Abstract: A rail lighting arrangement includes a rail, an additional component such as, for instance, a lighting module and a coupling unit. The rail has an inner region and a web that is provided with an opening. A conductor device is provided. The coupling unit is configured to be received by the rail and electrically connect to the conductor device. The coupling unit has a contacting section that is configured to be received in or pass through the opening in the web.

Abstract: An electrical power or data system includes an electrical power or data supply cord and an intermediate power or data cord, a first electrical power or data outlet receptacle disposed between the supply cord and the intermediate cord, and a second electrical power or data outlet receptacle at a distal end of the intermediate cord. The first electrical power or data outlet is positionable below a work surface, while the second electrical power or data outlet is mountable to the work surface. At least one of the electrical cords may include a self-retracting cord section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical power transmission and outlet system. The electrical power transmission and outlet system may include an electrical power transmission and outlet device and an external power storage unit. The electrical power transmission and outlet device may include a housing having an opening for receiving an external plug, a connector in the housing for connecting with the external power storage unit; and a plurality of electrical conductors in the housing connected to the connector. When the external plug is inserted into the opening, the conductors are electrically connected to the external plug and disconnected from the connector, and when the external plug is pulled out of the opening, the conductors are electrically disconnected from the external plug and reconnected to the connector.

Abstract: A modular distribution block for a high-current power system includes a ground module and one or more phase modules. The ground module includes a grounding clamp configured to electrically and mechanically connect to a DIN rail and to retain the distribution block in place with respect to the DIN rail. The phase module(s) include: a conductive splice block that connects a line current from a power supply to a powered device; and, a first surge protective device (SPD) terminal and a second SPD terminal configured to together receive and electrically connect to an SPD module, such connection forming a surge protection circuit within the distribution block, the first SPD terminal electrically connecting to the bus terminal and the second SPD terminal electrically connecting, to the splice block. A rigid bus bar electrically connects the ground module to the phase module(s).

Abstract: A rail charger system used to charge multiple battery assemblies which are, in turn, used to charge electronic devices. The multiple battery assemblies slide on and off a rail charger. The rail charger charges multiple batteries at one time. Alternative embodiments of the rail charger system may be used for charging one or two battery assemblies.

Abstract: A mounting unit and a method are provided for mounting a mounting rail to a mounting plate for a switch cabinet. The mounting unit acts for mounting a mounting rail for electrical devices on a mounting plate for a switch cabinet and comprises a coupling element for coupling the mounting unit by a form closure with the mounting rail.

Abstract: An electronics module housing includes an external recess adapted to receive an associated DIN rail or other associated mounting structure. A latch mechanism is associated with the external recess and is adapted to engage the DIN rail. An electronics circuit board is located in the housing. An electrical connector is physically and electrically connected to the circuit board. The electrical connector includes: (i) a connector body; (ii) a plurality of electrical contacts secured to said connector body and comprising contact pins physically and electrically connected to the circuit board; and (iii) a ground contact secured to the connector body and including a ground pin physically and electrically connected to said circuit board. The ground contact includes a ground contact body that extends from the connector body into the housing recess. The ground contact body includes a ground contact face located adjacent the recess and adapted to contact the associated DIN rail to which the module is mounted.

Abstract: A device for positioning at least one multiple round plug on a profiled support, including an adapter with a plurality of external functional surfaces wherein a first functional surface having latch-type profiles is provided for snap fastening the adapter onto the profiled support, and a further functional surface, offset from the first functional surface is provided with a retaining device for releasable attachment of the housing of a round plug. The adapter includes at least one space which is open toward at least one external functional surface and through which flexible cables can pass.

Abstract: A system for electrically connecting a conductor to a track member includes a clamp base, a clamp bolt, and a wire bolt. The clamp base receives part of the track member, and has a threaded throughbore. The clamp bolt includes a spike pin and a body that is threaded for screwing into the clamp base. The body defines a threaded recess. The wire bolt has a longitudinal throughbore, and is threaded for screwing into the recess. When the conductor is positioned through the wire bolt and the wire bolt is screwed into the recess, the wire bolt holds the conductor in place in electrical engagement with the clamp bolt. When the track member part is received in the clamp base and the clamp bolt is screwed through the clamp base, the spike pin bites into the track member for establishing an electrical connection and clamping the clamp base in place.

Abstract: In the field of telecommunication and data transmission, a jack support structure for fixing a plurality of modular telecommunications jacks on a patch panel. The jack support structure has at least two parallel rows of jack cavities, and fixing means for fixing the jack support structure on a patch panel, characterized by the fixing means being positioned only between two adjacent rows.

Abstract: A DIN rail adapter is provided. The DIN rail adapter is comprised of an adapter sub-assembly, a jack/module carrier, and a cam turn tab. The adapter sub-assembly has a grounding bar configured to make contact to the DIN rail when it is mounted. The jack/module earner attaches to the adapter sub-assembly and can be configured to contain a jack, module, or another similar device. The cam turn tab is configured to reversibly connect the grounding bar to the jack or module contained within the jack/module carrier. In one embodiment, the cam turn tab connects the grounding bar to the jack or module by pushing a portion of the grounding bar such that it makes contact with the jack or module within the jack/module carrier.

Abstract: A DIN rail adapter is provided. The DIN rail adapter is comprised of an adapter sub-assembly, a jack/module carrier, and a cam turn tab. The adapter sub-assembly has a grounding bar configured to make contact to the DIN rail when it is mounted. The jack/module earner attaches to the adapter sub-assembly and can be configured to contain a jack, module, or another similar device. The cam turn tab is configured to reversibly connect the grounding bar to the jack or module contained within the jack/module carrier. In one embodiment, the cam turn tab connects the grounding bar to the jack or module by pushing a portion of the grounding bar such that it makes contact with the jack or module within the jack/module carrier.

Abstract: A power system for an aircraft is disclosed. The power system comprises a power module unit and at least one mounting rail detachably coupled to the power module unit. The mounting rail provides structural support and electrical power to the power module unit. A power system in one embodiment may use mounting rails that double as power rails supplying power to the power module unit. Control is accomplished over a wireless link. The power rail control may be accomplished remotely via a standard or solid state relay. Normal rail power for the rail mounted power module unit may come from the utility bus.

Abstract: A ground conductor includes a conductor body formed from a sheet of conductive metal material of a given thickness, the conductor body having a horizontal base portion, and a pair of downwardly extending vertical leg portions that contain opposed mounting rail cavities that terminate at one end in a pair of flange recesses. A vertical tongue portion extends downwardly from the conductor body transversely across the leg portions at the other end of the cavities, the tongue portion having a width that is greater than the thickness of the metal sheet. When the conductor body is mounted on the mounting rail with one flange extending within the recesses, a spring biases the conductor body in a direction to effect electrical engagement between the other rail flange portion and the adjacent surface of the tongue portion.

Abstract: A power system for an aircraft. The power system comprises a power module unit and at least one mounting rail detachably coupled to the power module unit. The mounting rail provides structural support and electrical power to the power module unit. A power system in one embodiment may use mounting rails that double as power rails supplying power to the power module unit. Control is accomplished over a wireless link. The power rail control may be accomplished remotely via a standard or solid state relay. Normal rail power for the rail mounted power module may come from the utility bus.

Abstract: An adaptive power strip has a power rail. A power entry module and one or more receptacle modules having plug receptacles are mounted on the power rail. The power entry module has a power inlet to which a source of power can be coupled. The power entry module distribute power from the power source to the power rail. The receptacle modules distribute power from the power rail tot the respective plug receptacles. In an aspect, the power entry module has a communications module that discovers receptacle modules on the power rail having data communications capability and if a receptacle module does not have a unique identifier assigned to it, assigns a unique identifier to the receptacle module that the receptacle module stores in a memory. The communications modules also retrieves from each receptacle module having data communications capability, information about the characteristics of the receptacle module that the communications module stores in a memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (1) having a housing, with attachment means for attachment of the housing to a mounting rail (4) being arranged on the lower face of the housing, and with at least one connection for telecommunications and/or data cables being arranged in the housing, in which case the housing is formed in at least two parts and comprises an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) which are latched to one another, with the attachment means for the mounting rail (4) being arranged on the lower part (3) and the upper part (2) having at least one holder (23) for the connection (34) with the lower part (3) being formed with at least one bearing and the upper part (2) being formed with a corresponding bearing holder via which the upper part (2) is attached to the lower part (3) such that it can pivot.

Abstract: An electrical series terminal with a terminal housing, with two conductor connecting elements located in it, and with two current busses, first end regions of which are each assigned to a conductor connecting element and second end regions of which together form an elastic contact region for accommodating the contact plug of a test plug. In the electrical series terminal, when the test plug is inserted into the test opening, elastic contact legs of the second end regions are bent back relative to one another and which together form a second elastic contact region for holding the contact plug of a test plug. The second contact region in the insertion direction is located in front of the first contact region so that an inserted contact plug first makes contact with the second contact region and only upon further insertion with the first contact region.

Abstract: A mounting rail system for a cabin services system of an aircraft is disclosed. The mounting rail system comprises a mounting rail for providing power, and at least one circuit coupled to the mounting rail for allowing for operation of functionalities of a passenger services unit.

Abstract: A shielding device for connection strips in telecommunications and data engineering has a number of shielding plates and at least one base rail allocated to the shielding plates. To simplify the process of fitting the shielding device inside a connection strip, the shielding plates and the base rail are integrally formed from a metal sheet, and each shielding plate is connected to the base rail via a narrow web and is arranged rotated through approximately 90° with respect to the base rail.

Abstract: Retention of replaceable subassemblies, with automatic forced disconnection. The invention relates to a terminal module 1 for locking a subassembly or a PS module 2 on the terminal module in a way that satisfies safety requirements. The subassembly 2 is hinged onto the terminal module 1. The terminal module 1 has a sliding catch 3 for fixing the subassembly 2 on the terminal module 1. Disconnection of electrical contacts is guaranteed during the hinging-on.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a conductor rail (1), particularly an enclosed conductor rail, with a housing (2) and at least one conductor band (4, 6) extending therein, as well as a connector (3) for connecting the conductor bands (4, 6) of adjacent segments (1a, 1b) of the conductor rail, wherein the electrically conductive conductor bands (4, 6) are bent outward at the ends of the conductor rail segments so as to electrically connect the conductor bands. In order to easily and manually produce a connection between conductor rail segments of such a conductor rail with the fewest components possible and such that a high system reliability is preserved, the invention proposes that the conductor bands (4, 6) be bent outward by 180° and that the connector (3) be realized in the form of a clamping connector that encompasses and presses the bent ends of the conductor bands against one another in the region of their bend forming a contact surface (5).

Abstract: An enclosure with integral snap-acting mounting feet for mounting a unit, such as a sensor, to a DIN rail. The unit includes a component portion and a mounting portion. The component portion is the sensor or other apparatus. The mounting portion is integrally formed to the component portion through a flexible hinge portion. The mounting portion includes a tab formed on either side of the mounting portion, and a mounting foot integrally formed to each tab. The flexible hinge portion allows the operator to easily snap the unit onto a DIN rail. The unit is then removed from the DIN rail by pulling on either of the tabs, which causes the hinge portion to flex and allows the mounting foot to be disengaged from the DIN rail.

Abstract: An electrical track and connector assembly includes at least two electrical tracks each having two spaced-apart track wires, and an electrical connector having a housing, and first and second conductive wire units disposed in the housing. The housing has two connecting end portions connected respectively to the electrical tracks, and a wire prop-up unit projecting from an inner surface thereof. Each of the first and second conductive wire units includes two terminals respectively disposed in the connecting end portions and connected electrically and respectively to the track wires, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the terminals. The intermediate portion of one of the first and second conductive wire units has at least one bent rising section held by the wire prop-up unit and extending across the intermediate portion of the other one of the first and second conductive wire units without contact therewith.

Abstract: An auto repair structure for liquid crystal display device includes a data line and a gate line. A protective film is formed over the data line and the gate line. A conductive layer and a plurality of contact holes are formed on the protective film. If the data line or the gate line has an open circuit defect, the signal passes through the conductive layer, thereby automatically repairing the liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: A shielding device for connection strips in telecommunications and data engineering has a number of shielding plates and at least one base rail allocated to the shielding plates. To simplify the process of fitting the shielding device inside a connection strip, the shielding plates (2) and the base rail (3) are integrally formed from a metal sheet (28), and each shielding plate (2) is connected to the base rail (3) via a narrow web (4) and is arranged rotated through approximately 90° with respect to the base rail (3).

Abstract: In DC electrical power systems used for example in aircraft typically an earthing arrangement is provided between electrical power supply rails in the form of a pair of capacitors with a mid electrical voltage earthing point. In such circumstances in previous arrangements an earth fault will have low impedance to the ground and therefore have excess electrical current flow. By aspects of the present invention electrical resistance is provided in the earthing path to limit electrical current flow and therefore allow continued operation despite the earth fault.

Abstract: An earthing structure is for use in an electrical connector including contacts, a housing, a shell, and an earthing terminal or an earthing lug. The shell has a through-hole communicating with a fitting groove, an installing groove, and a connection portion groove, and the through-hole has an inserting groove into which the earthing terminal is inserted, a screw portion for holding the earthing terminal, a spacing groove for avoiding any interference with the earthing lug integrally mounted on the housing, and an engaging portion to engage a locking portion of the housing. Both the earthing lug and the earthing terminal are constructed to be brought into electrically conductive with the same shell, respectively, so that earthing is effected by either of the earthing lug integrally mounted on the housing and the separately provided earthing terminal. It is thus possible to select one contact or the separate earthing terminal with respect to the same shell for earthing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrical power distribution apparatus is disclosed which includes a track made up of a plurality of track sections 100 connected together by/to joints and end sections. The track sections are each provided with a slot 110 with which a power point connector 400 may be engaged at any point by inserting a contact member of the connector 400 through the slot 110 at a chosen point and then rotating the connector 400 by 90 degrees to bring the contact member into engagement with electrical conductors 126, 128 of the track. The apparatus may comprise a further conduit containing conductors used to distribute communication signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for detachably mounting a device to a rail. The rail has generally oppositely facing first and second edges, each having adjacent front and back faces. The apparatus includes a bracket on the device. The bracket has a recess for receiving the first edge of the rail. The recess includes a lip for engaging the back face of the rail adjacent the first edge. The apparatus also includes a clamp on the device. The clamp has a resilient wing for resiliently engaging the front face of the rail, proximal to the engagement between the rail and the lip. The apparatus further includes a latch for engaging the back face of the rail adjacent the second edge against the bias of the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical device with a modular construction, comprising at least one equipment module (1), preferably several equipment modules (1), the module(s) being fixed onto a mounting rail (2). To mount or dismount a module (1) from a mounting rail (2) in a simple manner, the module (1) is fixed onto an adapter (3) for mounting on the mounting rail (2). The adapter (3) for one embodiment fulfills its fixing function by use of a bistable snap-on process and is configured in such a way that no tool is required for the manual mounting or dismounting process. This adapter (3) includes an actuator button (8) used to move catch hooks (5) against spring forces to enable mounting and dismounting of the equipment module (1) to the adapter (3) and also to move catch hooks (18) or (23) to enable mounting and dismounting of adapter (3) to the mounting rail (2).

Abstract: An electrical apparatus including a base configured to be fitted to a holding rail with opposing coplanar arms, and configured to accommodate a component member of the apparatus and fitted with a locking device having two opposing catches each intended to hook onto a respective arm of the rail. Further, at least one of the two catches is joined to a slide configured to slide in a direction and can be moved by a manual unlocking member. In addition, he manual unlocking member includes a lever pivoted around at least one bearing pin having an axis perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slide, and the lever cooperates with the slide bar via a cam device guiding through a slide track having an axis parallel to the axis of the bearing pin.

Abstract: An integrated navigation and communication system that enables distributed spacecraft system operations. The system is a modular, extensible system that supports science operations among multiple, distributed spacecraft by implementing the essential functions of navigation, communication and control. Distributed spacecraft systems, also called formation flying systems, extend the capabilities of single-spacecraft missions by providing a platform for complex sensing tasks, including multipoint observation, co-observation, and distributed apertures. To accomplish these tasks, the system enables spacecrafts within a distributed spacecraft system to communicate science and coordination information, to determine relative position, velocity and time for command and control operations, and to operate in a coordinated manner to achieve common mission goals.

Abstract: Ground bus (50) including a body section (48) having a plurality of apertures (52) for grounding of a like plurality of modules (16). Ground bus (50) is mountable in an enclosure (10) and includes an integral termination section (62) whereinto an external ground conductor is inserted to be compressed by a terminal (56) against the body section (48) for quickly establishing a ground connection.

Abstract: A connector for a track network includes an insulative body, an electrically conductive contact block, at least one contact screw, and a conductor retainer. The insulative body includes a channel extending between a first end of the body and a second end of the body. The electrically conductive contact block is positioned within the channel in the insulative body and has a first end, a second end, an opening extending from the first end to the second end, and at least two threaded contact screw holes extending from an outer surface of the conductive contact block into the opening of the contact block. The contact screws are configured to be inserted into the threaded contact screw holes. The conductor retainer is mated with the conductive contact block and includes a first segment having an opening and a second segment.

Abstract: The wiring case has a detachable display device for displaying contents of data and electric transmission/reception communications established with a predetermined controlling device. In the display device, a pair of wiring members are prepared. The tip end portions of the wiring members are directed towards the bottom surface portion of the wiring case, and the each tip end portion has a contact point. The wiring case has an opening at a section opposing to the bottom surface portion, and a stopper portion is formed at end portion of each of sidewalls of the long-scale box.

Abstract: An electrical component grounding device includes a ground bar, a fastener, and an elongate backing plate. The ground bar includes an elongate electrical contact bridge having at least one electrical contact, a retainer bracket angularly depending centrally of the bridge, and a fastener receiver. The fastener communicates with the ground bar via the fastener receiver. The elongate backing plate has a fastener receiver mating with the fastener and is operative to engage together the ground bar and the backing plate about a support structure. The backing plate and the fastener further cooperate to support the backing plate for rotatable positioning relative to the ground bar to facilitate assembly of the grounding device to the support structure.

Abstract: An edge guide arrangement for circuit boards is disclosed including a guide rail having a circuit board edge-receiving channel with a grounding strip therein. The grounding strip has clips at each end for resiliently grasping the guide rail thereby holding the grounding strip in its position within the channel. The grounding strip with its end clips can be standardized and inventoried in large quantities to be assembled to a variety of guide rails.

Abstract: A conductor rail, in particular for the electrification of furniture, has a section member (1) with a longitudinal channel (3.2) in which there are arranged at least two leads (9.1, 9.2) foreseen for the current supply. The longitudinal channel (3.2) is accessible via a longitudinal slot (4.2) in the section member (1) in order to be able to contact the leads (9.1, 9.2) with a plug at any location. The mentioned at least two leads (9.1, 9.2) are arranged sunk in the same lateral wall (5.1) of the longitudinal channel (3.2). The plug is characterised by a snout (16) which can be introduced into the longitudinal slot (4.2), with at least two laterally protruding contact elements (22.1, 22.2) which are formed for contacting the leads (9.1, 9.2) of the conductor rail.

Abstract: A protective conductor clamp having a mounting leg for mounting the clamp on a support rail and a contact rail that is connected electrically conducting to the mounting base and is provided with at least one conductor connection. The mounting base has shaped sections for holding a spring element for bracing the mounting base in the support rail. The shaped sections are formed by recesses in two parallel-arranged side walls of the mounting base, between which the spring element is inserted.

Abstract: A building entry protection unit for interconnecting telephone lines with a regional telephone system is disclosed. The unit features a housing having a hinged frame with extending prongs for mounting wire connectors. The housing and frame form an enclosed splice chamber where the regional telephone lines are connected to the unit.

Abstract: An improved connector is disclosed for a track lighting system in which a light fixture is physically and electrically connected to a track. The track is elongated and defines a central longitudinal passageway. A voltage bus, a neutral bus, and a grounding element are disposed within the central longitudinal passageway. Means disposed above the central longitudinal passageway define a pair of opposing channels. The connector comprises a housing and a flange extending from the housing. The flange is received within an end of the central longitudinal passageway of the track by way of an interference fit, and the flange has electrical contacts for engaging the voltage bus, the neutral bus, and the grounding element disposed within the central longitudinal passageway. The connector further includes a tongue extending from the housing spaced apart from and generally parallel to the flange and having edge portions which engage the opposing channels of the track in an interference fit.

Abstract: An earthing module for the termination of earthing conductors to contact elements and for latching on rails, where quick, convenient and reliable connection and disconnection of one or several earthing lines is possible for a large range of wired diameters. An earthing plate is connected on either side optionally to a known insulation displacement contact with inclined insertion portion via a central tapping portion or to a screw contact terminal or on its one side to an insulation displacement contact with inclined insertion portion via the central tapping portion 15 thereof and on its other side to a screw contact terminal.

Abstract: A connector assembly is operable to connect a conductor with a generally U-shaped ground rail having a pair of upwardly extending legs that terminate in outwardly directed flange portions, including a conductive plate having a body panel that extends transversely above the rail. At a first end, the body panel included a downwardly extending hook portion the extends in locking relation beneath the flange portion of the associated first rail; at its other end, a first plate support panel is connected with the bottom of the body pane for bending movement about a first generally horizontal fold lined to a support position generally normal to the body panel and in engagement with the upper surface of the flange portion of the other rail.

Abstract: The support bracket and cable assembly of this invention allows an internal circuit board of a host computer to be directly connected to a plurality of peripheral devices using a plurality of interface cables through a first port of an input/output frame. A rigid compound bracket has two bracket elements with cutouts to form cylindrical openings through which the interface cables pass. The cylindrical openings or channels have at least one collar that grips and holds the interface cables within a single port of an input/output (I/O) frame of an enclosure of the host computer. Therefore, interface cables to go directly from the internal circuit board to the peripheral devices without intermediate connectors at the I/O frame. The compound bracket is attached to the I/O frame by a bracket mount arrangement. A grounding interface is provided for the peripheral devices as the interface cables pass through the cylindrical openings in the compound bracket.

Abstract: A grounding bracket, in particular for use in a connecting device for telecommunication and data transmission applications, in particular mounted on a hat-type rail as a carrier rail. An easy-to-replace grounding bracket for connecting devices is provided with different grounding tasks being possible in a simple way. Spring elements for resiliently latching in hat-type rail, a contact lug bent out from a bracket bottom and fastening elements for safe attachment at a bottom of a connecting device of telecommunication and data transmission applications are provided.

Abstract: A field bus connection module for coupling a local bus conductor to an associated field bus system includes a housing formed from functionally different, alignable terminal blocks, and spacing elements. The terminal blocks comprise a feed block and a grounded conductor block. Removably connected with the housing is at least one functional printed circuit board. Removal of the functional printed circuit board necessarily interrupts a separable connection between the local bus conductor and the field bus, although the field bus continues to be connected to the functional printed circuit board.

Abstract: A hinged mounting bracket and attachable ground bar used in conjunction with a telephone wire termination block. The mounting bracket is adapted to accept modular connectors in order to form any size connecting block. The hinged bracket consists of two pieces, a bracket base and a front flap which receives the modular connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the front flap is coupled to the base by a hinge which enables the bracket to rotate open so that rear terminals of the modular connectors may be easily accessed. The ground bar is attachable to the front or rear of the mounting bracket in order to provide a ground for gas tube circuit protectors that may be inserted into the modular connectors. The ability to secure the ground bar to the mounting bracket in a variety of orientations provides additional flexibility for all types of wiring schemes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ground bar couples to support posts on the mounting bracket utilizing a force fit insertion.

Abstract: A telecommunications connector (10) includes a ground clip (15) which resiliently engages the rim (17a) of a grounding bus rail (12). Opposing fingers (25, 26) grip the rim (17a). A pivot finger (26) first grips the rim (17a), and then the connector (10) is rotated (28) onto the rim. Tangs (45) also engage the rim (17a), and the connector (10) and clip (15) are locked in position on the rail (12) by jaws (47). Entry wings (30, 41) assist in opening the fingers (25, 26) and a ground lead receiving pocket (35) on the dip (15).

Abstract: A connection system comprising a terminal strip of insulating material and a metal rail connected to ground, said terminal strip having two substantially rectangular and generally planar sides extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the rail, two lateral faces, a front face provided with electrical contacts, and a back face fixed to the rail, each of the sides having an outside surface, wherein the outside surfaces of said sides of the strip are formed with respective electrically conductive layers in electrical contact with the rail.