Abstract: The present invention relates to a control element (3) for installation in a sole (5) of an article of footwear (1). The control element (3) comprises a rearfoot portion (13), a central portion (15) and a forefoot portion (17). The forefoot portion (17) is suitable for supporting medial and/or lateral portions of a wearer's foot. The central portion (15) joins the rearfoot portion (13) and the forefoot portion (17). The rearfoot portion (13) provides an inclined support (19) for controlling pronation. The present invention also relates to an article of footwear (1) incorporating a control element (3) therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of footwear (1) comprising an upper (5). At least one ventilating groove (3a-i) is formed in the upper (5). The at least one ventilating groove (3a-i) is open to an interior of the article of footwear (1) to facilitate ventilation. The ventilating groove (3A-i) is preferably open along its length. The present application also relates to a method of forming at least one ventilating groove (3a-i) in an article (1).

Abstract: An information monitoring and alert system is provided which registers subscribers and verifiers with a central alert system. The alert system provides an interface for the verifiers to submit queries relating to identification information. Information in this query is compared to the stored data submitted by the subscriber during registration and if a match occurs the subscriber is notified that the identification has been used for a certain purpose. The alert system only stores an encrypted value of the identification with only contact information which is preferably anonymous. Any other information is deleted after registration. The subscriber upon being alerted of the use of the identification is instructed to authorize or reject the transaction pertaining to the query.

Abstract: A power amplifier receives an input analog signal and generates a corresponding power amplified output analog signal. The power amplifier includes first and second power supply rails, an amplifier circuit, and a switch circuit. The first and second power supply rails are capable of supplying power having respective first and second predetermined levels, and a single predetermined polarity. The amplifier circuit is connected to receive the input analog signal and adapted to generate the output analog signal. Finally, the switch circuit is adapted to selectively connect one of the first and second power supply rails to the amplifier circuit.

Abstract: An aerodynamically powered release latch mechanism is provided for a fixed disk drive. A disk clamp for clamping a single data storage disk to a spindle hub comprises a centrifugal airflow pumping structure, such as radially and axially extending, generally L-shaped turboblades, for increasing the level of a vane deflecting airflow as the disk rotates. The vane deflecting airflow releases an aerodynamically released actuator latch mechanism.

Abstract: A cover for a portable appliance that includes a body section having a bottom surface disposed adjacent a floor when the appliance is in use, a top surface opposite the bottom section and a side surface between and connecting the top and bottom sections. The cover includes a removable bonnet for substantially covering the top surface and side surface of the body section and being capable of absorbing mechanical energy. The cover further includes a retaining device for removably retaining the removable bonnet to the body section of the appliance. The retaining device is capable of holding the bonnet at a fixed spaced relationship to the bottom of the body section of the appliance to establish a pre-determined spacing between the cover and the floor when the appliance is disposed on the floor.