Abstract: The present invention is drawn generally to footwear, and more specifically, to footwear having reduced noise and impact characteristics. According to the invention noise generated by the impact of the footfall when in contact with hard floors is reduced by an outer sole with certain hardness and a sound reducing insole which comprising a material of high indentation forced deflection (IFD) weight having a minimum thickness of ¼ to a maximum ¾ inch, and an optimal thickness of about ½ inch. Also, the footwear comprises an upper portion attached to the outer sole to provide comfort and foot protection.

Abstract: A foam controlling system uses electromagnetic energy to cut foam on the surface of a solution or liquid in a processing tank into at least two portions prior to the foam propagating and reaching the perimeter of the tank such that currents within the solution or liquid dissipate at least one of the foam portions. A purging fluid is provided to a laser head unit of the foam controlling system to reduce the dew point therein and thereby reduce or substantially eliminate undesirable condensation that could otherwise cause adverse optics contamination. Advantageously, the versatility and simplicity of the foam controlling system as well as its adaptability to various manufacturing formats makes the system an economical full plant solution.

Abstract: The apparatus for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes a light source, a beam splitter, and a screen. The beam splitter directs and the screen receives at least a portion of the light reflected off of the work surface. When the received light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen, then the drilling tool is normal to the work surface. The method for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes positioning the drilling tool proximate the work surface, transmitting light toward the work surface, creating an image of the light that has reflected off of the work surface upon a screen, thereby permitting the orientation of the drilling tool to be adjusted until the image of the reflected light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen that is indicative of proper alignment.

Abstract: Method and device for calibrating a component placement machine (1) which comprises a substrate holder (2) having at least one reference element (4) and a robot (3) having a gripper (5). A calibration component (7) is moved to an expected position of the reference element (4) relative to the robot (3) by means of the gripper (5). The calibration component (7) comprises a first part which (8) can be coupled to the gripper (5) in a removable way, and a second part (9) which is movable relative to said first part (8). The calibration component (7) is aligned relative to the reference element (4) by means of said second part (9), during which alignment said second part (9) moves relative to said first part (8). The actual relative position of the reference element (4) relative to the robot (3) is then determined on the basis of said movement.

Abstract: A releasable latch for a marine instrument is provided for a transom mounted sensor on a marine vessel which enables the sensor to be rotated about a pivot point when an object is struck by the vessel.

Abstract: The apparatus for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes a light source, a beam splitter, and a screen. The beam splitter directs and the screen receives at least a portion of the light reflected off of the work surface. When the received light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen, then the drilling tool is normal to the work surface. The method for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes positioning the drilling tool proximate the work surface, transmitting light toward the work surface, creating an image of the light that has reflected off of the work surface upon a screen, thereby permitting the orientation of the drilling tool to be adjusted until the image of the reflected light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen that is indicative of proper alignment.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for mounting to an interior surface of a hull includes a base for securing the assembly to the interior surface of the hull. A mounting member for mounting to the base is rotatably positionable relative to the base about a rotational axis. A transducer element is secured to the mounting member for generating soundwaves that travel in an acute angular direction relative to the rotational axis. Rotation of the mounting member relative to the base about the rotational axis changes the direction of travel of the soundwaves. A retaining device locks the mounting member in place relative to the base.

Abstract: A composition for testing or treating microbial systems or infections, comprising an effective potentiating amount of a microbial dihydropteridine antagonist, which itself inhibits hydroxymethyldihydropteridine pyrophospokinase and has a sufficiently low toxicity, in combination with an effective amount of a competitor of para-aminobenzoic acid or an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase or both, its method of preparation, and its use in the inhibition of the production of dihydrofolic acid by microorganisms under in vivo or in vitro conditions.