Abstract: The invention is directed to a divider block assembly made from one piece of material. Traditional divider blocks require modular sections so that piston alignment can be calibrated precisely. The current invention uses replaceable pistons and sleeves that are suitable for use at high fluid pressures. The use of these pistons also allows for a single, bodied, one-piece, metal divider body, rather than the conventional multiple block divider blocks, which allows for a more efficient manufacturing method and stronger, more reliable, and more efficient lubricant dispensing system. The use of any of these aspects separately can improve performance, and not all are required in every embodiment.

Abstract: A pump has a pressure chamber and a control ring which is mounted to pivot about a pivoting axis and which undergoes a pivoting motion. The control ring can be pivoted about a deflection angle during its pivoting movement. An aperture is provided in the pressure chamber of the pump. The aperture opens or closes to varying degree based on the pivoting motion of the control ring. In a hydrodynamic retarder with such a pump, a lubricating and cooling medium is supplied at least to bearings of rotating components of the retarder. Differentiated lubrication and cooling, at least of the bearings, can be brought about during braking operation and during non-braking operation of the retarder.

Abstract: An oil storing device includes a body portion. The body portion is formed at its one end with an engaging portion having an oil supply port for supplying engine oil and an oil return port for introducing the engine oil. The engaging portion is detachably connected to a connecting portion of a crankcase. Oil storing chambers for storing the engine oil are formed in the body portion so as to be connected to the oil supply port and the oil return port. When the engaging portion is engaged with the connecting portion of the crankcase, the oil supply port is connected to an inlet port leading to an oil pump, and the oil return port is connected to an outlet port to the crankcase.

Abstract: An inertia pump is connected to and actuated by the vibration of a vibratory device to pump lubricant to lubricate internal components of the vibratory device. The inertia pump has a bottom end cap with an inlet in fluid communication with the vibratory device, a top end cap with an outlet for delivering the lubricant to lubricate components of the vibratory device, a tube disposed between and sealingly engaging the bottom end cap and the top end cap, and a piston having a lubricant passageway. The piston is slidably disposed within the tube downstream of the bottom end cap and upstream of the top end cap. Vibration of the vibration device causes the piston to oscillate within the tube to draw lubricant from the vibration device which passes through the lubricant passageway in the piston, and delivers lubricant to lubricate internal components of the vibration device.

Abstract: A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor includes a cylinder having a refrigerant compression space inside; a piston, linearly reciprocating inside the cylinder to compress a refrigerant; a frame having the cylinder affixed at one end and a mounting groove at a lower portion; an oil feed assembly positioned in the mounting groove to supply oil; an oil supply path in a linear shape, positioned at a lower portion inside the frame to communicate with the mounting groove and with a bottom of the cylinder and which supplies oil between the cylinder and the piston; and an oil recovery path in a linear shape positioned at an upper portion inside the frame to communicate with an upper side of the frame and with a top of the cylinder and which recovers the oil between the cylinder and the piston. The oil feed assembly is in kit form.

Abstract: A lubricator pump adjuster for use with a lubricator pump having a piston housed in a pump body and a rocker connected to the piston. The lubricator pump adjuster comprises a mounting fitting attachable to the pump body and a housing disposed on the mounting fitting. An actuator is disposed in the housing and connectable to the rocker, whereby activation of the actuator causes the rocker to move, thereby adjusting the stroke of the piston. The actuator is a rotary actuator with an output shaft. The lubricator pump adjuster includes a cam faced member attached to the output shaft, and a plunger in contact with the cam faced member that is connectable to the rocker. The cam faced member may include a spiral-ramped surface.

Abstract: A lubricant circulation system (10) includes a lubricant supply cup (1) containing a lubricant (6) and having an oil return hole (13) connected to an oil return pipe (16) of a rotary equipment (5). A pump seat (2) is coupled to the lubricant supply cup (1) and includes a pump chamber (253) and a pump outlet (254) connected to an oil supply pipe (256) of the rotary equipment (5). The lubricant (6) in the lubricant supply cup (1) flows into the pump chamber (253). A pump body (3) is coupled to the pump seat (2) and includes a pressure chamber (34) having a pressure inlet (341) and a pressure outlet (342) with a pressure relief valve (35). By introducing a pressurized fluid (7) from the pressure inlet (341) into the pressure chamber (34), a piston rod (27) in the pump chamber (253) reciprocally moves to allow the lubricant (6) in the pump chamber (253) to be successively supplied to the rotary equipment (5).

Abstract: A fuel pump lubrication apparatus, which lubricates a tappet driven by a fuel pump and moving reciprocally in an interior circumference of a fuel pump adaptor, the apparatus may include a cylinder head that is provided with a camshaft and an oil gallery connected to an oil pump, and an oil supplying line communicated with the oil gallery so as to supply oil of the oil pump to the inside of the fuel pump adaptor, wherein the oil supplying line includes a tappet lubrication nozzle and a cam lubrication nozzle formed at an end thereof.

Abstract: A pump assembly for mounting a high-pressure oil pump on an internal combustion engine where the pump in the assembly is mounted in a closed chamber and a solenoid controlled valve is mounted outside of the chamber.

Abstract: An oil supply unit of a linear compressor including: a well-closed container filled with oil; a frame installed within the well-closed container; a cylinder fixed at the frame; a piston inserted, in the cylinder and being linearly and reciprocally moved by a linear motor; an oil cylinder fixed at the lower portion of the frame so as to be put in the oil filling the well-closed container, and being vibrated in the horizontal direction according to the reciprocal movement of the piston; an oil piston inserted in the oil cylinder in a manner of dividing the inside of the oil cylinder to a suction space and a discharge space that are communicated to each other, and being vibrated in the horizontal direction; an oil suction installed at the outer side of the suction side of the oil cylinder, for opening and closing the suction side of the oil cylinder; an oil discharge valve installed at the outer side of the discharging side of the oil cylinder, for opening and closing the discharging side of the oil cylinder; an

Abstract: A lubricant supply device having a housing defining a reservoir for holding a supply of lubricant, a pump in the housing, and a lubricant distributor having a sealing connection with the housing. The distributor has an inlet for entry of lubricant into the distributor and multiple outlets for exit of lubricant from the distributor for delivery to multiple points of lubrication. The distributor and housing have mating surfaces which seal against one another whereby lubricant from the pump can flow from the housing directly into the distributor without intervening lines.

Abstract: An oil supply apparatus for a linear compressor reduces the number of valves which control oil suction and discharge, thereby enabling fabrication and assembly of an apparatus and supplying an oil of an adequate amount to friction areas of driving elements, and increases a compression force of a mass, thereby increasing circulation volume of an oil. The oil supply apparatus for the linear compressor, includes: a compressor unit in which an oil discharge outlet is formed; an oil supply pipe disposed at an outer side of the compressor unit, an end of which communicates with an end of the oil discharge outlet; an oil valve an end of which is fixedly engaged with a side portion of the compressor unit and the other end of which is selectively in contact with the other end of the oil discharge outlet; and a discharge cover positioned at an outer side of the oil valve and engaged with the compressor unit, so that an oil path is formed between the discharge cover and the compressor unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil supply apparatus for a linear compressor in which elastic members are excluded, wherein oil contained in an oil supply unit is exhausted by inertia and flowed into an oil pocket which communicates with a friction portion between a cylinder and a piston in the process of which the oil supply unit reciprocates in accordance with the vibration of a compressor unit. Thus, the oil supply apparatus for the linear compressor has advantages of reducing manufacturing costs and improving the productivity.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a railroad locomotive applies a lubricant with great accuracy in computer-controlled, precise quantities behind the last axle of the last locomotive such that the lubricant is consumed by the time the entire train has passed under all track, speed, temperature and train size conditions. Hydraulic pulse-width modulation (PWM or % PWM) controls the quantity of lubricant delivered. Time is divided into a series of windows each consisting of a few seconds. Lubricant delivered from a pressurized tank through long hoses to a solenoid controlled valve is then metered by the duration within this time window for which the computer computes and opens the valve. Compensation is provided for train tonnage and lubricant temperature as well as track curvature and train speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for lubricating components in an air compressor having a crankcase for holding oil. The apparatus includes an oil pump located in the crankcase and oil, and a hollow plunger mechanically and hydraulically connected between the oil pump and an eccentric provided on a crankshaft of the air compressor. A filter for filtering the oil held in the crankcase is mounted on a block secured to an external surface of the crankcase. The block mounts the filter on the crankcase and in fluid communication with the pump such that filtered oil is directed to the hollow plunger from the pump after oil is directed into the pump from the filter and after oil is pumped from the crankcase and sent to the filter by the pump.

Abstract: A rail gauge face lubricating apparatus (10) comprising a delivery assembly (12) for delivering lubricant to the rail head (40) and a pump (14) for producing a pressure to deliver lubricant to the deliver assembly (12), the deliver assembly (12) comprising in part an actuable flow regulator whereby the delivery of lubricant through the delivery assembly (12) is governed by the actuable flow regulator. The delivery assembly is maintained in an appropriate position in relation to the rail gauge face by a two cylinder positioner (38) irrespective of the loading of the rail carriage that carries it.

Abstract: A device for lubricating a track or a rail that is adapted to be mounted to a wheeled vehicle. The device includes a frame member adapted to be mounted to the vehicle and an arm pivotally attached to the frame member. A roller, which is adapted to ride on the rail, mounts to the arm and receives a guide. A lubricating nozzle attaches to the guide.

Abstract: A closed-type transmission compressor comprises an upper shell having a compressing unit and a lower shell having a transmission unit. The transmission unit includes a stator which generates magnetic power, a rotor rotated by the magnetic power of the stator, and a crankshaft rotated by rotation of the rotor. The compressing unit includes a slider changing rotatory movement of the crankshaft into linear movement, a piston attached to the slider and reciprocating in a cylinder, a head cover covering the cylinder, an inlet valve between a head and a head cover which permits intake of a refrigerant gas, an outlet valve between the head and the head cover which permits exhaust of the refrigerant gas, a propeller conveying oil in the lower shell into the crankshaft, and a screw-shaped oil path groove formed in the inside of crankshaft along which the oil is flowed.

Abstract: In railroad applications, a new method of simultaneously lubricating the rail gage side (RAGS) and wheel flanges ahead of a locomotive's tractive wheels and lubricating the top of the rail (TOR) behind the tractive wheels to reduce the resistance of the trailing cars and reduce the locomotive wheel flange wear. The method involves controlling both lubricating units with the same computer controller when a single locomotive is used and two controllers located in two different locomotives in the case of a locomotive consist. The rail gage side lubricant spray is applied on curves of 2 degrees or more only on the high rail. For the top of rail lubrication at the trailing end of the locomotive or locomotive consist this invention requires that the angle of the lubricant jet on the rail from the vertical be between 0 and 80 degrees from the vertical, with the angle increasing in the rear or trailing direction. It further requires that the lubricant jet be a solid jet without breaking into a spray cone.

Abstract: A mechanism adapted for reducing damage to a tire of a vehicle caused by execution of sharp turns, the tire being adapted to roll across the ground surface during forward vehicle travel, and said tire slides across the surface of the ground laterally with respect to forward vehicle travel during execution of sharp turns such that the tire encounters large laterally directed forces during execution of said sharp turn. A sprayer is carried by said vehicle for lubricating said tire with a lubricating fluid such that the fluid lubricates the tire for reducing friction between the tire and the ground as the tire slides laterally across the ground surface during execution of a sharp turn. An operator engagable control is provided for allowing the operator to selectively actuate the sprayer.

Abstract: Wheel lubricating apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting wheels on their side in succession into position to be lifted by a lower unit into clamp engagement with an upper stationary unit to support the wheel to be lubricated against rotation. A pair of lubricant brushes are supported by a rotary carriage on opposite sides of the wheel and are rotated in alternating half rotations during each successive soaping cycle to apply soap to the bead seats of the wheels.

Abstract: An assembly for applying one or more materials to the rails of a railroad track includes a mounting bracket for mounting the assembly to a vehicle adapted to travel on the rails. A connecting arm is coupled to the mounting bracket, and at least one nozzle is connected to an end of the connecting arm. The nozzle arm has a hollow channel through which material flows to be applied to a rail surface. A nozzle port is in fluid communication with the nozzle channel when the nozzle arm is in an operative position. The nozzle arm is biased toward the operative position and is adapted to move away from the operative position in response to contact with an obstruction and is returned to the operative position following the contact.

Abstract: A calibrated engine lubricant dispenser has a lubricant reservoir, which houses the engine lubricant where the lubricant is stored for dispensing. An existing engine fuel container is aligned with the dispenser. When the user activates the dispensing, a calibrated amount of engine lubricant is dispensed from the reservoir into the engine fuel container. The engine lubricant mixes with the engine fuel in the engine fuel container so that the proper proportion of engine lubricant versus engine fuel is obtained in the engine fuel container.

Abstract: In railroad applications, an improved method and apparatus for optimizing on-board rail lubrication for both curved and tangent track. The lubricants are applied by an apparatus directly to the rails behind the last axle of the last locomotive of a locomotive consist. The system uses lubricant delivery nozzles which are integrated with the sand pipe and nozzle for each rail. The lubricant nozzles are aimed toward the wheel rail contact at a distance of several inches behind the contact for accurate application of one lubricant on the top of the rail (TOR) and another on the rail gage side (RAGS). The lubricant quantities sprayed on the rail are controlled by a miroprocessor with the use of a flow injection pulse, system or flow control valves. Furthermore, the microprocessor triggers sand application when emergency brakes are applied. A new method of determination of trailing tons in the train is used by averaging the total power used by the locomotives at a certain speed.

Abstract: A lubricating and cleaning unit for chains and rails has a pair of parallel shanks of a shoe and a crosspiece receiving a U-shaped brush in a groove which distributes lubricant through bores in the shanks and crosspiece of the brush to respective bristle bundles. One or more automatic feeders can be connected to threaded openings of the lubricant-distribution bores opening along the sides of the body. The unused openings are closed by plugs.

Abstract: A railway vehicle wheel flange lubrication system includes a body mounted integrated supply/drive unit, a gapless delivery hose of low friction, e.g. thermoplastic, material and a truck mounted holder bracket. The supply/drive unit has a box enclosing a lubrication strand dispensing reel, a gearmotor drive unit, a control panel with operating circuitry and a lube out signal. The gearmotor drive uses a preferably nylon housing with an enclosed, preferably arcuate, passage in which a toothed sprocket driven by a stalled gearmotor penetrates and drives a lubricant strand. The bracket is configured for sturdy mounting on an axle bearing adapter to maintain the hose end against the associated wheel flange.

Abstract: A mounting for applying lubrication to the flanges of locomotive truck wheels comprising bearing brackets attached to the journal boxes at either end of an axle and projecting upward therefrom, a hinge plate rotatably attached to the top of each bearing bracket, a floating arm rotatably attached at each of its ends to the top of the hinge plates, and a lubrication stick applicator with lubrication stick attached to each end of the floating arm with the lubrication stick in contact with the flange of each of the wheels on the axle.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying anti-frictional compound such as stick lubricant to a surface to be lubricated, for example a selected area of a railroad car wheel, includes a magazine for retaining a plurality of sticks or rods of the compound; a mechanism for guiding an individual stick or rod and directing it into contact with the surface to be lubricated. The apparatus sequentially draws individual sticks or rods from the magazine and locates each one, in sequence, in the guideway until the magazine is empty. The apparatus applies a constant pressure on the lubricant to the area to be lubricated.

Abstract: A lubrication applicator presses a block of solid lubricant against the flange of a locomotive wheel. An applicator nozzle loosely fits over the body of the applicator and lightly engages the block of lubricant to bridge the gap between the body and the wheel. The applicator is supported by a main bracket fixed to an unsprung portion of the locomotive truck, such as a journal box or a traction motor, and an adjustable bracket which establishes a good attitude of the applicator and is movable radially of the wheel to accommodate wheels of different diameters. A bracket attached to a journal box fits in a restricted space between the truck frame and the wheel and comprises a plate with upper and lower channels attached to opposite sides to provide strong and light structures subject to minimal inertial loading in a severe vibrational environment. To lessen the inertial forces the brackets angle upward (rather than horizontally) to position the applicator within about 45.degree.

Abstract: A mobile unit positionable and drivable upon railroad tracks for applying a bead of lubricant to the gauge surfaces of the track which includes a lubricant delivery source for delivering lubricant to a pair of nozzles which are arranged in position to direct the lubricant onto the proper area of the track. The unit includes an electric/hydraulic power unit to supply pumping power to a primary lubricant delivery unit which directs the lubricant through a common flow system to the nozzles which are directed to the proper rail locations. The unit also includes lubricant filters, automatic shut off devices and automatic speed control devices for proper delivery of the lubricant to the rail surface. Heating devices are included for temperature maintenance of the lubricant under various temperature conditions.

Abstract: A one-main pipe type centralized lubrication apparatus having a pump device, one main oil feed pipe and a plurality of distributors, wherein the pump device is provided with a depressurization passage for opening a discharge passage connected to the main pipe into a tank and a depressurization valve. The direction of rotation of a motor for driving a pump element of the pump device is reversible so that the depressurization valve is operated in association with the motor and, when the motor normally rotates, the depressurization valve is controlled to be closed and, when the motor rotates in reverse, the depressurization valve is controlled to be open, thereby enabling forcible depressurization.

Abstract: A railroad vehicle wheel flange lubricant system employs a lubricant assembly that connects to the brake shoe. The lubricant assembly has a support member that sandwiches between the brake shoe and the beam head of the braking system. An arm extends from the brake shoe in a circumferential direction. A link pivotally mounts to the outer end of the arm. A lubricant member, including a lubricant reservoir, mounts to the end of the link. A spring urges the lubricant member into contact with the flange of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: In the art of using, by frictionally applying, chemical lubricating compounds in stick form to moving objects, and more particularly applying to the moving flanges of vehicle wheels; the improvement in the structure of stick holders to provide ease of adjustment and uniform complete stick application by pressure.

Abstract: Periodic lubrication of mechanical actuation systems may be avoided in a self-lubricating mechanism for such a system that includes a bidirectional rotary shaft (22), a housing (10), and a one-way clutch (90, 92) having an output element (92) moved in response to one direction of rotation of the shaft (22) and which may remain stationary for the opposite direction of rotation of the shaft (22). Included is a variable volume lubricant reservoir (40, 58) within the housing (10) and a gear system (44, 80, 94, 96, 98) interconnects the output element (92) and the reservoir (40, 58) to continuously feed lubricant therefrom whenever the shaft (22) is rotated in one direction.

Abstract: In railroad operations, a method and apparatus for optimizing on-board rail lubrication for both curved and tangent track. The apparatus is mounted on the car body of the last locomotive of a locomotive consist behind the last axle. A lubricating device applies two different lubricants, one on the crown of the rail and the other on the gage side. The amount and type of the crown lubricant are chosen such that the crown lubricant is totally consumed by the passage of the train wheels. The amount of application of the two lubricants is controlled by a microprocessor. A new sensor has been devised which measures degree of rail curve and estimates the angle of attack of the wheel on the rail by converting lateral displacement into either of the two quantities. This value is provided to the microprocessor. Other sensors measuring speed, temperature, humidity, etc. provide input signals to the microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying lubricant to a railroad vehicle wheel flange utilizes a solid lubricant material. The block of lubricant is wedge-shaped and mounts to one side of the brake shoe. The lubricant wedges between the wheel flange and the brake shoe. The block of lubricant is secured to a plate that sandwiches between the brake shoe pads and the beam head of the braking system. A cantilevered, resilient loop urges the block into engagement with the flange.

Abstract: An applicator for mounting a block of solid lubricant to deposit a thin film of lubricant on the flange of a transit rail car wheel. The applicator (10) includes a bracket (12) adapted to mount the applicator to an unsprung portion of a transit rail car. A pivot arm (26) is pivotally connected at one end of bracket (12) and a block of solid lubricant (42) attached to a mounting plate (34) is bolted to the other end of the pivot arm. The block of solid lubricant is biased against the flange (40) of a transit car wheel by a torsion spring (28). A stop (32) prevents the pivot arm from contacting the wheel as the lubricant block wears by deposition of a thin film of lubricant on the rail car wheel flange as the wheel rolls.

Abstract: Lubricating equipment for wheel flanges of a railroad vehicle has a compressed air supply, and a generator (3) generating an air-oil mixture. Tubing extends from the generator to application nozzles (15) which have a profile that increases density of the air-oil mixture as well as the speed of the flow. The equipment releases oil in a micro-pulverized form onto the surface so that it is unaffected by air turbulence in the vicinity of the moving wheels.

Abstract: A device for lubricating rails is mounted on a track maintenance truck. A pair of heated grease cannisters are mounted in the truck bed along with an air compressor for powering the pneumatic components of the lubricator. A pair of applicator arms have nozzles which apply the grease in a bead to the rails. Valves operated by pneumatic cylinders control the flow of grease to the applicator arms. A special frame attached to the rail gear on the rear bumper of the truck rotatively supports a pair of coaxial shafts on which the arms are carried. Independent pneumatic cylinders rotate the shafts to move the applicator arms between a lowered operating position for applying grease and a raised position in which the arms extend horizontally when not in use. Each arm can be manually moved to and latched in an upright position for over the road travel of the truck.

Abstract: A device for controlling the application of lubricant to parts of a locomotive or a vehicle is taught. Briefly stated, the distance traveled by the locomotive or the like is computed, with lubrication to a component then being provided. The distance between lubrication application may be adjusted, as well as the amount of lubrication being applied. Further, this rate and amount of lubrication, as well as the use of lubrication at all, can be manually or automatically adjusted according to various sensors such as braking, sanding, reversing curves or the like.

Abstract: A wheel flange and rail lubricating apparatus with adjustable features to accurately lubricate the frictional contact area between a locomotive wheel flange and rail during normal locomotive operations. A system controller, a lubricant distribution system and one or more nozzle assemblies are provided. The controller allows the user to define a lubrication cycle which can be optimized on an individual basis with flexibility to control the lubrication cycle in accordance with the distance traveled by the locomotive, speed variations, time, curves, etc. The lubrication interval is set to deliver a precise amount of lubricant and can be adjusted to take into account the viscosity of the lubricant as well as the ambient temperature. A curve sensor repetitively initiates a lubrication cycle each time the locomotive enters a curve. A wheel position sensor delays and prevents discharge of the lubricant until the nozzle and the point to be lubricated are properly aligned.

Abstract: A grease pump for railroad tracks operable by vertical deflections of the rail caused by the weight of the train as the train wheels pass over the track. The pump comprises a housing anchored to the ground and connected to a grease source. Pump operating means comprise a rigid beam connected to the track rail at one end and to a pump operating rod at an opposite end. The operating rod is connected to a cap-like pressure member fitting over the housing and operable by the rail deflection movement to draw grease through inlet port means from the grease source and pump the grease through outlet port means to a track lubricator. Check valves are provided in the pump to control the grease flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for portional ejection of lubricant for lubrication of railway rails, comprising a tank for lubricant, a dosage pump connected to the tank and driven by an operating unit, a nozzle, and a timer for controlling the operating unit. The operating unit is an electromagnet including a movable armature the movement of which acts upon an ejector piston in the dosage pump. A connecting device is provided between the movable armature of the electromagnet and said ejector piston which establishes a power-transmitting connection only after a predetermined distance of displacement of the armature.

Abstract: An actuation device for a tachometer adapted to transmit the revolutions of an engine crankshaft to the tachometer, wherein the oil pump of the engine is utilized as a speed reducing mechanism for transmitting the revolutions of the engine crankshaft to the tachometer after the engine speed is reduced. A cable connected at one end to the plunger of the oil pump whose speed is reduced by means of a gearing is connected at the other end to the tachometer. Thus, by utilizing the oil pump, it is possible to transmit the revolutions of the engine crankshaft to the tachometer without requiring a speed reducing mechanism provided exclusively for the tachometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for lubricating a chain saw mounted on the guide rail of a guide bar comprises a lubrication system for feeding a lubricant through a conduit in the guide bar to the saw chain while the guide bar is in the operating down position and the lubricant flow is interrupted when the guide bar is moved into the non-operating up position of the saw chain. The lubrication system provides a saving of lubricant by feeding it to the chain only during the working process and only to its essential working parts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a chain saw oil pump comprising an engine supported by a suitable frame, a pumping chamber defined by the frame and including an inlet and an outlet, a pumping member reciprocal and rotatable in said pumping chamber relative to the inlet and to the outlet so as to effect pumping operation incident to such reciprocation and rotation, and a spring biased gear for yieldably drivingly connecting the pumping member to the engine for rotation of the former in response to operation of the latter.