Abstract: A heat sink installing device includes a base, a pair of guiding poles, a slidable cover, a pair of latches and a number of auxiliary wings. The pair of guiding poles is perpendicularly mounted on the base and separated from each other. The slidable cover is slidably fitted on the pair of guiding poles and defines a pair of through holes running through two opposite side surfaces of the slidable cover. Each of the latches is mounted on the slidable cover and latched on one of the guiding poles correspondingly. The plurality of auxiliary wings are correspondingly attached on a side surface of the slidable cover around the through hole and inclined towards the center of the through hole by a distal end thereof away from the slidable cover.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus includes a frame, a first feeding mechanism, a second feeding mechanism, and a bonding mechanism. The first feeding mechanism is mounted on the frame and includes a turntable capable of rotating relative to the frame. A plurality of workpiece seats are arranged on the turntable. Each workpiece seat defines a plurality of air holes. The second feeding mechanism is mounted on the frame and includes a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier includes a plurality of holding seats and the second carrier including a plurality of temporary holding seats. The first carrier is capable of rotating to stack on the second carrier. Each of the holding seats defines a plurality of air holes. The bonding mechanism is movably mounted on the frame to correspond to the workpiece seats or the second carrier.

Abstract: An stator manufacturing apparatus including: a stator core having radial slots formed at positions in a circumferential direction so as to open in an inner peripheral surface thereof; and a rectangular cross-section rectangular wire formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and forms a coil winding, and has linear portions that are respectively disposed in the radial slots and formed in parallel to the slots, continuous portions that alternately connect one end of the adjacent ones of the linear portions to each other and alternately connect the other end thereof to each other, and bent portions that are formed by bending one end side of the linear portions radially inward. The rectangular wire is disposed on the stator core in a distributed winding arrangement.

Abstract: A tip linearly moved with a spot welding gun is engaged with a meshing piece and a clamping piece of a holder part, and further linear movement of the tip releases engagement of a ball plunger interposed between a base plate and a movable plate and causes the tip to be held in a sandwiched manner. Linear movement of the tip thereafter accompanied by movement in an up direction or a down direction causes the holder part to rotate the tip while holding the tip and to detach the tip from the spot welding gun. Since a long hole through which a shaft set upright in the base plate is inserted with a sufficient gap is formed in the movable plate, the movable plate and the holder part as a whole make a motion accompanied by rotation when the tip makes the linear movement accompanied by the movement in the up direction or the down direction. Consequently, the holder part can rotate the tip while holding the tip.

Abstract: A crimp tool and crimp arrangement for connecting a clip onto a snowmobile tread. The snowmobile tread and clip once connected together are positioned in cooperating engagement with the suspension of a snowmobile. The crimp tool implements a pneumatic actuator having a shaft with a transverse axle that is in operable engagement with bearing surfaces of the two press levers. The transverse axle causes the two press levers to pivot about pivot posts between a crimped and uncrimped position. When a clip for connection to the tread of the snowmobile is positioned between the crimp ends of the two press levers, the clip can be bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position by the crimp ends, thereby connecting the clip to the tread of the snowmobile.

Abstract: Existing epiretinal implants for the blind are designed to electrically stimulate large groups of surviving retinal neurons using a small number of electrodes with diameters of several hundred ?m. To increase the spatial resolution of artificial sight, electrodes much smaller than those currently in use are desirable. In this study we stimulated and recorded ganglion cells in isolated pieces of rat, guinea pig, and monkey retina. We utilized micro-fabricated hexagonal arrays of 61 platinum disk electrodes with diameters between 6 and 25 ?m, spaced 60 ?m apart. Charge-balanced current pulses evoked one or two spikes at latencies as short as 0.2 ms, and typically only one or a few recorded ganglion cells were stimulated. Application of several synaptic blockers did not abolish the evoked responses, implying direct activation of ganglion cells. Threshold charge densities were typically below 0.1 mC/cm2 for a pulse duration of 100 ?s, corresponding to charge thresholds of less than 100 pC.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted camera (1) comprises a lower case (2) constituting a part of a case, an upper case (3) provided with lenses (3a, 3b) constituting the case integrally with the lower case (2), an imaging element (4) for converting light passing through the lenses (3a, 3b) into an electrical signal, an MID-mounting substrate (6) with the imaging element (4) mounted, substrate mounting bosses (3c, 3d) for mounting the MID-mounting substrate (6) to the upper case (3), and spacers (7a, 7b) interposed between the MID-mounting substrate (6) and the substrate mounting bosses (3c, 3d) for adjusting the clearance between the lenses (3a, 3b) and the light receiving plane of the imaging element (4), structured to fix the lower case (2) to the upper case (3) while the MID-mounting substrate (6) mounted with the imaging element (4) is being fixed to the upper case (3) by the substrate mounting bosses (3c, 3d).

Abstract: An adapter apparatus and methods for using in providing such adapter apparatus include providing a substrate having a plurality of openings defined therethrough. A plurality of conductive elements are mounted within corresponding openings thereof using a curable material.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a printed circuit board incorporating a resistance element capable of adjusting resistance after the resistance element has been formed and assuring a high accurate resistance. A method of producing a printed circuit board incorporating a resistance element using carbon paste includes the steps of: forming through holes 5, 6, 25 and 26 or a bottomed hole in a double-sided copper clad laminate; applying noble metal plating into the through hole or the bottomed hole; filling the through hole or the bottomed hole with carbon paste; subjecting the carbon paste with which the thorough hole or the bottomed hole is filled to noble metal plating, conducting treatment and plating to form a conductive layer; forming an opening 18 in the conductive layer on the end of the through hole filled with the carbon paste; and performing trimming through the opening to adjust the resistance of the resistor formed by the carbon paste.

Abstract: A fixture assembly and inspection method by which the internal diameter and/or concentricity of a segmented annular seal can be readily inspected and optionally measured prior to final installation. The fixture assembly has at least two fixture segments supported on a base, by which an annular fixture housing is defined having an outer rim and a groove with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the annular seal. The fixture assembly further includes a device or apparatus for assessing at least one dimensional characteristic of the annular seal when installed in the groove of the fixture housing and as the assessing device/apparatus travels along the interior circumference of the fixture housing.

Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing a degraded section of a turbine blade, the turbine blade comprising a base material. In one embodiment, and by way of example only, the method includes the step of electro-spark depositing a first material on the turbine blade degraded section to form an intermediate layer thereon, the first material comprising a material that is substantially similar to the base material. Next, a second material is laser welded onto the intermediate layer to form a repaired section. This invention combines the low-heat input of electro-spark deposition with the high welding quality and high deposition rate of laser powder fusion welding.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a blower fan wheel includes manufacturing a fixing disc having an installing ring formed and extended outwardly from the periphery of the fixing disc, arc insert slots formed on a circumferential surface of the installing ring and not intersected with the external periphery of the installing ring, and an insertion portion disposed at a central position of the fixing disc for installing a motor transmission shaft; and then inserting a vane into each insert slot by a close-packing implantation method, such that an end of each vane is passed out of each insert slot, and each vane is divided into a first side and a second side by the installing ring to produce the blower fan wheel of the present invention.

Abstract: A knuckle hub assembly (10) and a method for manufacturing same whereby brake run out is produced includes a knuckle (12), a bearing (28) press fit into the knuckle (12), and a wheel hub (14) coupled to the bearing (28) and rotatable with respect to the knuckle (12). The wheel hub (14) has a flange surface (34) having a relief channel (60) formed therein. A plurality of wheel studs (44) are press fit into bolt opening (42) formed in the relief channel (60). This arrangement provides a flat flange surface (34) for mating with a rotor (42) to minimize brake run out. The knuckle hub assembly (10) is mounted into a floating tool for finish turning of the flange surface (34) to provide minimal run out and maximum flatness.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bearing assembly method for providing a bearing between a shaft and a rotator, comprises: embedding the bearing between the shaft and the rotator, and supplying a first adhesive between an inner ring of the bearing and the shaft and a second adhesive between an outer ring of the bearing and the rotator; partially pressing a plurality of points on an end surface of the inner ring before the first adhesive and the second adhesive are cured; and finishing pressing when the first adhesive and the second adhesive are cured.

Abstract: The invention features a razor for dispensing a fluid during shaving. The razor includes a handle, a razor cartridge, and a fluid dispensing member joined to the cartridge. The handle includes a cavity for housing a fluid and a manually-actuated pump to displace the fluid from the cavity through a supply channel to an opening at the proximal end of the handle. The razor cartridge includes a cartridge connecting structure attached to the housing, at least one blade positioned in the housing, and an aperture that extends from the rear surface to the front surface of the housing. The fluid dispensing member has a dispensing channel with an opening at a supply end and an opening at a dispensing end. The supply end is configured to engage the opening in the supply channel. The dispensing end projects outwardly and extends to or adjacent to the aperture in the housing.

Abstract: The invention features a razor for dispensing a fluid during shaving. The razor includes a razor cartridge that is engageable to a handle. The razor cartridge has a housing, a cartridge connecting structure attached to the housing; at least one blade positioned in the housing; and an aperture that extends from the rear surface to the front surface of the housing. The handle has a cavity for housing a fluid; a manually-actuated pump located along the length of the handle, and a fluid dispensing member having a channel in fluid communication with the pump and having an opening at a terminal end. The fluid dispensing member projects outwardly from the proximal end of the handle such that the terminal end extends to or adjacent to the aperture in the housing. Actuation of the pump displaces fluid from the cavity to or adjacent to the front surface of the housing.

Abstract: An electric razor comprises an apertured foil for (1) contact with skin being shaved, and an undercutter (23) urged against the foil and movable relative to the foil, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the foil, for shearing hairs that protrude through the foil apertures. The foil has a ridge (12) extending along the foil with first and second foil portions (8,9) forming respective flanks of the ridge. The cross-section of the foil is in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis and has an asymmetric arched profile. A first segment (5) of the cross-section taken through the first foil portion (8) has a radius of curvature in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 mm. A second segment (6) of the cross-section taken through the second foil portion (9) is contiguous with the first portion and has a radius of curvature in the range of 5 to 30 mm. The undercutter is in contact with the foil portions at both flanks of the ridge.

Abstract: A corn stripper includes a handle and a tool head, the curved tool head having a curved blade and a brush. In the exemplary version, the tool head includes a blade with a sharpened edge that is generally orthogonal to the handle axis, rather than generally in line with the handle axis. Accordingly, in use the device is moved in a direction orthogonal to the handle rather than generally parallel to the handle.

Abstract: A kitchenware utensil composed of fibreglass reinforced polyphenyl sulfide PPS is provided. In particular, a kitchenware scraper and an improved scraper blade, composed of PPS are described. The invention also provides a stand for storing the scraper in an upright position, and an abrasive apparatus for reshaping or sharpening the scraper.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a unidirectionally-locking blade cover that automatically snaps back over the exposed blade after each cut, and a dependent, index finger operated unlocking trigger.

Abstract: The personal weapon includes a base and blade support pivotally attached to the base, with a plurality of blades extending from the blade support. The assembly is installed across the upper palm and adjacent bases of the fingers of a glove, with backing plates providing additional reinforcement for the assembly. The blades extend selectively as the palm is opened and the fingers extended, with the blades retracting into slots in the base when the fingers are closed over the palm. The device extends only across the second through fourth fingers, leaving the index finger free for e.g., firearm trigger actuation, etc. independent of blade deployment. A thumb-actuated safety is also provided to lock the blades in their retracted positions. The glove may be fingerless or partially fingered, or may include complete, fully enclosed fingers.

Abstract: A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A pair of torsion springs held axially on the blade axis pin and within a pair of bushings are stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of each spring is fixed to a bushing. The opposite leg of the spring rides in a pocket formed in the surface on the blade axially around the opening through which the blade axis pin is inserted. As the blade rotates from the closed position toward the open position, the legs of the springs rotate through and cooperate with structures formed on the bushings to transfer the spring pressure instantly to the blade to drive the blade open.

Abstract: A fully structurally integrated high pressure, hydraulic hand-held tool for cutting dense materials, including the hooves on horses.

Abstract: A wire cutting device includes a base, a fixed blade member mounted on the base, an operation handle including a gripping end adapted to be grasped when operating the wire cutting device and a hinge end pivotally connected to the fixed blade member such that the operation handle is moveable between a first position away from the base and a second position towards the base. The wire cutting device also includes a moving blade mechanism operably controlled by the operation handle. The base can contact with a surface that serves to stably support the wire cutting device, and with the wire cutting device being stably supported by the surface during the operation thereof and thereby making the operation effort-saving.

Abstract: A tree pruner includes a hook set, a blade pivotally mounted on the hook set, a main linkage pivotally connected to the hook set, an auxiliary linkage set pivotally connected to the main linkage and the blade, a first pulley mounted to the main linkage, a second pulley mounted to the hook set and a rope coiling the two pulleys. The auxiliary linkage set has a first linkage and a second linkage pivotally connected to each other for elongating a lever arm from the main linkage.

Abstract: An exhaust port and an intake port are formed across a crankshaft with a flywheel provided at one end when viewed in a direction of an axis of a cylinder at a two-stroke engine. A pair of scavenging ports is then formed between the exhaust port and the intake port. Scavenging path covers are fitted to a cylinder block of the two-stroke engine and constitute part of scavenging paths that connect the scavenging ports and a crank chamber. The scavenging path cover close to the flywheel is positioned between an axis of the crankshaft and an exhaust path connected to the exhaust port or an intake path connected to the intake port.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a sundial. Various embodiments of the sundial disclosed herein may be used to determine the time of day based on the position of the sun. The sundial may utilize a curved reflector to reflect the image of the sun onto a dial-face. The curved reflector may be disposed, at least in part, behind the dial-face. A portion of the curved reflector behind the dial-face may be used to reflect an image of the sun onto a back surface of the dial-face. The reflected image of the sun received on the back of the dial-face may, in some embodiments, be visible on the front surface of the dial-face. The dial-face may have a plurality of time markings positioned thereon. The position of the image of the sun on the dial-face may be compared to the plurality of time markings to determine at least an approximation of the time of day.

Abstract: A system for testing the accuracy of an electronic compass is disclosed. The system includes a circular track, a compass seat, an electromagnetic element, a driver, a power source, a calculator, and a magnetic shielding chamber. The electromagnetic element is disposed on the circular track and powered by the power source to generate a magnetic field. The electronic compass is installed on the compass seat and surrounded by the circular track. As such, the electronic compass can measure the magnetic field of the electromagnetic element and calculate direction relative to the electromagnetic element at different points of the circular track when the electromagnetic element is driven by the driver to move along the circular track. The magnetic shielding chamber is for shielding the electromagnetic element and the electronic compass from interference of external magnetic fields.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to allow the user to decipher the cuts (aka. depths) on a key from the lock without disassembling the lock. The current wafer lock readers on the market rely on a sensitive touch to operate and/or do not give the exact depths to recreate a key. Our wafer lock “reader” will give the exact depth of a cut, coming to a definite stop at the reading position for each cut on the key.

Abstract: A measuring tape device has a hook piece. The hook piece is used for preventing the tape from slipping off from an object of measure. The hook piece consists of a hook body and an anti-slip piece; the hook body consists of a pulling part and a connecting part; the pulling part is a flat surface, the connecting part extends out from one side of the pulling part in the direction that is perpendicular to the pulling part; the anti-slip piece is adhered onto the inside surface of the pulling part; and magnetic pieces are attached to the outside surface of the pulling part. Therefore, during the measuring process, both the anti-slip piece and the magnetic pieces may help keeping the hook plate of the measuring tape attaching to the object of measure and hence the tape does not slip off from the object of measure easily.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing, a clamping unit associated with the housing, a biasing system, and a length indicator. The clamping unit can be inserted through a hole in a structure into an interior of a nut that is positioned relative to a first surface of the structure. The clamping unit can engage the interior of the nut when a portion of the housing is positioned relative to a second surface of the structure. The first structure is substantially parallel to the second surface. The biasing system can bias the portion of the housing positioned relative to the second surface of the structure and the clamping unit towards each other, while the clamping unit is engaged with the interior of the nut. The length indicator can indicate a length of a bolt when the biasing system has biased the portion of the housing and the clamping unit towards each other.

Abstract: An RF timber drying apparatus comprises a pair of capacitor plates within the chamber and spaced from each other across the chamber such that a timber load can be contained into the chamber between the capacitor plates, a resonator circuit, and an RF generating circuit with adjustable power output for adjusting the voltage output from the RF generator to compensate for changes in moisture content as the timber dries.

Abstract: A UV irradiating portion 12 is provided with multiple UV light emitting diodes 21 arranged on a base plate 20 which is in a position corresponding to a semiconductor wafer attached with a protective sheet S through a UV curable adhesive layer 18 as an irradiation receiving body. The light emitting diodes 21 are arranged at intervals of substantially equal spaces along the direction substantially perpendicular to the relative movement direction with a wafer W. And, the light emitting diodes 21 in each row are arranged to have substantially the same peak wavelength, while the peak wavelengths of the light emitting diodes 21 in the adjacent rows are arranged to be not necessarily the same.

Abstract: A multilayer plastic container for storing lyophilized products includes at least three layers consisting of inner and outer layers having a moisture vapor transmission rate of not more than 0.1 gm mil/100 sq. in.-day at 73° F. and 95% rh, and an intermediate layer of hygroscopic resin construction having a moisture content less than 1000 ppm. The hygroscopic intermediate layer preferably comprises at least 30% of the total thickness of the three layers. The inner and outer layers preferably are of cyclic olefin polymer or cyclic olefin copolymer construction, and the hygroscopic intermediate layer preferably is of amorphous nylon construction. The container preferably is empty and sealed within a secondary container, such as a metallized bag, that is impervious to moisture.

Abstract: In a sensor system for a domestic laundry dryer in which a canister-shaped condensate container 5 is mounted in a receiving chamber 15, at least one sensor S2 is used to monitor the insertion of the condensate container 5. Another sensor S1 takes over the detection of a limiting filling level 12 of the condensate in the condensate container 5. When this level is reached, emptying of the condensate container 5 is requested by switching an audible and/or visual attention signal. This container can be removed from the inside of the loading door 6. At least one sensor S2 is a non-contact switch. The sensor system contains a circuit arrangement which can be influenced by the sensor or sensors S for controlling the drying program of the laundry dryer. The sensor or sensors preferably S contain magnetically influencable switches. They form a switching system comprising a magnetically influencable switching contact 1 and a magnet 2.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a high-frequency agitation source includes a signal generator generating a train of low voltage square-wave pulses at a drive frequency, a booster including a boost inductor generating a back EMF and configured to produce a high-voltage pulse train in response to the low-voltage square-wave pulse train and a filter producing a drive signal having a pre-determined harmonic of the drive frequency, the drive signal being used to drive the high-frequency agitation source. The drive circuit is particularly suitable for use with piezoelectric crystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, and more particularly to a shoe including a mid-sole groove formed at a mid-sole, a texon hole formed at a texon, and an impact absorption member inserted between the mid-sole and the texon hole so that the shoe can absorb impact exerted on user's knees and ankles while the user walks or exercises, thereby protecting them.

Abstract: A sole of a shoe for triple time walks and walking reform has a bottom surface which includes a front rolling portion, a middle rolling portion and a rear rolling portion, wherein the front, the middle and the rear rolling portions of the sole are slanted upwards at a predetermined angle of inclination and thereby form a substantially arc shape. The middle rolling portion is made of a rigid material having a rigidity substantially greater than the front and the rear rolling portions and the middle rolling portion protrudes from the bottom surface of the sole beyond the front and the rear rolling portions.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a tread section having a cavity, and a torque relief component disposed in the cavity. A fixed part of the torque relief component is secured in the cavity, and a rotating part of the torque relief component is rotatable relative to the fixed part via a magnetic force.

Abstract: A shoe sole and shoe are provided for offsetting a wearer's side-to-side balance to encourage a wearer's conditioning and toning. The shoe sole includes a midsole width that underlies and supports a wearer's foot, and an upper midsole portion undercut at its peripheral sidewall around the heel to define a horizontal indentation. A lower midsole portion has a corresponding “undercut” in its upper surface that angles downward and outward from the indentation. The depth of the indentation forms a balancing portion between the medially and laterally placed indentations that is narrower than the midsole width, thereby forcing the wearer to adjust one's walking gait to maintain balance over the balancing portion. A structure with a base portion can be disposed along the indentation with upward and or downward extending extensions disposed along the peripheral sidewall. The structure can include leaf springs extending transversely over a central midsole portion.

Abstract: A semimanufactured product including footwear, clothing items and accessories, which has a three-dimensional conformation with at least one inner surface and one outer surface. At least one waterproofing sheath entirely or partially covers the inner surface of the semimanufactured product, adheres to the inner surface by means of at least one glue layer and includes at least one piece of semi-permeable membrane. The at least one piece of semi-permeable membrane is cut with a size of the inner surface of the semimanufactured product and is folded so as to superimpose two edges which are welded to form at least one strip and to give the waterproofing sheath a three-dimensional conformation similar to the semimanufactured product.

Abstract: A footwear construction including an upper, a midsole including a midsole flange, and an outsole shell including an outsole flange. The flanges can project outwardly, away from the upper in the forefoot portion. The flanges can be joined with a direct attach bond and a lock stitch. The flanges can each terminate short of the heel portion. The lock stitch can terminate short of the heel portion, and can be visible above and below the joined flanges. The midsole can include a fully exposed and viewable portion in the heel portion of the footwear. The midsole can include a heel cup integrally formed with the midsole flange. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct attaching a midsole to an upper and an outsole including an outsole flange. The midsole can form with a midsole flange, and the midsole flange and outsole flange can be stitched together with a lock stitch.

Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite shoe includes detachably coupled first and second shoe bodies. The second shoe body, which is a close-toed and close-heeled shoe, is received in and coupled with the first shoe body, which is a close-toed and open-heeled shoe, so that an outer bottom surface of a sole of the second shoe body lies on a surface of an insole of the first shoe body while the second shoe body has a close-toed portion inserted in a close-toed portion of the first shoe body and a close-heeled portion disposed at an open-heeled portion of the first shoe body. The close-heeled portion of the second shoe body is provided with at least one coupling element to be coupled with at least one coupling element at the open-heeled portion of the first shoe body. The composite shoe serves interchangeably as a formal outdoor shoe, a casual outdoor shoe, or an indoor slipper.

Abstract: A method for producing a shoe that can be adapted to the foot of a wearer, is made of hard, thermoplastic synthetic material and is worn for sports, includes heating a prefabricated shoe at least in sections and adapting the shoe by applying pressure from the outside and by shaping the heated area. The shoe is then cooled, a correction strip, which is made of a hard material and is taken from the foot, is introduced in to the prefabricated shoe and the heated shoe is pressed onto the correction strip by applying pressure. A strip correction and a shoe are also provided.

Abstract: Ski boots of different sizes, adapted for being used with skis provided with mounted bindings having front and rear jaws. The ski boots are embodied in at least two types (1, 1?, 1?) which differ from each other by sole length (a, b, c). Each of the ski boot types comprises at least two ski boot (outer shell) sizes having the same sole length. Each ski boot size is suitable for receiving inner boots in at least one inner boot size (foot size), and advantageously inner boots (3a to 3d, 3?a to 3?d, 3?a to 3?d) in at least two boot sizes (2a-2b, 2?a-2?-b, 2?a-2?b). Skis (6, 6?, 6?) may be provided with fixed jaws (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) mounted in such a way that they correspond to the sole lengths (a, b, c) of the different types of boots (1, 1?, 1?).

Abstract: An apparatus to be used with a shoe for kicking a ball includes a connecting member adapted to secure the apparatus to the shoe and a contacting member coupled to the connecting member and adapted to extend away from an instep portion of the shoe when the apparatus is coupled to the shoe. The apparatus is configured such that when a person kicks the ball, the contacting member contacts the ball above the equator when the shoe contacts the ball below the equator.

Abstract: An all season footwear apparatus encompassing a flexible body member comprising an upper body portion and a lower body portion, wherein the flexible lower body portion comprises a boot heel and a boot sole piece. The apparatus also comprises a flexible retainer mechanism disposed outwardly on said flexible body member and designed to coexist with the flexible body member so as to for a cuff and render the flexible retainer mechanism invisible to the naked eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece protective toe cap for safety footwear, forming a concave frame consisting of a front wall with connected side walls, the upper edges of which are joined by a concave surface along the profile of the last. The contour or edge of the flange of the toe cap is provided with a recess in order to house a tab and provide comfort, as well as improving the appearance of the footwear (not shown in these documents). The design withstands impact tests of approximately 101.7 to 146.7 Joules (10.4 to 14.95 kgf?m), leaving clearance of approximately 11 mm to 14 mm in the capped shoe and not only at the tip of the cap.

Abstract: A snowblower attachment includes a protective guard plate and attached skids for keeping an impeller of a snowblower from contacting the ground below the snowblower.