Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable baby toilet, comprising a toilet bowl which serves also as a cover, a basal part and a handle.

Abstract: A wall-surround, as for a bathtub, defined by multi-interconnected panels, and featuring holding members and/or grab bars secured by threaded means to conventional studding of the framework of the structure behind the wall-surround panels.

Abstract: A portable or stationary apparatus incorporating a reel for storage of the swimming pool vacuum hose and a means for submerging the hose as it is unwound into the pool, assuring thereby the filling of the hose with water coincident with its being dispensed into the pool. The evacuation of air from the hose permits the immediate connection of the hose to the vacuum pump without causing the pump to lose its prime.

Abstract: A toilet for animals includes a user platform on which an animal stands while eliminating body waste which passes through a generally central opening in the user platform. The upper surface of the user platform is inclined downwardly toward the central opening at a shallow angle and a flushing arrangement provides flow of flushing liquid across the upper surface toward the central opening. A splash shield at the front end of the user platform is movable between a generally horizontal storage position and a generally upright operative position. The flushing arrangement provides flow of flushing liquid across the inner surface of the splash shield when the shield is in its storage position. A bowl positioned beneath the user platform receives animal body waste passing through the central opening in the user platform. The flushing arrangement works sequentially by first providing flow of flushing liquid across the upper surface of the user platform and then providing flow of flushing liquid to the bowl.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a frame network to be used in association with a water bed to secure the bed sheets thereon defined by a pair of spaced rectangular frames disposed along the top edge of a water bed in which the top most rectangular frame pivots relative to the bottom most frame at one end of the bed, preferably along the head board. The upper frame is so constructed that the rod closest to the head board is removable and insertable within a sleeve of the bottom portion of a bed sheet, and the side edges thereon similarly have sleeves so that side rods forming a portion of the framework are threaded therethrough. The end or foot portion of the bed sheet is looped over a portion of the frame work parallel to the head board and the sheet is doubled over so as to serve as a top sheet. A pad positioned between the sheet and the mattress is affixed to the lower frame, and a further sheet which extends under the mattress is secure to the bottom edge of the lower frame.

Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus for use on ships and other types of water sustained vessels which is characterized by the fact that it can be actuated by a person who has fallen overboard without the intervention of on-deck personnel. The lifesaving apparatus is mounted on a support secured to the vessel and includes among other components a life buoy; a man-overboard pole and flag; and a trailing line, which is constantly streamed astern of the vessel so that the life buoy and associated components are released from the support on the vessel when the trailing line is grasped by a man overboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for personal hygiene is disclosed having a vertically reciprocating brush which is adapted to rotate about its axis. The rotatable brush projects from a housing which is mounted on a wall such that it is possible to bring the body into the path of the brush during its vertical reciprocatory movement. The vertical reciprocating and rotational movement of the brush are provided by a single power source.

Abstract: A shower massage head having rotating brushes and an outlet for a shower including intake and outlet conduits connected to a rotor. The rotor blades are so arranged that they do not extend to the center of the rotor thereby providing relief against back pressure on the rotor blades that would slow the rotor. The rotor is also eccentrically mounted adjacent to an inlet port so that as the rotor is rotated by the water input the eccentric mounting causes a rapidly increasing cross-sectional path for the exit of water at the periphery of the rotor. A gate valve is provided in the exit section so that all of the water which is operated at the brush or rotor may be exhausted or all of the water may be directed to a shower head or a division may be made between exhaust and shower head to control the shower head flow. Various other attachments may be used including an eccentrically mounted massaging device operated by the rotor from a platform connected to the rotor having an eccentric drive stub shaft.

Abstract: A device for washing dishes and drinking utensils is provided using a faucet attached, water-powered rotating brush. Water jet action provides the motive force and the water can also be used to aid in washing.

Abstract: Lower guide for a sliding partition for bath and shower rooms with sliding doors suspended from above extending down into a guide slot of an elongated lower guide member open at the top and confined by two lateral guide walls and a bottom. Pivotal means are provided for swinging the lateral guide wall outward about a horizontal swivel axis with the height of the swung-out wall from its highest point to the bottom of the guide member smaller than the distance between the bottom of the doors and the bottom of the guide member. The swinging guide wall is supported between lateral frame parts with pivot pins extending into vertical slots in each end of the guide wall to permit raising it and then swinging it out. This permits ready cleaning of accumulated dirt in the slot without disassembly and reassembly of the elongated lower guide member.

Abstract: A shock pivot hinge for the upper corner of a door at its hinge side includes an upper jamb leaf and a door leaf below it having an inner side for engaging the face of the door and also having an end portion provided with a vertical opening. The jamb leaf is provided with an opening directly above the door leaf opening, and a block is mounted in each opening with a pivot pin extending vertically from one of the blocks toward the other block which has a vertical passage therein receiving the pin. The pin is offset in the same direction relative to the centers of both blocks in a vertical plane perpendicular to the inner side of the door leaf, and the blocks are adapted to be turned 180.degree. in the leaf openings to locate the pin a different distance from the inner side of the door leaf.

Abstract: A self-closing door hinge which may be mounted for clockwise or counterclockwise opening of a door. Hinge arms are provided which permit the hinge socket part and hinge axle to be uprightly oriented irrespective of the orientation of the hinge leaves to which they are fixed. The socket part includes an inner socket having a pair of vertically spaced, inclined, orbital rail grooves. The axle has recesses which hold ball bearings which support the socket part and ride in the grooves so that the door automatically closes when the door is released with the ball bearing on the inclined portion of the orbital grooves.

Abstract: Drive apparatus for a spinning can (4) effecting a rotational movement about its own axis (a) for depositing textile fibre slivers on spinning preparatory machines. The axis (a) of the can itself rotates about an axis (b) which is fixed relative to the room and which is parallel to the can axis (a). The can (4) is placed and centered on a can table (5) which is rotatably supported in a plate (7), and which is set into rotation by a rotating means (8) and is provided with a driving element (22). The plate (7) is horizontally supported on at least three points and performs a translatory circular movement activated by two cranks (14,15) moving mutually parallel. The drive element (22) of the table (5) is rotatably connected with at least one crank (14 or 15). The translatory circular movement of the plate (7) about the axis (b) is derived from the rotational movement of the can table (5) about its own axis (a).

Abstract: This invention relates to top arms for textile fibre roller drafting mechanisms, and in particular structure associated with same to permit the exclusive use of low ratio springs to change the pressure on the top rollers between at least two force magnitudes.

Abstract: A metal strap segment is provided for forming a loop about compressible material and has a first joint-forming portion on one end and a second joint-forming portion on the other end, each of the joint-forming portions containing an array of longitudinally spaced joint elements which are adapted to interlock to form a sealless strap connection when the joint-forming portions are overlapped. An abutment is provided at the distal end of the second joint-forming portion and a disengageable anti-reverse engaging means, such as a tab or receiving aperture, is provided on the first joint-forming portion. The engaging tab or aperture is located, with respect to the distal end of the first joint-forming portion, inwardly of and adjacent the array of longitudinally spaced joint elements.

Abstract: A slide fastener stringer includes a warp-knit stringer tape comprising a first set of yarns forming a knit ground structure containing stitch loops in every course and wale of the tape, and a second set of yarns knit in the ground structure and each extending coursewise across at least one wale, the yarns of second set comprising textured yarns. A third set of yarns forms a plurality of chains of loops knit in the ground structure and extending along wales in at least one edge portion of the tape. A fourth set of yarns is laid in the ground structure and extends in and along the wales in the tape edge portion, on which a row of coupling elements is mounted. With the stringer tape thus constructed, the tape edge portion is tight and resistant to walewise stretch and the remainder portion is relatively coarse and roughened.

Abstract: A buckle assembly for seat belt comprises cover means consisting of a first and a second cover member forming a tongue insertion opening and a hollow chamber connected to the opening. The first cover member has a push button operating opening connected to the hollow chamber. A latch means including a plurality of members is disposed within the cover means and capable of taking up two positions, i.e. tongue locking position and non-locking position.

Abstract: A releasable fastener for securing together lap belt straps, shoulder harness straps and a parachute ripcord lanyard. The fastener includes a buckle member or release assembly on one lap belt interengageable with a tongue member or link assembly on the other lap belt. A key on the end of the ripcord lanyard is releasably attached to the link assembly. The shoulder harness straps are engaged with the release assembly before it is coupled with the link assembly. The fastener provides for automatic release of the lap belt and shoulder harness straps to release the user from an aircraft ejection seat after its ejection from the aircraft, while retaining the parachute ripcord in attachment to the ejection seat for initiating automatic deployment of the parachute. Upon manual release of the fastener, the lap belt and shoulder harness straps are released and the ripcord lanyard key is positively ejected from the fastener to ensure its release.

Abstract: A two-piece clip comprises a rigid base member having upward arms embracing a Z-shaped spring member. A fulcrum is provided where the arms meet the outer run of the spring member. Jaws are provided on the adjacent ends of the respective members.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a large area photovoltaic cell into a plurality of photovoltaic cells on a common substrate and preparing the individual cells for an overlying layer of conductive material. A tool bit is urged against the polycrystalline materials forming the heterojunction to remove a preselected pattern and expose a layer of conductive material, tin oxide, on a supporting glass substrate. Tool bit pressure causes fracturing of the crystals to produce defined edges along the tool bit furrow. An electrical arc is produced to vaporize a portion of the exposed tin oxide to electrically isolate the individual photovoltaic cells. Applicator pens coat the edges of the polycrystalline material with preselected insulating films. Finally, a buffer wheel abrades a preselected metal onto the remaining exposed surface of the tin oxide to obtain an improved metallurgical and/or electrical contact between the tin oxide and the subsequent conductor layer.

Abstract: A hydraulic support element for mounting a movable part at a stationary support or carrier, comprising an elongate support ledge having a bearing surface for slidingly supporting the movable part. The support ledge together with the support or a part arranged at the support delimits a hydraulic pressure chamber containing hydraulic medium which is under pressure and by means of which the hydraulic support element is supported at the support. The support ledge is supported at the support by means of at least two hydrostatic support arrangements having substantially cylindrical guide surfaces. These hydrostatic support arrangements being arranged adjacent one another in the lengthwise direction of the support ledge and containing piston-like parts.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly and method for making the assembly. The assembly includes a compartment having at least two sides to define at least one corner. A first plate member which defines the sides and the corner has at least one embossment on each side of the corner with one end of each embossment terminating in spaced relationship to the corner. A second plate member mating with the first plate member and connected by an epoxy adhesive compound defines fluid channel passages for receiving a heat exchange fluid. An embossment in the second plate member which extends about the outside of the corner and overlaps a portion of the ends of the first-mentioned embossments interconnects the first-mentioned embossments.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for rapidly assembling a heat exchanger comprised of perforated fins, a pair of perforated headers and a plurality of reverse bent tubes as the fins are being stamped from sheet stock. The parts are assembled on a pallet fixture which is advanced by a continuously moving conveyor to various work stations. At each work station, the pallet fixture is lifted and then held in a predetermined position overhead the conveyor while an assembly operation operated from one side of the conveyor is performed thereon whereafter the pallet fixture is lowered onto the conveyor.

Abstract: An automated liquid crystal display (LCD) film fabrication process. Automation is facilitated by use of strips, preferably continuous, of plastic film on proposed surface of which corresponding electrode patterns are defined. Liquid crystal material and spacing means are introduced between the plastic strips which are sealed, preferably with the aid of sealing rings screen formed on one of the films, to define individual display units. Each unit has a volume of liquid crystal material enclosed between corresponding pairs of electrode patterns on the two strips.

Abstract: A tank closure assembly adapted to releasably couple tank sections formed by transversely splitting an integral bag-molded fiber-reinforced tank. The assembly includes external circumferential flanges secured to the tank sections adjacent their severed faces and in opposed relation to each other. An O-ring seal, disposed externally of the tank sections and between the flanges, is compressed into sealing engagement with surrounding surfaces, by tightening of a circumferential band encircling the flanges, to seal the tank sections at their plane of separation. A method of machining a tank to simultaneously form the split sections and suitable flange receiving grooves thereon is disclosed, as well as a method of pressure-testing the machined tank sections prior to assembly of the flanges and O-ring seal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a technique for tightening threaded fasteners in which values of offset torque, initial tension rate relative to angle, final tension rate relative to angle and other joint related factors are empirically determined by instrumenting a plurality of fasteners of the type ultimately to be tightened. In one embodiment, torque and angle are monitored during tightening. Calculations are conducted, while tightening, to determine the tension prevailing in the bolt at a particular angle of advance. By using the calculated tension value and the particular angle of advance, an instantaneous position of threading advance on the tension-angle curve of the fastener is established. From this instantaneous position, it is determined how much greater angle of advance or how much torque is required to tighten the fasteners to a final desired tension value. The same technique may also be used merely to monitor tightening which is terminated by a different tightening strategy.

Abstract: Resilient tongues project from a central hub and carry two or more type members. The hub is rotated to a position in which the tongue carrying the desired type member is in a printing position facing a paper supporting platen. The hub is then shifted along the axis of the selected tongue so that the required type member is in a printing position. A drive motor for rotating the hub is connected to the hub by a universal joint to compensate for the shifting of the hub. The universal joint comprises a biased presser member to eliminate lost motion in the rotational direction. A stopper member is provided so that the bending characteristics of the selected tongue are the same no matter which type member is selected. A hammer drives the type member against the paper to print. The resilient tongues are formed of a thermoplastic resin mixed with glass or carbon fibers and the type members may be formed separately from the tongues, fixed thereto and plated with metal.

Abstract: A method is provided for point rotation sawing of crystalline rod material at off-orientation angles wherein the crystalline rod is encapsulated in a molding media forming a cylindrical geometric encapsulation containing the rod with its crystallographic axis at an angle to the cylindrical axis of encapsulation, the angle coinciding with the off-orientation requirement. The encapsulation cylinder is rotated about its axis and contacted by sawing means at one or more points tangent to the cylinder surface and perpendicular to the cylinder's axis of rotation resulting in the sawing of a thin wafer from a cylinder which is inclusive of an off-orientation crystalline material wafer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of cutting a strip of film and a protective paper tape to length, winding them and inserting them into a cassette. The strip of film is wound together with the protective paper tape which is offset in the longitudinal direction and cut to length in distribution wheels and after being fed via a guide duct to a spindle is wound and inserted into a cassette housing which is open on one side. The end of the protective paper tape is welded on a spool held by means of vacuum into the cassette housing before closure of the cassette housing with the cover.

Abstract: Process for making wrought, recrystallized, leadcalcium, battery grid alloy having high temperature tensile strength stability and excellent corrosion resistance involving rapidly, unidirectionally, cold rolling a cast lead alloy strip containing about 0.07% to about 0.11% by weight calcium and up to about 1.5% by weight tin. The rolling of the alloys is done such as to strain harden them before any significant strain aging thereof can occur during rolling and such that the strip recrystallizes at room temperature to a fine grained microstructure within about 30 days after rolling; has both room and high temperature (i.e., 150.degree. F.) tensile strength stability greater than 5000 psi; and has small islands of a structureless phase distributed throughout the microstructure for reducing intergranular corrosion. Alloys containing up to about 0.35% tin may be rolled by a variety of schedules to produce this result. Alloys containing over 0.

Abstract: A method for producing semiconductor bodies having a glass covered defined dge profile from a semiconductor wafer comprising the steps of applying etch resistant protective coating to a surface oxide layer on the semiconductor wafer, cutting groove-shaped recesses in the wafer in a predetermined pattern, etching the wafer through the recesses to produce a deep portion passing through at least one pn-junction, removing the surface oxide layer and etch resistant coating, applying an insulating and stabilizing glass coating to the side faces of the deep portion of the wafer, applying a contact metal coating, dividing the wafer into semiconductor bodies along the center planes of selected deep portions of the wafer and covering the surface of the semiconductor bodies with an insulating lacquer at those portions which have been exposed by the dividing step.

Abstract: Provided in this invention is an automatic production system for printed-wiring boards by delivering and transferring the drilled and contoured copper-clad bases one by one successively by an automatic transfer means such as conveyor and performing the necessary treatments such as pattern printing, drying, etching, etc., automatically during transfer of the bases.

Abstract: Device for securing screw-shell in lamp socket housing. The device comprises a fixed mandrel for holding the terminal tab of the screw-shell which projects through a slot in the housing and a rotatable mandrel on the fixed mandrel for bending the ears adjacent the terminal tab so that the ears engage the socket housing adjacent the slot for retaining the screw-shell in the housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a head that includes a bottom and two upstanding, parallel, spaced ridges or members. The bottom and the upstanding members define a slot or groove adapted to receive an electrical wire. The end of a wire such as an electric resistance heating element can be inserted into the slot. Then, using an orbital riveter to apply a plurality of spaced, angular blows to the ridges, the wire can be staked to the head by riveting the ridges so that material is forced over the wire in the slot.

Abstract: A nail clipper for clipping the nails of an animal such as a dog, cat or the like which allows for the clipping of an individual nail at the desired length to prevent injury or improper length cutting for the animal. The device includes a hand-actuated clipping blade used in conjunction with an adjustable in size nail holder which allows the nail to be clipped to be firmly held at a particular position relative to the nail cutting blade. The nail holder and positioner includes a disc having a plurality of apertures of different diameters which is moveable to position a desired aperture of a particular size adjacent the cutting blade. With the varying diameter apertures, the animal nail may be inserted in each aperture until an aperture is found that permits the nail to penetrate a particular distance based on the diameter size of the nail, which is tapered. The proper aperture is determined which allows only penetration to the point equal to the desired length of the nail portion to be cut.

Abstract: Shaving apparatus including a shaver head portion, a handle portion and a liquid conveying portion, the shaver head portion including a substantially planer face, at least one razor blade disposed adjacent to the face with the sharpened edge thereof extending outwardly therefrom, an orifice in the shaver head face adjacent to the blade, a passage extending through the shaver head portion from the orifice, the handle portion including a conduit extending along the length thereof with one end communicating with the passage through the shaver head portion and the other end of the conduit within the handle portion which is remote from the shaver head portion being connected to one end of the liquid conveying means, the opposite end of the liquid conveying means being adapted for attachment to a source of water under pressure, and the handle portion including valve means for controlling the flow of water from the water source through the liquid conveying means, the conduit of the handle portion, the shaver head pa

Abstract: A reusable, pocket-size container, having a chamber for holding a shaving lather and adapted to be gripped by the hand of the shaver, has an open-ended well in its upper end which is separated from the lather chamber and configured to receive a disposable safety razor comprising a stem and an overhanging shaving head. The stem is withdrawable from stored position within the well to a raised position in which it is automatically held in shaving position. It can also be completely withdrawn from the well to permit the replacement of a fully used razor with another. A device is provided to dispense lather from the chamber and a cap is provided for the top of the container to house the components when the device is not in use.

Abstract: A grade checker is disclosed to include a vertically disposed telescopic surveying rod, having graduations. A line reel is connected to the top end of a reciprocating rod, and a line guide is connected to the bottom of the recirpocating rod. There is a bull's -eye level on the surveying rod/handle to indicate "true" vertical. A line level on the line indicates "true" horizontal. When the end of the line is connected to a grade stake, and the surveying rod is adjusted, the final grade/cut or fill requirements can be determined.

Abstract: An extreme service measuring tape assembly especially adapted for deep sea diving use includes a rugged, easily cleaned and inspected assembly having a split case in which mating peripheral threads and an angled tape slot permit the two halves of the case to be screwed together, the angled tape slot being "L" shaped in one of the case halves with a portion matching a conventional tape slot in the other case half to accommodate the tape in slewed position permitting screwing the case halves together, followed by restored position for use of the tape in measuring; interlocking double spool structure aids guide and positive assembly; compass, magnet, securance, and special polygonal case shape are included in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A leveling pole comprising telescopically slidable inner liners, wherein an outermost liner is provided detachably with a case for receiving a tape-line connected to an innermost liner through the outermost liner and each inner liner except for the innermost liner, the tape-line being bilaterally graduated in selected two kinds of linear measure systems to alternatively indicate one of the graduations corresponding to the movement of each inner liner to and from the outermost liner through an aperture which is formed on the case and covered with a shutter slidable across the aperture. The invention further involves the art wherein a hook is detachably mounted onto the foremost end of the innermost liner thereby making it possible to measure the height of an object exceeding the total length of the pole.

Abstract: A measurement sensing device has a probe element that is displaced by an object to be measured and is acted on by an electric motor when in its displaced position to control the pressure with which it bears on the object. A control circuit for varying the standstill torque of the motor comprises means for compensating for variations in any biasing force applied to the probe element by its mounting, means for compensating for weight effects acting in the direction of measurement, and means for adjusting the predetermined value of the bearing pressure.

Abstract: The present measuring tool facilitates the work of a carpenter, especially panelling work by a direct measuring and reading of the position of cut-outs that are to be made in any type of panel, for example to accommodate utility outlets and other openings. For this purpose a runner or slider is movable along a T-square. A readout window is provided in one face of the runner to directly read the runner position from the scale marking on the T-square. The runner or slider simultaneously has a hole therethrough which forms a template, for example, for standard electrical outlet boxes. Thus, the carpenter may directly work on the panel a hole to be cut into the panel without even memorizing the measurements. A set screw or the like may be used to lock the runner on the leg of the T-square once the runner or slider has been properly positioned on the T-square leg whereby the locked position of the runner acts as a memory for the reading.

Abstract: The internal diameter measuring apparatus comprises a flexible supporting member capable of being inserted into a heat transfer tube in a nuclear steam generator with flexible centering devices disposed on the flexible supporting member at various locations along the flexible supporting member for centering the measuring apparatus within the heat transfer tube. The measuring apparatus also comprises contacting apparatus disposed on the flexible supporting member for contacting the inside surface of the heat transfer tube that is capable of deflecting in response to variations on the inside surface of the heat transfer tube. The contacting apparatus is connected to a transforming mechanism disposed in the flexible supporting member for monitoring the deflection of the contacting apparatus and for transforming the so monitored deflections into readings indicating the internal diameter of the heat transfer tube.

Abstract: A layout tool is movable along a structural beam or girder and includes measuring scales adapted to facilitate accurate location of holes to be formed at selected places on the beam. The tool is adapted for manual use at the construction site.

Abstract: A tool setting gage has a base plate with a socket for receiving the tool to be set. A horizontally movable carriage is mounted on the base plate for movement toward and away from the tool socket normal to the axis of the tool. A vertically movable carriage is mounted on the horizontal carriage for up and down movement parallel to the axis of the tool. A feeler is mounted on the second carriage for contacting the cutting point of the tool responsive to the horizontal and vertical movements of the carriages. A transducer ascertains the position of the feeler and operates a digital readout for indicating the axial and radial dimensions of the cutting point.

Abstract: An illuminated teaching device and board game comprising a square receptacle having opaque side walls and bottom and a top wall formed with a plurality of orifices each of which receives a pushbutton switch for completing an electrical circuit from a battery to a lamp positioned beneath each section of the receptacle defined by vertical partitions arranged in normal relation to each other. Opposed side walls are formed with confronting channels which slidably receive the edges of a panel which performs different functions in providing aids to education. For teaching purposes, this removable panel includes sections of different colors and indicia, such as the names of colors, arithmetical figures or representations of such objects as pets. When used as a game board, each pushbutton switch may be depressed to turn on a light which is kept illuminated until the particular game or step thereof being played is completed.

Abstract: A base member has an electrically conductive layer thereon. An electrical power source and indicator device, such as a lamp, buzzer, etc. are electrically connected to the conductive layer. A metallic clip is provided on the base member, also electrically connected to the power source, and spaced from the conductive layer. A question and answer member is mounted on the base member with the clip in electrical connection with a second conductive layer which is part of the question and answer member. The question and answer member has a control opening in registration with a correct answer indicia whereby finger pressure on the correct answer indicia causes an electrical connection to be made between the second conductive layer of the question and answer member and the conductive layer on the base member to complete the electrical circuit to the indicator device. The question and answer member may be an integral or laminated layered structure.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided radar simulation apparatus comprising an oscilloscope having a display screen, said oscilloscope producing a luminous movable screen spot, scanning means connected to the oscilloscope for causing the spot to be scanned over said screen in a radar transmitter type scanning pattern, a photo-detector mounted in front of the screen for detecting light from said spot only when said spot is near the photo-detector and for producing an electrical signal when said light is detected, and modulation means connected to receive and modulate said electrical signal in simulation of a radar pulse repetition.

Abstract: A simple form of testing device is provided to record an individual's walking ability under the conditions existing at the time of the test. The individual's walking ability may be open to question because of ill health occasioned by a stroke or because of a suspicion that the individual is under the influence of alcohol or a drug.

Abstract: A shoe bottom comprising a flexible foam having at least one surface with open or opened cells, and a film of an elastomeric material covering the open or opened cells of said surface. Advantageously the foam is an initially flexible closed-cell crosslinked polyolefin foam and the film is an elastomeric polyurethane of a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm.