Abstract: Opaque color shifting strands are disclosed that have an optically variable color with a change in angle of incident light. The strands have an organic substrate and an optical interference structure on one or both sides of the organic substrate. The optical interference design can be a Fabry-Perot structure or can be optically variable ink. Plural strands can be combined to form a textile for example such as a garment label.

Abstract: A rubber laminate comprises a reinforcing layer and a second rubber layer laminated sequentially on a first rubber layer, at least one outer surface of the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer being covered with an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer, wherein the rubber layers covered with the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer are formed from a rubber composition comprising from 20 to 40 parts by mass of a softener per 100 parts by mass of a mixed rubber consisting of from 60 to 80% by mass ratio of a diene rubber and 20 to 40% by mass ratio of a ethylene-propylene-diene rubber and/or a butyl rubber.

Abstract: Metal cord (C-1) with three layers (C1, C2, C3), which is rubberized in situ, comprising a core or first layer (10, C1) of diameter d1, around which there are wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, in a second layer (C2), N wires (11) of diameter d2, around which there are wound together in a helix at a pitch p3, in a third layer (C3), P wires (12) of diameter d3, wherein the cord has the following characteristics (d1, d2, d3, p2 and p3 being expressed in mm): 0.08?d1?0.50; 0.08?d2?0.45; 0.08?d3?0.45; 5.1?(d1+d2)<p2<p3<4.9?(d1+2d2+d3); over any 2 cm length of cord, a rubber composition called “filling rubber” (13) is present in each of the capillaries (14) lying on the one hand between the core (C1) and the N wires (11) of the second layer (C2), and on the other hand between the N wires (11) of the second layer (C2) and the P wires (12) of the third layer (C3); the content of filling rubber (13) in the cord is comprised between 10 and 50 mg per gram of cord.

Abstract: A steel cord used for reinforcing rubber product with an oval cross-section has a structure of m+n, while m is the number of core wires (26) and n is the number of the outer layer wires (22). The core wire (26) is untwisted while m is 1 or the core wires (26) are untwisted and aligned in parallel while m is between 2 and 4, and the outer layer wires (22) are twisted around said core wires (26). The core wires (26) are oval wires and the outer layer wires (22) are round wires. The wires (22, 26) in the steel cord have a carbon content not less than 0.60%.

Abstract: A heating yarn includes an insulating yarn and a conductive yarn that is wound around the insulating yarn. The conductive yarn has an insulating core yarn and a plated layer (such as a copper plated layer) formed on a peripheral surface of the core yarn, and the core yarn is a high elasticity yarn (such as an aramid fiber) with an initial tensile resistance of 4.9 GPa or higher. Moreover, the heating yarn is woven in or knitted into the woven or knitted fabric as part of the constituent yarn.

Abstract: An article such as a fan blade of a turbofan engine comprises a core made up of components at least some of which comprise packs of rods embedded in a resin matrix material. The rods extend in the span-wise direction of the blade to resist centrifugal forces imposed on the blade during operation. The core is encased in a skin formed from preforms which may comprise fabric reinforcements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoset resin fiber components, composite materials including thermoset resin fiber components, composite articles manufactured using such composite materials and methodologies for manufacturing same. The thermoset resin fiber components may include a single fiber of thermoset resin or a plurality of fibers commingled together. The properties and characteristics of the thermoset resin used are chosen according to the material to be produced therefrom. The thermoset fiber components may be woven into reinforcement fibers to form prepregs. Thermoplastic fibers may be commingled and co-woven with the thermoset fiber components.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes an elastic strand for use in kinesiology tape. The elastic strand includes an elastic core. The elastic core is configured to elongate under an external force and return to its original size after an external force is removed. The elastic strand also includes at least one outer strand, where the outer strand is wound around the elastic core.

Abstract: Barbed medical devices include a multifilament elongate body and a monofilament fragment. The multifilament elongate body has an outer surface. The monofilament fragment has a first portion positioned within the multifilament elongate body and at least a second portion which extends beyond the outer surface of the multifilament elongate body to form a barb.

Abstract: A method for improving strength of the finished product in paint roller manufacturing processes and other continuous processes for producing tubular goods from polymers. The method utilizes a substrate such as a polypropylene strip with grooves on its surface. The grooved substrate is fed onto a mandrel to form a tube. Adhesive is applied upon the grooved surface of the grooved substrate. A cover may be applied about the tube, and the resulting product is then cut into finished-size paint rollers. The hardened adhesive in the grooves may operate to reduce the hoop-force which would otherwise tend to unwind the wound substrate. The method in certain embodiments provides a reduction in cost and weight of the finished product.

Abstract: A composite material is described that contains a reinforcing resin and reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers have a coating containing polyphenylene sulfide and the proportion of polyphenylene sulfide relative to the uncoated fibers is 0.001 to <0.01 wt. %. The composite material shows higher apparent interlaminar shear strength and bending strength as compared with similar composite materials having no PPS coating in the above concentration range.

Abstract: The present invention includes a nontwisted composite tether comprising one or more composite rods encased in a jacket and a method for manufacturing same. A portion of the rods may be bundled into one or more strands, provided however that the rods comprising the strands are not twisted into twisted strands in the assembled nontwisted tether. Such untwisted strands, if any, additionally are not twisted relative to each other. Temporary and/or permanent buoyancy may be to the tether. The present invention includes methods for preparing, transporting, and installing a composite tether on a floating platform. The tether, preferably assembled at a waterfront, is launched into the water and towed to an offshore installation site, where the tether is upended and connected via a bottom end connector on the tether to an anchor foundation in the seabed and connected a top end connector on the tether to the floating platform.

Abstract: An extruded profiled element, based on a cross-linkable rubber composition, is delimited in width by two lateral faces which connect radially inner and outer faces to one another for the tread. A conducting element is provided in the profiled element to connect the inner face electrically to the outer face between the lateral faces and all along the length of the profiled element. The remainder of the profiled element is based on an electrically insulating material. When the profiled element is viewed in cross-section, the conducting element has a layered structure including electrically conducting layers which are essentially concentric and which have a curvature towards at least one of the inner and outer faces, with at least one of the layers emerging at the surface of the outer face.

Abstract: A yarn object which, even though made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, can be satisfactorily prevented from color fading caused by contact with other objects or the like, can be produced easily at low cast, and can maintain high strength. The yarn object is colored with a colorant. The yarn object includes a core yarn 2 colored with a predetermined colorant and an outer-layer yarn 3 disposed on the periphery of the core yarn. The outer-layer yarn 3 is disposed in such a manner that the core yarn 2 is prevented from contacting with other objects. The outer-layer yarn 3 includes a transparent filament and a space 4 is formed between the outer-layer yarns 3. The color applied to the core yarn 2 is externally visible through the transparent outer-layer yarn 3 and the space therebetween 4.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and apparatus for producing digital yarns using hybrid metal for high speed communication, which can be connected to a network to exchange information in real time in the ubiquitous era, and digital yarns made using the method thereof. The manufacturing method and apparatus for producing digital yarns using hybrid metal for high speed communication and digital yarns thereof comprises producing a hybrid metal rod; drawing the hybrid metal rod; producing a micro filament; feeding the micro filament; softening the micro filament; forming a sliver; forming a spun yarn; winding the spun yarn; coating the spun yarn with an electromagnetic shielding resin; drying the spun yarn with the electromagnetic shielding resin; and covering the spun yarn with a textile yarn and the digital yarn made in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A surface-finished yarn having multiple inorganic materials is provided. The surface-finished yarn comprises a yarn, a first material and a second material. The surface of the yarn comprises a plurality of the plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions wherein the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second regions are alternately disposed along an axial direction of the yarn. The first material is disposed onto the plurality of first regions while the second material different from the first material is disposed onto the plurality of second regions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aluminum conductor composite core reinforced cable (ACCC) and method of manufacture. An ACCC cable (300) has a composite core and at least one layer of aluminum conductor (306). The composite core (303) comprises a plurality of fibers from at least one fiber type in one or more matrix materials. According to the invention, unique processing techniques such a B-Staging and/or film-coating techniques can be used to increase production rates from a few feet per minute to sixty or more feet per minute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing thread 1, 5, 10, 16 for sewing together reinforcing fibers, in particular to form a fiber preform, for the production of a fiber-reinforced composite component by means of impregnation with a curable polymer material. According to the invention, the fixing thread 1, 5, 10, 16 has an interface 4, 9, 15, 19 for locally increasing the ductility of a matrix formed by the curable polymer material and has at least one core thread 2, 6, 11, 12, 17, so as in particular to reduce the tendency for microcracks to form in the matrix of the finished composite component in the regions where the fixing threads 1, 5, 10, 16 penetrate. The interface 4 may be formed, for example, by an enclosure of the core thread 1 by a thermoplastic polymer material, for example by polyethylene, polypropylene or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are a ripcord for optic cable and a method of manufacturing the same. The ripcord for optic cable has a coating layer formed by applying a coating solution, which includes a binder and a colorant dispersed in the binder, to a surface of a folded and twisted yarn formed by folding and twisting together wholly aromatic polyamide filaments.

Abstract: A reinforcing cord of the present invention is a reinforcing cord for rubber reinforcement. The reinforcing cord includes a carbon fiber strand (11) and a plurality of glass fiber strands (12) arranged around the carbon fiber strand (11). The present invention makes it possible to obtain a reinforcing cord having sufficient tensile strength for reinforcing rubber products as well as high dimensional stability and bending fatigue resistance.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the production of a composite yarn or non-woven strand wherein a core of super absorbent fibers or polymers (SAP's) having a swell factor of approximately 25% and greater are encapsulated by a nonwoven membrane of defined porosity. The membrane is then sealed in a fashion to generally deter or prevent the SAP material from migrating out of the core as water is freely absorbed and desorbed from the composite yarn structure. The strands of yarns or strips of non-woven material are subsequently constructed into an open or unorientated fabric formation. When used as a subterranean fabric, structure or material, the resultant fabric structure retains moisture while permitting normal root growth and allowing excess water to pass through and beneath the fabric while facilitating movement of water from lower levels to the surface.

Abstract: A fiber composite component is at least partially produced by braiding. It comprises a core element which has at least one concavely constructed face that is adjoined by a passage opening. Respective opposite transverse or longitudinal sides of the core element and the side of the passage opening not bounded by the core element are enclosed by a braided fiber composite loop element.

Abstract: Elastic metal/textile composite cord (C-1) having two layers (Ci, Ce) of 1+N construction, formed from a core or inner layer (Ci) comprising a textile core thread (10) of diameter d1 and a metal outer layer (Ce) of N wires (12) of diameter d2 wound together in a helix with a pitch p2 around the layer Ci, said cord being characterized in that it has the following characteristics (p2 in mm): As>1.0%; At>4.0%; Af>6.0%; d1>1.1d2; 4<p2<14; and the core thread (10) is a textile fibre and is embedded in a sheath (11) of diene elastomer composition, As being the structural elongation of the composite cord, At its total elongation at break, and Af being the elongation at break of the textile fibre. Use of such a cord for the reinforcement of tires, for example in the belt of these tires.

Abstract: An alkaline battery comprises an electrode. The electrode has a current collector and an active substance filled in the current collector. The current collector includes a nonwoven fabric fabricated from a plurality of fibers and a nickel-plating film formed on the plurality of fibers. A specific surface area per unit volume of the current collector is 0.13 m2/cm3-0.35 m2/cm3.

Abstract: To improve tensile strength without impairing flexibility and adhesion to concrete, and to form a thick coating in a surface layer part for preventing a basis material from being exposed by damage to the coating, a method of forming double coatings on a prestressing strand includes a primary painting process after a pre-treatment process, in which a resin coating is formed only at the surface layer, a secondary painting process in which respectively individual state resin coating is formed on an outer peripheral face of each of the core wire and surrounding wires under a loosened and separated state, thereby forming a double coating for each surrounding wire, and a finishing process of tightening and retwisting the surrounding wires about the core wire to an original state. The obtained prestressing strand has the double coating portions only at the surface layer and sufficient flexibility and adhesion to concrete.

Abstract: A flexible hose comprising a tube, a knit fabric, and a cover. The knit fabric comprises a hybrid yarn which comprises a first yarn of co-para-aramid fibers and a second yarn of meta-aramid fibers. The hose exhibits significantly improved burst pressure and/or improved impulse fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A coated or jacketed wire or cable, and components thereof are disclosed. The coating, jacket, and components, which comprise a polyolefin and a phenolic polymeric antioxidant, exhibit outstanding oxidative thermal stability (as indicated by the increase in the oxidative inductive time (OIT)), when compared to polyolefins containing traditional non-polymeric antioxidants. A greater improvement in the thermal oxidative stability is observed after the polyolefin mixtures have been aged in water-blocking filler(s).

Abstract: A compact metal cable having two layers (C1, C2) of construction 1+N, rubberized in situ, usable in particular as a reinforcing element for a tire belt for a heavy industrial vehicle, comprising a core or inner layer (C1) comprising a single core wire of diameter d1, and a saturated outer layer (C2) of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2 around the layer C1, said layered cable being characterized: in that it has the following characteristics (d1, d2, p2 in mm): 0.15<d1<0.50; 0.15<d2<0.50; 8<p2<25; and in that the core wire is surrounded by a sheath of diene rubber which fills, at least in part, the gaps between the core wire and the cords of the layer C2.

Abstract: Embolic particles, embolic particle chains, and methods for making embolic particles and embolic particle chains are described.

Abstract: An improved reinforcing element, and devices and methods for producing a wrapped assembly reinforcing element comprising at least one center core member formed from at least one center core strand, wherein the at least one center core member is wrapped with a reinforced thermoplastic resin comprising complete fiber strand dispersion and wet out without breaking fiber filaments after cutting the fiber to a designated length in the wrapping resin. The resulting wrapped assembly may be used in a variety of ways, including virtually any construction project requiring a lightweight reinforcing member with high tensile and compression strength.

Abstract: High frequency-weldable articles, such as sheets or yarns, include at least one high frequency-weldable part that is made from a modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material and that has a melting point ranging from 100° C. to 250° C. The modified PET material is prepared from a composition that includes terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol and a diol modifier. The diol modifier is selected from the group consisting of neopentanediol, 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylpropane, 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylpropane alkoxylate, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A color decorating wire includes at least one color wire of a different color and a transparent plastic skin formed on the color wire by an extrusion molding or an injection molding and wrapped completely onto the color wire. The transparent plastic skin includes at least one connecting plate extended outward from a surface of the transparent plastic skin, and each connecting plate is extended axially along the color decorating wire, and the color decorating wire is fixed onto an object by the connecting plate, so that the color decorating wire concurrently provides glittering and color changing effects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of functionally coating a basalt fiber, including: coating a basalt fiber by passing the basalt fiber through an aqueous fluorine-based solution including 50˜60 wt % of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 2˜5 wt % of a nonionic surfactant and water at a passing speed of 1˜2 m/minute, the solution being maintained at a temperature of 20˜25° C.; drying the coated basalt fiber at a temperature of 80˜110° C.; heating the dried basalt fiber to a temperature of 180˜270° C.; and sintering the heated basalt fiber at a temperature of 360˜420° C. Further, disclosed herein is a method of functionally coating a basalt core yarn, including: preparing a basalt core yarn by winding a sub fiber around a basalt fiber, which is a main fiber, and then twisting the sub fiber and basalt fiber; coating the basalt core yarn by passing the prepared basalt core yarn through a coating solution including 35˜45 wt % of a phosphorus-based fire retardant, 50˜59.9 wt % of toluene, which is a solvent, and 0.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a member with a core wire. The guide wire may have a marker-forming layer which partly encircles the outer surface of the member and differs in color from the member, and a coating layer which covers the marker-forming layer and the member at least in the region where the marker-forming layer is formed and has such transparency as to make the marker-forming layer visible. The marker-forming layer and the coating layer can be formed from mutually miscible resins, while the marker-forming layer functions as a visible marker.

Abstract: A thermal and/or acoustic insulation product, and an apparatus and the process for manufacturing the product. The product is based on mineral wool of the glass wool or rock wool type. The product has at least part of its external surface uncovered. The product is surface-treated over at least a portion of the external surface with a composition having softening properties and including at least one surfactant.

Abstract: Energy active composite yarns include at least one textile fiber member of either an elastic or inelastic material, and at least one functional substantially planar filament, which surrounds or covers the textile fiber member. The composite yarns can include an optional stress-bearing member, which also surrounds or covers the textile fiber member. The composite yarns may be multifunctional, meaning the functional substantially planar filament can exhibit combinations of electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, chemical, semiconductive, and/or thermal energy properties.

Abstract: A hybrid cord 1 for rubber reinforcement comprises a strand 2 having higher elastic modulus, made of PBO fiber or the like, which is disposed at the center of the cord, and strands 3 having lower elastic modulus, made of glass fiber or the like, which are disposed therearound. The hybrid cord has enough strength and is excellent in flexural fatigue resistance, adhesion property relative to rubber, and dimensional stability. A rubber product employs this hybrid cord 1 for rubber reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention provides new types of synthetic turf. The synthetic turf includes a pile fabric having a backing (1) and tufts (2) projecting therefrom. In one embodiment, at least a number of the tufts are made of a composite yarn formed by at least one fibrillated yarn (6) together with a number of individual filament yarns (7), in particular with so-called monofilament or monotape yarns. The fibrillated yarn and the individual filament yarns are preferably made of polyethylene so that the synthetic turf is sliding-friendly. In another embodiment, at least a number of the tufts are made of a composite yarn formed by monotape yarns twisted together with a number of the monofilament yarns. The monofilament and monotape yarns are preferably made of polyethylene so that the synthetic turf is sliding-friendly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal cable usable for reinforcing a carcass reinforcement for a tire, such as a heavy-vehicle tire, to a composite fabric usable as a ply for such a carcass reinforcement, to a carcass reinforcement comprising this fabric and to a tire incorporating this carcass reinforcement. A metal cable according to the invention comprises a textile wrap, and is such that said wrap is formed of an aromatic thermotropic polyester or polyester amide. A composite fabric according to the invention is such that it comprises a rubber composition which is reinforced by said cables. A tire according to the invention has its carcass reinforcement comprising said composite fabric.

Abstract: A thin buffer layer is used to coat on the multi-filament wrapped string to fill the gaps. The polymers of the buffer-layer coating have a high melt-flow (low viscosity) during coating process to fill all the gaps between the filaments, and the filaments are fixed by the coatings onto base core materials.

Abstract: A method of using a contact printing stamp, including forming a transfer material on a plurality of stamping surfaces. The plurality of stamping surfaces are disposed on a plurality of stamp protrusions adapted from the forming of a stamp material in a plurality of recessed regions formed in an exposed end-region of a multilayer thin film structure.

Abstract: A fabric including within its construction a first elongated electrical conductor crossed by a second elongated electrical conductor, the conductors being normally biased apart at a crossover point of said fibres with an air gap between them, whereby application of pressure in a direction substantially normal to a plane of the fabric causes the conductors to make contact. The fabric may be woven, knitted, non-woven or plaited. The fabric can be used as a pressure sensor, switch or other sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-absorbent polymer composite and composition thereof comprising a water-absorbent polymer particle and two or more fibers, wherein said polymer particle has a substantially spherical shape, at least one of said two or more fibers is partially wrapped in the polymer particle and partially exposed to outside the particle, and at least one of said two or more fibers is unwrapped in the polymer particle and partially adhered to a surface of the polymer particle. This water-absorbent polymer composite is characterized in that the fibers are stably fixed to the water-absorbent polymer not only in dry but also in wet through water absorption for swelling, the water-absorbent polymer content can be enlarged relative to the fibers, the polymer can be uniformly fixed to the fibers, the composite is flexible and can be thinned, opened and mixed with any other material uniformly.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a security thread whose existence is not clarified, which is prevented beforehand from being removed, which can be attached even to a form of a commodity heretofore regarded as difficult, and whose use purpose range is enlarged, and the security thread can be constituted by a core member comprising a soft magnetic fiber (1) or the soft magnetic fiber and a core thread (4), and a cover member (2, 3) comprising a nonmetal material to cover the core member, constituted by covering the core member comprising the soft magnetic fiber or the soft magnetic fiber and core thread and a semi-hard magnetic material (10?) with the cover member, or constituted by covering the soft magnetic fiber or the core member comprising the soft magnetic fiber and a thermal welding thread (9) with the cover member.

Abstract: A pile fabric comprises a base fabric and a pile layer composed of many cut piles extending from at least one face of the base fabric, and has a pile length of from 2 to 30 mm. The pile yarns forming the cut piles are core-sheath type composite yarns each comprising a core portion composed of thick fibers (preferably filaments) having a single fiber size of from 5 to 55 dtex and a sheath portion that is composed of thin fibers (preferably filaments) having a single fiber size of from 0.01 to 2.5 dtex, and that surrounds and covers the core portion. The pile fabric is excellent in the dust removal effect during wiping, and resistance to laying flat, and is useful as a fabric for cleaning.

Abstract: Moldable capsules of a conductive loaded resin-based material are created. The moldable capsules include a conductive element core radially surrounded by a resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material includes micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The conductive element core includes between about 20% and about 50% of the total weight of the moldable capsule in one embodiment, between about 20% and about 40% in another embodiment, between about 25% and about 35% in another embodiment, and about 30% in another embodiment. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, that may also be metallic plated, or from metals, that may also be metallic plated, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, or the like.

Abstract: Yarn suitable for tufting comprises a base fiber ring spun or wrap spun with a second fiber at least partially comprising a heat-activated adhesive material such that the yarn includes from 0.1 to 12, preferably 0.25 to 10, weight percent adhesive material having a melting point within the range of 105° to 190° C., more preferably 165° to 190° C. A preferred base fiber is a synthetic staple fiber bundle. A preferred wrapping or insert fiber comprises copolyamide material, including ternary copolyamides of the 6/66/12 type. When the yarn is twist set by conventional processes and then tufted into carpet, the resulting carpet displays enhanced wear and appearance properties.

Abstract: A fire safety line is disclosed having a core of heat-resistant strands twisted together and surround by a tough, cut and abrasion resistant jacket. Preferably, the strands of the core are glass fibers coated with vermiculite and the jacket is formed of braided glass fibers encapsulated by a para-aramid. Stainless steel wire may also be interbraided to reinforce the jacket.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved elastic material which is free of roller abrasion when used in development rollers and overcomes disadvantages of the conventional silicone rollers of deterioration in the abrasion resistance, an elastic roller employing such elastic materials, and an electrophotographic apparatus and electrostatic recording apparatus incorporating such rollers. The elastic material satisfies a relationship represented by the following equation: log{(Tb·Eb)?1}??0.0011(Hd)2+0.1154(Hd)?5.6 where Tb is the tensile strength (N/mm2), Eb is the tension fracture elongation (%) and Hd is the Asker C hardness (°). Further, the present invention provides a novel developer carrier for use with an imaging apparatus and an imaging apparatus incorporating the developer carrier. The developer carrier includes an electrically conductive elastic layer and is arranged in contact with, or in the proximity of, an imaging body.

Abstract: An expandable tubular fabric formed by heat setting a plurality of thermoplastic yarns producing drawn thermoplastic yarns, arranging these yarns in an array and in juxtaposed positions and moving them in a first direction. Extruding at least one filament along a circular or other shaped path about the moving array of drawn yarns and causing the extruded filament(s) to bond with the array of yarns. Finally, setting the extruded filament in bonded position with the array of yarns holding them in relative fixed positions and forming the fabric stable.