Composite bulletproof helmet hot-pressing and curing integrated equipment for preventing STF leakage
By designing a gas-driven top mold assembly and a flexible buffer mechanism, the STF leakage problem in the demolding process of bulletproof helmets was solved, achieving a stable and non-destructive demolding process and improving the production quality and reliability of helmets.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
There is a risk of STF leakage during the demolding process of bulletproof helmets. This is mainly due to the concentrated and sudden transmission of demolding force, which leads to excessive local shear stress and peeling of the encapsulation layer. The lack of flexible buffering and graded control mechanisms makes it impossible to demold stably.
An integrated device was designed, which uses a gas-driven top mold assembly to slowly lift the mold from the edge. Combined with rubber protrusions for soft contact and spring buffer, the movable top module is tilted up by air blowing, achieving stable demolding and avoiding stress concentration.
It effectively prevents STF leakage, improves the production quality and reliability of bulletproof helmets, ensures the stability and integrity of the demolding process, reduces the risk of mold wear, and improves product consistency.
Smart Images

Figure CN121625489A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of helmet manufacturing and processing, and in particular to an integrated thermosetting and curing equipment for composite bulletproof helmets that prevents STF leakage. Background Technology
[0002] As a core component of individual soldier protective equipment, the performance of bulletproof helmets directly affects soldiers' battlefield survivability. In recent years, with breakthroughs in composite material technology, bulletproof materials based on shear-thickening fluids (STFs) have become a research hotspot due to their unique dynamic response characteristics. In the production of bulletproof helmets, hot pressing is a crucial step, involving the composite curing of high-performance fibers with a resin matrix under high temperature and pressure to create a high-strength, lightweight protective helmet.
[0003] After the bulletproof helmet is hot-pressed, the stability of the molding process directly affects the integrity of the STF composite structure. Since STF is a nanoparticle suspension dispersed in the resin matrix, it has fluid-like characteristics under normal conditions and only thickens and solidifies instantaneously under high-speed impact. Its interface encapsulation layer (such as polyurethane sealing film and fiber-reinforced resin layer) is still in a "semi-cured-stress sensitive" state after hot pressing.
[0004] The demolding process has significant defects: the demolding process after the bulletproof helmet is hot-pressed relies on rigid contact methods such as mechanical ejection mechanism or manual prying. The demolding force is concentrated and sudden, which can easily lead to excessive local shear stress and peeling of the encapsulation layer. At the same time, the lack of flexible buffer and graded control mechanism makes it impossible to demold slowly and stably in areas that are prone to sticking to the mold, such as the edge of the helmet. This results in uneven stress in the overall process and uncoordinated expansion of the demolding gap, thereby increasing the risk of STF leakage. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this invention designs an integrated thermo-press curing equipment that uses gas to drive the top mold assembly to slowly lift it from the edge. Combined with rubber protrusions for soft contact and spring buffering to avoid stress concentration, and using gas blowing to make the movable top module tilt up to achieve stable demolding, this effectively solves the STF leakage problem in the demolding process in the prior art, and improves the production quality and reliability of bulletproof helmets.
[0006] This invention is achieved using the following technical solution: an integrated hot-press curing device for preventing STF leakage in composite bulletproof helmets, comprising: A hot press forming machine, a lower mold mounted on the hot press forming machine and an upper mold adapted thereto, wherein the upper end of the lower mold is provided with an opening groove, and a top mold assembly is movably embedded in the opening groove; The top mold assembly consists of a fixed top module and a surrounding movable top module, with the movable top module hinged to the fixed top module via a rotating pin. The lower mold has a gas pipe on its outer side, which drives the movable top module in the top mold assembly to tilt up and gradually demold from the edge of the helmet to the center, preventing STF leakage.
[0007] Preferably, the bottom of the opening slot has a mounting port that communicates with the inner cavity of the lower mold. A mounting rod is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixed top module. The mounting rod slidably inserts into the mounting port and extends its bottom into the inner cavity of the lower mold, connecting to the base plate, forming a longitudinal sliding structure for the top mold assembly. The mounting port and mounting rod constitute a guiding mechanism for the top mold assembly, ensuring smooth longitudinal movement. The sliding structure allows the top mold assembly to rise as a whole under gas propulsion, while the base plate provides a limit to prevent displacement. This design enhances demolding stability, is particularly suitable for the complex shapes of curved helmets, and reduces the risk of mold wear.
[0008] Preferably, the upper end of the movable top module is provided with a storage groove, and a rubber sheet is sealed inside the groove. The rubber sheet can be inflated when gas is introduced to form a flexible contact protrusion. A spring telescopic pin is provided between the bottom plate and the top wall of the lower mold cavity for cushioning during the lifting process. The rubber sheet and the spring telescopic pin form a dual cushioning system. The rubber protrusion provides flexible contact to avoid damage to the inner wall of the helmet from hard impacts; the spring telescopic pin absorbs the kinetic energy of the sudden gas injection, realizing the release of cushioned kinetic energy. This combination ensures that the demolding force is applied smoothly, which is particularly suitable for the sensitive interfaces of STF materials and significantly reduces the probability of leakage.
[0009] Preferably, the spring-loaded telescopic pin is in a spring-loaded state by default, with its two ends elastically abutting against the upper surface of the base plate and the top wall of the inner cavity of the lower mold, respectively. During the ascent of the top mold assembly, the spring-loaded telescopic pin is compressed and contracts to achieve cushioning, preventing sudden lifting. The default spring-loaded state of the spring-loaded telescopic pin allows it to function immediately in the initial stage of demolding, absorbing impact energy through elastic abutment. This design prevents "explosive" lifting, ensures linear control of the demolding process, and is suitable for high-precision manufacturing scenarios. The cushioning mechanism extends the equipment's lifespan and improves the consistency of helmet products.
[0010] Preferably, the mounting rod has an air outlet near its top side, and the bottom of the movable top module has a dispersion groove that aligns with the air outlet. When gas impacts the dispersion groove through the air outlet, it generates a lifting force, causing the movable top module to tilt around the pivot pin. The cooperation between the air outlet and the dispersion groove enables a pneumatic tilting action; the gas impact generates an upward lifting force, causing the movable module to rotate around the pivot pin. This design precisely controls the tilting angle and speed, avoiding the uncertainties of manual intervention. It is particularly effective for areas prone to mold sticking at the helmet edge, enabling localized priority demolding and improving overall efficiency.
[0011] Preferably, the air outlet has a conical structure and is inclined downwards, and the dispersion groove is an arc-shaped groove used to concentrate gas pressure and guide the lifting action. The conical air outlet enhances gas flow rate and pressure concentration, while the arc-shaped dispersion groove optimizes the force transmission path, ensuring a smooth and controllable lifting action. This geometric design reduces energy loss, makes the demolding process more efficient, and is suitable for high-intensity production environments. It embodies the application of fluid mechanics in mold design and improves the intelligence level of the equipment.
[0012] Preferably, the fixed top module is connected to the inner cavity of each movable top module via a flexible hose. The movable top module has a groove on its outer side, within which the flexible hose is accommodated with allowance for movement, ensuring unobstructed gas flow and not affecting module rotation. The hose and groove constitute a distributed gas supply system, ensuring uniform gas flow to each movable module. The allowance in the groove prevents the hose from twisting or becoming blocked during rotation, maintaining a clear path. This design supports demolding of complex curved surfaces, enhancing the adaptability and reliability of the equipment.
[0013] Preferably, when the top mold assembly is housed within the opening slot, the upper surfaces of the fixed top module and each movable top module are coplanar, collectively forming a helmet-shaped raised molding surface that matches the contour of the lower mold, used to stably support the prepreg before hot pressing and curing. This coplanar design ensures that the top mold assembly perfectly fits the mold before hot pressing, providing a stable molding surface and preventing prepreg displacement or wrinkling. This integrated structure simplifies the material laying process and improves the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the helmet. It highlights the multi-functional integration of the equipment, seamlessly connecting curing to demolding.
[0014] This invention employs a method of slowly lifting from the edge to achieve demolding, effectively preventing STF leakage. Unlike existing technologies, its specific advantages are as follows: (1) In the initial stage of demolding, gas is introduced into the inner cavity of the movable top module, causing the rubber sheet to slowly rise and form a rubber protrusion that makes flexible contact with the inner wall of the helmet; at the same time, the spring telescopic pin is compressed and buffered during the lifting process to prevent rapid lifting caused by sudden gas injection. This ensures that the demolding force is applied smoothly, avoids local stress concentration and damage to the encapsulation layer, and fundamentally prevents STF leakage.
[0015] (2) As gas is introduced, the pressurized gas ejected from the outlet impacts the dispersion groove, generating an upward lifting force that causes the movable top module to tilt up via the rotating pin, gradually widening the demolding gap at the edge of the helmet. This design achieves targeted treatment of areas prone to sticking to the mold, and the demolding process gradually expands from a small area to the whole, ensuring the stability and integrity of demolding and further eliminating the risk of STF leakage. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural illustration of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the top mold assembly removed in this invention. Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the top mold assembly of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a front view of the structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the top mold assembly of the present invention when it is stationary; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the top mold assembly of the present invention during operation; Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the structure at point A of the present invention.
[0017] Explanation of key symbols: 1-Lower mold, 2-Opening slot, 3-Mounting port, 4-Fixed top module, 5-Movable top module, 6-Rotating pin, 7-Mounting rod, 8-Base plate, 9-Storage slot, 10-Rubber sheet, 11-Spring telescopic pin, 12-Air outlet, 13-Dispersion groove, 14-Hot press molding machine, 15-Gas pipeline. Detailed implementation method. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.
[0018] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0020] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.
[0021] Please combine Figure 1-7 The integrated hot-press curing equipment for composite bulletproof helmets that prevents STF leakage includes a lower mold 1 set on the upper end of the hot-press molding machine 14, and an upper mold corresponding to the lower mold 1. The lower mold 1 is helmet-shaped, which facilitates the layering of the cut prepreg into the upper end of the lower mold 1. Then the upper and lower molds are closed to achieve mold closing and hot-press curing.
[0022] In this process, in order to make it easier to demold the cured helmet from the lower mold 1 and prevent STF leakage, a pressurized pump body is connected through the gas pipe 15 and air is introduced. The upper mold assembly embedded in the lower mold 1 is slowly lifted up and slowly lifted from the edge of the cured helmet to demold the thermoformed helmet and protect the internal STF from leakage.
[0023] Specifically, the lower mold 1 has an opening slot 2 at its upper end to accommodate the top mold assembly. The top mold assembly includes a fixed top module 4 located at the center and movable top modules 5 arranged around the fixed top module 4. The fixed top module 4 and the movable top module 5 are rotatably connected by a rotating pin 6. When the top mold assembly is housed inside the opening slot 2, it forms a helmet-shaped structure together with the lower mold 1 to facilitate material placement. At the same time, an installation port 3 is provided vertically through the center of the opening slot 2 at the upper end of the lower mold 1. An installation rod 7 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixed top module 4. The installation rod 7 is slidably inserted into the installation port 3, and the bottom of the installation rod 7 extends movably into the inner cavity of the lower mold 1. A base plate 8 is also fixedly connected to the base plate 8, which limits the movement of the top mold assembly at the upper end of the lower mold 1, restricting the longitudinal movement of the top mold assembly to achieve stable demolding.
[0024] During the slow demolding process of the helmet edge after the top mold assembly has cured, a soft-touch buffer assembly is set to avoid direct hard contact between the top mold assembly and the cured helmet. This includes a storage groove 9 evenly distributed on the upper end of the movable top module 5, and a sealing rubber sheet 10 placed in the storage groove 9. The rubber sheet 10 can form a rubber protrusion when inflated and flexibly contact the inner wall of the cured helmet, avoiding excessive local shear stress or peeling of the sealing layer, which would cause STF to leak from the gap. At the same time, the soft-touch buffer assembly also includes a spring telescopic pin 11, which is set at the position of the base plate 8 and the inner wall of the lower mold 1. It is in the spring-lift state by default. During the process of the top mold assembly rising, the spring telescopic pin 11 is pre-compressed and buffered to prevent the sudden influx of gas from causing the top mold assembly to be quickly pushed up and the helmet to be demolded and damaged. Meanwhile, the base plate 8, mounting rod 7, and fixed top module 4 are connected in sequence, while the outside of the fixed top module 4 is connected to the inside of the movable top module 5 through a flexible hose 501. The outside of the movable top module 5 is provided with a groove 502 to reserve a certain amount of space for the flexible hose 501, thereby directly connecting the movable top module 5 to the gas pipeline 15 to receive the gas in advance and form a gas flow path.
[0025] Based on this, during the demolding process, the gas is injected into the inner cavity of the lower mold 1 and then into the movable top module 5 through the above path. At this time, the inner cavity of the movable top module 5 is pre-pressed to slowly lift the rubber sheet 10 to form a rubber protrusion. The movable top module 5 is located at the edge of the fixed top module 4, which is exactly aligned with the large curvature and easy-to-stick area of the helmet edge. This allows for small-force lifting of these areas, avoiding damage to the inner wall caused by local stress concentration.
[0026] In addition, it should be noted that the mounting rod 7 has an air outlet 12 near its top, which is angled downwards. The bottom of the movable top module 5 has a dispersion groove 13, which is an arc-shaped groove design and connects to the air outlet 12. After the rubber sheet 10 is lifted, as gas is introduced, the gas rushes towards the bottom of the base plate 8, lifting the base plate 8 and the connected top mold assembly together. Simultaneously, the compression spring telescopic pin 11 acts as a buffer, allowing the helmet to be slowly lifted and formed. During this process, the base plate 8, the upper mounting rod 7, and the top mold assembly rise upwards along the mounting opening 3. As the mounting rod 7 rises, it exposes itself near the upper air outlet 12. At the filling port 3, gas will be ejected from the air outlet 12. The air outlet 12 also adopts a conical structure design, and its outlet end is compressed to increase the pressure of the gas. The gas tilts downward and connects with the arc-shaped dispersion groove 13 at the bottom of the movable top module 5. The pressurized gas rushes into the dispersion groove 13, which can generate an upward lifting force, causing the movable top module 5 to rotate through the rotating pin 6. As the movable top module 5 rotates, it tilts up, which slowly expands the small gap after the rubber sheet 10 is raised by a small force. This completes the comprehensive and slow demolding of the helmet edge. As the edge is detached, the helmet can be smoothly detached from the upper end of the lower mold 1. This process avoids direct rigid contact and effectively prevents STF leakage in the helmet.
[0027] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
Claims
1. A hot press-cure integrated apparatus for preventing STF leakage of a composite ballistic helmet, characterized by, The utility model relates to a hot press forming machine (14), the lower mould (1) of hot press forming machine and the upper mould of adaptation, the lower mould (1) upper end is equipped with open slot (2), and the open slot (2) is in the movable insertion top die assembly; The top die assembly is composed of a fixed top module (4) and a peripheral movable top module (5), and the movable top module (5) is hinged to the fixed top module (4) through a rotating pin (6); The lower mould (1) outside has gas pipeline (15), and the gas pipeline (15) is inhaled into the movable top module (5) of gas drive top die assembly and is gradually demoulded from the edge to the center of helmet gradually, prevents STF leakage. The bottom of the open slot (2) is provided with a mounting port (3) which is communicated with the inner cavity of the lower mould (1), the bottom of the fixed top module (4) is fixedly connected with a mounting rod (7), the mounting rod (7) is slidably inserted into the mounting port (3) and extends to the inner cavity of the lower mould (1) at the bottom and is connected with a bottom plate (8), forming a longitudinal sliding structure of the top die assembly.
2. The heat press curing integrated apparatus for preventing STF leakage of a composite ballistic helmet according to claim 1, wherein The upper end of the movable top module (5) is provided with a receiving groove (9), and a rubber sheet (10) is sealingly arranged in the groove, the rubber sheet (10) can be inflated to form a flexible contact protrusion when the gas is inhaled; 3. The heat press curing integrated apparatus for preventing STF leakage of a composite ballistic helmet according to claim 2, wherein, The bottom plate (8) and the top wall of the inner cavity of the lower mould (1) are provided with a spring telescopic pin (11) for buffering during jacking. The spring telescopic pin (11) is in a default elastic lifting state, and the two ends of the spring telescopic pin (11) are elastically abutted with the upper end face of the bottom plate (8) and the top wall of the inner cavity of the lower mould (1) respectively, the spring telescopic pin (11) is compressed to realize buffering during the lifting of the top die assembly, and sudden jacking is avoided.
4. The heat press curing integrated apparatus for preventing STF leakage of a composite ballistic helmet according to claim 3, wherein The mounting rod (7) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom of the movable top module (5) is provided with a dispersion groove (13) which is butt jointed with the gas outlet (12), and the gas outlet (12) is provided with a gas outlet (12) near the top side, the bottom 5. The heat press curing integrated apparatus for preventing STF leakage of a composite ballistic helmet according to claim 4, wherein 6. The heat press curing integrated apparatus for preventing STF leakage of a composite ballistic helmet according to claim 5, wherein 7. The composite anti-ballistic helmet hot press-cure integration apparatus for preventing STF bleed-out according to claim 6, wherein, 8. The composite anti-ballistic helmet hot press-cure integration apparatus for preventing STF bleed-out according to claim 7, wherein,