Abstract: A decorative head piece comprising an elongated strip piece of cloth having a fastener at each end so that the two ends of the strip piece of cloth can be joined together to form a closed loop that can be fitted around a person's head, and a generally hemispherical piece of cloth permanently attached to a top edge of the strip piece of cloth such that the hemispherical piece of cloth will overlay the person's head when said closed loop is fitted therearound, the hemispherical piece of cloth has a tail, or tapered end portion adapted to hang downwardly overlaying the fastener when joined together.

Abstract: A shorts-type undergarment with two vertical openings on the front of the shorts. The first opening, 4, is located at the bottom of the crotch and extends upward. This opening, 4, allows for the insertion of a catheter. The second opening, is an access panel, 1, which is opened by pulling back a long vertical strip of Velcro.RTM., 3, attached to a corresponding strip of oppositely mated Velcro.RTM., 2, which horizontally extends partially across one front side. The patient is able to retain a high degree of modesty and dignity, when the catheter is attended to by medical personnel. Since the catheter is secured, in a straight pathway, there is a decreased likelihood the patient will develop secondary medical complications like urinary tract infections, discomfort and irritation associated with a catheter which is not properly secured.

Abstract: A pool cover system for covering a pool. The pool cover system includes an elongate housing having a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. A pool cover is coupled to the shaft. The pool cover wraps around the shaft when the shaft rotates. A sprayer system is positioned in the housing and is designed to spray an outer surface of the cover as the cover is wrapped around the shaft.

Abstract: A new shower and bath mat for helping to prevent slipping on a slippery surface such as a wet bath floor surface. The inventive device includes a generally rectangular mat member having upper and lower surfaces, a pair of short sides, a pair of long sides and a plurality of corners. The upper surface of the mat member has a plurality of generally rounded nodules upwardly extending therefrom. The mat member also has a plurality of generally cylindrical apertures extending through it between its upper and lower surfaces. Located towards each corner of the mat member is a suction cup having a rounded upper portion, a lower rim, and a concavity directed from the upper portion of the suction cup towards the lower rim portion of the suction cup. The upper portion of the suction cup is upwardly extended from the upper surface of the mat member while the lower rim is downwardly extended from the lower surface of the mat member.

Abstract: A shower bath made of stones includes natural lines of joint between edges of the floor and edges of the wall portions of the shower bath, which are spaced from each other to form gaps along the lines of joint. The gaps are filled with grout except for one gap which is a water discharge gap. The shower floor is substantially planar and inclined downwardly in a direction generally toward the water discharge gap. The discharge gap is bounded at two ends by the grout filling the adjacent gaps so that water falling on the floor can exit through the discharge gap to the drain below the floor. A drain guide has an upper channel portion that cooperates with the edge of the floor and the edge of the wall portion that form the water discharge gap. The drain guide has a lower conduit that provides fluid communication between the upper channel portion and a drain pipe disposed below the shower floor.

Abstract: A juvenile crib frame includes first and second frame portions and a lock mechanism including a first member mounted for rotation on the first frame portion about a first axis and a second member mounted for rotation on the second frame portion about a second axis. The lock mechanism further includes a hinge pin arranged to couple the first member to the second member to cause the first member to pivot relative to the second member about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to at least one of the first and second axes.

Abstract: A protective mattress cover for the foot of a mattress which can fit mattresses having varying thicknesses is disclosed. The mattress cover adjustably connects to itself underneath the mattress or to the box spring decking material beneath the mattress. In this way, the mattress cover can firmly wrap mattresses having various thicknesses. The mattress cover protects the mattress from soiling during testing by a consumer. The mattress cover is preferably made of a clear material so that the mattress appearance, product information, labels and logos are not obscured.

Abstract: A cushion having multiple pneumatic cells extending upward from a common impermeable base is directly attached to a flat rigid base which is fixedly attached to each of three subframes of a convalescent recliner. Male and female snap fasteners are suggested. The direct attachment of the cushion to the flat rigid base disposes the bottom of the common impermeable base flush with the top of the flat rigid base. Upper attachment elements are located upon the bottom of the common impermeable base which mate with lower attachment elements located upon the top of the flat rigid base. Both upper and lower attachment elements are located in a single fixed configuration. An absorbent elastic cover fits over the cushion, is readily removable, and has a hem which fits about the periphery of the bottom of the cushion, outside of the fixed configuration of upper fastening elements. An ischemic preventive support cushion which will not shift as a result of inclination is provided.

Abstract: A system supporting a cushion, containing a plurality of covered inflatable air bladders and the controls and means for inflating the bladders. Bladders may be arranged in two or more arrays and controlled so that each array is inflated and deflated at different times than are other arrays. This provides continuously variable pressure points for a cushion which supports a person. A re-programable microprocessor controls the sequence and timing of array inflation which can be selected to suit individual needs. An included rechargeable battery provides power for at least 16 hours operation and enables easy system portability. The system may be used in cushioning for wheelchairs, and for many other seating and support applications, including support for animals. It includes a remote control/alarm panel with an on/off switch and audio/visual alarms warning of power or other system failure.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-purpose tool which comprises a paint brush having a bristle portion, a ferrule removable from the bristle portion, and a handle removable from the ferrule. When a cap at the free end of the handle is pivoted open, a pry blade is provided for removing a paint can lid. When the handle is removed from the ferrule, a reversible screwdriver inserted within a bore in the handle is provided for turning screws. When the ferrule is removed from the bristle portion, a scraper blade attached to the ferrule is provided for scraping a surface in preparation for painting. A belt mounted holster in also provided for permitting the user to carry the tool on his person.

Abstract: The tool magazine has the general shape of a "Swiss knife"; it comprises essentially at least one stocking implement or blade extractable from the body, fixing means being provided on at least one face of said stocking implement or blade in order to receive a plurality of removable tools. Means being provided, on the body or on the tool, respectively, in order to provide a handle for the tool on the body.

Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.

Abstract: A large micro-debris roller having one sided adhesive sheets facing outward and wound up on a rotatable core. The core is supported by a symmetrical handle. Each adhesive sheet is provided with a non-adhesive tab which cooperates with perforations in the adhesive sheets to make possible the simple disposal of the adhesive sheets.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a pig for cleaning thin wall tubes in a heat exchanger which are subjected to internal deposits which become very hard with heating during use. The pig comprises an elongate central mandrel between front and back end pieces and supports a structurally defined carefully positioned disk. The disk in turn has a plurality of radially directed tapped holes evenly spaced therearound and the holes enable threading of a set of headed bolts in them. The length of the bolts is precisely controlled so that the outer exposed tip of the bolt head contacts the tube to scratch the interior to break the hard deposits without denting the surrounding tube.

Abstract: A system for cleaning building ductwork utilizing the equipment generally used to clean carpets. The system utilizes the vacuum unit and liquid waste tank from a carpet cleaning system. A flexible hose runs between the waste tank and the building ductwork. A water injection system is connected to the hose and is used to spray a stream of water into the air flowing through the flexible ductwork which will entrap any particles contained therein. The "dirty" water flowing out of the hose will flow to the waste tank for collection and disposal.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a vacuum pump with a housing including a lobed chamber having an epitrochoidal planform satisfying the equationx=(a+b).multidot.cos (t)-c.multidot.cos ((a/b+1).multidot.t),andy=(a+b).multidot.sin (t)-c.multidot.sin ((a/b+1).multidot.t),where 0.ltoreq.t.ltoreq.2.pi., a/b=2 (thus defining the number of lobes in the chamber) and b/c=2. The chamber has outlet ports and inlet ports in each lobe of the chamber, and a central stator gear with 2n teeth. A triangular rotor with curved sides is disposed for eccentric rotation in the chamber such that an inlet port and outlet port in each lobe of the chamber are always in direct fluid communication during a portion of the rotor travel, which prevents excessive pressure build-up at the chamber inlet ports, and a central rotor gear with 3n teeth meshed with the stator gear.

Abstract: The non-preformed clamping device of the present invention includes a buckle having an inclined shroud and a raised rear portion and a band having a pair of retention members for holding the buckle in position on the band. The buckle and band can further include matching markers to permit the user to properly orient the buckle on the band.

Abstract: A device for attaching the end of a strap-like member (14), notably a bracelet, to an object, notably a watch, comprising a housing (1,16,31) provided with two latch pins (3,18,33) adapted to be received in facing recesses of the object. At least one of these pins is able to occupy two positions, a first position in which it protrudes from said housing to come to engage in one of the recesses of the object, and a second position in which it is retracted. A rotatable or push-piece type movable control member (10,20,35) solid with a cam (10b,20a,35b) engaging with the inner end (39,18b,34) of one of the pins (3,18,33) and applied against this cam (10b,20b,35b) by biasing means (14,19,32), can be actuated to bring this pin (3,18,33) into the retracted position against the pressure exerted by the biasing means (4,19,32).

Abstract: A reinforced bungee cord tie down for securing cargo without becoming over-stretched. The reinforced bungee cord tie down includes an elongate elastic member with each of the ends of the elastic member having a hook coupled thereto. The ends of an elongate inelastic flexible member are coupled to the ends of the elastic member such that the flexible member extends between the ends of the elastic member. The length of the flexible member is greater than the length of the elastic member when in a relaxed state and less than the length of the elastic member when in a fully stretched state.

Abstract: A slide zipper assembly comprising an interlocked zipper and a slider is provided. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile. The profiles have arms ending in hooks that are engaged when the zipper is in a closed position. The slider is disposed for movement along the zipper. The slider has an opening end and a closing end. At the opening end the slider has a separator that extends downwardly to engage a profile arm to bend the same so that its hook disengages from the hook of the opposite profile.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle for use with a tongue 16, associated with a seat belt, includes a frame 10, in which is mounted an ejector 20, operable by an ejector spring 22. Insertion of the tongue pushes a retainer 30 down a track 26, against the action of a retainer spring 32. The track is inclined at an angle .alpha. to the path 15 of the tongue and extends outwardly away from the path in the direction of insertion of the tongue. When the tongue has been inserted an adequate amount, the retainer 30, e.g. a ball returns up the ramp under the influence of the spring 32 and engages in an aperture 18 in the tongue to retain the tongue in the locked condition. Operation of a release mechanism 42 disengages the retainer from the aperture thereby to release the tongue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically unravelling a fringe area in a fabric is provided. The apparatus uses a reciprocating, hooked needle and a reciprocating blade to pull weft threads from the plane of a fabric and cut them off. The needle and hook are advanced in the direction of the warp threads, unravelling the weft threads until a fringe area of a certain width has been formed. The apparatus is then displaced along the edge of the fabric and the unravelling cycle is repeated. The apparatus continues to be moved along the edge of the fabric until the fringe area extends the length of the edge.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing lead plates for a lead/acid battery includes the step of providing lead electrode grates and filling an active paste into the lead electrode grates to form filled lead plates. Subsequently the lateral surfaces of the filled lead plates are subjected to a continuous processing sequence of less than 6 hours under preselected processing parameters for time, temperature, humidity, and air movement. The processing sequence includes a curing step in which moisture is added to reach a first humidity value, a predrying step for reducing the amount of free lead in the active paste at a second humidity value that is lower than the first humidity value, and a final drying step.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator is manufactured by providing a first mother substrate in which first strip electrodes are formed such that they extend in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to a first direction, wherein a direction of a line extending between an excitation electrode and a lead electrode is a first direction. A second mother substrate is produced by cutting the first mother substrate at a cutting position such that the length of the first strip electrodes as measured in the first direction achieves an accurate and ideal electrode overlapping length for a target resonance frequency. The second strip electrodes are formed on the resultant second mother substrate using a mask and then the second mother substrate is cut thereafter.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer includes a conductive diaphragm positioned between pneumatically separated chambers. The diaphragm is fixed and sealingly coupled at its periphery to the peripheral rim of a concave body member. The diaphragm is supported in tension by the peripheral rim of the body member. An electrode assembly, supported by the body member establishes a substantially planar conductive surface opposite to and spaced apart by a nominal gap from the conductive diaphragm. The body member includes a yieldable portion that is adapted to radially expand its peripheral rim in response to forces applied to the body member. When the forces are applied, the body member becomes strained beyond its elastic limit and takes a permanent set whereby the peripheral rim is expanded and the diaphragm becomes tensioned. The tension in the diaphragm can be determined as a function of the geometry of the body member and deformation resulting from the forces applied.

Abstract: A swage fastening tool is disclosed, the tool including damper valve concentrically positioned about a piston which displaces the fastener being swaged. The damper valve moves with the piston when the trigger structure of the tool is actuated to supply pressurized fluid to the piston, the damper valve being positioned relative to the piston and the flow path of the fluid to meter flow both to the piston during swaging and from the piston after swaging has been completed. The trigger is provided with a camming feature to create a component of a trigger movement to actuate a flow control valve in a simplified manner and a self-restoring resilient arm portion to return the trigger structure to its initial position.

Abstract: Two riveting-set assemblies (14) are each mounted on a carrier device (4, 5) which may be an effector mounted on a robot arm (A, B), on each side of the workpieces (2, 3) to be joined by riveting. Each carrier device is provided with driving means which comprise an electric motor (21), preferably a brushless motor, which drives the riveting-set assembly translationally, for example via ball screws (18, 19). Control means (25) are designed to actuate the two motors (21) in such a manner that the riveting sets (14) encounter the rivet (1) with a time delay and/or a kinetic energy difference which are chosen in order to form the rivet in the desired manner, avoiding, at the workpieces to be joined, undesirable movements or stresses.

Abstract: A thermal triggering system includes bimetal strips a switching element for triggering a switching operation, and a differential lever which is fastened to the slide and which shortens its distance from the switching element as a result of the movement of said slide in the pushing direction, the mounting of the differential lever on the slide is improved in terms of adaption to the distance. For this purpose, the differential lever is fastened via a bearing point which is designed as a center of rotation and via which the distance can be set at a predetermined distance value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for minimizing undesirable gaps in riveted assemblies. The method includes the steps of selecting a rivet having a head and a tail with identical forming characteristics, positioning the selected rivet in an assembly that is countersunk on one of two sides, and applying a force over time to the head of the rivet and a force over time to the tail of the rivet that are equal and opposite, compensating for force unbalancing characteristics of the countersink.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a hybrid printed circuit board on a dielectric substrate is disclosed. The method comprises the step of masking a first pattern on a first side of the dielectric substrate, and masking a second side of the dielectric layer. Subsequently, the first side of the dielectric layer is etched to form a first conductive pattern. Thereafter, a second pattern is masked on the second side of the dielectric substrate, while masking the first side of the dielectric layer. With the second pattern masked on the second side of the dielectric layer and the and the first side masked, an etching step if performed on the second side of the dielectric layer to form a second conductive pattern.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge mount in which a first hinge member is fixed to a seat proper or frame and a second hinge member fixed to the seat back comprises a control arrangement acting on a bearing plate with upper teeth for locking engagement with internal teeth of the second hinge member. The bearing plate is guided by spaced guide walls of the first hinge member and pushed by an elevated portion of a cam pivotable about an axle together with a lever which is pivotable about the axle. Pivoting the lever to an unlocking or released position causes the cam to disengage from the internal teeth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a double-synchronizer ring and its manufacturing method. More particularly, this invention relates further to a novel type of the double-structure synchronizer ring and its manufacturing method using raw material powder which is press molded and sintered for the embodiment of the synchronizer ring thereof. The synchronizer ring according to this invention is constructed in such a manner to separate an inter-diameter indentation portion comprising copper powder sintering agent and an external ring body portion comprising sintering metal and then, to indent the inter-diameter indentation portion into an inter-diameter of the external ring body portion, so as to embody an integrated form of the synchronizer ring. Thus, the synchronizer ring according to this invention has a better friction force and cost-saving benefits than the conventional one.

Abstract: A composite gear includes one or more metal stamped plates, and two thermoplastic layers disposed on opposite sides of the plates. Apertures are provided in the stamped metal plates so that the molten thermoplastic material may flow through the apertures and anchor the two thermoplastic layers to each other as well as to the metal plates. The composite gear has composite gear teeth which consist of one or more metal gear teeth portions sandwiched between two thermoplastic gear teeth portions. The thermoplastic gear teeth portions extend outwardly from the metal gear teeth portions so that the thermoplastic teeth portions absorb loads under normal operating conditions. Under abnormal conditions such as when an abrupt stop occurs, the thermoplastic portions of the gear teeth are compressed and the higher torque forces resulting from the abnormal condition are absorbed by the metal gear teeth portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of performing high density over the edge circuitization on circuit cards. In particular, the invention allows for circuits having width and spacing requirements of one millimeter or less to be placed over the edge of a substrate.

Abstract: A portable cutter for cutting materials such as conduit tubing made of metal or other semi-rigid material including a motor, a power source for the motor, a saw blade, gripping mechanism for gripping an object to be cut, mechanism for automatically connecting the power source to the motor for a cutting operation, and mechanism for automatically activating the gripping mechanism.

Abstract: A power cutter is disclosed which is capable of selectively changing the discharge direction of dust discharged from a dust discharge port of a dust suction-discharge fan and, hence, which is capable of optimally adjusting the dust discharge direction according to the operational condition or operational position of the power cutter. An elbow-shaped auxiliary discharge pipe is coupled to the dust discharge port of the dust suction-discharge fan in such a manner that it can be turned and kept at any turned position. In addition, a belt tensioning clutch is provided to permit selective connection and disconnection of the belt drive transmission between the power source and the dust section-discharge fan. This permits fan operation to be interrupted when not needed.

Abstract: A hand held battery powered vegetation trimmer includes a battery pack that powers an electric motor to generate a rotary output and a cutting line adapted to be rotatably driven by a line support structure. By introducing a reduction gear stage between the motor output and the line support structure, the speed at which the line is rotated is reduced which substantially reduces the power consumption of the trimmer without reducing the cutting performance of the line.

Abstract: A power rotary hand saw (10) with a blade guard 36 mounted for powered movement between a guarding position (FIG. 1) and a nonguarding position (FIG. 2) is moved to the guarding position (FIG. 1) by a separate dedicated electrical motor (46) rotating a drive gear (42) linked with an elongate set of gear teeth (40) and returned when electrical power to the guard drive motor (46) is reversed by a guard control switch (49) separate and apart from a blade drive motor control trigger switch (34). Alternatively, power to the guard drive motor (46) is removed and a coil bias spring (52) return the guard (36) to the guarding position (FIG. 1). The guard driving mechanism (42, 44, 46) is mounted for movement between a drive position (FIG. 1) in which the drive mechanism is linked to the set of gear teeth (40) and a nondrive position in which the drive gear (42) is spaced from linkage with the set of gear teeth (40) and is disabled from responding to actuation of the guard drive power control switch (49).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and tool for determining on a vehicle (V), especially an aircraft, the harmonization error of an on board equipment item (1) with respect to a vehicle reference frame (Rv). According to the invention, the tool comprises an element (4) representing the vehicle reference frame (Rv), an element (5) arranged at the site of the equipment item and representing said equipment item (1), a theodolite (6) taking measurements on said elements (4, 5), directly or through a prism system (7), an inclination meter (8) measuring the pitching on the second element (5) and a calculator (9) determining the harmonization error from said measurements.

Abstract: At a machine for the establishing of a design--track position with a machine frame which runs on chassis and with a working unit coupled thereto, a measuring unit is in accordance with the invention directly placed on the machine frame for the working unit, resp. The measuring unit is, thereby, connected to a control device which controls the working unit in accordance with at least one parameter height position, lateral position and transverse inclination via a adjusting drive. The measuring unit includes an absolute measuring system for a registering of geodetically surveyed fixed points.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to a coordinate measuring apparatus for measuring an object to be measured by bringing it into contact with the object to be measured, comprising an arm movable in X, Y and Z axial directions orthogonally crossing each other and a ball probe attached to the extremity of the arm to output a touch signal when it comes into contact with the object to be measured, wherein the ball probe comprises a shaft supported with the arm and a ball attached to the extremity of this shaft to be brought into contact with the object to be measured, wherein a mark is defined on the surface of the ball for identifying a crossing line between a plane passing the center of the ball and orthogonally crossing the central axis of the shaft and the surface of the ball.

Abstract: A processor for processing integrated circuit wafers, semiconductor substrates, data disks and similar units requiring very low contamination levels. The processor has an interface section which receives wafers in standard wafer carriers. The interface section transfers the wafers from carriers onto novel trays for improved processing. The interface unit can hold multiple groups of multiple trays. A conveyor having an automated arm assembly moves wafers supported on a tray. The conveyor moves the trays from the interface along a track to several processing stations. The processing stations are accessed from an enclosed area adjoining the interface section.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying a pulp web includes a plurality of jet boxes, arranged vertically in piles parallel with each other, and provided with openings through which heated air, introduced into the jet boxes, can stream out. The pulp web is conducted in an essentially vertical direction between the piles of adjacent jet boxes and around upper and lower turning rolls for bringing the pulp web upwards and downwards through the apparatus; heating air streaming out of holes in the jet boxes towards the progressing pulp web; irradiating essentially all that portion of the pulp web which momentarily is between the upper and the lower turning rolls, on both sides with the heated air.

Abstract: A green wood treating process for treating wood in a green stage prior to curing for preventing or minimizing staining of the wood. The process includes the heating of green wood in a heating enclosure (30, 40) within a maximum time period after felling or cutting of the tree forming the wood while maintaining the moisture content in the wood after the tree is felled without any appreciable loss of moisture. After the logs are cut into lumber, the lumber is placed in bundles in the heating enclosure for heating preferably by steam within a predetermined time period. The wood is heated in the enclosure to a temperature over 120 F. for a predetermined time period generally over about two hours and sufficient to provide a generally uniform heating of the lumber. After heating of the wood to a predetermined temperature, a cooling fluid having a temperature substantially less than the temperature of the heating enclosure is applied to the heated wood for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A shuttle valve for a gas drying system that cleans and dries a stream of unpurified pressurized gas received from a source thereof and supplied to a pneumatic system that uses such a purified pressurized air. The valve includes a housing that connects a drying assembly to a structure that conveys the unpurified pressurized air to the drying assembly. The housing contains a choke disc provided with an orifice and a movable piston located in axial alignment with the choke disc. When the unpurified pressurized air is directed into the drying assembly for drying, the piston moves away from the choke disc to permit dry air to freely flow from the drying assembly and through the valve to the system utilizing purified pressurized air.

Abstract: A seashore sandal includes a body which has drain holes and grooves in a recessed top chamber thereof and two recessed bottom chambers, an insole made of plastic wires and fastened to the recessed top chamber at the top side of the body, and two bottom blocks made of plastic wires and respectively fastened to the recessed bottom chambers at the bottom side of the body. Sands are carried away from the top side of the body through the grooves and the drain holes to the bottom side of the body when water is applied to the top side of the body.

Abstract: A foot cover insert (1) adapted to be slid over a wearer's foot (2) and to cover the instep and sides of the foot for keeping feet inside straps (3) of sandal shoes (4). The foot cover insert having an upper (5) consisting of a clear, smooth, firm, pliable, vinyl material; and a flat sole (6) consisting of a thin cork material or a fabric material that has a heavy grain. The upper (5) and sole (6) joined together at their edges to form a tubular shaped member with an enlarged first opening (7) to permit the insert to be slid over the foot of the wearer, and an enlarged second opening (8) at the front of the tubular member. The insert (1) adapted to cover only the portion of the foot between the toes and the instep, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, wherein the foot cover insert (10 can be removed and placed in any type of sandal and give a smooth and perfect look to the foot hiding imperfections of the foot and keep the foot within the boundaries of the sandal.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inflatable lining for selected inner surfaces of footwear, such as a shoe, boot or sandal. The inflatable lining is formed of first and second plastic sheets having the shape and size of the selected inner surfaces, e.g., a sole, or any portion of the upper surfaces of the footwear. The sheets are bonded together in a continuous seam about their peripheral edges thereby forming a sealed interior chamber. A plurality of discontinuous seams are formed between the first and second sheets to create within the sealed interior chamber a plurality of interconnecting tubular passageways, and at least one continuous seam can also be provided that subdivides the interior chamber into two or more subdivided interior chambers. The inflatable liner is provided with an air pump that preferably is a flexible bulb with an inlet valve which discharges into a flexible tube which extends to a pressure control valve and then to the interior chamber of the inflatable inner sole.

Abstract: A footwear last usable in the mass production of footwear comprises a solid body having a top, bottom, toe and heel portion with a smooth contoured sole surface connecting the toe and heel portion including an inner longitudinal arch formed on the sole surface and on an inner side of the last, an outer longitudinal arch formed on the sole surface on an outer side of the last. A first transverse arch formed proximate the toe portion. A second transverse arch formed forward of the heel portion. The smooth upper surface transitions to the smooth sole surface in a continuous curve free from a sharply angled last bottom featherline and the contoured sole surface defines three separate and distinct contact areas. The sole surface projects cross-sections of varying percentages with respect to the total cross-sectional area onto a base plane at different heights above the base plane in accordance with the unique contours of the sole surface.

Abstract: A bucket wheel excavator has a scraper blade mounted on the bogie and whose height is independent of the raising and lowering of the bucket wheel to maintain a level track for the crawler bogie. The scraper blade can be tilted about a horizontal axis by at least one hydraulic cylinder.