CYLINDRICAL SHAPED OBJECTS

The invention relates to a mandrel for manufacturing

substantially cylindrically shaped objects, in particular storage tanks made of plastic, more particularly of fibre or fibre glass reinforced plastic. It also relates to a method to manufacture such plastic storage tanks by the use of a mandrel.

Mandrels are known and commonly used in the production of plastic storage tanks or other products. The known mandrels have

cylindrical outer surfaces, receiving curable plastic and fiber reinforcement layers during operation. After curing of the plastic, a resulting cylindrical shell is removed from the mandrel to be further processed e.g. into a storage tank.

A given mandrel can only be used to produce an object having a given diameter. Cyhndrical shells for storage tanks with different diameters thus have to be built using different mandrels, which raises production costs and requires a relatively large production site. Also, costs for transportation may be significant in the case that the various mandrels are to be moved towards a production site, before being used as a shell production tool.

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the above- mentioned problems. Particularly an object of the invention is to provide a means for manufacturing cylindrically shaped objects in a relatively economical and efficient manner.

To this aim the invention provides a mandrel that is characterised by the features of claim 1.

According to an aspect of the invention the mandrel is configured such that a diameter of a substantially cylindrical outer surface of the mandrel is adjustable between at least a first and a second diameter, wherein said substantially cylindrical outer surface is uninterrupted for each of the at least first and second diameter.

In this way, a single mandrel can be used for manufacturing objects having different diameters. Particularly, said uninterrupted outer surface makes the mandrel suitable for receiving an object -forming substance (e.g. a curable material or curable compound) at each of the adjusted states of the mandrel. Furthermore, as the diameter of the mandrel is adjustable, the mandrel can be used for the production of a relatively large variety of objects, for example side walls of plastic storage tanks with different diameters. Thus, such tanks can be produced in an efficient manner, at relatively low production costs and in a relatively small production site. All parts of a single adjustable mandrel can be shipped to a production site, e.g. in 3 standard 40-foot containers, for locally

manufacturing products having different diameters. The invention is particularly advantageous in case relatively bulky storage tanks are to be produced (e.g. having diameters in excess of 5-10 meters).

Besides, an advantage of the mandrel is that a diameter of the outer surface may be significantly decreased after the product has been formed, allowing ease of product release from the mandrel.

In this application, the term "substantially cylindrical outer surface" can mean that the outer surface of the mandrel has a circle-shaped cross-section with the same diameter viewed along an axial direction, however, the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the outer surface may have a varying diameter viewed along an axial direction, for example a frusto-conical surface or a differently shaped surface. Also, the outer surface may have a curved cross-section that is not circular, for example an elliptical or oval cross-section.

In this application, the term "uninterrupted outer surface" can mean that the outer surface does not include through-holes, particularly to provide an entirely closed support surface for receiving curable (liquid) material(s) that are to form a product. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the mandrel is provided by wall sections, which in a circumferential direction slidably overlap each other, wherein overlapping parts of the wall sections are preferably radially biased onto each other.

In this way, relatively large diameter variations can be achieved, upholding an uninterrupted outer surface.

A preferred embodiment includes alternatingly positioned first and second wall sections that define said outer surface, with radially inner sides of the first wall sections facing radially outer sides of the second wall sections. These sliding and overlapping wall sections may guarantee the outer surface of the mandrel to remain gapless and uninterrupted at any adjusted diameter of the mandrel.

In order to obtain a smooth inner surface and corresponding outer surface of the object to be shaped by the mandrel, the wall sections preferentially have a varying radial thickness, particularly a thickness which decreases viewed in a circumferential direction from a maximal thickness at a wall section's middle towards 0 at side ends of the respective wall section, for example following a cube root function. In this way, the transition from a first to a second wall section can be so small that it is hardly distinguishable on the inner surface of the formed object. Also a smooth outer surface of the object can be achieved. Regarding said cube root function, particularly, the following expression (1) is used for the thickness t, providing good results:

with x being a lateral/circumferential location on the wall section from a center line of the wall section, s the wall section's thickness at the center line and B being a lateral width of the wall section (see Fig. 5a).

Said neat transition from a first to a second wall section can still be improved by providing at least one lateral part of the first wall sections with a flexible flap manufactured of a material that has a lower elastic modulus than an elastic modulus of a remaining part of the wall section. The width in a circumferential direction of these flexible flaps can vary from one longitudinal end of the flap to the other in order to improve the slidability of two flexible flaps of adjacent first wall sections on each other without damaging the thin side ends of the first wall sections.

To be able to achieve a desired curvature of the outer surface, the wall sections should preferably be made of a flexible and resilient material, for example substantially made of plastic or a composite material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mandrel includes a central support structure, wherein radially adjustable wall sections defining the outer surface are mechanically coupled to the support structure.

Preferably, radially adjustable wall sections are coupled to the central support structure by at least one, but preferably two or more, circles of in length adjustable spokes.

Preferably, relatively large diameter adjustments can be effected. In a further embodiment this can be done manually, in one or more steps, gradually and/or continuously. For example, said in length adjustable spokes can be telescopic spokes, and fine-tuning of a diameter adjustment can be done with one or more screw systems. For example, according to an embodiment, the second diameter may be at least 10% larger than said first diameter, preferably at least 25% larger, for example at least 50% larger. According to an embodiment, at least a first diameter can be a diameter in the range of about 3-10 meter, and a second diameter, for example a diameter in the range of 4-15 meter. The mandrel can thus be used for the manufacturing of objects with a wide variety of diameters, such that a ratio of a maximum achievable diameter to a minimum achievable diameter of the outer surface of the mandrel is in a range of 3:1 to 1.5: 1. An automation of the diameter adjustment is also possible.

Also, an axial length (or e.g. height in case of vertical positioning) of the mandrel can be relatively large. The same holds for the respective outer surface (for example respective wall sections providing the surface). In an embodiment, said axial length can be at least 5 m. In a further

embodiment, an axial length of the mandrel can be in the range of about 5 to 10 m, or a different length.

In a more preferred embodiment, the mandrel includes at least one driving unit to adjust, or temporarily reduce (and subsequently increase), the diameter of the mandrel in order to release an on the mandrel formed object. For example, a plurality of driving units can be installed for achieving a desired diameter change. Said driving unit may encompass a continuously adjustable, for example hydraulic or pneumatic or electro- driven (e.g. servo), part. A reduction of the mandrel's diameter by said driving unit can be relatively small, e.g. in the range of 5-20 cm, for example of 10 cm, which allows an easy release of an on the mandrel manufactured object.

Preferably, the mandrel includes a number of groups of driving units, particularly for driving a respective number of mandrel components. For example, in case the mandrel includes a number of groups of wall sections (e.g. first and second wall sections), it is preferred that the groups can be repositioned individually, e.g. by respective drive units (e.g.

respective first and second drive units).

According to an aspect of the invention, if the mandrel is to be reused in different projects, then it is preferably easy to assemble and disassemble. During operation a central axis of the mandrel can be a substantially vertical axis.

Also, the mandrel may preferably comprise at least one lifting means, for example a hoisting crane, which is connected or connectable to or adjacent to an upper end of a said support structure to assemble and disassemble the mandrel in an efficient manner. Alternatively or in addition, another possible lifting means, for example a lifter can be mounted on an upper end of the central support structure to unload an on the mandrel manufactured object. Further, an aspect of the invention provides a method for manufacturing substantially cylindrically shaped objects, in particular storage tanks made of plastic, more particularly of fibre or fibre glass reinforced plastic, for example using a mandrel according to the invention, wherein an at least one object forming substance is applied onto a

substantially cylindrical external surface of a mandrel, characterised in that a diameter of the substantially cylindrical external surface is being adjusted before application of the at least one object forming substance.

In this way, above-mentioned advantages can be achieved. Particularly, the diameter of the substantially cylindrical external surface can be adjusted to a desired setting after which one or more objects can be manufactured thereon. According to a further embodiment, the diameter of the substantially cylindrical external surface can be slightly decreased after each object has been formed on the mandrel, to allow ease of removal of the object.

In a preferred manufacturing process, the mandrel is assembled, preferably with the help of an afore-mentioned lifting means, for example a hoisting crane. According to a preferred embodiment, the mandrel can be positioned such that a central line of the mandrel extends in a substantially vertical direction. In this manner, the mandrel can take-up a relatively small footprint, requiring a relatively small working space. Alternatively, the positioning of the mandrel can be such that the central line of the mandrel extends in a substantially horizontal direction, or a different direction.

During operation, the diameter of the substantially cyhndrical external surface can be adjusted manually, for example, and/ or

alternatively by a driving unit/drive means, which in a preferred

embodiment can adjust the diameter continuously, for example

hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically energized (e.g. servo-means). For example, relatively large diameter adjustments can be achieved manually, whereas relatively small diameter adjustments (being significantly smaller than a said large diameter adjustment) can be carried out automatically by said drive means.

In a preferred embodiment, while adjusting the diameter of the mandrel, wall sections forming the outer surface of the mandrel, partly overlapping each other, slide over each other in a circumferential direction, preferably exerting a radial pressure towards each other. According to a further non-limiting embodiment, the mandrel reaches a maximal diameter when an circumferential overlap between adjacent wall sections, reaches a predetermined value, for example of about 10 cm or a different value. Once the diameter of the mandrel has been adjusted to its desired value, the outer surface of the mandrel can be covered with one or more optional protective layers, for example a Mylar layer, before applying the at least one object forming substance, which can include curable plastic (i.e. curable resin), preferably a fibre-reinforced polymer. Said protective layer has the double function to protect the mandrel from the applied object forming substance and to ease the release of the object after cure.

Preferably, the mandrel is being rotated around a central axis during and/or after application of the at least one object forming substance. When ready, i.e. after curing of the object forming substance, the diameter of the mandrel's outer surface is preferably decreased to release a formed object with a smooth inner surface. The reduction of the mandrel's diameter can be done by one or more driving units, for example hydraulically, pneumatically or by electrically driven drive means. With the help of another hoisting means, for example a lifter, the formed object can be unloaded from the mandrel.

After one or more objects have been formed, the mandrel can e.g. be disassembled, transported in e.g. one or more containers (e.g. 3 standard 40-foot containers) or in e.g. lorries and re-used at another location for manufacturing objects of desired diameters. Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be discussed based on the drawings, wherein hke elements have been indicated with like references, and wherein

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a part of a mandrel according to an embodiment of the present invention, positioned vertically, with wall sections installed using two different diameter positions;

Figure 2 shows a view from above of the same mandrel part shown in Fig. 1, with the wall sections installed using two different diameter positions;

Figure 3 shows a schematic view from above of a part of an alternative embodiment of the mandrel;

Figure 4 shows a horizontal cross-section of a detail of part of the mandrel shown in Figures 1-2;

Figure 5a shows a horizontal cross-section of a first wall section of the mandrel of Figures 1-2, 4;

Figure 5b shows a horizontal cross-section of a second wall section of the mandrel of Figures 1-2, 4;

Figure 6a shows a side view of part of the outer surface of the mandrel of Figures 1-2, 4 at its minimal diameter;

Figure 6b shows a side view of part of the outer surface of the mandrel of Figures 1-2, 4 at its maximum diameter;

Figure 6c shows a detail of the side view of two first wall sections of the mandrel of Figures 1-2, 4, during operation;

Figure 7 shows a view from above of a part of the mandrel of Figures 1-2, 4 in a non-expanded (NE) and expanded (E) position;

Figure 8 shows a schematic view from above of the mandrel and a coating device; and

Figure 9 shows a side view of a part of the mandrel shown in Figures 1-2, 4 in three different positions: a) at its minimal diameter, b) at its maximal diameter, and c) in a position ready to release the formed object. Figures 1, 2, 4-9 show part of a mandrel M according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present mandrel M includes a central support structure 1 as well as radially adjustable wall sections 5, 6.

The wall sections 5, 6 define a substantially circle-cylindrical outer surface S of the mandrel M, and are mechanically coupled to the support structure 1 by respective coupling means 2. In the present example, the outer surface S is a circle-cylindrical surface.

In the example, the central support structure 1 as such is a central column, or tubular element, e.g. a cylinder. The central support structure 1 for example has a width or diameter in the range of about 1-3 m, e.g. about 2 m, and may be hollow as in the example.

Also, as is shown in Fig. 1, the mandrel may comprise at least one hfting means 3, for example a hoisting crane 3. In the embodiment the hfting means is connected to an upper end of the support structure 1. It can be used to assemble and/or disassemble at least part of the mandrel, such as assisting in lifting mandrel wall sections 5, 6. During use of the mandrel, the lifting means can be taken away, or can be replaced by another lifting means, for example a lifter, to unload an on the mandrel formed object.

Each lifting means covers the entire diameter range of the mandrel.

In the present example, a central axis of the mandrel is a substantially vertical axis, making it more easy to assemble and position the mandrel, and allowing for a relatively small footprint. Different mandrel positioning is also feasible.

Preferably, the mandrel is rotatable about its central axis during operation. To this aim, the mandrel can be positioned onto or held by a rotation drive means (not shown), e.g. including a suitable bearing, as will be clear to the skilled person.

A diameter D of the substantially cylindrical outer surface S of the mandrel is adjustable between at least a first diameter Dl, used on the left in each of Figures 1-2, and a second diameter D2, used on the right in each of Figures 1-2, wherein said substantially cylindrical outer surface S is uninterrupted for each of the at least first and second diameter.

As is mentioned above, preferably, relatively large diameter adjustments can be effected, for example with a second diameter that may be at least 10% larger than the first diameter.

A first diameter D 1 of the mandrel lies for example in the range of about 3-10 m, whereas a mandrel's second diameter D2 lies for example in the range of 4-15 m. A ratio of a maximum achievable diameter to a minimum achievable diameter of the outer surface of the mandrel lies in a range of 3: 1 to 1.5: 1. Different minimum diameters, different maximum diameters, and different diameter ratio's are also possible. The diameter can be adjusted mechanically, in steps, or in a preferred embodiment,

continuously, for example by manually adjusting telescopically adjustable connecting arms (e.g. spokes 12) and e.g. using releasable connecting means, screw/bolt connectors, removable connecting pins for locking such arms in desired operating positions, and/or hydraulically or otherwise. In a further embodiment (see below), at least two, for example three, groups of mandrel wall sections can be defined. In that case, it is preferred that these different groups of wall sections can be individually driven, independently from one another. The skilled person will appreciated how above-mentioned drive means can be configured for that aim. For example, the mandrel can include a drive controller (not shown) to individually drive the various groups of wall sections, independent, at mutually different times.

As follows from Figures 2, 4-6, the mandrel M includes alternatingly positioned overlapping curved first wall sections 5 and curved second wall sections 6 defining said outer surface S, radially inner sides of the first wall sections 5 facing radially outer sides of the second wall sections 6. The wall sections 5, 6 are curved to form the circle-cylindrical outer surface S. Preferably, the wall sections 5, 6 are slightly bendable, i.e. flexible, as such, allowing deformation during diameter adjustment of the mandrel. In the example, all wall sections 5, 6 are connected to radially outer sections 10a of respective coupling means 2 along their center lines (i.e. in the middle), e.g. via connectors, for example bolting means 15.

In the example, the coupling means 2 between the first wall sections 5 and second wall sections 6 defining said outer surface S, and the central support structure 1, comprise radially adjustable spokes 12, preferably in two planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the central support structure 1. Spokes 12 from both planes can be connected at their radial outer sections 10a by supporting beams in parallel to the central support structure 1. In the example, in each plane of spokes, there is a first circle of 12 inner telescopic spokes. Radially in line with the first circle of 12 inner telescopic spokes, there is a second circle of 36 radially adjustable middle and end telescopic spokes. Spokes include gradual and continuous adjustment means, for example using bolts 14 and screws 16 respectively. In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes a further adjustment system allowing fine-adjustment of the plates (particularly of their curvatures). To that aim, in the present example, spokes 12 joining the central support structure 1 to the second wall sections 6 comprise crosspieces 13,

transversally attached to said spoke, each crosspiece 13 including screwing means 16b to fine-tune the mandrel's diameter at side ends of second wall sections 6. The skilled person will appreciate that such fine-adjustment of plate curvatures can also be achieved in a different manner.

In the example, the wall sections 5, 6 both have a varying radial thickness, particularly a thickness which decreases viewed in a

circumferential direction from a wall section's middle towards side ends of the respective wall section, for example from a maximal thickness at a wall section's middle towards 0 at side ends, e.g. following a cube root law as is mentioned above (see equation (1)). This particular design allows a smooth transition between two adjacent wall sections on the outer surface S of the mandrel, and can provide sustaining a desired substantially circular outer surface viewed in cross-section. Particularly, the first wall sections 5 (see Fig. 5a) comprise two flexible flaps 7 (tapered in cross-section), particularly flaps forming the lateral parts of the respective wall sections. The flaps 7 can be manufactured of a material that has a lower elastic modulus than an elastic modulus of a remaining part of the wall section, for example of carbon fiber. The flaps 7 slide over the outer surfaces of the inner wall sections (see Fig. 4, 7) and provide extra smoothness of the outer surface S, so that an object to be formed on the mandrel can have a smooth inner surface.

Diameter adjustment of the mandrel M is depicted in Figures 6-8. As follows from Figures 6a and 7, a minimal diameter D l of the outer surface S can be reached when second wall sections 6 touch support structures 10a of intermediate first wall sections 5. Preferably, at this diameter D l, flexible flaps 7 of neighbouring first wall sections 5 may partly overlap (see Fig 6 a, 6c).

Adjusting the diameter between a first diameter D 1 and second diameter D2 can be achieved in different steps (see Figures 6, 7, 9). First the spokes 12 can be, for example manually, set to a roughly desired diameter, for example by extending the telescopic spokes 12 and fixing them with bolts 14. This should first be done for the spokes 12 joining first wall sections 5 before doing the same for spokes of second wall sections 6. Secondly, the radial ends of the spokes 12 can be equipped with screws 16 to adjust the diameter continuously at a higher precision level than in the first gradual step. A third step is the fine-tuning of the diameter, for example with another adjusting (e.g. screwing) system 16b that may be e.g. mounted at the outer side ends of a crosspiece 13 on a spoke 12 joining a second wall section 6 to a central support structure 19 (as in the present drawings, see Fig. 2 and 7). By radial pressure of a second wall section 6, also the position of the adjacent first wall section 5 is adjusted accordingly. This process can of course be automated, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

A mandrel's maximal diameter D2 can e.g. be reached (see Fig. 6b) when an circumferential overlap 9 between adjacent first 5 and second wall sections 6, reaches a predetermined threshold (minimum) value, for example about 5-15 cm (e.g. about 10 cm)

According to a further embodiment, in order to allow smooth passage of the flaps 7 during diameter decrease (i.e. when nearby fitting flaps 7 attached to the lateral sides of the first wall sections 5 approach one another), these fitting flaps 7 may preferentially be shaped such that they are larger, measured along a circumferential direction w, at a longitudinal end of the first wall sections 5, and decrease in width, measured along a circumferential direction w, towards another longitudinal end of the first wall sections 5 (see Fig. 6c). In other words, one or more of the flaps 7 may be slightly tapered, viewed in a side view.

Further, during operation (see also Figure 8) after the mandrel M has been adjusted to a desired diameter, the outer surface S of the mandrel can be covered with an optional protective layer, for example a Mylar layer, and at least one object forming substance 11 can be applied onto the mandrel. In the example, a coating device C is shown for applying the coating. One or more coating devices C can be installed. The coating device may include one or more outflow openings (e.g. nozzles) for discharging a curable substance 11 towards the mandrel, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. During and/or after application of the at least one object forming substance 11, and a curing of the substance, the mandrel M is preferably being rotated around a central axis 1, for example by mounting the central support structure 1 of the mandrel M on a drive unit (not shown) that is preferably able to generate a constant and adjustable rotation speed. One or more layers can be applied to form a product, e.g. a cylinder-shaped product (such as a wall of a storage tank).

After cure, the diameter of the outer surface S can be decreased slightly, for example between 5-20 cm, preferably by activating a/the driving unit(s) 10, to assist releasing a formed object. For that purpose, the coupling means 2 of each of the wall sections 5, 6 are provided with a respective driving unit 10, for adjusting the radial position of the wall section 5, 6. Such a driving unit 10 may encompass e.g. a continuously adjustable, for example hydraulic, driving unit (e.g. a piston/cylinder-type drive), a linear drive or a different type of driving means. In the present embodiment there is provided a number of driving units 10 for driving respective wall sections 5, 6.

In a preferred embodiment, a diameter adjustment of the mandrel M involves at least two repositioning steps, and preferably at least three, for repositioning different groups of the wall sections 5, 6 at different times. In this way, relatively large diameter variations can be obtained swiftly without damaging the wall sections 5, 6,. Particularly, a mandrel's diameter can be adjusted efficiently and safely to a relatively small diameter in which neighbouring second wall sections 5 are positioned to slightly /partly overlap (see Fig. 6 a).

In a such a sequenced wall section repositioning, there can be defined a first group of wall sections consists of the inner (second) wall sections 6. During a diameter decrease of the mandrel M, the second wall sections 6 are preferably repositioned (by respective second drive means 10) earlier/before a start of diameter decrease repositioning of the first wall sections 5 (by respective first drive means 10). Similarly, during a diameter increase of the mandrel M, the second wall sections 6 are preferably repositioned earlier than a start of appropriate diameter increase

repositioning of the first wall sections 5.

Herein, a second group of wall sections can be defined by all of the first (outer) wall sections 5, e.g. to be driven simultaneously by their drive means.

More preferably, concerning the first wall sections 5, there can be defined at least a second and a third group, wherein the second group includes a first part of the first (outer) wall sections 5 and the third group includes a remaining second part of the first (outer) wall sections 5. The second and third group preferably alternate, i.e. a wall section of the third group of wall sections is located between each two nearest wall sections of the second group. Thus, viewed in a mandrel's circumferential direction, the first wall sections 5 alternatively include a second-group wall section and a third-group wall section. As an example, in figures 6a, 6b and 7, a left shown first wall section 5 may be in the second group, and a right shown first wall section 5 may be in the third group. Then, it is advantageous to reposition the second group of (first) wall sections 5 at a different time (i.e. during a certain time period) than repositioning the third group of (first) wall sections, or at least to start such repositioning at different times (leading to different time periods which may or may not overlap). This holds in particular for a repositioning for decreasing the mandrel diameter, so that the first wall sections 5 can smoothly move from spaced-apart positions to mutually overlapping positions (see Fig. 6a) to form the mandrel's outer surface, with reduced chance of damage or obstruction. This can be achieved in combination with the specific example shown in figure 7 (i.e. application of a certain tapered shape of fitting flaps 7), but that is not required. The skilled person will appreciate that a drive control can be configured for timing activation (and subsequent deactivation) of drive units for the second group of wall sections and drive units for driving the third group of wall sections, to allow activation/operation at different times.

Figure 3 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of a mandrel M'. In this example, the outer wall of the mandrel is composed of a plurality of flexible and resilient curved wall sections 4', for example plates or plate-like elements, e.g. substantially made of plastic or a composite material. The wall sections 4' are connected to a central core via suitable, radially adjustable connecting means 2', holding the sections 4' at lateral edges. In this alternative embodiment, the wall sections 4' slidably overlap each other in a circumferential direction. Overlapping parts of the wall sections are preferably radially biased onto each other, to form an

uninterrupted outer surface of the mandrel M' at each of the at least two different diameters to which the surface can be set. While specific embodiments have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as

described. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

For example, other possible embodiments for a mandrel's outer surface that remains uninterrupted at any adjusted diameter of the mandrel include for example an outer surface made out of segments covered with an elastic silicone mantle, or a rollable outer surface.

Also, the invention can be used for manufacturing various types of products, for example (wall parts of) storage tanks, inner liners for chimneys or other products.

Further, according to an embodiment, the method according to the invention may include positioning a product end wall (e.g. a top or bottom wall, a prefab cover or roof) at an end of the mandrel, to be connected to the substantially cylindricaUy shaped object. In one embodiment, such an end wall may be attached to the substantially cylindricaUy shaped object during the production of that object, e.g. by being integrally connected thereto during curing of an object forming substance. Alternatively, the end wall may be connected to the substantially cylindricaUy shaped object after its formation, e.g. using suitable connecting means, bolting means or the-like.