Abstract: An end cap for a telecommunications enclosure has a perimeter. The end cap has a plurality of cable receptacle tubes arranged around its perimeter. Each of the cable receptacle tubes has a plug at an end of the tube opposite the end cap. Each tube has a respective height. A first one of the tubes has the greatest height. Successive cable receptacle tubes on each side of the first tube decrease in height monotonically from the height of the first tube. The difference in height between two consecutive tubes is greater than or equal to a thickness of a blade used to cut the plug off of the tubes. The space between consecutive cable receptacle tubes is substantially less than a width of a blade used to cut the plug off of the tubes. The end cap may have a plane of symmetry passing through the highest cable receptacle tube. To use the end cap, the plug is cut off of the first (highest) cable receptacle tube. A cable is secured to the first tube.

Abstract: A holding configuration and a method for producing a holding configuration for at least one sheathed optical fiber conductor include a holding body having a through-channel with first and second sections and an outlet opening. The optical fiber conductor is fixed in a fixing compound in the first section and emerges from the holding body through the outlet opening with radial freedom of movement and free of fixing compound. The through-channel expands from the first section to the second section having a cross section which is dimensioned in such a way that fixing compound in the second section remains essentially free of capillary force. A rim of the outlet opening which comes into contact with the optical fiber conductor is rounded.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed structure, particularly for use in an optoelectronic device is described. The structure comprises an outer sleeve of a material resistant to moisture ingress with an insert located in the sleeve at one end portion thereof and having a bore therethrough. An optical fibre extends through the bore and beyond the end portion of the sleeve with adhesive films respectively securing the insert to the sleeve and the optical fibre to the insert. A method of assembly for such a package is also described.

Abstract: An infra-red radiation detector having a Dewar type vessel is provided with a coupler which is coupled to the wall of the vessel. The coupler includes a fiber which can transmit infra red radiation and which terminates close to a detector provided in the Dewar type vessel. No special optical arrangement is required in order to couple an external fiber to the detector and the arrangement is inherently aligned.

Abstract: A device for the insertion and/or removal of a cable (1), particularly an optical transmission cable, into or from a pipe-shaped line (3), has a flange-like housing (5) attached to the pipe-shaped line (3), at least one arched guide pipe (13) placed in the housing (5) and projecting into the line (3) for guiding the cable (1) through a bore (17) drilled into the wall of the line (3) as well as multiple ring-shaped sealing elements (21) tightly enclosing the inserted cable (1).

Abstract: An optical interface includes at least two transmitters and receivers capable of transmitting and receiving, respectively, high bandwidth optical signals. A first transmitter/receiver assembly which includes at least one such transmitter and one such receiver is mounted inside a computer having a shell which maintains a hermetic seal. The transmitter and receiver of the first transmitter/receiver assembly face a transparent portion of the computer shell. A second transmitter/receiver assembly also includes at least one transmitter and receiver which are mounted outside the computer shell facing the transparent portion of the shell, with each transmitter and receiver of the second transmitter/receiver assembly opposite a corresponding receiver or transmitter of the first transmitter/receiver assembly. High bandwidth optical signals of up to 1 Gb/s are transmitted to and from the computer across the transparent portion of the shell while the hermetic seal is maintained.

Abstract: A configuration includes a high voltage insulator, whose internal space accommodates optical waveguides and is filled with plastic foam, preferably a polyurethane foam.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for Raman spectroscopic measurement of composition and concentrations in a hostile environment by the use of a first fiber optic as a means of directing high intensity monochromatic light from a laser to the hostile environment and a second fiber optic to receive the lower intensity scattered light for transmittal to a monochromator for analysis. To avoid damage to the fiber optics, they are protected from the hostile environment. A preferred embodiment of the Raman fiber optic probe is able to obtain Raman spectra of corrosive gases and solutions at temperatures up to 600.degree. F. and pressures up to 2000 psi. The incident exciting fiber optic cable makes an angle of substantially 90.degree. with the collecting fiber optic cable. This 90.degree. geometry minimizes the Rayleigh scattering signal picked up by the collecting fiber, because the intensity of Rayleigh scattering is lowest in the direction perpendicular to the beam path of the exciting light and therefore a 90.

Abstract: A gain equalizing device capable of realizing optimum gain equalization according to the amplification characteristic of a repeater and the transmission characteristic of a cable. The gain equalizing device includes a pressure-resistant housing consisting of a cylinder and first and second covers welded to the opposite ends of the cylinder. A plurality of optical fibers of a first tail cable are introduced into the pressure-resistant housing through a first feed through mounted to the first cover, and a plurality of optical fibers of a second tail cable are introduced into the pressure-resistant housing through a second feed through mounted to the second cover. A mounting plate is mounted on the first cover, and a plurality of optical equalizing modules are mounted on the mounting plate. A fiber accommodating structure accommodating a plurality of splice portions for respectively splicing the optical fibers of the first tail cable to the optical fibers of the second tail cable is mounted on the second cover.

Abstract: An in-line hermetic seal for an optical fiber which has an outer diameter and a stripped mid-section contains the stripped mid-section. A tube has an interior with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber and has an opening through a wall of the tube to the interior. The tube and the optical fiber having the stripped mid-section extending through the tube define an annular space therebetween. Soldering means fills the annular space. Sealing means holds the optical fiber approximately centered in ends of the tube. The stripped mid-section is contained by the tube, the sealing means and the soldering means. A method in accordance with the present invention is also described.

Abstract: An in-line hermetic seal for an optical fiber which has an outer diameter and a stripped mid-section contains the stripped mid-section. A tube has an interior with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber and has an opening through a wall of the tube to the interior. The tube and the optical fiber having the stripped mid-section extending through the tube define an annular space therebetween. Soldering means fills the annular space. Sealing means holds the optical fiber approximately centered in ends of the tube. The stripped mid-section is contained by the tube, the sealing means and the soldering means.

Abstract: A bulkhead feedthrough assembly has a first end for releasable mating engagement with an underwater cable, a second end for releasable mating engagement in a bulkhead opening, and a through bore for guiding a plurality of leads from the cable through the bulkhead opening. A seal member is releasably mounted in the bore, and has a plurality of through bores equal to the number of leads, each lead extending through a respective bore. The seal member in an unstressed condition has an outer diameter greater than the feedthrough bore diameter, and each of the seal member through bores has an unstressed diameter less than the diameter of the respective lead, so as to resist leakage of seawater past the seal member.

Abstract: A light guide support mechanism to minimize light transmission loss to the extent possible that houses a light guide in hollow cones such that each of the two end surfaces of the light guide protrudes from the windows of cover members fixed to either external end of the pair of hollow cones that are linked along their axis and that suspend the light guide in the empty spaces in the cones in a suspended state by means of relative rotation of the hollow cones such that the ridges of the light guide are in contact with the edges of the windows in the covers in a point-to-surface or edge-to-surface fashion.

Abstract: A clip device for holding together a plurality of spaced plastic conduits containing optical fibers wherein one-piece first and second cover members are assembled about the conduits with integral male connectors fitted within female slots in the respective cover members to hold them snugly together.

Abstract: The receptacle includes a rotatable coupling nut for engaging an externally threaded fiber optic connector assembly or plug which is mounted upon the end portion of a fiber optic cable. As such, the cross-sectional dimensions of the fiber optic connector assembly can be significantly decreased, thereby permitting the fiber optic cable to be pulled through much smaller ducts or passageways. The receptacle also includes a receptacle body adapted to be mounted in a fixed position, such as to a sidewall of an enclosure. The coupling nut cooperably engages the receptacle body such that the coupling nut is free to rotate relative to the receptacle body even though the longitudinal movement of the coupling nut relative to the receptacle body is limited.

Abstract: A composite insulator with a silicone rubber sheath coating the insulator rod between metal fittings. Adjacent the line fitting, at least, a series of weathersheds are mounted on the rod and fastened to the sheath with their hubs in abutting relationship and with one hub abutting the line fitting. Another series of sheds are spaced from each other and from the series of weathersheds having their hubs in abutting relationship.

Abstract: A cable closure for receiving electrical or optical splices has a lower shell and a cover and at least one end face of the lower shell has a fixed part and a removable sealing part. The lead-in openings are formed in a separating plane or line between the fixed part and the sealing element, and the lower shell and cover are connected to each other along one side by a hinge and fastening elements are located on the opposite longitudinal side of the closure. The cable closure includes cable-clamping devices for the cable sheath and clamping devices for central elements of the optical fiber cables.

Abstract: The fiber optic interconnection apparatus includes a receptacle mounted at least partially within a wall of an enclosure, such as an optical network unit, a network interface device or a splice closure, and a fiber optic cable assembly for mating with the receptacle. By mating the fiber optic cable assembly with the receptacle in a predetermined aligned manner, one or more optical fibers of the fiber optic cable on which the fiber optic cable assembly is mounted can be optically interconnected with respective optical fibers held by the receptacle which extend through the receptacle and into the enclosure.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is positioned adjacent the interior wall of a sealed compartment. The wall has an opening providing an entryway for a fiber optic cable to the interior of the compartment. The clamping apparatus applies compression forces to an annular cylindrical body of a flexibly resilient and deformable grommet supported in line with the opening to seal the opening. The grommet has a passageway for the cable. The clamping apparatus, which essentially surrounds and conforms to the annular body of the grommet, is operable to compress the grommet radially around the cable and to axially urge the end face against the wall of the opening. A clamp member having clamping surfaces for compressing two side by side grommets in line with two side by side cable openings in the wall is disclosed. A headed rod extending at an angle to the wall with the cable openings therein supports the clamp member for angled movement to effect the compressive radial and axial forces.

Abstract: A method of increasing the attachment bond strength between a first and second object comprising respective first and second materials is disclosed. Each of the first and second materials has a respective first coefficient of thermal expansion at an assembly temperature, and a second coefficient of thermal expansion at an operational temperature. The method has various steps (FIG. 4). An attachment surface of the first material is configured to be nonplanar (FIGS. 3a, 36, 37). The second material is brought to a contact point with the attachment surface of the first material (FIGS. 3b, 46). The first and second materials are heated at the contact point to the assembly temperature whereby at least one of the materials is caused to flow in response to the heat.

Abstract: An optical fiber hermetic feed-through for polarization maintaining fibre has, contained within a hollow metallic plug, a ceramic ferrule that is a concentricity providing sliding fit around the fiber and serves to hold the fiber centered in an aperture in the end wall of the plug. The fiber is secured with adhesive in the bore of the ferrule which is similarly secured within the plug. An hermetic seal between plug and fiber is provided by a soft solder fillet whose short length and circular symmetry minimises the stress applied to the fibre by the freezing of the solder and thereby minimises the degradation of the polarisation maintaining properties of the fibre.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection system between a printed board and a cable, in particular a fiber optic cable mounting a connector connectable by rotation and to a bush for use in this connection system. The system is characterized by the use of a bush so disposed as to shift on the back-panel the draw out stress exerted on the connector preventing its axial sliding and therefore the drag and rupture of the fiber optic cable if the connector has not been unscrewed in advance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a submarine repeater structure which has: a cylindrical pressure-tight case in which an electronic circuit is accommodated and sealed; a connecting ring for connecting a terminal portion of a submarine cable; an ocean observation instrument for detecting a variation of frequency difference between a pressure-sensitive crystal and a reference crystal to measure a pressure; and a case for accommodating and sealing the ocean observation instrument; wherein the accommodating and sealing case is attached to an end portion inside the connecting ring.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes one or more optical fibers surrounded by a dielectric longitudinal strength member such as an aramid braid. The cable penetrates a bulkhead at a connector which couples tensile forces acting on the strength member to the bulkhead, to prevent breakage of the fiber(s). The connector includes two mating annular conical members which surround the optical fibers, with the strength braid flared and extending between the mating conical surfaces. The two cones are forced together by a bulkhead connector with a first thread and a second connector with a mating thread, thereby captivating the strength member to the bulkhead to resist tension. Concentric or annular grooves are formed in at least one of the mating conical surfaces to aid in gripping the slippery strength member.

Abstract: A package member has fitted in a through hole thereof a pipe member with an optical fiber inserted therein, the optical fiber including a jacketted part thereof fitted in and soldered to an inside region of the pipe member, with a solder filled therebetween, and a stripped part thereof fitted in and fixed to another inside region of the pipe member, with an adhesive filled therebetween, while the pipe member is fixed to the package member by a welding along a circumference of the through hole, without using a fixing ring, permitting a relatively high hermeticity to be achieved in a facilitated fabrication process.

Abstract: An optical fiber entry strain relief interface includes a composite structure (lay-up) 10 having an optical fiber 20 embedded therein. The optical fiber 20 enters (or exits) the lay-up 10 at at least one point 24 and passes through transition layers 47 comprising an adhesive film 42, a thin rubber sealing layer 44, and a thick rubber strain relief layer 46, and through a polymer plug 48 located above the layer 46. The lay-up is consolidated by heating the lay-up over a temperature profile and applying pressure through mostly closed compression molding tools 30,32.

Abstract: A seal for use in an optical closure is formed in the general shape of a truncated cone. The seal has an aperture which extends completely through the conical shape portion of the seal and which terminates within a plug located at the larger end of the seal. A sinusoidal shaped slit is formed completely through the seal from the small end of the seal to a small distance away from the large end of the seal. The seal is placed within an angled section of a port within an optical closure and an end cap is screwed into the port thereby forcing the seal further into the angled section. The seal can be used for both sealing ports which receive optical cables and ports which do not receive any cables. For the ports that do receive an optical cable, the plug is removed from the seal and the slit is extended all he way to the rear of the seal. When the optical cable is passed through the slit into the aperture of the seal, portions of the seal on either side of the slit become separated from each other.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed fiber optic feedthrough module which comprises a metal or other rigid material connector feedthrough or sleeve feedthrough with a single fiber optic member or with a multitude of optical fibers extending through and protruding out of either side of the connector feedthrough or sleeve feedthrough and a pressure-blocking sealant material of polycrystalline which surrounds the fiber optic member(s) and provides a seal between the fiber optic member(s) and the inside surface of the connector or sleeve feedthrough. The feedthrough module is made by positioning the fiber optic member(s) through the connector or sleeve feedthrough and applying the polycrystalline sealant material between the fiber optic member(s) and the connector or sleeve feedthrough inside diameter to fill all voids between the fiber optic member(s) and connector or sleeve feedthrough.

Abstract: A connecting assembly interconnects one fiber optic cable harness to another fiber optic cable harness, or to an electronic unit containing an optical transmitter or receiver. The backshell includes a coupling ring that prevents loosening of the connection without first relaxing tension on the individual fiber optic cables in the cable harness. The inability to rotate the connector end coupling ring before relaxing tension on the fiber optic cables prevents damage to the individual fiber optic cables from occurring when the backshell is rotated with respect to the connector.

Abstract: A sleeve for receiving branch or joint areas in optical or electrical cables, comprises a stable, essentially cylindrical hollow body (8) with at least one open end to receive the branch or joint areas, where a sleeve head (1) is inserted into the open end(s) and the sleeve head(s) (1) has (have) passage openings (2) in the form of radial slots (2) for the incoming or outgoing cables (3, 4). The slots (2) contain sealing bodies (11), which encompass the incoming or outgoing cable (3, 4) and seal the slots (2).

Abstract: An airtight sealing method for a leading portion of an optical fiber, which provides high airtight sealing effect and is suitable for mass-production, is provided. The airtight seal structure of a leading portion of an optical fiber according to the present invention comprises an optical fiber and a metal pipe having a through-hole for receiving the optical fiber and adapted to connect an inner portion of the leading portion to an outer portion of the leading portion. A pair of glass pipes each having a through-hole receives the optical fiber and adapted to be inserted into the metal pipe. A low melting point glass material is disposed between the glass pipes in the metal pipe and seals the inner and outer portions of the leading portion by filling a space between an inside of the metal pipe and the optical fiber when heated.

Abstract: There is presented a fiber optic coupler assembly for disposition in an urwater bulkhead, the coupler assembly comprising a hydraulic fitting portion of substantially cylindrical configuration and having first threads on an exterior portion thereof. A first shank portion extends axially from the fitting portion and has formed thereon as an integral portion thereof a collar portion configured as a nut. A second shank portion extends axially from the collar portion, and a hub portion extends axially from the second shank portion and has second threads thereon. A tubular portion extends axially from the fitting portion in a direction opposite from the first shank portion. A bore extends through the tubular portion, fitting portion, first shank portion, second shank portion, and hub portion and is configured to receive known fiber optic terminators.

Abstract: An end connector for fiber optic transport cables. A cable clamp received within a passageway of a housing which receives the cable is provided to hold the cable in a secured position so as to resist rotational and longitudinal forces applied to the cable. Support coupling units are provided both internal and external the equipment which the cable is to be connected to. The coupling units allow the end connector to be coupled to and decoupled from the equipment without unnecessary rotation of the end connector and cable and without having to remove the cable from the end connector. Grounding components are provided for grounding conductive members associated with the cable so as to prevent damage due to voltage surges and to prevent RF signal leakage.

Abstract: An optical fiber composite insulator includes an insulator body in which a through hole having a substantially radially circular cross section is provided, a plurality of optical fibers passed through the through hole, and an organic insulating material gas-tightly sealing the optical fibers in the through hole, wherein a diameter of the through hole is not more than 13 mm, the optical fibers are located inside a hypothetical circle drawn on any plane orthogonal to an axis of the through hole and having a center coaxial with that of the through hole, the hypothetical circle having a diameter equal to 95% of that of the through hole, and a distance between any optical fibers is set at not less than 0.1 mm.

Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough is characterized by an isolator disposed completely within the feedthrough tube.

Abstract: An optical fibre feedthrough in which a polarization maintaining (PM) fibre is sealed within a metallic sleeve by a glass seal. The seal applies asymmetric stresses to the fibre which is orientated so that they reinforce its PM properties. This arrangement reduces the manufacturing tolerances needed to avoid destroying the PM properties of the fibre associated with symmetric stress seals. It has application to packages for opto-electronic components. A double optical fibre feedthrough is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed forming an optical fiber communication signal distribution system which is uniquely designed to cooperate with the interior or edges of a typical modular office panel or an extension thereto. It can conveniently be considered to have three key interacting and cooperating elements; a removable channel, a complementary raceway, and optical fiber signal distribution means incorporated into the channel. The system typically provides fiber optic communication signals to a variety of computers and communication devices such as telephones and facsimile machines. The system is flexible and can be used to serve any number of work stations within the modular cluster. It also provides for routing and passage of electrical power lines as well as the optical communications fibers.

Abstract: A disengagable adapter for mechanically coupling optical fibers is provid The disengagable adapter separates into two complementary receptacle parts. Each receptacle part receives through a bore a single optical-fiber located within an optical-fiber connector plug. Each receptacle part attaches to and securely holds a different connector plug. The receptacle parts mate with each other in a complementary fashion and thereby connect the two optical fiber connector plugs together. These connector plugs accordingly align the two optical fibers located within the plugs. The optical fibers can be separated either by demating the complementary parts or by disconnecting one side of the adapter from its connector plug. Mounting the complementary parts to a plate facilitates multiple, simultaneous connections.

Abstract: An end connector for connecting a tubular support structure having at least one optic fiber associated with a fiber optic cable, to a terminal of an associated device. A housing member is configured with a passageway from a front end to a rear end for passing the tubular support structure therethrough. A clamping portion including a flexible sleeve and compression grommet are received and supported by both the housing and a compression nut which couples to the rear end of the housing. As the compression nut is threaded onto the rear end of the housing, the compression grommet is compressed, and in turn the flexible sleeve constricts to apply clamping pressure to the tubular support structure holding the optic fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe mounting assembly has an inner assembly which receives an optical fiber cable and holds it in a sealed alignment. The inner assembly is sealingly received in an outer assembly which is provided with means for attachment to a pressure vessel.

Abstract: A termination system is provided for use with optical fibre members installed in tubular passageways using a flow of air or other gas. The system comprises a chamber defined by a body having an opening provided with a removable cover. An end of at least one passageway in which a first optical fibre member may be installed is terminated on the body so that the passageway communicates with the interior of the chamber. Means are mounted on the cover for terminating an end of at least one second optical fibre member. Preferably the passageway carries a plurality of first optical fibre members and the cover has means for terminating the ends of an equal plurality of the second optical fibre members.

Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough (20,24) for passing through a panel (10) and maintaining a sealed relationship between different fluid environments existing on opposite sides of the panel. A guide tube (25) secured within an opening (44) in the panel (10) by a glass seal (46). The end portions of two fibers (16, 18) to be interconnected through the panel are secured within individual termini (28,42) with the latter located within the guide tube (25) and sealed by O-rings (50,56) against fluid passage therethrough.

Abstract: An optical fiber prooftester for exerting a controlled tensile force on spliced optical fibers includes a base member, a first optical fiber clamp in the form of a coil spring attached to the base and a sliding member mounted for movement on the base member. A second optical fiber clamp also in the form of a coil spring is fixed to the sliding member. A spliced optical fiber is mounted in the first and second clamps with the splice located between the clamps. A constant force wound spring acting between the base member and the movable member urges the movable member away from the first optical fiber clamp thereby applying a predetermined tensile force upon the splice.

Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough comprising a glass seal for sealing the optical fiber within a metal sleeve. The fiber is held in a fixed position with respect to the sleeve while a glass solder, preferably an annular preform, is heated to its glass transition temperature and then cooled to form a glass to metal seal.

Abstract: An electro-optical connection assembly comprising a receptacle assembly and a plug assembly adapted for interconnection, the receptacle assembly having a first fiber optic line and a first electrically conductive tube concentrically arranged therein, and the plug assembly having a second fiber optic line and a second electrically conductive tube concentrically arranged therein, the receptacle assembly and the plug assembly being adapted for face-to-face connection to connect the first fiber optic line to the second fiber optic line and the first electrically conductive tube to the second electrically conductive tube. The receptacle assembly is further provided with means to resist displacement of the first fiber optic line by underwater pressure on the face of the receptacle assembly.

Abstract: An hermetic optical fiber feedthrough arrangement has a separable two-piece metal ferrule (10) with opposite endwall openings (18, 26) of a size slightly larger than the diameter of an optical fiber (12) which extends therethrough. Preliminarily, that part of the fiber within the ferrule cavity (16) and openings (18, 16) has a metal coating (30). The fiber is hermetically sealed within the ferrule pieces (14, 24) by a quantity of a sealant (32). The ferrule may also include an outer radial flange (22) which is hermetically secured within an opening (48) in wall, bulkhead or plate (44) by a further sealant (54).

Abstract: A light guide with an optical fiber bundle for guiding light from an outside light source into a closed space, wherein the optical fiber bundle is fitted into a throughbore formed in a light guide fixing member. The light guide fixing member has an introduction hole formed therein and in communication with the throughbore, wherein the optical fiber bundle is covered by a covering member except for a portion which is positioned within the throughbore of the light guide fixing member and which is communicated with the introduction hole, wherein the light guide has a filling material injected into the introduction hole, and wherein the light guide fixing member is fixed to a light guide communicating bore formed in a partition wall of the closed space.

Abstract: An excellent optical fiber built-in type composite insulator of reduced damage rate in the producing operation and the handling operation thereof, reduced loss of initial light signal transmission and in a desired temperature range, and reduced trouble rate after thermal shock test, is provided.

Abstract: A seal for a duct (7) containing a transmission line package (P) comprises a flexible member (2) disposed in a connector (1). The flexible member (2) has a waisted portion that collapses inwardly onto the transmission line package (P) to form a gas seal up to pressures of about 2 bar, above which the waisted portion yields to permit removal or insertion of the transmission line package, for example by the fibre blowing technique. Vents (8) are provided in the connector (1) so that an increase in ambient pressure externally of the connector increases the resistance of the waisted portion to opening. The arrangement may be used to maintain water tightness or pressure differentials over a bulkhead.

Abstract: An excellent optical fiber built-in type composite insulator including at least two insulator bodies each having a penetration bore, at least one optical fiber inserted in the penetration bores, and sealing structures for the penetration bores of the insulator bodies and for a joining layer of opposing end surfaces of adjacent insulator bodies, is provided, which effectively prevents leakage of inner silicone grease, bending and breakage of the optical fiber, leakage of electric current along the penetration bores, short circuited trouble, and destruction of the insulator bodies, improves joining strength of the opposing end surfaces of the insulator bodies, and maintains the joining strength for a long period, affords a change of numbers of the insulator bodies, and facilitates the production. A method of producing such composite insulator is also provided.