Abstract: An area efficient distributed device for integrated voltage regulators comprising at least one filler cell connected between a pair of PADS on I/O rail of a chip and at least one additional filler cell having small size replica of said device is coupled to said I/O rails for distributing replicas of said device on the periphery of said chip. The device is connected as small size replica on the lower portion of said second filler cell for distributing said device on the periphery of said chip and providing maximal area utilization.

Abstract: An implantable electrode paddle is adapted to receive an electrical signal from a medical device and generate an electrical field to stimulate selected body tissue. The paddle includes a housing including walls that define an interior space and a plurality of windows formed through at least a first one of the walls for transmitting the electrical field to the body tissue, an electrode array including a plurality of electrode groups, each electrode group including at least two electrodes individually secured in a respective window and spaced between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm apart, and a plurality of wires, each of the wires being coupled to a respective electrode and routed within the interior space to receive the electrical signal. A lead assembly and an implantable medical device can include the paddle.

Abstract: A wire wrapping device that includes a turntable assembly that is made up of a turntable and a driver adapted to rotate the turntable. Also, a set of payout carriers are mounted on the turntable, each payout carrier adapted to let out wire to be wrapped. A driver is adapted to turn each payout carrier relative to the turn table, the driver being user adjustable to turn each payout carrier by a selectable amount, per each complete rotation of the turntable.

Abstract: A device for machining and assembling a piston, comprising, a piston upper part; and a piston lower part; an upper work spindle and a lower work spindle, wherein the upper and lower work spindles are arranged coaxially to one another and are at least one of -actuated independently of one another and actuated together, such that one work spindle supports the piston upper part and the other work spindle supports the piston lower part; and a first and second tool carriage, wherein the tool carriages are actuated independently of one another, such that one tool carriage supports a tool for machining the piston upper part and the other tool carriage supports a tool for machining the piston lower part, wherein the device is configured such that both of the piston upper and lower parts are machined independently of one another, aligned with regard to one another, and joined to one another such that the piston parts remain clamped to the tool carriages in the interim.

Abstract: A method of repairing a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower without removing the blade from the tower is provided. The method may begin by positioning the wind turbine blade in a substantially vertical orientation. Next, a blade reinforcement structure is secured to the blade to reduce stress on a portion of the blade. The blade is repaired by removing a damaged portion of the blade, and installing a repair portion to the blade where the damaged portion was removed. The method may conclude by removing the blade reinforcement structure from the blade.

Abstract: A method of repairing a component of a gas turbine engine that includes a metallic substrate, an existing aluminide coating, and a diffusion layer formed in the metallic substrate adjacent to the coating. The method includes removing at least a portion of the existing aluminide coating, removing material forming the diffusion layer, applying a new metallic layer to the metallic substrate, and applying a new aluminide coating over the new metallic layer to form a new diffusion layer in the new metallic layer. The new metallic layer is a substantially homogeneous material that is substantially similar in chemical composition to that of the metallic substrate, and the new metallic layer forms a structural layer having a thickness selected to provide a specified contour to the component.

Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged notch fillet radius of a turbine blade shroud includes a replacement notch fillet radius and a hardface nugget. The damaged notch fillet radius is blended out and a hardface structure positioned proximate the damaged notch fillet radius is removed. A replacement notch fillet radius is formed with weld filler and the hardface nugget is welded to at least a portion of the replacement notch fillet radius.

Abstract: There is disclosed a manufacturing method of a liquid discharge head including a substrate in which a first energy generating element and a second energy generating element that generate energy used for discharging liquid are provided, a discharge port member in which a first discharge port discharging the liquid is provided corresponding to the first energy generating element and a second discharge port discharging the liquid is provided corresponding to the second energy generating element, and a flow path wall member having a portion of the liquid flow path wall that communicates with the first discharge port and the second discharge port, in which a distance between the second energy generating element and the second discharge port is larger than that between the first energy generating element and the first discharge port.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a heat exchanger core matrix has a tube feed means for feeding heat exchanger tubes to a support surface upon which the heat exchanger is assembled and fin feed means for feeding heat exchanger fins to the same support surface. Both the tube feed means and the fin feed means are located above the support surface and, in use, the apparatus is operable to sequentially and vertically feed the tubes and fins to the support surface via a common feed guide. This arrangement enables the manufacture of large format heat exchanger cores.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: A trimmer mechanism suitable for use in a hair trimmer and hair trimmer attachment is described. The trimmer mechanism allows for a linearly reciprocating motion to be used to obtain a close trim or shave. The trimmer mechanism includes two sets of blades that are moveable relative to each other to define a pair of cutting zones. One set of blades provides a coarse trim, while the following set of blades provides a finer trim. Also provides is a blade arrangement and a method of manufacture of a blade arrangement.

Abstract: A shaver that includes a cartridge with one or more razor blades and a source of RF energy operative to apply RF energy to one or more of the blades. The cartridge can be attached to a handle for moving the cartridge along the surface of the skin. The cartridge may include a variety of configurations including one or more electrodes and one or more blades with the RF current conducting through any subset of the electrodes and blades, through the skin, thereby heating the skin to help facilitate the engagement of the blade with the hair on the skin surface.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus has at least one cutting unit (3) having an outer shaving surface (7) for contacting the skin, interrupted by hair entry apertures (8), an internal cutter (5) which is drivable for movement along the hair entry apertures (8) for cutting off hairs projecting through the hair entry apertures (8). A suspension member (6) via which the external cutter is suspended relative to the holder (2) is tiltable relative to the holder (2) about a tilting axis (17) located more closely to a first peripheral portion (18) of the shaving surface (7) than to a second peripheral portion (19) of the shaving surface (7) opposite to said first peripheral portion (18) of said shaving surface (7).

Abstract: A hand tool includes a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly. The first jaw assembly includes a first handle portion, a first jaw portion, a first pivot portion disposed between first handle portion and the first jaw portion, and a first rail disposed on one of the first pivot portion and the first handle portion. The second jaw assembly includes a second handle portion, a second jaw portion, a second pivot portion disposed between the second handle portion and the second jaw portion, and a second rail disposed on one of the second pivot portion and the second handle portion. The second rail is shorter than the first rail. A lock button is slidingly coupled to the first rail and selectively slidingly coupled to the second rail. A resilient member disposed between the lock button and the first rail to inhibit sliding movement of the lock button.

Abstract: A versatile survival knife includes a handle internally provided with a blade receiving slot; and a blade having a pointed tip and a flat tip separately provided at two opposite ends thereof. The blade is removably connected to the handle by selectively inserting the pointed-tipped end or the flat-tipped end into the blade receiving slot to provide a survival knife with a flat-tipped blade or a pointed-tipped blade, respectively. The blade is further lengthwise provided on a body thereof with a straight row of spaced length-adjusting holes. The blade can be connected at different length-adjusting holes to the handle to adjust a length of the blade that is projected from the handle, so as to provide a long-blade or a short-blade survival knife according to different functions to be performed with the survival knife.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified feeding utensil comprising a feeding utensil component and a receptacle component. The receptacle component is either permanently or detachably positioned below the feeding utensil to avoid spills.

Abstract: A fruit or vegetable peeler includes a handle with a blade, in which the peeler is shaped such that a first peeler can nest with or be secured to a second peeler. In some versions, the peeler includes a magnet secured to the peeler such that a first peeler is magnetically attracted to a second peeler having a similar attached magnet.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade assembly secured to the handle, a blade cover mechanically coupled to the handle facilitating manipulability of the blade cover to an extended position over the blade assembly, and a slider that is repositionable along the handle to release the blade cover from the extended position, the slider being pivotally coupled to the blade assembly.

Abstract: A folding knife for applying a cutting action is provided that includes a blade assembly having a guard configured to cover the cutting edge of the blade when the knife is not in use. The guard is maintained in a normally blade covered position by a resilient member. The blade guard has a guard actuator for providing at least one motion for a user to move the blade guard from the normally blade covered position to an un-guarded or cutting position. The folding knife comprises a housing having the blade assembly locked in a closed position and is pivotably associated with the housing. The knife further comprises an actuator for unlocking the blade assembly from the closed position to a locked open position. The actuator further comprises a locking tab and the blade assembly further comprises a locking slot. The locking tab is configured to lock the blade guard in the un-guarded or cutting position. The housing further comprises a resilient member urging the blade assembly in the open position.

Abstract: A power tool for trimming soft materials has a power driver with a drive train engaged with a cylindrical cutter body wherein the power driver rotates the cutter body about its longitudinal axis. A plurality of mutually spaced apart cutter teeth are fixed to an exterior surface of the cutter body. The cutter teeth each have a top surface and a sidewall surface, the sidewall surface extensive between the top surface and an exterior surface of the cutter body. The top surface of each of the cutter teeth is a four-sided convex polygon and the sidewall surface includes four mutually discrete surfaces corresponding to the sides of the polygon, with each of said discrete surfaces extending between the top surface and the cutter body.

Abstract: The invention provides a chain saw attachment for unobstructed cutting of smaller objects with diameters less than three inches and larger objects with diameters greater than three inches. The attachment includes a set of prongs that vertically extend at an acute angle from a cover above the cutting teeth of the chain saw blade to a specified distance below the blade. The prongs stabilize small objects from whipping and dragging when engaged by the cutting teeth and facilitate the cutting of brush with diameter equal to height of the blade. Moreover, the cover does not extend the full length of the blade to allow for fully unobstructed cuts using the uncovered section of the blade. The cover increase safe operation of the chain saw and distributes stress from a particular prong over the entire attachment.

Abstract: A chainsaw (100) has a chainsaw body (101), a cutting chain (103) driven by a motor, and a guide bar mounting stud (111) extending from the chainsaw body (101). The chainsaw (100) also has an adjustably connected guide bar (102) having a track for supporting the cutting chain (103) around a periphery of the guide bar (102) and an adjustment pin (114) extending from a side face thereof. The guide bar mounting stud (111) is configured to extend through an elongated slot (112) in the guide bar (102). The chainsaw (100) also has a cam (116) received on the guide bar mounting stud (111) and having an eccentric groove facing the guide bar (102). The adjustment pin (114) is received in the eccentric groove such that rotation of the cam (116) causes the guide bar (102) to move with respect to the chainsaw body (101), thereby tensioning the cutting chain (103).

Abstract: A circular saw in which cutting speed of a saw blade is smoothly controlled. A speed change mechanism of a circular saw includes first and second rotating shafts disposed parallel to each other, and first and second gear trains having different gear ratios and each having a combination of a drive gear and a driven gear as one unit which are engaged with each other and transmit torque of the first rotating shaft to the second rotating shaft. A torque transmission path via the first gear train is defined as a first power transmission path and a torque transmission path via the second gear train is defined as a second power transmission path, and the transmission path is switched between the first power transmission path and the second power transmission path.

Abstract: The ring-shaped saw blade and an associated saw blade drive are provided as an easy exchangeable tool preset for a hand guided saw. The saw is distinguished by high stability, low weight proper, high flexibility as well as high precision and is suitable for an easily to handle and quick connection with a high speed compact and a hand guided electrical drive unit. The ring-shaped saw blade exhibits circular disposed flank toothing on two sides, wherein the flank toothing runs in a radial direction on two sides. The saw blade with the two cited flank toothings engage into a front side groove of an eccentrically disposed friction wheel, wherein the groove faces of the friction wheel in each case are equipped with the flank toothing which engages into the flank toothings of the saw blade. The saw blade drive comprises a drive wheel on a drive shaft, a drive pinion and a friction wheel on a gear shaft, which is disposed parallel to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A razor including an elongated shaving cartridge that has at least one blade with a blade edge extending along a transversal axis. The razor includes a razor handle with a handle body having a hollow housing with an opening at its front end and a cartridge carrier that carries the shaving cartridge and is slidably mounted on the handle body between shaving and non-shaving positions. The razor handle also includes an actuator rotatably mounted on the handle body for controlling cartridge carrier motions, and a transmission mechanism that converts actuator rotation into a sliding motion of the cartridge carrier. The opening of the handle body is elongated, with a length sufficient to accommodate the shaving cartridge with the blade edge extending along the transversal axis. In both the shaving and non-shaving positions, and while between the shaving and non-shaving positions, the shaving cartridge extends parallel to the transversal axis.

Abstract: A bow sight and eye alignment assembly with phosphorescent fibers. The bow sight includes at least one sight pin mounted to a frame. At least one phosphorescent optical fiber is attached to the sight pin. At least a portion of the phosphorescent optical fiber is exposed to ambient light that is transmitted to a sight point on the sight pin. The eye alignment assembly includes a sight point of a phosphorescent optical fiber positioned a distance behind an alignment indicia on a lens. An adjustment system is provided to reposition the sight point of the eye alignment assembly relative to the alignment indicia on the lens. The eye alignment assembly preferably provides an indication of orientation of the user relative to the bow sight in at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A sighting device for a bow (or other tool) that includes an eye alignment assembly. A frame is attached to the bow using a mounting bracket. The frame includes a leading edge oriented toward a user, a trailing edge oriented down range of the bow, and a tapered inner surface generally surrounding a viewing opening. The tapered inner surface tapering outward from the leading edge toward the trailing edge. A plurality of sight points on sight pins are located in the viewing opening. The sight points are configured to align the bow with a target viewed through the viewing opening. The eye alignment assembly includes the tapered inner surface substantially concealed behind the leading edge when the frame is located at a particular orientation relative to the user's eye.

Abstract: A laser module co-axis adjustment structure includes a laser module that includes an optical module and a laser diode housed inside a hollow casing and a circuit board for controlling the laser diode to emit a laser beam through the optical module, and an eccentric sleeve, which is rotatable relative to the casing through 360-degrees and has an eccentrically disposed inside sloping surface stopped against the periphery of the hollow casing of the laser module for enabling the eccentric sleeve to be rotated relative to the laser module to adjust the mechanical axis of the eccentric sleeve into alignment with the optical axis of the optical module of the laser module. The eccentric sleeve and the hollow casing may be affixed with an adhesive after calibration of the alignment.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring device comprises a housing movably supported on a base and mounting a vertical pillar along which rides a carriage engaged by a horizontally translating arm. A turret at each end of the arm houses a rotating body connected to a probe. The rotation of the base, the vertical movement of the carriage, the horizontal movement of the arm and the rotation of the probes are driven by motors in the housing. The rotation of the motors are transmitted by a cable and pulley assembly to the arm and carriage. The cable controlling the transversal movement of the arm has its opposite ends attached to the opposite extremity of the arm, and is run respectively up and down the portion of the pillar above and below the carriage in order to maintain constant lengths and tension of the cables as the carriage moves up and down the pillar. The rotation of the probes and that of the base are coordinated to keep the probes at a constant angle in relation to the measured surface.

Abstract: An automatic anthropometer for automatically measuring human height is provided. The automatic anthropometer includes a main post configured to stand vertically to a foot board and have a guiding rail formed integrally with an inner surface in a length direction, a sliding post configured to include a guide wheel that rotates along the guiding rail, and ascend and descend along the length direction of the main post under the guide of the guiding rail to measure height of a user, a head-touch bar configured to be coupled to the sliding post, and a lifting-driving device configured to raise and lower the sliding post.

Abstract: An angle-measuring device including a first component group and a second component group, the component groups being disposed in a manner allowing rotation relative to each other by a bearing. The first component group includes a housing having a connecting device, as well as a scanning unit. The second component group includes a shaft to which a code disk is attached, and a flow channel having a directional component parallel to the axis. The angle-measuring device is configured such that a negative pressure is able to be applied to the connecting device, so that a fluid surrounding the angle-measuring device with a pressure flows through the angle-measuring device to remove contaminants by suction. At the applied negative pressure, a first mass flow of the fluid which flows through the flow channel is greater than a second mass flow which flows through the bearing gap.

Abstract: A flat lay-out tape for roofers that eliminates errors and saves time in striking chalk lines for aligning rows of shingles. The flat design allows the tape to lay flush against the roof surface, which facilitates accurate measuring and striking. The lay-out tape prevents errors by providing simple, easy to follow row indicators on the tape. In the preferred embodiment, row indicators for architectural shingles are provided. In operation, a nose hook at the end of a lay-out tape is hooked over the drip edge of a roof and the tape is extended over the apex of the roof. The nose hook has a shape that is complementary to that of the drip edge and the hook resists becoming unattached from the edge even when pulled straight up. The same operation is done with a second lay-out tape, near the opposite side edge of the roof. A chalk line is then stretched across the two tapes, and chalk lines are struck between corresponding indicators of the two lay-out tapes.

Abstract: Device for drying laundry by means of a current of air comprises a drum to accommodate the laundry and a ducting system to direct said current of air. The ducting system has a section arranged downstream of the drum, in which the current of air is directed downwards and in which is arranged a filter to capture lint from the current of air. A scraper is assigned to the filter, in order to scrape off the lint. The receptacle has a handle and two interlinked shell elements which can be separated from each other, and which define a storage volume to accommodate the scraped-off lint. According to the invention, lint thus scraped off can be removed from the device and disposed of, without the user needing to come into direct contact with the lint.

Abstract: A dryer has a drying chamber to receive damp items and a process air duct to feed process air into and extract process air out of the drying chamber. The process air duct has a heat source and a heat sink to heat the process air before the process air enters the drying chamber and to cool the process air after the process air leaves the drying chamber, respectively. A cleaning device has an accumulator for a liquid; a rinsing line connected to the accumulator; a control organ in the rinsing line; a distributor connected to the rinsing line to distribute the liquid conveyed through the rinsing line on a lint filter and to receive the lint caught by the lint filter; and a drain line to drain the liquid with the received lint away from the lint filter and towards the accumulator.

Abstract: A washing-drying/drying machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub for receiving laundry; a cooling water supply unit for supplying cooling water to condense moisture in air discharged from the drum; and a condensing plate mounted between the drum and an inner wall of the tub for receiving the cooling water to condense the moisture in the air.

Abstract: A home laundry drier (1) comprising an outer box casing (2) and, inside the casing, a laundry drying container (3) for housing the laundry to be dried, a hot-air generator (7) for circulating a stream of hot air inside said laundry drying container (3), and a steam generator (20) for feeding steam into said laundry drying container (3); the steam generator (20) comprising a steam-generating boiler (21) designed to receive water and convert it into a stream of low-pressure steam whose pressure is higher than external pressure, a steam injection nozzle (22) structured for projecting jets of low-pressure steam directly inside the laundry drying container (3), and a steam exhaust manifold (23) connecting the outlet of the steam-generating boiler (21) to the steam injection nozzle (22) for feeding the low-pressure steam produced by the steam-generating boiler (21) directly to said steam injection nozzle (22); the steam injection nozzle (22) being located over the steam-generating boiler (21), and said steam exhaus

Abstract: This invention discloses a dryer for insertion into a cavity of a reservoir bladder with a fill inlet, a primary internal cavity and a back pocket cavity portion, the dryer including a framework configured for insertion into a water inlet of an internal cavity of reservoir bladder which includes a primary internal cavity and a back pocket cavity portion, and a first air passageway formed by the framework and configured to receive heated air from an air supply passageway and heater, and to direct the heated air to the primary internal cavity. The invention also discloses the framework forming a second air passageway which is configured to direct heated air to the back pocket cavity portion and such a framework providing a biased tab mounted to the framework configured to provide a biased securing tab for applying outward pressure to the water inlet of the reservoir bladder, for securing the reservoir bladder to the framework.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying grain in a storage bin as well as the method of drying the grain. The apparatus includes an air blower positioned outwardly of the storage bin which has an air inlet end and an air discharge end. The air discharge end of the air blower is in communication with the interior of the storage bin. A heat exchanger is positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the air blower and has an air passageway with an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end of the heat exchanger is spaced from the inlet end of the air blower. An infrared heater is spaced from the inlet end of the heat exchanger so that infrared rays from the infrared heater will be directed into the air passageway of the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger will heat the air being drawn through the heat exchanger by the air blower with the air blower sucking heated air from the air passageway and blowing the same into the storage bin to dry the grain therein.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying grain in a storage bin as well as the method of drying the grain. The apparatus includes an air blower positioned outwardly of the storage bin which has an air inlet end and an air discharge end. The air discharge end of the air blower is in communication with the interior of the storage bin. A heat exchanger is positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the air blower and has an air passageway with an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end of the heat exchanger is spaced from the inlet end of the air blower. An infrared heater is spaced from the inlet end of the heat exchanger so that infrared rays from the infrared heater will be directed into the air passageway of the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger will heat the air being drawn through the heat exchanger by the air blower with the air blower sucking heated air from the air passageway and blowing the same into the storage bin to dry the grain therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A drying process for drying lignite by swashing dust collection and washing, comprising steps of: conveying wet powdered coal into a dryer by a feed belt so as to be dried; introducing hot steam for drying via a rotary joint at an outlet end of the dryer and into a heat exchange tube via a steam chamber; having the wet powdered coal contact and heat exchange with a steam pipe and dried; discharging the dried coal from an discharge port and conveying the dried coal to a subsequent station by a discharging belt; introducing condensed water resulted from steam heat exchange into a condensate pot via a rotating joint and then conveying the condensed water to a next station via a condensate pump; performing a primary dust collecting in a bin at a tail end of the dryer on waste gas produced during the drying process, discharging the waste gas from a top end of the bin and the introducing the waste gas into a swashing dust collector; discharging waste liquid resulted from washing the

Abstract: A system for drying walls includes a panel which has a first portion, a second portion, and a body portion, the body portion joining the first portion and the second portion, the first portion being in contact with a floor and the second portion being in contact with a wall, the panel creating a channel through which air is passed to extract water from the wall. A method of drying lower portions of walls within a water-damaged building includes placing a plurality of panels against the lower portions of walls such that a channel is created along the lower portions of the walls and forcing air along the channel.

Abstract: An overall restoration system useful in removing moisture from structures is provided. The contemplated system includes a power and control device, a series of sensors, and a number of various different drying equipment, all capable of communication with a remote server. The system is highly portable, flexible and cost-efficient to manufacture and operate.

Abstract: A flip-flop or slipper which has a sole that has holes for receiving the knobs on a strap. The holes are heat-treated to reduce the resilience of the sole material at the sides of the holes. This prevents the knobs from squeezing through the holes and thus prevents the strap from disengaging the sole.

Abstract: A shoe sole structure includes a plurality of downwardly extending protrusions arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shoe and extending at least partially between a lateral edge and a medial edge of the shoe sole. The protrusions arranged in the heel region of the sole are angled forwardly and the protrusions arranged in the forefoot region are angled rearwardly.

Abstract: A sheet adapted for juxtaposition adjacent to a region of an animal, such as a human foot, for relieving pressure at a selected sub-region such as a particular part of a foot sole or a foot heel. The sheet possesses an upper surface and a lower surface substantially coplanar with the upper surface. An array of sealed cells are filled with a flowable substance. Selected cells may be punctured such that they collapse in the region to be disposed next to a sore area. The healthy region around the sore area absorbs any pressure, and pressure is relieved from the sore area. Methods of creating the sheet and methods of utilizing the sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rearfoot post comprises a stop segment and an elastic segment operatively coupled along an axis of rotation. The stop segment is fabricated from a firm or rigid material. The elastic segment compresses and expands in response to foot motion. The elastic segment can include an elastomer or a spring. In some embodiments, the stop segment and the elastic segment are operatively coupled by a hinge, and the axis of rotation coincides with the axis of the hinge. Depending on service applications, a plate can be attached to the bottom of the stop segment and to the bottom of the elastic segment. Embodiments of the rearfoot post also include a heel cup. A heel cup with a flat bottom is advantageous for controlling stability of the foot and reducing shock on the heel.

Abstract: An article of infant footwear comprising an upper sock portion attached to a lower sole portion. The lower sole portion comprises a toe region and a heel region. A toe region, comprising a lip portion and a toe-cap, rises up from the front of the lower sole portion to surround and protect the toes of an infant's foot. The heel region comprises a heel member to protect the heel and surrounding tendons of an infant. The lower sole portion has an underside, a protruding layer, and stud protrusions providing traction, protection, and balance for an infant wearing the article of infant footwear.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole having a plurality of cleats thereon at spaced apart locations. The cleats are configured to enhance the performance of the shoe based upon the specific characteristics of movement of the user. The cleats may include differently configured first and second cleats. Each first cleat includes at least one first directional pattern and each second cleat includes at least one second directional pattern. Individual cleats and methods of assembling and designing a shoe are also provided.

Abstract: Item of footwear (100) having an upper arrangement (112) and a sole (114), wherein the upper arrangement (112) has a top material (116) and an air-permeable layer (140) arranged in a base of the upper, the air-permeable layer (140) is arranged above the sole (114), in a sole-side, bottom region of the upper arrangement (112), the air-permeable layer (140) has a three-dimensional structure allowing the through-passage of air in at least the horizontal direction, and a sole-side, bottom peripheral region of the top material (116) of the upper is replaced, over at least part of its peripheral extent, by at least one connecting material (210) which, beginning at least above an underside of the air-permeable layer (140) and running outside the air-permeable layer (140), is arranged on the base of the upper and is air-permeable at least in a sub-region located at least in part at the same level as the air-permeable layer (140), and thus connects the air-permeable layer (140) to the exterior surroundings such that a

Abstract: A water-vapour-permeable and water-permeable sole unit (15) for footwear (11), having at least one sole layer (25) with at least one large aperture (27) extending through the thickness thereof and at least two sheet-like formations arranged one on top of the other, which seal the at least one aperture and of which a first sheet-like formation has a textile water-vapour-permeable barrier layer (39) and a second sheet-like formation has a water-vapour-permeable decorative layer (45), which is arranged under the first sheet-like formation, at least in the region of the at least one aperture, and is visible from the underside of the sole layer (25) in the at least one aperture. A decorative layer (45) according to the invention allows the achievement of aesthetic and visual design possibilities for the appearance of the underside or the sole unit (15) that would either be prevented by the material of the fibrous layer (39) or could only be accomplished with the fibrous layer (39) with some difficulty.