Abstract: The invention relates to a deflector attachment (1), which is designed to be arranged on a predetermined drilling tool (111) having a predetermined drilling needle (19) which can be supported and guided along a drill axis (b) and which protrudes out of a housing (12) of the drilling tool (111) at the front. The deflector attachment (1) can be arranged on the front face of the drilling tool (111) and has a deflecting housing in which, in an arrangement for use, the drilling needle (19) emerging from the housing (12) of the drilling tool (111) can be guided. In the arrangement for use the deflecting housing is curved by a predetermined angle (a) and provides a drilling needle exit axis (a) which is offset by the predetermined angle (a) in relation to the predetermined drill axis (b) of the drilling tool (111).

Abstract: A holding element includes a door handle that actuates a door lock and the door handle support at a vehicle with at least a first and second retainer that fixes the holding element at the door handle support and at least a fastener that fastens a mechanical connection element for the actuation of the door lock wherein at least the first retainer serves for the form-fitting fixation of the holding element at the door handle support.

Abstract: A tool for programming a controller of an electric motor by engaging a connection block of the motor and providing high voltage power and communicating programming signals to the controller. The tool includes a body having an interface for engaging the connection block, and internal wiring presenting tool terminals at the interface for making contact with corresponding motor terminals to allow for providing power and communicating signals between the tool and the controller. An energy-limited transformer having an isolated high impedance secondary winding provides both electrical isolation to protect against shock and low energy output to protect against arc flash. Redundant interlocks include a software interlock which allows the power to be present at the interface only during actual programming of the controller. A light ring encircling the body indicates the presence of high voltage and is visible from multiple directions.

Abstract: A flexible, extendable extension assembly used to create extended length holes and holes through inaccessible areas in walls and framing. The extension assembly including a flexible, solid core rod having first and second ends; and a holding means secured to the first end of the rod for releasably holding a tool bit for rotation with the rod.

Abstract: A shaft being, e.g., flexible, that includes an elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a ring non-rotatably mounted on the at least one rotatable drive shaft and at least one light source mounted within the shaft, such that, upon rotation of the at least one rotatable drive shaft, the ring alternately blocks and allows light from the light source to be detected. The shaft may also include a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath of the shaft and configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. The shaft may include couplings that connect a distal end of the outer sheath to a surgical attachment and a proximal end of the outer sheath to a remote power console.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a rotating tube cleaning shaft to a tube cleaning machine where high pressure fluid is pumped through the coupling, where the coupling is sealed to contain the high pressure fluid, and where a machine driven rotary flexible shaft passes through the coupling.

Abstract: A flexible shaft drive transmission for transmitting rotational power between a drive motor and a gear train of a power operated tool. The flexible shaft drive transmission includes an elongated drive shaft assembly including a rotatable drive transmitting shaft assembly extending through an outer casing. The shaft drive transmission includes a motor end coupling affixed to one end the outer casing and adapted to be releasably connected to a mating coupling of the drive motor. The motor end coupling includes a coupling body having an outer surface tapered region tapering from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter at a distal end of the tapered region to facilitate insertion and proper alignment with the drive motor coupling. The drive transmitting shaft assembly includes a driven fitting having a plurality of drive faces surrounding an axially extending locating member for engagement with a mating drive fitting of the drive motor.

Abstract: A flexible shaft arrangement is provided having a ductile shaft, a sleeve which surrounds the shaft as well as a jacket which surrounds the shaft and the sleeve. The sleeve extends within the jacket at least sectionally in arcuate form and thus produces a contact of the shaft at the inner contour of the sleeve point-wise. Vibrations or knocks of the shaft are thus effectively damped.

Abstract: In the case of a shaft arrangement having a shaft (7) which extends within a casing (1) filled with a fluid and which can be actuated by means of a drive (8) from outwith the casing (1), the shaft (7) having on its outer peripheral surface a surface structure which conveys the fluid in a flow direction (30) in the longitudinal direction of the shaft during rotation, a sleeve (19) is provided according to the invention, which can rotate with the shaft and has at least one conveying element (20) for conveying the fluid in a counterflow direction opposite to the flow direction. As a result, a bubble-free conveyance of the fluid along the shaft (7) is facilitated.

Abstract: A tool (10) for installing and removing a valve removal plug (60) from wellhead components, the tool comprising a curved pressure containing housing (11) having a first and a second end (12, 13), the housing having a bore (20) extending from the first end to the second end, a flexible drive member (21) within the bore and drive means (40, 41) connected to the drive member for causing rotational movement of the drive member within the pressure containing housing.

Abstract: A flexible wire assembly of a compact structure that can transmit the torque for a high speed rotation even in a bent condition is provided. The flexible wire assembly includes a flexible outer tube, in which a flexible inner wire having its opposite ends defining rotation input and output ends, respectively, is rotatably supported by means of a plurality of rolling bearings. Spring elements are employed for applying preloads to those rolling bearings. The use is also made of a speed reducing mechanism for reducing in speed and outputting rotation of the inner wire. The spring elements include inner ring spring elements and outer ring spring elements that are alternately arranged over the length of the inner wire.

Abstract: A flexible shaft drive transmission for transmitting rotational power between a drive motor and a gear train of a power operated tool. The flexible shaft drive transmission includes an elongated drive shaft assembly including a rotatable drive transmitting shaft assembly extending through an outer casing. The shaft drive transmission includes a motor end coupling affixed to one end the outer casing and adapted to be releasably connected to a mating coupling of the drive motor. The motor end coupling includes a coupling body having an outer surface tapered region tapering from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter at a distal end of the tapered region to facilitate insertion and proper alignment with the drive motor coupling. The drive transmitting shaft assembly includes a driven fitting having a plurality of drive faces surrounding an axially extending locating member for engagement with a mating drive fitting of the drive motor.

Abstract: A rotary flexible shaft for coupling between driving and driven member having female couplings has ends of noncircular cross-section. A strand of compressible material such as flocked yarn is helically wrapped around each end so as to leave spaces between turns which expose portions of the lateral surfaces of the ends. A coating of a silicone adhesive or other elastomer, or of a highly ductile material such as polytetrafluoroethylene, covers and is adherent to the strands and the exposed portions of the lateral surfaces of the shaft ends. Instead of a strand, the compressible material may constitute spaced ridges, islands, and/or protuberances adhering to the shaft ends.

Abstract: A multi-part drive shaft for a transit vehicle door comprises an upper drive shaft connected to a door operating mechanism and having a door panel operating arm extending therefrom, a lower drive shaft journaled for rotation, a door panel operating arm extending therefrom and a flexible drive shaft secured at one end to the upper drive shaft and at the other end to the lower drive shaft. Rotation of the upper drive shaft will transfer torque to the lower drive shaft at the same angular speed.

Abstract: A working tool (10) includes a gasoline motor (11), a working head (12), and a shaft assembly (14) extending between and mechanically coupling the engine and the working head. The shaft assembly includes a frame tube (18), a flexible drive cable (19), and an elongated coaxial drive cable centering device or support member (20) positioned between the drive cable and the frame tube. The support member includes a sheath (21) and a plurality of centering members (22). The centering members includes contacting elements (23) in the form of spiral or a flexible rubber bushings having a central tube (34) and a plurality of spaced annular rings or flanges (35).

Abstract: A flexible wire assembly of a compact structure that can transmit the torque for a high speed rotation even in a bent condition is provided. The flexible wire assembly (A) includes a flexible outer tube (1), in which a flexible inner wire (2) having its opposite ends defining rotation input and output ends (2a and 2b), respectively, is rotatably supported by means of a plurality of rolling bearings (3). Spring elements (4I and 4O) are employed for applying preloads to those rolling bearings (3). The use is also made of a speed reducing mechanism (22) for reducing in speed and outputting rotation of the inner wire (2). The spring elements (4I and 4O) includes inner ring spring elements (4I) and outer ring spring elements (4O) that are alternately arranged over the length of the inner wire (2).

Abstract: A slider apparatus integral with a slidable member and a method for integrating the slider apparatus with the slidable member. The slider apparatus integrated with the slidable member may be configured to slidably couple with and be structurally supported by a fixed structure. The slider apparatus may comprise a primary slider component made of composite material and at least one chamfered element bonded to the primary slider component. The slidable member may comprise the slider apparatus, a core assembly, a plurality of composite material plies wrapped around the slider apparatus and core assembly and cured therewith, and at least one low-friction slider shoe removably attached to the primary slider component outward of the plurality of composite material plies.

Abstract: A rotary shaft having ends with a surface layer or raised portions made of a compressible, preferably elastic, material, the ends including the surface layer or raised portions being covered with relatively thin walled durable plastic tubing.

Abstract: A powered apparatus having an elongate pole, a drive at a proximal region of the elongate pole and operable to rotate a first component on the drive, a tool at a distal region of the elongate pole with a second component that is rotatable to operate the tool, and a power transmission assembly for transmitting a drive force generated by rotation of the first component to the second component to thereby operate the tool. The power transmission assembly has a flexible drive link with a flexible length located between the drive and at least one other substantially inflexible drive part that is downstream of the drive link. The flexible length of the flexible drive link is greater than four (4) inches.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating use of a rotary tool such as a grinder or the like in working on surfaces around bends or within a cavity utilizes a protective sheath of selectable length that is releasably held to the body of the rotary tool and provides a passage way for the flexible drive extender. The protective sheath can be configured by the user to meet his needs.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper assembly for a hydrodynamic coupling device, in particular a torque converter, comprises a primary side having a plurality of cover disk elements, a secondary side which is rotatable with respect to the primary side about an axis of rotation against the action of a plurality of damper springs, a central disk element engaging between the cover disk elements, and a turbine wheel having a turbine wheel shell. The plurality of cover disk elements are fixedly connected to one another on the radial outer side of the damper springs, and a cover disk element located directly adjacent to the turbine wheel shell is fixedly connected to the turbine wheel shell on the radial inner side of the damper springs by connection elements of a first set of connection elements. The connection elements of the first set of connection elements do not produce a fixed connection between the cover disk elements on the radial inner side of the damper springs.

Abstract: A torque tube propshaft assembly having an outer tube free to float with movements of an inner shaft (propshaft) by being free of rigid anchorage at each end. A plurality of shaft bearings interface the outer tube with the inner shaft, wherein the outer tube is generally co-extensive with the inner shaft. An anti-rotation mechanism prevents rotation of the outer tube with respect to the frame of the motor vehicle. An axial slip mechanism is integrated with at least one end of the inner shaft. A non-welded construction of the power carrying components is provided. The outer tube provides bending support so the inner shaft does not become dynamically unstable at any rotation speed including its critical speed.

Abstract: A handle (10) is suitable for transmitting a torque between a rotation knob and a respective output shaft connectable to cables, tubes, or the like, wherein said handle comprises at least first and second transmission lines which operate between a first rotation knob (12) and a first output shaft (22) and between a second rotation knob (14) and a second output shaft (24), respectively. The first and second rotation knobs are co-axially arranged along a common axis (X). The first and second output shafts are arranged on different axes (X, Y). The handle comprises a lock-out mechanism suitable for selecting between the first transmission line and the second transmission line thus preventing the rotation of the one rotation knob while the other is being rotated.

Abstract: A scalloped flexure ring. An illustrative embodiment of the flexure ring includes a ring body having a first ring body edge and a generally scalloped second ring body edge and a plurality of spaced-apart ring fingers provided in the second ring body edge.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system drive shaft assembly is provided that includes a first shaft and a barrel. The first shaft has an end section and comprises an age-hardenable martinsitic steel alloy material having fracture toughness, stress corrosion cracking resistance, and a tensile strength of at least about 285 ksi during an impact rotational speed of at least about 14,000 rpm. The barrel has a first end, a second end, and a channel formed therethrough. The first end has the first shaft end section disposed therein. The barrel comprises steel alloy material that is different than the first shaft material, has an elongation of at least about 12% in a hardened condition, and is compatible to be welded to the first shaft material.

Abstract: A rotatable torque transmitting flexible shaft assembly having a casing surrounding the shaft and a sheath of felt wrapped around and bonded to the shaft either throughout its length or at spaced intervals, to reduce transmission of noise and vibration between the shaft and the casing. Alternatively the felt sheath may be secured to the interior surface of the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilobed socket (5) for protection of a vehicle transmission between a drive shaft and a transmission bell, whereby said socket (5) comes in the form of a cylindrical-conical bellows (8) that extends between the large multilobed base (6) and the small base (7) of the socket (5). This socket is characterized in that it has a new type of architecture close to the large multilobed base (6) of said socket (5), whereby this architecture consists in eliminating, in the pressure area zone of the socket (5) on the bell, any means of axial immobilization in said pressure area for the purpose of allowing free translation of the socket (5) in the direction of slippage, whereby a tightening collar is provided on the external face of said pressure area to exert a radial pressure for immobilization of the socket (5) against the receiving bell, whereby this radial pressure causes, to the right of the collar, a reduction of the thickness of the pressure area zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bearing means for a hand held portable tool such as a brush cutter, a trimmer or the like said means comprising an elongated bearing sleeve (13) that is provided with outwardly extending flanges (14) or the like. The bearing sleeve (13) has a non circular inner surface.

Abstract: Arrangement in a tube for an engine powered tool for support of a drive shaft extending inside the tube. A tube shaped section (15) acts as a shaft support (14) for the drive shaft and the tube shaped section (15) is constituted by a number of sections (19) provided with ribs (16) for support of the tube shaped section (15) inside the tube. The sections (19) are connected by flexible parts (17) placed between the sections (19) to absorb movements between the sections (19).

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly (8) for automotive applications for transmitting a rotary drive. The drive shaft assembly (8) comprising a central flexible rotatable core shaft (14), an outer sleeve (12) surrounding the central flexible core shaft (14) and spaced from the core shaft (14), and at least one elastomeric damper (20) positioned at a location (42) along the length (l1) of the drive shaft assembly (8). The damper (20) extending to and lightly abutting against an outer cylindrical surface of the core shaft (14).

Abstract: A drive unit includes a cable possessing connecting portions at both ends, one of the connecting portions inserted into a groove of an output shaft at one side, and the other one of the connecting portions inserted into a groove of an input shaft at the other side, wherein rotational torque from the output shaft is transmitted to the input shaft, and at least two projected portions provided on the respective connecting portions and arranged with a predetermined distance therebetween in a longitudinal direction of the cable, wherein the respective connecting portions possess bent-shaped structures and the two projected portions of the respective connecting portions become in contact with opposed surfaces of the respective grooves.

Abstract: An improved connector for flex shafts for a string trimmer has an input area and a drive area, where the input area of the connector has a modified diamond shape with sloping sides. This diamond shape allows for easy and reliable connection of the driven working end.

Abstract: A flexible, rotating drive transmission assembly having a substantially spiral-shaped liner supporting a center, rotatable, flexible shaft. The liner and its center shaft are carried within an outer down-tube. The spiral-shaped liner contains flexible, continuously tapering, elliptical legs that are self-adjusting and allow the liner to be easily inserted into and firmly retained by the outer down-tube. The self-adjusting legs of the liner conform to the inside diameter of the outer down-tube despite internal variations, thus allowing the liner to maintain its central axis or centerline relative to the central axis of the outer down-tube and end components attached to the assembly. The legs provide vibration isolation and absorption by their inherent spring effect. Moreover, grease skived from the inner wall of the outer down-tube, due to the auger effect of the rotating flexible shaft, is uniformly collected in pockets for distribution along the entire length of the outer down-tube.

Abstract: A flexible element, for example a flexible shaft, has a core (12) and a tubular sheathing (16) protecting the latter. Sleeve elements (20) surround the core and hold the tubular sheathing (16) between them. Different co-efficients of thermal expansion of the material for the tubular sheathing in comparison to the material of the core have previously led to undesirable distortions. To avoid these distortions in a structurally simple manner, at least one sleeve element (20) holds the tubular sheathing (16) with limited axial play (26). The play compensation between the sleeve element (20) and tubular sheathing (16) is particularly advantageous when the sleeve elements (20) are used for fixing the flexible elements (10).

Abstract: A wire wound flexible shaft has layers of wire wound one upon another, with a dry film of lubricant bonded to the outer surfaces of a number of the outer layers; or if desired, to the outer surfaces of all layers of the shaft. The lubricant is applied by preheating the partially completed flexible shaft to a temperature substantially above 212° F. but below the decomposition temperature of the lubricant. A liquid medium comprising a carrier and particles of the lubricant is sprayed onto the shaft surface, causing the liquid to vaporize and the lubricant particles to be deposited on the shaft. One or more successive wire layers may then be wound onto the partially completed shaft and the spraying step repeated. Thereafter the shaft is heated to cause the lubricant particles to bond to the adjacent wire layers and to reduce internal stresses in the shaft.

Abstract: A ferrule for coupling an attachment to a rotary hand tool unit of the type that has a housing with a nose portion through which a rotary output shaft extends. The nose portion has at least one groove extending generally circumferentially around at least a part of the nose portion, so that a groove portion is located on opposite sides of the nose portion. The ferrule includes a generally hollow cylindrical body with interior and exterior surfaces with an open mounting end portion and a smaller opposite end portion to which the attachment is mounted. The open mounting end portion fits on the nose portion of the housing when the ferrule is coupled to the rotary hand tool.

Abstract: A coil shaft or tube to be fitted into a flexible sleeve to serve as a flexible rotation transmission shaft, containing a partially coarsely wound coil shaft formed by winding around a core a plural number of unit wires which are arranged in intimately parallel relation with each other in the fashion of a single flat metal strip, and extracting a dummy wire afterwards from a resulting tightly wound coil shaft to form coarsely wound portions where helices of certain adjacent unit wires spaced apart in the axial direction and in certain portions of the coil shaft.

Abstract: A flexible drive cable assembly for a powered adjustable seat, powered adjustable pedals or the like of a motor vehicle. The flexible drive cable assembly includes an elongate flexible core for transmitting movement from a first end of the core to a second end of the core and an elongate flexible casing encircling a longitudinal length of the core and having a unitary connector. A driving or driven element is operably connected to the core for transmission of movement therebetween. An end fitting is stationary relative to the driving or driven element and has an aperture for passage of the core therethrough. The unitary connector of the casing cooperates with the end fitting to secure the casing to the end fitting and hold the casing stationary relative to the end fitting. In one embodiment, the casing connector and the end fitting form a snap-fit connection to form an interlock between the casing and the end fitting and an interference fit between the casing and the end fitting to reduce vibration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable handheld work apparatus such as a brushcutter, edge cutter or the like. The work apparatus has a drive motor which drives a rotatable work tool via a drive shaft (3) journalled in a guide tube (2). The guide tube (2) is held in a housing (5) of the drive motor by an anti-vibration unit (6). The anti-vibration unit (6) includes a clamp (7) which surrounds the guide tube (2) and elastic damping elements (8, 9) which lie between the clamp (7) and the housing (5). The clamp (7) surrounds the guide tube (2) and is fixed form tight on the housing (5).

Abstract: A flexible metallic bolt assembly including a flexible threaded rod formed of a helical tension coil spring is engaged by a rotationally fixed threaded hole, such as a nut, that defines a first longitudinal axis of the assembly. A guide positionally fixed relative to the threaded nut also engages the threaded rod. The guide defines a second longitudinal axis different from the first longitudinal axis. A rotary drive interface is provided, preferably at one end of the threaded rod.

Abstract: A device for preventing disconnection of a coupling. The device includes a main body portion having defined therein a fastener chamber and an opening in communication with the fastener chamber. The opening is located above the fastener chamber. In a preferred embodiment, a standard size socket cannot be inserted into the opening.

Abstract: The connection between the core 12 of the flexible joint and the external part concerned is provided by two strips mounted head to foot in a through rectangular opening in the core, on the ends of which the strips abut by their widened head 18. The body 17 of the strips, engaged completely in the rectangular opening, is slightly wider than the terminal part 19 of the strips, narrower to facilitate their assembly. The fixing holes, one in the head 18, the other (22) in the terminal part 19, lie one over the other but are of slightly different diameters.

Abstract: A global shaft coupling assembly includes first and second hubs adapted to be mounted on first and second shafts to be coupled. The first and second hubs each include a plurality of groups of axially-spaced and axially-aligned apertures. The coupling assembly also includes a pair of composite members positioned around the shaft ends. The composite members include first and second sleeves each having a plurality of groups of apertures. Various ANSI and ISO standard shaft spacings may be obtained by aligning the various hub and sleeve apertures and fastening the hubs and sleeves together with cap screws.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling lateral drainholes from a well casing comprises a flexible shaft having a bit at the lower end; the shaft extending through a shaft guide conduit anchored within the casing adjacent an oil-bearing formation. The “L” shaped guide conduit re-directs the shaft from an path parallel to the casing, through an elbow, to a path substantially perpendicular to the casing. The flexible shaft is formed of a helically wound outer coil spring and one or more helically wound and smaller inner coil springs residing concentrically therein. Each coil spring is closely fitted within the other. Each coil spring is wound opposite in direction to that of the next adjacent coil spring so as to interfere when under torsion. Bushings are located within the elbow for causing the shaft to flex and turn while permitting rotation and axial movement therethrough. A motor imparts torque into the top of the shaft, preferably through an intermediate driveshaft.

Abstract: A flexible shaft comprising a flexible outer tube (10) containing a shaft core with specially designed links (18) that closely fit within the smooth interior of the outer tube (10). The links (18) are substantially rectangular and have construction which limits a flex angle between links. The links (18) may include stop surfaces (17) which limits the flex angle to prevent kinking or limit longitudinal movement of the links (18) with respect to one another.

Abstract: A self-powered device for cutting foliage that includes a backpack portion, a foliage cutting portion, and a coupling portion. The backpack portion includes a frame, a gas engine, and a flexible shaft. The coupling portion includes a power portion and a tool portion. The power portion includes a collar that is crimped on the sheathing of the flexible shaft of the backpack portion and a stop that extends fixedly and axially from the collar of the power portion. The tool portion includes a collar that is crimped on the casing of the flexible drive shaft of the foliage cutting portion with the end thereof having a blind bore extending axially therethrough which fixedly receives the end of the flexible shaft of the backpack portion. The collar of the tool portion has an inner periphery that fixedly receives the stop of the power portion.

Abstract: A belt drive device is constructed by looping a timing belt 14 about a driving sprocket 9, a cam sprocket 11, and a driven sprocket 12 for transmitting a driving force from the driving sprocket 9 to the sprockets 11, 12. A dynamic damper 15, comprising a ring mass 153 and an elastic ring 152 for holding the ring mass 153, is mounted on the driven sprocket 12 that has the largest amplitde of torque fluctuation among the sprockets 11, 12. The dynamic damper 15 absorbs revolution fluctuations of the driven sprocket 12 that has the largest amplitude of torque fluctuation. Thus, at the time of resonance during which the belt load on the timing belt 15 sharply increases, the sharp increase in the timing belt load can be minimized, and maximum load on the timing belt 15 can be decreased, whereby the durability of the timing belt 15 can be secured.

Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft of this invention is so constructed that a flexible shaft liner assembly is inserted in an external tube, and a flexible shaft is inserted in a flexible shaft liner. The flexible shaft liner has two groups of projecting portions extending in a longitudinal direction, one-group projecting portions extend consecutively in the longitudinal direction, and the other-group projecting portions have notches at plural spots in the longitudinal direction. Vibration-proof rubbers fit in the notches, and the one-group projecting portions fit in grooves formed on inner faces of the vibration-proof rubbers. Outer faces of the vibration-proof rubbers contact with an inner face of the external tube so that the flexible shaft liner fits in the external tube.

Abstract: A collapsible snow probe includes a tip and a plurality of elongate tubular members each of which has an interior bore. A cable is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the tip. The cable extends through the interior bore of each of the tubular members with the second end protruding. A cable engaging member secured to the cable. A clamping member that clamps onto the cable engaging member and bears against a remote end of the plurality of tubular members when positioned in end to end relation, such that the cable is maintained in tension and the interior bores of the tubular members are maintained in axial alignment.

Abstract: A liner for a flexible rotative drive shaft has a single tube with a multiplicity of spaced-apart, flared sections disposed along its elongated length. The flared sections serve many purposes, but primarily center the liner within an external aluminum tube that houses the flexible shaft and liner assembly. The flared sections also reduce non-uniform lubricant distribution along the drive shaft, longitudinal and radial vibration, and shock. Due to the use of flared sections, the overall weight of the liner is reduced, compared to conventional liners.