Abstract: I have invented a device for removing a fuel injector from the engine block of an internal combustion engine that comprises a support member having a cylindrical channel passing through said support member, a threaded rod that includes a first lug nut fitted onto one end of said rod in a manner that supports said first lug nut and allows the rod to turn without turning said first lug nut, said threaded rod inserted through said channel in said support member, a second lug nut screwed over and onto the other end of said rod in a manner that prevents removal of said rod from said support member, and said first lug nut provided with internal threads capable of mating with the threads provided on a fuel injector.

Abstract: A method for mounting a production rotor (20) to a hub (22) of a wheel assembly (10) for a vehicle. The rotor (20) comprises a disc (32) having braking surfaces (24, 26). The rotor (20) also has a central plate (28) that is offset from the disc (32) and rotor studholes (30) extending through the central plate (28). The hub (22) has a flange (34) and studs (36) for attaching the hub (22) to the rotor (20). The method comprises the steps of clamping the central plate (28) of the production rotor (20) to a gage hub (122); and measuring the axial displacement (dt) of one of the braking surfaces (24, 26) from a free state plane (A). The production rotor (20) is marked to indicate the rotor position of one of the maximum and minimum displacement (dt) thereof. Also included are the steps of clamping the production hub flange (34) to a gage rotor (120) having gage braking surfaces (124, 126); and measuring the axial displacement (dh) of the gage braking surface (124, 126) from a free state plane (B).

Abstract: A vacuum releaser including a pair of pivotally attached, biasing pliers, the pliers normally being biased in a tip end closed position, the tip end of the first plier member terminating in a point, the tip of the second plier member terminating in a point shaped with a recess to receive the tip end of the first plier member when the pliers are in the closed position and the method of use including the steps of providing a vacuum seal in a lidded container, mating tip ends of the closed vacuum releaser, positioning the tip ends between the rim of the lid and the side of the container, spreading the tip ends, urging the lid away from the container and allowing air to enter the container.

Abstract: A device for removing a gaslift from a chair comprising a guide portion that is adapted to engage a cylinder of a gaslift. The guide portion has a lower end that abuts a surface on the chair. An impact block is attached to the guide portion for receiving impact loads. An attachment device, preferably an elastic band is used to temporarily attach the device to the gaslift cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the assembly of a sliding sunroof frame and for the adjustment of a cover connected with it in a vehicle. The device has a tool that has one portion that can be introduced into the body of a vehicle and another portion that can be positioned above a roof opening of the vehicle. A positioning assembly for the sliding sunroof frame and the cover and various adjusting component with centering devices are provided on a floating frame on part of the tool positioned in the vehicle body, and allow fully automated raising and alignment, as well as fastening of the sliding sunroof frame to the vehicle roof and complete adjustment without play and fastening of the sliding sunroof cover to its tilting mechanism.

Abstract: A rotating spool with walls (10t and 10b) so close together that the cutting filament (18) cannot wrap over on top of itself. The spool has flail anchors (14) at the spool walls' (10t and 10b) periphery. A spacer (20) between spool walls has the filament (18) wound on to it and is so shaped that the filament (18) has a larger distance from center of rotation between flail anchors (14) than it has nearest the flail anchors (14). The filament (18) is loaded onto the spool by inserting one end of the filament (18) into the loading hole (18h) until it emerges from between spool walls (10t and 10b), then drawn taut, then laced inside flail anchors (14) until the filament (18) is wound up on the spacer (20). And the flail (16) is ready to cut vegetation.

Abstract: A machine tool extension for interfacing a cutting tool having a generally cylindrical shank portion to a tool holder having a central opening. The extension comprises an elongate, generally cylindrical shank member having first end and a reduced diameter second end. The first end of the shank member is insertable into and securable within the central opening of the tool holder. The extension further comprises a bushing member having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. The second end of the shank member is insertable and securable within one end of the aperture, with the shank portion of the cutting tool being at least partially insertable into and securable within the other end of the aperture. The shank member is formed to have an outer diameter which slightly exceeds the diameter of the central opening of the tool holder.

Abstract: For economic reasons, space saving and simplicity in design, an assembly is provided of an electronic device and a flexible container with the electronic device inside the container and having electrical conductors extending from the chamber for connection to electrical equipment outside the container. To prevent overheating, the assembly also includes a heat transfer device. This device has a first heat conductive element-inside the chamber, and thermally connected to the electronic device, and a second heat conductive element disposed outside the container. The two heat conductive elements are fastened together with the wall of the container clamped between them for conduction of heat to the second element. To avoid forming apertures in the wall for connection purposes, the second heat conductive element is formed with channels at its edges which receive edges of the first element and with the wall in between and lying within the channels.

Abstract: A guide piece molded out of a rigid but slightly resilient material, such as plastic, having an elongated body with a U-shaped channel, used to hold an edge of a printed circuit card, extending the length of the guide piece to form an opening on each end. The guide piece has a plurality of raised tabs along the external surface of one leg of the channel and middle and end nubs on the external surface of the other leg of the channel. The raised tabs mate with fingers formed in a chassis, and the middle and end nubs mate with holes in the chassis. The combination of the raised tabs mating with fingers, and the middle and end nubs mating with the holes, secures the guide piece to the chassis, without requiring protrusions through the chassis.

Abstract: A method for assembling a motor shaft with a bearing, a motor housing, and an impeller is disclosed. A motor shaft extension is used to retain the impeller axially on the motor shaft and allows the motor shaft to drive an additional component, such as an impeller, located a distance from the motor. The motor shaft extension may be fabricated from aluminum or hardened steel. Additionally, the motor shaft extension may be embodied in a tube extending past the end of the motor shaft and a shaft extension pressed into the end of the tube.

Abstract: The headrest support tubes are secured to the seat frame member not by the usual welding, but by gripping the web of the member between two rings or lock-beads swaged into the metal of the tube. The first ring is swaged-out by compressing the tube. The tube, with the one ring, is then assembled into a through-hole in the web of the frame member. Then, the second ring is swaged into the metal of the tube, on the other side of the web, and the web lies gripped between the rings. The seat frame member may be an I-section extrusion, or a round tube with localised squeezed-flat areas, flanked by flanges.

Abstract: A production system (1) has workstations (2), each having a bench (3) with a movable service rail (4). Each service rail (4) is movable to allow very quick configuration of the system (1). Each rail (4) also has an electrical power duct (15) and a pneumatic supply (14) having outlets for production and test apparatus on the bench (3). There is a single switch (17) for each duct 15 and this allows interconnection to an overhead duct system (5). The production apparatus includes tools for stripping cable jackets, for unravelling individual wires (61), for stripping insulation by heating (71) and for applying connectors (104) and for applying a protective sleeve (111). A test system (130) has a controller (132) and a modular test fixture (135) with components which are easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cylindrical separator from sheet material and for inserting the separator in the cylindrical anode space of a semi-finished cell, in which the separator is wound from a sheet material around a mandrel to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the anode space so that the sheet is temporarily affixed to the outer surface of the mandrel by providing vacuum through the mandrel wall, and the so obtained winding is inserted axially in the cathode cylinder. When the insertion is ready, the vacuum is disrupted, and the wound structure expands and presses against the cathode wall.

Abstract: A system for ensuring correct orientation of a threaded insert being inserted into a threaded bore of an aluminum workpiece such as an engine block. The system comprises a threaded insert supply, a feeder for transporting inserts dispensed from the insert supply, and an orient subassembly for dispensing the insert supplied from the feeder into a workpiece bore. The orient subassembly dispenses the insert into the workpiece bore in a tang-down orientation if the insert is supplied to the orient subassembly in a tang-down position. The orient subassembly reorients the insert if the insert is supplied to the orient subassembly in a tang-up position before the insert is dispensed into the workpiece bore.

Abstract: To manufacture a film unit, a filmstrip is advanced out of a cartridge shell by rotating a spool of the cartridge shell through a spool drive shaft. The spool drive shaft stops when the filmstrip is advanced a predetermined length out of the cartridge shell. A rotational position of the spool at the stop of the spool drive shaft is detected based on a rotational position of the spool drive shaft. The cartridge shell is disengaged from the spool drive shaft while the rotational position of the spool and the advanced length of the filmstrip are maintained unchanged. The spool of the cartridge shell is engaged with a film supply shaft, after adjusting a rotational position of the film supply shaft to the rotational position of the spool, while the leading end of the filmstrip is secured to a winding shaft. The filmstrip is wound into a roll by rotating the winding shaft.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus for crimping a workpiece such as a terminal or eyelet around a core such as a wire or a fiber optic cable. The apparatus includes upper and lower identical plates supported for opposing reciprocal motion on respective upper and lower portions of a press. Each plate includes two crimp segments. Each crimp segment has an impingement surface. All four of the crimp segments are supported for mutually convergent motion relative to one another. The vertical motion of the two plates closing together drives both the vertical and the lateral components of the convergent crimp segment motion. The impingement surfaces of the respective crimp segments form a generally annular composite crimping surface for cooperatively crimping a work piece into an arcuate configuration around a core.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling (136) a circuit board (105) against a rail (128, 130) of a part placement machine (102) comprises a plate (200) and at least one spring (404, 506, 507, 508). The circuit board (105) can have any one of a plurality of different predetermined thicknesses. The plate (200) is positioned beneath the rail (128, 130) and has first and second sides (204, 300). The first side (204) is dimensioned to support the circuit board (105). The plate (200) is moveable to a first predetermined distance from the rail (128, 130). The first predetermined distance is no smaller than a smallest one of the plurality of different predetermined thicknesses of the circuit board (105). The at least one spring (404, 506, 507, 508) is carried on the second side (300) of the plate (200) to bias the plate towards the rail (128, 130). The at least one spring (404, 506, 507, 508) is compressible to accommodate the circuit board (105) between the plate (200) and the rail (128, 130).

Abstract: A support is provided for a component on a substrate to minimize unacceptable bending or displacement. In a preferred embodiment, a suitable amount of a thermoplastic material is injected through a hole in a PCB under the component after the component has been affixed to the PCB. This allows the support material to fill any space between the component and the PCB yet allow for variation in lead height and for thermal expansion of the support material.

Abstract: Method for fabricating thermally cooled electronic cards. A card of any kind is covered with a rigid heat sink shaped to fit the card and is attached thereto. The heat sink is formed in such a way that it fits as closely as possible the shape of the printed circuit. The printed circuit has components on one or both faces so that it is possible to increase the surface thermal coupling between the sink and the board. An optical sensor using a laser beam may be used.

Abstract: An assembly comprised of several circuitized substrates, e.g., printed circuit boards, frictionally retained within a common carrier through the use of appropriate, paired locking means. The assembly is thus adapted for subsequent processing (e.g., electronic component attach) of the substrates while assuring substrate retention. Subsequently, the substrates can be readily separated (removed) from the carrier. The carrier can be of metal or recyclable plastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a defect recognizes a defective portion of a color filter using an image processing mechanism, applies ink to the recognized defective portion of the color filter using a needle for applying ink of an ink application mechanism, hardens the applied ink using an ink hardening mechanism, and removes an unnecessary portion of the applied ink by irradiating laser beam from a laser irradiation mechanism.

Abstract: A method for the production of printed circuit boards comprises the steps of producing recesses (2, 3, 4, 5) and/or through holes (2a) in a substrate (1) made from insulating material, in particular by means of laser-ablation, wherein the recesses and/or through holes correspond to the desired structure of conductive tracks and/or plated through holes; introducing a base layer (6) on one or both sides of the substrate (1); and introducing a conductive material (7) onto the base layer (6) which is catalytic and/or activating relative to the conductive material (7). The base layer (6) is selectively removed from the substrate (1), except in the recesses and/or in the through holes, by means of laser-ablation prior to introduction of the conductive material (7). Processing of the surface of the conductive material, the base layer or of the substrate is no longer necessary.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic component includes forming a slit in a connecting electrode located on the surface of a mother substrate such that the slit extends in a direction intersecting a cutting line, and cutting the mother substrate along the cutting line while cutting the connecting electrode having the slit. The connecting electrode is thereby reliably exposed on two opposing cut surfaces, and the reliability of external connection of the electronic component is improved.

Abstract: A method of deforming a pin for use in an electrical connection, and a method of making an electrical connection using a deformed pin. A normally straight pin is provided and positioned adjacent to a frame supporting a die and an operating member. The operating member is coupled to the frame and the die, whereby moving the operating member moves the die sufficiently to bend a part of the pin. The method encompasses an apparatus for accomplishing the method, as well a secure electrical connection formed by joining a female fitting with a male fitting carrying a pin modified by the method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an interconnect. A substrate having a first dielectric layer and a barrier layer formed thereon is provided. A plurality of conductive wires is formed on the barrier layer. A second dielectric layer is formed on the barrier layer exposed by the conductive wires, wherein the second dielectric layer has a surface level between the top surfaces and the bottom surfaces of the conductive wires. A spacer is formed on each portion of the sidewalls of the conductive wires exposed by the second dielectric layer, wherein there is a gap between two adjacent spacers. The second dielectric layer is removed. A third dielectric layer is formed on the conductive wires, the spacer, the sidewalls of the conductive wires and the portion of the barrier layer exposed by the conductive wires and fills the gap to form an air cavity between the conductive wires under the spacer.

Abstract: The method includes the following steps: producing a preform of the blade comprising a blade root section for connecting to a hub and an aerodynamically profiled main blade section, the preform including, in the blade root section, a pile of fabrics transverse to the span axis of the blade projecting with respect to the blade root section, so as to form a pitch control lever; arranging the preform in an injection mold; injecting a thermosetting liquid resin into the mold; and heating the mould to make the thermosetting resin set.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a conical valve seat, wherein the valve seat surface is placed in alignment with a cutting edge of a pattern impression pin, a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the valve seat to move the seat surface relative to the cutting edge of a pattern impression pin to form a groove in the seat surface, hardening the seat member, and then grinding a conical surface on the seat surface to finish it.

Abstract: A method for installing or removing a bearing cup on a universal joint with the assistance of a tool is disclosed. The universal joint is of the type having a yoke including a pair of opposed arms which have inner surfaces facing each other. Each of the arms has an opening for receiving a bearing cup. The tool has a pair of contact surfaces which are spaced apart from one another by a distance which is approximately equal to the distance between the inner surfaces of the arms. To install the bearing cup, the tool is positioned between the arms so that the contact surfaces of the tool respectively abut the inner surfaces of the arms. The bearing cup is then pressed into the opening of one of the arms such that the tool prevents the pair of opposed arms from deflecting in a direction towards one another. Preferably, a cross having a pair of opposed trunnions is positioned between the arms so that the bearing cup is mounted on one of the trunnions when the bearing cup is pressed in the opening.

Abstract: A carton knife for opening a carton includes a body member and a blade supported by the body member. The blade has a cutting surface and a cutting edge disposed thereon, the cutting surface and the cutting edge being adapted for cutting movement through the carton during operative engagement of the knife with the carton. A guide is disposed on the body member and is adapted to engage and slide along an edge of the carton to maintain the knife at a predetermined orientation relative the carton during the operative engagement, in which the cutting surface is disposed at an oblique angle relative the edge of the carton. The oblique angle serves to maintain a leading portion of the cutting edge closer than a trailing portion to the edge of the carton. Advantageously, during cutting, the blade is biased towards the edge of the carton and thus away from product inside the carton. Moreover, the orientation of the blade generates a force vector towards the edge during cutting for improved tactile sensitivity.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the invention are directed to segmented safety razor heads (10) having intrinsically fenced cantilever mounted blade assemblies (15) mounted to the segments at a high slicing angle to the shaving direction (50). Each segment (70) is hinged to adjacent segment to allow convex and concave bending. Alternatively, blade assemblies (15) may be joined together by means of an elastic ligature (74). Two point mounting to a handle (12) allows convex and concave bending. Mounting may be facilitated with magnetic cups (138) attached to the handle, and mating buttons (132) attached to the read of the razor head.

Abstract: A hand held tool for the removal of a cured bead of caulk, sealant or other previously fluent material from a joint between substantially perpendicular surfaces. The tool comprises an elongate handle with two working heads. The primary working head at one end of the longitudinal axis of the handle features a chisel-like point angled down from the upper face of the handle and extending between two symmetrical flanking planes which are acutely angled to each other and also spread from the body of the handle. The planes are bevelled to form sharp edges for scraping surfaces during an operation to remove a bead whilst the chisel-like point chisels the body of the bead from the joint. Axially opposite the primary head the second working head is essentially an angled chisel-like point extended from the upper face of the handle and is used to chisel, pick or gouge a bead from a joint.

Abstract: A razor cartridge including a housing, blades mounted on said housing, and a metallic retaining clip that wraps around the housing and retains the blades on the housing, the housing including fulcrum portions extending outward beyond adjacent surface portions on two sides of the fulcrum portions, the clips having end portions that have been bent over the fulcrum portions beyond the elastic limit of the clips, the housing also having wedge portions making interference fits with the ends of the retaining clips.

Abstract: An apparatus, for reading the groove contour of spectacle frame rims, which includes first and second bearer structures for holding the spectacle frame, a first groove-contour-reading set, a second groove-contour-reading set, and a drive motor. Each of the first and second groove-contour-reading sets includes a first contact member for engaging the groove in one of the spectacle frame rims, a first guide member for guiding the movement of the contact member, and a reading member for reading the movements of the contact means. Further, the apparatus includes a drive motor for simultaneously driving the first and second contact members to thereby simultaneously read the groove contour in the two spectacle frame rims. Because the groove contours are simultaneously read, the apparatus reduces the time necessary to accurately measure the groove contour in each rim of a frame of spectacles.

Abstract: A naturally illuminated three dot sighting system for firearms includes a rear sight having two dots formed by scintillating fibers encased in an optically clear polymer block, and a front sight having one dot formed by a scintillating fiber within an optically clear polymer post. The rear sight has a center channel with scintillating fibers disposed on each side thereof. In poor ambient light, the light incident on the optically clear blocks travels to the fibers which gather such light and scintillate to provide dots of light at their proximal ends which can be aligned.

Abstract: An automatic optical levelling, plumbing and verticality-determining appartus includes: a base, a supporting and driving means adjustably standing on the base for supporting a frame having a plumb device secured to a horizontality calibrator universally pendulously mounted on the frame, a pair of plumb-line illuminators respectively secured on a top and a bottom portion of the plumb device for emitting an upper and a lower optical beam towards a ceiling and a ground floor for calibrating a vertical plumb line, a horizontal-line illuminator and a vertical-line illuminator symmetrically disposed on opposite ends of a T-shaped adapter mounted on a top of the plumb device and the horizontality calibrator for respectively emitting a horizontal optical line and a vertical optical line for determining or calibrating a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

Abstract: A hemispherical dynamic pressure bearing comprises a bushing in which a hemisphere/shaft unit is mounted with clearance, enabling the unit to move relative to the bushing between first and second terminal positions. In order to measure the size of the clearance, the bearing is inserted into a body, and a retainer disposed in the body is actuated for keeping the bushing stationary. An adjusting mechanism disposed in the body is actuated for displacing the hemisphere/shaft unit vertically relative to the bushing between the first and second terminal positions, wherein the hemisphere/shaft unit projects from an end of the bushing by first and second heights, respectively. Those heights are measured and a difference therebetween is determined, which difference corresponds to the clearance.

Abstract: A surface profiler 10 has a forward support wheel 20, an intermediate support wheel 21 and a rearward support wheel 22 for travelling along a surface, the profile of which is to be measured. The wheels 20, 21, 22 are spaced apart at predetermined distances longitudinally of the direction of travel for travel along substantially the same line along the surface. The profiler 10 further comprises a forward frame member 40 supported by the forward and intermediate support wheels 20, 21 and a rearward frame member 41, supported by the intermediate and rearward support wheels 21, 22. The forward and rearward frame members 40, 41 are pivotally connected together about the rotation axis of the intermediate support wheel 21. Angle measuring means 30 is provided for measuring the relative orientation of the forward and rearward frame members 40, 41 with respect to the rotation axis of the intermediate support wheel 21.

Abstract: Jet ventilated trays for a fluidizer conveyor for processing particulate material permit gas to pass up through slots between the slats, and sufficient gas passes through the slots to prevent fine particles falling through the trays. The ventilated tray has a plurality of slats arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the particulate material on the conveyor, adjacent slats overlap in the direction of travel leaving longitudinal slots at leading edges of top slats for gas flow therethrough. The use of a wet particulate material on the tray allows scrubbing and filtering applications.

Abstract: A grain turner (101)of the present invention is adapted for use with a grain dryer having an inner dryer wall (7) and an outer dryer wall (9) spaced therefrom and defining a vertically extending grain path (11) therebetween. A grain turner (101) of the present invention is disposed within the grain path for exchanging (turning) grain from the inner portion of the grain path to the outer portion of the grain path and vice versa and for exchanging grain widthwise within the grain path. The grain turner comprises a vertical wall (109) disposed between the inner and outer dryer walls. The grain turner further has at least one pair inclined plates (119, 125) with one of the plates (119) being on the inside of the vertical wall and with the other of the inclined plates (125) being on the outside of the vertical wall. Plate (119) is inclined downwardly in a first widthwise direction and the other of the inclined plates is inclined downwardly in the opposite widthwise direction.

Abstract: A dryer box for quickly drying coated surfaces of small articles, such as paint sample cards. The dryer box has a sleeve that receives a conventional dryer gun. A vertical air channel directs air to a first drying location at the bottom of the box especially designed for placement of a small three dimensional article. A horizontal air channel directs air to a second drying location on an inner side wall of the box especially designed for attachment of a two dimensional article. The same inner side wall is used as a door for access to both drying locations.

Abstract: Device for the thermal treatment of bulk material with a screw conveyor transporting the bulk material which is equipped with infrared heat radiators in a tempering zone, characterized in that the infrared heat radiators are arranged in the screw conveyors in the central area of the rotation diameter. The device is also characterized in that the infrared heat radiators are mounted in a radiation-permeable screw shaft. The walls of a screw trough of the screw conveyor have an infrared-reflecting coating or are made of an infrared-reflecting material.

Abstract: A method for flashing an object painted with a water-borne high-solids automotive paint that substantially reduces the frequency of base-coat pop defects. The method subjects the painted objects to a first set of environmental conditions wherein the air temperature, relative humidity and airflow rate are maintained within certain ranges. The painted objects are maintained in these conditions for a period of time which exceeds an empirically derived minimum value. The peak metal temperature of the painted object is then raised to a second temperature range while being subjected to a second relative humidity level and second airflow rate so as to dehydrate the paint film to a predetermined level.

Abstract: This invention relates to UV dryers and provides an ultraviolet dryer wherein a UV lamp (2) is supported in a reflector housing (1), said housing including a reflector body member (10) having a reflective surface adjacent the lamp (2) and other surfaces spaced therefrom and cooling means (11) for passing a cooling medium over said other surfaces to cool said body member, wherein the reflective surface comprises a thin, flexible strip of heat-conductive sheet material (12) bearing dichroic film, said film exhibiting a high degree of transmission towards infrared radiation and high degreee of reflection toward UV radiation.

Abstract: A method for closely protecting materials (10) sensitive to contamination by airborne contaminating agents and placed on a work surface (P). At least one decontaminated gas stream (1, 2) is fed from either side towards the materials in a direction substantially parallel to the work surface, and each gas stream (3) leaves the work surface in an intermediate area between the edges of the work surface and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto. Alternatively, at least one gas stream is fed towards the materials from above the work surface at an intermediate area between the edges thereof, and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, and each gas stream leaves the work surface in a direction substantially parallel thereto and on either side of the materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating the BOG generated in low temperature liquid storage tanks are described, wherein the BOG is strongly adsorbed to and stored in a porous material by contacting the BOG with the porous material in the presence of a compound serving as a host.

Abstract: An automated air filtration and drying system including an energy and environmental management system for controlling, monitoring and supervising the operation and performance of the air filtration and drying system, a capture apparatus for capturing and controlling overspray, and a drying control module for rapidly drying a coated article using a continuously filtered and dehumidified flow of recycled air.

Abstract: A blower moves cooling air through the primary side of an air-to-air heat exchanger and process air the secondary side. The efficiency of the heat exchanger is increased in that the primary side is divided into at least two portions, through which the cooling air flows in series.

Abstract: A footwear with integral bubble generator comprising a bubble generator installed below a shoe insole. When the footwear wearer puts weight on the insole, the insole presses against the bubble generator, and bubbles are emitted from a bubble generator reservoir through a nozzle. The bubble generator comprises a fill aperture sealed with a removable fill aperture cover. Bubble solution may be poured into (or out of) the bubble generator reservoir through the fill aperture. The bubble generator may optionally comprise a one-way air valve and/or a one-way nozzle valve. The one-way air valve closes during a compression step, thus forcing bubble solution fluid to exit through the nozzle, and allows air to enter the bubble generator reservoir during an expansion step. The nozzle valve prevents air from entering the bubble generator reservoir during the expansion step.

Abstract: An asymmetrical article of footwear reversible sole is provided which offers improved performance and fit. The article of footwear is worn on a different foot when reversed. The invention may be shaped to fit the general outline of a person's foot and may be configured to fit the contours of the bottom of the person's foot. Different materials may be used for the different parts of the composite sole thus allowing the reversible, asymmetrical, composite sole to be used in dual purpose situations.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe structure including at least part of a shoe, has an outer layer, a lining including a functional layer that is waterproof but permeable to water vapor, an insole, and an outsole. The lining containing the functional layer has a lower end area that is turned in and arranged parallel to the outsole, the turned-in end area lies in a common plane with the insole and has an inner edge and an outer edge, the outer edge of the insole runs at least approximately parallel to the inner edge of the turned-in end area, and the insole is joined to the turned-in end area. The outsole is applied by adhesive over a full surface thereof at least to the turned-in end area of the functional layer of the lining, and the lower end of the upper layer is arranged substantially perpendicular to the outsole and at least in a shank area thereof is joined to a retainer arranged parallel to the outsole, and/or at least in a toe area thereof a netting of monofilaments is joined to the lower end of the outer layer.