Laboratory Equipment articles from May 2006

Laboratory Equipment archives from May 2006

A paradigm shift in molecular spectroscopy: Multimodal Multiplex Spectroscopy (MMS): better sensitivity, uncompromised resolution.(Special Feature)
May 1, 2006... Over the last twenty years there have been only minor advances in the technologies used in instruments designed for molecular spectroscopy. Commonly slit or "pinhole" apertures are used to spatially define the light entering the section of the...

EDS system for multiple microanalysis applications: standard energy resolutions better than 133 eV.(Featured New Product)
May 1, 2006... Introduced at this year's Pittcon, Bruker AXS Microanalysis' QUANTAX QUAD is an innovative energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) system for all microanalysis applications. Its QUAD XFlash 3001 detector is the first four-channel, 40-[mm.sup.2]...

Pittcon reviewed.(INNOVATIONS)
May 1, 2006... In February we previewed more than 150 of the products and technologies introduced at this year's Pittsburgh Conference. In this issue we follow up with more of what you might have seen or wished you'd seen at the show. On this page and the...

Small-scale microwave sample prep system.(INNOVATIONS)
May 1, 2006... The ExplorerPLS small-scale microwave sample preparation system processes samples in as little as 1 minute. Disposable 10-mL tubes provide a convenient sample capacity of 0.1 to 7 mL (working volume) for applications such as total digests (less...

MS technology for small molecule research.(INNOVATIONS)
May 1, 2006... Gold Award. The LTQ Orbitrap is a hybrid mass spectrometer for small molecule research, drug discovery, proteomics, metabolite identification and metabolomics. Combining Orbitrap technology with the Finnigan LTQ front-end, the instrument...

Automated solution preparation system.(INNOVATIONS)
May 1, 2006... Silver Award. CHEM + MIX automated solution preparation system is a PC-controlled instrument that automates the preparation and pH adjustment of chemical solutions such as HPLC mobile phases, buffers, blended organic solvents and aqueous...

NIR handheld digital transform spectrometer.(INNOVATIONS)
May 1, 2006... The Phazir combines a Digital Transform Spectrometer engine, proprietary MobiLight light-source, reflectance probe, rechargeable batteries, integrated computer and LCD display and software into one unit that can be used remotely. The device...

Ion trap liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer.(INNOVATIONS)
May 1, 2006... The 500-MS LC Ion Trap liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer features technology advancements such as SelecTemp and Enhanced Charge Capacity (ECC) to enable the optimum analysis of thermally labile compounds. SelecTemp features electronic...

Combined XRD and Raman high-throughput screening system.(INNOVATIONS)
May 1, 2006... The D8 SCREENLAB screening system combines the analytical power of two-dimensional X-ray diffraction (XRD2) and Raman spectroscopy. It integrates the D8 DISCOVER XRD2 system with the proprietary Raman probe into one advanced materials discovery...

Post acquisition software.(INNOVATIONS)
May 1, 2006... Bronze Award. MassWorks post acquisition software can extend the capabilities of unit mass resolution instruments to obtain mass accuracies of up to 5 ppm, approximately 100x better than typical results. MSIntegrity calibration technology...

Honesty is key for basic laboratories' Ricky Jensen: open communication between lab and clients ensures success.(BEST PRACTICES: Great Laboratory Managers)
May 1, 2006... Maintaining open and honest lines of communication between clients and staff analysts is vital for any service laboratory and a key goal for chemist Ricky Jensen. As laboratory director for Basic Laboratory, Inc. in Redding, California,...

Laboratory organization makes for better science: working in a clean, neat, organized lab allows you to focus your efforts and provides an edge.(ORGANIZED SCIENCE)
May 1, 2006... Did you become an accomplished scientist the first time you set up an experiment or completed General Chemistry? Did you acquire your adroit bench skills magically, simply waking up one morning able to synthesize dimethyltoluene? Or were your...

Texture analyzers go from product to package: since texture analyzers are really nothing more than compression and tensile testers, they can serve the dual purpose of testing both the product and its packaging.(Instrumentation, Systems & Equipment)
May 1, 2006... Texture analyzers have been used for years in both product development and quality control for testing food and personal care products. Most of this testing has been done on the products themselves, which have one thing in common; they all...

Advanced, online water analysis and data visualization system.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The WaterNOW online system enables real-time monitoring of water and waste-water for municipal and industrial applications. Dynamic contouring of water chemistry on a map helps users to understand contamination problems better using plume...

Ergonomic, handheld homogenizer processes samples up to 250 ml.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Kinematica POLYTRON PT 1200 E handheld homogenizer is designed with ergonomic features that minimize the stresses related with routine and repetitive homogenization in the laboratory. With a 100-W motor and fingertip speed control up to...

Benchtop NMR analyzer maximizes available space.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The MQC benchtop NMR analyzer incorporates the smallest magnet in its field while maintaining high performance, reliability and ease of use. The small magnet provides large sample space and optimal field strength for high sensitivity. The...

Ultra pure water system combines performance and flexibility.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Milli-Q Advantage meets the ultra pure water needs of most user-specific applications with the convenience of a single system. The production unit converts pure water to ultra pure water, and several final point-of-use polishers are available...

Trace moisture analyzer measures through electrolysis.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The TRACER 2 analyzer pairs 0.5-ppb moisture detection with improved response speed. Whether used in a stationary analytical rack or a portable cart, the device has the sensitivity, quick response and compact size required to serve...

Universal microwave synthesis research system.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Offering advanced features and a small footprint, the economical Discover BenchMate microwave synthesis system allows access to all of the upgrade paths available through the modular accessories of the full line. The versatile, easy-to-use...

Corrosion-resistant block digestion system.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The DigiPREP LS 72-position block digestion system provides maximum sample throughput levels for high production labs. It is suitable for all digestions up to 180 C. The Teflon-coated graphite block resists corrosion and is guaranteed for long...

Low flow, constant volume fume hoods.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The full duty yet compact UniFlow CE fume hoods are low flow, constant volume hoods that offer savings in costly exhaust volume, which is typically required to operate conventional fume hoods. The series is available in 30". 36" and 48" width...

Fast and wireless, handheld water profiler.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The wireless, hand-held WaterPoint 870 water testing system utilizes a smart sensor chip to calculate 14 different water parameters in 4 minutes. Municipalities and industrial customers can monitor their water in real time. The device also...

Viscometer and rheometer software features test wizards.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The RHEOCALC 3.0 software is suited for use with DV-II+Pro viscometers and DV-III Ultra rheometers. Test wizards allow users to set up their preferred testing program easily and rapidly. Once set up, the program can be run completely and...

Liquid delivery quality assurance support and consultation service.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Helping labs to ensure data integrity and productivity, the LDQA service suite provides integrated liquid delivery quality assurance support and consultation. This one-stop shop for guidance allows users to make more productive use of their...

Floor model centrifuge requires minimal maintenance.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Sorvall RC-6 Pius floor model centrifuge combines a small footprint with increased safety and improved speed. While delivering maximum throughput and needing minimal maintenance, the high-speed centrifuge does not need to be anchored to the...

Liquid, paste and gel analyzer.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The RangelRTM is suited for the analysis of liquids, pastes and gels under controlled temperatures up to 175 C. The design allows the safe use of the sample temperature itself in this control--an advantageous feature for rigorous studies....

Five remote environmental air monitoring systems.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Five ozone precursor analyzers combine the Clarus 500 multidimensional GC with proprietary TurboMatrix thermal desorbers. This maximizes ease of use and reliability for ozone precursor and air toxics analyses. The systems also offer integrated...

Liquid-to-liquid cooling system.(UPDATE ON: Heating & Cooling)
May 1, 2006... The 4200 Series of compact liquid-to-liquid recirculators combines temperature control and reliable heat removal with quiet, energy-efficient operation. Designed specifically for cooling applications where space is at a premium and quiet...

Furnace achieves temperatures to 1100 C.(UPDATE ON: Heating & Cooling)
May 1, 2006... Suited for general laboratory work. the bench-mounted ELF 11/23 furnace achieves temperatures up to 1100 C and features a 23-L chamber and hardwearing ceramic hearth. The chamber is heated by semi-embedded wire elements on the two side-walls...

Air-cooled chiller provides consistent water temperature.(UPDATE ON: Heating & Cooling)
May 1, 2006... The FE1100 chiller, a solution to the rising temperatures of city and site water, features virtually silent operation and a compact design that allows the user to locate the unit directly under a laboratory bench. The bright, clear LED...

Cool flowing liquid in tubing without contamination.(UPDATE ON: Heating & Cooling)
May 1, 2006... The Model AHP1200TC chiller is for contamination-free cooling of liquid flowing through standard 5 mm flexible tubing. It is for use with a standard peristaltic pump to allow cooling to 4 C of liquids. An integral PID temperature controller...

Integrated GPC/SEC systems provide molecular weight in one experiment.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Triple Detector System features an integrated triple detector array comprising a low angle light scattering (LALS) detector, four capillary viscometer detectors and an RI detector; GPCmax pump, autosampler and degasser module designed for...

Weather station monitors and forecasts environmental conditions.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Wireless Weather System is suited for industrial plants, labs, schools and other facilities needing to monitor conditions, forecast weather and check environmental air parameters. The system displays temperature, humidity, dew point,...

Generator produces mixtures containing up to 48 compounds.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The AutoBlend complex mixtures generator is a multichannel, computer-controlled blending system that uses permeation tubes to create trace concentration gas mixtures. Component concentrations can be independently varied, making the instrument...

Digital mass flow controller for multiple gases.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Smart-Trak digital mass flow controller offers maximum flexibility, an easy-to-use interface and true digital performance. The Dial-A-Gas feature and pilot module interface are used to change gases and other critical parameters in the...

Quick fat and moisture analyzer.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The AOAC-approved SMART Trac fat and moisture analyzer achieves accurate results in minutes on raw materials, blends and finished products. The easy-to-use direct method analysis measures fat throughout the sample and is not affected by changes...

Waterproof pH meter features non-glass probe.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The IQ170 is a dual technology pH meter (non-glass or glass) with multi-parameter capabilities. The rugged, NEMA4x-rated system features an extra large LCD display with LED backlight and measures pH, mV, temperature, CRP, conductivity, TDS and...

Particle size analyzer utilizes blue laser diodes.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Bluewave, a laser diffraction technology-based particle size analyzer, utilizes blue laser diodes that offer high resolution, accuracy and repeatability. Applying Mie theory for measuring spherical particles and modified Mie theory for...

Trace metal analysis.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Metrohm VA Computrace Model 797 offers easy trace metal analysis with a superior signal-to-noise ratio. Running on Windows 2000/XP, the easy-to-use software displays measurement parameters, evaluation data, graphs and quantitative results...

Thermometer gun reads any surface temperature.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Traceable infrared thermometer gun takes instant temperature readings of any surface. Permitting one-handed point-and-shoot readings, the device features a laser-sighting beam for precise aiming at target surfaces. Temperature ranges from...

Easy-to-use personal microcentrifuge.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The easy-to-read Espresso microcentrifuge features a small footprint and quiet operation to expedite and improve the microcentrifugation process. The large digital display is visible from seated and standing positions. The 12-place rotor makes...

Liquid flow sensors measure flow rates as low as 13 mL/minute.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Liquid Flo-Sensor models 101 and 102 precisely measure flow rates of fluids as low as 13 mL/min. They can be constructed from plastic or brass and provide a 0- to 5-VDC analog output proportional to flow rate. With better than [+ or -] 3.0%...

Ventilation hood provides chemical fume containment.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Protector XStream hood features a curved air foil with proprietary Clean-Sweep openings that create a constant, protective barrier from contaminants. The slotted baffle directs inflow air from the hood face to the baffle in non-turbulent...

Feeder system improves particle size analysis.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The PowderJet dry feeder system for the Partica LA-950 laser diffraction particle size analyzer, which measures dry powders from 0.1 to 3000 microns, accommodates a range of powders and granular materials. Automatic sample feeding and...

Surface area and pore size analyzer.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Quadrasorb SI, a surface area and pore size analyzer, features four independent sample ports to satisfy the analytical throughput needs of the busy laboratory. The sample ports are operated simultaneously and independently, allowing new sample...

Automated plate reader cuts sample times to 1 minute.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The DynaPro Titan plate reader increases productivity by a factor of 10 over conventional DLS instruments. It provides increased throughput in HTS and biophysical characterization studies and can be fully integrated with the proprietary...

Automated liquid handling instrumentation verification system.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The MVS Advanced system verifies multichannel instrumentation using non-aqueous test solutions and enhances data integrity. Automated liquid handling equipment with up to 384 channels can be optimized with test solutions with the same viscosity...

TOC analyzers available in application-specific models.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Sievers TOC analyzers are available in application-specific models for ultra pure and municipal quality water applications. Additionally, the analyzers offer optimal analytical performance, simple setup and operation, minimal maintenance, and...

X-ray diffractometer processes hundreds of full scans a day.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The highly versatile X'Pert PRO MPD X-ray diffractometer features an automated sample changer and the proprietary high speed, high resolution X'Celerator detector. Additionally, the diffractometer can process hundreds of full scans a day. The...

Dryer delivers constant flow of warm air.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Rapid Dryer TG 200 delivers a constant flow of warm air that keeps the particles to be dried agitated and separate. The result is a rapid, gentle and uniform drying process without localized overheating or agglomerations and a loose,...

Electronic balances utilize advanced weighing technology.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Zeta Series of electronic balances utilizes advanced, proprietary weighing technology that is based on a direct-loading weighing cell concept. When combined with the proprietary displacement detection system and digital servo, a weighing...

Quantitative deconvolution software reduces data review time.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The proprietary quantitative deconvolution software is used by both high throughput testing laboratories and high quality goods manufacturers. A set of advanced deconvolution algorithms provide precise, rapid compound identification and...

Formulation software tools in electronic notebook format.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Lab-Book set of Windows software tools is an affordable alternative to spread sheets and home grown systems. The dynamic package provides current formulation tools from the full proprietary software suite in an electronic notebook format....

Ductless fume hoods recirculate air.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Purair range of ductless fume hoods provides operator protection when using hazardous substances. Applications include weighing, chemical sampling, histology, forensic and pharmaceutical. A face velocity at 100 fpm ensures containment of...

Particle image analysis software organizers data for fast analysis.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The VisualSpreadsheet particle image analysis software program organizes images and other data acquired through the proprietary FlowCAM particle analysis instrumentation. The interactive software then allows fast and easy analysis in a visual...

Thermal analysis differential scanning calorimeter.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Jade DSC features a liquid nitrogen cooling system that automates low temperature testing for complete characterization of rubber and elastomers. Superior baseline flatness and stability ensure the accurate measurement of typical thermal...

Laser particle size analyser and optional video camera.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Ecosizer laser particle size analyzer combines the accuracy and reliability of a traditional proprietary analyzer in a more economical instrument. The device measures from 0.5 to 400 [micro]m, and an optional video camera provides particle...

Corrosive-resistant glassware carts.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Built from advanced polymers that include Microban antimicrobial product protection, MetroMax corrosive-resistant, modular glassware carts offer users the choice of a two-basket or four-basket capacity in a space-saving 18" x 36" footprint. A...

Water quality meters utilize flat surface pH electrode technology.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The ExStik II Series of "stick style" water quality meters includes three multiparameter models--EC400, EC500 and DO600--for testing pH, conductivity, TDS, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen. The dissolved oxygen stick meter and the...

Automatic eluent synthesizer.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The 845 eluent synthesizer automatically prepares certified GLP-compliant eluents, mobile phases, buffer solutions, standards and dilutions with precise mixtures, superior batch-to-batch reproducibility and automatic pH adjustment. Fully...

Thermal cyclers for DNA amplification.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Apollo brand thermal cycler is suited for DNA amplification. Flexible programming features allow users to walk up, program and walk away. Struggling with two-line LCD alphanumeric displays has been eliminated. The entire protocol is at the...

Waterproof pH meters store 500 data sets.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Oakton pH 600 waterproof handheld meters feature a range of -2.00 to 19.99 pH, expandable to 0.001 resolution, and accuracies up to [+ or -] 0.002 pH. The IP67-rated units store 500 datasets through automatic, manual or timed collection with...

Viscometer and rheometer adapter features long spindle coupling.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The UL Adapter is suited for use with any standard proprietary viscometer and rheometer to make accurate and reproducible measurements OR low viscosity materials. A long spindle coupling and open-faced bracket make spindle attachment and...

Electronic scales feature internal calibration.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Adventurer Pro line of electronic balances now includes a range of analytical and high precision models. The scales deliver versatility with options such as a frameless, flip-top draftshield and internal calibration. The frameless...

Commercial-off-the-shelf LIMS and CDS solutions.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Purpose-built, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) LIMS and CDS solutions are offered. Specific industry and application requirements are met with minimum customization. This reduces cost, risk, implementation time and total cost of ownership, all...

TOX and TOC analyses on single software platform.(UPDATE ON TOC Analysis)
May 1, 2006... Combining the proprietary HiPerTOC and ECS high performance analyzers makes performing TOC and TOX analyses on the same software platform possible. The innovation offers an efficient method for measuring environmental screening parameters. The...

Combustion TOC analyzer meets particulate-handling requirements.(UPDATE ON TOC Analysis)
May 1, 2006... The Model 1020A TOC analyzer combines US EPA and ASTM-approved combustion methods with advanced catalyst technology to create an instrument that analyzes the most challenging sample matrices. Its wide linear range enables it to accurately...

Online TOC analyzer enhances risk management.(UPDATE ON TOC Analysis)
May 1, 2006... The Sievers 500 RL online TOC analyzer provides accuracy and automation for transitioning from laboratory to online TOC, providing enhanced operating efficiencies and science-based risk management. The reagentless instrument measures TOC in...

Online TOC analyzer with six contact outputs.(UPDATE ON TOC Analysis)
May 1, 2006... Equipped with a detection limit of 4 ppb and measurement capability up to 25,000 ppm, the Online TOC-Vc enables a multipoint calibration curve to be created from a single high standard. The unit offers a choice of data output via an analog mode...

Making NIR your essential instrument: NIR works well for pharmaceutical products because it is conveniently integrated into the manufacturing process.(Separations/Spectroscopy)
May 1, 2006... Near infrared (NIR) has long been an accepted technique for the quantitative measurement of the ingredients of mixtures and the confirmation of material quality in a number of key industries. The technique was developed in the food and...

GC-MS/MS triple quad system for MS detectors.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The Evolution GC-MS/MS triple quad system is suited for Agilent 5973/5975 MS detectors. It is particularly useful for applications involving high backgrounds or matrix effects, which are common to food/flavor/fragrance chemistry, forensic...

Low temperature evaporative light scattering detector.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Able to detect components in a sample down to a high picogram level, the low temperature ELSD-LTII identifies analytes regardless of spectroscopic properties. Superior sensitivity for trace analysis is achieved by removing the mobile phase...

Chromatography columns compatible with capillary LC instruments.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The ChromXP chromatography column line includes eight new stationary phases. The 300-gm ID columns are optimized to deliver maximum performance on the proprietary ExpressLC 100 and 800 HPLC systems and are compatible with all capillary LC...

Complete vacuum system for mobile analytical equipment.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Able to run at low power levels, the proprietary, durable and compact vacuum system is suited for mobile mass spectrometry. It integrates a turbopump and a specially designed dry diaphragm pump that allows analytical equipment to provide...

LC/MS software for automated molecular weight identification.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... IntelliXtract is an LC/MS software package for automated molecular weight identification and LC/MS data interpretation. Data analysis is made easier with the combination of ultrasensitive peak extraction and noise reduction technology with a...

Spectra database improves ICP accuracy.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The ICP spectra database has been developed for the ACTIVA CCD ICP system. The database contains detection limits, linear ranges and line widths for more than 50,000 identified peaks plus thousands of other peaks not found in the conventional...

Heat chamber for diffuse reflectance accessory.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... An HT/HP heat chamber is available for the proprietary DiffusIR diffuse reflectance accessory. The cells are heatable to 900 C, operate at pressures up to 1500 psi, and are evacuable to 1 x [10.sup.-6] Torr. Reactive gases can be flowed into...

Compact illuminator features internal IR source.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Measuring 16" x 9" x 8", the Illuminator M4500 is a compact FT-IR module that integrates with a variety of sample interfaces in virtually any configuration. Inside each unit, an IR source and interferometer provide a collimated output beam. The...

Informatics system assesses graphical data.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The KnowItAll informatics system offers comparative visualization, data mining and analysis to assess the similarities and dissimilarities in massive amounts of spectral, chromatographic or other graphical data. Overlap Density Heatmaps and...

LC/MS certified vials.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Each package of proprietary LC/MS certified vials contains a certificate of analysis attesting to its mass spectrometry cleanliness. Components underwent rigorous screening, and all common sources of contamination in the manufacturing process...

Triple quadrupole LC/MS provides femtogram-level sensitivity.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The 6410 triple quadrupole LC/MS system provides femtogram-level ([10.sup.-15] grams) sensitivity and ease-of-use features. It delivers high performance and reproducible analyses. Ion optics enhance ion transmission and spectral resolution. The...

GC/MS features extended ion source temperature range.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The QP-2010 Plus GC/MS is suited for rapid analysis of difficult samples and determination of trace components. Complex organic mixtures can be characterized in fields from forensics to food and flavor sciences. The instrument features an...

NIR analyzers improve process control applications.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... Antaris MX and EX FT-NIR process analyzers extend the Antaris offering into process control applications. Both instruments benefit from a common platform design and are suited for method development, raw materials analysis, on- and off-line...

Software monitors flow rate in real time.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2006... The updated Control Software V 2.07 works with all proprietary NanoLC and ExpressLC systems and may be directly integrated with many mass spectrometry data systems. A quantitation module features graphical peak detection and integration, along...