Abstract: The present invention relates to textile fabrics and methods of manufacturing textile fabrics. Particularly, the invention comprises a method of producing a fabric, comprising the steps of (i) blending chemo mechanically felting fibers with non-felting fibers into a blended feed material, (ii) spinning the blended feed material into a blended yarn, (iii) producing a fabric comprising the blended yarn, (iv) subjecting the fabric to a first fabric treatment comprising a mechanical felting treatment; and (v) subjecting the fabric to a second fabric treatment comprising a chemical treatment of the fabric with an alkali, wherein the ratio of weight of the alkali to dry fabric weight is between 0.02 and 0.05, thereby obtaining increased air space in the resultant fabric.

Abstract: A yarn sluice for sealing a pressurized yarn treating chamber in which a traveling yarn is thermally treated, comprises yarn guide elements in the region of a yarn inlet and outlet openings of the treating chamber forming a yarn guide channel sealed by the traveling yarn during operation. At least one of the guide elements is positionable for adaptation to the mean thickness of the traveling yarn in various predetermined positions. Means is provided for temporary adaptation of the yarn guide channel to yarn defects. At least one of the guide elements (26, 27) is steplessly adjustably mounted for adaption to the mean thickness of the traveling yarn (14). A sealing element (28), which can be placed on the first and the second yarn guide element (26, 27), extends along the yarn guide channel (25), for closing it and for reacting resiliently to defects in the traveling yarn (14).

Abstract: A spreading device (20) for spreading a fiber filament bundle (32) to form a flat fiber band (14) has at least one convexly bent spreading edge (80) that is movable. The convexly bent spreading edge has at least one direction component perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the fiber filament bundle (32) to be spread relative to the convexly bent spreading edge. The fiber filament bundle is configured to be placed under tension onto the convexly bent spreading edge (80) and thereafter is configured to be moved again with the at least one direction component perpendicular to the fiber filament bundle (32) away from the fiber filament bundle to release the fiber filament bundle from the convexly bent spreading edge (80).

Abstract: The present invention is a staple-fiber yarn, an apparatus for producing the yarn, and a process for stretch breaking filament yarns to produce the staple yarn. The process enables the production of a plurality of products of lot size smaller than a large denier tow product. The process includes a draw zone, a tension control zone, a stretch-break zone and a consolidation zone to form a yarn of staple fibers.

Abstract: A method for treating fibers, yarns or textiles to improve the sensory effect for a user or weaver of a fabric article. The method treats the fiber, yarns or textiles with an emulsion containing 15-30% by weight of a mixture of waxes having melting points in the range of 35° C. to 60° C. including a lipophilic wax matrix; 10%-20% by weight of emulsifier which are at least one of alkyl or alkenyl oligoglycosides or alkyl ether sulfates, 1%-10% by weight of a crystal regulator which can be partial esters of C12-22 fatty acids with at least one of glycerol, polyglycerol and sorbitan. The mean particle size of the wax crystals is not greater than 6 ?m. The emulsion includes water and auxiliaries and additives.

Abstract: A process for forming a continuous filament yarn having the surface tactile character of a spun yarn. The process includes passing the cohesive yarn structure through the interior of a rotating sleeve member disposed in surrounding relation to the cohesive yarn structure. The rotating sleeve member includes an abrasive inner surface of diameter greater than the cohesive yarn structure and is adapted to contact the exterior surface of the cohesive yarn structure such that at least a portion of the elongate filaments disposed at the exterior of the cohesive yarn structure are broken. Terminal ends of the broken filaments define an arrangement of outwardly projecting hairs at discrete locations disposed substantially around the circumference of the cohesive yarn structure. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: Process for the mechanical transformation of a thread (F) of vegetable, animal or artificial or synthetic origin, characterized in that it includes abrading the thread (F) when the latter is supported in the air between two supports (55, 56).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage. Preferably, the fibers used in making the yarn are bicomponent fibers. The present invention also provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage at reduced heat temperatures.

Abstract: A process for forming a continuous filament yarn having the surface tactile character of a spun yarn. The process includes passing the cohesive yarn structure through the interior of a rotating sleeve member disposed in surrounding relation to the cohesive yarn structure. The rotating sleeve member includes an abrasive inner surface of diameter greater than the cohesive yarn structure and is adapted to contact the exterior surface of the cohesive yarn structure such that at least a portion of the elongate filaments disposed at the exterior of the cohesive yarn structure are broken. Terminal ends of the broken filaments define an arrangement of outwardly projecting hairs at discrete locations disposed substantially around the circumference of the cohesive yarn structure. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A process for forming a continuous filament yarn having the surface tactile character of a spun yarn. The process includes passing the cohesive yarn structure through the interior of a rotating sleeve member disposed in surrounding relation to the cohesive yarn structure. The rotating sleeve member includes an abrasive inner surface of diameter greater than the cohesive yarn structure and is adapted to contact the exterior surface of the cohesive yarn structure such that at least a portion of the elongate filaments disposed at the exterior of the cohesive yarn structure are broken. Terminal ends of the broken filaments define an arrangement of outwardly projecting hairs at discrete locations disposed substantially around the circumference of the cohesive yarn structure. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers involve subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers involve subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage. Preferably, the fibers used in making the yarn are bicomponent fibers. The present invention also provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage at reduced heat temperatures.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for strengthening a yarn (6) is described which is provided with fibers at least in a sheath zone enclosing a core zone. In order to provide advantageous process conditions it is proposed that fibers are needled from the sheath zone through the core zone along the yarn (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage. Preferably, the fibers used in making the yarn are bicomponent fibers. The present invention also provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage at reduced heat temperatures.

Abstract: A tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke which is to be converted into a rod-like filler of a filter rod is conveyed along an elongated path first through a stretching or tensioning zone where the filaments are stretched and the tow is converted into a relatively wide flat web, thereupon along a relaxing portion of the path wherein the tensioning action upon the filaments is reduced, thereupon along a third portion wherein at least one side of the running web is contacted by droplets of an atomized plasticizer, and thereafter along a fourth portion of the path wherein the web is gathered by reducing its width so that it more closely resembles a rod which is thereupon draped into a web of cigarette paper or other suitable wrapping material. A wind tunnel surrounds at least one portion of the path to confine at least one stream of air which is caused to flow in the direction of advancement of the tow. A tunnel can surround the stretching zone, the relaxing and/or the fourth portion of the path.

Abstract: A calendering apparatus and method for heatsetting a traveling multi-filament tow basically utilizes plural heated rolls about which the tow travels in a sinuous path to be conductively heated by the rolls and, at each roll, a plurality of infrared lamps in an arcuate arrangement facing the portion of the respective roll in contact with the tow simultaneously applies infrared radiation to the opposite side of the tow. In one embodiment, this arrangement of infrared lamps is retrofitted to a conventional calendering apparatus. An alternative embodiment provides for reducing or eliminating the number of calender rolls followed by a series of infrared heating tunnels collectively effective to accomplish heatsetting of the tow. The speed and/or throughput rate of each calendering apparatus and method is effectively twice that of conventional equipment of similar size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for steam-treating yarn, films, fibers, fiber tow and other polymeric articles is described. The apparatus includes a first orifice for generating minimum pressure areas and a second orifice to provide a sonic shock region operative to isolate the pressure in one chamber from the pressure in another chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing multifilament threads with at least one hot-air module 6 for drawing or relaxing the thread Y. To manufacture multifilaments with particularly high strength and to avoid the problems of the bearings of the rollers 9, 10 in the hot-air modules 6, at least one apparatus is provided for screening the hot stream of air from the rollers 9, 10, 10' of the or each hot-air module 6. Such apparatus may, for example, take the form of divider sheets 12. To facilitate the introduction of the thread Y into the hot-air module 6, it may be furthermore provided according to the invention that two rows of rollers 9, 10 facing each other are arranged in the or each hot-air module 6, at least the rollers 10 of one row being arranged in the direction of the rollers 9 of the other row and movable beyond these so that a meander-shaped arrangement of the thread Y can be achieved automatically in the hot-air modules 6.

Abstract: A thread conditioner to prevent fraying, tangling and associated problems is made from silicone rubber material, such as a silicone elastomer having a physical form of rubber-crepe. The material can be cut from a bulk quantity, rolled, cut into cubes, pressed, and packaged. The conditioner is applied to one end of a length of thread by pressing the thread into the material and pulling the thread across the material, with enough pressure to embed the thread into the material as it is pulled through so that the thread is coated on all surfaces with the material.

Abstract: In order to improve the traveling and sliding properties of a yarn during its further processing, in particular for knitting, it is waxed during rewinding in cheese winding machines by passing it along a paraffin body. When the paraffin body is used up, the unwaxed yarn can cause yarn breaks or even needle breakages, which leads to production errors or lost production. At the winding stations, the drive of the friction drum is switched on and off at intervals to cause alternating acceleration phases with slippage between the friction drum and the bobbin and intervening slippage- free run-out phases to prevent pattern windings. The slippage is monitored over the course of the winding operation. If the slippage decreases in successive acceleration phases and remains at a low level, while the drive output of the friction drum remains unchanged, this is interpreted to indicate an outage of the paraffin application.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for uniformly treating strand-like material. The apparatus comprises a coiler head having a coiler diameter d and a conveyor belt having a belt width w, wherein the ratio of the coiler diameter d to the belt width w is from about 1.05:1 to about 1.40:1. The method comprises treating the strand-like material in such apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for space-dyeing yarns. A yarn sheet passes over a yarn-driven roll equipped with a digital sensor that tracks the position of the sheet as it then passes through a dyeing apparatus. A computer precisely controls the spray application of dyes at the desired locations on the length of the yarn sheet. Undyed areas and areas of unwanted overlap of dyes are virtually eliminated, reducing the amount of off-quality yarn produced versus conventional methods. Sprayed dye droplets are collected and reused.

Abstract: An apparatus to produce a spun-like synthetic yarn which employs a filament loop breaker which is periodically and automatically opened to break the vacuum pressure to allow lint collected therein to be released and collected. The apparatus includes cantilever suspended rolls to open up the interior of the filament loop breaker to provide more efficient lint removal resulting in the ability to run at higher speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanding apparatus used for the production of air textured yarn and false twist yarn. The apparatus comprises a motor, a housing provided with a guide groove, and a frictional disk connected to the motor and enclosed in the housing. The apparatus can be arranged in an intermediate section of the production process to generate short hair on the outer surface of yarn by the contact between the frictional disk and moving yarn. Accordingly the products made by the apparatus have soft tactile feelings when touched.

Abstract: In the canning of tow produced by a synthetic textile filament extrusion line, a pair of deflecting rolls having radially projecting spokes are positioned immediately above the tow-receiving can for travel of the tow between the rolls to impose a folding or plaiting of the tow as it is deposited into the can, thereby reducing the linear velocity of the tow to mitigate potential entanglement of the tow within the can. The production output and operational speed of the filament extrusion process may thus be optimized without being limited by the downstream canning operation.

Abstract: Multiple (at least two) differently colored or colorable feed yarns are fed from their respective yarn packages to a multi-position interlacer manifold assembly. The feed yarns are maintained separate and apart from one another and are passed in this separated state through individual interlacer jets associated with the interlacer manifold assembly. The individual yarns are thereafter conveyed to a conventional yarn processing system (e.g., an apparatus known colloquially in the art as a "Gilbos" apparatus) where they are entangled with one another to provide a finished yarn in which the individual yarn components remain substantially coherent throughout the finished yarn. The individual interlaced yarns thus become entangled with one another when subjected to the yarn processing system without substantial inter-yarn blending or commingling occurring (which blending or commingling would thereby cause the constituent yarns to become nearly indistinguishable from one another).

Abstract: An apparatus for treating traveling textile material in a pressurized fluid includes a housing divided into a plurality of expansion chambers and a centrally located treatment chamber through which the material is caused to travel and in which pressurized treatment fluid is applied to the material, the pressurized treatment fluid expanding progressively outwardly through the expansion chambers by way of the material passageways. The material passageways are formed with their smallest dimension at least eight times smaller than the smallest dimension of the expansion chambers to achieve the necessary pressure drop without sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming coils of yarn and for heat setting the yarn. The apparatus has a coiler adapted to receive yarn from a yarn source and to form the yarn into a plurality of overlapping loops of a desired size. The coiler preferably includes a supporting frame, a pair of feed rolls mounted on the supporting frame and adapted for feeding yarn from a yarn source, and a rotatable coiler tube positioned downstream from and cooperating with the feed rolls. The coiler also includes a first variable speed drive connected to the pair of feed rolls and adapted for rotating the same at a predetermined speed and a second variable speed drive connected to the coiler tube and adapted for rotating the same at a speed to thereby form loops of yarn of a desired size. The apparatus further has a conveyor positioned below the rotatable coiler tube for receiving overlapping loops of yarn thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming coils of yarn and for heat setting the yarn. The apparatus has a coiler adapted to receive yarn from a yarn source ant to form the yarn into a plurality of loops of a desired size. The coiler preferably includes a supporting frame, a pair of feed rolls mounted on the supporting frame and adapted for feeding yarn from the yarn source, and a rotatable coiler tube positioned downstream from the feed rolls. An air blowing device is positioned between the feed rolls and the coiler tube for facilitating the advance of the yarn into and through the coiler tube. A first variable speed drive is connected to the pair of feed rolls and a second variable speed drive is connected to the coiler tube for rotating the coiler tube at a selected speed to thereby form loops of yarn of a desired size.

Abstract: An apparatus for tipping surgical sutures includes a drum around which the suture is wound. The drum is placed on a carriage which moves the drum into a chamber wherein selected portions of the suture are passed through a mist of cyanoacrylate tipping agent generated by ultrasonic atomization. The tipping agent quickly cures and the tipped portion of the suture may be cut to create a tipped end for insertion into a surgical needle to form a needle-suture device.

Abstract: A gentle and fast process for heating yarns passing contactlessly through a heating apparatus. The process includes the steps of preheating a heat transfer has to a temperature above the desired final yarn temperature, feeding the preheated heat transfer gas to the yarn duct so that it impinges essentially perpendicularly on the moving yarn and along a length such that the yarn heats up to the desired elevated temperature within the heating apparatus. The present invention may be used for heating air jet textured yarns and for setting two component loops sewing yarns. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process including a preheating means, a duct in the form of a tube drilled with holes, feed lines, and a distributor chamber enabling the heat transfer gas to impinge radially upon the outside of the yarn moving contactlessly in the duct.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a blended tow of thermoplastic and reinforcing fibers. The process of the invention includes the steps of forming a substantially planar spaced array of thermoplastic multifilament yarns and superimposing the spaced array of separate yarns onto a spread tow of reinforcing fibers. The resulting planar mixed yarn is then gathered into a tow having a nonuniform distribution of thermoplastic fibers throughout the tow. The tow is useful in forming fiber-reinforced composite articles by shaping the tow into a desired form and then heating the shaped tow to melt the thermoplastic fibers which, in turn, form a plastic matrix which is reinforced by the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: Moresque or berber continuous filament yarn is prepared by supplying a first group of continuous filaments to a first entangling zone where harsh nodes are created so that the first group has a yarn harshness of at least about 200. One or more other groups of continuous filaments, which are differentially precolored or dyeable with respect to the first group, are joined to the first group and interlaced sufficiently to cohere all groups of continuous filaments without blending with the tightly interlaced first group. The finished yarn has node harshness less than 100.

Abstract: This invention relates to a latent looped yarn having loops produced by an eddy current treatment and once potentialized therein before a weaving operation and revealed in a fabric, after the yarns are woven therein at least as warp yarns, by heat treatment, to give the fabric a spunlike handling and high yarn density. This invention also provides a manufacturing method for producing the latent looped yarn and high density spunlike fabrics utilizing the latent looped yarn.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating traveling textile material in a pressurized fluid, e.g., for heating synthetic filaments to a heat-set temperature in a saturated steam atmosphere is disclosed to comprise a housing defining at least one upstream sealing chamber, an intermediate treatment chamber pressurized with saturated steam, and at least one downstream sealing chamber, separated from one another by constricted strand passageways for traveling movement of the strand successively through the chambers. A pressurized fluid holding chamber is provided between the steam supply and the treatment chamber to reduce condensation within the treatment chamber and the sealing chambers.

Abstract: Improving commingling two or more continuous multiple filament yarns into a single yarn by rubbing one yarn against a static charge-inducing body that is supported in an electrically isolated manner to apply static charge to the yarn to tend to cause separation of its individual multiple filament. Also disclosed is commingling apparatus in which individual filaments of a multiple filament yarn are spread from each other in an enclosure that contains a source of the multiple filament yarn and has a yarn exit opening through which the filaments leave the enclosure in a separated state, a vacuum source being to connected to an air removal opening so that air flows through and around the yarn at a direction transverse to the yarn to cause spreading of the filaments, the yarn from the source passing through a guide and a weighted dancer whose movements up and down (in response to changes in tension in the yarn) control a positive feed drive for the yarn source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filament yarn of aromatic polyamides which is impregnated with solid particles of a fluorine-containing polymer and/or graphite. The solid particles are incorporated into the yarn by very uniformly distributing them over the filaments in that the solid particles are applied to the yarn from an aqueous dispersion and the yarn is subjected to a blowing treatment while feeding them at an excess feed rate or not. The yarn thus impregnated is first of all intended to be processed into a packing material or rope.

Abstract: A process for making a heather-dyeable or precolored heather yarn product comprises supplying a first crimped continuous filament yarn in the form of a loose matrix substantially free of filament entanglement and a second crimped continuous filament yarn which is differentially dyeable or precolored with respect to the first yarn. The second yarn is fed through a first entangling or interlacing zone and exposure of the second yarn to a fluid jet in the first entangling zone is randomly controlled to produce a color-point yarn product as the second yarn exits the first entangling zone, in which the color-point yarn product has relatively compact nodal regions of high entanglement of the filaments of the second yarn separated by bulkier regions of the same filaments relatively free of entanglement.

Abstract: In order to be able to operate chambers for the continuous fluid treatment of textile yarns and which comprise several chamber parts with an improved sealing effect, even at elevated pressures and temperatures when aggressive fluids are used, one or both sealing faces of superimposed sealing face pairs undergo shape correction. The shape correction opposes the elastic deformation undergone by the sealing faces when loaded under operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in puncture-resistant and medicinal treatment garments. Garments made from fibers such as KEVLAR.RTM. and designed to deter penetration of objects are subjected to an additional brushing step to enhance the fibers' abilities to prevent penetration of sharp needle-like penetrating objects. The fibers may also be coated with an abrasive material to further engage and deflect penetrating objects. In another aspect of the invention, the fibers may be coated with a disinfectant or pharmaceutical agent. The coated fibers, having the improved fiber structure resulting from the brushing step, may be used in fabrics to treat skin conditions, disinfect penetrating objects in puncture-resistant materials, or as a disinfecting prevention fabric for use in textiles in high risk infection areas such as hospitals and public facilities.

Abstract: A process for converting a continuous multifilamentary yarn into a staple-like yarn involves continuously conveying continuous multifilamentary yarn onto a rotatable wheel having a peripheral yarn receiving groove and at least one radially disposed needle within the wheel and in registry with the groove. The needles are in various stages of retraction and extension depending upon the relative rotational position of the wheel. By laterally contacting the multifilamentary yarn in the groove, the barbs of the needles catch and break a fraction of the filemants from the side of the yarn so that the yarn is not forced upward out of its grooved path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating monofilaments, such as glass or carbon monofilaments, forming a strand, is achieved by feeding the strand in a curved path over and in forced contact with a plurality of rods, each being subjected to vibrations. The vibrations, applied transverse to the axis of the strand, provide intermittent localized contact between the filaments and the rod surface, hence preventing high tensile and shear forces which cause breakage of the delicate filaments. In one embodiment, the rods comprise a plurality of resonators dimensioned to be resonant along their longitudinal axis for a predetermined frequency of vibration. The resonators are energized with vibrations from a single resonator dimensioned to operate as a half wavelength resonator. The resonators are provided with a wear resistant, smooth surface coating at the area of contact with the filaments.

Abstract: A process is described for producing filter elements which contain a cross-wound yarn as the filter material, wherein twisted yarn of fine individual fibers is roughened to enhance its filtering action. The yarn may be heat-resistant and the filter element may be used as a soot filter in the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine. Before the yarn is wound up, fiber tufts are broken up by pulling the yarn under tension over a moving roughening surface, the direction of movement of the roughening surface differing by an angle alpha from the direction of movement of the yarn in the area of contact between the yarn and the roughening surface, and the angle alpha being selected in relation to the twist of the yarn, particularly so that the threads of the yarn in contact with the roughening surface are oriented transversely to the direction of movement of the roughening surface. The process produces a roughened yarn which provides the required high filter performance for a soot filter.

Abstract: A matted (delustered) artificial hair which is disclosed herein comprises a fiber made of a synthetic resin. A large number of irregular scrubbed flaws is formed circumferentially on the surface of a monofilament having a substantially circular section. A method for preparation of such an artifical hair which method comprises placing a bundle of monofilaments of a synthetic fiber and each having a substantially circular section between two abrasive-coated plates each having a soft layer on a surface thereof, and allowing the two abrasive-coated plates to reciprocate in the opposite directions at an angle of 45.degree. to 90.degree. with respect to the longitudinal direction of the monofilament while applying a slight pressure in the presence of an abrasive, whereby a large number of scrubbed flaws is formed circumferentially on the surface of each monofilament.

Abstract: A matted (delustered) artificial hair which is disclosed herein comprises a fiber made of a synthetic resin. A large number of irregular scrubbed flaws is formed circumferentially on the surface of a monofilament having a substantially circular section. A method for preparation of such an artificial hair which method comprises placing a bundle of monofilaments of a synthetic fiber and each having a substantially circular section between two abrasive-coated plates each having a soft layer on a surface thereof, and allowing the two abrasive-coated plates to reciprocate in the opposite directions at an angle of 45.degree. to 90.degree. with respect to the longitudinal direction of the monofilament while applying a slight pressure in the presence of an abrasive, whereby a large number of scrubbed flaws is formed circumferentially on the surface of each monofilament.

Abstract: An apparatus and process to produce a spun-like synthetic yarn which employs a filament loop breaker which is periodically and automatically opened to break the vacuum pressure to allow lint collected therein to be released and collected.

Abstract: An apparatus and process to produce a spun-like synthetic yarn which employs a filament loop breaker which is periodically and automatically opened to break the vacuum pressure to allow lint collected therein to be released and collected.

Abstract: Yarn hairiness is reduced by employing a vortex action of a fluid, such as air or steam. Yarn in a substantially dry condition is passed in a generally linear path through a body having a central through-extending generally linear passageway that is circular in cross-section. A plurality of bores are provided in the body which extend from the periphery of the body to intersect the central passageway, being tangentially disposed with respect to the central passageway. Fluid under pressure is introduced into the bores, and creates a vortex action which acts upon the yarn to twist and lay down protruding hairs that cause yarn hairiness. The bores are preferably disposed at an angle of about 40.degree.-50.degree. with respect to the central passageway, and are spaced along the length of the passageway. Shortly after the yarn exits the body, hot melt sizing is applied to it to maintain the protruding hairs in their laid down position.

Abstract: An apparatus and process to produce a spun-like synthetic yarn which employs a filament loop breaker which is periodically and automatically opened to break the vacuum pressure to allow lint collected therein to be released and collected.