Abstract: A system of semi-flexible plates arranged and positioned within footwear so as to retain the flexibility associated with the footwear. The system utilizes panels comprised of hybrid carbon composite materials that have been specifically formed and cut to fit various components within the shoe. These semi-flexible panels are configured with apertures to receive placement stitching to retain the panels in a particular location within the construction of the shoe. Various layers of padding are provided to insulate the feet from the panels and from the external surfaces of the shoe. Plates and panels are uniquely positioned in the heel region and on the sides of the shoe or boot. The system provides inter-leaved rib plates extending from either side of the shoe up over the split tongue of the shoe providing flexible protection to both the sides and the top of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and catalyst for selectively producing single-walled carbon nanotubes. The catalyst comprises rhenium and a Group VIII transition metal, for example Co, which is preferably disposed on a support material to form a catalytic substrate. In the method, a carbon-containing gas is exposed to the catalytic substrate at suitable reaction conditions whereby a high percentage of the carbon nanotubes produced by the reaction is single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular work top panel adapted to provide a work surface. The work top panel includes a core assembly comprising a tray having a bottom panel, a spaced apart top panel and a honeycomb structure extending between the top and bottom panels. First and second chambers are formed between the top and bottom panels on opposite sides of the core assembly. One of many different types of edge members as desired may be inserted into each respective chamber of the core assembly to provide a decorative edge treatment. The opposing edge members form a recess above the top panel which is adapted to receive one of a plurality of different types of work surface panels having a desired pattern and finish. The edge members may be formed to a desired contour before or after assembly to the core assembly by wood cutting machinery or the like.

Abstract: A grommet arrangement for application to the upwardly facing working surfacing of an office desk top for acommodating application to and through the desk top of the plug and cabling of electrical and/or electronic equipment to be used at the desk, comprising a sleeve defining a cylindrical side wall in circumambient relation about the sleeve bore that is proportioned to freely receive both the equipment cabling and its plug, with the sleeve further defining a flanged end and a flanged free end, with the sleeve flanged end comprising a planar edging of quadrilateral configuration that is to seat flush against the desk top working surfacing about a hole formed in the desk top to receive the grommet cylindrical side wall, which grommet planar edging defines a recess that lies in a plane which extends crosswise of the grommet bore and receives a grommet closing cover snap fit fashion, with the grommet cover being shaped to define a cross slot and shiftably carrying on the underside of same an adjustable panel tha