METAL-TEXTILE TYPE BUILDING STRUCTURE

Abstract

TITLE: METAL-TEXTILE TYPE BUILDING STRUCTURE One aspect of the invention relates to a metal building structure 1 comprising a mast 2 extending longitudinally along a principal vertical axis X and a framework 3 comprising: A first generally circular arch 4 coaxial with said mast 2; A plurality of framework elements 5 arranged around said mast 2, each framework element 5 extending radially between said mast 2 and said first arch 4, each framework element 5 comprising: A straight beam 6 perpendicular to said principal axis X and extending between said mast 2 and said first arch 4; A curved beam 7 arranged opposite said straight beam 6 and extending between said first arch 4 and an upper end 8 of said mast 2. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: METAL-TEXTILE TYPE BUILDING STRUCTURE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal-textile building structure. The invention thus belongs to the field of metal-textile building structures and finds particularly interesting, but not exclusive, applications in the protection of gaming machines, for example in casinos. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For the remainder of the description, "building structure" means a building structure for temporary or permanent use, for the storage of gaming machines, for example of video or casino type.

[0003] In a manner known per se, a prior art metal-textile building structure such as that shown in [Fig. 1] comprises a metal frame 100 with posts 101 supporting a roof structure 102. The roof generally consists of a textile fabric (not shown) which is fixed to the structure 102 to provide protection from the elements.

[0004] Metal structures 100 used to cover large ground areas are usually equipped with numerous vertical posts 101. However, when many people wish to move around under the framework 102, the posts 101 impede the flow of people and are likely to create bottlenecks in access to a service sheltered by the metal structure 100. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by proposing a metal-textile type building structure that allows a large floor area to be protected while allowing access to machines, for example casino games, located under said structure from all directions.

[0006] In this context, the invention thus relates, in its broadest sense, to a metallic building structure comprising a mast extending longitudinally along a principal vertical axis and a framework comprising: • A first arch, generally circular and coaxial with the mast; • A plurality of structural elements arranged around the mast, each structural element extending radially between the mast and the first arch, each structural element comprising: • A straight beam perpendicular to said main vertical axis and extending between the mast and the first arch; • A curved beam positioned opposite the straight beam and extending between the first arch and an upper end of the mast.

[0007] In other words, the framework is generally circular in shape and is supported by a single central mast (or leg). This framework is further configured to be covered with a canvas. Thus, unlike prior art building structures, no leg obstructs access to the space covered by the structure. This particularly advantageous structure allows access to machines, consoles, and associated seating, for example, casino games, located beneath the structure from all directions, thereby minimizing access bottlenecks to the casino games.

[0008] Furthermore, the specific arrangement of the structural elements allows for the coverage of a large floor area, for example, between 8 and 14 meters. This large floor area makes it possible to position several casino gaming machines beneath the structure and to offer a particularly pleasant outdoor casino gaming experience for users.

[0009] In addition to the characteristics just mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the metallic building structure according to this aspect of the invention may have one or more complementary characteristics from among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

[0010] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, each structural element comprises reinforcement means extending between the straight beam and the curved beam.

[0011] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, • The framework includes a second arch, generally circular, coaxial with the mast, the second arch having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first arch and being in contact with all the straight beams of the plurality of framework elements; • The means of reinforcing each structural element include: • A first reinforcing bar extending between the curved beam and a first point of intersection of the second arch with the straight beam of said structural element, the first reinforcing bar extending longitudinally along a secondary vertical axis (parallel to the main vertical axis) between the first point of intersection and the curved beam; • A second reinforcing bar extending between the first point of intersection and the curved beam, the second reinforcing bar forming a first angle with the first reinforcing bar; • A third reinforcing bar extending between the first point of intersection and the curved beam, the third reinforcing bar forming a second angle with the first reinforcing bar, the first angle and second angle being adjacent angles; • A fourth reinforcing bar extending between the mast and a second point of intersection of the curved beam with the third reinforcing bar.

[0012] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, each structural element comprises stability means formed by: • A first stability element extending between a third point of intersection of the first reinforcing bar with the curved beam and a fourth point of intersection of the second arch located between the straight beam of said structural element and a straight beam of an adjacent first structural element; • A second stability element extending between the third point of intersection and a fifth point of intersection of the second arch located between the straight beam of said structural element and a straight beam of an adjacent second structural element.

[0013] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the metal building structure comprises a number of structural elements between ten and fourteen.

[0014] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the metal building structure comprises: • A support platform, the mast extending longitudinally along the main vertical axis between the support platform and the framework; • A first wall in the shape of an arc of a circle, the first wall extending vertically between the support platform and the first arch.

[0015] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, • The first wall is configured to be moved along a first circular direction coaxial with the mast; and • The support platform presents initial means of guiding the first wall along the first circular direction.

[0016] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the metal building structure comprises a second wall in the shape of an arc of a circle, the second wall extending vertically between the support platform and the first arch.

[0017] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, • The second wall is configured to be moved along a second circular direction coaxial with the mast, the first circular direction presenting a first radius of curvature and the second circular direction having a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature; and • The support platform has second means of guiding the second wall along the second circular direction.

[0018] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the first and second walls have attachment means allowing them to be joined together.

[0019] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the first wall forms a circular arc of 180° and the second wall forms a circular arc of 180°.

[0020] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the mast includes at least one electrical socket.

[0021] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the metal building structure comprises a canvas covering the framework, the canvas being stretched between attachment means attached to the first arch.

[0022] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the canvas includes anti-lifting means, each anti-lifting means surrounding a portion of one of the curved beams.

[0023] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the metal building structure comprises: • A gutter that is located on the periphery of the roof frame; and • A rainwater drainage pipe, the pipe comprising a first portion extending longitudinally in the mast along a secondary vertical axis parallel to the main vertical axis and a second portion having one end connected to an upper end of the pipe and a second end connected to the gutter.

[0024] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a metallic building structure according to the state of the art.

[0026] [Fig.2] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example embodiment non-limiting of a metallic building structure according to the invention.

[0027] [Fig.3] illustrates a top view of a framework comprising the structure of metal building illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0028] [Fig.4] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment non-limiting of a metallic building structure according to the invention.

[0029] [Fig. 5] illustrates a schematic view of the stability means that comprise a framework of the metal building structure illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0030] [Fig.6] is a schematic three-dimensional view of a third example of non-limiting realization of a building structure according to the invention.

[0031] [Fig.7] represents a schematic top view of a first example, of construction of a support platform comprising a metallic building structure according to the invention.

[0032] [Fig.8] illustrates a schematic top view of a second example of an embodiment of a support platform comprising a metallic building structure according to the invention.

[0033] [Fig.9] schematically shows the means of attachment that comprise a building structure according to the invention.

[0034] [Fig. 10] illustrates a canvas covering a framework of a metal building structure according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig. 11] shows anti-lifting means included in a canvas of a metallic building structure according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.

[0038] Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a first non-limiting embodiment of a metal building structure 1 according to the invention.

[0039] The metal building structure 1 includes a mast 2. This mast 2 forms a single central leg of the metal building structure 1 and extends longitudinally along a main vertical axis X.

[0040] The metallic building structure 1 also includes a framework 3. This framework 3 includes a first arch 4 which is generally circular and coaxial with the mast 2.

[0041] In addition, the frame 3 comprises a plurality of frame elements 5 (only two are illustrated) arranged around the mast 2.

[0042] Each structural element 5 extends radially between the mast 2 and the first arch 4.

[0043] Each structural element 5 comprises a straight beam 6 perpendicular to the main axis X. The straight beam 6 extends between the mast 2 and the first arch 4.

[0044] Each structural element 5 also includes a curved beam 7. The curved beam 7 is positioned above and opposite the straight beam 6. The curved beam 7 extends between the first arch 4 and an upper end 8 of the mast 2. A curved beam 7 is understood to be a portion of the structure having a radius of curvature, the radius of curvature being able to vary according to the span of the structure.

[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, each structural element 5 includes reinforcement means 9 extending between the straight beam 6 and the curved beam 7.

[0046] According to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, the reinforcement means 9 are formed by a reinforcement bar extending longitudinally, along a secondary vertical axis XI parallel to the main axis X, between the curved beam 7 and the straight beam 6 of the structural element 5. The reinforcement bar is located near the mast 2.

[0047] The mast 2 also includes two electrical sockets 10, a first electrical socket located at a lower end 11 of the mast 2 and a second electrical socket 10 located at the upper end 8 of the mast 2.

[0048] Being located close to the ground, the first electrical outlet 10 makes it possible to supply electrical energy to at least one casino gaming machine located under the framework 3.

[0049] As regards the second electrical socket 10 located at the upper end 8 of the mast 2, the latter can be used to supply electrical energy to one or more electrical device(s) attached to one of the structural elements 5, for example to one of the straight beams 6. By way of non-limiting agreement, an electrical device is understood to mean a fan, a heating device, a light, a camera or a speaker.

[0050] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of the framework 3 of the metal building structure 1 shown in Fig. 2.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the frame 3 comprises twelve structural elements 5. Each structural element 5 extends radially from the mast 2 to the first arch 4. In other words, each structural element 5 forms a radius of the first arch 4, which is generally circular in shape. In the illustrated example, the structural elements 5 are spaced angularly apart at the same angle α of 30°.

[0052] Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a second non-limiting embodiment of a metal building structure 1 according to the invention.

[0053] According to this second embodiment, the frame 3 includes a second arch 12 that is generally circular and coaxial with the mast 2.

[0054] The second arch 12 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first arch 4 and is in contact with all the straight beams 6 of the plurality of structural elements 5. According to non-limiting embodiments, this second arch 12 is welded or secured by screwing to each of the straight beams 6.

[0055] According to the illustrated embodiment, each structural element 5 includes reinforcement means 9 extending between the straight beam 6 and the curved beam 7.

[0056] The reinforcement means 9 of each structural element 5 comprise a first reinforcing bar 9b. This first reinforcing bar 9i extends between the curved beam 7 and a first point of intersection PI of the second arch 12 with the straight beam 6 of the structural element 5. The first reinforcing bar 9i extends longitudinally along a secondary vertical axis X2, parallel to the main axis X, between the first point of intersection PI and the curved beam 7.

[0057] The reinforcement means 9 of each structural element 5 further comprise a second reinforcing bar 92. This second reinforcing bar 92 extends between the first point of intersection PI and the curved beam 7. This second reinforcing bar 92 forms a first angle ai with the first reinforcing bar 9b

[0058] The reinforcement means 9 of each structural element 5 also include a third reinforcing bar 93. This third reinforcing bar 93 extends between the first point of intersection PI and the curved beam 7. This third reinforcing bar 93 forms a second angle a2 with the first reinforcing bar 9b

[0059] It should be noted that the first angle oq and the second angle a2 are adjacent angles, the first reinforcing bar 9i forming the common side.

[0060] In addition, the reinforcement means 9 of each structural element 5 also include a fourth reinforcement bar 94. This fourth reinforcement bar 94 extends between the mast 2 and a second point of intersection P2 of the curved beam 7 with the third reinforcement bar 93. This fourth reinforcement bar 94 forms a third angle a3 with the mast 2. This third angle a3 forms an angle less than 90°.

[0061] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic view of the stability means 14 included in each structural element 5 according to the invention.

[0062] The stability means 14 comprise a first stability element 14i extending between a third intersection point P3 of the first reinforcing bar 9i with the curved beam 7 and a fourth intersection point P4 with the second arch 12 located between the straight beam 6 of the structural element 5 and a straight beam 6 of an adjacent first structural element 5.

[0063] The stability means 14 further comprise a second stability element 142 extending between the third intersection point P3 and a fifth intersection point P5 with the second arch 12 located between the straight beam 6 of the structural element 5 and a straight beam 6 of an adjacent second structural element 5.

[0064] These stability means 14 ensure stability to the framework 3.

[0065] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic three-dimensional view of a third, non-limiting embodiment of a building structure 1 according to the invention.

[0066] According to this non-limiting embodiment, the building structure 1 comprises a support platform 15, the mast 2 extending longitudinally along the main vertical axis X between the support platform 15 and the framework 3.

[0067] The building structure 1 also includes a first fixed wall 16 in the shape of a circular arc. The first wall 16 extends vertically between the support platform 15 and the first arch 4. According to the illustrated example, the first wall 16 is located at the periphery of the building structure 1.

[0068] This first wall 16 provides additional protection to the casino gaming machines located under the framework 3. In particular, it protects against weather and sun.

[0069] Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic top view of the support platform 15 and the first wall 16. For clarity, the framework 3 is not shown.

[0070] According to this non-limiting embodiment, the first wall 16 is configured to be moved along a first circular direction Cl coaxial with the mast 2. For this purpose, the first wall 16 may include rollers (not shown).

[0071] In order to guide the first wall 16 along this first circular direction Cl, the support platform 15 may have first guiding means 17 of the first wall 16 along the first circular direction CL. These first guiding means 17 may be formed by a circular groove provided in the upper surface 18 of the support platform 15. Thus, the rollers of the first wall 16 may be inserted into the circular groove.

[0072] The first wall 16 can therefore be moved according to the position of the sun's rays so as to protect the casino gaming machines M as well as the players from the sun's rays.

[0073] Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic top view of the support platform 15, the first wall 16 and a second wall 19. For clarity, the framework 3 is not shown.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the metal building structure 1 comprises a first wall 16 in the shape of a 180° arc and a second wall 19 in the shape of a 180° arc. Just like the first wall 16, the second wall 19 extends vertically between the support platform 15 and the first arch 4.

[0075] According to this non-limiting embodiment, the second wall 19 is configured to be moved along a second circular direction C2 coaxial with the mast 2. For this purpose, the second wall 19 may include rollers (not shown).

[0076] The first circular direction Cl has a first radius of curvature RI and the second circular direction C2 has a second radius of curvature R2 different from the first radius of curvature RL According to this non-limiting embodiment, the second radius of curvature R2 is equal to the first radius of curvature RI less / 2 thickness of the first wall 16 and / 2 thickness of the second wall 19.

[0077] In order to guide the second wall 19 along this second circular direction C2, the support platform 15 may have second guiding means 20 of the second wall 19 along the second circular direction C2. These second guiding means 20 can be formed by a circular groove provided in the upper surface 18 of the support platform 15. Thus, the rollers of the second wall 19 can be inserted into the circular groove.

[0078] According to a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 9], the first and second walls 16, 19 have fastening means 21 for joining them together. These second fastening means 21 can be formed by a first hook attached to the first wall 16 and a second hook attached to the second wall 19. Thus, it is possible to position the first and second walls 16, 19 opposite each other and to join the first and second walls 16, 20 by placing a padlock between the first and second hooks. Once the first and second walls 16, 20, each forming a 180° arc, are joined together, access to the space under the frame 3 is prohibited. The casino gaming machines are then protected from malicious acts.

[0079] According to another different embodiment, the fastening means 21 can be formed by a lock.

[0080] Figure 10 illustrates a canvas 22 covering the frame 3. The canvas 22 is stretched between attachment means 23 fixed to the first hoop 4. According to the non-limiting example shown, the attachment means 23 are formed by a third, generally circular hoop coaxial with the mast 2, the third hoop having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first hoop 4. Thus, the canvas 22 is attached to the periphery of this third hoop. To this end, the canvas 22 may have eyelets for attaching the canvas 22 to the third hoop.

[0081] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the fabric 22 is a polyester fabric. It may, for example, have a mass of 1050g / m2.

[0082] Furthermore, the fabric 22 can be fire-retardant, UV-treated, and / or antifungal.

[0083] In addition, according to a non-limiting embodiment schematically illustrated in [Fig. 11], the fabric 22 can include anti-uplift means 24, each anti-uplift means 24 surrounding one of the curved beams 7. These anti-uplift means 24 allow the fabric 22 to remain taut and not to lift in the presence of strong winds.

[0084] Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the building structure 1 can be equipped with a gutter 25. This gutter 25 is located at the periphery of the frame 3. The metal building structure 1 also includes a rainwater conveyance pipe 26. The pipe 26 has a first portion 261 extending longitudinally along a secondary vertical axis X3 parallel to the main vertical axis X within the mast 2, and a second portion 262, the first end of which is connected to one upper end 27 of the pipe 26 and a second end is connected to the gutter 25.

[0085] It is understood that, according to a non-limiting example of an embodiment, the secondary vertical axis X3 can be coincident with the main vertical axis X. In other words, the first portion 26i of the pipe 26 can be positioned at the center of the mast 2.

[0086] Furthermore, the upper end 27 of the pipe 26 is understood to be the end of the pipe 26 located near the frame 3. Conversely, the lower end of the pipe 26 is located at ground level.

[0087] Thus, rainwater flowing over the canvas 22 is directed towards the gutter 25, then conveyed into the pipe 26 to bring it into the ground.

[0088] It should be noted that the mast 2, the first hoop 4, the straight beam 6, the curved beam 7, the second hoop 12, the first reinforcing bar 9i, the second reinforcing bar 92, the third reinforcing bar 93, the fourth reinforcing bar 94, the first stability element 14b, the second stability element 142 and the third hoop 23 can be made of hot-dip galvanized steel, but can obviously be made of any other material suitable for resisting weathering and supporting the fabric 22.

[0089] In addition, the mast 2, the first arch 4, the straight beam 6, the curved beam 7, the second arch 12, the first reinforcing bar 9b, the second reinforcing bar 92, the third reinforcing bar 93, the fourth reinforcing bar 94, the first stability element 14b, the second stability element 142 and the third arch 23 are separate parts fixed together by any process known to those skilled in the art, for example by bolting, screwing, welding, etc.

[0090] The various aspects of the aforementioned invention offer numerous advantages. Among these, we can mention: • To cover a large ground area; • Protect casino gaming machines; • Allow access to these casino gaming machines from all directions; • To facilitate the movement of people under the building structure.

[0091] It should be noted that a person skilled in the art is able to make different variations to the aforementioned aspects of the invention, for example by proposing different means of reinforcement extending between the straight beam and the curved beam.

Claims

Demands

1. A metal building structure (1) comprising a mast (2) extending longitudinally along a principal vertical axis (X) and a framework (3) comprising: - A first arch (4) generally circular coaxial with said mast (2); - A plurality of framework elements (5) arranged around said mast (2), each framework element (5) extending radially between said mast (2) and said first arch (4), each framework element (5) comprising: • A straight beam (6) perpendicular to said principal axis (X) and extending between said mast (2) and said first arch (4); • A curved beam (7) arranged opposite said straight beam (6) and extending between said first arch (4) and an upper end (8) of said mast (2).

2. Metallic building structure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each structural element (5) includes reinforcement means (9) extending between the straight beam (6) and the curved beam (7).

3. A metal building structure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - The framework (3) comprises a second arch (12) that is generally circular and coaxial with the mast (2), said second arch (12) having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first arch (4) and being in contact with all the straight beams (6) of the plurality of structural elements (5); - The reinforcement means (9) of each structural element (5) comprise: • A first reinforcing bar (9J) extending between the curved beam (7) and a first point of intersection (PI) of the second arch (12) with the straight beam (6) of said structural element (5), said first reinforcing bar (9i) extending longitudinally along a secondary vertical axis (X2) between said first point of intersection (PI) and said curved beam (7); • A second reinforcing bar (92) extending between said first point of intersection (PI) and said curved beam (7), said second reinforcing bar (92) forming a first angle (ai) with said first reinforcing bar (9J; • A third reinforcing bar (93) extending between said first point of intersection (PI) and said curved beam (7), said third reinforcing bar (93) forming a second angle (a2) with said first reinforcing bar (9J), said first angle (ai) and second angle (a2) being adjacent angles; • A fourth reinforcing bar (94) extending between the mast (2) and a second point of intersection (P2) of said curved beam (7) with said third reinforcing bar (93).

4. A metallic building structure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each structural element (5) comprises stability means (14) formed by: A first stability element (14J extending between a third point of intersection (P3) of the first reinforcing bar (9i) with the curved beam (7) and a fourth point of intersection (P4) of the second arch (12) located between the straight beam (6) of said structural element (5) and a straight beam (6) of an adjacent first structural element (5); A second stability element (142) extending between said third intersection point (P3) and a fifth intersection point (P5) of the second arch (12) located between said straight beam (6) of said structural element (5) and a straight beam (6) of an adjacent second structural element (6).

5. Metallic building structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a number of structural elements (5) between ten and fourteen.

6. Metallic building structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - A support platform (15), the mast (2) extending longitudinally along the main vertical axis (X) between said support platform (15) and the framework (3); - A first wall (16) in the form of an arc of a circle, said first wall (16) extending vertically between said support platform (15) and said first arch (4).

7. Metallic building structure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - The first wall (16) is configured to be moved along a first circular direction (Cl) coaxial with the mast (2); and - The support platform (15) has first guiding means (17) of said first wall (16) along said first circular direction (Cl).

8. Metallic building structure (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a second wall (19) in the form of an arc of a circle, said second wall (19) extending vertically between said support platform (15) and said first arch (4).

9. Metallic building structure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - The second wall (19) is configured to be moved along a second circular direction (C2) coaxial with the mast (2), the first circular direction (Cl) having a first radius of curvature (RI) and said second circular direction (C2) having a second radius of curvature (R2) different from said first radius of curvature (Cl); and - The support platform (15) has second guiding means (20) of said second wall (19) along said second circular direction (C2).

10. Metallic building structure (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the first and second walls (16, 19) have attachment means (21) allowing them to be joined together.

11. Metallic building structure (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the first wall (16) forms a circular arc of 180° and the second wall (19) forms a circular arc of 180°.

12. Metallic building structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mast (2) includes at least one electrical socket (10).

13. Metallic building structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a web (22) covering the framework (3), said web (22) being stretched between fastening means (23) attached to the first arch (4).

14. Metallic building structure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the web (22) comprises anti-uplift means (24), each anti-uplift means (24) surrounding a portion of one of the curved beams (7).

15. A metallic building structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - A gutter (25) which is located at the periphery of the framework (3); and - A rainwater conveying pipe (26), said pipe (26) comprising a first portion (261) extending longitudinally in the mast (2) along a secondary vertical axis (X3) parallel to the main vertical axis (X) and a second portion (262) having a first end connected to an upper end (27) of said pipe (26) and a second end connected to said gutter (25).

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