accommodated, and further having a swivel frame (12) arranged underneath the table board (2), which can be swivelled about a swivel axis coplanar with the top side of the table board (2), which swivel frame (12) accommodates a height adjustable tool bracket (11) carrying at least one cutting tool engaging an associated slot in the table board, which tool can be clamped onto a shaft drivable by a motor attached to the tool bracket, a high degree of user-friendliness, serviceability and accuracy can be obtained in that the swivel frame (12) in the region of its ends, which in cutting direction lie opposite each other, is swivel-suspended on bearing brackets (14) which are mountable on the bottom side of the table board (2), and can be swivelled by means of an articulated adjusting rod (17) arranged with a degree of freedom for tilting movements, and further in that the tool bracket (11) accommodated on the swivel frame (12) can be he

Abstract: A cutting machine includes: a base; a worktable provided on the base and having a working surface and a lateral side; a cutter provided on the worktable; and an elongate fence having first and second long edges and pivoted to the lateral side of the worktable so as to be rotatable relative to the worktable about an axis. The axis is spaced apart from the first and second long edges of the fence by first and second distances, respectively, and is spaced apart from the working surface of the worktable by a third distance. The first distance is greater than the third distance, while the second distance is not greater than the third distance.