Abstract: A Dust Mitigation System (“DMS”) is disclosed that includes a fabric-material having a front-surface and a back-surface; a plurality of conductive-fibers within the fabric-material; and a plurality of input-nodes approximately adjacent to the back-surface or the front-surface of the fabric-material. The plurality of conductive-fibers are approximately parallel in a first direction along the fabric-material and are approximately adjacent to the front-surface of the fabric-material and the plurality of input-nodes are in signal communication with the plurality of conductive-fibers and configured to receive an alternating-current (“AC”) voltage-signal from an input-signal-source.

Abstract: The athletic shoe having integral ankle support is an item of footwear. The athletic shoe having integral ankle support is adapted for use with a foot. The athletic shoe having integral ankle prevents the ankle of the foot causing the foot to form a cant in the athletic shoe having integral ankle. The athletic shoe having integral ankle support comprises a base footwear, an ankle structure, and a sleeve structure. The ankle structure and the sleeve structure attach to the base footwear. The ankle structure forms the support structure that stabilizes the ankle. The sleeve structure is a tubular textile that forms a protective shell that protects the foot from injury by the ankle support structure.

Abstract: A system, method, and foot cover for preventing slippage. The foot cover includes a stretchable lattice configured to be worn over a foot of a user. The stretchable lattice defines a plurality of openings providing ventilation to the foot of the user. A first end of the stretchable lattice encloses toes of the foot of the user. An opening of the stretchable lattice defines an opening for receiving the foot of the user.

Abstract: An antistatic shoe with a conductive member includes: a sole made of conductive material; a conductive member having a first conductive portion, a resistor and a second conductive portion; and an insole disposed on the sole. The conductive member is sandwiched between the insole and the sole, and the insole has a conductive portion made of conductive material, wherein the resistor is electrically connected to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the conductive portion is electrically connected to the first conductive portion and disposed in an offset manner to the second conductive portion, and the second conductive portion is electrically connected to the sole. Or, an insulating member made of a non-conductive material is provided between the insole and the conductive member to cover the second conductive portion and the resistor.

Abstract: An antistatic shoe includes an outsole having a conducting portion that is made of a conducting material and an insole that has a conducting portion mad of a conducting material. An antistatic unit is sewn to the conducting portion of the insole from below so as to be located between the outsole and the insole. An upper is mounted on the outsole and the insole. Electric connection between the components allows static electricity from a human body to be transmitted to a resistor in the antistatic unit, so that static electricity that would otherwise accumulate in the human body can be stably removed by the resistor and sent to the ground. This eliminates the risk of a transient electrostatic discharge that may disadvantageously damage adjacent electronic devices or generate sparks.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary lightning protection garment fabricated of an electrically conductive textile, or other suitable body shielding material, forms a fast flashover facilitating, electrical shield of at least an upper portion of the body, and includes a region of reduced conductivity adjacent the wearer's heart. The protective garment also includes a grounding member providing a movable connection between the conductive body shield and a local ground plane. Various configurations of the basic garment are contemplated, including a hooded jacket, hooded raincoat, padded vest, rain poncho, and the like. In various embodiments, the grounding member is a strap-like tail attached to the electrical body shield at an upper end, and having a weighted lower end for maintaining a sliding contact with the ground. In other embodiments, the lower end is attached to a wearer's shoe.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge shoe grounding accessory comprises an attachment mechanism (2) and a fastening mechanism, wherein, the attachment mechanism (2) is a U-shape holder attached to the back wall of an opening rim of the shoe, and the fastening mechanism includes at least one smaller loop through (5) which a front portion of the shoe is hitched. An electrostatic discharge shoe assembly comprises a shoe and the electrostatic discharge shoe grounding accessory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering (1) for objects, in particular in public facilities and/or means of transportation, for preventing the transmission of infections, the covering being made of covering material, in particular having a virucidal and/or virostatic and/or bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic and/or fungicidal and/or fungistatic effect, wherein the covering material is intended to be applied externally to surfaces (2) of objects. According to the invention, the covering material is flexible and can be adapted to the outer shape of the object.

Abstract: A modified material for use with a capacitive touch screen is described. The modified material comprises a material impregnated with a composition comprising either a non-metallic and/or a metallic conductive agent with a binder. A variety of materials are contemplated, including, but not limited to leather. Also described is an apparatus and method of providing a conductive glove is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge shoe grounding accessory comprises an attachment mechanism (2) and a fastening mechanism, wherein, the attachment mechanism (2) is a U-shape holder attached to the back wall of an opening rim of the shoe, and the fastening mechanism includes at least one smaller loop through (5) which a front portion of the shoe is hitched. An electrostatic discharge shoe assembly comprises a shoe and the electrostatic discharge shoe grounding accessory.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharging, detachable, overshoe, includes an electrically conductive flexible skeleton with oversized heel and toe regions for placing over footwear, and a conductive element situated to facilitate conducting static electricity between a body of a wearer of the footwear and the overshoe. The overshoe can be worn over a wide variety of street, work, office, and specialty footwear and may support reduction of electro-static discharge buildup on the body of the wearer by safely conducting any electrical charge generated or transferred to the body of the wearer to a grounded surface such as an electrically conductive floor.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharging, detachable, overshoe, includes an electrically conductive flexible skeleton with oversized heel and toe regions for placing over footwear, and a conductive element situated to facilitate conducting static electricity between a body of a wearer of the footwear and the overshoe. The overshoe can be worn over a wide variety of street, work, office, and specialty footwear and may support reduction of electro-static discharge buildup on the body of the wearer by safely conducting any electrical charge generated or transferred to the body of the wearer to a grounded surface such as an electrically conductive floor.

Abstract: A static control garment may be worn by a user. The garment includes first and second conductive portions, a first user interface for electrically coupling the first conductive portion to the user, a second user interface for electrically coupling the second conductive portion to the user, and an insulative portion coupled to, and separating the first and second conductive portions. Preferably, the first and second conductive portions comprise substantially the same amount of conductive material.

Abstract: Protective equipment for safely discharging electrical potential comprises an interface (10, 50, 60) adapted to be in contact with a wearer. A conductive path in the interface contacts the wearer, the conductive path reaching a ground. A first circuit device (30) is provided in the conductive path. The first circuit device (30) has at least one variable resistance so as to oppose a first level of variable resistance to decrease a conductivity in the conductive path as a function of an increase in potential difference between the wearer and the ground, to allow static discharge through the protective equipment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring a user wearing a static electricity garment. The garment comprises a first conductive upper body portion including a first electrical interface, a second conductive upper body portion including a second electrical interface, a first user interface for electrically coupling the first conductive upper body portion to a first upper limb of the user, a second user interface for electrically coupling the second conductive upper body portion to a second upper limb of the user, and an insulative portion for electrically insulating the first conductive upper body portion from the second conductive upper body portion. To monitor the static electricity, the user touches the first electrical interface to a first lead of a monitoring device and touches the second electrical interface to a second lead of the monitoring device.

Abstract: A static electricity monitoring device is disclosed for monitoring a user wearing a static control garment. The garment comprises a first bootie and a second bootie. The monitoring device comprises a first footpad for interfacing with the first bootie of the garment, and a second footpad for interfacing with the second bootie of the garment, wherein the first footpad is electrically insulated from the second footpad.

Abstract: A concealable electric shock device is described. The concealable electric shock device includes a housing that allows a user to affix the device against the user's body to “electrify” the user. The device is formed to accommodate a DC power source (e.g., 12 volt battery) and convert the DC power to a high-voltage AC power. Both a primary on/off switch and a secondary on/off switch (e.g., magnetic reed switch) are included to allow a user to selectively become electrified. Additionally, a user-side electrical contact is attached with the housing to provide AC power directly to a user's body. A flash system (e.g., flash bulb) is also included to allow a user to selectively generate a flash effect. Finally, a messaging system (e.g., vibrator motor) is included to allow a user's assistant to discreetly provide messages to the user, thereby providing the illusion of mentalism.

Abstract: Electrostatic footwear in the form of a cover with a sole and an upper having an opening to receive the foot or shoe of a user. The opening may be provided with elastic or an elastic cuff for retention about the user. The cover may be worn over the foot or the shoe of a user. The cover has an excess electrical charge to attract particulate matter including but not limited to dust, dirt, pollen, and dander. The electrostatic charge causes the particulate matter to be drawn and held thereon as the user moves about. The sole may include anti-skid material over a limited portion thereof to prevent the user from sliding or slipping.

Abstract: There is provided an electrically conductive bracelet including an electrically conductive clasp member that is connectable to an electrical ground. A conductive metal band is connected to the clasp member to define a bracelet inner diameter. The conductive metal band includes a plurality of bar members. Each bar member includes a bar inner surface and a bar outer surface. The plurality of bar inner surfaces collectively define a band inner periphery and the plurality of bar outer surfaces collectively define a band outer periphery. The band inner periphery is positionable on a user to electrically connect the conductive metal band to the user. The band inner periphery is disposed between the band outer periphery and the user when the conductive metal band is disposed on the user. An electrically insulating cover is disposed over the band outer periphery for electrically insulating the band outer periphery.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharging, detachable, overshoe, includes an electrically conductive flexible skeleton with oversized heel and toe regions for placing over footwear, and a conductive element situated to facilitate conducting static electricity between a body of a wearer of the footwear and the overshoe. The overshoe can be worn over a wide variety of street, work, office, and specialty footwear and may support reduction of electro-static discharge buildup on the body of the wearer by safely conducting any electrical charge generated or transferred to the body of the wearer to a grounded surface such as an electrically conductive floor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that can be readily installed in any type of footwear, and that when installed enables a semi-continuous grounding path through the shoe of the wearer to an earthly source to dissipate static electricity. The present invention consists of a collection pad, an electrical path to a resistor, and continues that path to an earthly ground that prevents, or greatly reduces, electro static discharge (ESD) in personnel and their clothing when they are wearing shoes with insulative-soles. Alternatively a single resistor wire is employed to conduct static electricity to ground. This device is intended to increase the comfort level of the wearer of such shoes by eliminating, or greatly reducing the harmful and annoying effects of ESD without having any affect on the cosmetic appearance or the functionality of the shoe.

Abstract: An electrostatic circuit for a sole having an outsole, an insole and a midsole positioned between the insole and outsole. In one embodiment, the electrostatic circuit includes at least one conductor path that is printed on a first side of a first substrate. The conductor path may have a first exposed end attachable to the outsole and a second exposed end attachable to the insole. The electrostatic circuit may also include at least one resistor electrically that is coupled to each conductor path and mounted to the first substrate. In another embodiment, the electrostatic circuit may include first and second conductive pads attached to the first and second ends of each conductor path.

Abstract: An article of workwear comprises a plurality of components (17,18) incorporating electrically conductive fibres (21), and an electrically conductive member (20) bridging the junction between adjacent components. The electrically conductive member comprises a strip or tape (20) incorporating a plurality of electrically conductive filaments or yarns (22), each filament or yarn being incorporated in the strip or tape in such a manner as to have alternate portions of the filament or yarn exposed at opposite faces of the strip or tape. The strip or tape may be secured to each of the adjacent components by stitching (19).

Abstract: An electrostatic circuit for a sole having an outsole, an insole and a midsole positioned between the insole and outsole. In one embodiment, the electrostatic circuit includes at least one conductor path that is printed on a first side of a first substrate. The conductor path may have a first exposed end attachable to the outsole and a second exposed end attachable to the insole. The electrostatic circuit may also include at least one resistor electrically that is coupled to each conductor path and mounted to the first substrate. In another embodiment, the electrostatic circuit may include first and second conductive pads attached to the first and second ends of each conductor path.

Abstract: An article for dissipating accumulated static charges from a substantially insulated surface. The article includes a single layer elongate conductor, having opposing ends, and at least one fastener located to join the opposing ends together to provide a continuous conductive loop in contact with the substantially insulated surface. The fastener further provides electrical connection to a ground cord for removal of accumulated static charge from the substantially insulated surface. A fastener may be either electrically conductive or electrically insulating provided it facilitates contact between the elongate conductor and a conductive portion of a ground cord.

Abstract: An electrostatic circuit for a sole having an outsole, an insole and a midsole positioned between the insole and outsole. In one embodiment, the electrostatic circuit includes at least one conductor path that is printed on a first side of a first substrate. The conductor path may have a first exposed end attachable to the outsole and a second exposed end attachable to the insole. The electrostatic circuit may also include at least one resistor electrically that is coupled to each conductor path and mounted to the first substrate. In another embodiment, the electrostatic circuit may include first and second conductive pads attached to the first and second ends of each conductor path.

Abstract: There is provided an improved heel grounding device for dissipating electrical voltages from a wearer to a ground. This device has first and second anchor plates which are adapted to be retained about the wearer's shoe. An elongate conductive strap is extended between the first and second anchor plates around the shoe's heel portion. Fasteners such as rivets are used to attach the conductive strap to the anchor plates. In this respect, the wearer can always check for proper dissipation of electrical voltages by visually confirming that the attachment between the conductive strap and the anchor plates via the fasteners remains intact.

Abstract: There is provided an improved visually evident heel grounding device for dissipating electrical voltages from a wearer to earth ground. This device comprises first and second anchor plates which are adapted to be retained about the wearer's shoe. An elongate conductive strap is extended between the first and second anchor plates around the shoe's heel portion. Fasteners such as rivets are used to attach the conductive strap to the anchor plates. The wearer can quickly verify proper dissipation of electrical voltages by merely visually observing that the attachment between the conductive strap and the anchor plates via the fasteners remains intact.

Abstract: An electrostatic dissipative footwear comprises a conductive insole and a conductive outsole spaced by a non-conductive mid sole. An electronic device extends through the mid sole for connecting the insole and the outsole in electrically conductive relationship. The electronic device includes a resistor for precisely controlling current flow between the insole and the outsole, and an active electrical device, such as a fuse, for protecting the wearer against electrical shocks.

Abstract: A sole and printed circuit assembly for an article of electrostatic dissipative footwear. The present invention also includes a method of manufacturing a sole for an article of electrostatic dissipative footwear.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for dissipating electrostatic charges while providing protection against undesirable high amperage current, and takes the form of ESD (Electrostatic Dissipating) footwear, which protects against the accumulation of electrostatic charges by dissipating the charges through controlled ohmic path leakage between the user and a ground. The apparatus is primarily constructed of several conductive layers and a set of parallel resistors, whereby the conductive layers are adapted to integrate with existing construction techniques of a multitude of footwear styles, in addition to a wide variety of electrical devices. The parallel resistors provide fail-safe operation and accurate, repeatable resistance for the apparatus. The apparatus can be attached to or embedded within a multitude of footwear styles or other devices to provide electrostatic dissipation between the user or electrical device and a ground.

Abstract: This invention relates to a footwear grounding device to reduce static charge buildup on personnel handling electronic components and products that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. The device incorporates a conductive strap having reusable adhesive elements near one end which permit proper positioning of the strap in the user's shoe and prevent the strap from shifting out of said position during the course of the day.

Abstract: A boot has an upper portion and a sole. The sole has upper and lower surfaces, and provides an electrical path from the upper surface to the lower surface. An insert has an H-shaped portion in electrical communication with the upper surface of the sole and a tail. The tail can be connected to the leg of coveralls. Electric charges can flow between the tail and the boot sole.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrostatically grounding a person working in an electronics factory or other area where static electricity in persons is a problem. There is an electrostatic drain to drain static electricity to ground from a predetermined region of the person's clothing, and an assembly to drain electricity from the person to the predetermined region for making of electrical connection to the drain means and for conduction of static electricity to it. The assembly comprises an electrically conductive tab, and a thin flexible synthetic resin substrate, and a conductive film on the substrate, and a discrete high-resistance resistor mounted on the film and having its terminal portions electrically connected to spaced and mutually electrically isolated regions of the film. An end of the tab is electrically connected to the conductive film, and a package formed of thin electrically-insulating water-resistant flexible sheet material is provided.

Abstract: A static dissipative shoe which is provided utilizes a polymer material embedded therein, so that the handling, shipping and storage of integrated circuits are protected from electrostatic discharge. A conductive plug in communication with the outsole and static interceptor fabricated from a non volatile material having a conductivity of less that about 10.sup.5 ohms and which is located in the toe region of the outsole, provides a conductive path to the static interceptor layer. The footwear includes a toe and heel region, a conductive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the conductive layer arranged proximate the upper surface of the outsole and upper surface of the conductive plugs for providing a continuous path from the outside of the footwear to the static interceptor means.

Abstract: An improved heel grounding device includes a pair of buckles, each having a hook member or clip that attaches to the upper portion of the wearer's shoe. The device further includes a conductive strip extending from the first buckle around the shoe heel through the second buckle, and then into electrical contact with the wearer. The second buckle preferably has a locking flap, such that the length of conductive strap between the buckles may be adjusted and locked into place, prior to tucking the end of the strap inside the wearer's sock. The grounding device of the present invention is readily adaptable to a wide range of shoe styles and sizes, offering improved fitting and wearing over existing heel grounders. Additionally, the conductive strap portion is disposable and easily replaced, thereby reducing the costs associated with effective control of electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A charging member contactable to a member to be charged to electrically charge it includes a charging portion contactable to the member to be charged; a supporting portion for supporting the charging portion, the supporting portion including an elastic layer and a supporting member for supporting the elastic layer; wherein the charging portion is movable toward and away from the supporting portion, and an inside diameter of the charging portion is larger than an outside diameter of the supporting portion.

Abstract: A shoe sole construction comprises a polyurethane outer sole having an electrical resistance of approximately 40 MOhms in a standard wet/dry test and an electrical resistance of approximately 20 MOhms in a standard wet/wet test in a test conducted according to British Standard 2050, and a rubber sole insert having an electrical resistance of approximately 1 MOhm positioned adjacent the outer sole. With this construction, static electricity in the sole insert is capable of discharging from the sole insert along a path of least resistance through the outer sole.

Abstract: An air purifier is provided having a purifier housing and an air way housing mounted therein. A fan having a cylindrical whirlpool leaf construction is mounted within the air way housing and air is directed in a predetermined direction through an air exit opening formed in a wall of the purifier housing. An extended and tapered discharging copper needle is electrically coupled to a high voltage generator contained within the purifier housing and produces negative ions. The discharging needle is pointed in contour and has an apex end located adjacent the air exit opening. The discharging needle extends in the direction of the passage of high pressure air from the purifier housing which allows the discharging needle to vibrate responsive to the high pressure air flow and increases the amount of negative ions mixed with the air passing from the purifier housing.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge foot grounding device made from a unitary piece of essentially planar conductive sheet material so that it includes, integrally connected, first and second leg portions and a connecting portion. The two leg portions form substantially a 90.degree. angle with each other, and the connecting portion projects away from the second leg portion so that it and the leg portion form substantially a 135.degree. angle with each other. Appropriate apertures in the leg portions and slits in the connecting portion provide attachment of the two leg portions into a generally cup-shaped configuration adapted to receive the heel or toe of a wearer's foot, and of the connecting portion to the cup so that, when the cup is placed on a wearer's foot, the connecting portion can be wrapped around the leg and attached to hold the cup in place.

Abstract: A heel grounding device (10) is disclosed which is used in connection with electrically grounded conductive flooring which in one embodiment is secured to the shoe (12) of a human operator. A strap (24) is secured about the leg (11) of the operator with conductive material (29) touching the operator. Grounding lead (25) attaches by a fastener (27) from conductive material (29) to partially conductive material (20) which is secured to the heel (15) of the shoe (12) of the operator. A strap (23) is used to secure the device onto the shoe (12) of the operator. Metal rivets (31, 32, 33) are secured in and protrude from partially conductive erlement so as to maintain electrical contact with the conductive grounded flooring to overcome soil build up on partially conductive material (20) and thereby maintain electrical grounding of the operator.

Abstract: A shoe ground strap which has a static dissipative exposed surface and offers protection against static charges building on the wearer and offers protection against electrical hazards if contacting a source of electrical power. The strap comprises a band comprising a conductive metal ribbon, a static dissipative material and an adhesive layer to aid in holding the strap to the shoe, with at least the surface and the two edges of the band covered by said static dissipative material to expose only the static dissipative material.

Abstract: A static control garment having torso and limb covering portions with first electrically conductive means in the garment positioned at a limb covering portion adapted to attach to a conductive strap, that encircles a limb of the body, second electrically conductive means in the garment positioned at a torso covering portion adapted to attach to electrical grounding means, and third electrically conductive means interconnecting the first and second electrically conductive means.

Abstract: A grounding device for dissipating electrostatic voltages from the body of a wearer comprises: a pair of grounding straps of equal length joined together at right angles at their ends; a pair of fastener straps extending from the grounding strap ends at about 45.degree.; and an elongated tongue of conductive elastomer having a resistivity of about 1.times.10.sup.6 ohm per square, the tongue being connected to one of the grounding strap ends and the fastener at such end; the length of the grounding straps being selected such that with one strap against a shoe counter, the other extends under the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: An aircraft static discharger and mounting structure therefor is disclosed formed of non-metallic conductive material, such as carbon filled nylon, for mounting an aircraft static discharger onto a graphite and/or boron composite aircraft skin. The discharger includes a mounting structure formed as a sub-base having a lower surface provided with downwardly extending conical projections terminating in points which engage the underlying graphite composite surface and form electrical contact therewith, providing for the mounting of the sub-base to the composite surface by conventional non-conductive epoxy. A surface conductive to lightning currents is provided by bonding powdered aluminum to the outer surfaces of the discharger base and the sub-base which, together form a lightning diverter strip formed on the discharger, transfer lightning currents over the surface of the base and sub-base to the underlying aircraft structure.

Abstract: An electrically conductive strap to be secured to a shoe to ground static electricity accumulated on the body of the person wearing the shoe. The strap consists of an electrically conductive backing, a metallic strip that hooks over the upper edge of a shoe to secure one end of the strap, a pressure-sensitive adhesive coated over the backing and an open mesh scrim applied onto the adhesive which, prior to the application of pressure on the strap, has one surface extending above the adhesive to form a tack-free surface to permit ease of handling prior to use and positioning along the sides and across the bottom of the shoe. The strap adheres to the bottom of the shoe upon pressing the shoe against the floor. The scrim prevents the adhesive from adhering to the side of the shoe as no pressure is applied in this area. Additionally, the strap has a series of transverse rows of perforations so that segments of the strap can be removed to permit the strap to fit various sizes of shoes.