Abstract: Pure unalloyed pyrocarbons having wear resistance suitable for use in pyrocarbon-coated heart valve components and having mechanical properties, such as flexural strength and toughness, superior to commercial silicon-alloyed pyrocarbons are deposited in fluidized bed coaters. Coating conditions are carefully controlled so as to maintain a precise bed size within a defined coating enclosure which will assure a substantially constant surface deposition temperature that in turn assures deposition of homogenous unalloyed pyrocarbons having these improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming metal or non-metal carbide fiber from the corresponding metal or non-metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a seal portion of a tubular body of synthetic resin is provided in which the seal portion has increased density and reduced foaming. The apparatus includes a pair of clamps that clamp an end portion of a tubular body of resin flat. A heater heats and fuses a projecting end portion projecting from the clamps. A bending member bends side projecting portions of the body formed during heating so that they are inwardly projecting. A press member presses the projecting end portion to form a seal portion.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a closing device constituted by a tapped closing device and a tamper-proof ring inlcuding, on the one hand, an annular joining strip with controlled deformation and, on the other hand, an inner annular projection. A preforming of the tamper-proof ring is effected:by axially introducing in said device a cylindrical mandrel which is provided with an annular peripheral cam such that the lower face of the inner annular projection comes into abutment against said cam, thenby exerting on said device and/or on the mandrel a bearing effort whose force is sufficient to ensure a relative stroke of the mandrel in the device in contact with the cam up to a preforming position maintained for a determined time so as jointly to produce an outward bending of the strip with controlled deformation and a remanent deflection towards the closing device of the inner annular projection so that its upper face remains inclined by an angle with respect to the normal to the axis of the device.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nanodimensional particles of oxides and sulphides of metals and metal clusters in a carbonaceous matrix. Inorganic salts of metals are thoroughly mixed with one or more of the polymers polyphenylene sulphide, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene selenide, polyphenylene telluride and polyacrylonitrile in a solvent mixture. The mixture is dried and pellets are made from the dried mixture by applying compaction loads in the range of 4000 to 8000 and more preferably 5000 to 5500 psi followed by heating at a temperature in the range of 400.degree. to 800.degree. C. in an inert atmosphere. The above pellets are cooled to room temperature slowly.

Abstract: An injection molded trim strip and a method for its formation are provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing an elongate, polymeric strip having an upper surface, a lower surface which is spaced from the upper surface and first and second ends; removing material from the polymeric strip inwardly from at least one of the first and second ends so as to create a modified strip; and injection molding with a polymeric material to fill at least a portion of an area formerly occupied by the removed material to create a trim strip having an intermediate surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces formed from the injected polymeric material.

Abstract: A process for producing fireproof, carbon-containing ceramic moldings in which an oxidic fireproof matrix material with a carbon-containing component and a polymer compound is mixed together to form a mixture, and in which the mixture is processed into moldings. The moldings subsequently are heat-treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a cured elastomeric hose having an internal socket or other internal configuration formed therein and the product produced. Cured elastomeric hose can be formed having an internal socket by mounting the hose on a mandrel assembly having the desired internal configuration formed therein. An end forming cap assembly is selectively mounted on the hose and mandrel assembly, tightly engages the hose and forces the hose to assume the shape of the mandrel assembly. The hose is cured and then the end forming cap is removed from the hose through the use of an air removal tool. The product produced is suitable to receive a wide variety of articles such as an anti-splashback valve or a molded thermoplastic connector.

Abstract: A thin-walled, cup shaped container molded of polypropylene, or other suitable material, is formed with a tamper-evident band initially positioned outside the lip at the top of the container wall. The lower edge of the band is connected to the container by spaced frangible bridges. A lid closes off the top of the container and has an outer and inner skirt respectively fitting outside and inside the container lip. The upper end of the band is formed into an annular inward projection overlying the periphery of the lid. Forming the retainer projection is accomplished by bringing a heated tool in contact with the band to heat the same until near its melting temperature. The tool has slanted walls converging at a radius and shaped to bend the projection approximately horizontally inward. The lid cannot be removed without tearing off the band.

Abstract: A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described). The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.

Abstract: A tunnel liner used for a shield tunneling method for a tunnel having a diameter of 1.5 to 7 m is fabricated by dividing a ring-shaped liner into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction. The tunnel liner is required to be excellent in the dimensional accuracy with respect to the outer peripheral surface, to be tight, to be high in strength, and to be high in water tightness at the abutment between the adjacent liners. The tunnel liner is fabricated by a method of filling each arcuate enclosed hollow form with concrete, vibro-compacting concrete, molding the end surfaces of the tunnel liner, mounting the forms within a centrifugal molding drum, and tightly molding the outer peripheral surface of the forms by applying of a centrifugal force. According to this fabrication method, it is possible to effectively fabricate an excellent tunnel liner at a low cost.

Abstract: Self-adhesive carbonaceous grains for use in the manufacture of high-density and high-strength carbon artifacts containing 0.5-1.5 wt % of a quinoline-soluble but pyridine-insoluble component and at least 97 wt % of a quinoline-insoluble component and which are prepared by heat-treating in a nonoxidizing atmosphere a mesophase pitch that is obtained by polymerizing condensed polycyclic hydrocarbons or substances containing them in the presence of a superacid consisting of hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride. The carbonaceous grains are molded and the mold is baked at a sufficient temperature to achieve its carbonization, with the heating rate being not more than 20.degree. C./h in the temperature range from 400 .degree. to 600.degree. C. In this way, high-density and high-strength carbon artifacts showing a homogeneous fine mosaic texture of optical anisotropy can be efficiently manufactured in high carbon yield.

Abstract: A carbon substrate is prepared from a molded article of thermosetting resin by heat-treating in an inert atmosphere. The resin is characterized in that the content of Fe, Al, Ni, Co, Cr, and Mg insoluble in the resin is less than 1 ppm each and the content of Ca and Si insoluble in the resin is less than 2 ppm each. The thermosetting resin is further characterized in that the water content is less than 3 wt % and the ratio of the methylene carbon (CH.sub.2) connected to the hydroxyl group (OH) is less than 3% (based on the total carbon number). The carbon substrate prepared in this manner is almost free of defects and voids. It is suitable for use as the substrate of magnetic recording medium. The thermosetting resin may be a powdery or granular one which fluidizes and then cures on heating. A molded article of thermosetting resin is prepared by introducing the resin melt into a mold and curing it with heating under pressure.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing carbonaceous parts including the steps of shaping a mixture of carbonaceous powder and bonding agent to form raw parts, cooling the raw parts to ambient temperature at a known rate and firing the cooled parts in a furnace from ambient temperature to a final firing temperature to release volatile particles to produce fired parts devoid of volatile products. This process is improved by placing the raw parts in an electric furnace in the absence of heating filler, heating the raw parts in the furnace to an intermediate temperature of about 200.degree. C. at a fixed initial heating rate such that the loss of volatile products is less than 10% by weight of the total amount of volatile products contained in the raw parts and being a function of the cooling rate such that the internal strain from the shaping and cooling step is freed.

Abstract: A sun visor has a generally board shaped body of dark colored polypropylene particle foam with a depression in a main surface thereof. A shaped light colored body is inserted into the depression and is pressed against the bottom of the depression through simultaneous application of heat and pressure, for compacting and reshaping the shaped body to form a reflector. A mirror assembly is disposed over the reflector, and an illuminating device may be disposed there. Fastening pins and openings on the reflector in the mirror assembly and the illuminating device hold them together.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon fiber comprising applying an infusibilization to a pitch fiber yarn made using mesophase pitch as a starting material in a state with substantially no tension applied to the yarn and in an oxidizing gas atmosphere including nitrogen dioxide and oxygen, then sintering in an inert gas atmosphere of 350.degree. C. to less than 400.degree. C. for 10 minutes or more for primary carbonization, then applying secondary carbonization at a temperature of 800.degree. to 1300.degree. C. for 5 to 120 seconds, while feeding out the yarn in the linear form and continuously transporting the same.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing an electrical connection, and connection thus obtained between a strip of a plastic material (1) having a conductive coating on a single face (5) and a second conductor (15) positioned on the non-conductive side (3) of said strip consisting of forming into a loop the lug (7), formed by the end portion of said strip, by thermoforming between two parallel cylinders of which at least one is heated, driven in rotation to come to press the non-conductive face of the lug (7) against a non-conductive portion of the strip.

Abstract: An organic polymer compound such as poly(p-phenylene) is heat treated under an atmosphere of an inert gas such as argon at 500.degree. to 1,500.degree. C., preferably in the vicinity of a carbonization temperature (the range from the carbonization temperature to the carbonization temperature+300.degree. C.) to obtain a carbon material having properties of both a carbon substance and an organic substance.

Abstract: A method of making an intraocular lens including attaching a fixation member to an optic to form an IOL assembly with a length of the fixation member between a location on a peripheral surface of the optic and a distal end of the fixation member being elongated and substantially straight. The substantially straight length of the fixation member is permanently deformed into a curved configuration suitable for implantation in an eye of a patient.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing containers from sheets having a hydraulically settable matrix. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a hydraulic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates, fibers, and rheology-modifying agents) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. Hydraulically settable sheets are formed from the mixture by extrusion, then calendering the sheets using a set of rollers and then drying the sheets in an accelerated manner to substantially harden the sheets. The resulting hydraulically settable sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. The sheets can be laminated, corrugated, coated, printed on, scored, perforated, cut, folded, rolled, spiral wound, molded, assembled and seamed to mass produce articles of manufacture from the sheets such as food and beverage containers.

Abstract: A tamper indicating closure is formed with connecting frangible straps between the cap and the tamper indicating band by molding connecting straps which are oversized and reforming the straps to produce reduced thickness frangible straps.

Abstract: An elongated structural element includes an external tubular casing (11) with the hollow interior space filled with a polymer binder (12) containing a plurality of elongated parallel continuous strands of fiber reinforcement material (13) extending lengthwise of the element. A method for preparing such an element is provided by filling a preformed tubular casing (11) with a polymer binder (12) in liquid form in which is dispersed the fiber reinforcement material (13) and allowing the polymer binder to solidify. The element may be initially shaped prior to solidification or reheated into another shape such as a helical coil or spring. An internal casing (29) can also be used where the fiber reinforcement strands (13) are between the external and internal casings (11) and (29).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for crimping, pleating and forming a tip on a hollow tube. The apparatus includes a first punch having a tubular section sized to receive the tube and having a configured tip with a plurality of elongated grooves formed therein. The first punch also contains a shoulder formed at an opposite end of the tubular section which acts as a stop for the tube. The first punch and tube are mateable with a first die. The first die includes a base having a plurality of blades extending axially outward therefrom. Each blade is designed to engage with one of the grooves formed on the first punch and causes the tip of the tube to be crimped therebetween. After an end of the tube has been crimped, it is transformed into a plurality of pleats and configured into a semi-spherically shaped tip having a central aperture formed therethrough. This is accomplished using a second punch having a tubular section sized to receive the tube.

Abstract: Filled thermoplastic pitch comprising particulate filler and advanced mesophase pitch having a TMA deformation temperature of at least 400.degree. C., and a method for the manufacture thereof. The filled thermoplastic pitch may be shaped and densified in one or more thermoforming operations. The resulting preform may be thermoset and carbonized in ordinary baking operations without requiring molds and pressurized vessels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming metal or non-metal carbide fiber from the corresponding metal or non-metal containing material such as a silicon sol or mixtures thereof and silicon, silicon carbide or silicon oxide, or mixtures of silicon carbide and silicon or silicon oxide.

Abstract: In a process of manufacturing shaped elements from synthetic thermoplastics, particularly polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, wherein the plastic material is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature and is shaped in that state to form the shaped element and is subsequently cooled to a temperature below its softening temperature, the shaped elements are shaped in a hot state to form intermediate products having a certain oversize over the desired final dimensions and after they have been cooled are caused by a material-compacting pressing operation to assume the desired final dimensions, in which they are dimensionally stable.

Abstract: Self-reinforcing, pitch-based carbon articles having an unique combination of excellent thermal conductivity and outstanding mechanical properties are produced by carbonizing acid-treated mesophase pitch fiber, preferably in the form of a preform structure. The carbon articles having varying degrees of porosity are particularly desirable for use in thermal management and stiffness applications, and in carbon vapor infiltration processes employed in making complex solid carbon articles.

Abstract: A method for forming a coved backsplash system, comprising two adjacent perpendicular wall sections joined by a curved corner joint. In particular, a designed relief, or groove, is formed on the rear surface of the material at a predetermined depth. The grooved material is placed on a shaped mandrel having the capacity of maintaining controlled heating, limited to the area being formed on the material. The grooved area is also heated by a device in conjunction with the surface area being heated by the mandrel. The solid surface material is brought to a thermoforming temperature by conductivity of the heat generated in the mandrel and heating devices. A wiping arm is used to form the solid surface material to the mandrel, the solid surface material being brought in contact with a flat work surface by the wiping arm. The non-grooved, flat surface areas of the material are then held in place by the wiping arm while the solid surface material begins the cooling process.

Abstract: A one piece molded box for the storage of magnetic media devices having a cover and a base which are connected by an integrally formed hinge member. The hinge is spaced from the corner of the box allowing the box to rotate to an open position about an axis in the midsection of the outer wall of the box. The box is made of a soft copolymer plastic of polypropylene and polyethylene since these materials allow the hinge member to be flexed numerous times without breaking, are impact resistant and combine to form a transparent plastic. The cover portion of the box has protrusions on the outside of opposite sidewalls which correspond to recesses on the inside of opposite sidewalls of the base section and keep the box closed. When in the open position the tape remains in the cover portion of the box for easy insertion and removal. A method of molding a one piece box for the storage of magnetic media devices.

Abstract: An improved carbon/metal composite which includes a carbon matrix and metal fibers distributed in the carbon matrix. The improvement is that the metal fibers are selected from (A) metal fibers in which the surfaces of at least a portion of the fibers are coated or alloyed with another material which has a tendency to form carbides which is equal to or lower than that of the metal constituting the metal fibers, (B) metal fibers including at least two different types of metal fibers which differ with respect to their dimensions and/or material, and (C) metal fibers distributed in the carbon matrix in such a manner that their content varies along the thickness of the composite, thereby imparting to the composite improved properties with respect to at least one of mechanical strength, impact resistance, wear resistance, and electric conductivity.

Abstract: A thin-walled, wide mouth molded plastic container is provided with a tamper evident band initially molded as a straight-walled cylinder spaced outwardly of the lip of the container and connected thereto by a frangible horizontal bridge. The upper edge of the cylindrical band extends above the level of the container lip. Subsequent to molding and preferably before capping, the band is curled inward by application of a curling tool. The container lid is axially applied, the outer edge of the lid displacing the curled band outward. The resilience of the band and bridge permits outward deflection and immediate restoration of the curl to its initial position. The curl prevents removal of the lid without fracture of the bridge and removal of the tamper-evident band.

Abstract: A unitary molded tubular connector and method for forming the connector is described. The connector has an end cap of first internal diameter, a tubular segment of diameter equal to that of the end cap, a threaded fastening means, and a belled tubular end having a larger internal diameter and outer diameter, but of the same thickness as the tubular segment.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high strength isotropic graphite including a kneading step to mix an aggregate consisting of carbonaceous fine powder with a pitch binder a molding step to mold the raw material prepared by re-pulverizing the kneaded mixture using rubber press method and a carbonizing and graphitizing step to fire carbonize and graphitize the molded product. The aggregate uses a fine mosaic coke powder as the aggregate, which mosaic coke powder is finely pulverized in a jet mill to an average particle size of 1 .mu.m or less and a maximum particle size of 5 .mu.m or less, and has a surface average electrostatic field intensity of 1.2.times.10.sup.4 esu/cm.sup.2 or more. The invention provides a high strength isotropic graphite having a high bending strength of 120 MPa or more, which is suitable for piston components of gasoline engines and provides a method for manufacturing high strength isotropic graphite.

Abstract: Molded plastic plates having a rolled edge rim and a method of rolling the edges of molded plastic plated. The plastic plates are pre-molded with lugs that project outwardly from the sides of the plates. The lugs of one plate contact the rim of the next successive plate in a stack of plates to create a gap between the plates stacked one on top of another. The gap allows each individual plate to be picked up by the threads on a plurality of threaded rollers which press on the rim of the plate to form the rolled edge.

Abstract: A process for producing a carbon/carbon composite having a ceramic and carbon coating on its surface consists essentially of the steps of heating a carbon/carbon composite at a temperature of from 800.degree. to 1,700.degree. C., contacting the thus heated composite in the presence of hydrogen with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of halides and hydrides of Si, Zr, Ti, Hf, B, Nb and W in gaseous form to convert the surface of the carbon/carbon composite, in the absence of a carbon releasing gas, into a carbide ceramic layer and then forming a coating film consisting of both carbon and ceramic by vapor phase decomposition at a pressure of 5-100 Torr on said carbide ceramic.

Abstract: Furniture and furniture parts are formed with support bodies of cardboard laminate. The winding is formed from a cardboard which is pressed into the appropriate shape. If desired, the winding is divided into pieces. Parts of upholstered pieces of furniture, such as armrests, backrests and seat parts can be manufactured.

Abstract: An activated carbon body having flow-through channels and method of making the body. The method involves combining and shaping channel-forming material and optionally fugitive pore-forming material and non-fugitive support material, and a crosslinkable resin into a green body and curing the resin. The temperature at which the channel-forming material begins to distort is greater than the curing temperature of the resin. The resin is carbonized and at the same time the channel-forming material is vaporized out to form a carbon body having flow through channels in the configuration of the fugitive material. The carbon body is then activated. Among other shapes the channels can be straight, curved or crisscrossed.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ignition resistant carbonaceous material by exposing a meltblown or spunbonded acrylic precursor material in the form of at least one ply of a generally planar fibrous web, matt or batt to ionizing radiation to crosslink said acrylic material which is then heat treated in an inert atmosphere to increase the carbon content of said irradiated material to form said carbonaceous material. The invention also resides in a continuous self bonded fibrous carbonaceous material having a carbon content of from about 65% to less than about 92%, an oxygen content of less than about 2%, and a specific resistivity of from about 10.sup.-1 to about 10.sup.-10 ohm-cm. Preferably said carbonaceous material has an oxygen content of less than about 1% and a nitrogen content of from about 5% to about 30%.

Abstract: The manufacturing process for a filter unit made as an adsorbent moulded element provides for the dry mixing of granules of an adsorbent medium, especially activated carbon, and a granular organic thermoplastic binder medium. The dry mixture is then placed in a mould and compacted. As far as possible, air is excluded from the mixture in the mould when the mixture is heated to a temperature well above the plastic range of the binder medium, and kept at that temperature until carbonization and at least partial coking of the binder medium occur. The moulded element is left to cool and is then removed from the mould. Typically, in a filter unit made in this manner, with an entry side and an exit side for the filtrate, the granules of the adsorbent medium in the adsorbent element are fixed in the residual structure of the carbonized and openpored, partially coked organic binder medium having micropores.

Abstract: A method of forming an end of an elongated molding having an extruded length having a hollow interior defined by a base and a cover with at least one rib unitary with the base and extending toward the cover in supporting relationship therewith, wherein the base is first removed from the end portion which is then placed in a mold and formed by injection thermoplastic material therein.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis for interconnecting the ends of adjoining bones includes a cushion of expanded PTFE having at least two facets for attachment to the bones. The cushion may or may not include stems for insertion into the bones. An optional sheath surrounds the non-facet surfaces of the cushion for preventing adherence of tissue. The motion of the prosthesis is defined or limited by the orientation of the facets and/or by the porosity of the cushion and/or by an insert within the cushion.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes refractory fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.5 to about 2.0, preferably 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.5 to 3.0, preferably 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes a carbon fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.5 to about 2.0, preferably 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.5 to 3.0, preferably 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group. Graceful failure can be obtained when the carbon fibers are highly graphitized.

Abstract: A fiber preform constituting the fiber reinforcement of the part to be made is itself made by shaping and consolidating a fiber fabric by a liquid process. An interphase layer between the fibers and the matrix is formed on the consolidated preform prior to densification thereof with the matrix, such that the operation of densifying the consolidated preform can be performed without requiring supporting tooling therefor.

Abstract: A lampshade is manufactured from heat deformable sheet material by forming a blank of the sheet material, in the shape of a sector of an annulus, into a hollow truncated cone having upper and lower peripheral edges. The overlapping edges of the blank are temporarily tacked together and the blank supported by an apparatus which engages the interior of the conical blank, which apparatus includes a former for engagement with the interior surface of the blank adjacent the upper and lower peripheral edges thereof so that marginal edge portions of the blank project beyond the formers. Heating means heat the marginal edge portions and upper and lower die members engage the heated and softened marginal edge portions to fold or roll the deformable sheet material around the edge portions of the formers and thereafter hold the formed edge portions in place until the material has cooled.

Abstract: A method of making a blow-molded container from a strain-hardenable polymer, the container having deep recesses for secure "post mold" attachment of a handle. The container is formed in a modified blow mold having retractable blades. The blades are partially extended for blow molding partial recesses, and then further extended for mechanically forming the deep handle recesses. The mechanical forming operation overcomes the stretch limits imposed by strain-hardening of the plastic material during blow molding, and the "post-mold" attachment of the handle provides a reduced cycle time and lower level of defects compared to the known "in-mold" handle forming operations.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes a carbon-coated refractory fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.5 to about 2.0, preferably 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.5 to 3.0, preferably 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group. Graceful failure can be obtained after exposure of the composites to temperatures up to 1300.degree. C.

Abstract: A sun visor having a sun-visor body with a stiffening at or close to the edge of the sun-visor body. The sun visor body and stiffening being comprised of polypropylene particle foam, the stiffening being substantially harder and stiffer than the remaining regions of the sun-visor body. A method and an apparatus for the manufacture thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of molding a steering wheel of the type having no core in its ring is provided. The mold is formed with a first cavity for forming the ring and a second cavity arranged therein with a slide core for forming cooling members. With the slide core being in a lower position, a polypropylene resin in molten state is injected to fill the first and second cavities. The, resin in the second cavity is cooled and set first because a volume thereof is less than that of the first cavity. After this, the slide core is moved to embed the cooling members into the first cavity so that the inset resin in the central portion of the first cavity may be cooled by the cooling members. Then, the unset resin in the first cavity has its solidification accelerated by contact with the cooling members. The steering wheel is extracted from the mold after the resin in the first cavity has been completely set.

Abstract: A method of forming a shell structure using rotary moulding techniques where two halves of the shell are moulded together and then joined when the two halves of the shell are in a molten state. The method is particularly useful for moulding one-piece boat hulls.