Abstract: A shoe insole formed by a resilient base piece adapted to be disposed primarily at the heel area and having a cupped peripheral wall. A heel piece is disposed within the base piece and constructed for improved shock absorption at the heel. A top cushioning layer is provided overlying the resilient base piece and heel piece. The top cushioning layer extends over the base piece from the heel area thereof and forwardly of the base piece so as to principally underlie the foot ball and toe area.

Abstract: A flow molding process and associated molding apparatus for making plastic parts employing a radio-frequency heating field. In a two-piece mold, a diaphragm is supported thereacross and over a foam plastic compound that is disposed in the bottom half of the mold. A fluid is adapted to be introduced into the mold against the diaphragm. The introduction of this fluid is controlled to initially inject the fluid into the mold to cause deflection of the diaphragm to thus expel substantially all air from the mold and to thereafter extract the fluid from the mold during the heating cycle as the material expands, the extraction causing a vacuum that assists in the plastic foam compound expansion.

Abstract: A three-dimensional flow molding process and associated molding apparatus for making plastic parts or pieces utilizing a radio frequency heating field and means for applying constant pressure, along with an even temperature gradient, to the plastic part. In the process two metallic mold halves are joined clamping therebetween an imprinted diaphragm having the plastic on one side thereof between the diaphragm and one of the mold halves. In one version which may be preferred in constructing planar (two-dimensional) pieces or parts, pressure is applied directly by closing the mold halves and the diaphragm has a constant thickness therealong to provide even heating of the plastic that is being molded. In another version of the invention preferably for molding three-dimensional parts, a liquid conductor, such as mercury, or a sodium or graphite solution extends about the other side of the diaphragm in a space provided in one of the mold halves.

Abstract: An improved-efficiency, pedal-operated drive mechanism for a bicycle employing an elliptical sprocket used in association with a planetary-type gear drive for providing an elliptical path of travel of the bicycle pedals. The gear arrangement is disposed in a circular frame mounted from the conventional bicycle frame having secured therein, in a stationary position, an internally-toothed ring gear. The planetary-type drive also includes a pair of rotatable pinion gears diametrically meshed with the ring gear and supported in a bearing housing within the frame on respective pedal axles which are each secured to a pedal arm. The motion of the pedals is along an elliptical locus as the pinion gears individually but synchronously rotate in the fixed ring gear. The sprocket which is preferably of elliptical shape is secured to the housing and rotates therewith driving the bicycle with an improved efficiency on the order of 25 percent or more in comparison to the conventional circular drive system.

Abstract: A three dimensional puzzle game, having a plurality of components which, when assembled, form a polyhedron of a specific volume. Polyhedrons of different volumes are formed by assembly of a specific quantity and type of puzzle components. There is only one solution of the puzzle for each quantity of puzzle components used to form a particular polyhedron.