Abstract: A coaxial cable assembly includes a coaxial cable having a shield conductor surrounding a central conductor, a shield terminal in contact with an inner surface of the shield conductor, and a ferrule configured to secure the shield terminal to the coaxial cable. The ferrule defines first and second crimping wings. The first and second crimping wings each having an arcuate shape and are compressively connected to an outer surface of the shield conductor. A distal end of the first crimping wing overlies a distal end of the second crimping wing. A method for forming the coaxial cable assembly and a crimping tool for attaching the ferrule to the coaxial cable is also provided.

Abstract: A method provides for producing a cable connection assembly including an electrical cable connected to a cable connector. The cable connector is positioned on a conductor end portion, so that a portion of the insulating layer is at least partially surrounded by the cable connector. The conductor end portion is disposed within a fastening tube, so that a first tube portion of the fastening tube surrounds the cable connector, and a second tube portion of the fastening tube surrounds the cable jacket. The fastening tube is pressed between strip-shaped pressing surfaces which are disposed around a central axis at a constant distance therefrom. During the pressing step, the first tube portion is pressed to a first inner diameter and the second tube portion is pressed to a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter.

Abstract: A cable compression die assembly is used in connection with a compression tool for compressing a stranded cable prior to crimping. The cable compression die assembly includes a pair of cable compression die heads for receiving a stranded cable and a cable connector therebetween. The pair of cable compression die heads defines a hexagonal shaped opening therebetween and is adapted to substantially close the hexagonal shaped opening as the die heads move towards one another.

Abstract: The connecting rod includes a first portion of the connecting rod to be mounted on the eccentric pin of a crankshaft of the compressor and a second portion of the connecting rod to be articulated in a reciprocating piston within a cylinder. One of the first and second portions of the connecting rod includes a tubular stem portion that receives, telescopically and loosely, and retains, by radial inward deformation, a portion of the engagement stem of the other portion of the connecting rod, said stem portions being held together, in an axial and rotational alignment condition, before being attached by a fixation mean in a relative axial positioning, which results in a portion of the compression chamber and a respective portion of dead volume in the condition of upper dead point of the piston.

Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-axle that includes a cross-beam member and two trailing arms, each trailing arm rigidly secured to the cross-beam member in one of two connection regions of the cross-beam member or formed integrally with and extending from one of the two connection regions. The cross-beam member is formed from a tubular blank and has a torsionally elastic central portion and two torsionally stiff connection regions. The cross-beam member has a wall thickness that varies longitudinally along the length of the cross-beam member from the torsionally elastic central portion to each of the torsionally stiff connection regions.

Abstract: A cable gripping apparatus comprising a plurality of jaw members, each jaw member being tapered on an outer surface thereof from a larger first end to a smaller second end, said plurality of jaw members being configured to receive and grip a cable therebetween. A cylindrical collar having external threads and a tapered internal bore is receivable of the tapered jaw members in the tapered internal bore. A cylindrical turnbuckle body having a threaded bore is receivable of the threaded cylindrical collar entirely within the turnbuckle bore. The cylindrical collar, plurality of jaw members, and cable gripped therewithin define collectively a collar sub-assembly receivable within the turnbuckle bore. When the turnbuckle body is rotated, the collar sub-assembly is moved axially within the threaded bore of the turnbuckle body, thus changing the tension in the cable.

Abstract: An electrical connection element for the electrical contacting of an electrically conductive structure on a substrate is described. The electrical connection element has at least two solid subelements made from different materials, the first subelement being adapted for soldering to the electrically conductive structure, and the second subelement being adapted for connection to an electrical connection cable. The first subelement and the second subelement are connected to one another by way of at least one rivet.

Abstract: A terminal-equipped electrical wire includes a water-blocking material disposed between an inner side surface of an electrical wire connecting portion and a core wire to cover a distal end of the core wire, and the electrical wire connecting portion includes a bottom portion, a first crimping piece wrapped around the electrical wire, a second crimping piece wrapped around an outer side of the first crimping piece, and a plate-shaped protruding piece protruding from a side surface of the first crimping piece or the second crimping piece in an axial direction of the electrical wire, and the protruding piece is bent from a proximal end portion such that the protruding piece is closer to the distal end of the core wire toward a distal end side from a proximal end side of the protruding piece, and blocks at least a part of an opening of the electrical wire connecting portion.

Abstract: A pane having an electrical connection element, the pane having: a substrate; an electrically conductive structure in a region of the substrate; and a connection element in a region of the electrically conductive structure, the connection element containing at least a chromium-containing steel. The connection element has a region which is crimped about a connecting cable and a soldering region connected-to the electrically conductive structure by means of a lead-free solder.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate to structurally interrelate two components using inserts made from metallic glass-based materials. In one embodiment, a method of structurally interrelating two components includes: forming an insert from a metallic glass-based composition; where the formed insert includes a metallic glass-based material; affixing the insert to a first component; and structurally interrelating the second component to the first component using the insert.

Abstract: A joint fastening system employs a lock bolt having a pull stem and locking threads inserted through a bore in a joint having fay sealant between layers. A collar is received over the pull stem to engage the threads, the collar producing tension on the threads to generate clamp force sufficient for fay sealant squeeze out.

Abstract: A disk with at least one connecting element having a connecting bridge, including; a substrate having an electrically conductive structure on at least one partial region of the substrate, at least one electric connecting element on at least one partial region of the electrically conductive structure, a connecting bridge on at least one partial region of the connecting element and a lead-free solder mass that connects the electric connecting element in at least one partial region with the electrically conductive structure, wherein the difference of the thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate and the connecting element is less than 5×10?6/° C., wherein the connecting bridge is formed in a massive manner and contains copper and wherein the material compositions of the connecting element and the connecting bridge differ.

Abstract: A brake chamber includes a rod member that makes reciprocating motion within a cylinder through a pressure of compressed air or an urging force of a spring, thereby causing a pushrod for activating a brake device of a vehicle to proceed into the brake device. The brake chamber further includes a diaphragm that deforms in response to supply of the compressed air to push the rod member, and a housing that forms an accommodation space for the diaphragm. The housing is connected to the cylinder with a first end of the cylinder being inserted in the housing. The brake chamber further includes a boot member connected to the cylinder and the rod member. The boot member includes a sealing portion to prevent entry of foreign matter into a connection portion between the housing and the cylinder by contacting an inner circumferential surface of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a closed rivet plug. The closed rivet plug is mainly comprised of a rivet core and a rivet housing; the rivet housing is hollow and cylindrical and has one closed end; the closed end of the cylindrical rivet housing is provided with an inward recessed arc; the rivet core consists of a rivet rod and a rivet head; the rivet core closely fits the hollow space of the cylindrical rivet housing through the rivet head; the top of the rivet head of the rivet core is provided with a pit matched with the recessed arc at the closed end of the cylindrical housing; and the rivet head of the rivet core is entirely shaped as a truncated cone. The invention has advantages of avoiding falling off and completely preventing safety hazards caused by leakage from the processed holes, together with firm and reliable plugging, simple structure, low manufacturing cost, quick and convenient plugging.

Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of stress that occurs when joining two cylindrical component ends with a tube. Grooves are placed near the ends of the cylindrical components that alleviate the stress/strain felt by the cylindrical components when undergoing flex cycling.

Abstract: A handheld charm opener having a cheliform charm-opening body comprising an upper and lower piece, each with at least one protrusion oriented vertically but aligned horizontally and inserted into closed bracelet charm, and through manual compression of the apparatus between the thumb and forefinger, the protrusions traveling towards one another through translational vertical motion while engaging with the opening of the charm until the charm halves split apart revealing the center portion inside, the arcs of the protrusions protecting the charm from being damaged.

Abstract: A tool having a selectively positionable latch which governs access to an interior working region of the tool is described. The latch is selectively positionable between a closed position and an open position. For tools having multiple indenters for performing crimping operations, the latch can also include an indenter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-axle that includes a cross-beam member and two trailing arms, each trailing arm rigidly secured to the cross-beam member in one of two connection regions of the cross-beam member or formed integrally with and extending from one of the two connection regions. The cross-beam member is formed from a tubular blank and has a torsionally elastic central portion and two torsionally stiff connection regions. The cross-beam member has a wall thickness that varies longitudinally along the length of the cross-beam member from the torsionally elastic central portion to each of the torsionally stiff connection regions.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.

Abstract: Method and arrangement in arranging an aluminium ferrule (2) to an eye (5) of a high strength steel wire rope (6) for fixation purposes, the ferrule (2) is pressed to securely fix said eye (5) and supposed to keep its diameter within a certain standard limit up to a minimum breaking load, dependant on the dimension of said wire rope (6). A ring (1) made from steel having an internally congruent shape but a smaller cross section than that of the ferrule (2) is arranged most close to said eye (5) before said ferrule (2) are together with the steel ring (1) is pressed in a conventional ferrule pressing tool to obtain a eye that is more stable with regard to its dimensions within said standard limit values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper apparatus for a motor vehicle, having a wiper motor and having at least one wiper bearing in which a wiper shaft is mounted, it being possible to drive said wiper shaft by means of the wiper motor in order to operate a wiper arm which is connected to the wiper shaft, wherein the wiper bearing has a bearing pin (4) for holding a tubular support (1), it being possible for said bearing pin to be fixed to the tubular support (1) by means of a crimp, characterized in that the bearing pin (4) has an outer contour (5) which is already formed, at least in a region of overlap with the crimp, so as to correspond to an inner contour (3) of the crimped tubular support (1), before the crimp is introduced, and also to a method for producing said windscreen wiper apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a metal filament body connecting method in which a connecting operation is easy and a metal filament body connecting device which is lightweight and has excellent portability. Provided is a metal filament body connecting method of connecting facing metal filament bodies 20. A pair of fixing members 1 fixing the facing metal filament bodies 20, and a rotating body 2 in which a cutout 2A is arranged between the pair of fixing members 1 are arranged; both end portions of a parallel portion 20A of a metal filament body formed by juxtaposing the facing metal filament bodies 20 are fixed by the pair of fixing members 1; an approximately central portion of the parallel portion 20A of the metal filament body is arranged in a cutout 2A of the rotating body 2; and then, the facing metal filament bodies 20 are twisted together by rotating the rotating body 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crimpers and shears used in the jewelry making industry. The invention includes a new and improved set of tools for crimping multiple sleeve sizes used in the making of necklaces, bracelets, and the like. One embodiment provides a single tool that is operable for crimping bead sleeves of one or more sizes. Another embodiment combines both crimping and shearing functions in a single tool.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.

Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.

Abstract: A probe tip for communicating and laterally directing electromagnetic radiation comprises a waveguide, a primary capsule, a compressible member and a malleable secondary capsule. The waveguide is configured to communicate electromagnetic radiation and includes a beveled surface at a distal tip for redirecting electromagnetic radiation in a lateral direction. The primary capsule is attached over the distal tip of the waveguide. The compressible member covers a portion of the primary capsule. The malleable secondary capsule is positioned over the primary capsule and the compressible member, and includes a crimp that compresses the compressible member against the primary capsule and secures the secondary capsule to the primary capsule.

Abstract: A stent crimping and coating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of crimping blades positioned in a radial array and collectively forming a central crimping lumen, wherein the plurality of crimping blades radially movable to alter the diameter of the central crimping lumen. Each of the crimping blades includes a first surface configured to at least in part define the central crimping lumen. One or more of the crimping blades includes a fluid channel extending therein and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The plurality of openings are located at the first surface of the one or more crimping blades and adapted to discharge a fluid into the central crimping lumen.

Abstract: A method for the joining of hollow profiles made from high-strength steel, in particular to form a motor vehicle frame, the hollow profiles being connected to one another, nonpositively and positively against being pulled out, by pinching (crimping) in a connection zone, one end of at least one of the hollow profiles having for pinching a connection zone which is soft at least during forming. This soft connection zone may be hardened during pinching if at least one of the profiles to be joined is made from hardenable steel and is brought to austenizing temperature before pinching.

Abstract: A coaxial connector for interconnection with a coaxial cable with a solid outer conductor by friction welding is provided with a monolithic connector body with a bore dimensioned for an interference fit with an outer diameter of the outer conductor. A friction groove may be formed around the leading end of the outer conductor by application of a friction weld support against the inner diameter and leading end of the outer conductor. The friction groove may include a material chamber formed between a radial friction protrusion of the bore and a bottom of the friction groove. The friction weld support may be provided with ceramic surfaces contacting the outer conductor, a stop shoulder dimensioned to abut a cable end of the bore and/or an elastic insert seated within an inner conductor bore.

Abstract: A press-fit device includes a base plate, a jig base and a robot mounted on the base plate, a press-fit unit mounted at a portion of the robot, a supporting plate mounted on the jig base, and a supporting block mounted to a side portion of the connecting frame. The supporting plate and block can support repulsive force that can be generated when the press-fit component is press-fitted to the press-fit object.

Abstract: A method for fastening a tool handle to a tool shaft includes the following steps. First, providing a tool shaft comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. Next, providing a tool handle comprising a distal end, a proximal end and a socket formed at the distal end. Next, inserting the proximal end of the tool shaft into the socket of the tool handle, and then staking the proximal end of the tool shaft to the tool handle from two opposite directions.

Abstract: Method and arrangement in arranging an aluminium ferrule (2) to an eye (5) of a high strength steel wire rope (6) for fixation purposes, the ferrule (2) is pressed to securely fix said eye (5) and supposed to keep its diameter within a certain standard limit up to a minimum breaking load, dependant on the dimension of said wire rope (6). A ring (1) made from steel having an internally congruent shape but a smaller cross section than that of the ferrule (2) is arranged most close to said eye (5) before said ferrule (2) are together with the steel ring (1) is pressed in a conventional ferrule pressing tool to obtain a eye that is more stable with regard to its dimensions within said standard limit values.

Abstract: A method of crimping a load-bearing member and an end fitting together such that the load-bearing member lies displaced from a center of a cross-section of the end fitting. The method includes the steps of inserting the load-bearing member into an aperture in the end fitting and advancing at least one deformation tool relative to the end fitting to deform the wall of the aperture into gripping engagement with the load-bearing member. The extent of the resulting deformation of the wall over a predetermined length thereof varies in dependence on a distance along the length from the load-bearing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper apparatus for a motor vehicle, having a wiper motor and having at least one wiper bearing in which a wiper shaft is mounted, it being possible to drive said wiper shaft by means of the wiper motor in order to operate a wiper arm which is connected to the wiper shaft, wherein the wiper bearing has a bearing pin (4) for holding a tubular support (1), it being possible for said bearing pin to be fixed to the tubular support (1) by means of a crimp, characterized in that the bearing pin (4) has an outer contour (5) which is already formed, at least in a region of overlap with the crimp, so as to correspond to an inner contour (3) of the crimped tubular support (1), before the crimp is introduced, and also to a method for producing said windscreen wiper apparatus.

Abstract: A stent crimping and coating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of crimping blades positioned in a radial array and collectively forming a central crimping lumen, wherein the plurality of crimping blades radially movable to alter the diameter of the central crimping lumen. Each of the crimping blades includes a first surface configured to at least in part define the central crimping lumen. One or more of the crimping blades includes a fluid channel extending therein and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The plurality of openings are located at the first surface of the one or more crimping blades and adapted to discharge a fluid into the central crimping lumen.

Abstract: Methods of providing flexible duct are provided. The methods include the steps of providing an inner core, the inner core having a cylindrical shape and an outer surface, providing a layer of insulation having a constant uncompressed thickness, fiber diameter and density, wrapping the layer of insulation around the outer surface of the inner core thereby forming a layered assembly, selecting an outer jacket from a set of outer jackets of different diameters, the selected outer jacket configured to compress the layer of insulation to a desired thickness and inserting the layered assembly into the selected outer jacket thereby forming flexible duct. The thickness of the compressed layer of insulation provides a desired insulative value. The outer jackets included in the set of outer jackets are configured to compress the layer of insulation into a plurality of flexible duct having different insulative values from each other.

Abstract: A probe tip for communicating and laterally directing electromagnetic radiation comprises a waveguide, a primary capsule, a compressible member and a malleable secondary capsule. The waveguide is configured to communicate electromagnetic radiation and includes a beveled surface at a distal tip for redirecting electromagnetic radiation in a lateral direction. The primary capsule is attached over the distal tip of the waveguide. The compressible member covers a portion of the primary capsule. The malleable secondary capsule is positioned over the primary capsule and the compressible member, and includes a crimp that compresses the compressible member against the primary capsule and secures the secondary capsule to the primary capsule.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument according to the present invention includes: a wire disposed in a flexible sheath and capable of freely projecting relative to the flexible sheath, the distal end of the wire expanding in radius to form a loop section or a basket section upon being projected from the sheath; and a fixture cylinder for fixing the inserted proximal end of the wire, wherein the fixture cylinder is provided with a wire-radius-increasing-direction-regulating section for regulating the direction in which the radius of the wire increases; and a wire-fixing section, disposed in the vicinity of the proximal end relative to the wire-radius-increasing-direction-regulating section, for fixing the wire.

Abstract: A method of making a screen for downhole use uses mesh screen layers that are diffusion bonded to each other. The ends that will overlap to make a seam when the sheets that are attached together are rolled into a tube are compressed before the tube shape is created or thereafter when the tube shape and an inner base pipe are drawn through a die to join the seam made by the overlapping edges. Because of the compression of the edges, when they overlap to form a tube the wall thickness at the overlap is about the same as the remaining thickness of the screen portion. Optionally, a resilient material can be compressed into the open areas of the screen portions that will be overlapped to make the generally longitudinally oriented seam. The seam can be parallel to the screen axis or spiral around it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (11) for handling an article (13) such as a coil spring, and to an installation for handling an article. The device (11) comprises a body (10) having an internal housing (12) suitable for containing said article (13), said housing (12) presenting at least one open end (10A, 10B) and a constriction zone (14) that is suitable in a stable state, in which said constriction zone (14) presents a reduce dimensions (D14X) that is reduced in a first direction (X), for retaining said article (13) inside the body (10), and for being deformed to adopt a deformed configuration enabling said article (13) to be inserted into the housing (12) or enabling said article (13) to be extracted from the housing (12). The installation includes force-application means for acting on the device to change it between its stable state and its deformed configuration.

Abstract: Brake pipe connection to a brake hose includes a fixing bushing through which the brake hose is inserted through a first side and a brake pipe through a second side. The brake pipe includes an external diameter DT, a wall thickness eT, and a connection end. The brake hose includes an internal diameter dH that is less than the external diameter DT of the brake pipe. The connection end includes a built-in pipette which is housed on the inside of the fixing bushing and inserted in the brake hose. The built-in pipette is formed by the stretching of the connection end to obtain an external diameter of the pipette DP that is less than the external diameter DT of the brake pipe, a pipette wall thickness eP that is less than the wall thickness eT of the brake pipe, and a pipette length LP.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a miniature flexible thrombectomy catheter having one or more flexible miniature noncollapsing tubular portions including pushable and torqueable structure for introduction into the smaller vessels in neurovascular regions. A jet body having an arcuate fluid jet emanator is incorporated in order to minimize size at the distal portion of a minimally sized catheter tube.

Abstract: A wind turbine installation comprises anchor bolts having a sheath or sleeve which extends above the cement foundation and the overlying grout layer. If desired, the sleeve may partially extend inside the base flange of the wind turbine tower. The sleeve may be manufactured from polypropylene, polyethylene or other materials having satisfactory mechanical properties, primarily that the material be capable of withstanding sufficient plastic deformation to cause the material to conform to the shape of the threads of the anchor bolts without the material failing. This swaging operation results in a crimped end which forms an interference fit with the threads of the anchor bolt thereby preventing or limiting the intrusion of water or other liquids into the bolt-sleeve annulus during the installation of the turbine foundation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (11) for handling an article (13) such as a coil spring, and to an installation for handling an article. The device (11) comprises a body (10) having an internal housing (12) suitable for containing said article (13), said housing (12) presenting at least one open end (10A, 10B) and a constriction zone (14) that is suitable in a stable state, in which said constriction zone (14) presents a reduce dimension (D14X) that is reduced in a first direction (X), for retaining said article (13) inside the body (10), and for being deformed to adopt a deformed configuration enabling said article (13) to be inserted into the housing (12) or enabling said article (13) to be extracted from the housing (12). The installation includes force-application means for acting on the device to change it between its stable state and its deformed configuration.

Abstract: A new shrink fitting method including deformation is disclosed, in which a high bonding force can be obtained without accurate mechanical process such as forming an insertion body having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of an object for receiving the insertion body. The shrink fitting method comprises preparing a pipe and a rod material whose inner and outer diameters are different from each other; bonding the pipe and the rod material to each other in a state that the pipe or the rod material is deformed by heating; deforming the pipe to allow the inner diameter of the pipe to be equal to the outer diameter of the rod material; and cooling the bonded pipe and rod material. The shrink fitting method can be widely used for various mechanical parts.

Abstract: A method of assembling a metal shore post of a concrete forming assembly is disclosed. An outer telescoping tube is provided that has a main section with a first inside diameter and top portion with a section having a second inside diameter reduced relative to the first inside diameter of the outer tube. An inner telescoping tube is inserted for telescopic movement inside the outer tube. After assembly, a pair of pistons are inserted through access holes in the outer tube to provide a crushing force to the inner tube deforming it to create a region of increased diameter that is greater than that of the reduced diameter section but not so large as to prevent telescopic movement of the inner tube inside the outer tube. The increased dimension region thereby prevents accidental separation of the inner tube from the assembly, thereby improving safety and efficiency. Openings are provided in the inner tube in the region being crushed in order to control the region of deformation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a rotor shaft including a rotor and a shaft having a groove formed on a periphery to open radially outwardly, the rotor being fixed to the shaft through a caulking plate disposed on the periphery of the shaft and adjacent the rotor in an axial direction thereof. This method comprises the step of caulking the caulking plate to fix the rotor to the shaft by applying a load to an end portion of the caulking plate from outside in a radial direction, opposite the groove, when the caulking plate is disposed in the predetermined place, causing a part of the caulking plate to be press-fitted into the groove. This caulking and fixing step includes pressing a punch against the caulking plate from outside in a radial direction of the shaft, thereby fixing the rotor to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a screen and welding apparatus thereof, putting a metal filter net around the outside of a support sheath and fixing the metal filter net to the outside of the support sheath by way of welding, such that the metal filter net completely covers all filter holes of the support sheath to form a filter sheath with; fixing the filter sheath to the outside of the base pipe and the filter sheath completely covering all penetrated holes on the base pipe; putting a jacket around the outside of the filter sheath and fixing it to the outside of the base pipe such that the jacket completely covers the outside surface of the filter area of the filter sheath.

Abstract: An improvement is made effectively in the strength of a baseball or softball bat constructed by joining a ball-hitting member and a grip member formed of a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) material and a metal material, respectively. In the baseball or softball bat constructed by joining a metal ball-hitting member and an FRP grip member, a joining end region of the grip member has an adhering piece bonded to one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of a joined end region of the ball-hitting member, and a contact piece for contacting the other of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the joined end region of the ball-hitting member when the adhering piece is in a bonded state.