Abstract: A sludge removal system for removing contaminants from a fluid storage tank. The sludge removal system includes a contaminant intake for receiving contaminants within the tank and a removal member for transporting the contaminants from the contaminant intake to the outside of the tank. The contaminant intake prevents the layer of contaminants or sludge from reaching a predetermined level within the tank. The contaminant intake is formed to define a plurality of perforations that can receive contaminants from the storage tank. Portions of the contaminant intake are in communication with the removal member via joint members, such as flexible or swivel joints. The joint members permit the portions of the contaminant intake to rotationally move between a first position distal to the bottom of the tank and a second position proximate to the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is described, provided with an inflatable tongue or bladder for a more secure fit to the user's foot. The bladder may include a plurality of chambers with a valve disposed therebetween to selectively inflate the chambers. The inflatable tongue or bladder has a lightweight pump disposed thereon. Inflatable footwear having an inflation bag under the foot is also disclosed. The inflation bag is formed by two sheets of material that are welded together. Interior welds are provided to moderate the thickness of the inflation bag. A foam layer having apertures is positioned adjacent to the inflation bag. The apertures overlie the interior welds and are sized larger than the interior welds. Also described is a slider valve that enables selective inflation of individual bladder chambers.