baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent WO-9713711-A1 (WO)
Title: Tunnelregallageranlage
Inventor: HALDIMANN HANS-RUDOLF
IPC: B65G1/06
Filed: 1996-10-07
Abstract: Bei einer Tunnelregallageranlage ist jeder Regalkanal mit einem Förderer (1) versehen, der ein umlaufendes Fördermittel (2) aufweist. Auf dem Fördermittel (2) werden die einzulagernden Güter (15, 15A...) kraftschlüssig aufgenommen. Im entnahmeseitigen Endbereich des Regalkanals ist eine ortsfeste Rutsche (5) vorgesehen, deren wirksame Länge dem 0.8- bis 1.2-fachen der mittleren, ungebremsten Auslaufstrecke des durch die Entnahme von Gütern (15, 15A...) in Bewegung gesetzten Fördermittels (2) enspricht. Die Kraftschlussverbindung zwischen Fördermittel (2) und darauf gelagerten Gütern (15, 15A...) wird vor dem wirksamen Bereich der Rutsche (5) aufgehoben. Durch eine solche Ausgestaltung wird beim Entnehmen der vordersten Palette (15) der Kraftschluss zwischen Fördermittel (2) und Palette (15) aufgehoben, bevor letztere vollständig entnommen wurde. Dadurch wird ein sicheres und sanftes Abbremsen des bewegten Fördermittels (2) ermöglicht, ohne dass die Gefahr besteht, dass eingelagerte Güter über das Regalende hinaus bewegt werden.
Patent WO-0143504-A1 (WO)
Inventor: FENG JIQIANG
IPC: H05B3/14
Filed: 2000-10-30
Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacture method of electrothermal film heater, which comprises steps of, coating metal electrodes on a substrate surface of high polymer flexible material, coating colloidal graphite slurry on the substrate surface and the metal electrodes to form electrothermal film, and providing a protecting insulation film thereon. Electrothermal film heater according to the invention can be bend and elongated in some extent because of attachment on the flexible substrate material. The electrode and lead wire can firmly be fixed on the layer of electrothermal film, operating life can be prolonged and insulation security can be increased.
Patent WO-2004000341-A1 (WO)
Inventor: FANG WENQUAN
IPC: A61K35/64
Filed: 2002-09-29
Abstract: The invention is related to a pharmaceutical formulation, more particularly, to a medicament for abstinence of drug, comprising Panax gunseng, Aconitum carmichaeli, Cinnamomum cassia and Amomum villosum etc. The invention also disclosed the preparation method and use thereof.
Patent WO-2004090707-A1 (WO)
Title: Manipulateur électronique doté d'une poignée
Inventor: DENG SHAOJIAN
IPC: G06F3/0354
Filed: 2003-11-03
Abstract: L'invention concerne un manipulateur électronique doté d'une poignée, d'un boîtier et d'une souris. Le boîtier, de type poignée, est pourvu de touches, des manettes étant disposées respectivement sur le côté gauche et sur le côté droit du boîtier et la souris étant disposée sur le boîtier. Selon l'invention, l'utilisateur peut se servir des manettes pour faire fonctionner l'ordinateur et avoir ainsi une position confortable, sans surface d'appui et sans avoir à conserver la même position, ce manipulateur présentant des avantages pour la santé et pour l'utilisation des touches ou du jeu.
Patent WO-0044265-A1 (WO)
Inventor: SIKORA REINER
IPC: A47F5/025
Filed: 2000-01-08
Abstract: Cette invention concerne un arbre de Noël destiné à présenter des objets, comportant une partie arbre, répartie autour d'un axe d'arbre (25) et donnant à l'arbre de Noël une apparence naturelle. L'arbre de Noël comporte également une partie de présentation, présentant au moins un élément de support, fixé de façon à tourner autour d'un axe de rotation et destiné à recevoir les objets. Cet arbre de Noël se caractérise en ce que la partie arbre externe (30) est solidaire en rotation et les éléments de support (51.1, 51.2, 51.3, 51.4, 51.5, 51.6) de la partie de présentation (50) sont répartis à l'intérieur du volume défini par la rotation complète de la partie arbre (30) autour de l'axe d'arbre (25).
Patent WO-0063657-A1 (WO)
Inventor: KLEMP HEINZ
IPC: G01F23/26
Filed: 2000-02-19
Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring level with a plurality of capacitive sensors (1) arranged next to each other along a filling section. The method comprises the following steps: subjecting a sensor (1) to a measuring signal (4) and subjecting an adjacent sensor (1) to a phase-displaced measuring signal (5); measuring the resulting signals on said sensors (1); determining the phase displacement between the resulting signals; and establishing the level according to the phase displacement.
Patent WO-0102128-A1 (WO)
Inventor: HEERMAN MARCEL
IPC: B23K26/08
Filed: 2000-07-05
Abstract: The invention relates to a method for describing a predetermined  desired course (1) with a beam consisting of particles or waves. A movable device for directing a beam influences the direction of the beam, which describes an actual course (3, 4). The deviation of the actual course (3, 4) from the desired course that results from inertia is minimized by providing a corrected desired course (2), which describes diversions at the point where the direction is changed. The invention also relates to the use of this method for laser structuring or for writing guard plates  or dial plates.
Patent WO-0216806-A1 (WO)
Title: Steuerungssystem für ein kraftfahrzeug-automatikgetriebe und verfahren zum betreiben des steuerungssystems
Inventor: LOEFFLER JUERGEN
IPC: F16H61/02
Filed: 2001-06-29
Abstract: Bei einem Steuerungssystem für ein Kraftfahrzeug-Automatikgetriebe mit einer Mehrzahl von Gangwahlmodulen (38, 40, 42), von denen jedes jeweils für die Vorgabe eines Zielgetriebegangs (zg) für eine Umschaltung des Getriebegangs in Abhängigkeit von einer Anzahl von Betriebsparametern ausgelegt ist, soll durch einen geeigneten Einsatz von Schaltverhinderungen eine besonders einfache und transparente Anpassung des Fahrzeugverhaltens auch an unterschiedliche Fahranforderungen ermöglicht sein. Dazu ist erfindungsgemäss eine Anzahl von Analysemodulen (46, 48, 50) vorgesehen, von denen jedes bei Vorliegen einer jeweils vorgebbaren Betriebssituation ein Unterdrückungssignal (u) zur Verhinderung einer Umschaltung erzeugt, wobei jedem Analysemodul (46, 48, 50) jeweils ein Filterelement (52, 54, 56) zugeordnet ist, das die Weiterleitung des jeweiligen Unterdrückungssignals (u) in Abhängigkeit davon freigibt, von welchem Gangwahlmodul (38, 40, 42) der Zielgetriebegang (zg) vorgegeben wurde. Vorzugsweise ist dabei in einem zentralen Kontrollmodul (60) in der Art einer applizierbaren Matrix für jedes Analysemodul (46, 48, 50) hinterlegt, für welches den Zielgetriebegang (zg) vorgebende Gangwahlmodul (38, 40, 42) das Unterdrückungssignal (u) weiterzuleiten ist.
Patent WO-03031804-A1 (WO)
Inventor: ROTH WILFRIED
IPC: F02M47/02
Filed: 2002-08-17
Abstract: Injecteur destiné à injecter du carburant dans la chambre de combustion d'un moteur à combustion interne, qui possède un piston (12) de soupape effectuant une course axiale destinée à actionner une aiguille (15) d'injecteur, un corps de pression (19) étant placé entre le piston de soupape et l'aiguille d'injecteur. La particularité dudit injecteur vient du fait que des moyens (16, 17, 18) de transmission centrée de la force axiale du piston (12) de soupape à l'aiguille (15) d'injecteur via le corps de pression (19) sont placés sur la face du piston (12) de soupape côté aiguille d'injecteur et / ou sur la face de l'aiguille (15) d'injecteur côté piston de soupape.
Patent WO-03064216-A1 (WO)
Inventor: MATTES BERNHARD
IPC: G01S11/12
Filed: 2002-09-23
Abstract: La présente invention concerne un dispositif de reconnaissance d'un risque de renversement qui se caractérise en ce qu'il comprend une caméra stéréo dans la direction de circulation, qui permet la mesure de la distance par rapport à un objet situé à l'extérieur du véhicule et la détermination de vecteurs image respectifs par rapport à cet objet. Si la composante verticale de ces vecteurs image change en fonction du temps, alors un risque de renversement est déterminé en fonction de ce changement.
Patent WO-03033311-A1 (WO)
Inventor: FANGMANN THOMAS
IPC: B60R21/26
Filed: 2002-10-10
Abstract: L'invention concerne un boîtier destiné à un coussin gonflable d'un véhicule automobile. Ce boîtier comprend un générateur de gaz (1), un logement (2) dans lequel est rangé le coussin à l'état plié, ainsi qu'un diffuseur (4) intégré au boîtier (3), ce diffuseur servant à répartir de façon homogène le gaz dégagé par le générateur de gaz amorcé. Ledit générateur de gaz est placé dans le diffuseur et il est fixé dans celui-ci par liaison de forme avec la paroi intérieure (5) de la chambre du diffuseur.
Patent WO-03054384-A1 (WO)
Title: Kraftstoff-einspritzvorrichtung, kraftstoffsystem sowie brennkraftmaschine
Inventor: BOECKING FRIEDRICH
IPC: F02M47/02
Filed: 2002-11-14
Abstract: Ein Injektor (26) für Brennkraftmaschinen mit Direkteinspritzung umfasst ein Gehäuse (34), in dem eine Ausnehmung (40) und mindestens eine Kraftstoff-Austrittsöffnung (46) vorhanden sind. Ein Ventilelement (42) ist in der Ausnehmung (40) angeordnet und umfasst an einem Endbereich (72) eine konische Ringfläche (74). Diese arbeitet mit einem gehäusefesten Ventilsitz (82) zusammen. Eine Fluidverbindung (70) verbindet einen Hochdruckanschluss mit einem unmittelbar stromaufwärts vom Ventilsitz (82) angeordneten Strömungsraum (88). Um das Emissionsverhalten von Brennkraftmaschinen zu verbessern, wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Fluidverbindung (70) über mindestens eine Zulauföffnung (86a, 86b), welche in der Nähe des Ventilsitzes (82) liegt, in den Strömungsraum (88) mündet. Ferner wird vorgeschlagen, dass ein erster zwischen Zulauföffnung (86a, 86b) und Ventilsitz (82) angeordneter Abschnitt (76) der konischen Ringfläche (74) am Endbereich (72) des Ventilelements (42) mit einer gegenüberliegenden Fläche (84) des Gehäuses (34) einen Winkel von 10' bis 35', vorzugsweise 15' bis 30', einschliesst.
Patent WO-03103932-A1 (WO)
Title: Verfahren zum schichtweisen aufbau von modellen
Inventor: EDERER INGO
IPC: B29C67/00
Filed: 2003-05-20
Abstract: Es wird ein Verfahren zum schichtweisen Aufbau von Modellen beschrieben, wobei
auf eine Bauplattform ein erstes Material und daran anschliessend selektiv
ein zweites Material jeweils schichtweise aufgetragen wird und diese beiden
Auftragungsschritte wiederholt werden, bis ein gewünschtes Modell erhalten
wird. Die beiden Materialien bilden bei einem geeigneten Mischungsverhältnis
einen Festkörper und das erste Material stellt ein Materialgemisch dar.
Das Materialgemisch wird zumindest teilweise vor dem jeweiligen Auftragungsschritt
zubereitet.
Patent WO-2004016537-A1 (WO)
Title: Containerkran
Inventor: SPARENBORG ERNST
IPC: B66C13/46
Filed: 2003-07-21
Abstract: Containerkran mit einer längs einer Fahrbahn verfahrbaren Katze mit einem Spreader zum Aufnehmen eines auf ein kranexternes Transportmittel abzustellenden oder dort aufzunehmenden Containers, wobei Mittel (18, 21, 25, 27) zum Erfassen von ein direktes oder indirektes Maß für die Position des leeren Spreaders (14) bezüglich eines aufzunehmenden Containers (9) oder des Spreaders (14) mit Container (9) bezüglich des Transportmittels (15) darstellenden Positionsdaten vorgesehen sind, und dass Mittel (20) zum Bewegen des Spreaders (14) in Abhängigkeit der Positionsdaten zum automatischen Ausgleich von im Wesentlichen horizontalen Positionierungs-differenzen vorgesehen sind.
Patent DE-1801578-A1 (DE)
Title: Radiation shield
IPC: G21F1/10
Filed: 1968-10-05
Abstract: Epoxy resin is homogeneously mixed with fine particles of lead, iron, barite, granite etc. to provide a closed-pore surface, opt. with a surface layer and resist ultra-violet, gamma and neutron radiation. A hardener added to the resin, controls the setting time of the composition. Cement and water can also be added, and the mix poured into formworm on site or prefabricated at works.
Patent DE-1928652-A1 (DE)
Title: Baking oven with a space-saving baking tray - circulation system
Inventor: LINDER ALOIS
IPC: A21B1/24
Filed: 1969-06-06
Abstract: The baking chamber of a baking oven has tiered baking tray supports arranged in two parallel columns. These are vertically movable, with respect to each other, into three relative positions, whereby the column supports are in line with each other. A maximum number of baking trays, corresponding to half the number of supports, are moved to and fro between the columns. The reciprocating motion of the latter in addition to the to and fro tray movement ensures that the trays are circulated up and down the chamber. The oven has one or more apertures for tray in feed and discharge.
Patent DE-1931670-A1 (DE)
Title: Mixing fluid concentrates for pest-control - and fertilisation purposes
Inventor: STEPHANY CHRISTIAN
IPC: B01J4/00
Filed: 1969-06-21
Abstract: The concentrate is pressed out of its container and into the main flow, by pressurised water, and then mixed with the main flow components. A compressible cartridge is used as the concentrate container, and is pierced by a hollow needle. The concentrate is squeezed through the needle by the pressure of the water on the cartridge. Spec. the cartridge is made of plastics.
Patent DE-1935605-A1 (DE)
Title: Drying fibres and yarns by closed cycle - intermittent heating and evacuation
Inventor: WALTER OBERMAIER DIPL-ING
IPC: F26B21/00
Filed: 1969-07-14
Abstract: In the drying process, the circulating gas acting as the heat-carrier is continuously moistened during the heating process, such that the partial vapour pressure is approx. equal to the partial vapour pressure of the gas boundary layer at the capillary surface of the drying material.
Patent DE-1939037-A1 (DE)
Title: Haze free lubricating oil contains ethylene/alpha olefin
Inventor: JACOBSON NORMAN
IPC: C10M143/02
Filed: 1969-07-31
Abstract: Haze free lubricating oil contains ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer as VI improver.. has the following characteristics (a) it contains 60-80 (72-80) mole % ethylene (b) less than 1.3 wt.% (pref.none) is insoluble in n-decane at 45 C (c) degree of crystallinity less than 25% (d) Mw/Mn less than 4.0 (pref. less than 2.6) (e) viscosity average mol. wt. 10,000-200,000 (pref. 30,000-100,000), 0.01-30 wt.% (pref. 0.3-2.5 wt.%) copolymer is dissolved in the lubricating oil. Copolymers have excellent V.I. improving characteristics, high thickening potency, and excellent shear stability, as well as good solubility
Patent DE-1952208-A1 (DE)
Title: Cyclohexanone from phenol by hydrogena- - tion
Inventor: I ARESIDSE CHRISTOFOR
IPC: C07C45/00
Filed: 1969-10-16
Abstract: The hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of a catalyst of the palladium -form of a zeolite of Type X and in the liquid-vapour phase. Pref. the catalyst has a Pd-content of 0.25-1.6%, the phenol is led through at a volume rate of 0.05-0.11 hr-1 and the hydrogenating agent at 120-220 hr-1. Pref. the reaction temp. is 105-170 degrees C. Used in the synthesis of caprolactam, naphthene hydrocarbons, etc. Process has increased yields and reduction in side-product formation and is a one-step process.
Patent DE-1958450-A1 (DE)
Title: Hydrogen mixture sepn
Inventor: KLAUS WEHNER DR
IPC: C07C7/13
Filed: 1969-11-21
Abstract: Hydrocarbons are separated by adsorption on natural and/or synthetic mol. sieves, subsequent desorption and if necessary the adsorption, desorption and if necess. the rinsing, water and/or steam is added to the throughflow-accompanying gas mixture and/or to the desorbate-ammonia mixture after the adsorbers.
Patent DE-2007349-A1 (DE)
Title: Two stage refrigerating system - with counter current heat exchanger
IPC: F25B47/02
Filed: 1970-02-18
Abstract: System, suitable for liquids, consisting of two closed circuits operating in series. In the first the refrigerant vapour is compressed and condensed. The liquid produced is then precooled in counter current heat exchanger with vapour produced in an evaporator into which the liquid pass via a control valve. Preheated vapour is returned to the compressor completing the "hot" cycle. The low temperature cycle consists of similar equipment. The heat exchanger is a jacketed pipe where the liquid is precooled and the evaporator consists of a coil and a vapour separator. Temperature of the liquid refrigerant is controlled by condenser bypass. Operating temperature range is from +20 to -90 degrees C and the control is within the range plus-or-minus 0.05 and plus-or-minus 0.2 degrees C.
Patent DE-2044339-A1 (DE)
Title: Absorbent laminate - with foamed core and porous fleece outer layers
IPC: D04H1/68
Filed: 1970-09-08
Abstract: Mfr. of flat moldings with a high permeability to air and water vapour and high water absorption by combining two fleece strips with an intermediate layer of plastic containing cavities, the novel feature of the process being that a coagulant for the plastic is applied on at least the inner sides of the fleece strips but only over a part of their surfaces, and subsequently the plastic is placed between the strips in the form of a foamed dispersion and is thereafter dried.
Patent DE-2117371-A1 (DE)
Title: Tube/bar drawing plant - esp for quartz using larger diameter blanks
IPC: C03B23/047
Filed: 1971-04-08
Abstract: Tow heads each based on differential gear trains are used with an intervening heating zone one head being used for feedng the blank and the second for drawing. The crosspiece of each drive is a hollow shaft within which the tube/rod is guided. The shafts of the planet wheels, fixed in the crosspiece, each carry freely rotating spring-loaded levers on whose ends rollers are mounted on shafts connected kinematically with the planet wheels. These rollers are used for axial feed and for continuous rotation of the tube/bar so that it does not bend under its own weight in the hot zone. Improved quality from the point of view of uniformity due to prevention of distortion from bending.
Patent DE-2150241-A1 (DE)
Title: Separating gases by permeation - through walls of hollow polymer filaments
Inventor: SCHINGNITZ MANFRED DR-ING
IPC: B01D53/22
Filed: 1971-10-08
Abstract: Method for separating individual and/or several components from gas mixtures uses a pressure vessel subdivided into chambers and contng. hollow polymer filaments. The gas mixt. is introduced under press. into the hollow voids of the filament and the components which are to be separated permeate outwards from the void to the external surface. Prefd. appts. consists of a vessel similar in layout to a tube heat exchanger, the hollow filaments corresp. to the tubes and being fitted to end plates which can be removed with the filaments assembled in bundles.
Patent DE-2154370-A1 (DE)
Title: 2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadienyl ether prepn - unspecific reaction between isoprene and prim alcohol over a divalent palladium
Inventor: HOFFMANN WERNER DR
IPC: C11B9/00
Filed: 1971-11-02
Abstract: Title cpds of formula (I): (where R is H, 1-5C aliphatic hydrocarbon or mono-nuclear aryl) are prepd by reacting isoprene with a prim alcohol RCH2OH over a PD(II) catalyst contg in addn a tert phosphine and/or phosphite and/or arsine (II) and a base strong enough for the reaction mixt to be alcoholation free, the molar ratio (II):Pd being 0.5:1-4.1. (I) are perfumes with a fruity note and inters for terpenes. They are used in the prodn of resins, detergents, and polymers. Only small amts of the 2,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl ether are obtd as by prodt. and are readily sepd. from (I) by fractionation.
Patent DE-2161688-A1 (DE)
Title: Slippery coatings contg silicates - esp for skating rinks ski courses,etc
Inventor: SCHREIEDER GEORG
IPC: C09K3/24
Filed: 1971-12-13
Abstract: Slippery coatings, esp. for skating rinks, toboggan runs and ski courses, replacing ice and snow, contain silicates, esp. alkali metal silicates and H2O, opt. with other materials, e.g. isopropanol or Na acetate. A prefd. coating contains H2O, Na acetate, Na silicate pentahydrate and Na phosphate in a wt. ratio 11 : 54 : 27 : 8.
Patent DE-2166407-A1 (DE)
Title: Low mol wt polyethylene waxes - by polymerising ethylene - with hydrogen
Inventor: MORI AKIKAZU
IPC: C08F2/06
Filed: 1971-05-28
Abstract: Waxy ethylene polymers with a m.w. of 400-20000 and a density of 0.85-0.98 g/cm3 are made by polymerising ethylene in presence of hydrogen and/or an alpha-alkene, using a catalyst consisting of a Ti or V halide on a hydrocarbon-insoluble Mg cpd. as carrier and an organic Al cpd. in a saturated hydrocarbon or preformed wax as polymsn. medium, using the following conditions (a) 0.01-10 mmol Al/litre solvent, (b) mol ratio Al/Ti or V beta 1:1 to 100:1; (c) feed ratio in rea. vessel (apart from solvent vapour) of 5-90 (esp. 10-60) mol % hydrogen, 35-0 mol.% alpha-alkene, and the remainder ethylene and (d) a polymsn. temp. such that the polymer is liquid and a pressure of 5-100 kg/cm2 for molten wax solvent, or 20-100 kg/cm2 for hydrocarbon solvent. Products are low mol. waxes useful in printing inks, processing aids in moulding materials, paper improving agents, etc. If desired the waxes may be oxidised (e.g. by passing O2 contg. gas through at 130-200 degrees C). Oxidised products and be reacted with maleic acid derivatives to give maleinised products which are compatible with water and useful for prodn. of wax emulsions, as dispersion aids for pigments and dyes, and as glass fibres sizes in glass reinforced polyethylene and polypropylene.
Patent DE-2166925-A1 (DE)
Title: Electric contacts made by pressing and sintering powders - using layer of solderable metal and layer of refractory metal
Inventor: SCHREINER HORST PROF DR TECHN
IPC: B22F7/06
Filed: 1971-09-01
Abstract: Process for mfg. two-layer contacts comprises using a layer (1) with low burn-off on a carrier layer (2) which is solderable and/or weldable; layer (1) is a pressed layer of powdered refractory metal(s), their mixt., alloys or cpds., and is covered by a layer (2) of low m.pt. metal or alloy powder, followed by compaction of both layers and heating in inert gas or vacuum above the m.pt. of layer (2), so the measured amt. of layer (2) impregnates the pores of layer (1). The novelty is that during both pressing operations, a profiled upper punch is used possessing uniform grooves on its working surface, and the pressed compact is placed on a grooved ceramic plate for heat-treatment. Accurate contact dimensions can be obtd. using only one sintering operation, and subsequent, expensive machining operations can be eliminated. Layer (1) is pref. made of W, Mo and/or Re, forming the contact surface, and layer (2) is pref. Ag, Cu or their alloys.
Patent DE-2213213-A1 (DE)
Title: Ring-forming stack elements - from clay-contg kieselguhr and refractory cement
Inventor: HEINRICH HERBERT
IPC: E04F17/02
Filed: 1972-03-16
Abstract: Light stack elements (pref. having a circular aperture and a rectangular circumference) are produced from calcined and comminuted (1-10 mm). Moler-material (Kiselguhr contg. ca. 15% clay) and a refractory cement (sulphate cement, blast furnace cement or alumina cement) mixed with water, pref. in a ratio of 60:30:54. The material is light and its coefft. of thermal expansion is small.
Patent DE-2217388-A1 (DE)
Title: Aerosol hair dye compsn - contg direct or oxidn dye concentrate and fluorohydrocarbon - contg propellant mixt
IPC: A61K/
Filed: 1972-04-11
Abstract: Aerosol hair dye contains a hair dye concentrate and 3-10 (5) wt.% (w.r.t. total compsn). of a propellant mixt. consisting of a low mol. wt. halogenated hydrocarbon mixt. contg. 20-90wt.% (w.r.t. propellant mixt.) of at least one fluorinated hydrocarbon free from other halogen atoms and having 0.7-8.09 kg/cm2 absolute (10-115 psia) vapour press. at 21.1 degrees C (70 degrees F). Hair dye concentrate esp. makes up 95% of total compsn. and may be an aq. direct hair dye concentrate or an aq. oxidn. dye concentrate contg. at least one oxidn. dye intermediate, the colour of which can be developed with an oxidising agent.