Abstract: The torque transmission shaft has a shaft having a hollow tubular shape and a clamp. The shaft has a connecting portion integral with the shaft at one axial end portion, a slit extending in the axial direction in a portion on the other axial end side and opens on the other side in the axial direction, and a female serration on the inner circumferential surface of the other axial end portion. The clamp is separate from the shaft and has a non-continuous portion at one location in the circumferential direction, a pair of flange portions on both sides of the non-continuous portion, and a connecting portion connecting the pair of flange portions in the circumferential direction. The clamp is externally fitted and fixed to the other axial end portion of the shaft and reduces the diameter of the other axial end side portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system further includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: The torque transmission shaft includes: a shaft that is integrally formed and that has a yoke provided at one end portion in the axial direction and a female serration provided on the inner peripheral surface at the other end in the axial direction; and a clamp that is separate from the shaft and that is capable of reducing the diameter of the other end portion of the shaft in the axial direction; wherein the shaft and the clamp are fixed together.

Abstract: A press-fit mounting peg (2) for retaining a component such as a stepped-motor on a circuit board (21). The mounting peg (2) is securable in a mounted position by a first axial displacement of a locking pin (17) along a pin channel (16) of the press-fit mounting peg (2) in a first axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the press-fit mounting peg (2) from a first axial position to a second axial position. The pin channel (16) comprises at least one pin displacement stop (13, 20) for stopping a second axial displacement of the locking pin (17) out of the second axial position.

Abstract: A clamping element for fastening bicycle components, in particular brake/gearshift units, to bicycle handlebars, such as a racing bicycle handlebar, includes a first clamping part and a second clamping part. The first clamping part serves to be connected with the bicycle component, e.g. by a screw. The second clamping part is releasably connected with the first clamping part. Thereby, it is possible to configure the clamping element such that the clamping element is also suited for non-round handlebars and/or can be arranged in closed regions of a handlebar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw actuated mechanical tubular elements connection system to connect a first tubular element provided with a screw hole with a second tubular element via a connector assembly adapted to be inserted into the passages of the tubular elements. The connector assembly includes a rigid body with a foot portion, a movable gripping element, a movable screw actuated portion and a transmission between these movable elements. The tubulars connection system is operable such that upon actuation of the screw, in succession the gripping element exerts a pushing force perpendicular to the wall, to provide a gripping connection between the movable gripping element and the inner surface and an engagement between the foot portion and the opposed inner surface, and a pulling force to pull the second tubular element towards the first tubular element.

Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system further includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for securing together a pair of adjacently located panels. The clamping assembly has a retainer member having a groove therein, the groove extending linearly in a first plane disposed angularly with respect to a second plane intersecting the nose portion and defining a pair of open ends located in the first plane. The clamping assembly also has a tab member, the tab member adapted to be received within the groove of the retainer member via one of the pair of open ends of the groove, wherein the tab member is adjustable in position within the groove along the first plane.

Abstract: To provide a structure for coupling a rotary actuator to a driven body whereby vibration and noise are reduced and assembly, disassembly, and maintenance after attachment to another device are made easy. This structure comprises the following: support parts laid out opposite a frame; a driven body positioned between said support parts; a shaft that holds said driven body and acts as a rotary shaft; and a rotary actuator coupled to said shaft. One end of the shaft is rotatably supported by one of the support parts, and the other end of the shaft is supported by being coupled to the rotary actuator through the opposing frame by being fitted into a tubular recess formed in the output shaft of the rotary actuator. A protrusion that is formed on the rotary actuator and cushioned in the direction of rotation is fitted into an engagement hole in the frame so as to affix the rotary actuator to the frame.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a maintenance apparatus is provided for maintaining semiconductor processing equipment. The maintenance apparatus has an articulated member having a first member with a handle engagement portion and a second member with a first tool engagement portion. The first member is rotationally coupled to the first member about an articulation axis. A first tool member in selective engagement with the first tool engagement portion of the second member.

Abstract: Embodiments of adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A bench mixer has a combined whisk and scraper attachment. In preferred embodiments, the mixer has a processor configured to access data indicative of a respective power limit to be applied to a motor for each of a plurality of user selectable speed settings and monitors motor speed to compare against a user selected speed setting. The processor increases the power applied to the motor, up to a respective power limit if the current speed is lower than the user selected speed setting.

Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly includes a shaft coupling element having a coupling wall defining a channel configured to receive a shaft end of a shaft. The channel includes a coupling interface configured to mate to a shaft interface defined by the shaft end. Each of the coupling interface and the shaft interface define a mating non-regular shape, which may be configured as one of an irregular polygon and a hybrid polygon including linear and non-linear sides. The shaft coupling element includes a fastener bore and a counterbore having an axial counterbore depth greater than an axial depth of the fastener bore. The shaft end inserted in the channel to an inserted depth greater than the fastener bore depth and less than the axial counterbore depth is displaceable into the counterbore such that the shaft end is not engaged with the coupling interface by the fastener bore receiving the fastener.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine base pad retaining plate is provided with a protrusion including a shaft portion, a flange portion having a lager cross sectional diameter than the shaft portion, and a longitudinal slot to allow lateral compression. When attached to a magazine base pad in a magazine assembly, the configuration of the base pad retaining plate eliminates the possibility that the base pad retaining plate will disengage from the base pad resulting in catastrophic disassembly of the ammunition magazine.

Abstract: A joint assembly having a shaft with a retention notch, a joint coupling, a spring clip and a full insertion clip. The joint coupling including a body having a bore, with the bore receiving the shaft, and the body including a secondary fastener hole extending normal to the bore. The spring clip including a fixed end secured to the main body, a flexible middle portion, and a finger at an opposed end, the finger engaging the shaft as the shaft slides into the bore and extending into the retention notch when the shaft is in a fully inserted position. The full insertion clip having a first end secure to the main body, a flexible portion and an opposed second end having a fastener alignment hole, the fastener alignment hole aligning with the secondary fastener hole when not flexed and misaligning with the secondary fastener hole when flexed.

Abstract: In a shaft coupling structure in which a second shaft is inserted into a cylindrical portion provided in a first shaft to be coupled with each other, with a bush being interposed between an inner circumference of the first shaft and an outer circumference of the second shaft, the first shaft and the second shaft are coupled with each other by a combination of a key coupling and a clamp coupling; the first shaft has a keyway with which the key engages and a shaft slit which is formed in the cylindrical portion by cutting off a portion thereof in the axial direction; and a fastener for the clamp coupling is mounted on a portion of an outer circumference of the first shaft in which the shaft slit is formed and the bush has a bush slit which corresponds to the keyway.

Abstract: A disc for releasable attachment to a shaft of a disc screen apparatus includes a hub having a bore and a single split defining a pair of opposing ends. The hub also has at least one flexible portion intermediate the opposing ends that permits the opposing ends of the hub to be separated a predetermined distance sufficient to allow the shaft of the disc screen apparatus to pass between the opposing ends into the bore. The hub has plurality of outer impacting portions configured for engaging materials to be classified and propelling the materials in a conveying direction when the hub is rotated. A mechanism is provided to secure the hub to the shaft so that the shaft extends through the bore.

Abstract: A slotted rigid coupling is configured in such a manner that an inner peripheral surface portion of a shaft hole, the inner peripheral surface portion being located within the slit-equipped fastening section of the coupling body, has an inner diameter d. The inner diameter d of an inner peripheral surface portion of the shaft hole, the inner peripheral surface portion being adjacent to the inner peripheral surface portion, is slightly larger than the inner diameter d. The inner peripheral surface portion is a relief surface recessed outward in the radial direction relative to the inner peripheral surface portion. A shaft is inserted in the shaft hole, and the fastening section is fastened. The region where the inner peripheral surface portion adjacent to the inner peripheral surface portion is provided does not come into contact with the shaft. The shaft can be fastened and affixed to the shaft hole without tilt.

Abstract: A portable support for supporting equipment above a surface having an opening to a subsurface space. The support includes a head, an elevator on the head, and legs connected to the head for supporting the head above the surface. Each of the legs has a foot for engaging the surface when supporting the head above the surface. The support also includes an elongate rod vertically mounted on the elevator for movement between a raised position, in which an upper end of the rod extends above the head, and a lowered position, in which a lower end of the rod extends below the feet of the legs to extend into the subsurface space. The support includes an instrument platform positionable on the lower end of the rod when in the lowered position to support the equipment in the subsurface space when the rod is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A nut is employed to fix a faucet on a wash basin or a kitchen basin and contains an external driving member and an internal screwing member. The external driving member includes a cylindrical fence, an accommodating cavity, a first edge, and a second edge; the cylindrical fence has at least one limiting block and a griping face. The internal screwing member is fitted into and retained with the accommodating cavity and includes an annular cliff, a through orifice, a third edge, and a fourth edge; the annular cliff has plural slots longitudinally extending and isometrically arranged to the fourth edge from the third edge so as to define a plurality of flexible retaining portions, each having an inner threaded section; the annular cliff also has at least one longitudinal recess for retaining with the at least one limiting block of the external driving member and has a contacting fringe.

Abstract: Embodiments of adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A sanitary clamp comprises a first member coupled to a projection with at least one external ratchet tooth, pivotally connected to a second member having at least one wall at least partially defining a well configured for receiving the projection. A rocker lock having a first portion and an opposed second portion including an engaging member is pivotally coupled to the at least one wall and configured such that the engaging member is resiliently positioned in the well to engage the at least one external ratchet tooth to latch the projection within the well, and such that the second portion travels outwardly when the first portion is inwardly depressed to retract the engaging member from the well and release the engaging member out of engagement with the at least one external ratchet tooth to unlatch the projection with respect to the well.

Abstract: A rod to rod connector includes a connector body containing a rod retaining insert. An interconnecting portion inner connects to a body to at least one other connector body. The insert is snap locked within the connector body simultaneously while retaining a rod within the insert in a locked condition.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for a bicycle includes a clamp having an enclosing hole, a gap and two locking members. The enclosing hole communicates with the gap. Each locking member has a locking hole opened therethrough. A threaded member is passed through the two locking holes of the two locking members. An enforcing ring is assembled onto an outer periphery of the clamp. Under this arrangement, when the enforcing ring is assembled onto the clamp, a stress in the clamp is dispersed uniformly so as to fasten a bicycle tubing stably.

Abstract: A universal tube clamp, having a head portion with an aperture formed therein with set screws to retain another object thereto, and a clamping portion. The clamping portion has an outer perimeter sidewall defining an opening with knurls formed on inside walls, a generally T-shaped slot with a vertical portion that extends from a bottom of the sidewall upwardly towards the head portion with ears formed on both sides of the slot, and a horizontal slot portion that extends horizontally through the sidewall above the two ears, and a bolt which forces the two ears together to reduce a diameter of the opening. The ear that the bolt head impinges on is narrower than the threaded ear, and the vertical portion of the T-shaped slot is wider at the bottom of the sidewall than at its top where it joins the horizontal slot portion.

Abstract: A swiveling locking mechanism of a telescopic rod of a mop, including: an internal clamping sleeve, an external clamping cylinder, and a U-shaped locking arm. The external clamping cylinder is mounted on the internal clamping sleeve and the lower portion of the external clamping cylinder is constructed as a trumpet-shaped opening mounted from top to bottom on the conic body. The U-shaped locking arm includes an eccentric cam is provided with a mounting hole corresponding to the axle hole of the internal clamping sleeve. Thus, when moving downward the U-shaped locking arm, the external clamping cylinder rises, and the trumpet-shaped opening of the external clamping cylinder is brought in a loosened position. As a result, the indentation is loosened and the internal rod and the external rod are brought into the unlocked and telescopic state and vice versa.

Abstract: Embodiments of adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A sanitary clamp made of high molecular weight thermoplastic polymer for connection to a barb connector having one end with a funnel formation. The sanitary clamp includes a pair of essentially semi-circular members having a pivotal connection at one of the ends of each member and a locking connection at the other ends of each member. The semi-circular portions of the members are configured to sealing and secure a pair of funneled ends of a pair of barb connectors with an O-ring disposed therebetween. The locking ends of the sanitary clamp includes a ratchet portion on one member and a housing member configured to lockingly receive the ratchet portion on the other member.

Abstract: A fastening system for fixing and/or aligning at least one sensor element, in particular an active infrared sensor or the accessory parts thereof, such as printed circuit boards, controls, energy sources etc., in a rail element with at least one fastening element, characterized in that the fastening element can be plugged from a front side into the rail element at any desired position. The object is further achieved by providing a fastening system for fixing and/or aligning at least one sensor element, in particular an active infrared sensor or the accessory parts thereof, such as printed circuit boards, controls, energy sources etc., in a rail element with at least one fastening element, characterized in that at least one sensor element and/or the accessory part thereof can be inserted into at least one fastening element in a fashion capable of being re-released and of being aligned with regard to its inclination and the like.

Abstract: A sanitary clamp for connection to a pair of barb connectors each having one end terminating at a funnel shaped portion is described herein. The sanitary clamp includes a first member having a first semi-circular center portion disposed between a first end and a second end. A second member has a second semi-circular center portion disposed between a first end and a second end. Said first ends of the first and second members are configured to pivotally connect to each other, and said second ends of the first and second members include a locking mechanism for selectively locking the second ends of the first and second members in engagement.

Abstract: A clamp coupling has a slotted clamping ring seated on a first rotatable part. A clamping screw is arranged in the clamping ring and acts on the clamping ring to elastically spread the clamping ring apart and contract the clamping ring depending on the turning direction of the clamping screw. The first rotatable part has axially oriented slots that extend up to a free end face of the first rotatable part and that separate coupling segments of the first rotatable part from each other. The slots are arranged in an area surrounded by the clamping ring. The coupling segments receive a second rotating part and are clamped by the clamping ring on the second rotating part. A follower part is arranged on the clamping ring and in a spreading-apart direction of the clamping ring is fixedly connected with at least one of the coupling segments.

Abstract: A clamp yoke for providing a pivotable connection between a pair of rotatable shafts, including a base portion and an ear portion at each end of the base portion, the yoke having a substantially symmetrical U-shaped profile. Each ear portion has a hole, the holes in the ear portions being substantially axially aligned on a first axis. The base portion has an aperture having an axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The base portion has a bolt hole adjacent one side of the aperture, the bolt hole having an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the aperture axis and the first axis. The base portion has a slot extending from one end of the base portion, through the bolt hole and into the aperture, the slot extending beyond the aperture on the opposite side of the aperture to the bolt hole. Also a method of forming the clamp yoke.

Abstract: A securing device for connecting a reflector to an adjustment unit includes a connector connected to the reflector and a holding member is connected to the connector. The holding member includes a space and a slot defined axially through a wall of the holding member. Two notches are defined in two ends of the slot respectively. A securing member includes a frame which includes two upright portions and two transverse portions connected between the two upright portions. The two upright portions are engaged with the notches and one of the two transverse portions has a gap which is expanded when the neck of the adjustment rod of the adjustment unit passes therethrough. The sphere on the adjustment rod is located in the space and the securing member clamps the two ends of the slot to prevent the sphere from disengaged form the space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: A single-sided fitting comprising a shaft with two or more axially extending legs. Each leg has a catch which extends radially outwardly from the leg. A clamping plate has two or more holes each receiving a respective one of the legs. A projection is carried by the clamping plate and extends axially between the legs towards the catches. The clamping plate and projection are axially movable along the shaft to a locking position where the projection is positioned between the catches thus preventing the catches from moving radially inwardly. Means are provided for preventing the clamping plate and projection from withdrawing back along the shaft away from the catches after they have been moved to the locking position. For instance an internally threaded nut may be carried by the shaft, the clamping plate being positioned between the nut and the catches, wherein the nut can be spun along the shaft to engage the clamping plate in its locking position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus (1) that comprises a compression sleeve element (2) established at least partially around portions of a first elongated member (6) that telescopes from a larger elongated member (8) in which it may nest. A relative motion obstruction element (4) may disallow only certain types of motion, e.g., rotational and axial, of the compression sleeve element relative to the elongated members around which it may be at least partially established. As it may be the compression enhancement element (3) —which may be used to generate a retaining compression force element—that prevents perpendicular displacement of the compression sleeve element, deactivation and effective disengagement of the compression enhancement element may allow for a quick removal of the compression sleeve element without requiring that it be slid off an end of either elongated member.

Abstract: Shaft-coupling assemblies using the same shaft but different removable coupling devices (pulleys or gears, etc). The coupling devices are located at any location on the shaft and can be the same or different sizes.

Abstract: In the case of a clamping element for connecting a motor shaft to a transmission via a hub (3), in particular transmission component, such as transmission drive shaft, sun wheel, clutch or the like, with at least one fixing element (7) being inserted radially in the clamping element, the fixing element (7) is at the same time to form both a tangential element for securing the clamping element (R1, R2) against rotation and an axial element for securing the clamping element (R1, R2) with respect to the hub (3).

Abstract: A shaft such as a worm drive shaft for a movable barrier operator is disclosed. The shaft includes at least two shaft segments having connection ends. The shaft segments include respective connection ends permitting a first connection end to be joined with a second connection end by inserting a portion of at least one of the connection ends within the other connection end along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft segments may be retained by a resiliently expandable connector such as a snap ring. The connector may expand to permit the joining and then contract to be received within a surface recess on a connection end. The connector may be part of or pre-assembled on a connection end, such as by being positioned within a surface recess thereof. The connector may provide a pre-determined position for joining the first and second connection ends.

Abstract: A compression coupler is described that provides a robust and simple mechanism to couple threadless tubes in bicycles and/or scooters. Particularly, the handlebar/stem tube-to-fork joint is coupled with a compression sleeve. The coupler provides more surface area for binding and is tightened along a slot on the length of the coupler. The coupler can include a headtube bearing preloading mechanism, a keyway for aligning the handlebar/stem tube to the fork, and shims to accommodate different sized tubings.

Abstract: An auxiliary housing (20) inserted into a frame (10) is locked in a retained state by the locking action of resiliently deformable lock arms (13) and locks (21). The lock arms (13) and the locks (21) include locking surfaces (17, 23) that are substantially normal to an inserting direction of the auxiliary housing (20) and come into contact with each other with the lock arms (13) and the locks (21) engaged in an insertion process of the auxiliary housing (20). When an inserting force exceeding a locking force of the locking surfaces (17, 23) is applied to the auxiliary housing (20), the lock arms (13) are resiliently deformed to disengage the locking surfaces (17, 23).

Abstract: A connector for safety gates has a body being hollow and having an inner space, a baffle, a securing segment and a slit. The baffle is formed in the body to define the inner space into a first holding channel and a second holding channel formed through the body and parallel with each other. The securing segment is formed on the bottom. The slit is formed through the securing segment and the bottom of the body and communicates with the second holding channel to make the second holding channel openable and to divide the securing segment into a first part corresponding to the first holding channel and a second part corresponding to the second holding channel.

Abstract: A system and associated method for disengaging a shrink coupling that secures a shaft to a drive train component, such as a gearbox, includes a reaction plate erected around the shaft at a location displaced from the shrink coupling, with the reaction plate being anchored in place relative to the shaft. A plurality of jacking devices, such as hydraulic jacks, are operationally disposed between the reaction plate and shrink coupling and spaced circumferentially around the shaft. The jacking devices have a first end engaged against the reaction plate and a second opposite end mechanically fastened to the shrink coupling. To remove the shrink coupling from the drive train component, the shrink coupling is released from its clamped state and the jacking devices are activated to exert a pulling force on the shrink coupling, which causes the shrink coupling to be pulled off of the drive train component and moved axially along the shaft to a resting position on the shaft.

Abstract: A coupling device (10) for a gear wheel (12), a pulley or other similar units comprising a support (18) for a gear wheel (16) or an operating portion of the pulley or unit, means for centering and drawing the crown gear (16) or the operating portion on the support and means for holding the crown gear (16) or operating portion against the support (18) along a parallel direction relative to a rotation axis of the gear wheel or pulley or unit, said means comprising a locking member (34) suitable to be fixed to the support (18) for defining an abutment for the crown gear (16) or operating portion.

Abstract: A watercraft lifting system includes a bunk rail assembly, an intermediate frame assembly, a base assembly and a ground support assembly. The bunk rail assembly includes a bunk rail coupled to a load distribution member. The load distribution member is received by the bunk rail such that the bunk rail may rotate by at least a limited amount relative to the load distribution member. The bunk rail may slideably receive a bunk cushion and form a channel therewith for sandwiching a rigid structural member (e.g., a board). The watercraft lifting system may also include contoured clamps that cooperate to distribute and transfer load between frame members. In one embodiment, the contoured clamps include parabolically-shaped inner surfaces.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping a cylindrically shaped structure within a hollow cylindrical structure includes means to maintain the angular and axial position of the structures fixed while the clamp is tightened.

Abstract: An adjustment device (10) having a socket (12) attached to an article (14) to be adjusted; a housing (16) remote from the article (14); a shaft (18) moveable along a longitudinal axis (20) in the housing (16), the shaft (18) having a socket end (22) engaging the socket (12); a clutch (24) to allow slippage of the shaft (18), the improvement wherein a friction brake (26) is positioned in the housing (16) and engages the socket end (22) of the shaft (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking means (1) for use in releasably locking a first tubular structure (100) of a first diameter and a second tubular structure (101) of a second diameter in a predetermined position telescopically in relation to each other. The second diameter is less than the first diameter and the locking means comprises a component (2) adapted for gripping at least the second tubular structure and a component (5) adapted in use to cause the locking means to have a locked position in which the second tubular structure is held in place relative to the first tubular structure and an open position in which the second tubular structure is telescopically movable relative to the first tubular structure.