Abstract: A wire-based heating element is provided having first and second portions twisted about each other such that magnetic flux emitted from one portion is substantially cancelled by magnetic flux emitted from the other portion. A bonding material that fixedly connects the two portions of the heating element and restricts their movement relative to each other to thereby maximize the cancellation of magnetic flux. A substrate-based heating element is also provided having traces on opposed sides of a substrate and overlying each other to cancel magnetic flux. Electrical connection pads are located on the same side of the substrate, and the second trace extends passed the first trace to connect to the second connection pad. A lead connected to the first connection pad overlies the portion of the second trace that extends to the second connection pad to thereby cancel magnetic flux emissions from this portion of the second trace.

Abstract: A dissolution testing system comprises a vessel plate on which a plurality of vessels are mounted. Each vessel includes a lateral wall having an outer surface around which a plurality of flexible heater elements are attached. Each heater element includes a transparent surface area, a heat conductive element extending along the transparent surface area, a temperature sensing element extending along the transparent surface area, and an electrical contact element connected to the heat conductive element and the temperature sensing element. The heater element can have more than one heating zone, with at least one of the heating zones being selectively energizable. The transparent heater element allows unobstructed view into the interior of its vessel, and reduces the time required to achieve a stabilized set point temperature in the vessel. A heater control system communicates with each heat conductive element and each temperature sensing element through a corresponding one of the electrical contact elements.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a panel-type heating element having an excellent durability and high effectiveness in power saving. To attain this object, the present invention provides a panel-type heating element consisting of a base which a thin film containing zinc oxide and tin oxide can form a layer upon. The panel-type heating element is advantageously manufactured by a method comprising spraying a solution containing a zinc compound and a tin compound on a base. The solution then oxidizes by heating the base in a high temperature reaction chamber to form a thin film consisting of sediment containing zinc oxide and tin oxide on the surface of the base. As a result, the thin film gives the base excellent acid, water and chemical resistance, and heats quickly.

Abstract: A heating/warming textile article (11) with a fabric body (13) with electrical resistance heating/warming elements (15) also contains a phase change component (17) which releases and absorbs latent heat in a cycle corresponding to ON/OFF operation of a power source (23), e.g., a battery, thus to conserve and extend useful battery life.

Abstract: A heatable mirror having a transparent surface element made from a substrate of inorganic material and at least one reflective layer as well as at least one heat-conducting layer applied to the substrate and/or the reflective layer and which has contact elements. The heat-conducting layer is formed by conductive particles having an average diameter of 3 to 100 &mgr;m at least partially embedded in the surface of the substrate and/or the reflective layer and the heat-conducting layer is designed to be over the entire surface or strip-like, wherein the non-conductive region for the strip-like embodiment is an insulating separating layer between the strips.

Abstract: A patient positioning device for a medical treatment or examination device, in particular for an x-ray device or computed tomography device, has a heating device to warm a patient positioned on the plate. The heating device is integrated in the positioning plate of the patient positioning device, made from a fiber composite. The heating device can be a resistive heat layer formed by current-carrying conductors. The conductor system of the resistive heat layer can be x-ray transparent, for example formed of carbon fiber textile. An imaging medical examination device, in particular an x-ray device or computed tomography device has such a patient positioning device so as to enable medical examinations over a longer period of time, since chilling of the patient is prevented.

Abstract: A heating jacket for use on a processing vessel includes a flexible heater jacket having a plurality of layers, a flexible heating element positioned within the layers, and a thermostat positioned within the layers and electrically connected to the heating element for regulating the heating element. An access opening is formed in at least one of the layers to provide access to the thermostat positioned within the layers. An access cover includes a pivotable inner cover which selectively covers the access opening and an outer cover which selectively covers the inner cover. A mounting bracket of the thermostat extends below a pair of parallel flexible strips to secure the thermostat to the layers whereby the thermostat is readily replaceable in the field.

Abstract: A snow and ice melting system for deicing vehicles having a resistive heating element and a heating layer encasing the resistive heating element. The heating layer is capable of conducting heat and is pliable. A heat dissipation mesh is encased in a heat dissipation layer. The heat dissipation layer is connected to the heating layer. The heat dissipation layer is capable of conducting heat and is pliable.

Abstract: A control circuit for a heating pad. The control circuit includes a two-pole, four-position slide switch. The four positions of the two-pole, four-position slide switch include off and three different heat settings of the heating pad. The control circuit also includes three heat setting indicators that are alternatively illuminated when the switch is in the three different heat settings. Diodes are used to direct electrical currents through the indicators as appropriate. The diodes and the two-pole, four-position slide switch are arranged so that current may be appropriately flow through, or may be blocked from flowing through, the indicators when the two-pole, four-position slide switch is in each of the three heating settings.

Abstract: An electric blanket connectable to a power source is provided. The electric blanket includes first and second heating wires connected in series and a monitoring wire positioned therebetween. The monitoring wire is engageable with at least one of the heating wires in response to a predetermined temperature. The cutout interconnects the heating wires to a power source. A monitoring circuit triggers the cutout so as to disconnect the heating wires from the power source in response to engagement of the monitoring wire with one of the heating wires.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warming blanket system having a fabric comprising a heating element, a data temperature mechanism configured to provide ambient air temperature data, a user input configured to provide user heat output preference data for a given normal ambient temperature, and a control system configured to input said air temperature and user heat output preference data and adjust heat output to said heating element based upon a deviation of a measured ambient temperature from said normal ambient temperature.

Abstract: A heating element comprises a heating film having an electrically nonconductive support layer and a conductive layer. The conductive layer of the present invention comprises a metallic layer or material that is deposited onto the support layer. The heating element system is suitable for integration into the seating surface or backrest surface of an automotive vehicle which may also comprise additional components such as upholstered units and sensors to facilitate the comfort of the occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A light weight, portable, temperature regulated enclosure for the pre-heating of artificial insemination guns and the transportation of loaded artificial insemination guns to the place of usage is disclosed. A flexible, planar heater using an etched electrically resistive metallic foil heating element and attached temperature sensor provides regulated heat to the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: The input/output system of the present invention includes a sheet-like input/output unit that includes wiring and a connection box that is attached to an edge of the sheet-like input/output unit. The connection box includes a housing that is attached so as to sandwich the sheet-like input/output unit and internally encloses a circuit board that is connected to the wiring. The housing includes a slit through which the sheet-like input/output unit passes and whose upper and lower edges are curved and means for fixing the sheet-like input/output unit that is disposed inside to the slit. Since the means for fixing the sheet-like input/output unit is disposed inside to the slit, the edges of the slit are narrow but formed with large radii of curvature, so that the sheet-like input/output unit is not folded over at the slit part. The slit can also be sealed by attaching packing to the edge of the slit.

Abstract: A magnetotherapeutic device incorporates bio-ceramic fibers so as to provide simultaneous magnetotherapy and far infra-red wave therapy. Generally encased in clear plastic or the like, the magnetotherapeutic device of the present invention may take the form of a transparent disk having a plastic rim. A stainless cap may provide an attractive top surface into which a logo or symbol may be embossed. It also enhances the magnetic affects on the side opposite the stainless steel cap, the side that is applied to the body. A strong magnet such as one incorporating neodymium may underlie the stainless steel cap to provide magnetotherapy in the present invention. Bio-ceramic fibers emitting the far infra-red wavelengths of 8-14 microns underlie the strong neodymium magnet. A mat of woven bio-ceramic fibers or the like may provide such a structure.

Abstract: A heating unit is presented for use in a heating device for surface heating of a body to enable maintaining a required temperature of the body. The heating unit is composed of first and second elements each made of a material with a specific resistivity in a range of about 0.01-0.01 Ohm·mm2/m, thereby enabling substantial flatness and flexibility of the heating unit. The first and second adjacent elements are accommodated in spaced-apart planes, are electrically insulated from each other, and have different resistance and different surface areas as compared to each other. The first element having the relatively high resistance and the relatively low surface area serves as a heater, and the second element, which is located closer to the body, when the heating unit is in the operation, serves as a distributor of heat created by the first element when connected to a power source.

Abstract: Heat losses from electric heating pads, blankets and pillows are reduced by aligning heat reflective strips or coatings over the top of a heating wire arranged inside the pads, blankets and pillows. By reducing heat losses, lower wattage can be applied to the heating wire to transfer the same amount of heat to a user as equivalent higher wattage blankets which do not have the heat reflective strips. By lowering the applied wattage, a more efficient blanket results.

Abstract: A heating element comprises a base material and a heater disposed on the base material, which can be deformed to accommodate a part of the heater. A steering wheel equipped with the heating element is free from surface protrusions caused by the heater. Employment of a linear heater reduces connections between the heater and power supply lines, and a high connecting reliability is obtained. A steering wheel of the present invention comprises the heating element and the power lines, and connections between the heating element and the power lines are disposed in the boss portion of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is further provided with a temperature detector, a temperature detector heater and a temperature controller, and the detector and the detector heater are disposed in the boss portion. Thus a steering wheel with good grip feeling and a good appearance can be provided at a low cost.

Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and/or a thermally responsive state-changing device.

Abstract: A heating pad system is useable in one embodiment for warming a person on a support structure. In this embodiment, the heating pad system comprises an upper foam pad, a lower foam pad, and a thermal-electric heating element sandwiched between the upper and lower foam pads. A form-fitting waterproof cover encloses at least a portion of the upper and lower foam pads and the thermal-electric heating element. In one aspect of this embodiment, the heating pad system includes a power unit for providing electrical power to the thermal-electric heating element, the power unit including a control panel having at least one temperature selector, the temperature selector for selecting at least one heating pad temperature.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys mechanically and electrically coupled to a printed circuit board, the plurality of keys are arranged in a keyboard defining air gaps around the plurality of keys. The keyboard also includes a keyboard housing for containing the printed circuit board, the keyboard housing further including an opening on at least a portion of a top surface thereof for usably exposing the plurality of keys therethrough. The keyboard also includes a heating element located within the keyboard housing, the heating element and the printed circuit board deriving power from a keyboard port of a computer when the keyboard is coupled to the computer.

Abstract: A heating jacket for use on a processing vessel includes a flexible heater jacket having a plurality of layers, a flexible heating element positioned within the layers, and a thermostat positioned within the layers and electrically connected to the heating element for regulating the heating element. An access opening is formed in at least one of the layers to provide access to the thermostat positioned within the layers. An access cover includes a pivotable inner cover which selectively covers the access opening and an outer cover which selectively covers the inner cover. A mounting bracket of the thermostat extends below a pair of parallel flexible strips to secure the thermostat to the layers whereby the thermostat is readily replaceable in the field.

Abstract: A manufacture or cell (20) formed by a closed case (21) of fabric material (23) in which a multiple number of meltable plastic pellets (24) are disposed and with which an electrical line (25), here in the form of lines (25-1, 25-2), combine in an interwoven assembly. Heat is applied to the pellets (24) via the electrical line (25) to melt them into a mass of substance that solidifies into a solid wall or thickness while concurrently adhering to the fabric material (23) so that the resulting structure is in a cast condition, transformed from its flexible state prior to application of the heat to pellets (24) into a wall-like member. The cell (20) is useful in application of constructing a habitable temporary living housing or shelter for victims arising out of a catastrophe.

Abstract: A liner for an article of footwear, particularly a ski-boot, comprises a thermally formable material which can be selectively heated by means of an insert comprising electrical resistance heating elements. The latter in turn are sandwiched between heat spreading material.

Abstract: A laminated heating body permits free adjustment of temperature to be felt on a user's skin by varying condition of a cover sheet on a surface thereof. The laminated heating body includes a heating body and a cover sheet covering the heating body. The cover sheet is formed from a laminated sheet consisted of at least two sheet bases having mutually different heat conductivity. At least two sheet bases are peelably bonded with each other.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide a heating unit of a carbon fiber-mixed sheet with a low price in which sheet carbon fibers are equally dispersed and a member on the surface of which sheet is not subjected to such change of properties as discoloration and the like. The constitution is characterized in that a sizing agent covers a part of the carbon fiber-mixed sheet which sheet is made by the mixed fiber-making of 5˜10 wt. % of a carbon fiber having a length of 5˜10 mm and 95˜90 wt. % of a pulp containing a bast fiber and in that the sheet has a thickness of 150 &mgr;m or less, a basis weight of 50 g/m2 or less and a degree of beating of 30˜70° SR.

Abstract: A foot warmer mat including an electrical heater element embedded in the mat combined with a heater air circulation emanating from a detachable hood at one end of the mat. A vibrator is also embedded in the mat to stimulate the soles of a user's feet. An automotive electrical adapter is used to power the electrical components to allow controlled activation by a vehicle passenger.

Abstract: An electrical heating device of low electromagnetic wave effect comprises a power wire connected to a power source and a corresponding heating wire connected in series to the power wire. Said heating wire and said power wire each have two ends, one of the ends of said heating wire and one of the ends of said power wire being connected in series and the other one of the ends of said heating wire and the other one of the ends of said power wire being connected to said same power source, and said heating wire and said power wire being in spaced arrangement at a predetermined distance. The electrical heating device further comprises an insulator for providing a common spaced arrangement of the heating wire and the power wire inside the insulator. According to such structure, the present invention can effectively offset the electromagnetic wave and thereby lower the overall electromagnetic wave effect.

Abstract: An expandable chamber support system for vehicle seat and mattress applications includes an expandable chamber constructed from facing sheets of flexible impermeable material that are sealed along their marginal edges. One of the sheets is formed of electrically conductive an elastomeric membrane that is electrically resistance heated while providing a source of pressure support for an occupant supported by the expandable chamber.

Abstract: A heating element, including a sensor conductor, two resistive conductors, with one resistive conductor arranged on one side of the sensor conductor and an other resistive conductor arranged on an other side of the sensor conductor such that the sensor conductor and the two resistive conductors are substantially parallel and plastic electrical insulation surrounding the sensor conductor and each resistive conductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating cable mat (1) comprising a net-shaped supporting element (2) and a heating cable (4) which is arranged on the supporting element. The surface (3) of the supporting element is adhesive, and the heating cable (4) is arranged in abutment against the supporting element (2). To further fix the heating cable (4), a second net-shaped supporting element (10) is arranged adjacent to the heating cable mat so that the heating cable (4) is located between the two supporting elements (2, 10).

Abstract: Electric resistance heating/warming composite fabric articles have a fabric layer having a first surface and an opposite, second surface, and an electric resistance heating/warming element in the form of a conductive yarn mounted upon first surface of the fabric layer, e.g. in embroidery stitching, and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, at least adjacent to the first or second surface of the fabric layer. Methods of forming electric resistance heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heating apparatus which can be implemented as various articles for keeping human body warm, preventing from cold weather, insulating cold air, etc., e.g., warming clothes, electric blankets, hot compress pads, and curtains for insulating cold air. According to the invention, the heating apparatus includes a soft matrix, a metal yarn and a power supply. The metal yarn is integrated with the soft matrix to construct a loop pattern by a textile process, and has a first end line and a second end line. The first end line and the second end line of the metal yarn are detachably connected to the power supply. When the first end line and the second end line of the metal yarn both are connected to power supply, the power supply supplies the metal yarn with electric energy such that the metal yarn transfers the supplied electric energy into heat.

Abstract: An electric heater with a low electromagnetic wave effect, the heater is mainly used to generate heat in a main pipe line, and is provided with a loop line and an electric heating line laid juxtaposed and parallel with each other with a suitable distance therebetween; by serially connecting the ends respectively of the loop line and the electric heating line as well as coupling the other ends respectively of the loop line and the electric heating line with the electric current loop of an electric source, when electric current flows through the loop line and the electric heating line, the current flows therethrough in a contrary direction to offset most of electromagnetic waves; in this way, the electromagnetic wave effect of the electric heater is effectively lowered.

Abstract: A heating sleeve for medical examination instruments includes an open circular band having a free end provided with a first engaging means and another free end provided with a second engaging means engageable with the first engaging means, a flexible heat emitting member affixed to an inner side of the open circular band, a power source mounted on an outer side of the open circular band, whereby the power source will heat the flexible heat emitting member thereby rapidly warning a contact member of a medical examination instrument and therefore preventing a patient from feeling uncomfortable to the cold contact member.

Abstract: A heat transfer material comprised of a polymeric material and a nitride or oxide is provided and is thermally conductive, but electrically non-conductive. The polymeric material may be silicone rubber, and the nitride or oxide may be aluminum nitride, boron nitride, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide or beryllium oxide. The material is made flexible by adding plasticizer and remains flexible after an extended period of use. A dielectric jacket for an electrical heating cable is thermally conductive and remains flexible so that it can be reused. The heat transfer material can be used on heating devices such as steam tubes and panels, where the heat transfer material does not bond to or adhere to the heated surface, which allows the heating device to be reused.

Abstract: A heating substrate useful in an electronic blanket or a hot compressing pad is provided. The heating substrate includes a flexible fiber layer and a graphite thread. The graphite thread is wound on the flexible fiber layer with a given winding distance. The graphite thread is stitched onto the flexible fiber layer by use of a positioning wire. A slot is formed appropriately on the flexible fiber layer for forming a given number of the graphite threads and the layer thereunder as a unit of the heating substrate of the invention. Thereby, the thick flexible fiber layer is prevented from being distributed unevenly when in use.

Abstract: A semi-rigid heated element assembly and method of manufacturing semi-rigid heated element assemblies is provided. A heated element assembly includes a first thermoplastic sheet, a second thermoplastic sheet, and a resistance heating element laminated between the first and second thermoplastic sheets. The resistance heating element includes a supporting substrate having a first surface thereon and an electrical resistance heating material forming a predetermined circuit path having a pair of terminal end portions. The circuit path continues onto at least one flap portion that is capable of rotating about a first axis of rotation. The reformable continuous element structure may be formed into a final element assembly configuration whereby at least the flap portion is rotated along its axis of rotation to provide resistance heating in at least two planes. Semi-rigid heating elements may be formed into heated containers, heated bags, and other objects with complex heat planes.

Abstract: A preformed heating element for use in a steering wheel including a heating element, embedded into a rubber or polyurethane material and preformed with manufacturing methods such as vacuum forming, resin impregnating, injection molding, and pultrusion progressive die.

Abstract: A snow melting apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of heating wires 10, a pair of fixing members 20, 20 and rod-shaped auxiliary fixing members 30. The plurality of heating wires 10 are arranged substantially in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to its axial direction. The fixing members fix and hold the plurality heating wires at end portions thereof. The rod-shaped auxiliary fixing member holds the plurality of heating wires at intermediate positions thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a snow melting apparatus which holds a certain flexing capability, which causes no damage to the joining force between a base layer and a surface layer of a driveway, and which does not fail completely even if the apparatus partially breaks at a single position therealong.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heating apparatus which can be implemented as various articles for keeping human body warm, preventing from cold weather, insulating cold air, etc., e.g., warming clothes, electric blankets, hot compress pads, and curtains for insulating cold air. According to the invention, the heating apparatus includes a soft matrix, a metal yarn and a power supply. The metal yarn is integrated with the soft matrix to construct a loop pattern by a textile process, and has a first end line and a second end line. The first end line and the second end line of the metal yarn are detachably connected to the power supply. When the first end line and the second end line of the metal yarn both are connected to power supply, the power supply supplies the metal yarn with electric energy such that the metal yarn transfers the supplied electric energy into heat.

Abstract: An electric heating pad comprises a substrate carrying an insulated single strand of a carbon fibers bundle that is arranged to be supplied by power from a pair of batteries. The batteries are carried in a closable case supported in a pouch formed in a top cover. The membrane has an adhesive lower layer which is protected by a peel-off cover when the pad is not in use. The pad is placed against an area of a human body requiring heat treatment, the batteries are placed in the case and heat applied automatically without supervision. Heating can be carried out for 5 hours when fully charged batteries are used.

Abstract: A heating element that can be incorporated into a molded foam article closely adjacent to the outer cover sheet without showing any evidence that a heating element is encapsulated within the foam portion of the article and provides essentially the same relatively softness and “feel” that would be obtained if the heating element was not part of the article.

Abstract: A point-of-sale storage device for an electronic heating pad includes a storage tube and a lid that removably attaches to the storage tube. The storage tube may be clear plastic, and coloring may be added to distinguish different models of electronic heating pads. A method for storing the electronic heating pad includes coiling a cord and controller assembly attached to the pad, placing the coiled cord and controller assembly along an edge of the pad parallel to straight sections of heating wire within the pad, rolling the pad in a direction so as to roll the pad around the coiled cord and controller assembly, inserting the rolled pad into the storage tube, and closing the storage tube with the lid. Optionally, the rolled pad may be inserted into a cloth sleeve prior to inserting the rolled pad covered with the cloth sleeve into the storage tube.

Abstract: A snow-melting apparatus prevents ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building. An outer edge section of the roof extends over and beyond an outside wall of the building in an outward direction. A heat conduction device includes a substantially planar body portion formed of a substantially thermally conductive material and having a first side and a second side. The second side is opposite the first side. The first side has a coating with a high emissivity. The first side transfers heat to an inside surface of at least the outer edge section of the roof. A heat source is attached to the body portion of the heat conduction device.

Abstract: A flexible heater or cooler which includes a flexible, conformal, thermally conductive container filled with thermally conductive material. A thermal element within the container or in contact with the outside of the container provides heat to the container or removes heat from the container. The thermal element is powered by a low voltage direct current electrical source. A sensor for determining the temperature of the thermally conductive material is also included. The thermal element, electrical source, and sensor are in communication by connectors with a solid state continuous temperature controller. In operation, the electrical source provides power to the thermal element, thereby heating or cooling the thermally conductive material within the container. The temperature in the container is determined by the sensor and the controller controls the power delivery to the thermal element in response to the setting on the controller and the temperature in the container.

Abstract: A method for recovering a liquid substance such as fuel oil from ships sunk or stranded due to marine accidents and from storage facilities by more easily heating the liquid substance to reduce its viscosity, and a device for recovering liquid substance. A working coil (2) is applied to the inner bottom plate (7) of a conductive tank (6) in contact with the liquid substance to be recovered, a high-frequency current is supplied to the working coil (2) from a high-frequency inverter unit (3) to heat the inner bottom plate (7) itself by induction heating and the liquid substance is reduced in viscosity by the heating for recovery via a recovery pipe (5) connected to a pump (4).

Abstract: A heating element that can be incorporated into a molded foam article closely adjacent to the outer cover sheet without showing any evidence that a heating element is encapsulated within the foam portion of the article and provides essentially the same relatively softness and “feel” that would be obtained if the heating element was not part of the article.

Abstract: A deicing apparatus comprises an integral stack of layers inseparably joined in intimate mutual contact forming a flexible mat. The layers include a first layer to be placed into contact with a surface to be deiced or to be maintained clear of ice, having electrical insulation properties, a second layer of resistance heating, electrically conductive material formed in an electrical conducting path, a third layer of electrically insulating material, a forth heat energy reflective layer of metallic foil, and a fifth layer of thermally insulative and physically tough material. A device for applying an electrical current to the second layer to produce heat energy is provided.

Abstract: An improved structure of a hot packing including a plurality of hot packing bag bodies and an electric heating structure, and the contents of the bag bodies being sodium acetate solution and iron plate, characterized in that the surrounding edges of the hot packing bag bodies are connectedly sealed and a separate lamination layer is formed between a bag body with a second bag body for the mounting of an electric heating plate, a fastening ring for fastening is provided at the wire passage area for the hot packing bag and the electric heating plate so as to completely seal the bag body to avoid leakage and the electric heating plate is provided with a temperature control element, and an external connected temperature regulator and timer so as to effectively control the heat emission of the electric heating plate at a specific temperature so as to avoid excessive temperature to break the bag body.