DE102009040514A1 - Device for generating horticultural mixture from amount of e.g. seeds for flower garden, has filling device filling container with horticultural mixture, and output device outputting product information characterizing mixture or container - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a storage device (20) for providing output products (24a-24d), and regulating units (32a-32d) for controlled removal of the individual products from the storage device. Measuring units (42a-42e) detect amount of the products removed from the storage device, and a mixing device (50) intermixes the products. A filling device (60) fills a container (62) with a horticultural mixture (64), and an output device (70) outputs product information that characterizes the mixture or the container. A radio frequency identification-chip is attached to the container.

Description

The invention relates to a device for producing horticultural mixtures from a quantity of starting products.

A similar plant is from the DE 82 08 633 U1 known. This is a device for the batch weighing and / or mixing of various spreadable products, in particular fertilizers. The known device has a balance container, which is arranged directly above a mixing container and has a bottom which is designed as an actuatable transfer and premixing device.

With such a device, it is possible to separate the weighing and the mixing process spatially or temporally so that when mixing a batch in the mixing container already a new batch in the balance container can be weighed.

The known plant is designed for use in agriculture, it is particularly necessary to operate the device with a qualified operator, since no funds are provided or other precautions have been taken to incorrect operation, for example, wrong selection of the starting materials or generating inappropriate ratios , to avoid. If the compositions and weights of individual batches are to be recorded for cost calculation, for documentation purposes or the like, this must be done manually by the operator on the basis of the weights indicated by the scales during the filling process.

Furthermore, such a system is not suitable for end users, as these often require a variety of horticultural mixtures, but often only in very small batches exists.

The retail industry tries to take this into account by premixing a variety of horticultural mixtures and offering them in standard pack sizes. These may be, for example, special soils, fertilizer mixtures or seeds. However, the variety of these horticultural mixtures are limited by logistical and business boundary conditions. In other words, not every conceivable horticultural mixture in any package size can be kept in retail.

Against this background, the invention has for its object to provide a device for the production of horticultural mixtures, which makes it possible to produce a large variety of such mixtures, especially in household quantities. In this case, a particularly simple detection of the mixtures produced is to be made possible. In particular, such a device should be as easy to use and designed to avoid incorrect operation. Also, a self-service by customers in retail, such as in hardware stores, should be possible.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for producing horticultural mixtures, with a storage device for providing a plurality of starting products, at least one control means for the controlled removal of individual starting products from the storage device, at least one measuring means for detecting the amounts of extracted from the storage device starting materials , at least one mixing device for mixing the starting products, a filling device for filling a container with the mixture, and with an output device, which is designed to dispense a product information characterizing the mixture or the container.

The object of the invention is completely solved in this way.

In accordance with the invention, any desired variable or predefined mixtures can be produced, the diversity of which is limited only by the number of different starting products in the storage device. Due to the controlled removal of the starting materials, any mixing ratios can be exactly produced in appropriate amounts.

Since now only a certain number of starting materials must be procured and stored, it can be made possible with such a system to make a full range of horticultural mixtures available, but advantageous at significantly reduced procurement, storage and space requirements compared to a limited range pre-produced, only in certain quantities available horticultural mixtures.

A particularly simple operation of the device can be realized since, by means of the product information output by the output device, documentation or billing operations with respect to the horticultural mixtures produced can be carried out in a particularly simple, ideally automated manner.

For the purposes of this application, horticultural mixtures are to be understood as meaning any homogeneous or heterogeneous substance mixtures which are suitable for horticultural use. This may be a horticultural application to horticulture, about Ornamental or vegetable gardens, the agricultural economy, but also on plants for indoor, balcony and terrace areas.

The mixtures can occur, for example, as solutions, suspensions, aerosols or mixtures.

These may include substrates such as potting soil or bark mulch, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, or any combination thereof.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device has a control device, which is coupled to the at least one control means, a display device and an input device, wherein the display device for displaying context-dependent selections according to a set of selection criteria selected from the group that at least taxonomische orders, Generic or species names, uses, product types and suitable correspondence products includes, is formed, and the input device is configured to transmit a selection decision to the control device, wherein the control device based on the selection decision, the display of other contextual choices or the control of the at least one control means for removal the starting products causes.

In this way, the operation of the device can be made even easier, the desired horticultural mixture can be determined or identified in various ways. Cross references are possible so that, for example, when selecting a plant species, suitable soil substrates and fertilizers can be automatically displayed to the operator.

Consequently, it is now essentially possible to start a selection process via various entries in the form of the selection criteria, so that operators can operate the device in a goal-oriented and successful manner, independently of different horticultural preconfiguration levels. Especially with regard to the appropriate correspondence products, the operator with little gardening experience will also be shown possibilities for combining different plants with one another or else plants and suitable substrates, nutrients and pesticides.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one sensor means for monitoring the container and a control unit, wherein the at least one sensor means is adapted to output a signal which characterizes the available container and the control unit with the at least one control means for removal the output products from the storage device is coupled in order to control the control means as a function of the signal output by the at least one sensor means.

By this measure, operating errors, especially those that lead to damage in the form of rejects, can be avoided, since now the container with the at least one sensor means can be monitored and consequently there is the possibility to initialize the sampling and mixing process only when a ready for receiving the mixture suitable container.

Since now the container is monitored by the at least one sensor means, for example, a reuse possibility of containers can be realized, the customer can use his own or once used containers again by these in turn are introduced into the device. Monitoring of the container now ensures that the container is also suitable for receiving the selected mixture, otherwise the sampling and mixing process will not be released in order to avoid waste and economic damage.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the goods information is issued electronically or in the form of labels, in particular adhesive labels.

In this way, a particularly simple identification, documentation or billing of the generated mixture can be realized. Thus, it is conceivable that a label is issued to the operator and at the same time a cash register system is automatically supplied with corresponding billing information. The variety of possible horticultural mixtures is taken into account by individually providing each generated mixture with commodity information and thus resulting in a simple, yet equally individual option for billing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container carrier of the goods information.

By this measure, the goods information can be attached directly to the container or be so that a likelihood of confusion with regard to different containers with different horticultural mixtures can be excluded. The goods information can be used as a label, for example with a barcode or alphanumeric Information, or on a digital information storage, such as a chip, in particular an RFID chip to be mounted on the container.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage device is provided with storage containers for receiving starting products in liquid, solid, especially pourable or free-flowing form.

Thus, horticultural mixtures can be produced both on a liquid and on a solid basis. Bulk or free-flowing starting materials can be transported within the device particularly easily with the aid of gravity.

In a preferred development of the invention, the storage device has transport means for removing the starting products from the storage device.

In this way, it is possible to ensure that products which are not free-flowing, pourable or free-flowing, such as moist earths, can be safely transported to the desired extent in the device. This can be done for example by means of screw conveyors. Furthermore, the transport of starting materials in free-flowing, pourable or free-flowing form by suitable means of transport, such as vibratory conveyors or pressure pumps, more controlled, more effective and faster.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one measuring means continuously or discretely monitors the volume or the weight of the starting products removed from the storage device.

In this way, both the volume and the weight of the mixture of individual extracted starting products mixture can be detected and controlled and a level monitoring in the storage device can be ensured. A declining starting product in a reservoir can be detected automatically on the device side. Such a value can advantageously be compared with the currently requested mixture in order not to release the removal and mixing process, for example, if there is insufficient quantity of the starting product in the storage container to further avoid rejects.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the display device optical display means, in particular a screen or status lights, or acoustic display means, such as speakers on.

Thus, the operating state of the device can be displayed to the operator in a number of ways. It is conceivable to output certain operating states, such as malfunctions or maintenance requirements, separately or domestically via status lights or loudspeakers, while general operating information or the display of options on the screen takes place.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the input device has haptic input means, in particular control panels, keyboards or touch screens, or acoustic input means, such as a microphone.

In this way, selection decisions can be made by the operator via various communication interfaces. It is conceivable that a skilled operator would need a keyboard to input concrete selection decisions, while an operator with little background horticulture would make his selection decisions as a series of decision steps, such as along a ramified decision tree, through keystroke inputs.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the display device for selective display of alphanumeric, pictorial, symbolic or acoustic choices is formed.

This measure makes it possible, as well, for example, depending on the level of knowledge of the operator, to selectively influence the production and presentation of the selection options. In particular, the pictorial representation of plants can greatly simplify the operator's choices, he can even in ignorance of technical terms by selecting images or symbols capture all possible choices for him. In contrast, an operator with a horticultural background may be able to make his selection based on the display of textual capabilities much faster and more targeted. It is particularly preferred if the type of presentation can be changed within an already started selection sequence.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the display device is designed to display the goods information to be output by the output device.

Thus, the goods information, in particular a cost information, can be displayed to the user before it is output via the output device, for example as an adhesive label. The operator can accept the consequences make sure of its selection. Should he change his mind or make mistakes, he may revoke the selection before initializing the picking and blending process. Operating errors and the resulting rejects can be avoided even better.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control device has storage means for storing data and communication means for exchanging data with external data carriers.

In this way, a library of different choices with regard to the desired variety of horticultural mixtures to be produced can be deposited, as well as in the context of data exchange on external selection information, such as special fertilizer formulations, can be used. Thus, it is conceivable to save once made selection decisions of a customer, so as to be able to offer it, if necessary, accelerated during the next operation.

In a preferred development of the invention, the device has authentication means for the selective activation of the selection options.

Authentication means, for example in the form of memory cards, electronic keys, password entries or fingerprint scanners, allow, for example, specially trained operators, such as service personnel, to activate special options in order, for example, to carry out maintenance and service work. It is also conceivable that operators with a horticultural background specifically activate selection options that allow them to directly enter the desired horticultural mixture, for example by specifying the desired starting products and their percentage of a total amount. Other, ordinary operators need or can not deal with such choices, there is a further reduction in the likelihood of operator errors.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor means signals the presence of the container or its possible filling volume.

Thus, for example, by optical measurement, the filling volume of the container can be determined directly, so that it can be compared with a selection decision made by the operator to check whether the filling volume for the desired amount of horticultural mixture is sufficient.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container has an identifier that can be read by the at least one sensor means.

In this way, the container itself can be provided with information which, for example, characterizes the possible filling volume, so that costly optical measurement can be dispensed with. Advantageously, the identifier is also suitable for receiving the goods information to be output by the output device. This is conceivable, in particular, if the identifier is provided in electronic form, for example as a writable chip, on the container.

It is understood that the features of the invention mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination indicated, but also in other combinations, or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. It shows:

1 a schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention for the production of horticultural mixtures.

In 1 a device according to the invention is greatly simplified shown schematically and in total with 10 designated.

The device 10 has a storage device 20 to be used to provide a plurality of starting products 24a . 24b . 24c . 24d serves, each in storage containers 22a . 22b . 22c . 22d are stored. These may be all starting materials and intermediates suitable for producing horticultural mixtures.

The starting products 24a . 24b . 24c . 24d may occur in solid, but also granular, liquid, free-flowing, free-flowing or else caked form. In particular, substrates, such as special potting soils, seeds, such as seeds, seedlings or seed mixtures, fertilizers, as starting materials or premixed in the form of multi-nutrient, complex, mixed or complete fertilizers to think. In addition, starting materials may be understood to be suitable raw materials or mixtures for pest and weed killers. In particular, in the case of prepared, possibly concentrated solutions for fertilizers, pest or weed killers also suitable solvents, im Substantial water to be associated with the starting materials.

The reservoir 22a . 22b . 22c . 22d can be designed exchangeable or refillable. It is also conceivable, for example in the case of a starting product in the form of water, a storage container, such as with 22d designated, via a supply line 14 with an external reservoir 12 to connect to the starting product 24d depending on consumption continuously or discontinuously the reservoir 22d to compensate for the consumption. The reservoir 12 can represent a pipeline network as well. The storage containers may be associated with means for detecting stock, such as in the reservoir 22d with the level sensor 28 indicated.

Depending on the initial state of the starting products 22a . 22b . 22c . 22d can transport 26a . 26b . 26c advantageously be used to assist the removal of raw materials from storage containers. In the illustrated device according to the invention, this is by the means of transport 26a in the form of a by a drive means 27 driven spiral conveyor, in particular for earths or for baking prone granules, indicated. In liquid or sufficiently free-flowing or pourable starting materials, the means of transport as a pump, as with 26b . 26c indicated, executed.

For the controlled removal of the starting products 24a . 24b . 24c . 24d from the storage containers 22a . 22b . 22c . 22d is a total with 30 designated control device provided. The control device 30 has regulatory means 32a . 32b 32c . 32d , indicated here in the form of valves, on which a controlled removal of the starting materials 24a . 24b . 24c . 24d from the storage facility 20 can enable. It is understood that the removal of starting products from different storage containers can also be carried out only with a control means, which would then be suitable to couple with the individual storage containers.

For the transport of the extracted starting materials 24a . 24b . 24c . 24d are conduit agents 34a . 34b . 34c . 34d , in the form of pipelines or conveyor lines, provided.

To the control device 30 closes a measuring device 40 which, with measuring means 42a . 42b . 42c . 42d . 42e provided for determining the amount of extracted starting materials. As with 42a . 42b . 42e . 42d referred to and indicated schematically as a flow meter, this determination of quantity can be done separately for each starting product, for example, under determination of the volume flow. Again, alternatively, only a measuring means could be provided, which should be suitably coupled to the reservoirs, if necessary, to retain the amount of starting materials taken in succession.

Another way of determining the amount of starting materials removed opens up the measuring means 42e , here indicated as a scale, which a measuring container 44 assigned. The means of the control device 30 from the storage facility 20 withdrawn starting products can be stored in the measuring container to determine in an alternative manner, the total amount of extracted to produce the horticultural mixture starting materials. With the help of the measuring device 42 and the measuring container 44 It would also be possible to determine the amount of individual components removed if this removal takes place in succession and not overlapping.

Other types of quantification are conceivable and should be used in an application-specific manner, in particular when particularities of horticultural products, such as water absorption or cavities in granules, make objective determination of the quantity difficult. In this aspect, methods for determining the loose bulk weight, and thus a combination of volume and weight determination, can also be used.

A rule means 52 now allows the transition of the extracted starting materials in a mixing device 50 , It should be noted that the measuring device 40 quite in the mixing device 50 can be integrated, about to save space, but in the present case is presented separately for the sake of clarity.

The mixing device 50 also has a mixing unit 54 , schematically indicated as agitating mixer and by a drive 56 operated, to mechanically mix the extracted starting materials. With such a forced mixture, in particular solid and granular starting materials can be mixed. In the case of horticultural mixtures with liquid starting materials, mechanisms for automatic mixing, such as their solubility with one another, may additionally or alternatively be utilized. In the mixed state, the originally separated starting materials are now present as heterogeneous or homogeneous mixtures.

Another rule 58 serves to remove the generated horticultural mixture 64 from the mixing device 50 ,

In a bottling facility 60 becomes the generated mixture 64 in a container 62 bottled. A through a drive 66 operated subsidies 65 serves in this case the supply of empty containers and the removal of filled containers 62 as by the arrow 68 indicated. For identification, the container 62 an identifier 63 , designed as a barcode or as an RFID chip, for example.

To control the mixing and filling process is a total with 80 designated control device provided. The control device 80 has a control unit 82 , a storage medium 84 and a means of communication 86 on. The control device 80 is via a control and supply line 120 coupled with components, sensors, actuators and input and output devices of the device. In addition, means for communication with external communication partners, such as other storage devices or control devices, are provided, which will be discussed separately below.

It should be noted that the control and supply line 120 quite, as shown schematically here, may be designed as a bus line, which would be advantageous to provide a signal bus for the transmission of information and a supply bus for conducting energy. Alternatively, all supply and communication partners of the control device can be separately or discretely coupled with this. For reasons of clarity, this option was omitted in the schematic illustration.

The control device 80 is with a display device 90 and an input device 100 coupled. The display device 90 has display means, such as in the form of a screen 92a or a light source 92b , on. Furthermore, the display device 90 a loudspeaker 94 assigned to the output of acoustic signals. With the help of the display device 90 an operator can know about the operating status of the device 10 In particular, the operator can be presented with options with which a desired horticultural mixture can be selected in the desired amount and released for generation. To enter its selection decisions, the operator can access the input device with input means, such as in key form, as a keyboard 102 or as a touch screen 102b , To fall back on. Furthermore, a microphone allows 104 the input of acoustic information by the operator.

The control device 80 is also a connection means 88 with external data carriers 89 or authentication means 87 coupled. By the means of authentication 87 Advantageously, special operating modes can be unlocked, for example for professional operators or for maintenance personnel. The disk 89 may allow an operator to resort to stored, already made selection decisions, such as to speed up a re-selection sequence. The authentication means 87 and the storage means 89 may optionally be suitably combined.

The control device 80 is further provided with an output device 70 coupled, which is intended to the container 62 or the horticultural mixture produced 64 to output characterizing characterizing information. In the present case, this can be done via different output means, for example by a label printer 72a , a radio connection 72b or a network connection 72c ,

The output means 72a . 72b . 72c can be used to advantage to give the operator additional information regarding the application or processing of the horticultural mixture to be generated or produced. This additional information can be found in the storage medium 84 be stored and selectively retrieved depending on the selection decision of the operator. Such additional information may optionally additionally or alternatively via the display device 90 or the connecting means 88 be issued.

For monitoring the container 62 are sensor means 110a . 110b in the area of the filling device 60 arranged and also with the control device 80 coupled. The sensor means 110a . 110b For example, they can be designed as 3D scanners, light barriers, optical readers or as wireless or contact-based readers for acquiring digital information. Preferably, the sensor means 110a . 110b also for reading the identifier 63 of the container 62 consulted.

An end user can, for example, in a hardware store with little effort and even with little horticultural prior knowledge readily with the help of the device according to the invention cover his need for horticultural products for many types of applications. In the following, a possible operating procedure in such a device is explained in an illustrative manner:
About the display device 90 , about the screen 92a , the operator may first be offered a rough selection of basic choices. As an example, it should be noted that the customer can initially choose a kind of representation. Now he chooses about the pictorial representation, for example by pressing the corresponding object on the touch screen 102b , he can then be shown on the basis of pictures different plant species. This can be done advantageously hierarchical, as an introduction, for example, the use of the plant, such as Ornamental or Nutzgewächs, the place of planting, so about room, balcony, terrace, garden or field, or a floral structure in the form of a taxonomic order are offered.

By means of symbols or pictorial representations, such criteria and the associated selection options can also be quickly grasped by laymen.

If the customer has decided on a particular type of plant or a mixture of different species, both seed and corresponding soil and fertilizer can advantageously be offered to him at the same time. The corresponding references together with suitable formulations for the associated mixtures are in the storage medium 86 deposited. Depending on the input, the customer is spared a renewed hierarchical selection procedure.

In the following selection steps, the customer can decide on specific product quantities. Based on his input, such as the actual amount of plants, or a surface to be covered, he is offered the appropriate recommended amount of the corresponding products to each other. Likewise, it can be communicated to him for information, the associated costs.

Based on the choice of quantity, the device automatically checks whether the existing starting products and containers are suitable for meeting this demand. If this is the case, the device can be released for the removal and mixing process. Thereafter, the customer can finally confirm his selection, the internal processes for the production of the horticultural mixture can be initiated.

With the filling of the container 62 For example, an adhesive label with a cost information that can be read out by a cash register system can be output to the customer, but this can already be automated on the container 62 to be appropriate. Parallel to this, for internal billing or to control the payment process, the cost information by means of the radio link 72b or the network connection 72c to external sites, such as As well as the POS system, are conducted.

In the context of the invention, an apparatus for producing horticultural mixtures is specified, which is characterized by simple, selectively adaptable to user habits or -vorkenntnisse operations, high flexibility with regard to the mixtures to be produced and their amounts and means and provisions to prevent incorrect operation.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 8208633 U1 [0002]

Claims (16)

Device for producing horticultural mixtures, with a storage device ( 20 ) for providing a plurality of starting materials ( 24 ), at least one regulatory agent ( 32 ) for the controlled withdrawal of individual starting products ( 24 ) from the storage device ( 20 ), at least one measuring means ( 42 ) for recording the quantities from the storage device ( 20 ) withdrawn starting materials ( 24 ), at least one mixing device ( 50 ) for mixing the starting materials ( 24 ), a filling device ( 60 ) for filling a container ( 62 ) with the mixture ( 64 ) and with an output device ( 70 ), which is responsible for issuing a mixture ( 64 ) or the container ( 62 ) characterizing commodity information is formed. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized by a control device ( 80 ) with the at least one control means ( 32 ), a display device ( 90 ) and an input device ( 100 ), wherein the display device ( 90 ) for displaying context-dependent selections according to a set of selection criteria selected from the group comprising at least taxonomic orders, generic or species names, uses, product types and suitable correspondence products, and the input device ( 100 ) for transmitting a selection decision to the control device ( 80 ), wherein the control device ( 80 ) based on the selection decision, the display of further context-related selection options or the control of the at least one control means ( 32 ) for the withdrawal of the starting materials ( 24 ) causes. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one sensor means ( 110 ) for monitoring the container ( 62 ) and a control unit ( 82 ), wherein the at least one sensor means ( 110 ) is adapted to output a signal that the available container ( 62 ) and the control unit ( 82 ) with the at least one control means ( 32 ) for the withdrawal of the starting materials ( 24 ) from the storage device ( 20 ) is coupled, depending on the by the at least one sensor means ( 110 ) output the control means ( 32 ) head for. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goods information electronically or in the form of labels, in particular adhesive labels, is issued electronically. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container ( 62 ) Carrier of the goods information is. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage device ( 20 ) with storage containers ( 22 ) for receiving starting products ( 24 ) is provided in liquid, solid, especially pourable or free-flowing form. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage device ( 20 ) Mode of Transport ( 26 ) for the withdrawal of the starting materials ( 24 ) from the storage device ( 20 ) having. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one measuring means ( 42 ) the volume or the weight of the storage device ( 20 ) withdrawn starting materials ( 20 ) monitored continuously or discreetly. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the display device ( 90 ) optical display means ( 92 ), in particular a screen or status lights, or acoustic display means ( 94 ), such as speakers. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that input device ( 100 ) haptic input means ( 102 ), in particular control panels, keyboards or touch screens, or acoustic input means ( 104 ), such as a microphone. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the display device ( 90 ) is designed for the selective display of alphanumeric, pictorial, symbolic or acoustic choices. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the display device ( 90 ) for displaying by the output device ( 70 ) is designed to be issued goods information. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the control device ( 80 ) Storage means ( 82 ) for storing data and communication means ( 86 ) for data exchange with external data carriers ( 89 ) having. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 13, characterized by authentication means ( 87 ) to selectively activate the choices. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that the at least one sensor means ( 110 ) the presence of the Container ( 62 ) or its possible filling volume ( 112 ) signals. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 3 to 15, characterized in that the container ( 62 ) an identifier ( 63 ) provided by the at least one sensor means ( 110 ) is readable.

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