Abstract: The invention relates to a method for more quickly producing molds (2) or cores (2?) for foundry purposes by adapting the specific electrical resistance in the selection of the core box to the mixture (9) of a molding material and of a water-containing binder, which binder, when dissolved, forms an electrolyte and has a sufficient electrical conductivity. It is essential to the invention that an electrically conductive material (7) for holding the mixture (9) is introduced into an electrically non-conductive housing (3), wherein the specific electrical conductivity of the material (7) at operating temperature (7) at least approximately corresponds to the specific electrical conductivity of the mixture (9) at temperatures between 100° C. and 130° C., and that electrical energy and thus heat are supplied to the material (7) via electrodes (10) arranged in/on the housing (3) (resistance heating principle), leading to curing of the mixture (9).

Abstract: A single roll type apparatus for manufacturing a metal thin strip by injecting a molten metal onto an outer peripheral face of a cooling roll rotating at a high speed and rapidly solidifying it to manufacture a metal thin strip, wherein an airflow blocking device for blocking the airflow along the surface of the cooling roll is provided at an upstream side of a molten metal injection nozzle for injecting the molten metal in a rotation direction of the cooling roll, and a carbon dioxide gas injection nozzle for forming a flow of carbon dioxide gas on an outer peripheral surface of the cooling roll between the airflow blocking device and the molten metal injection nozzle or forming a carbon dioxide atmosphere on the surface of the cooling roll between the airflow blocking device and the molten metal injection nozzle is disposed, and a foreign material removal device for removing foreign material attached to the surface of the cooling roll is disposed at an upstream side of the airflow blocking device in the rot

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing method of a core using an inorganic binder, a core manufactured thereby, a manufacturing method of a casting product with a core using an inorganic binder, a casting product manufactured thereby, and a manufacturing system of a core using an inorganic binder.

Abstract: A core molding machine which can be made smaller while having a favorable core sand filling property is provided. The machine comprises a core box having a pair of laterally separable dies and a sand filling device, having a blow head disposed under the core box, for filling the core box with core sand directed upward from the blow head; the blow head having a sand blow chamber for guiding the core sand to the core box while being connected to the core box and a sand storage chamber communicating with the sand blow chamber; the sand filling device having a compressed air supply unit for supplying a compressed air for blowing the core sand into the core box and an aeration air supply unit for supplying an aeration air for floating and fluidizing the core sand within the sand blow chamber.

Abstract: A process and tools for forming spherical metal balls is described incorporating molds, injection molded solder, a liquid or gaseous environment to reduce or remove metal oxides and an unconstrained reflow of metal in a heated liquid or gas and solidification of molten metal in a cooler liquid or gas.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a continuous band made of metal, at least two guiding rollers, around which the continuous band is guided, and a first drive, which is set up to move the metal strip. Furthermore, the arrangement includes a textile band, a pressing device, which is set up to press the textile band against the metal strip, and a second drive which is set up to move the textile band past the pressing device. The textile band is set up to clean the continuous band made of metal. In addition, a strip casting installation is also provided which includes an arrangement of this type.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for cleaning die cast metal waste from an interior of a die cast machine riser tube is provided whereby the cleaning system includes a riser tube stand, a heating means, a cleaning tool and leak test materials. The method includes heating the riser tube to a predetermined temperature to melt away the waste and cleaning the remaining residue with the cleaning tool.

Abstract: A roll polishing apparatus that can suppress cracks on a strip. The roll polishing apparatus includes brush rolls which face outer periphery of chilled rolls over an axial length of the chilled rolls, respectively, cylinders which urge the brush rolls wholly to the chilled rolls, respectively, and cylinders which deform the brush rolls in conformity to crowns of the chilled rolls, respectively. By these elements, wires of the brush rolls are uniformly contacted on outer peripheries of the chilled rolls to wipe off oxides adhering to the outer peripheries of the chilled rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus serves for the continuous surface cleaning of rotationally movable casting rolls (2, 3) of a strip-casting machine. A plurality of laser beam units (25) are arranged on the circumference of the respective casting roll (2, 3), which laser beam units (25) are arranged next to one another, are distributed over the casting-roll length and by means of which the casting-roll surface (2a, 3a) can be acted upon with one or more laser beams over the entire casting-roll length. Additional cleaning units (30, 31, 35, 45) for the mechanical cleaning of the casting-roll surface are advantageously connected ahead of and/or behind the laser beam units (25). This makes gap-free and regular surface cleaning of the casting rolls possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing an amorphous ribbon by ejecting and rapidly solidifying molten alloy on a circumferential surface of a rapidly rotating cooling roll, wherein the cooling roll is polished online during amorphous ribbon production. When the circumferential surface of the cooling roll after peeling off the ribbon is polished using a polishing member, the circumferential surface of the cooling roll is polished continuously or intermittently across its lateral direction while differentiating the polishing mode in accordance with the surface properties.

Abstract: An apparatus serves for the continuous surface cleaning of rotationally movable casting rolls (2, 3) of a strip-casting machine. A plurality of laser beam units (25) are arranged on the circumference of the respective casting roll (2, 3), which laser beam units (25) are arranged next to one another, are distributed over the casting-roll length and by means of which the casting-roll surface (2a, 3a) can be acted upon with one or more laser beams over the entire casting-roll length. Additional cleaning units (30, 31, 35, 45) for the mechanical cleaning of the casting-roll surface are advantageously connected ahead of and/or behind the laser beam units (25). This makes gap-free and regular surface cleaning of the casting rolls possible.

Abstract: A sizing agent includes a vinyl copolymer having a repeating unit (i) having a quaternary amino group and a repeating unit (ii) derived from acrylic monomers having a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene, the ratio by mass, (i):(ii), of the repeating unit (i) to the repeating unit (ii) being 60:40 to 90:10. A recording sheet having the sizing agent is also provided.

Abstract: Made up of a step of preparing a map expressing a correlation between solid phase percentage and viscosity of a slurry-form semi-solid metal (27) for a given metal composition; a step of setting a target viscosity corresponding to a target solid phase percentage using this map; a viscosity measuring step of measuring the viscosity of a semi-solid metal in a vessel (13) while cooling it; and a step of carrying out cooling until this viscosity reaches the target viscosity, by these steps being carried out in from the preparation of the map expressing the correlation between solid phase percentage and viscosity of the semi-solid metal to the end of cooling of the semi-solid metal the solid phase percentage of the semi-solid metal is made to match the target solid phase percentage.

Abstract: A diecasting machine comprising a movable and a stationary die half which, when closed, define a die cavity. The diecasting machine further comprises a filling chamber for receiving liquid metal, plunger, a slidingly displaceable inside the filling chamber and mounted on a plunger rod, for ejecting the liquid metal from the filling chamber and for injecting it into the die cavity, and a device for supplying lubricants for the plunger in the filling chamber. At least one pipe or one nozzle having an opening directed towards the plunger is fastened on the plunger rod. The pipe or the nozzle is linked with a reservoir for the lubricant via a supply line. A water-based releasing agent is sprayed into the intermediate space between the plunger rod and the cylindrical inner wall of the filling chamber in the direction of the plunger during a period in which the plunger is at its final lift position after the liquid metal has been injected into the die cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is applied to a casting roll the surface of which is cleaned by a cleaning brush device comprising a main brush extending across the roll surface by sweeper brush actuator 28A and a sweeper brush extending across the roll and capable of tangentially engaging the peripheral longitudinal roll surface in advance of the main brushing device. Both brushes are mounted on mounting frames moveable to bring the main and sweeper brushes into contact with the casting roll. The sweeper brush is independently moveable on the frame by operation of an sweeper brush actuator to move the sweeper brush into engagement with the surface of the casting roll near the start and end of the casting run and the main brush actuator to move the main brush into engagement with the peripheral longitudinal surface of the casting roll during normal casting operation.

Abstract: An injector particularly for a vacuum die-casting apparatus, comprising an injector body provided with at least one first opening for injecting/aspirating a protective gas and at least one second opening for loading molten material, which are arranged in order of operation. The injector body is further provided with a chamber for containing material and for the sliding of a piston for pushing the material into a die. The injector also comprises elements for cleaning and lubricating the external surface of the piston which are arranged in order of operation on a corresponding supporting element which is separate from the injector body.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is applied to a casting roll the surface of which is cleaned by a cleaning brush device comprising a main brush extending across the roll surface by sweeper brush actuator 28A and a sweeper brush extending across the roll and capable of tangentially engaging the peripheral longitudinal roll surface in advance of the main brushing device. Both brushes are mounted on mounting frames moveable to bring the main and sweeper brushes into contact with the casting roll. The sweeper brush is independently moveable on the frame by operation of an sweeper brush actuator to move the sweeper brush into engagement with the surface of the casting roll near the start and end of the casting run and the main brush actuator to move the main brush into engagement with the peripheral longitudinal surface of the casting roll during normal casting operation.

Abstract: A system for removing waste material from the bell end of a cast iron pipe is disclosed. The system has both a cleaning assembly and an exhaust system. The cleaning assembly has a plurality of wire brushes mounted on a shaft. The shaft is mounted on a cart that also supports a movable part of the exhaust system. The cart moves the wire brushes and part of the movable part of the exhaust system into and out of the bell end of the pipe. A motor on the cart rotates the shaft and brushes, and a tilt mechanism tilts the brushes down to contact the pipe. The pipe is rotated about its central longitudinal axis as the brushes contact and clean the pipe. The rotating brushes clean the sand core from the end of the pipe, and the waste sand is drawn by the exhaust system to the bag house where it is filtered. The exhaust system also includes a stationary duct. The stationary duct has a door and a chute. Larger chunks of waste sand can be removed from the exhaust system through the door and chute.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and lubricating an injection sleeve and plunger tip during a fill and injection cycle in a cold chamber die casting machine, in which the plunger tip has an annular generally arcuate recess, lubricating nozzles, lubricating conduits, and scrap exhaust conduits. Pressurized air is released into the recess during the injection cycle and debris is exhausted through the scrap exhaust conduits. Upon completion of the injection cycle, the release of pressurized air into the recess is terminated. A mixture of pressurized air and lubricant is released through the recess onto the injection sleeve during the withdrawal cycle. Upon completion of the withdrawal cycle, release of the mixture of pressurized air and lubricant into the recess is terminated.

Abstract: An injection piston, which has a plunger tip, a plunger piston ring, and a cap and bolts, attaches to an injection rod for use in an injection sleeve of a cold chamber die casting machine. The plunger tip includes a lubricating chamber, lubricating and air conduits, lubricating and air nozzles, an annular scraper ring and scrap exhaust conduits; and has a diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the injection sleeve. The plunger piston ring has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the injection sleeve; and is secured to the plunger tip by a cap and fasteners.

Abstract: A molding die for a cold box process is opened after usage. Washing water is heated at a temperature of 70° C. or more, and is blown to a molding surface of the molding die at a high pressure of 10 MPa or more. The cold-box-process molding die can be washed by this process easily and fully.

Abstract: A brush dislodges unwanted matter from a moving mold in a continuous caster. An enclosure contains the dislodged matter and a vacuum collects the dislodged matter. A high pressure fluid removes any left over unwanted matter from the moving mold.

Abstract: A molten metal is poured in a molten metal storage portion (50) formed between a pair of cooling drums (1, 1') which rotate in opposite directions to each other and a thin metal plate (40) is discharged downward thereof. A casting operation is performed while shot particles (30) are being blasted by a shot particles blasting device (15) from at least two positions onto an entire widthwise outer circumferential surface (2) of each cooling drum (1, 1') so as to form dimples on the circumferential surface (2), thereby preventing the occurrence of cracks in the cast piece (40). Also, a brushing device (5) is disposed in abutting relation on the outer circumferential surface (2) of the cooling drum (1, 1') in order to clean the surface (2).

Abstract: The method enhances the quality of cast metal being cast in a continuous casting process. In particular, the method combines temperature and quality control sensing to achieve closed-loop control of the cooling of molten metal in a continuous caster.

Abstract: The core box includes a cavity therein, a vent in fluid communication with the cavity, ejector members, and apparatus coupled to the ejector members for passing a fluid through the vent into the cavity.

Abstract: A continuous block caster has a temperature sensor in each of the chilling blocks. The sensor monitor and control temperatures of the chilling blocks in the casting direction (the "x-direction") and the direction transverse to the casting direction (the "y-direction").

Abstract: The system has a pivoting frame (1) attached to a core-making machine, including a support (2) fitted with two symmetrically arranged trays (4) having centering elements (6) and clamps (7) to receive and hold two blowing plates, namely a clean plate (19) and a plate to be cleaned (18). The pivoting frame pivots the frame (1), turns the support (2) and travels a blowing head (17) in sequence such that the plate to be cleaned is collected by the support (2) and the clean plate is collected by the blowing head (17).

Abstract: A strip caster (10) for producing a continuous strip (24) has a tundish (12) for containing a melt (14) and a pair of horizontally disposed water cooled casting rolls (22). The casting rolls are juxtaposed relative to one another for forming a pouring basin (18) for receiving the melt through a teeming tube (16) thereby establishing a meniscus (20) between the rolls for forming a strip (24). The melt is protected from the outside air by a non-oxidizing gas passed through a supply line (28) to a sealing chamber (26). Devices (29) for conditioning the outer peripheral chill surfaces of the casting rolls includes grit blasting nozzles (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D), a collection trough (32) for gathering the grit, a line (34) for recycling the grit to a bag house (36), a feeder (38) and a pressurized distributor (40) for delivering the grit to the nozzles. The conditioning nozzles remove dirt, metal oxides and surface imperfections providing a clean surface readily wetted by the melt.

Abstract: A layer of liquid parting agent, and any solid detritus contained therein, is completely removed from a casting surface of a rotating belt after contact with molten metal. A new layer of liquid parting agent is applied to the casting surface thereafter and prior to renewed contact with the molten metal. The removal of used parting agent and the application of fresh helps to prevent the formation of surface blemishes and defects on the cast metal strip product. Such blemishes and defects can also be minimized by using an injector having a flexible tip used to inject the molten metal onto the casting surface and preferably one or more spacers to create a gap between the tip and the casting surface itself. The spacer is preferably a screen of wire strands orientated to minimize disruption of the new layer of liquid parting agent applied to the casting surface. By avoiding disruption of the new layer of liquid parting agent, surface blemishes on the cast product are minimized.

Abstract: In a molding system a box has a pair of oppositely open ends has inner side faces and respective mold plates are engageable in the open ends to close same and have faces defining with the inner side faces a mold cavity. Sand is introduced into the cavity between the faces and is compressed in the cavity to form a mold part. An aerosol mist under superatmospheric pressure and comprised of air and finely divided droplets of a coating liquid is sprayed into the mold cavity when same is closed by the mold plates but before the sand is introduced into the cavity so that the droplets settle on the faces and coat same with the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for casting metal strip comprises casting rolls (12), metal delivery means (13, 14, 15, 16) into the nip (17) between the casting rolls (12) whereby to produce a cast metal strip (19). Roll cleaning brush devices (21) comprise brush head mounting structure (22) which carry linear arrays of rotary brush heads (20) applied to the outer sides of the casting rolls (12). The brush heads (20) of each device (21) are driven simultaneously through a gear train by a respective drive motor (35).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for casting titanium-aluminum alloys including generally 10 weight % or more Al in a reusable metallic mold or die in a manner that retards or avoids build-up of a deleterious aluminum layer on the mold or die cavity surfaces that adversely affects surface quality of castings solidified therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contact pouring vessel and method for pouring molten metal directly into a mold. A pouring vessel holds the molten metal in a molten state. A nozzle within the pouring vessel and having an orifice enables the molten metal to pour from the pouring vessel. A stopper rod is raised or lowered to either seal the orifice or permit the molten metal to flow out the pouring vessel. A rotating cutter cleans the bottom of the nozzle each time a mold is filled to prohibit an unwanted buildup on the nozzle. Four hydraulic cylinders and a hydraulic system are used to controllably raise and lower the pouring vessel. The pouring vessel is raised to accommodate the positioning of mold adjacent the nozzle and lowered to position the nozzle flush with the mold.

Abstract: The fill chamber bore of a die-casting machine is lubricated and prepared for casting by inserting an elongated member into the die-end of the bore while spraying with lubricant. During withdrawal of the elongated member, a conical spray of gas directed toward the die-end drys the lubricant and sweeps vapor and flash, or solder, out of the die-end. The elongated member is preferably a flexible carrier which is guided between the bore and a path between the open die halves lateral to the bore. The lateral path is perferably defined by a tubular member supported by a vertical carriage mounted on a vertical mast for alignment of the flexible carrier with the fill chamber bore when the dies are open. The vertical mast can be mounted on a horizontal carriage moveable along a horizontal bore to preclude interference with normal operation of the die-casting machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spraying solid lubricant to obtain coatings thereof on inner surfaces of an injection sleeve and a spool bushing of a die-casting machine. The die-casting machine further includes a first spraying assembly 1 having nozzles 11 and 12 directed to the injection sleeve 85 and a second spraying assembly 2 having a nozzle 21 directed to the spool bushing 86. The nozzles 11, 12 and 21 are connected to a tank 4 for the solid lubricant. The first and second spray assemblies 1 and 2 are provided with corresponding moving devices 3 and 23 for obtaining a desired movement of the nozzles 11 and 12 and 21, respectively. Nozzle cleaning devices 71 and 72 are provided for cleaning the nozzles 11 and 12 and 21, respectively after the completion of the spraying operation.

Abstract: A multi-articulated arm in a continuous casting machine which interacts with a melt surface condition within a mold, including melt surface abnormalities such as boiling and lack of powder, and a condition of slag beard formation by using image sensors, and also detects a condition of Deckel formation by using a load sensor through a sensor rod, thereby controlling a casting speed, a flow rate of gas blown into a pouring nozzle, a flow rate of a melt poured into the mold, scatter of powder to prevent the occurrence of the melt surface abnormalities. Additionally, said arm can remove a slag beard by a hitting oscillator and removing Deckels by the sensor rod. Those works can be performed following priority thereof by a multi-functional robot equipped with a multi-articulated arm having at its distal end an automatic tool changer mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic matchplate molding machine, used to form sand cope and drag molds, includes a basin former to create a pouring basin in the cope mold. The basin former includes a two-piece liner, one of the pieces being a relatively short and inexpensive plastic sleeve which may be replaced at a relatively low cost when wear occurs. Air passages in the liner channel air into the center of the liner, creating a swirling air current, thereby blowing loose sand out of the liner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the precipitate from the outside of a mold tube in a metal casting machine, includes spray nozzles positioned around the mold tube for spraying a chemical solution against the tube, in situ, to dissolve precipitate thereon, thus avoiding the necessity of removing the mold tube from the machine or otherwise shutting down the casting operation. In spray cooled machines, the water used to cool the mold tube can be used to rinse away the solution and dissolved precipitate.

Abstract: A basin former on a squeeze plate coacts with a sprue former on a pattern plate to form a pouring basin and a sprue in a sand mold. Sand which enters the basin former during formation of the pouring basin is ejected upwardly therefrom by pressurized air which is introduced into the basin former through an opening in the side of a plastic liner located in the basin former. The squeeze plate is modular in nature in that the basin former may be attached to the squeeze plate at any selected one of several locations without need of disconnecting and re-connecting the source of pressurized air when the position of the basin former is changed.

Abstract: A method of direct casting molten metal into strip by providing a melt of the metal to be cast, providing a continuously driven metal chill surface, flowing a layer of the melt onto the moving chill surface and extracting heat from the layer of melt to solidify and temporarily bond the layer of melt to the chill surface and to shrink the solidified layer and cause it to be released from the chill surface, withdrawing the released solidified layer as a continuous metal strip, establishing a natural oxide layer on said chill surface to provide an interface between said layer of melt and said chill surface, and maintaining said natural oxide in a smooth layer of substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: The system includes two platforms vertically movable along guides provided on a fixed support. A top platform is swingable between a horizontal position in which it superposes a lower platform, and a vertical position. A blowing plate is positioned on the top platform. The system is provided with a double catch which is selectively engageable with the bottom wall of the top platform when the latter is in the horizontal position, and with the fixed support when the top platform is in the pivoted-away position.

Abstract: The carriage comprises two sets of motor-driven rollers receiving and expelling the tools or boxes of cores. The carriage further includes a rolling frame having wheels driven by a reduction motor. A further reduction motor is provided in each of two operative sectors of the carriage, which activates a corresponding group of rollers through an intermediary transmission shaft. The carriage also has handling devices for the tools in order to permit and facilitate their periodic cleaning. The handling devices each include a support on which a tiltable arm is assembled, which is activated by a hydraulic cylinder. A plate is positioned on the arm on guides. The plate has clamps to secure the tool or box of cores. The plate is moved by a hydraulic cylinder. The structure may be used for boxes of cores with vertical opening and with the boxes having a horizontal opening as well.

Abstract: In a mold lubricant exhausting apparatus for a knocking-out mechanism to be installed in a press machine, etc., to prevent the knocking-out mechanism from being damaged due to mold lubricant, overflowed a mold, the apparatus has a nozzle (11) disposed at an end thereof in a reserving chamber (2), and an air pump connected to the base end of the nozzle (11) for supplying air to the nozzle (11) for forcibly exhausting the mold lubricant accumulated in the reserving chamber (2).

Abstract: A method of reducing residual moisture on caster rolls resulting from the application of a water based release agent or lubricant comprises placing a controllable heat source in close proximity to the top and bottom roll of the caster to evaporate the residual moisture from the roll surface.

Abstract: A machine and method for making molds and mold cores (126) includes a pair of mold boxes (42a, 42b) removably mounted on a frame (60) for rotation between an upright, molding position in which molding material is introduced into the mold cavity of the mold boxes (42a, 42b) by a carrier (26) and an inverted discharge position in which the mold (126) is removed from the boxes by a mold receiving assembly (76). A pressure head assembly (46) both compresses molding material within the mold cavity and introduces a catalyst gas into the cavity for curing the molding material. A system for removing the spent gas from the mold cavity includes a pair of gas receiving chambers (122a, 122b) integral with the frame (60) which receives gas through the bottom of the mold boxes (42a, 42b) and an exhaust assembly (68, 70) which is selectively coupled with exhaust ports (124a, 124b) in the chambers (122a, 122b).

Abstract: In combination with a rotating casting drum and a tundish for feeding molten metal to the surface of said drum, a pair of rotating brushes in tandem which rotate in the opposite direction to the drum rotation to clean the casting surface prior to the deposit of molten metal from the tundish.

Abstract: A machine for making molds and molding cores (126) includes a pair of mold boxes (42a, 42b) removably mounted on a frame (60) for rotation between an upright, molding position in which molding mateiral is introduced into the molding cavity of the molding boxes (42a, 42b) by a carrier (26) and an inverted discharge position in which the mold (126) is removed from the boxes by a mold receiving assembly (76). A pressure head assembly (46) both compresses molding material within the molding cavity and introduces a catalyst gas into the cavity for curing the molding material. A system for removing the spent gas from the molding cavity includes a pair of gas receiving chambers (122a, 122b) integral with the frame (60) which receives gas through the bottom of the mold boxes (42a, 42b) and an exhaust assembly (68, 70) which is selectively coupled with exhaust ports (124a, 124b) in the chambers (122a, 122b ).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved rapid solidification casting system which employs one or more metal conditioning brushes. The casting surface is cleaned by the brushes and the pressure on the brushes is adjusted so as to deposit a layer of the brush metal onto the casting surface, the casting surface so conditioned increases the quality of the resulting cast material.

Abstract: A mold press having a mold cleaning device with a rotary brush mounted on an arm adjustable for cleaning in directions parallel to the mold surface, toward and away therefrom, and in a wiping motion relative to the surface.

Abstract: As in the parent application, a freshly mixed quick-setting sand mix is blown from a blow box into a mold while a plunger moves through the blow box to chase all of the fluidized sand into the mold. Here, the blow box sand cavity is formed by a tube extending downward but leaving an annular gap above the blow plate. The fluidizing air tends to move bottom sand directly through the center exit in the blow plate. With quick setting sand, any residue is blown into a purge pan while the plunger is advanced. With sand that is not quick setting, and without the plunger, nearly all residual sand settles and tends to be the first blown into the mold during the succeeding blow.