KR102238392B1 - Activation unit for rescue devices equipped with at least one filled balloon - Google Patents

Abstract

An activation unit (1) is provided for a rescue device equipped with at least one filled balloon, the activation unit comprising a pressure gas cylinder (4); A mechanism (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder (4) closed by the closure member (14); At least one pressure gas hose 40 capable of connecting the activation unit 1 with at least one filled balloon of the rescue device; And a line for transmitting the triggering signal of the triggering device to the mechanisms 18, 19, 24 for opening the pressure gas cylinder 4. The activating unit comprises an upper part 2 and a lower part 3, which may be connected to each other or separated from each other under the formation of an operable activating unit 1, the lower part 3 being a pressure gas cylinder ( 4) connected or connectable, the mechanism 18, 19, 24 for opening of the pressure gas cylinder 4 is arranged in the lower part 3, and in the lower part 3 there is a pressure gas line 20, 20 ', 20``), and this pressure gas line connects the pressure gas cylinder (4) with the pressure gas connector in a pressure-tight manner, and the pressure gas connector has the lower part (3) with the upper part (2). When connected, it ensures a pressure-tight connection to at least one pressure gas hose 40, and when the lower part 3 is separated from the upper part 2, the lower part has a unit that can be operated separately from the avalanche airbag. The upper part 2 is fixed to or integrated into the rescue device, characterized in that at least one pressure gas hose 40 joins into the upper part 2.

Description

Activation unit for rescue devices equipped with at least one filled balloon

The present invention relates to an activation unit for a rescue device equipped with at least one filling balloon, the activation unit comprising: a pressure gas cylinder; A mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder closed by the closing member; At least one pressure gas hose connecting the at least one filling balloon and the activation unit; And a line for transmitting a triggering signal of the triggering device to a device for opening the pressure gas cylinder.

Within the scope of this application, rescue devices are to be understood as such devices that can be used in the rescue of instruments and persons.

The rescue device is equipped with at least one balloon and a pressure gas cylinder that can be filled with a gas or gas mixture and which is blown through the filling. In the case of triggering, the gas or gas mixture in the pressure gas cylinder flows into at least one balloon. In addition, such a gas or gas mixture can inhale ambient air using a Venturi nozzle, so that the inhaled air is likewise guided into the balloon. The term pressure gas cylinder includes any pressure gas container and is not limited to an actual pressure gas cylinder.

Among the rescue devices are, for example, life jackets and “avalanche airbags”, which are worn by the rescuer (eg on the body). In this regard, it can be said that at least one balloon, for example, inflates in the event of a fall from a working structure and protects a person wearing such a device a vest or similar device. In addition, protection mechanisms for motorcyclists or cyclists belong to this.

The term "avalanche airbag" is also denoted as an avalanche rescue device and may include any device intended to rescue a person in an avalanche. The swollen balloon is activated when the user is swept away by an avalanche and is buoyed in the avalanche and remains almost on the surface of the avalanche.

An avalanche airbag of this type or an avalanche rescue device of this type is described, for example, in German patent P3237060, which avalanche rescue device comprises a rescue backpack having two chambers in which each is placed a balloon. The two balloons are filled with a gaseous air mixture with the aid of the gas coming out of the pressure gas cylinder and the inhaled air.

Other devices of this type are known from EP 0 957 995 A1 and DE 1 9703656 A1. DE 1 9703656 A1 describes a pressure gas device and an avalanche rescue system in which a pressure gas container can be mounted. The pressure gas container is closed through a closing cap and includes a lid provided with an inner spiral and an outer spiral. The pressure gas container can be screwed into the inner helix of the lid. The lid of the pressure gas container can be screwed into the pressure gas device using its outer helix. The entire functional part required for the opening of the pressure gas container is arranged in the pressure gas device to which the pressure gas container is simply screwed into it.

The term "avalanche airbag" as used herein not only includes the avalanche rescue device described above, but also includes a device for indicating the position of a person in an avalanche, for example an avalanche ball. Accordingly, within the scope of this application, an avalanche airbag may be used to indicate the structure or location of a person in an avalanche, and to reduce the degree of burial of a person buried through an avalanche, and gas coming from at least one pressure gas cylinder. It is understood as a device or device in which the balloon is filled with the aid of an air mixture.

Rescue devices, in particular all types of avalanche airbags, must be triggered or activated jointly.

This can be done, for example, via the carrier of the rescue device. However, a system in which this type of triggering is initiated wirelessly has recently proved desirable. In this connection, reference is made, for example, to EP09731473.6.

Within the scope of this application, "triggering" is commonly understood as the actuation of a rescue device, for example an avalanche airbag, through which the rescue device or avalanche airbag is in a state capable of executing its intended rescue function.

In conventional triggering known to date, the user can trigger the rescue device, for example by pulling on a triggering mechanism formed of a handle. In this case, a pressure wave is formed in the handle or in the triggering device, for example by means of a blank cartridge, through a suitable line, the gas in the pressure gas cylinder is released to fill the balloon or balloons with gas and You are guided to an activation unit that attempts to be released.

It is also possible for the activation unit to be operated with the aid of a simple Bowden cable. It is also possible for an avalanche airbag to be configured such that an electric current is formed and guided to the activation unit upon activation of the triggering device. Even in this configuration, only the pressure gas cylinder should not be replaced after each actuation of the avalanche airbag. Rather, the triggering device must be serviced in such a way that, for example, a new blank cartridge is inserted into the triggering device.

According to the invention, devices that are not worn by the person to be rescued also belong to the rescue device. This type includes, for example, being fixed on a snowmobile. Vehicles of this type are often put on frozen seas. If the bearing capacity of the ice sheet is overestimated by the person driving such a vehicle, there is a risk that the ice sheet will sink and the vehicle will sink into the water. This sinking is prevented by inflating at least one balloon of the vehicle-mounted rescue device.

In addition, the latter rescue device includes an inflatable life raft.

A disadvantage of this type of rescue device known to date is the situation in which not only the pressure gas cylinder is replaced after each triggering, but the triggering device or handle also has to be serviced or a new blank cartridge has to be installed.

In addition, rescue devices are often subject to maintenance regulations that essentially prescribe replacements for pressure gas cylinders and/or additional components.

When inserting a newly filled pressure gas cylinder into the activation unit in order to switch the rescue device or avalanche airbag back into an operable state, the user is prompted that the member or component that operates upon triggering of the rescue device or avalanche airbag is It must be ensured that the gas in the gas cylinder is released and is in a state in accordance with regulations capable of filling the balloon or balloons. However, if the user is the end consumer and not the retailer, in the use of a pressure gas cylinder and in other practicable operations, not all required measures are taken, and the rescue device or avalanche airbag is in an operational condition after use. There is a great potential risk that does not exist.

A similar concept applies for replacement of the blank cartridge in the triggering unit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an activation unit for a rescue device in which a pressure gas cylinder can be inserted or connected in a simple, safe and reliable manner, so that the risk that arises in some cases is reduced as much as possible.

This problem is solved by the activation unit according to the teaching of claim 1.

The activating unit according to the invention comprises an upper part and a lower part which may be connected to each other or separated from each other under the formation of an operable activating unit. In other words, an actuable activation unit is formed through the assembly of the upper and lower parts.

Further, the activating device according to the invention is characterized in that the upper part is connected with the rescue device. In the case of an avalanche airbag, preferably the upper part is integrated into and fixed to the support system for the avalanche airbag, and is connected in the avalanche airbag by means of the support system. Therefore, the upper part cannot be removed from the avalanche airbag by simple measures. Rather, the upper part is operated with the avalanche airbag.

Further, the activating device according to the invention is characterized in that the lower part is connected or connectable to the pressure gas cylinder. Further, when the lower part is separated from the upper part, the lower part implements a structural device or a unit operable separately from the upper part. Thereby, the lower part can be operated independently of the rescue device. In this case, a pressure gas cylinder can be inserted into or removed from the lower part. Thereby, the operation for inserting the pressure gas cylinder into the lower part and the replacement of the used pressure gas cylinder can be carried out at a location spatially separated from the rescue device.

If the lower part is equipped with a new pressure gas cylinder, the lower part can be connected with or assembled with the upper part of the activating device in the rescue device together with the new pressure gas cylinder. In the connected or assembled state, an activatable activation device is provided.

According to another constitutive feature, a mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder is arranged in the lower part.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lower part is configured as a plug, while the upper part is configured as a bushing into which the lower part can be inserted. Preferably, a fixing means is provided, which by latching the lower part in the inserted state, the lower part can be separated from the upper part by the user only upon release of the fixing means.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the upper part and the lower part of the activating device according to the present invention are of the same size and shape so that they can be inserted into each other internally and, in the form of being inserted or connected to each other, making relative motion to each other impossible as much as possible. Do.

At least one pressure gas hose joins in the upper portion. In addition, a pressure gas line is mounted on the lower part, which connects the pressure gas cylinder to the pressure gas connector in a pressure-tight manner, and the pressure gas connector, when the lower part is connected to the upper part, is connected to at least one pressure gas hose. Ensures a pressure-tight connection.

The mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder preferably comprises a piston equipped with a needle, the needle pushing the piston in the direction of the pressure gas cylinder upon operation of the device for opening the pressure gas cylinder, and the needle through the closing member The pressure gas moves into the cylinder. This closure member is preferably a membrane.

The mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder is preferably actuated by an electric signal or current. This electrical signal preferably comes from the triggering device and is transmitted to the device for opening the pressure gas cylinder by means of a suitable cable.

Further, preferably, the lower part is integrally coupled with the pressure vessel on the factory side.

Upon insertion of the pressure gas cylinder or upon replacement of the pressure gas cylinder, the pressure gas cylinder can be carried out by the user only with the lower part. The lower part is only connected with the upper part. When parts to be serviced or replaced are provided in the lower part, they are replaced or serviced on the factory side, and thus not replaced or serviced by the user.

A separately operable unit is provided to the user by the combination of the lower part and the pressure gas cylinder set at the factory side, and this unit should only be connected to the upper part, and furthermore, it must be connected to an avalanche airbag. This ensures that the problems mentioned at the outset cannot occur and the potential risks are significantly reduced.

Preferably, the rescue device is a human wearable rescue device, more preferably an avalanche airbag.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on simpler drawings with reference mainly to an avalanche airbag. However, this configuration applies equally to all other types of rescue devices according to the invention.

The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings showing preferred embodiments.

1 shows a front view of an operable activating device in which the upper part and the lower part are connected to each other.
Fig. 2 shows a side view (viewed from the left side of Fig. 1) of the activating device shown in Fig. 1;
3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line AA of FIG. 2.
4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line BB of FIG. 2.
Fig. 5 shows a view corresponding to the time shown in Fig. 2 in which the upper part and the lower part of the activating device are separated from each other.
6 shows a cross-sectional view along the line EE of FIG. 5.
Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the upper area of the activating device shown in Fig. 2 along the line CC in the assembled state of the upper part and the lower part.
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an enlarged scale along the line EE of FIG. 5 with the upper portion and the lower portion connected to each other.
9 shows a cross-sectional view along the line GG of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 shows, on an enlarged scale, a cross-sectional view along the line DD of FIG. 1 with the region having the pressure gas cylinder removed.
11 shows a detailed view of the upper part 2 in perspective view.

Fig. 1 shows a view from the front of an activating device 1 comprising an upper part 2 and a lower part 3, the upper part and the lower part being connected to each other to provide an actuable activating device.

The lower part 3 is connected with the pressure gas cylinder 4 on which the lower part 3 is seated, and the lower part 3 is inserted or mounted into the upper part 2, so that the lower part 3 is shown in FIG. 1 And cannot be seen from FIG. 2.

The lower part 3 can be better seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 showing the activating device 1 with the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 separated from each other. Preferably, a housing 5 is mounted in the lower part 3, in which a recess or inner-and hollow chamber is machined from a metal block manufactured by boring or milling, since the housing is a pressure gas cylinder 4 This is because it is exposed to considerable pressure during operation of the mechanism for opening of the cylinder and also during the release of the gas in the pressure gas cylinder 4.

The housing 5 comprises a helical bore 6 facing the pressure gas cylinder 4 and having an inner helical, into which the outer helical 8 of the cap nut 7 is screwed. Inside the cap nut 7 an inner spiral is provided, and an outer spiral 9 of the socket 10 arranged at the front end of the pressure gas cylinder 4 is screwed into the inner spiral. The pressure gas cylinder 4 is approximately cylindrical and the socket 10 is coaxially connected to one of the front sides of the pressure gas cylinder 4. The above-described situation can also be seen in particular in Figs. 6, 8 and 9.

The cap 11 of the cap nut 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is opened toward the pressure gas cylinder 4, but the opposite side of the pressure gas cylinder 4 is closed by the lid 12, and the inner chamber of the cap 11 and A through bore 13 coaxial with the socket 10 is received in the cover, and the bore is closed on the socket side through a closure member in the form of a membrane 14. As long as this membrane 14 is not broken, gas located in the pressure gas cylinder 4 and under pressure cannot leak.

The housing 5 represents a cylinder type, in which the ignition mechanism, ignition technology and various pressure gas lines are arranged, which are described in detail below.

A pressure gas connector 15 is arranged on the front side of the housing 5 far from the pressure gas cylinder 4, which can also be indicated as a connection piece for guiding pressure gas, and axially over the housing 5 Protrudes.

In particular, as can be seen in Fig. 9, this pressure gas connector 15 is formed in a substantially pin shape. On the housing side the pressure gas connector 15 is equipped with a cylindrical pin 16, which includes an outer helix which is screwed into a helical bore in the housing 5. On the other side in the axial direction the pressure gas connector 15 comprises a connecting pin 28 for a pressure gas hose, which is described in detail in the following as well.

Coaxially with respect to the pressure gas cylinder 4 and the socket 10, a hollow cylinder chamber 17 is formed in the housing 5, in which the piston 18 is guided so as to be axially movable. . In the cross-sectional view shown in the figure the piston 18 is shown in the upper position.

Preferably, the piston 18 is made of galvanized steel and comprises a coaxial needle 19 on the side of the pressure gas cylinder. It is preferably a hollow needle. When the piston 18 moves from the upper position shown in the figure to the lower position, the needle 19 penetrates the membrane 14. Gas leaking from the pressure gas cylinder 4 pushes the piston 18 back to the upper position and flows into the piston chamber or hollow cylinder 17.

On the side of the hollow cylinder 17 a pressure gas line 20 is guided radially outward. The pressure gas line 20 represents a bore that is guided from the outer side in the radial direction to the hollow cylinder 17, the bore being closed by a ball 21 on the skin surface of the housing 5. The balls 21 are preferably galvanized steel balls.

The pressure gas line 20 is diverted into a pressure gas line 20 ′ extending in the radial direction, which pressure gas line 20 extends axially in the pressure gas connector 15 downstream of the flow. ''). Thereby, the released gas reaches the end of the pressure gas connector 15 located outside the housing 5 through the hollow cylinder 17 and the pressure gas lines 20, 20', 20''.

The hollow cylinder 17 opens outward on the side opposite to the pressure gas cylinder 4 and is converted into a bore 22 whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the hollow cylinder 17. However, the diameter of the bore 22 expands outward in the radial direction.

A dome-shaped fixing cover 23 is screwed into the axially outer region of the bore 22 having a spiral on its inner wall, and this fixing cover is E- Fix the igniter 24. The fixing lid 23 has a central opening 25 from which two contact portions 26, 26' fixed to the E-igniter 24 protrude therefrom.

In order to seal the hollow cylindrical chamber 17 against the bore 22, the E-igniter 24 is inserted into the bore 22 with as little play as possible towards the piston 18, and in its position by means of a fixed cover 23. Is retained.

During the electric ignition of the E-igniter 24, a pressure gas wave is formed, which propels the piston 18 in the direction of the pressure gas cylinder 4 and the needle 19 into the membrane 14. Thereby, when the membrane 14 of the pressure gas cylinder 4 passes through, the pressure gas cylinder 4 is opened.

The released gas-as described above-presses the piston 18 back to the position shown in the figures. The pressure gas formed in the E-igniter 24 upon its ignition may leak out through the line 27 (see Fig. 9). Thereby, this line 27 connects the upper region of the hollow cylinder 17 with the periphery.

The upper part 2 has a cylindrical inner sleeve 29 that opens towards the lower part 3, as can in particular be seen in FIG. 6. This inner sleeve 29 protrudes into the inner chamber of the cylindrical outer sleeve 30 which is arranged coaxially with respect to the inner sleeve 29 and is axially displaceable.

The inner sleeve 29 and the outer sleeve 30 have means for preventing the relative twisting of these two sleeves to each other. These can be seen in particular in FIG. 10 in which a cross-sectional view of the upper part 2 is shown.

The outer sleeve 30 can be pushed upward against the force of the three pressure springs 31. In this upper position, the lower part 3 can be inserted into the inner chamber of the inner sleeve 29. As the housing 5 of the lower part 3 has a flat portion, the housing 5 is not purely cylindrical in the region of this flat portion. Since this flat portion corresponds to the guide means 32 in the inner chamber of the inner sleeve 29, the housing 5 can be inserted into the inner sleeve 29 only within a specific rotational position. In other words, twisting of the inner sleeve 29 and the housing 5 is prevented in this way.

The outer sleeve 30 is located in the upper position, in the lower part 3 and in the replacement position for the pressure gas cylinder 4. The outer sleeve 30 is fixed by a hook 33. After the housing (5) is inserted into the inner sleeve (29), the outer sleeve (30) is directed downward by the pressure spring (18) against the pressure gas cylinder (4), and the hook (33) closes the housing into the inner sleeve (29). It is pressed into the triggering position to be fixed inside of (29). To this end, from the outside of the housing 5, a step 34, which is shown towards the pressure gas cylinder 4 and surrounds the housing 5, is rearwardly engaged (FIGS. 9 and 10 ).

The step has an annular collar 35 surrounding the circumference and limiting the movement of the outer sleeve 30 to the top, to the outside within the upper region of the inner sleeve 29.

The inner sleeve 29 has, on the front side opposite to the pressure gas cylinder 4, a closing member 36 having a bore through which the cap screw 37 extends, and the closing member 36 is fixedly connected with a housing 38 in which an electronic device, a substrate and at least one storage battery are arranged. In addition, a plug 39 for the E-igniter 24 connecting the current circuit and the E-igniter is located in the housing.

In the housing 46, two pressure gas hoses 40 are guided from the outside to reach the connecting piece 41 from the upper part of the closing member 36. When the lower part (3) is inserted into the upper part (2) and the activating device (1) is in an operable state, with the feather key (42), steel ball (43) and O-ring (44), the lower part (3) A pressure-tight connection between the two pressure hoses 40 and the connecting pin 28 inserted on it is ensured.

The two pressure gas hoses 40 are fixed at a desired position through a fixing plate 44, and the fixing plate 44 is fixed through a screw 45.

On the side of the housing 38, an E-box 46, which can be closed by a lid 47 using screws 48, is located.

In the E-box 46, a storage battery 49 and a substrate 50 having the required electronic components are arranged.

Two cable sleeves 51 for guiding cables not shown into the inside of the E-box 46 are mounted on the E-box 46. Two different cable sleeves 52 are located on the side of the E-box 46 facing the housing 38.

When assembling the upper part 2 and the lower part 3, or upon insertion of the lower part 3 into the upper part 2, on the one hand, the pressure gas hose 40 is connected with the connecting pin 15. It is connected and, in this way, is connected with the pressure gas cylinder 4 via pressure gas lines 20, 20', 20''. On the other hand, two contacts 26, 26' projecting upwardly through the lower part 3 are connected with the corresponding plug 39 under the formation of an electrical connection. As soon as the E-igniter 24 is ignited via electric current, the piston 18 penetrates the membrane 14 by the needle 19 and enters the pressure gas cylinder 4. Then, the gas in the pressure gas cylinder 4 can be released, through the connecting pin 28 and through the pressure gas lines 20, 20', 20'' connected thereto, to the swollen balloon of the avalanche airbag. Reach.

1: activation device
2: upper part
3: lower part
4: pressure gas cylinder
5: housing
6: spiral bore
7: cap nut
8: outer helix of the cap nut
9: Outer helix of the socket
10: socket
11: Cap of the cap nut
12: cover
13: pierced bore
14: membrane
15: pin-shaped pressure gas connector
16: Cylindrical pin of pressure gas connector
17: hollow piston chamber
18: piston
19: needle
20, 20', 20'': pressure gas line
21: ball
22: Bohr
23: fixed element
24: E-igniter
25: central bore
26, 26': contact
27: line
28: connection pin
29: cylindrical inner sleeve
30: cylindrical outer sleeve
31: pressure spring
32: guide means
33: hook
34: step
35: annular collar
36: closing member
37: cap screw
38: housing
39: plug
40: pressure gas hose
41: connection
42: feather key
43: steel ball
44: fixed plate
45: screw
46: E-box
47: cover
48: screw
49: storage battery
50: substrate
51: cable sleeve
52: cable sleeve

Claims (10)

An activation unit (1) for a rescue device equipped with at least one refillable balloon, the activation unit comprising a pressure gas cylinder (4); A mechanism (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder (4) closed by the closure member (14); At least one pressure gas hose 40 capable of connecting the activation unit 1 with at least one filled balloon of the rescue device; A line for transmitting the triggering signal of the triggering device to the mechanism (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder (4);
The activating unit 1 comprises an upper part 2 and a lower part 3 which may be connected to each other or separated from each other under the formation of an operable activating unit 1,
The lower part 3 is connected or connectable with the pressure gas cylinder 4,
Mechanisms 18, 19, 24 for opening the pressure gas cylinder 4 are arranged in the lower part 3,
The lower part (3) is equipped with a pressure gas line (20, 20', 20``), which connects the pressure gas cylinder (4) to the pressure gas connector in a pressure-tight manner, and the pressure gas connector is , When the lower part 3 is connected with the upper part 2, ensures a pressure-tight connection to at least one pressure gas hose 40,
When the lower part 3 is separated from the upper part 2, the lower part represents a unit that can be operated independently of the structural device,
The upper part 2 is fixed to or integrated into the rescue device,
At least one pressure gas hose 40 joins into the upper part 2,
Activation unit for a rescue device equipped with at least one filling balloon, characterized in that the mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder 4 (18, 19, 24) is actuated via an electrical signal transmitted from the triggering device . At least one filling balloon according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower part is configured as a plug and the upper part (2) is configured as a bushing into which the lower part (3) can be inserted. Activation unit for this equipped rescue device. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder (18, 19, 24) comprises a piston (18) equipped with a needle (19), the needle being of the pressure gas cylinder (4). Upon actuation of the mechanism 18, 19, 24 for opening, the piston 18 is pushed in the direction of the pressure gas cylinder 4, and the needle 19 pushes the pressure gas cylinder 4 through the closure member 14 Activation unit for an inward moving, rescue device equipped with at least one refillable balloon. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder (18, 19, 24) has an E-igniter (24) which generates a gas pressure wave after ignition, and by means of a gas pressure wave the piston Activation unit for a rescue device equipped with at least one filling balloon, characterized in that (18) is pushed in the direction of the pressure gas cylinder (4). delete 5. The igniter according to claim 4, wherein the E-igniter (24) is ignited via an ignition current, the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) are equipped with contacts (26, 26'), the upper part (2) and the lower part Activation unit for a rescue device equipped with at least one rechargeable balloon, characterized in that an ignition current can be guided to the E-igniter (24) through the contact when the parts (3) are connected to each other. 7. The activation unit according to claim 6, wherein the ignition current forming mechanism is arranged in the upper part (2). Activation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower part (3) is formed integrally with the pressure gas cylinder (4) on the factory side. . 3. Activation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rescue device represents a human wearable rescue device. 10. Activation unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the rescue device represents an avalanche airbag.

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