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United States Patent |
6,012,879
|
Uehlein-Proctor
|
January 11, 2000
|
Feed system for a drill press
Abstract
A feed system for a drill press. The drill press comprises a base for
supporting the drill press on a surface, a housing supported on the base
and defining an opening, a telescoping spindle assembly positioned for
movement relative to the housing along an axis and for rotation about the
axis, a motor operable to rotatably drive the spindle assembly, a drive
system connected between the motor and the spindle assembly, and a feed
system for moving the spindle assembly between a lowered position and a
raised position. The feed system is supported by the housing so that a
portion of the feed system is exposed through the opening. The drill press
also comprises a flexible barrier member to cover the exposed portion of
the feed system. The feed system includes a sprocket rotatably supported
by the housing and a flexible member movably engaging the sprocket and
connected to the spindle assembly such that rotation of the sprocket moves
the spindle assembly between the lowered position and the raised position.
Inventors:
|
Uehlein-Proctor; Nancy (Wales, WI)
|
Assignee:
|
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation (Brookfield, WI)
|
Appl. No.:
|
054120 |
Filed:
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April 2, 1998 |
Intern'l Class: |
B23B 045/00; B23B 047/18 |
Field of Search: |
408/76,99,110,111,129,136,141,234,241 G,710
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
2167153 | Jul., 1939 | Hirsch | 144/305.
|
2385712 | Sep., 1945 | Konikoff | 408/99.
|
2550012 | Apr., 1951 | Krafka | 74/217.
|
2578995 | Dec., 1951 | Emrick | 408/141.
|
2647407 | Aug., 1953 | Hirvonen | 74/22.
|
2651975 | Sep., 1953 | Soloff | 90/11.
|
2664756 | Jan., 1954 | Fismer | 74/217.
|
2669135 | Feb., 1954 | Moore | 77/5.
|
2814216 | Nov., 1957 | Goodwin | 77/23.
|
3158044 | Nov., 1964 | Jones | 408/234.
|
3314312 | Apr., 1967 | Neihaus, Jr. et al. | 77/33.
|
3803927 | Apr., 1974 | Lawler | 408/141.
|
3894809 | Jul., 1975 | Hollins | 408/128.
|
4507030 | Mar., 1985 | Jackson | 408/129.
|
4573834 | Mar., 1986 | Nasu | 408/234.
|
4622022 | Nov., 1986 | Diffenderfer et al. | 464/162.
|
4945745 | Aug., 1990 | Bathory et al. | 72/249.
|
5517746 | May., 1996 | Cox | 29/560.
|
Other References
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation's Operator's Manual for Heavy-Duty 4245
Steel Hawg Permanent Magnet Metal Boring System, published before Apr. 2,
1997.
Black & Decker Industry & Construction's Instruction Manual for 1555, 1556
and 1557 Magnetic Drill Presses, published before Apr. 2, 1997.
USA 5000 Slugger Portable Magnetic Drilling Machine by Jancy Engineering
Company Operator's Manual Model #18066 or #18080, published before Apr. 2,
1997.
Hougen Rotabroach Portable Magnetic Drills Operator's Manual Model 10904,
published before Apr. 2, 1997.
Fein 270 14/KBM 558-6-3 Operating Instructions (In English) by C. & E. Fein
GmbH & Co., Stuttgart, Deutschland, published before Apr. 2, 1997.
|
Primary Examiner: Howell; Daniel W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Michael, Best & Friedrich
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A power tool comprising:
a base for supporting said power tool on a surface;
a housing supported on said base;
a spindle positioned for movement relative to said housing along an axis
and for rotation about said axis, said spindle having an end adapted to
support an output element, said spindle being movable along said axis
between a lowered position, in which the output element is engageable with
a workpiece, and a raised position, in which said output element is out of
engagement with the workpiece;
a motor supported by said housing and operable to rotatably drive said
spindle; and
a movable flexible member interconnected with said spindle such that said
spindle moves with said flexible member.
2. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a collar
housing an end of said spindle so that said spindle is rotatable within
said collar, said collar being movable relative to said housing and being
connected with said flexible member so that movement of said flexible
member moves said collar with said spindle.
3. The power tool as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising a
retaining member connectable with said flexible member to connect said
spindle to said flexible member, said retaining member including a
retaining plate removably connected to said collar so that said flexible
member is retained between said collar and said retaining plate.
4. The power tool as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising a track
extending parallel to said axis, and wherein a portion of said collar
extends into said track to prevent movement of said collar relative to
said housing in a direction transverse to said axis.
5. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flexible member is a
belt.
6. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flexible member
comprises an endless loop member.
7. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a feed
mechanism including a sprocket rotatably supported by said housing, said
sprocket being engaged with said flexible member such that rotation of
said sprocket causes movement of said flexible member.
8. The power tool as set forth in claim 7 wherein said feed mechanism
further includes a handle rotatably supported by said housing and
connected to said sprocket such that rotation of said handle causes
rotation of said sprocket.
9. The power tool as set forth in claim 7 wherein said feed mechanism
further includes a second sprocket rotatably supported by said housing and
engaged with said flexible member, said second sprocket being spaced from
said first-mentioned sprocket such that said flexible member is
substantially tensioned between said first-mentioned sprocket and said
second sprocket.
10. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spindle includes
a first spindle member axially fixed relative to said housing, and
a second spindle member supported for axial movement relative to said first
spindle member and relative to said housing, said second spindle member
being connectable to said flexible member such that said second spindle
member telescopes out of said first spindle member to move to the lowered
position and such that said second spindle member telescopes into said
first spindle member to move to the raised position.
11. A drill press comprising:
a base for supporting said drill press on a surface;
a housing supported on said base, said housing defining an opening;
a spindle positioned for movement relative to said housing along an axis
and for rotation about said axis, said spindle having an end adapted to
support an output element, said spindle being movable along said axis
between a lowered position, in which the output element is engageable with
a workpiece, and a raised position, in which said output element is out of
engagement with the workpiece;
a motor supported by said housing and operable to rotatably drive said
spindle;
a feed system for moving said spindle between the lowered position and the
raised position, said feed system being supported by said housing such
that a portion of said feed system is exposed through said opening; and
a flexible barrier member supported by said housing to cover said exposed
portion of said feed system.
12. The drill press as set forth in claim 11, wherein said barrier member
has an expanded condition when said spindle is in the raised position,
wherein movement of said spindle from the raised position to the lowered
position compresses said barrier member, and wherein subsequent movement
of said spindle from the lowered position to the raised position causes
said barrier member to return to the expanded condition.
13. The drill press as set forth in claim 11 wherein said barrier member
has a corrugated configuration.
14. The drill press as set forth in claim 11 wherein said feed system
includes
a sprocket rotatably supported by said housing, and
a flexible member movably engaging said sprocket and connected to said
spindle such that rotation of said sprocket moves said spindle between the
lowered position and the raised position, wherein said barrier member
covers a portion of said flexible member.
15. The drill press as set forth in claim 14 and further comprising:
a collar housing an end of said spindle so that said spindle is rotatable
within said collar, said collar being movable relative to said housing;
and
a retaining member connectable with said flexible member to connect said
spindle to said flexible member, said retaining member including a
retaining plate removably connected to said collar so that said flexible
member is retained between said collar and said retaining plate so that
movement of said feed mechanism moves said collar with said spindle,
wherein said barrier member is positioned between said collar and said
housing.
16. The drill press as set forth in claim 11 and further comprising a
recess extending parallel to said axis, and wherein a portion of said
barrier member extends into said recess.
17. A drill press comprising:
a base for supporting said drill press on a surface;
a housing supported on said base, said housing defining an opening;
a spindle positioned for movement relative to said housing along an axis
and for rotation about said axis, said spindle including
a first spindle member fixed axially relative to said housing, and
a second spindle member axially movable relative to said first spindle
member and relative to said housing, said second spindle member having an
end adapted to support an output element, said second spindle member being
movable along said axis between a lowered position, in which the output
element is engageable with a workpiece, and a raised position, in which
said output element is out of engagement with the workpiece;
a motor supported by said housing and operable to rotatably drive said
spindle;
a drive system supported by said housing and connected between said motor
and said first spindle member;
a feed system for moving said second spindle member between the lowered
position and the raised position, said feed system being supported by said
housing so that a portion of said feed system is exposed through said
opening, said feed system including
a sprocket rotatably supported by said housing,
an endless flexible member movably engaging said sprocket and connected to
said spindle such that rotation of said sprocket moves said spindle
between the lowered position and the raised position,
a collar housing a portion of said second spindle member so that said
second spindle member is rotatable relative to said collar, said collar
being movable relative to said housing, and
a retaining member connectable with said flexible member to connect said
spindle to said flexible member, said retaining member including a
retaining plate removably connected to said collar so that said flexible
member is retained between said collar and said retaining plate so that
movement of said feed mechanism moves said collar with said second spindle
member; and
a flexible barrier member supported by said housing to cover said exposed
portion of said feed system, said barrier member having an expanded
condition when said spindle is in the raised position, wherein movement of
said spindle from the raised position to the lowered position compresses
said barrier member, and wherein subsequent movement of said spindle from
the lowered position to the raised position causes said barrier member to
return to the expanded condition.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to drill presses and, more
particularly to a feed system for a drill press.
A typical portable drill press generally includes a housing that is
supported by a base, and a motor assembly that drives a rotating spindle.
The spindle supports a drill bit. Generally, the motor assembly and the
spindle are supported on the housing by a feed system, such as a rack and
pinion assembly, so that the motor assembly and the spindle are movable
relative to the housing. In this manner, the drill bit is movable into and
out of engagement with a workpiece.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The rack and pinion assembly for a drill press described above has several
problems. For example, in order to accommodate displacement of the rack
relative to the pinion, increased overhead space is required for the drill
press to be operated. Further, in a typical drill press, the motor
assembly is movable with the drill bit and spindle, also increasing the
required overhead space. However, the rack and pinion assembly would
interfere with a motor assembly positioned on the stationary housing,
specifically, with the drive assembly linking the motor to the spindle,
making such a stationary motor assembly unfeasible. Additionally, in a
portable drill press, with the drill bit in the "up" or out-of-engagement
position, the raised motor assembly and spindle make the drill press
unwieldy.
The present invention provides a feed system for a power tool, such as a
drill press, that attempts to alleviate the problems relating to existing
feed systems for drill presses. In one aspect, the invention provides a
drill press that includes a flexible member feed system to produce
vertical travel of the drill bit within a limited space. To replace the
rack and pinion assembly, the feed system utilizes a flexible member which
is wrapped around a pair of sprockets.
Specifically, the present invention provides a drill press comprising a
base for supporting the drill press on a surface, a housing supported by
the base, a spindle positioned for movement relative to the housing along
an axis and for rotation about the axis, and a motor supported by the
housing and operable to rotatably drive the spindle. The spindle has an
end adapted to support an output element, such as a drill bit. The spindle
is movable along the axis between a lowered position, in which the output
element is engageable with a workpiece, and a raised position, in which
the output element is out of engagement with the workpiece.
The drill press also comprises a feed system for moving the spindle between
the raised position and the lowered position. The feed system includes a
flexible member interconnected with the spindle such that the spindle
moves with the flexible member, and a feed mechanism movably supported by
the housing and movably supporting the flexible member. Movement of the
feed mechanism moves the flexible member so that the spindle is moved
between the lowered position and the raised position.
Preferably, the flexible member is an endless loop belt. Also, the feed
mechanism preferably includes a sprocket rotatably supported by the
housing, and the sprocket is engaged by the flexible member such that
rotation of the sprocket causes movement of the flexible member. In
addition, the feed mechanism preferably further includes a handle
interconnected with the sprocket to rotate the sprocket. Further, the feed
mechanism preferably includes a second sprocket engaging the flexible
member. The second sprocket is spaced from the first sprocket such that
the flexible member is substantially tensioned between the first and
second sprockets.
Preferably, the drill press further comprises a collar housing an end of
the spindle so that the spindle is rotatable relative to the collar. The
collar is movable relative to the housing and is connected to the flexible
member so that movement of the feed mechanism moves the collar with the
spindle. Additionally, the drill press further comprises a track extending
parallel to the axis, and a portion of the collar extends into the track
to limit movement of the collar relative to the housing.
Further, the spindle preferably includes a first spindle member axially
fixed relative to the housing and a second spindle member supported for
axial movement relative to the first spindle member and relative to the
housing. The second spindle member is connectable to the flexible member
such that the second spindle member telescopes out of the first spindle
member to move to the lowered position and such that the second spindle
member telescopes into the first spindle member to move to the raised
position.
In another aspect, the invention provides a base, a housing defining an
opening, a spindle positioned for movement relative to the housing, a
motor to drive the spindle, and a feed system to move the spindle between
the lowered position and the raised position. The feed system is supported
by the housing such that a portion of the feed system is exposed through
the opening. The drill press further comprises a flexible barrier member
supported by the housing to cover the exposed portion of the feed system.
Preferably, the barrier member has an expanded condition when the spindle
is in the raised position. Further, movement of the spindle from the
raised position to the lowered position compresses the barrier member, and
subsequent movement of the spindle from the lowered position to the raised
position causes the barrier member to return to the expanded condition.
The barrier member preferably has a corrugated configuration.
Also, the feed system preferably includes a sprocket and a flexible member,
and the barrier member covers a portion of the flexible member. In
addition, the drill press preferably further comprises a collar and a
retaining member, and the barrier member is positioned between the collar
and the housing. Also, the housing preferably defines a recess extending
parallel to the axis, and a portion of the barrier member extends into the
recess.
One advantage of the present invention is that the flexible member feed
system reduces the overhead vertical space required for the operation of
the drill press.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the flexible member feed
system does not interfere with the drive system connecting the motor
positioned on the stationary housing to the movable spindle.
Yet another advantage is that, in a portable drill press with the spindle
is in the "up" or out-of-engagement position, the drill press is not
unwieldy.
Other features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in
the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drill press embodying the invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the drill press shown in FIG. 1
and illustrating the spindle in the raised position.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and
illustrating the spindle in the lowered position.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 4--4 in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A power tool, such as a drill press 10, embodying the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1. The drill press 10 generally includes a housing 14
supported by a base 18. The base 18 includes a force applying member (not
shown) for connecting the base 18 to the surface of a workpiece W, and an
actuating handle 22 for operating the force applying member. In the
illustrated construction, the force applying member is a permanent magnet
assembly (not shown) for attaching the drill press 10 to a ferro-magnetic
workpiece W. In other constructions (not shown), the force applying member
may be an electromagnet, a vacuum pad, or a clamp mechanism.
In the illustrated construction, the drill press 10 is a portable drill
press, and the housing 14 includes a carrying handle 26 to assist the
operator in moving the drill press 10 from workpiece to workpiece.
However, it should be understood that the power tool could be a
non-portable drill press (not shown) in which the base is supported on the
floor of a work area and which includes a movable support surface for
supporting the workpiece.
The drill press 10 includes (see FIG. 2) an electric motor 30 supported by
the housing 14 and operable to rotatably drive a telescoping spindle
assembly 34 about an axis 38. The motor 30 is powered by a suitable power
source (not shown). An on/off switch 42 energizes the motor 30 to drive
the spindle assembly 34. A forward/reverse switch 44 controls the
direction of rotation of the motor 30 and the spindle assembly 34, and a
speed control 46 controls the rotational speed of the motor 30 and spindle
assembly 34.
The drill press 10 also includes a drive assembly for connecting the motor
30 to the spindle assembly 34. The drive assembly includes a gear assembly
50 to provide speed reduction of the motor 30. The gear assembly 50
connects the motor 30 to the spindle assembly 34.
The spindle assembly 34 includes a first spindle member 54 supported by
roller bearings 58 mounted on the housing 14. The first spindle member 54
is rotatable about the axis 38 but is fixed against movement along the
axis 38 relative to the housing 14. The first spindle member 54 includes a
drive end 62 engaged by the gear assembly 50. The first spindle member 54
has (see FIG. 3) a hollow inner portion 66, and splines 70 are defined
therein.
The spindle assembly 34 also includes (see FIG. 2) an intermediate spindle
member 74 supported by the first spindle member 54. As shown by the change
of position between FIGS. 2 and 3, the intermediate spindle member 74
telescopes into and out of the inner portion 66 of the first spindle
member 54 along the axis 38. As shown in FIG. 3, splines 78 formed on the
outer surface of the intermediate spindle member 74 engage the splines 70
defined by the first spindle member 54 so that the intermediate spindle
member 74 rotates with the first spindle member 54. The intermediate
spindle member 74 also has a hollow inner portion 82, and splines 86 are
defined therein.
The spindle assembly 34 also includes (see FIG. 2) a second spindle member
90 supported by the intermediate spindle member 74. As shown by the change
of position between FIGS. 2 and 3, the second spindle member 90 telescopes
into and out of the inner portion 82 of the intermediate spindle member
74. As shown in FIG. 3, splines 94 formed on the outer surface of the
second spindle member 90 engage the splines 86 defined by the intermediate
spindle member 74 so that the second spindle member 90 rotates with the
intermediate spindle member 74 and the first spindle member 54. Engagement
of the splines 70 and 78 and 86 and 94 transfers the required torsional
force from the first spindle member 54 to the second spindle member 90.
A quick change mechanism 96 (see FIG. 2) is supported on the lower end of
the second spindle member 90. A tool holder or chuck 98 is removably
connected to the quick change mechanism 96 so that the chuck 98 rotates
with the second spindle member 90. The chuck 98 supports an output element
or drill bit 102 so that the drill bit 102 rotates with the spindle
assembly 34. The drill bit 102 moves with the second spindle member 90
along the axis 38 so that the drill bit 102 is movable into engagement
with the workpiece W (as shown in FIG. 3) and out of engagement with the
workpiece w (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In other constructions (not
shown), an output element (similar to drill bit 102) may be removably
connected to the quick change mechanism 96.
The drill press 10 also includes (see FIG. 2) a collar 106 supported by the
housing 14 for movement along the axis 38. Roller bearing 110 mounted in
the collar 106 supports the second spindle member 90 so that the second
spindle member 90 is rotatable relative to the collar 106. The roller
bearing 110 prevents movement of the second spindle member 90 transverse
to the axis 38 relative to the collar 106. The second spindle member 90 is
movable with the collar 106 along the axis 38 relative to the housing 14.
As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of tracks 114 are defined by the housing 14 and
extend parallel to the axis 38. A portion 118 of the collar 106 extends
into each track 114 to guide movement of the collar 106 relative to the
housing 14. Engagement of the portions 118 and the tracks 114 prevents
movement of the collar 106 and the second spindle member 90 transverse to
the axis 38.
As shown in FIG. 3, a flexible sleeve 120 is positioned between the housing
14 and the collar 106 to cover the intermediate spindle member 74 and the
second spindle member 90 as these components telescope out of the first
spindle member 54. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexible sleeve 120 is
compressed as the second spindle member 90 and the intermediate spindle
member 74 telescope into the first spindle member 54. The flexible sleeve
120 inhibits debris from affecting the operation of the telescoping
spindle assembly 34.
The drill press 10 also includes (see FIG. 2) a feed system 122 for moving
the spindle assembly 34 between a raised position (shown in FIGS. 1 and
2), in which the drill bit 102 is out of engagement with the workpiece W,
and a lowered position (shown in FIG. 3), in which the drill bit 102 is
engaged with the workpiece W. As shown in FIG. 2, the feed system 122 is
positioned in an opening 126 defined by the housing 14 so that a portion
of the feed system 122 is exposed through the opening 126 toward the
spindle assembly 34.
The feed system 122 includes a flexible member in the form of an endless
loop belt 130 movably supported by a feed mechanism. The belt 130 is
connected to the collar 106 so that the second spindle member 90 and the
collar 106 are movable with the belt 130. It should be appreciated that
the flexible member can comprise other elements, such as a chain, cable,
or other suitable element.
The feed mechanism includes first and second sprockets 134 and 138
rotatably supported by the housing 14. The belt 130 engages the first and
second sprockets 134 and 138 so that the belt 130 is substantially
tensioned between the first and second sprockets 134 and 138. Teeth 142
formed on the first and second sprockets 134 and 138 engage openings 146
formed on the belt 130 so that rotation of the first and second sprockets
134 and 138 causes movement of the belt 130. The feed mechanism also
includes (see FIG. 1) a feed handle 150 connected to the first sprocket
134 to rotate the first sprocket 134 and thereby move of the belt 130. The
handle 150 can be located on either side of the housing 14.
As shown in FIG. 2, a belt retaining assembly connects the belt 130 to the
collar 106 and the spindle assembly 34. The belt retaining assembly
includes a belt retaining plate 154 removably connected to the collar 106
so that the belt 130 is captured between the collar 106 and the belt
retaining plate 154.
A flexible barrier member 158 is positioned to cover the exposed portion of
the feed system 122. The lateral edges of the barrier member 158 engage
the respective tracks 114 formed in the housing 14 so that the barrier
member 158 covers the opening 126. The barrier member 158 inhibits debris
from entering the opening 126 and affecting the operation of the feed
system 122.
With the spindle assembly 34 in the raised position (shown in FIGS. 1 and
2), the barrier member 158 is in an expanded condition. As the spindle
assembly 34 is moved to the lowered position (shown in FIG. 3), the collar
106 engages the upper portion of the barrier member 158 and compresses the
barrier member 158. As the spindle assembly 34 returns to the raised
position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the barrier member 158 returns to the
expanded condition. In the illustrated construction, the barrier member
158 has a corrugated configuration to enable the barrier member 158 to
compress and expand.
In operation, the drill press 10 is positioned on the surface of the
workpiece W. The force applying member in the base 18 is actuated to
connect the base 18 to the workpiece W . When the drill press 10 is
attached to the workpiece W, the spindle assembly 34 is in the raised
position so that the drill bit 102 is out of engagement with the workpiece
W.
Once the drill press 10 is attached to the workpiece W, the operator
activates the motor 30 to rotatably drive the spindle assembly 34. To
engage the drill bit 102 with the workpiece W, the operator then rotates
the feed handle 150 in the counterclockwise direction (as shown in FIG.
1), causing the first sprocket 134 to rotate the belt 130. The belt 130
moves the collar 106 in a downward direction (as shown in the change in
position between FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), and the intermediate spindle member
74 and the second spindle member 90 telescope out of the first spindle
member 54.
Once the operator has finished a desired operation, the feed handle 150 is
rotated in the clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 1), causing the first
sprocket 134 to rotate the belt 130. The belt 130 moves the collar 106 in
an upward direction (as shown in the change of positions between FIG. 3
and FIG. 2), and the intermediate spindle member 74 and the second spindle
member 90 telescope into the first spindle member 54. The spindle assembly
34 is moved to the raised position, and the drill bit 102 is moved out of
engagement with the workpiece W.
While a drill press 10 is shown in the illustrated construction, it should
be understood that the present invention is applicable to other power
tools including a feed system to move an output element relative to the
power tool housing and thereby engage an output element with a workpiece.
The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is
not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein.
Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above
teachings, and the skill or knowledge of the relative art are within the
scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein are
further intended to explain best modes known for practicing the invention
and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such,
or other, embodiments and with various modifications required by the
particular applications or uses of the present invention. It is intended
that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments
to the extent permitted by the prior art.
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