Abstract: Methods for treating fluid overload in a subject comprise shifting fluids directly and non-invasively from an interstitial compartment of the subject to skin of the subject through controlled local sweating. Methods of the invention allow for removal of excess fluid from the interstitial compartment of the subject and treat fluid overload in the subject. Sweat stimulation systems comprise a chamber and first and second relative humidity sensors. The chamber is sized to fit around a body part of a subject, comprises an inlet and an outlet, and is configured such that air flows through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet. The first relative humidity sensor is operably located inside the inlet, and the second relative humidity sensor is operably located proximate the outlet.

Abstract: Electrode/inductor for devices for disposing waste by plasma-chemical destruction method, the inductor located between the electrode and conductive surfaces of the cavity with gaps towards them. The inductor is formed by two truncated regular pyramids with bottom bases located in one plane and top bases located in another plane. The pyramids are rotated relative to each other around their common axis. In all or some of side facet planes of the pyramids, metal side facet plates are located, that are connected to metal plates of the upper and bottom bases located in planes of the upper and bottom bases with gaps between lateral edges of adjacent side facet plates. An electrode of the inductor is placed along the common axis of the pyramids. The inductor electrode is connected to the metal plates of the upper and bottom bases and protrudes beyond the top base towards the reactor electrode.

Abstract: Methods for treating fluid overload in a subject comprise shifting fluids directly and non-invasively from an interstitial compartment of the subject to skin of the subject through controlled local sweating. Methods of the invention allow for removal of excess fluid from the interstitial compartment of the subject and treat fluid overload in the subject. Sweat stimulation systems comprise a chamber and first and second relative humidity sensors. The chamber is sized to fit around a body part of a subject, comprises an inlet and an outlet, and is configured such that air flows through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet. The first relative humidity sensor is operably located inside the inlet, and the second relative humidity sensor is operably located proximate the outlet.

Abstract: Provided are purification systems and methods of using such systems for purifying various environments, such as indoor air, outdoor air, vehicle emissions, and industrial emissions. A purification system comprises an ionizing purifier having a substrate and an active coating. The active coating comprises a pyroelectric and/or piezoelectric material. During the operation, an incoming stream is directed toward the active coating while controlling the average pressure exerting on the active coating. This contact between the incoming stream and the active coating generates negative ions from components of the incoming stream via change in temperature and pressure/force/vibration, etc. The negative ions then interact with pollutants, transforming them into safe, purified materials of the outgoing stream. Unlike the pollutants in the incoming stream, the purified materials are non-harmful, and/or can be easily removed from the outgoing stream, e.g., by filtering and/or other separation techniques.

Abstract: A discharge device includes a connector portion, an electrode portion, and a housing portion. A voltage is applied to the connector portion externally. The electrode portion discharges by boosting and supplying a voltage from the connector portion. The housing portion houses the connector portion and the electrode portion. The housing portion includes a step portion between the connector portion and the electrode portion. The step portion is, for example, a recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clasp for bracelets with a length adjustment device, wherein the adjustment device is devoid of a locking mechanism for blocking the length adjustment and/or of an activation member for unblocking a locking mechanism in order to allow the length adjustment in at least one direction of the length of the bracelet. The clasp enables a user to finely adjust the useful length of the bracelet by thrust or traction on the bracelet strand.

Abstract: Provided is a soft X-ray static electricity removal apparatus that has achieved an increase in the amount of ionized air discharged, with a simple structure. A soft X-ray static electricity removal apparatus (1) includes a soft X-ray generation device (90), a container (10), a soft X-ray shielding sheet (20), and an insulating layer (50). The soft X-ray generation device generates soft X-rays (92). The container (10) has an outlet (12) from which ionized air (100) that has been ionized with the soft X-rays flows out. The soft X-ray shielding sheet (20) is used at the outlet of the container and includes a first outer sheet (30), an interlayer sheet (34), and a second outer sheet (40) which are formed of a material opaque to the soft X-rays.

Abstract: A fluid mover and method of operating includes a pair of spaced electrodes, a power supply electrically coupled to the pair of spaced electrodes, and at least one environment sensor. The fluid mover also includes a controller configured to controllably operate at least one of the power supply or the pair of spaced electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a modular ion generator device that includes a bottom portion, two opposed side portions, a front end, a back end, and a top portion. A cavity is formed within the two opposed side portions, front end, back end, and top portion. At least one electrode is positioned within the cavity, and an engagement device is engaged to the front end and/or an engagement device engaged to the back end for allowing one or more modular ion generator devices to be selectively secured to one another.

Abstract: A resonant energy stabilizer contains: a body, a lid, a mineral crystal, the current amplifier, and a medium frequency current device. The body includes an accommodation chamber. The lid includes an accommodating room. The mineral crystal includes a recess configured to accommodate a sapphire for producing far-infrared waves of electrostatic pulse. The recess is surrounded by a white crystal, a citrine and a green crystal which are surrounded by multiple titanium crystals, and a first magnetite is located above the white crystal, the citrine and the green crystal. The current amplifier includes multiple plasma pieces stacked together to increase a distance of the far-infrared waves of the electrostatic pulse, and each plasma piece has a copper coil layer, a red brass patch, and a red copper sheet. The medium frequency current device includes multiple second magnetites, an input segment, a central processing unit, a booster, and an output segment.

Abstract: Environmental characteristics of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or residences) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or ameliorate adverse or harmful aspects and introduce, increase or enhance beneficial aspects in order to improve a “wellness” or sense of “wellbeing” provided via the environments. Control of intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active Illumination addresses various issues, symptoms or syndromes, for instance to maintain a circadian rhythm or cycle, adjust for “jet lag” or season affective disorder, etc. Air quality and attributes are controlled. Scent(s) may be dispersed. Hypoallergenic items (e.g., bedding, linens) may be used. Water quality is controlled. Noise is reduced and sounds (e.g., masking, music, natural) may be provided. Passive and active pathogen controls are employed.

Abstract: An aerosol generating system including a housing defining an airflow outlet; a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an aerosol generator, configured to generate an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a perforated plate disposed between the aerosol generator and the airflow outlet, the perforated plate defining a plurality of apertures extending through the perforated plate; and an electrode disposed between the aerosol generator and the perforated plate, wherein the perforated plate is electrically conductive, and wherein the electrode and the perforated plate are configured to generate an electrical potential.

Abstract: The present inventive concept relates to an air treatment device adapted to treat air in a confined space. The air treatment device comprises a device body having a central axis, the device body comprising a supporting structure being substantially transverse to the central axis and a side section being substantially parallel to the central axis. The air treatment device further comprises an air treatment section arranged in the device, an ionizing arrangement, a fan arrangement, and a filter extending in a first direction being parallel to the central axis, wherein the filter comprises an upper end and a lower end in the first direction, wherein the ionizing arrangement and the fan arrangement are arranged between the upper and lower end.

Abstract: An ionic wind generator and an electronic device having a heat dissipation function using the same are proposed. The ionic wind generator includes a power module; a first electrode configured to receive power from the power module by being connected to the power module to become an emitter electrode; and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode and grounded and at the same time connected to the power module to become a counter electrode. In addition, the first electrode is configured as a carbon brush including multiple carbon fibers. Accordingly, in the ionic wind generator, the emitter electrode is configured as the carbon brush having multiple carbon fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a thunderbolt arrest-type lightning protection device that has a protected area formed to match a structure and a shape of a protected body being protected from thunderbolts, and is capable of effectively protecting the entire protected body from thunderbolts. The device is configured by: a charged body 2 formed of a conductive material provided to cover a protected body B installed on a ground G; an electrical insulation layer 3 that holds the charged body 2 in an electrically-insulated state with respect to the ground G and the protected body B; a capacitor 4 installed on the ground G, and stores an electrical charge by an electrostatic capacity with the ground; and a conductor 5 that electrically connects the charged body 2 and a second electrode body 4b.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure provides for an ionized air blower that can be used to neutralize static charge on a target surface or provide a charge on the target surface. The ionized air blower may comprise a fan configured to generate airflow toward a target surface, an ionizer configured to produce positive ions and negative ions in the airflow, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to control one or both of a speed of the airflow from the blower and ionization of the airflow. The ionization is performed by a selected one of ion imbalanced mode or ion balanced mode of the blower.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat having a metal frame, the seat defining a volume (V). The frame is configured to be electrically connected to a chassis of the motor vehicle so as to generate a Faraday effect. The seat includes an electronic and/or electrotechnical device having at least one electronic control unit and/or a motor connected to a power cable. The cable is intended for connection to a power supply of the motor vehicle for the at least one electronic control unit and/or motor. The electronic and/or electrotechnical device is at least partially arranged within the volume (V) of the seat.

Abstract: Provided are a static eliminator capable of performing quick static elimination while having a good ion balance, an electronic balance including the static eliminator, and a static eliminating method of the static eliminator. A static eliminator is provided which is configured to eliminate static from a static eliminating object by ions generated by applying high voltages to static eliminating needles, and has a high-speed static eliminating mode configured to eliminate static from a static eliminating object at a high speed, and a relaxation static eliminating mode to be executed by a voltage application method different from that of the high-speed static eliminating mode and configured to regulate ion balances of the static eliminating object and the area around of the static eliminating object. With this configuration, a static eliminator capable of quickly eliminating static from a specimen while having a good ion balance can be provided.

Abstract: An air flow device for a vehicle including an instrument panel dashboard, and a blower, the air flow device comprising a first outlet on a front upper surface portion of the instrument panel dashboard from which an air is sent along the front upper surface to a first inlet on the instrument panel dashboard into which the air blown from the first outlet is drawn; and a second outlet on a back upper surface portion of instrument panel dashboard from which an air is sent along the back upper surface to a second inlet on the instrument panel. The blower outlets are installed so as to open parallel to the blower inlets along an upper surface portion of the instrument panel dashboard.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an ionization device that includes a base portion, a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the base portion to form an upper edge, a top portion is engaged to the upper edge, and a cavity is formed within the base portion, the two pairs of opposed sidewalls, and the top portion. A probe assembly is in electronic communication with the top portion, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe seat selectively secured to an exterior portion of a conduit of the existing environmental control system of the aircraft and a wire extends through the probe seat for supplying electrical current to an emission portion that emits ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the ionic wind generator. comprising an electrode body 10, an AC power source 20, and a DC power source 30. The electrode body 10 has a first electrode layer 12, a second electrode layer 14, a third electrode layer 16, and a dielectric layer 18, such that when a voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 by the AC power source 20, and a voltage is applied between the second electrode layer 14 and the third electrode layer 16 by the DC power source 30, an ionic wind can be generated in a direction away from the dielectric layer 18. An AC voltage is preferably set to 6 to 20 kVpp, and a DC voltage is preferably set to 6 to 20 kV.

Abstract: An ATM device may include an external frame, a touch screen component coupled to the external frame, and a heating element. The heating element may be positioned such that heat generated by the heating element is directed at the touch screen component. The ATM device may include a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of an environment of the ATM device, and may receive temperature measurement data from the temperature sensor, process the temperature measurement data after receiving the temperature measurement data, determine whether the temperature measurement data indicates that a current temperature of the environment satisfies a threshold based on processing the temperature measurement data, and perform an action to control an operating state of the heating element based on determining whether the temperature measurement data indicates that the current temperature of the environment satisfies the threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ion generator device supports. An ion generator device support is configured to retain an ion generator device, the ion generator device having a first portion containing exposed electrodes and a second portion, the support includes a first wall, a second wall extending orthogonally from the first wall and a third wall extending orthogonally from the first wall opposed to the second wall, wherein the third wall extends a smaller distance from the first wall than the second wall, wherein the third wall comprises an orthogonal extension section that extends from the edge of the third wall towards the second wall and is substantially parallel to the first wall.

Abstract: A portable ionizer (100) having a discharge electrode electrically connected to a circuit board (5) to produce ions when energised, a portable power source (6) electrically connected to the circuit board (5) to energize the discharge electrode (8); and a portable case (101) that substantially encloses the power source (6), the circuit board (5), and the discharge electrode (8).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ion generators and their enclosures that include a base, a non-linear wall projecting from the base, a top connected to the non-linear wall a top connected to the non-linear wall, wherein the base, the non-linear wall and the top form a closed space, and at least one ionizing element extending from the enclosure, wherein the at least one ionizing element is configured to receive a voltage capable of producing ions from a power source in the closed space.

Abstract: An ion wind generating device includes a high voltage power supply, a capacitor connected in parallel to the high voltage power supply, a first metal cone connected in series to the high voltage power supply, a ground plate disposed on the same axis as the first metal cone, a starter motor, and a second metal cone disposed on a connecting shaft. The starter motor includes a rotating shaft and a connecting shaft perpendicular to the rotating shaft. After second metal cone moves to be located between first cone and the ground plate, the starter motor stops rotating. The high voltage power supply charges the capacitor with the high voltage power, and the capacitor discharges the first metal cone. When the second metal cone is located between the first metal cone and the ground plate, the first metal cone causes the second metal cone to discharge to generate an ionic wind.

Abstract: An ionization air purification system for the passenger cabin of vehicles, which modifies the degree of ionization by modifying the energy levels applied to an air ionization device having a tubular dielectric member or a planar dielectric member or ionization source proportional to the change in air flow dynamics and air quality. In one embodiment, an ionization air purification system for the passenger cabin of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes an ionization device for purifying the air prior to entering into the passenger cabin of the vehicle while minimizing the production of ozone as a by-product; and means for modifying the degree of ionization by modifying the energy levels applied to the ionization tube or ionization source proportional to the change in air flow dynamics or air quality.

Abstract: A communication unit of the disclosure includes a human-body electrode and a space electrode that perform communication through a human body by means of an electric field method, and a first auxiliary conductor section that includes a first end and a second end, the first end causing electrostatic induction corresponding to a transmission signal with respect to the human body, the second end being disposed at a position closer to the human-body electrode than to the space electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a self-cleaning ion generator that includes a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes a bottom portion, a top portion, at least one electrode extending from the top portion, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An surface sanitizing system for cleaning a portion of an ice machine with a bipolar ions, wherein, said surface sanitizing system comprises a plugs, a power lines, an ion generation power module, a two or more brush cables, a two brushes a brush container and a mounting clip. Said plugs selectively attaches to a power source and provides electricity for running said surface sanitizing system. Said power lines selectively attach said plugs to said ion generation power module. Said two or more brush cables selectively attach said ion generation power module to said two brushes. A female containment portions selectively holds said two brushes within a portion of said brush container. Said two brushes selectively attach to a portion of said two or more brush cables. Said brush container selectively clips into said mounting clip. Said mounting clip selectively attaches to a portion of an ice maker.

Abstract: A car roof automatic HVAC apparatus disposed within a roof of an automobile to maintain a more comfortable temperature inside of the automobile for a driver to return to, and to act as a safety mechanism to prevent a child or pet left inside the automobile from dying of excessive heat or cold. A plurality of vents has a plurality of fans disposed within, and a heater allows the fans to blow hot air when needed. A first CPU, the heater, a light, the plurality of vents, and the plurality of fans are powered by a rechargeable battery or an alternate power source. A remote control can be used to operate the car roof automatic HVAC apparatus. An automobile interface unit disposed within the automobile can detect when the vehicle has been turned off for a programmed amount of time to automatically begin ventilation or heating.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for simulating a wellness promoting, DC variable electric field in an environment. A DC power source (DC input) and converter provide a DC output and generate an electric field in between positive and negative electrodes in an environment. An electric field detector measures and transmits information (data) about the strength of the actual electric field in the environment. A microprocessor receives the data and compares the information to the parameters of a wellness promoting electric field in order to direct the function of a pulse width modulator to modulate the DC output and thereby the DC variable electric field in real-time. The wellness of a subject in the environment of the DC variable electric field is enhanced by ensuring the positive electrode is proximal to a positive part of the subject and the negative electrode is proximal to a negative part of the subject.

Abstract: The invention discloses electrode for generating negative oxygen ion and negative oxygen ion generator using the electrode, comprising a wire loop with a longitudinal section shaped U, a circle of fibre bundle filled inside of the U-shaped groove in the wire loop, wherein the fibre bundle and wire loop are tightly glued by conducting resin and the said wire loop is composed of micrometer-size carbon fiber or fullerene fiber. The invention improves the productivity of negative oxygen ions and greatly reduces the generation of Ozone molecules. Besides, by utilizing the strong turning air flow to transfer the generated negative oxygen ions in high concentration to the space of a long distance for human to breathe, it improves the use efficiency of negative oxygen ions without the filter net, simplifies the structure of negative oxygen ion generator in this invention, as well as decreases its size.

Abstract: An ion generating device can include a housing with at least one conductive surface and an opening, an anode and a cathode disposed within the housing and having a space between them in fluid communication with the opening, a power source having a negative terminal and a positive terminal with a first connection between the negative terminal and the anode and a second connection between the positive terminal and the cathode, and an air mover disposed to move air through the space.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: a plastic plate; a copper discharge electrode formed on a first surface of the plastic plate, the copper discharge electrode having at least one discharge needle; a ground electrode formed on an opposite surface of the plastic plate; and a metal coating layer coated on the copper discharge electrode. Thus, reduced manufacturing costs and maximized lifespan are possible.

Abstract: An ionizer, including: an ionizing electrode for ionizing air and having a longitudinal first direction; and a cleaning member including a plurality of spaced apart bundles of bristles for cleaning the ionizing electrode when the cleaning member comes into contact with the ionizing electrode, each bundle of bristles in the plurality of spaced apart bundles of bristles being offset relative to the other bundles of bristles in the plurality of spaced apart bundles of bristles along the first direction and along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generator mounting device for application of bipolar ionization to airflow within a conduit, the device includes a housing for mounting to the conduit having an internal panel within the enclosure, and an arm extending from the housing for extension into the conduit and containing at least one opening. At least one coupling for mounting an ion generator to the arm oriented with an axis extending between a pair of electrodes of the ion generator being generally perpendicular to a flow direction of the airflow within the conduit.

Abstract: Based on new insights in body coupled communication systems, herein a design tool for designing a body coupled communication apparatus, and products for use in body coupled communication systems are provided herein.

Abstract: Ionization systems configured with a catalyst-bearing sleeve provide improved filtration while keeping ozone levels within acceptable limits. Modular configurations provide for serviceability and replaceability. System controls monitor particulates, temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors and adjust an ionization level accordingly for optimal performance.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ion generators and their enclosures that include a base, a non-linear wall projecting from the base, a top connected to the non-linear wall a top connected to the non-linear wall, wherein the base, the non-linear wall and the top form a closed space, and at least one ionizing element extending from the device, wherein the at least one ionizing element is configured to receive a voltage capable of producing ions from a power source in the closed space.

Abstract: A system and method of treating air. Bipolar ionization is delivered to an airflow within a conduit from a tubeless ion generator. The ionized airflow may be delivered to a conditioned airspace by an HVAC system. In alternate applications, the airflow delivers ionized combustion air to an engine. The invention also includes a mounting assembly for positioning one or more ion generators into an airflow.

Abstract: Bipolar ionizer circuit includes a high voltage AC voltage generator having a high potential output and a low potential output, the high potential output being capacitively coupled to respective high potential inputs of a pair of mutually opposite polarity voltage multipliers and the low potential output being capacitively coupled via an auxiliary capacitor to respective low potential inputs of the voltage multipliers. Outputs of the voltage multipliers are connected to respective ionizing electrodes, and an external ion imbalance indicator is connected in parallel to the auxiliary capacitor, which is thereby able to provide automatic balance of the ion current.

Abstract: A method and system of remotely monitoring an operational status of electronic discharge devices in an air purification system senses emitted radiation at a location proximate the air purification system, alone or in combination with a determination of an amount of time remaining in an operational lifetime of the electronic discharge device, or an amount of power delivered to at least one of the electronic discharge devices. A determination of the operational status of at least one of the electronic discharge devices is made based on at least emitted radiation, and the status information is transmitted to a remote monitoring unit that receives the status information and displays an indicator of operational status. In one embodiment, the operational status of a UV-C germicidal lamp may be monitored using optically sensitive devices located within a purification system.

Abstract: Environmental characteristics of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or residences) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or ameliorate adverse or harmful aspects and introduce, increase or enhance beneficial aspects in order to improve a “wellness” or sense of “wellbeing” provided via the environments. Control of intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active Illumination addresses various issues, symptoms or syndromes, for instance to maintain a circadian rhythm or cycle, adjust for “jet lag” or season affective disorder, etc. Air quality and attributes are controlled. Scent(s) may be dispersed. Hypoallergenic items (e.g., bedding, linens) may be used. Water quality is controlled. Noise is reduced and sounds (e.g., masking, music, natural) may be provided. Passive and active pathogen controls are employed.

Abstract: A device for cleaning ionizing electrodes includes a coil spring fixedly mounted at opposite ends, and an ionizing electrode operable by an actuator plunger for reciprocating movement relative to an axis of the coil spring along a line that extends from an outer periphery of the spring toward an inner periphery thereof, whereby during each reciprocating movement a tip of the electrode penetrates a complete cross-section of the coil spring so as to intersect the adjacent coils at opposing extremities thereof each of which is thereby able to collect dust and other waste deposits from the electrode.

Abstract: An electrostatic bypass system and method as disclosed utilizes corona wires extending laterally across the flow path upstream of the section of the flow path of concern. The corona wires can be arranged to form a mesh across the flow path and can be powered by a power source to ionize the air surrounding the wires to thereby apply an electrostatic charge to the particulates as they pass through an ionized section of air proximate the wires.

Abstract: A charged particle induction apparatus and method comprising a high power light emitting means, such as a laser array, in operable communication with a high energy output means to accomplish initiation of at least two concentric plasma channels in atmosphere extending from the Earth's surface to the charge-rich upper atmosphere, including the ionosphere, for the transmission of charged particles therethrough to ground using the surrounding atmosphere as an insulator. The transmitted energy is drawn down (due to an artificially created potential) through the conductive plasma channels to collection means.

Abstract: A system and method of treating air. Bipolar ionization is delivered to an airflow within a conduit from a tubeless ion generator. The ionized airflow may be delivered to a conditioned airspace by an HVAC system. In alternate applications, the airflow delivers ionized combustion air to an engine. The invention also includes a mounting assembly for positioning one or more ion generators into an airflow.

Abstract: A method comprises introducing a fluid composition into one or more electrically insulating emitters, and applying voltage to the fluid to cause ejection of the solvent from the fluid after it exits the emitter. The fluid composition comprises first material having a dielectric constant greater than ˜25 and polymer mixed into liquid solvent having a dielectric constant less than ˜15, or polymer mixed into solvent having a dielectric constant greater than ˜8. Voltage can be applied to the fluid composition via a conductive electrode immersed in the fluid, or positioned outside and adjacent to the emitters. Conductivity of the fluid composition can be less than ˜100 ?S/cm. A composition of matter comprises nanofibers formed by the method.

Abstract: An electroadhesive cleaning device or system includes electrode(s) that produce electroadhesive forces from an input voltage to adhere debris against an electroadhesive surface, from which the debris is removed when the forces are controllably modified. Controlling the input voltage may designate the size of debris to be cleaned. A power source provides the input voltage, and the electroadhesive surface can be a continuous track across one or more rollers to move the device across a dirty foreign surface. Electrodes can be arranged in an interdigitated pattern having differing pitches that can be actuated selectively to clean debris of different sizes. Sensors can detect the amount of debris adhered to the electroadhesive surface, and reversed polarity pulses can help repel items away from the electroadhesive surface in a controlled manner.