Abstract: A first embodiment of the present application is directed to a method and system used to weld a cylindrical workpiece. A substantially cylindrical workpiece is loaded into a workpiece support, and a robotic welding arm is positioned located at a start position. A value representing a size of the cylindrical workpiece is input into a robot controller via a system interface. Inputting of the size value to the robotic interface obtains a control program. Operation of the obtained control program is initiated by an operator, causing the robot arm to move a preprogrammed distance toward a work surface of the workpiece. Then a welding process is performed by the welder carried on the robot arm in accordance with the control program. The process includes initiating operation of the welder, and moving the welder in a pattern appropriate for the welding operation. The workpiece and welder are moved relative to each other so as to perform the welding process as determined by the control program.

Abstract: A brazing fixture for fabricating a feed-through assembly during a brazing process and a method for forming a brazing fixture are provided. The brazing fixture includes a holding tray and a nesting plate removably mounted on the holding tray. The nesting plate has a surface with at least one nest disposed at the surface. The nest has a first well disposed at the surface of the nesting plate, the first well having first walls. A second well is disposed adjacent to and in concentric relationship with the first well, the second well having second walls. An orifice is disposed adjacent to the second well, the orifice having third walls. A release coating overlies the first walls of the first well and is absent from the third walls of the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for randomly interchanging up to four pairs of side framing gates at a framing station of a vehicle assembly line while maintaining a predetermined build cycle time interval of the assembly line. The system employs first and second carousels positioned on opposite sides of the assembly line upstream of the framing station and third and fourth carousels positioned on opposite sides of the production line downstream of the framing station.

Abstract: A line-up clamp unit is powered by a diesel engine which drives a hydraulic pump for operating hydraulic equipment in the unit. The unit includes a line-up clamp which has front shoes, rear shoes and expanding copper back-up tiles. Drive wheels are deployed by a hydraulic cylinder and operated by a hydraulic drive motor. A group of aligning assemblies are electrically operated and fiction to extend L-shaped members to beyond the diameter of the pipe being welded so that the unit can be automatically positioned at the end of a pipe section. A control box includes a radio receiver for receiving control signals and producing corresponding electric control commands for operating the line-tip unit. A remote control radio transmitter has operating, mechanisms, including push buttons and toggle switches, for operating the line-up unit, including the engine, drive motor, brakes, line-up clamp and aligners.

Abstract: A vacuum heat treating furnace for brazing a large metallic part is disclosed. The vacuum furnace includes a pressure vessel having a cylindrical wall and a door dimensioned and positioned for closing an end of the cylindrical wall. A workpiece handling system is mounted on the pressure vessel door for supporting a metallic workpiece to be heat treated or brazed. The workpiece handling system includes apparatus for rotating the workpiece during a processing cycle. A vacuum system is connectable to the workpiece for creating a subatmospheric pressure inside the workpiece during a brazing cycle.

Abstract: A repair station for a soil auger includes a frame on which the mount the auger at a working height and a motor and gear reduction system to rotate the auger. A slide bar is mounted parallel to the auger and carries a welding guide for supporting a welding gun. The welding guide includes portions engaging the blade, or flight, of the auger to move the welding guide axially of the auger as it rotates. The welding guide also includes a welding gun support shoe with a variable height to position the welding gun so as to lay a bead of metal on the edge of the auger blade. Repeated applications of the welding bead are performed to build up the blade from a worn state to a rebuilt state.

Abstract: A boiler water tube panel alignment device comprising a hydraulic jack system built into a clamp which secures to a metal tab welded to the existing water tube panel. The hydraulic jack is mounted over the new water tube panel to provide the power required for aligning the two boiler water tube panels for welding them together.

Abstract: There are provided a receiving base serving as a base on which a seat back frame is carried in a laid state, and a setting mechanism for holding an axis of a supporting shaft interconnecting actuating shafts projecting from locking mechanisms, the setting mechanism which has held the axis of the supporting shaft being mounted through stand bases to the receiving base so as to be swingable and being adapted to be swung by a driving cylinder which generates a force to the extent that the actuating shafts are not rotated, so that the axis of the supporting shaft can rotated relative to the actuating shafts by an allowed rotational amount according to actuation of the driving cylinder.

Abstract: A machine for determining the location of junction tubes along a header and automatically brazing them to the header. A chassis is employed to hold the junction tubes and header in the proper orientation. A carriage then travels along a line which is parallel to the central axis of the header. The carriage includes a sensor which is able to determine the exact position of the junction tubes. This positional information is stored in a controller. The carriage also includes a reciprocating pair of burners for heating the joint to be brazed. A pair of brazing wire feeders are included for feeding the brazing alloy alloy to the joint. A pyrometer is also included for measuring the temperature of the joint during the brazing process. In operation, the carriage slides along with the sensor measuring the position of each joint to be brazed. The burners and brazing alloy feeders are located in such a position on the carriage that the sensor precedes them in coming to each joint location.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welder for splicing a plurality of workpieces has four anvils, each formed with a meeting surface and displaceable to form a workpiece nest, which has a rectangular shape of a predetermined width. The width of the workpiece nest is sufficient to receive only at least one vertical column of workpieces to be welded, so as to produce a vertical splice. The ultrasonic welder further has a controller controlling a starting position of tooling, which forms the predetermined width of the workpiece nest, and displacing at least one of tools, which form side faces of the nest in reciprocal and time controlled manner. The displaceable tool is brought back to its starting position corresponding to the predetermined width of the workpiece nest before a new bundle of workpieces is loaded therein.

Abstract: At least one machine tool, preferably two machine tools (1, 2) is or are provided for the production of workpieces, or for the complete production of complex workparts, which machine tools each have a basic body (3, 4) and machine units (7, 8) movable in the horizontal direction thereon. Each machine unit has a work spindle (13, 14) which is supported displaceably in the axial direction of the spindle in a carrier (11, 12) of crankshaft-like design. The carrier is mounted pivotably and supports each work spindle above a respective transport system (31, 32) for a workpiece or the workparts (37, 38). Machining devices, for example in the form of a tool carrier (44) for turning, drilling and/or milling tools, a laser-welding device (46), a grinding device (47) and a brushing device (48), and also an apparatus for joining, are provided in the functional area of one of these machine tools.

Abstract: A brazing fixture for fabricating a feed-through assembly during a brazing process and a method for forming a brazing fixture are provided. The brazing fixture includes a holding tray and a nesting plate removably mounted on the holding tray. The nesting plate has a surface with at least one nest disposed at the surface. The nest has a first well disposed at the surface of the nesting plate, the first well having first walls. A second well is disposed adjacent to and in concentric relationship with the first well, the second well having second walls. An orifice is disposed adjacent to the second well, the orifice having third walls. A release coating overlies the first walls of the first well and is absent from the third walls of the orifice.

Abstract: There is disclosed a semiconductor bonding apparatus which mounts a semiconductor chip via an elastic member disposed between the semiconductor chip and a mounting substrate, comprising a holding section which holds the semiconductor chip facing the mounting substrate, a translatory gas bearing which is connected to the holding section and which is capable of moving the semiconductor chip in a bonding direction with respect to the mounting substrate, a voice coil motor connected to the translatory gas bearing, a load cell which detects a pressing force to be applied to the elastic member by the holding section, and a driving section which generates a driving signal in accordance with the pressing force detected by the load cell to drive the voice coil motor.

Abstract: A supporting tray for moving a PCB (10) in a wave solder machine includes a frame (30) and a circular plate (20). The frame includes a circular opening (33) defined thereof and a graduated scale (31) marked thereon around the circular opening. The circular plate includes a recessed portion (23). Two aligned pointers (21) are marked at two opposite outer sides of the recessed portion. In assembly, the PCB is fixedly received in the recessed portion of the circular plate. The combined PCB and circular plate is then rotatably received in the circular opening of the frame. Then the assembled PCB and the supporting tray are transported to a wave solder machine. The angle of the PCB with respect to a direction of flow of solder waves can be adjusted with an indication of the pointers and the scale. Consequently the optimal angle can be efficiently and accurately ascertained.

Abstract: A jig to be in contact with solder in reflow soldering is coated with diamond-like-carbon on at least a portion which is to be in contact with the solder. In this manner the solder is prevented from adhering to the jig. The diamond-like-carbon coating is preferably provided on the whole surface of the jig facing to the molten solder. In a method for connecting connection members using a jig which can be in contact with solder in reflow soldering, the jig is coated with the diamond-like-carbon on its surface which is likely to contact the solder.

Abstract: A flip chip bonder comprising substrate holding means and a chip die bonder for bonding a semiconductor chip having a plurality of electrodes projecting from its front surface to a substrate held on the substrate holding means, wherein

Abstract: A circuit board pallet with an improved securement pin and component positioning arms is disclosed. The improved pin of the present invention is cylindrical pin with an enlarged head. A countersunk hole is drilled in the bottom of the pallet to accommodate the pin. The pin is inserted into the countersunk hole and secured with a high-temperature epoxy resin. The epoxy holds the pin securely in place and keeps the pin from moving up or down. The present invention also comprises at least one arm affixed at one end to a swivel joint. The swivel joint allows the arm to rotate about a vertical axis. The upper portion of the swivel joint is hinged such that the arm can rotate about a horizontal axis. The combination of movement about the horizontal and vertical axis allows the arm to be positioned at any point over the pallet.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (30) for precisely depositing a solder compound onto a substrate (18). The system (10) generally includes a receiving member (20) having a rotatable portion (21) adapted to receive a planar substrate (18), a horizontal member (12) for depositing solder balls (11) on the substrate (18), and a contact member (14), located between the receiving member (20) and horizontal member (12). The contact member comprises an aligner plate (14) having a pair of stoppers (15) protruding therefrom. Advantageously, pivotable portion (21) of the system (10) establishes the planarity of the substrate (18), with respect to the horizontal mount (12) allowing for the solder balls (11) to be mounted thereon, preventing the substrate (18) from being slightly misaligned, warped, and/or tilted.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure with a plurality of flexible material strips which are arranged next to one another and are connected to one another is presented. The material strips have a corrugated shape with U-shaped cross section of essentially straight, vertical partial areas (3) and curved, horizontal partial areas (2). The material strips are connected to one another at contact points (4) of the straight, vertical partial areas. In addition, a device for manufacturing a honeycomb has welding sections (6). The flexible material strips (9) are guided by the welding sections (6), where the material strips are welded to one another by means of a comb-like finger system (10). The finger system or the welding sections are laterally displaced by two sections and by a pressing operation taking place between the finger and the welding section. This presses two material strips onto a heated welding wire (7), which leads to the thermal connection of the material strips.

Abstract: There are provided a receiving base serving as a base on which a seat back frame is carried in a laid state, and a setting mechanism for holding an axis of a supporting shaft interconnecting actuating shafts projecting from locking mechanisms, the setting mechanism which has held the axis of the supporting shaft being mounted through stand bases to the receiving base so as to be swingable and being adapted to be swung by a driving cylinder which generates a force to the extent that the actuating shafts are not rotated, so that the axis of the supporting shaft can rotated relative to the actuating shafts by an allowed rotational amount according to actuation of the driving cylinder.

Abstract: The machine is adapted to supply, manipulate and position steel strip, fed from a coil, so as to bring it into gapped relationship beneath the side wall of a partly constructed, elevated tank. This is done so that the strip can be welded to the side wall to add a course. It is the objective to ensure that the tank wall is plumb (vertical) and in radius (both as to curvature and relative to the center of the tank) and that the width of the gap is optimized, at the weld point. The machine comprises a ‘floating’ main frame or platform suspended on a mobile undercarriage by four pivotally mounted cylinders. The cylinders are independently responsive to instruments monitoring the elevation, levelness and plumbness of the tank wall and the width of the gap. The main frame carries the coil and carries the strip and the tank wall in the vicinity of the weld point.

Abstract: A robotic positioner for use with an automated processing system, such as an automated welding system, for example, includes a base, a support structure rotatably supported on the base, and at least one work surface supported on the support structure suitable for supportably engaging a workpiece. The support structure extends from the base at an angle relative to vertical, and the work surface extends at an angle relative to the support structure. In operation, a workpiece is secured onto a work surface while in a generally horizontal load/unload position. The support structure and work surface thereon is then rotated into an inclined work position relative to horizontal that is adjacent the automated processing system. Thereafter, the work surface is rotated with the support structure back to the generally horizontal load/unload position so that the workpiece can be removed and another loaded.

Abstract: A titanium alloy strip which has a reduced cross section in the central region of the strip. By concentrating heat in this central region the process of bonding laser devices to a substrate is greatly improved. Furthermore, the titanium alloy strip allows for the possibility of removing the laser device from the substrate without destroying the laser device.

Abstract: A repair station for a soil auger includes a frame on which the mount the auger at a working height and a motor and gear reduction system to rotate the auger. A slide bar is mounted parallel to the auger and carries a welding guide for supporting a welding gun. The welding guide includes portions engaging the blade, or flight, of the auger to move the welding guide axially of the auger as it rotates. The welding guide also includes a welding gun support shoe with a variable height to position the welding gun so as to lay a bead of metal on the edge of the auger blade. Repeated applications of the welding bead are performed to build up the blade from a worn state to a rebuilt state.

Abstract: A device for producing a soldered joint between two joining partners which can be joined via a common contact surface (7), using a solder material which can be introduced between the two joining partners. At least one joining partner (1), in the region of the contact surface (7), provides at least one recess, known as a solder reservoir (3), which faces the contact surface and into which the solder material can be introduced, and the solder reservoir (3) is completely delimited and surrounded by the contact surface (7).

Abstract: A wire fixing jig for arranging and fixing covered wires when intersection portions thereof are welded. The jig has a jig body on which the covered wires are arranged, supporting portions for supporting the covered wires are formed around the intersection portions to be welded. These portions are located at a predetermined pitch from a corresponding one of the intersection portions, at both sides in the longitudinal direction thereof and for ensuring a space that allows a core part of each of the intersection portions, which are pressurized when welded, to spread out, and through holes through which welding device is inserted when the intersection portions of the covered wires are welded to each other.

Abstract: An automated soldering system includes a robotic soldering machine and a plurality of feed lines for delivering workpieces to be soldered by the soldering machine. Each of the feed lines transports workpieces such as LCD modules from an input end to a soldering area, and from the soldering area to an outlet end. The soldering areas are arranged within the range of motion of a soldering arm of the soldering machine are preferably arranged in a bilateral triangle having the pivot axis of the soldering are at its apex. The soldering arm is programmed to work reciprocally among the soldering areas, thus increasing the yield of the robotic soldering machine so that the soldering machine is more cost effective. The soldering machine may be programmed to perform different soldering operations at different soldering areas.

Abstract: Novel prefabricated modular structural members for use in low cost construction of relatively small residential, institutional and commercial buildings with high degrees of resistance to damage by fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, moisture, etc., are disclosed. A structural member of this class basically consists of two spaced shell panels and an intermediate core. The core is a triangulated wire frame composed of a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire trusses having their sets of top and bottom apexes anchored to associated sets of longitudinal and transverse chords and the respective proximate inside faces of the shell panels. A fixture is provided which includes posts for holding the wires before they are welded. The posts and a coupling member such as a welding gun can move with respect to each other to form the joints between the wires.

Abstract: A plurality of robots are positioned on a rotatable table for transporting parts to be processed through a plurality of work stations positioned around the periphery of the table. Each robot can carry a workpiece from one work station to the next. The rotation of the table moves the robot from one workstation to the next while carrying a part to be processed. Each robot can be independently movable relative to the other robots and each robot can be independently movable relative to the table. Each robot can include a welder for processing the workpiece independent of the workstation or during movement between work stations. Each robot can carry a plurality of differently configured workpieces between the work stations.

Abstract: A position-, speed- and force-controllable chip accessing apparatus comprises a fixing seat, a rotational direction moving device, a linear direction moving device, and a position sensing device, characterized in that a flexible positioning means is provided at a proper central site of said fixing seat and is screw fixed with said rotational direction moving device; one side of said rotational direction moving device is coupled with said linear direction moving device, while the other side of said rotational direction moving device is coupled with said position sensing device screw; and that by measuring with a speed sensor and a position sensing device on said linear direction moving device, the control of the force, speed and moving distance can be achieved.

Abstract: A transport apparatus comprises a gripper for the transport of substrates. The gripper has a plate on the underside of which the vacuum grippers can be attached magnetically. The plate preferably consists of steel and each vacuum gripper has a permanent magnet. The transport apparatus is suitable for use on a Die Bonder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for randomly interchanging up to four pairs of side framing gates at a framing station of a vehicle assembly line while maintaining a predetermined build cycle time interval of the assembly line. The system employs first and second carousels positioned on opposite sides of the assembly line upstream of the framing station and third and fourth carousels positioned on opposite sides of the production line downstream of the framing station.

Abstract: An electric component compression bonding machine for bonding a plurality of electric components arranged in a row to a substrate is described.

Abstract: A vacuum heat treating furnace for brazing a large metallic part is disclosed. The vacuum furnace includes a pressure vessel having a cylindrical wall and a door dimensioned and positioned for closing an end of the cylindrical wall. A workpiece handling system is mounted on the pressure vessel door for supporting a metallic workpiece to be heat treated or brazed. The workpiece handling system includes apparatus for rotating the workpiece during a processing cycle. A vacuum system is connectable to the workpiece for creating a subatmospheric pressure inside the workpiece during a brazing cycle.

Abstract: A multifunctional weld fixture is provided having a base receiving a component and a plurality of locator tabs disposed around its outer edge. A circumferential array of expansion feet are movably attached to the top surface of the base. A disk-shaped wedge is disposed in sliding engagement with the expansion feet. A cover supports a portion of the component and seals against the component to create an enclosed plenum. The same fixture may be used to expand the component to compensate for shrinkage after the weld is compete.

Abstract: To provide a seam welding apparatus and a seam welding method that may operate at a low pressure to obtain a suitable overlapped alignment amount. In the seam welding apparatus, a trailing plate clamp moving means is provided with link mechanisms for overlapping and aligning a leading end of a trailing plate with a trailing end of a leading plate and a link drive source for operating the link mechanisms under an extended condition. The link mechanisms are arranged in parallel along both side edges of the trailing plate. The pair of link mechanisms are connected to a link drive source to form a parallel link mechanism assembled through a coupling link. Also, a movable portion of the leading plate clamp means has a tilt pivot. This tilt pivot is adapted to be movable so that the overlapped alignment amount may be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved device adapted for mounting semiconductor components to substrates. More particularly, the device includes a housing and a first member rotatably mounted to the housing. A first interface is formed between the first member and the housing. The device also has a second member mounted in the first member. The second member is movable in an axial direction relative to the first member between a first position, in which the second member extends from the first member, and a second position, in which the second member is retracted from the first position. The second member has an engaging mechanism at an end thereof for engaging a semiconductor component when the second member is in its first position. A second interface is formed between the first and second members.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided wherein a substrate is mechanically clamped to a heater block of a die bonder to hold down the heated substrate before and during the die bonding operation, thereby preventing warpage of the substrate. Embodiments include a clamp comprising a plurality of spring-loaded rollers which push down opposing outer edges of the substrate onto the heater block while the substrate is being heated and die bonded. The clamp minimizes warpage of the substrate by pushing the substrate flat onto the heater block, and allows the substrate to be moved into and away from the die bonding area.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicular body includes the following operations:

Abstract: A carriage is adapted to travel along a guide-band mounted about a pipe section. The carriage has a frame that includes a platform for carrying the welding apparatus. Connected to the frame are swing arms whose angular positions relative to the frame are adjustable to allow the carriage to accommodate the curvature of the pipe section. Indexing assemblies that include indexing discs and locking pins are co-operable with each swing arm and elements of the frame to allow each swing arm to be fixed in one predetermined angular position selected from a set of discrete angular positions relative to the frame. The carriage also has an arrangement of drive and idler wheel assemblies which engage opposite edges of the guide-band to effect travel of the carriage in a constrained motion about the guide-band. The wheel assemblies are arranged generally symmetrically about the carriage and are evenly distributed about the carriage.

Abstract: To provide increased yields of semiconductor devices to achieve efficient production there are provided a storage correlating and storing inspection data of each of a plurality of semiconductor chips formed in a wafer and the position of each of a plurality of triac chips as seen on the wafer, a wafer screening portion referring to the inspection data of the semiconductor chips in the storage to select a wafer from a plurality of wafers, and a die-bonding portion die-bonding a triac chip formed in the selected wafer to a lead frame of a high rank semiconductor device having a superior characteristic.

Abstract: A framing station arrangement that includes a bottom plate support device to receive a bottom plate of the car body to be attached thereto. An engaging robot brings separate components of the car body into engagement with the bottom plate. Preassembly devices are used to preassemble the separate components of the car body to the bottom plate and/or to each other in order to obtain the external shape of the car body. A support system having multiple separate framing elements used to support the preassembled car body. At least one other engaging robot is used to bring at least a part of the framing elements into engagement with the support system and/or another framing element. A locking unit that joins at least two separate framing elements together and to the bottom plate support device or at least to three other framing elements to form a support net.

Abstract: A plurality of robots are positioned on a rotatable table for transporting parts to be processed through a plurality of work stations positioned around the periphery of the table. Each robot can carry a workpiece from one work station to the next. The rotation of the table moves the robot from one workstation to the next while carrying a part to be processed. Each robot can be independently movable relative to the other robots and each robot can be independently movable relative to the table. Each robot can include a welder for processing the workpiece independent of the workstation or during movement between work stations. Each robot can carry a plurality of differently configured workpieces between the work stations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and soldering together multiple stanined glass sections is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for framing a car body from a plurality of separate body components includes the steps of attaching a bottom plate of the car body to a bottom plate support unit, then bringing at least a part of the separate body components into engagement with the bottom plate by a robot or similar apparatus. The body components are preassembled relative to the bottom plate and/or relative to each other so that a preassembled car body has an external shape of the car body. A support unit is formed from a plurality of separate support elements for supporting the preassembled car body such that at least a part of the support elements is brought into engagement with the bottom plate support unit and/or another support element by a robot or similar apparatus. The support elements are clamped to each other in order to form a support means net.

Abstract: A plurality of robots are positioned on a rotatable table for transporting parts to be processed through a plurality of work stations positioned around the periphery of the table. Each robot can carry a workpiece from one work station to the next. The rotation of the table moves the robot from one workstation to the next while carrying a part to be processed. Each robot can be independently movable relative to the other robots and each robot can be independently movable relative to the table. Each robot can include a welder for processing the workpiece independent of the workstation or during movement between work stations. Each robot can carry a plurality of differently configured workpieces between the work stations.

Abstract: A line up and connection installation comprises an elongated pipe receiving structure, a line up device for lining up double-walled pipes or pipe components and a connection station for connecting the lined up pipes or pipe components. The line up device has at least two gripper means. The gripper means are each movable in translation in a plane which lies substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe receiving structure. At least one of the gripper means is movable in the axial direction of the pipe receiving structure. The line up device positions a first pipe or component in such a manner with respect to a second pipe or component that they can be connected to one another at their ends in a connection station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and soldering together multiple stained glass sections is disclosed.

Abstract: A bi-directional compliant precision linear slide apparatus having a base that supports two side bearing blocks, side rails and an internal air cylinder. The bearing blocks allow for a set of side rails to be moved in a first direction via the introduction or expelling of air to and from the air cylinder. A top rail allows for a top mounting bracket to be moved back and forth in a second direction, and a set of spring loaded plungers facilitate the precise positioning of the top mounting bracket within the top rails prior to bracket engagement to tube. The top mounting bracket is connected to a first component that is to be welded to a second component. Thus, by controlling the precise position of the top mounting bracket, the gap between the two components is controlled thereby affecting the type and quality of weld needed, reducing the amount of the weld time, and reducing the amount of heat introduced into the two components during the welding process.

Abstract: A plurality of materials are rolled in an upstream stand. While the transfer speed of a succeeding material and the front end position thereof are detected, the transfer speed and the rear end position of a preceding material are detected by a measuring roll. The transfer speed of the succeeding material is controlled by adjusting at least the drive speed of the pinch rolls so that the front end of the succeeding material contacts the rear end of the preceding material at a specified position in a travelling welder. The rear end of the preceding material is joined with the front end of the succeeding material by flash-butt welding using the travelling welder to form a continuous material while letting the travelling welder move at a speed synchronous with the transfer speed of the continuous material. The welded portion on the continuous material is ground and/or cut to remove burrs therefrom. After removing the burrs, the continuous material is continuously rolled by a down-stream stand.