Abstract: For use in a sole, insole, or heel portion of a footwear article, a footpad is described, having an upper surface on which are disposed a plurality of resilient lugs. The top surfaces of the lugs define a foot supporting surface wherein mutually parallel, spaced-apart edges of adjacent lugs define a complementary arrangement of top surfaces. The side surfaces of adjacent lugs define therebetween a void which extends lattice-like over the footpad. With gentle compression and release, the side surfaces of adjacent lugs expand into the void, and retreat therefrom, cyclically expelling and ingesting air beneath the foot. With heavy compression, the top surfaces of adjacent lugs are approximated to one another to provide a substantially continuous and substantially uniformly supportive foot-supporting surface. Structures selectively providing for preferred combinations of ventilation, cushioning, and stable and comfortable support for bearing heavy loads are described.

Abstract: A lamp control circuit for use in a flashlight having a power supply and a light bulb. The lamp control circuit includes oscillator means selectively applying power to the light bulb for turning the bulb on and off at one of a plurality of a selectable frequencies, voltage indicator means coupled to the power supply for indicating to a user when the voltage level of the power supply falls below a pre-determined level and dimmer means coupled between the light bulb and the power supply for reducing the amount of electrical current supplied to the light bulb. The control circuit is mounted on a circuit board which is configured to indicate to the circuit the number and voltage of the batteries which are used to power the flashlight. An alternative embodiment may also include a light emitting diode for use when the battery voltage is insufficient to meet the threshold voltage of the bulb.