Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and distributing a powder is disclosed that uses a rotary dispenser to dispense the powder by gravity onto a movable platen, the platen being movable to a position adjacent to a build bed where the powder can be distributed across the build bed using a spreader. The method and apparatus are also suited to dispensing of a plurality of powders used in build beds for solid free-form fabrication and three-dimensional printing. It is preferred that a powder contacting surface of the apparatus be coated with a coating selected from the group consisting of: an anodized finish, a hardcoat anodized finish, siloxane, baked enamel, electroplated enamel, electroless nickel, coated elastomer, laminated elastomer, dipped latex, sprayed latex, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, an epoxy resin, or a polyester.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes stops which move with a compacting press during penetration of the press into a mold cavity. The stops abut on a mold table and arrest movement of the compacting press so that the compacted shape has a predetermined height. A programmed logic controller integrated with the apparatus measures the time of compaction and is operable to adjust mold filling time so as to control density in the final compacted shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing green bricks from clay for the brick manufacturing industry. The apparatus includes a circulating conveyor carrying mould containers combined to mould container parts, a reservoir for clay arranged above the mould containers, a mechanism for carrying clay out of the reservoir into the mould containers, a mechanism for pressing and trimming clay in the mould containers, a mechanism for supplying and placing take-off plates for the green bricks and a mechanism for discharging green bricks released from the mould containers. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving the mould container parts filled with green bricks such that a protruding edge is formed on at least one side of the green bricks.

Abstract: A unitary concrete product mold formed from a central member having an array of product-shaping molds bounded by side and end portions. Support rails mounted on the bottom surface of the central member limit deflection of the central portion of the central member, improving product quality and reducing mold wear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and distributing a powder is disclosed which uses a rotary dispenser to dispense the powder by gravity onto a movable platen, the platen being movable to a position adjacent to a build bed, where the powder can be distributed across the build bed using a spreader. The method and apparatus are also suited to dispensing of a plurality of powders used in build beds for solid free-form fabrication and three dimensional printing.

Abstract: The mold for the production of concrete shaped bricks has several mold cavities, which are filled with free-flowing concrete. To produce recesses in the interior or on the outer sides of the shaped brick, to each mold cavity there correspond one or more mold cores which penetrate a wiping plate that lies below the mold and project from the bottom into the mold cavities. To demold the shaped brick, the mold cores that are arranged on a core support plate are run out from the mold cavities by a vertical movement relative to the mold and to the wiping plate to the upper limit of the wiping plate, and then the unit that consists of the wiping plate and core support plate is run out in the horizontal direction from the area of the mold.

Abstract: A mold for producing molded concrete items is disclosed. The mold includes a mold frame; a plurality of spaced apart mold cavities contained within the mold frame for receiving concrete and forming of individual concrete items upon curing of the concrete received therein; and an elastic casting material positioning the plurality of spaced apart mold cavities within the mold frame while permitting movement of the mold cavities within the mold space with the elastic casting material contacting side walls of the mold and filling spaces between the spaced apart mold cavities and contacting outer walls of the spaced apart mold cavities.

Abstract: It is desired to simplify the design of an apparatus for manufacturing annular or tubular workpieces from concrete, which comprises a mold having a vertical axis and a mold cavity between a core and a shell. The shell surrounds and is radially spaced from the core, and the mold cavity, is adapted to be filled with concrete from above a feeding and distributing devices is radially guided relative to the mold and serve to feed and distribute the concrete which is to be dispensed into the mold cavity. A mold press, which comprises a vertical ram that carries a mold ring, is adapted to close the mold cavity at its top, and which press is radially displaceable relative to the mold. The feeding and distributing device for the concrete and they the molding press are mounted on a carriage, which is guided to be radially displaceable relative to the mold, and they are arranged on the carriage one behind the other in the direction in which it is displaceable.

Abstract: A mold box is flexibly mounted to a product forming machine having upper and lower vertically displaceable beams. A feed drawer dispenses concrete material into the mold box while a vibration system vertically vibrates the mold box while dampening horizontal vibration. The vibration system is driven by a single drive shaft that actuates first and second vibrator rods while at the same rotating a counter-weight in a counter-rotating direction. A set of alignment brackets lock the mold box into a predetermined aligned relationship while being mounted in the product forming machine. The bottom side of each mold box is mounted to the product forming machine in the same relative position to reduce machine readjustments. A set of telescoping legs hold the feed drawer assembly variable distances above the mold box. A unitized pallet feeder quickly moves pallets one at a time from an "on-deck" position to a "receiving" position underneath the mold box.

Abstract: A mold box is flexibly mounted to a product forming machine having upper and lower vertically displaceable beams. A feed drawer dispenses concrete material into the mold box while a vibration system vertically vibrates the mold box while dampening horizontal vibration. The vibration system is driven by a single drive shaft that actuates first and second vibrator rods while at the same rotating a counter-weight in a counter-rotating direction. A set of alignment brackets lock the mold box into a predetermined aligned relationship while being mounted in the product forming machine. The bottom side of each mold box is mounted to the product forming machine in the same relative position to reduce machine readjustments. A set of telescoping legs hold the feed drawer assembly variable distances above the mold box. A unitized pallet feeder quickly moves pallets one at a time from an on-deck position to a receiving position underneath the mold box.

Abstract: Green concrete products, such as building products, are placed on pallets. Those pallets are transported to a kiln for curing and from the kiln after cure by an overhead crane. Pallets are lowered into and removed from open top kilns layer by layer being supported by movable support ledges, for example rotatable toggles, at each layer position which permit vertical entry and removal of the pallet layers. Three kiln compartments permit continuous production, one being filled, one being emptied and the third curing a load of pallet layers.

Abstract: An independent pallet delivery system for transporting pallets through a block forming machine that forms concrete blocks on a pallet. The systems includes a pallet magazine for storing a plurality of pallets therein. A conveyor belt formed with a pulley system for transporting the pallets. A pallet pick-up position which receives a pallet from the pallet magazine and places the pallet in a holding position above the conveyor. A jacking assembly is provided to raise that conveyor to engage with the pallet and deliver the pallet to the block forming machine. The block forming machine lifts the empty pallet and forms a molded block thereon. As the block forming machine lowers the pallet towards the conveyor, the jacking assembly lowers the conveyor to cushion the return of the pallet having the molded cement blocks thereon. The pallet with the molded concrete blocks is placed on the conveyor and a takeaway conveyor which move at essentially the same speed and outputs the pallet to an automated conveyor.

Abstract: On a device for the production or manufacture of stones, particularly of paving stones, block or formwork stones, with a material box, a mould box or flask, a shake device with compaction rams or presses, to a main frame main cylinders are fastened, to whose main pistons operating in vertical direction the mould box or flask is fastened via a supporting frame. The material box is arranged on the main frame above the mould box or flask. The compaction rams or presses are arranged under the mould box or flask. Draw or traction cylinders are arranged on the main frame via interlocking elements. These cylinders are connectable to the compaction rams or presses. The mould box or flask with the compaction rams or presses and a ram or press support are connected, rotatable by at least approximately 180.degree. via the supporting frame, to the main frame and the main cylinders.

Abstract: A molding machine preferably for molding blocks from a premixed concrete, has a rotating mold table and a receiving conveyor that raises and lowers for ultimate transfer of the molded block to a conveyor and finally to a curing area.

Abstract: The biaxial CM casting apparatus utilizes one or more main mold cores having an automatically extensible and retractable plunger or like structure extending laterally into the mold cavity from the one or more main mold cores along an axis substantially orthogonal to the axis of casting during certain selected phases of the CM casting process to form one or more openings or other structural changes in the casted concrete which openings or changes extend in the direction of a second axis normal to the casting axis.

Abstract: The machine comprises a plurality of mold plates moving along two superposed pairs of guides. Arranged in sequence along the upper guides are a mold filling device, a freezing tank, a stick inserting device, means for removing the freezed product. Arranged at the two ends of the machine are means capable of receiving a mold plate at its exit from the upper guides to bring it to the lower guides, and conversely, without the mold plates being overturned. The mold plates on the lower guides are moved at higher speed than the mold plates on the upper guides.

Abstract: A press for making rigid bodies out of fluent particles has, a cylinder block formed with a plurality of parallel cylinder bores opening into the chamber, respective pistons axially displaceable in the bores of the block, and respective little piston plungers fixed releasably to and projecting outward from the pistons. Respective little dies form little cavities in which the plungers are complementarily engageable. A holder positions workpieces of the particles in partially compacted condition in line with the cavities of the little dies so that respective little pushout plungers can push the workpieces out of the holders into the respective dies. A counter piston is displaceable hydraulically against the cavities after the workpieces have been pushed thereinto. The cylinders of the block are then pressurized to push the little piston plungers into the cavities and compress the workpieces therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and a proces for the manufacture, by the extrusion method, of roof covering plates having at their underside a transverse flange shaped thereto. At a filling station cavities in the pallets corresponding to the transverse flange, are first filled with a hardenable plastic material such as fresh concrete, and said material is then compacted at at least one compacting station. Thereafter, a continuous layer of the material is deposited at a depositing station. The material is finally processed to roof covering plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a friction material includes a friction material-charging device for charging an appropriate amount of a friction material into a cavity in an intermediate die member receiving a lower die member therein; a leveling device including a base having a plurality of narrow bars depending from the base, a first elevator mechanism for vertically moving the base, so that when the base is moved downward, the narrow bars are inserted into the cavity, and a device for imparting a horizontal reciprocal movement to the base when the base is moved downward, so as to level the friction material by the narrow bars; a recess-pressing device including a push rod, and a second elevator mechanism for vertically moving the push rod, so that when the push rod is moved downward, the push rod is inserted into the cavity in the intermediate die member so as to press the friction material into the recess; and a pressing device including a third elevator mechanism for vertically moving an upper die member, so t

Abstract: In a device for making shaped objects from plastic refuse plasticized in a roller extruder under pressure and ejected from the nozzle of the extruder a plurality of molds are provided transported to the extruder, filled thereby and transported therefrom. Each mold has at the end face a plate having a filling opening. During the filling process this plate sealingly overlaps the surface surrounding the nozzle so that the mold can be filled with plasticized plastic under the pressure generated in the roller extruder.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting moldings from an injection molding machine includes molding receptacles formed of stackable pallets, which are stackable to form stacks. A pallet tower includes an elevator, which is movable along vertical skeleton members. The stackable pallets are movable from stationary pallet tracks of a filling station disposed in the injection molding machine into the pallet tower and in the pallet tower can be coupled to a handling pallet, which is supported in the elevator, to form a load unit. By use of a transfer arrangement the load unit is adapted to be transferred to a transporting assembly for transporting the load unit along a linear path.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for molding slotted concrete floor sections. The apparatus forms the concrete floor sections in an inverted position so as to avoid the need for hand finishing of the upper surface of the molded concrete floor sections. The apparatus comprises a base, opposing pairs of interconnected upstanding side and end walls connected to the base and a plurality of elongate spaced apart and substantially parallel ridges connected to and projecting upwardly from the base. Attached to and overlying the ridges are a plurality of elongate keystone shaped dividers removably mounted on and extending upwardly from the ridges with the upper surface being in a substantially common plane with the upper surfaces of the side and end walls.

Abstract: An improved slipform for use in a machine for casting hollow core concrete planks includes at least one angled baffle plate in the core material receiving ports so as to deflect the core material from directly impacting the lower concrete. This lessens the possibility of tears and holes in the lower layer caused by the core material.

Abstract: A mold guidance system for preventing horizontal movement of the mold of a concrete block making machine including, on each side of the machine, a mold support arm extending laterally outwardly from the inside corner of the mold and including a bushing in the outer end thereof, a first clamp secured to the side of the machine frame above the mold arm bushing, a second clamp element secured to the side of the machine frame below the mold arm bushing, and an elongate pin slidably movable within the mold arm bushing and fixedly engaged at the upper end by the first clamp and at the lower end by the second clamp. The mold guidance system prevents horizontal movement of the mold so as to reduce mold wear and increase mold life.

Abstract: A machine is provided for manufacturing moulding trays. Each bed plate is connected between two parallel endless conveying chains such that each is downwardly turnable as it passes over rear chain wheels. Carrying rollers are fixed to the rear of each bed plate. A guiding means is arranged between upper and lower parts of the chains for guiding the rollers during the downward turning. A supporting track is provided beneath the lower part of the chains. Thus, the present invention conserves the space in the conveying direction while conveying the bed plates in the direction of the lower part of the chains by the connecting means and by the carrying rollers contacting the supporting track.

Abstract: The biaxial CM casting apparatus utilizes one or more main mold cores having an automatically extensible and retractable plunger or like structure extending laterally into the mold cavity from the one or more main mold cores along an axis substantially orthogonal to the axis of casting during certain selected phases of the CM casting process to form one or more openings or other structural changes in the casted concrete which openings or changes extend in the direction of a second axis normal to the casting axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for making tiles or slabs such as roofing tiles or paving slabs from castable material, comprises a sequence of platens on an endless conveyor which affords a substantially continuous surface onto which are laid plates and from which dividers are extensible between those plates to sever or at least partially sever a layer of castable material charged and compacted onto the plate. Improvements include selective operation of dividers and their additional provision medially of the platens, selectively operable multiple drill head, charging roller, special plates for tiles to be bent, interlocked drive system.

Abstract: A plant for manufacturing aerated concrete products includes a casting station where a quick-stiffening mixture is prepared and poured into a mold. To form the mold, a movable wall arrangement disposed at the casting station is temporarily united with a transportable mold bottom. After the poured mixture hardens to a semiplastic body, the semiplastic body is removed along with the mold bottom and another mold bottom is assembled with the wall arrangement to receive the next pouring of mixture. As a result, the capital investment required for the plant is minimized. Wires on the wall arrangement may be used to automatically cut the semiplastic body into blocks. The stiffening time for forming the semiplastic body is kept short so that the pacing time between consecutive pourings can also be kept short. The semiplastic bodies on the mold bottoms are stacked on trucks which are guided by tracks to autoclaves at a steam curing station.

Abstract: A material feed system provided with a plurality of injection molding machines. A filling station is provided and has a resin tank in which resin material is stored, a container to which the resin material is fed from the resin tank, and a coupling device for coupling the resin tank and the container on demand. A carrier having a clamping mechanism runs along a track which is laid so as to pass over the injection molding machines and the filling station. The coupling device is controlled by a control unit. The control unit also controls the movement of the carrier to thereby transport the container by the use of the clamping mechanism and to feed the resin material from the container to the injection molding machines.

Abstract: A moulding pallet for moulding building blocks with interlocking surfaces comprises a metal sheet bent to form parallel ridges and valleys, with transverse sheet metal channels inserted through openings in the ridge sides forming transverse secondary ridges.

Abstract: A tile making machine in which tiles are formed on pallets conveyed in succession through the machine has laterally spaced, longitudinally extending tracks for supporting the pallets. The pallets can be supported at different heights by the provision of a fixed track to provide a relatively low track level and another track removably supported by the fixed track to provide a higher track level. The higher track level enables pallets for tiles of flatter profile to be conveyed without requiring the pallet to have an excessive depth.

Abstract: A compaction device for a concrete block molding machine, comprising a mold formed with cells opened at the top and at the bottom, and filled with a no-slump concrete mix. The mold freely rests either on a pallet or vibrating table, which acts as bottom wall for the mold. Compaction shoes, equal in number to the number of cells in the mold, are sized, configured and positioned above the mold so that they may snugly fit into the mold cells. The shoes are mounted at the lower ends of power jacks which are connected to a same fluid pressure source or, alternatively, are altogether in fluid communication. The power jacks are operative to move the compaction shoes over the concrete mix in the cells so as to apply to the mix in each cell, preferably, in the final cycle of vibration, an equal compaction pressure suitably selected to produce concrete blocks having a maximum equal density or more uniform desired or selected physical properties.

Abstract: Apparatus for propelling a succession of pallets in a longitudinal direction has a plurality of pawls for pushing the pallets and spaced apart on a pair of endless drive chains each having a portion extending parallel to a pallet guide means. Each pawl is arranged to move in such a way that in use it engages one of the pallets to push it along the guide means and disengages from the pallet further down the guide means, the movement of each pawl being controlled by an associated cam follower wheel cooperating with one of a pair of longitudinally extending cam tracks. The cam follower wheel can be laterally moved on a shaft to select the appropriate cam track for the type of pallets to be conveyed, so that the apparatus can be easily adapted to e.g. different length pallets.

Abstract: Means for moving a mold train or a support to filling means and roll means to smooth the surface of the material in molds of the train. The roll has a cutter which cooperates with the edge of the mold to break the continuous mold material at the junction between abutting molds and means to separate end molds from the train.

Abstract: A machine for making concrete pipe in which multiple-form sets can be coupled into one module so as to increase production output of the machine without an increase in machine manpower. The multiple-form modules are provided with adapters that make them compatible with conventional single-mode form sets and all cycles of production so that multiple-form modules can be used simultaneously with single-mode form sets. The multiple-form sets also utilize core vibration throughout the fill cycle, but unlike conventional core vibration systems, the amplitude and direction of vibration are continuously varied to distribute the vibration uniformly throughout the length of the pipe being formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for making lined concrete pipe in a reduced time, and provision of such pipe with reduced tendencies to rusting and liner separation, are achieved by a cartridge assembly movable to and away from the pipe machine, a work stand assembly for positioning the cartridge to receive a liner, liner tensioning structures and liner to cartridge clamps for moving the liner to the cartridge, tightening the liner, and holding the liner during transport by the cartridge, and tension bars controlling wire tension during pipe formation. Concurrently with operation of the standard pipe machine, the work stand operates to place a liner on the cartridge. During the stripping cycle of the pipe machine, the cartridge delivers the liner to the core. During the pipe machine vibration under pressure cycle, the tension on the liner tension wires is relieved.

Abstract: A production line for bitumen cakes comprising sequential processing stations, i.e. a station whereat hot bitumen is cast into basins or pans, a station whereat the bitumen is air cooled, a station whereat the solidified bitumen cakes are shaken out, a station whereat the cakes are packaged in a heat-shrinkable plastic material, and an optional palletization station. The production line is set up to accommodate a plurality of pans which are carried in groups on a plurality of platforms or supporting frames adapted to be cyclically passed through the casting, station, cooling station where they are piled, and shake-out station. The cake shake-out station includes an extraction apparatus equipped with a pusher intended for acting on the outside of the pan bottoms to produce resilient deformation of such bottoms and twisting of the pans to separate the pan from the bitumen cake contained therein.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for feeding a number of strips of material of one constituent from different batches thereof, into each extruder of a single- or multiple-extruder system in order to ensure that the extruder product from each extruder is more consistently uniform. To achieve this, such a system is fed from one end from pallets deposited on conveyor belts so that a plurality of strips of material from different batches, but of the same mixture, are fed into each appropriate extruder hopper. The empty pallets are removed from the pallet system by a conveyor belt passing along the charging end.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of calcium silicate based stone blanks including at least one mold into which a crude mixture is poured, the mixture comprising granulated silicate-containing material, lime, water, a cement and foam. The mold has a cover, a bottom and side plate, with one of the plates being movable to open and close the mold. The crude mixture is heated in the mold essentially uniformly to a temperature between 45.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. until achieving the desired blank-strength by strength-forming reactions of the cement in the crude mixture. The heater used for this purpose is a high frequency voltage heater using two parts of the mold as condensor plates connectable with a high frequency voltage source. The formed stone blanks are thereafter removed from the mold and transferred to a transport station.

Abstract: An elongated mold box encloses a removable rectangular pallet and has a center portion pivotally supported by a carriage which is supported for vertical movement by a pair of vertical guide posts mounted on a frame. Hydraulic cylinders are connected to move the carriage vertically relative to the frame and pivot the mold box relative to the carriage for tilting the mold box between a vertical concrete filling position and a horizontal position for stripping a molded concrete article from the mold box. The pallet is supported within the mold box by a generally flat tray member which is guided by parallel rails within the mold box and aligned horizontal guide rails on a run-out platform. The mold box also carries a hydraulic cylinder for moving the tray member between a retracted position within the mold box and an extended position on the run-out platform.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus is disclosed for conveying pallets upon which cement is deposited for continuous moulding of cement tiles. The pallets each have a projecting shoulder portion and are of predetermined length and the apparatus includes a support over which the pallets are conveyed in a continuous stream with adjacent pallets in contact with one another, the drive mechanism for moving the pallets along the support, said drive means including an endless band located above the support and having a run in the direction which the pallets are conveyed over the support, the band having drive members projecting outwardly therefrom for engagement with the shoulders of the pallets for moving the pallets.

Abstract: A table top brick molding machine includes a table defined by a top and legs, the top incorporating a grid open at its top and bottom for defining the sides of molds for receiving brick forming composition; a hopper for dispensing the brick forming composition into the grid; a chain and sprocket drive connected to the hopper for moving the hopper along tracks on the table top above the grid; a shelf beneath the grid for supporting a pallet on a carrier; and a lever system for raising the pallet against the bottom of the grid to complete the molds, and for lowering the pallet and carrier onto the shelf for removal laterally from beneath the table.

Abstract: Associated with a horizontal pouch making machine for packaging a free flowing granular product between webs of flexible packaging material is a product lay down mechanism operable for receiving measured amounts of the product and depositing it in precisely defined areas of one of the webs being processed and in a flattened configuration such as to minimize the amount of packaging material required to contain said product. A product shaping member contacting the web surface during a dwell in the web feed cycle is formed with apertures which in combination with the web define cavities or molds which shape each deposit of product delivered thereto into the desired configuration having uniform height over substantially the entire surface area of the web portion upon which it is laid.

Abstract: A mould for producing concrete mouldings having a frame and a plurality of moulding boxes therein with the moulding boxes removably fastened directly to the bottom end faces of the frame.

Abstract: A press for moulding concrete products has a frame, a horizontal vibrating table, a board and a mould movable vertically between a demoulding upper position and a moulding lower position. A displacing device moves and selectively rigidly connects the mould to the table during vibration of concrete in the mould in a manner whereby the mould, the board and the table form a rigid unit subjected to vibration. The connecting device includes fixing legs attached to the mould and pairs of grippers for symmetrically selectively clamping the lower ends of the fixing legs.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the automated manufacture of heavy concrete objects, which apparatus may incorporate a continuous, rectangular assembly line path having a roller conveyor system for carrying molded concrete castings from a pouring station through a first and a second curing chambers to a stripping station, this roller conveyor system transcribing a closed rectangular layout with four right angle turns therein.

Abstract: A mold box apparatus for casting cementitious building blocks having special channels formed in the sidewalls thereof in which thermally insulative foam is castable.

Abstract: Apparatus for precasting concrete products wherein dry mix is deposited in casting cavities defined by mating upper and base form sections, vibrated and/or pressure compacted, and the upper form section removed immediately for curing of a free standing green cast product. A single upper form section cooperates with a number of base sections and the latter are used to transport the green cast products for curing. Automatically separable base section parts are also employed for the transport of cured products. Forms are adapted for fork lift handling and include high intensity vibrators, sight openings for ascertaining a cavity full condition, closure plates for fill openings, pressure applying and finishing devices, and sectionalized construction for various size products. Casting machine includes mix delivery apparatus and form handling apparatus for upper and base form sections for automated casting and transfer of green cast products for curing.

Abstract: A machine having two packer heads operable to simultaneously make two concrete pipes. A pair of jackets mounted on a turntable are located in vertical alignment with two packer heads. A gear box mounted on a cross head is connected to downwardly directed shafts operable to rotate the packer heads. The cross head is movably mounted on an upright frame to lower the packer heads into the bottom area of the jackets. Separate controlled conveyors discharge concrete into the jackets above the packer heads. Separately rotatable funnels and stationary wiper blades are used to control the movement of concrete into the jackets. The packer heads are simultaneously rotated and elevated in the jackets to build up the cylindrical walls of the pipes. A dual bell packer is moved into engagement with the pallets at the lower end of the jackets to rotate and vibrate the pallets to form the bell sections of the concrete pipes. A pallet positioner is used to locate the pallets on the turntable.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a novel process for the production of bonded foam, and particularly polyurethane foam scrap. The process allows for the production of a high quality rebonded product. Significant improvements are seen in the quality of the product, reduction in density, reduction in scrap loss, elimination of density variations in the molded product and overall product consistency.