US5674496A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Animal repellent
Assignee: Etscorn Frank T
•
Filing: 1993-10-20
•
Granted: 1997-10-07
•
Expires: 2013-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A substance and method for minimizing or eliminating damage to objects caused by animals, especially gnawing and chewing rodents. A wide variety of objects and items can be protected by the practice of the invention. Methods are disclosed for extracting the active repellent ingredient from pepper plants, particularly habanero peppers, and for using the extract to treat the objects to be protected. Disclosed protective treatment methods include applying the extract directly to the item to be protected, and/or mixing the extract with caulks, paints, glues, or rubber coating materials.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank T. Etscorn
- 👤 Lorenzo Torres
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:29
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01N; A01N65/00; A01N65/08; A01N65/38; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A50/00; Y02A50/30; Y10; Y10S; Y10S424/00; Y10S424/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 96
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of repelling animals comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid organic solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum and thereby extracting capsaicinoid-bearing essential oils; and (c) utilizing the capsaicinoid-bearing essential oils as an animal repellent.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of repelling animals comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid organic solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum and thereby extracting capsaicinoid-bearing essential oils; and (c) utilizing the capsaicinoid-bearing essential oils as an animal repellent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the adding step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adding capsicum to least one solvent comprises adding habanero to at least one solvent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the step of adding habanero comprises adding habanero to solvent in an amount within the range of 16 to 400 grams by weight habanero per 1000 ml of solvent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method of protecting an object from damage from animals comprising the steps of: (a) soaking a material in the repellent prepared in accordance with the process of claim 1; and (b) disposing the material about the object to be protected.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of soaking a material comprises soaking a member selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard and cloth.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of mixing comprises high-speed blending for a period of time within the range of two to fifteen minutes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the additional steps of: (a) filtering the mixed capsicum and solvent; and (b) collecting the resulting filtered liquid in a container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method of protecting an object from damage from animals comprising the step of applying the repellent prepared in accordance with the process of claim 8 to the surface of an object to be protected.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising the additional steps of: (a) after mixing the capsicum and solvent, allowing the mixture to set for a period of time within the range from fifteen seconds to two minutes; and (b) stirring the mixture for a period of time within the range from fifteen seconds to three minutes before filtering the mixed capsicum and solvent.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the step of adding capsicum to at least one solvent comprises adding habanero to at least one member selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, water, and oils.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of adding habanero comprises adding habanero to solvent in an amount within the range of 16 to 400 grams by weight habanero per 1000 ml of solvent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of maintaining the habanero and the solvent at a temperature within the range of 60° C. to 75° C. during the step of mixing the capsicum and the solvent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of mixing comprises mixing for a period of time within the range from two minutes to eight hours.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method of protecting an object from damage from animals comprising the step of applying the repellent prepared in accordance with the process of claim 14 to the surface of an object to be protected.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 additionally comprising the step of adding the repellent to a compatible material useful in making insulation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the adding habanero capsicum step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprises mixing the repellent with a member selected from the group consisting of paints, rubbers, caulks, plastics, glues, silicones, preservatives, vinyls, epoxies, resins, enamels and sealants.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprises mixing the repellent with a compatible polymeric substance.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are bonded.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the polymeric substance is natural.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are cross-linked.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the polymeric substance is synthetic.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 additionally comprising the step of adding the repellent to a compatible liquid plastic material useful in making trash bags.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the material useful in making trash bags comprises plastic.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the adding habanero capsicum step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the material useful in making trash bags comprises paper.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adding capsicum to at least one solvent comprises adding capsicum to at least one member selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, water, and oils.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for preparing animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) blending the solvent and the capsicum for a period of tame within the range of fifteen seconds to three minutes; (c) allowing the blended mixture to set for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to two minutes; (d) again blending the mixture at high speed for a period of time within the range of fifteen to three minutes; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; (g) mixing the filtered liquid with capsicum and a solvent; and (h) mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprising a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and the polymeric substance are joined by a means from the group consisting of bonding and cross-linking.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for preparing animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) blending the solvent and the capsicum for a period of tame within the range of fifteen seconds to three minutes; (c) allowing the blended mixture to set for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to two minutes; (d) again blending the mixture at high speed for a period of time within the range of fifteen to three minutes; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; (g) mixing the filtered liquid with capsicum and a solvent; and (h) mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprising a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and the polymeric substance are joined by a means from the group consisting of bonding and cross-linking.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the adding step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the mixing step comprises mixing the filtered liquid with a terpene oil.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method of protecting an object from damage from animals comprising applying the repellent prepared in accordance with the process of claim 30 to the surface of an object to be protected.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the step of adding capsicum to at least one solvent comprises adding habanero to at least one member selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, water, and oils.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the step of adding habanero comprises adding habanero to solvent in an amount within the range of 400 to 600 grams by weight habanero per 1000 ml of solvent.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 30 further comprising the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 36 wherein the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprises mixing the repellent with a member selected from the group consisting of paints, rubbers, caulks, plastics, glues, silicones, preservatives, vinyls, epoxies, resins, enamels and sealants.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 36 wherein the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprises mixing the repellent with a compatible polymeric substance.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the polymeric substance is synthetic.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are bonded.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the polymeric substance is natural.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are cross-linked.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of preparing a animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) mixing habanero capsicum with at least one liquid solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set; (c) adding an additional quantity of capsicum and an additional quantity of solvent to the mixture; (d) again alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from a liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; (g) alternately stirring the filtered liquid and allowing the filtered liquid to set; and (h) refiltering the filtered liquid.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of preparing a animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) mixing habanero capsicum with at least one liquid solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set; (c) adding an additional quantity of capsicum and an additional quantity of solvent to the mixture; (d) again alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from a liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; (g) alternately stirring the filtered liquid and allowing the filtered liquid to set; and (h) refiltering the filtered liquid.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 43 wherein the mixing step comprises mixing a terpene oil.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 43 wherein the adding step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 43 wherein the step of adding an additional quantity of capsicum and an additional quantity of solvent to the mixture comprises adding an amount within the range of 50 to 150 grams habanero and an amount within the range of 150 and 250 ml of solvent to each 200 ml of mixture.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method of protecting an object from damage from animals comprising the step of applying the repellent prepared in accordance with the process of claim 43 to the surface of an object to be protected.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 43 wherein each step of alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set comprises the steps of: (a) stirring the mixture of capsicum and solvent for at least fifteen seconds; (b) allowing the mixture to set for at least fifteen seconds; (c) again stirring the mixture for at least fifteen seconds; and (d) allowing the mixture to set for at least fifteen seconds.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 43 wherein the step of mixing capsicum with at least one liquid solvent comprises mixing an amount within the range of 400 and 600 grams by weight of habanero per 1000 ml of solvent.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 43 further comprising the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 50 wherein the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprises mixing the repellent with a member selected from the group consisting of paints, rubbers, caulks, plastics, glues, silicones, preservatives, vinyls, epoxies, resins, enamels and sealants.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 50 wherein the step of mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprises mixing the repellent with a compatible polymeric substance.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are bonded.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the polymeric substance is natural.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are cross-linked.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the polymeric substance is synthetic.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of making an animal repellent trash bag, the method comprising the steps of: e) adding capsicum to at least one liquid solvent; f) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; g) filtering the resulting mixture; and h) adding the repellent filtrate to a compatible liquid polymeric plastic material useful in making trash bags, wherein the repellent and the polymeric material are bonded.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of making an animal repellent trash bag, the method comprising the steps of: e) adding capsicum to at least one liquid solvent; f) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; g) filtering the resulting mixture; and h) adding the repellent filtrate to a compatible liquid polymeric plastic material useful in making trash bags, wherein the repellent and the polymeric material are bonded.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 57 wherein the repellent and polymeric material are cross-linked.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 57 wherein the polymeric material is natural.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 57 wherein the polymeric material is synthetic.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 57 wherein the adding step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
50 words
A method of preparing animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) adding capsicum to at least one liquid solvent; (b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; and (c) mixing the resulting repellent with an application vehicle comprises a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and the application vehicle are bonded.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
50 words
A method of preparing animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) adding capsicum to at least one liquid solvent; (b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; and (c) mixing the resulting repellent with an application vehicle comprises a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and the application vehicle are bonded.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the adding step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are cross-linked.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 64 wherein the polymeric substance is natural.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 64 wherein the polymeric substance is synthetic.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of preparing an animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) mixing capsicum with at least one liquid solvent; (b) alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set; (c) adding an additional quantity of capsicum and an additional quantity of solvent to the mixture; (d) again alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from a liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; (g) alternately stirring the filtered liquid and allowing the filtered liquid to set; (h) refiltering the filtered liquid; and (i) mixing the resulting repellent with an application vehicle comprises a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and the application vehicle are bonded or cross-linked.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of preparing an animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) mixing capsicum with at least one liquid solvent; (b) alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set; (c) adding an additional quantity of capsicum and an additional quantity of solvent to the mixture; (d) again alternately stirring the mixture and allowing the mixture to set; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from a liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; (g) alternately stirring the filtered liquid and allowing the filtered liquid to set; (h) refiltering the filtered liquid; and (i) mixing the resulting repellent with an application vehicle comprises a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and the application vehicle are bonded or cross-linked.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 67 wherein the mixing capsicum step comprises mixing a terpene oil.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 67 wherein the adding step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 67 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are cross-linked.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 67 wherein the polymeric substance is natural.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for preparing animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) adding capsicum to at least one liquid solvent; (b) blending the solvent and the capsicum for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to three minutes; (c) allowing the blended mixture to set for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to two minutes; (d) again blending the mixture at high speed for a period of time within the range of fifteen to three minutes; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; and (g) mixing the filtered liquid with capsicum and a solvent (h) mixing the resulting repellent with an application vehicle comprises a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and the application vehicle are bonded.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for preparing animal repellent comprising the steps of: (a) adding capsicum to at least one liquid solvent; (b) blending the solvent and the capsicum for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to three minutes; (c) allowing the blended mixture to set for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to two minutes; (d) again blending the mixture at high speed for a period of time within the range of fifteen to three minutes; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; and (g) mixing the filtered liquid with capsicum and a solvent (h) mixing the resulting repellent with an application vehicle comprises a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and the application vehicle are bonded.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are cross-linked.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the polymeric substance is natural.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the polymeric substance is synthetic.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the adding step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the step of mixing the filtered liquid comprises mixing the filtered liquid with a terpene oil.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of making animal repellent insulation, the method comprising the steps of: a) adding capsicum to at least one liquid solvent; b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; c) filtering the resulting mixture; and d) adding the repellent filtrate to a compatible polymeric substance useful in making insulation, wherein the repellent and the polymeric substance are bonded.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of making animal repellent insulation, the method comprising the steps of: a) adding capsicum to at least one liquid solvent; b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; c) filtering the resulting mixture; and d) adding the repellent filtrate to a compatible polymeric substance useful in making insulation, wherein the repellent and the polymeric substance are bonded.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 78 wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are cross-linked.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 78 wherein the polymeric substance is natural.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 78 wherein the polymeric substance is synthetic.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 78 wherein the adding step comprises adding a terpene oil.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of repelling animals comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid organic solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; and (c) mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprising a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are joined by a means from the group consisting of bonding and cross-linking.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of repelling animals comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid organic solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; and (c) mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprising a compatible polymeric substance, wherein the repellent and polymeric substance are joined by a means from the group consisting of bonding and cross-linking.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of repelling animals comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid organic solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; and (b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; and (c) mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprising a compatible synthetic polymeric substance.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of repelling animals comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid organic solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; and (b) mixing the solvent and the capsicum; and (c) mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprising a compatible synthetic polymeric substance.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for repelling animals comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) blending the solvent and the capsicum for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to three minutes; (c) allowing the blended mixture to set for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to two minutes; (d) again blending the mixture at high speed for a period of time within the range of fifteen to three minutes; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; (g) mixing the filtered liquid with capsicum and a solvent; and (h) mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprising a compatible synthetic polymeric substance.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for repelling animals comprising the steps of: (a) adding habanero capsicum to at least one liquid solvent, wherein the habanero capsicum comprises a relative hotness greater than 50,000 Scoville units; (b) blending the solvent and the capsicum for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to three minutes; (c) allowing the blended mixture to set for a period of time within the range of fifteen seconds to two minutes; (d) again blending the mixture at high speed for a period of time within the range of fifteen to three minutes; (e) filtering the mixture to separate solids from liquid; (f) collecting the filtered liquid; (g) mixing the filtered liquid with capsicum and a solvent; and (h) mixing the repellent with an application vehicle comprising a compatible synthetic polymeric substance.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US631738A
Cited
US3269902A
Cited
US3389048A
Cited
US3434995A
Cited
US3941887A
Cited
US3683090A
Cited
US3864468A
Cited
US3857934A
Cited
US4130556A
Cited
US4097607A
Cited
US4169898A
Cited
US4171463A
Cited
US4501736A
Cited
US4455304A
Cited
US4496467A
Cited
US4775532A
Cited
US5002768A
Cited
US4735803A
Cited
US4853413A
Cited
US4795637A
Cited
US4965070A
Cited
US5013551A
Cited
US5229119A
Cited
US5277910A
Cited
US5226380A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-10-06 | 2001-04-07 | 2001-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-10-06 | 2005-04-07 | 2005-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-10-06 | 2009-04-07 | 2009-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |