Abstract: The present patent application relates to a wafer support arrangement, comprising a wafer (1), a support layer system (5, 6) and a separating layer (4), which is arranged between the support layer system (5, 6) and the wafer (1), wherein the support layer system (5, 6) (i) comprises a support layer (6) and (ii) a layer (5) from a through hardened, partially hardened or hardenable elastomer material on the separating layer side or consists of these two layers and wherein the separating layer (4) (iii) is a plasma polymer layer and (iv) the adhesive bond between the support layer system (5, 6) and the separating layer (4), after the elastomer material has through hardened, is greater than the adhesive bond between the wafer (1) and the separating layer (4).

Abstract: A polyolefin-based composition showing improved weldability using high frequency (HF) includes (1) a base polymer selected from (a) a homogeneously branched, linear or substantially linear ethylene/?-olefin copolymer; (b) a homogeneously branched propylene/?-olefin copolymer; or (c) a combination thereof; and (2) at least one secondary component selected from (a) an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having from 5 to 40 wt % vinyl acetate; (b) an ethylene-ethyl acrylate having from 5 to 25 wt % ethyl acrylate; and (c) a combination thereof. The combination of the specified polyolefin with the specified secondary component, which is a polar polymer, makes these formulations HF weldable, with a cohesive welding failure, a weld strength for 10 mil thick film greater than 7 lb/in (1.23 N/mm) at a weld time of less than or equal to 6 seconds. The formulations may also exhibit good calendering processability and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for controlling a contact angle between a glue and a surface of a substrate during manufacture of microchip packages is disclosed. The method includes applying a glue to a surface of a substrate, and placing an electrode in electrical connection with the glue. A potential difference is applied between the electrode and the substrate. The potential difference is applied across the glue and causes a contact angle between the glue and the surface of the substrate to be altered.

Abstract: The method forms a layered-open-network polishing pad useful for polishing at least one of magnetic, semiconductor and optical substrates. Exposing a first and second polymer sheet or film of a curable polymer to an energy source creates an exposure pattern in the first and second polymer sheet, the exposure pattern having elongated sections exposed to the energy source. Then removing polymer from the exposed first and second polymer sheets to forms elongated channels through the first and second polymer sheets in a channel pattern that corresponds to the exposure pattern. Attaching the first and second polymer sheets forms a polishing pad, the patterns of the first and second polymer sheets cross wherein the first polymer sheet supports the second polymer sheet and the elongated channels from the first and second polymer sheets connect and to form the layered-open-network polishing pad.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of nanopore formation in solid state membranes are described herein, In some embodiments, a method of forming an aperture comprises providing at least one solid state membrane in a chamber, selecting a first dose of ions sufficient to provide a first aperture of predetermined diameter through the membrane and exposing a surface of the membrane at a first location to the first dose of ions in a focused ion beam having a focal point of diameter less than or equal to about 1 nm to remove material from the membrane at the first location thereby providing the first aperture having the predetermined diameter or substantially the predetermined diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels to containers is provided. In one embodiment, the process of applying the labels to the container is carried out by means of a laser unit. In another embodiment, a cutting unit is provided for the apparatus, which cutting unit likewise uses a laser and is arranged at least partially inside a cutting roller. In preferred embodiments, the complete application process, i.e. in particular including the bonding of the end sections of the label, is carried out by means of the laser unit.

Abstract: This invention relates seed layers and a process of manufacturing seed layers for casting silicon suitable for use in solar cells or solar modules. The process includes the step of positioning tiles with aligned edges to form seams on a suitable surface, and the step of joining the tiles at the seams to form a seed layer. The step of joining includes heating the tiles to melt at least a portion of the tiles, contacting the tiles at both ends of at least one seam with electrodes, using plasma deposition of amorphous silicon, applying photons to melt a portion of the tiles, and/or layer deposition. Seed layers of this invention include a rectilinear shape of at least about 500 millimeters in width and length.

Abstract: This invention provides a cost-effective technique for mass-production of a cell culture vessel that allows mass cell culture to be performed in a manner that allows cells to be stably detached from the culture vessel. Specifically, the invention provides a method for producing a cell culture vessel suitable for large-capacity culture comprising cutting a long-sized cell support film to obtain a sheet-like cell support film, fixing the film to a first member, which is not closed, and bonding other members thereto. Thus, a cell culture vessel comprising a container section in which a cell support film is fixed to an inner wall surface can be produced.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle interior assembly. The method includes attaching a scrim to a polyurethane substrate. The method also includes disposing a polypropylene material directly on the scrim. The method includes applying infrared energy to the polypropylene material to bond the polypropylene material to the scrim.

Abstract: A continuous production process for a polytetrafluoroethylene functional film for electro-mechanical energy conversion is disclosed. The process includes a step of thermal bonding a composite film having a micro-porous structure and electrically charging the composite film. The composite film having a micro-porous structure includes one layer of porous polytetrafluoroethylene film sandwiched between two adjacent layers of polytetrafluoroethylene film thermally bonded by two heated rollers. The process also has a step of electrically charging the composite film to obtain a polytetrafluoroethylene piezoelectric electret film. The electrically charging the composite film can be corona-polarizing the composite film by introducing the composite film between an electrode roller and a corona electrode, or introducing the composite film into an electroplating region and attaching electrodes to the upper and lower surfaces thereof, followed by introducing the film to a charging region by a contacting process.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a process for making flexographic printing forms, particularly relief printing forms, from two or more photosensitive elements welded to one another at their edges, wherein the welding is accomplished by microwave energy. This invention also relates to sealing edges of a cylindrically-shaped photosensitive element. Using microwave energy provides a smooth surface upon welding with a near disappearance of the weld-lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible nanoimprint mold which can fabricate sub-15 nm ultra fine structures on either planar or curved substrates. The mold comprises a top ultra-thin rigid layer of imprint patterning features and a bottom thick flexible layer of polymer elastomer. The two distinct layers are preferably integrated via chemically bonding. The top layer of the mold enables a sub-15 nm resolution of pattern fabrication and the bottom layer affords a conformal contact to planar or curved surface of substrates. The methods for fabricating the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for joining a first and a second film web (2, 2?) of a transfer film or laminating film, wherein the film webs (2, 2?) comprise a thermoplastic carrier film (21) and a decorative layer (23). Formed between the first and second film webs (2, 2?) is a common joining portion (3), in which the first and second film webs (2, 2?) are joined to each other by a welding process. A device for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of connecting a first material to a second material by means of a heat-activatable adhesive material (8) in aircraft construction, wherein the adhesive material (8) is arranged between the first material and the second material and an induction heat which is adequate to activate the adhesive material (8) is generated. The first material and/or the second material and/or the adhesive material (8) have an induction heat-generating means. The induction heat-generating means is a non-woven metallic mesh and/or the induction heat-generating means (53) has an amount of carbon fibers for induction heat generation. The invention further concerns an apparatus comprising a first material and a second material, wherein the first material and the second material have a connection which can be produced by a heat-activatable adhesive material arranged between the first material and the second material, in accordance with the method in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocurable silicone gel composition includes: (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least one group represented by the following general formula (1): in which R1 and R2 each represent hydrogen or an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 20, in an amount of 100 parts by mass; (B) a mercaptoalkyl group-containing organopolysiloxane in an amount of parts by mass such that the number of moles of the mercaptoalkyl group is 0.01 to 1.0 mole per 1 mole of the group represented by the general formula (1) in the component (A); (C) a photopolymerization initiator in an amount of 0.01 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the component (A); and (D) a hindered amine compound having a group represented by the following general formula (2): in which R3 to R6 each represent hydrogen or an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 20, and R7 represents hydrogen or —CH2—R8 in which R8 represents hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, in an amount of 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode assembly, to a method for manufacturing same, and to a battery charging and discharging method. The electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an electrode collector, wherein a first electrical active material layer is stacked on the electrode collector; and a first porous conductive network layer of which at least one portion is recessed into the first electrical active material layer, wherein the first porous conductive network layer is stacked on the circumferential surface opposite to that of the first electrical active material layer contacting the electrode collector.

Abstract: A method of providing through-thickness reinforcement of a laminated material which includes a matrix material including a step of creating a locally heated zone in the laminated material so as to locally soften the matrix material by focussing a set of at least two energy beams at a location where through-thickness reinforcement is required and a step of inserting a reinforcement element through the thickness of the laminated material at the location of the locally heated zone to through-thickness reinforce the laminated material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding method includes the steps of disposing a flexible electromagnetic shielding film including a laminate of at least an insulating layer and a conductive metal layer to cover a portion to be electromagnetically shielded on a printed wiring board so that the insulating layer faces the printed wiring board, the conductive metal layer having a higher melting temperature than that of the insulating resin layer; and heating the electromagnetic shielding film to a temperature to melt and contract the insulating layer, thereby bonding the conductive metal layer to a grounding conductor of the printed wiring board and electrically connecting the conductive metal layer to the grounding conductor. The heating temperature is higher than the melting temperature of the insulating layer and lower than the melting temperature of the conductive metal layer.

Abstract: A diffuser-integrated prism sheet is provided, in which diffuser layers are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the prism sheet and prism-shaped protrusions are formed in the prism sheet. The prism sheet for backlight units includes a lower diffuser layer having a light diffusion structure, a lower layer formed on the lower diffuser layer, a first intermediate layer formed on the lower layer and having prism-shaped protrusions formed parallel to each other, a second intermediate layer formed on the first intermediate layer, an upper layer formed on the second intermediate layer, and an upper diffuser layer formed on the upper layer and having a light diffusion structure, wherein an air layer is formed between the lower surface of the second intermediate layer and the valleys of the prism-shaped protrusions of the first intermediate layer. Also, a method of manufacturing the diffuser-integrated prism sheet is provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer coating for decoration of surfaces includes the successive steps of providing a supporting substrate, applying a protective layer on that substrate, applying at least one first decorative layer on the protective layer to transfer a first ornamental patter thereto, depositing at least one adhesive layer on the first decorative layer to form a multilayer coating configured to be applied on a surface to be decorated. The substrate is a film of a polymeric material configured to be removed from the protective layer after application of the multilayer coating on the surface to be decorated. A system of manufacturing a multilayer coating for the decoration of surfaces.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a method to prevent corrosion and deterioration by weather and environmental factors on mufflers by covering the mufflers with flexible moldable laminate shells. The flexible moldable laminate shells are composed of fiberglass reinforced plastic laminate impregnated with polyester resin. The flexible moldable laminate shells can be cut to size with scissors and molded to the muffler or any other object to be protected. After exposure to natural or artificial ultraviolet light, the flexible moldable laminate shells harden into an impermeable layer to protect the muffler from deterioration.

Abstract: An optical system includes an optical path, a first lens unit that changes light emitted from an end of the optical path to parallel light, a second lens unit that allows the parallel light to be focused, and a diffractive optical element (DOE) that changes light passing through the second lens unit to light having a cross-section with a predetermined shape.

Abstract: An exemplary method for manufacturing a circuit board includes, firstly, obtaining an insulating substrate, liquid heat-curable adhesive and electrically conductive particles. The electrically conductive particles are added into the liquid heat-curable adhesive. The electrically conductive particles in the heat-curable adhesive are activated by electrical discharge. Secondly, the liquid heat-curable adhesive having activated electrically conductive particles are spread on the insulating substrate to form a heat-curable adhesive layer on the insulating substrate. Thirdly, the heat-curable adhesive layer are exposed to the mid-infrared light by using a photo-mask, the photo-mask has a pattern corresponding to a desired circuit pattern of the circuit board. The electrically conductive particles relocated themselves one by one to form the circuit pattern under irradiation by the mid-infrared light. Finally, the heat-curable adhesive layer are hardening.

Abstract: A method glues a heat-activated glueable surface element to an adhesive substrate which does not conduct electric current, whereby a surface thereof has only a low thermal conductivity. The heat-activated glueable surface element has an electrically conductive layer in addition to a heat-activated adhesive mass. The layer is inductively heated for a short time in an alternating magnetic field at a frequency from a middle frequency range. A high pressure of at least 1 MPa is exerted on the gluing surface simultaneously to the inductive heating, whereby preventing thermal decomposition reactions is possible. Further, a device performs the method and has an induction heater integrated in a press tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an infrared emitter welder for fusion welding pipe joints. In one representative embodiment, the welder comprises a fuel tank adapted to contain a fuel under pressure and a heating element in fluid communication with the fuel tank. The heating element includes a pair of porous ceramic plates, each having opposing first and second surfaces, wherein the first surfaces of the ceramic plates are joined together, and wherein at least one of the first surfaces includes fuel distribution channels formed therein. A catalytic material, such as platinum, is disposed on at least one of the second surfaces and is operative to ignite the fuel as it reaches the second surface. A supply conduit interconnects the fuel tank and heating element.

Abstract: A laminating device for bonding a protective layer to a substrate, including a driver and a roller head having a shape with a contour to fit a geometric feature of the substrate, is provided. The roller head has a cylindrical symmetry with an axis; the laminating device includes a coupler for mechanically coupling the driver to the roller head. The coupler is parallel to the axis so that the driver provides a rotational motion and a liner displacement to the roller head. The driver also provides a bonding energy to the roller head through the coupler. A roller head for use in a laminating device as above is also provided. A method for bonding a protective layer to a substrate using a laminating device as above is also provided.

Abstract: A process for joining thin walled non-metallic pipe using a tubular inner coupler. The inner coupler may be inserted into the pipe and bonded to the pipe. The inner coupler may include a shoulder to form an attachment point for clamping inner coupled pipe joints together. The pipe joint may be reinforced using a continuous fiber tape. The bonding may include electrofusion, adhesives, heating, and damping, of the inner coupler to the pipe.

Abstract: A method of making a low-dimensional material chemical vapor sensor comprising exfoliating MoS2, applying the monolayer flakes of MoS2 onto a SiO2/Si wafer, applying a methylmethacrylate (MMA)/polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) film, defining trenches for the deposition of metal contacts, and depositing one of Ti/Au, Au, and Pt in the trench and resulting in a MoS2 sensor. A low-dimensional material chemical vapor sensor comprising monolayer flakes of MoS2, trenches in the SiO2/Si wafer, metal contacts in the trenches, and thereby resulting in a MoS2 sensor. A full spectrum sensing suite comprising similarly fabricated parallel sensors made from a variety of low-dimensional materials including graphene, carbon nanotubes, MoS2, BN, and the family of transition metal dichalcogenides. The sensing suites are small, robust, sensitive, low-power, inexpensive, and fast in their response to chemical vapor analytes.

Abstract: A frit-based hermetic sealing system for sealing glass plates to one another, or sealing glass to ceramics is disclosed. Seal materials, the methods to apply these seal materials, and the seal designs for selective and controlled absorption of microwave energy to heat and seal the system are presented. The hermetic seals are useful in various applications such as (a) encapsulating solar cells based on silicon, organic systems, and thin film, (b) encapsulating other electronic devices such as organic LEDs, (c) producing Vacuum Insulated Glass windows, and (d) architectural windows and automotive glass.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of forming a semiconductor device. An embodiment is a method for forming a semiconductor device, the method including applying a substrate to a carrier with an adhesive layer between the carrier and the substrate, curing a portion of the adhesive layer, the cured portion surrounding an uncured portion of the adhesive layer, removing the carrier from adhesive layer, removing the uncured portion of the adhesive layer, and removing the cured portion of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method of fine surface finishing a cladding tube for a nuclear fuel element comprising a cladding tube containing fuel pellets, comprises heating the tube to thermal creep temperatures (e.g., 1750-2000 degrees Celsius) for sapphire and forming inner and outer surfaces of the tube to reduce ridge heights while limiting changes in the crystalline structure of the bulk of the tube. Alternatively, the tube may be placed in a mould and heating the tube-mould assembly to the range of the creep temperature of the sapphire at which differential thermal expansion of the mould and tube cause pressure at an interface between the sapphire and the mould. Maintaining the assembly at an upper end of the creep temperature range allows creep to progress and relieve stresses resulting from the pressure; and cooling the assembly to allow the sapphire tube to part from the mould and be withdrawn.

Abstract: Structures in an electronic device such as substrates associated with a display may be bonded together using liquid adhesive. Fiber-based equipment may be used to apply ultraviolet light to peripheral edges of an adhesive layer during bonding. There-dimensional adhesive shapes may be produced using nozzles with adjustable openings, computer-controlled positioners, and other adhesive dispensing equipment. Ultraviolet light may be applied to liquid adhesive through a mask with an opacity gradient. Adjustable shutter structures may control adhesive exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light exposure may be used to create an adhesive dam that helps create a well defined adhesive border. Multiple layers of adhesive may be applied between a pair of substrates.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of reducing delamination in an assembly. The method comprises providing an assembly and limiting visible light exposure to parts of the assembly to maintain a peel force of 20 grams/inch or greater where the light is limited. The assembly comprises an electronic device, a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface of the substrate is disposed on the electronic device, a barrier stack disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and a weatherable sheet adjacent the barrier film opposite the substrate. The assembly is transmissive to visible and infrared light.

Abstract: Described are composite materials and methods of using them for mixed-mode chromatography. In certain embodiments, the composite material comprises a support member, comprising a plurality of pores extending through the support member; and a multi-functional cross-linked gel. The multi-functional cross-linked gel possesses at least two of the following functions or characteristics: cationic, anionic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, thiophilic, hydrogen bond donating, hydrogen bond accepting, pi-pi bond donating, pi-pi bond accepting, or metal chelating. The composite materials may be used in the separation or purification of a biological molecule or biological ion.

Abstract: A sealant composition particularly suitable for a plastic substrate is disclosed. The sealant composition contains: a partially (meth)acrylated epoxy resin, a hydrophobic oligomer having a flexible hydrophobic backbone moiety and at least one functional group co-curable with the partially (meth)acrylated epoxy resin, and a latent epoxy-curing agent.

Abstract: A method of joining superconductor materials is described. A microwave chamber including a first heat absorption plate and a second heat absorption plate corresponding to the first absorption plate is provided. A first superconductor material and a second superconductor material are disposed between the first heat absorption plate and the second heat absorption plate in the microwave chamber. The first superconductor material and the second superconductor material have an overlapping region therebetween, and a pressure is applied to the first heat absorption plate and the second heat absorption plate. Microwave power is supplied to the microwave chamber. The first heat absorption plate and the second heat absorption plate transform the microwave power into thermal energy so as to join the first superconductor material and the second superconductor material at the overlapping region.

Abstract: A polarizer includes a substrate, a carbon nanotube film, and a number of metal particles. The carbon nanotube film is located over the substrate and includes a number of carbon nanotube yarns, each of which comprises a number of substantially parallelly bundled carbon nanotubes. The metal particles are adhered to the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production process for a decorative sheet comprising a step in which a primer layer is formed on a releasing film having a smooth surface, a step in which a design layer is formed on the above primer layer, a step in which the primer layer and the design layer are transferred on a base material, a step in which the releasing film on the base material is peeled off, a step in which an ionizing radiation curable resin composition is laminated on the primer layer formed on the base material and a step in which the above ionizing radiation curable resin composition is cross-linked and cured to form a surface protective layer.

Abstract: A device uses magnetic force generated by a magnet to intensify compaction pressure applied to a composite laminate.

Abstract: A method of heating includes a process of forming a layer to be heated on one surface of a light absorption layer; and a process of heating the light absorption layer by irradiating light onto the other surface of the light absorption layer. The other surface of the light absorption layer is a surface opposite to the one surface of the light absorption layer.

Abstract: A system for laminating glass having an infrared heating module that includes at least two heating zones for heating a laminated material under vacuum where the two heating zones heat different section of a glass laminate. The system has a convection heating module that includes a heating coil that heats the glass laminate at atmospheric pressure and a cooling module. A system for laminating glass having at least one infrared heating unit, the at least one infrared heating unit arranged to provide three concentric heating zones for heating a laminated material, the three concentric heating zones heating different sections of the laminated material, and operation of the first heating module promotes the removal of air and moisture from the laminating glass.

Abstract: A joint system includes: a transfer-in/out station capable of holding a plurality of substrates or a plurality of superposed substrates, and transferring-in/out the substrates or superposed substrates to/from a processing station; and the processing station performing predetermined processing on the substrates and joining the substrates together. The processing station includes: a surface activation apparatus activating a front surface of the substrate; a surface hydrophilizing apparatus hydrophilizing and cleaning the front surface of the substrate; a joint apparatus joining the substrates together; and a transfer region for transferring the substrate or superposed substrate to the surface activation apparatus, the surface hydrophilizing apparatus, and the joint apparatus.

Abstract: Continuous inflatable tube for canvas pools comprising an inflatable perimeter ring or tube that defines the upper edge of the swimming pool, wherein the ring or tube is a continuous and whole strip, without seams or seals, and comprising a lower longitudinal flange of about 3 or 4 cm which is used to weld said tube to the edge of the canvas pool Said continuous inflatable tube consists in a strip of flexible material, preferably PVC, which forms a continuous cylindrical ring welded by radio frequency to the upper end edge of the sidewalls of the canvas pool, comprising at least one inflating valve, whereby the user will inflate the tube to the desired volume.

Abstract: An electrical charge is placed on a tool used to cure a composite resin part layup. The charged tool produces an electrostatic force that attracts entrapped gases in the resin to the surface of the tool, thereby reducing porosities in the cured part.

Abstract: An optical sensor is disclosed for measuring pressure and/or temperature. The optical sensor is adapted for use in high temperature environments, such as gas turbines and other engines. The optical sensor comprises an optical assembly having a sensor element, a spacer and a lens arranged along the optical axis. The sensor element is spaced from the lens by the spacer. An optical fibre is coupled to the optical assembly for illuminating the sensor element. The optical assembly is resiliently mounted in a housing such that the optical assembly is insulated from shock to the housing. There is also disclosed a method of assembling the optical sensor.

Abstract: Composite panel, particularly for forming roof panels of cars and/or industrial vehicles, and method of manufacturing the composite panel, which composite panel includes a core of foamed material, at least one skin layer of nonwoven material, and at least one connecting layer between the core of foamed material and the skin layer of nonwoven material.

Abstract: A pre-adhesive composition is described comprising an acid- and epoxy-functional (meth)acryloyl copolymer, which when crosslinked using an ionic photoacid generator (PAG) provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive and pressure-sensitive adhesive articles having desirable properties.

Abstract: An induction heating compaction system is provided. The system includes an induction heating member and a compaction member. The induction heating member is configured to generate an electromagnetic field at a select frequency. The select frequency causes at least one of the fibers and matrix in pre-preg material to heat up. The compaction member has at least a portion that is made from a material that is transparent to the select frequency of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction heating member. The compaction member includes a cooling assembly that is configured and arranged to extract heat from the pre-preg material while compacting the pre-preg material.

Abstract: A fill pack assembly and method for assembling a fill pack from individual sheets utilizes integrally bonded sheet pairs. Each sheet pair is a pair of two individual adjacent fill sheets which have been bonded together via any suitable bonding method. A plurality of the thus formed sheet pairs can then be attached together to form an entire fill pack or portion of a fill pack. Such fill packs are useful in heat exchange devices such as industrial cooling towers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for splicing together old and new thermoformable sheets in order to supply a continuous thermoforming operation. The apparatus is used to join together thermoformable sheets by: providing a first thermoformable sheet with a trailing edge and a second thermoformable sheet with a leading edge; forming a terminal edge portion with a hot element along the trailing edge and a complementary terminal edge portion along the leading edge by severing a scrap sheet from each portion; laterally retracting each scrap portion away from the trailing edge and the leading edge; and joining together the first thermoformable sheet and the second thermoformable sheet by interlocking together the terminal edge portion with the complementary terminal edge portion.