Abstract: An apparatus having both a resonator and an inductor fabricated on a single substrate and a method of fabricating the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a resonator and an inductor that is connected to the resonator. Both the resonator and the inductor are fabricated over their respective cavities to produce a high Q-factor filter circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a surface acoustic wave filter chip package comprising the steps of mounting the surface acoustic wave filter chip on a substrate; forming a underfill in a space between the substrate and the surface acoustic wave filter chip; forming a metal shield layer on an whole outer wall of the surface acoustic wave filter chip by using a spray process; and molding resins on the metal shield layer. The method has advantages in that a fillet forming step for improving a step-coverage is removed by forming a metal shield layer from a conductive epoxy with the use of a spray nozzle, a one-ply metal shield layer is formed without an additional metal layer for preventing oxidation of the metal layer by forming an exterior of the SAW filter chip package with the use of a top molding process, and that a structurally stable SAW filter package can be fabricated.

Abstract: A method of producing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device having a base including a pair of movable parts opposing each other, a fixing part that connects the movable parts with each other at one end thereof, and mounting parts that extend for a predetermined length while holding slit-shaped gaps of a predetermined width along inside surfaces of said movable parts by being turned around at the other end of said movable parts, said piezoelectric/electrostrictive device having a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element disposed on at least one outside surface of said movable parts of said base, wherein a base block obtained by laminating and calcining a large number of ceramic green sheets is adopted as a material for forming said base, and the base including said movable parts, said fixing part, and said mounting parts is formed by cutting said base block at a predetermined site along a lamination direction of said ceramic green sheets.

Abstract: A capacitor manufacturing method is provided in which an underlying noble metal layer is not sputtered during formation of a hole in which a lower electrode is buried, and in which a dummy interlayer film is less apt to peel off. A stopper layer (9) is formed on an underlying noble metal layer (4) and a dummy interlayer film (5) is formed on the stopper layer (9). Therefore the underlying noble metal layer (4) is not sputtered by overetch during formation of holes (6a ) and (6b). Furthermore, the dummy interlayer film (5) is less apt to peel off since titanium used as the material of the stopper layer (9) has better adhesion to the dummy interlayer film formed of silicon oxide film than platinum used as the material of the underlying noble metal layer (4).

Abstract: An automated drill and rivet machine is provided for riveting a work piece. The machine is moveable with respect to the work piece, and sensors locate sequential rivet sites along the work piece. A control system directs the movement and operation of the machine at sequential rivet sites for drilling and mashing. A method for automatically fastening components is provided including the steps of indexing an automated drill and rivet machine at a first work site and placing the machine in a first mode in which the machine to repeatedly performs the steps of drilling, storing the work site location, sensing a next work site, and moving the machine to the next work site. The operator then inserts a fastener at the previous drilling work sites and places the machine in a second mode in which the machine repeatedly performs the steps of returning to a previous work site and mashing the rivets at the previous work site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming an electrode of an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, wherein the electrode has a substantially flat surface. A method of forming an electrode of an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device includes milling an aluminum plate, wherein the milling comprises roughing, rest roughing and finishing, polishing an upper surface of the aluminum plate by using fine ceramic powder, and anodizing the aluminum plate.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus and method for attaching a ferrule to a fiber, such as an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a ferrule supply, a ferrule support, an adhesive dispenser and a fiber support. Components may be computer controlled and the method may provide for automatic attachment of a ferrule to an optical fiber.

Abstract: In order to remove a plate made from a material that can be heated by electromagnetic induction and retained on a supporting member by a heat-fusible adhesive, an inductor is displaced facing at least one strip of the plate in order to heat the strip by induction and heat the adhesive by conduction until the adhesive softens, and a tearing tool is driven so as to tear out the heated strip by hot-peeling. The inductor and the tearing tool are displaced jointly relative to the plate and the supporting member by means of a mobile frame, which is displaced on a stationary frame on which the supporting member and the plate are fixed.

Abstract: A ring installation method and a ring installation jig which are capable of performing an installation operation with high efficiency in which an anti-slip-off ring made of an elastic metal material is uniformly expanded to be fitted on a pin's end and pushed to an engagement position to be mounted thereon. The jig has (i) an expansion guide member which has, at its front, a working face to be brought into contact with an end of a chain-coupling pin for positioning and has a ring expansion guide section on its outer periphery and to which a propulsive force is applied; (ii) an expansion claw fitted on the expansion guide member for expanding and supporting the anti-slip-off ring and moving it to the pin's end; (iii) an elastic body for applying a pressing force to the expansion claw; and (iv) a pusher for pushing the anti-slip-off ring which has been expanded by the expansion claw into an annular space defined by a link of the chain and the pin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-situ milling includes a support and a pair of spaced apart rails attached to the support. The support and rails are mounted between a pair of opposed mill housing wear plate surfaces. A milling assembly is reversibly mounted on the rails in either of a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the milling assembly mills one of the wear plate surfaces. The milling assembly is reverse mounted on the rails to the second orientation for milling the other of the wear plate surfaces. This permits the support and the rails to remain in one position between the wear plate surfaces requiring only the milling assembly to be moved to accomplish milling of each of the wear plate surfaces.

Abstract: According to various aspects of the invention, a transducer is manufactured by providing a substrate assembly, making major element cuts in the substrate assembly in a first direction, making minor element cuts in the substrate assembly in a second direction, positioning a plurality of signal lines (such as a flex circuit) on the substrate assembly such that the plurality of signal lines is aligned with said minor element cuts, and making major element cuts in the substrate assembly in the second direction after said plurality of signal lines is positioned.

Abstract: A drive-on system for installing a tire chain (i.e., snow chain) on a pneumatic tire mounted on a vehicle wheel. The system includes a U-shaped installation tool whose arms releasably engage fastening elements (hooks or links) at one end of each side chain, and a installation tray or ramp in which the connected tire chain and tool are arranged, and may be stored, prior to installation, with the tire chain in a partially laid-out orientation and the tool preferably within a tool compartment in the tray. To install the tire chain, the vehicle is driven onto the tray and stopped, preferably in a predetermined optimum position in response to a signal initiated by a position-indicating switch on the tray. Then the tool, with one end of the tire chain connected to it and trailing it, is drawn upward and circumferentially around the tire.

Abstract: A method for sensing the temperature profile of a hollow body organ includes a catheter and a guidewire. The guidewire is configured as a plurality of helical loops of greater diameter than the catheter when unconstrained. When constrained within the catheter, the guidewire can be advanced to a region of interest in hollow body organ. The catheter can be withdrawn, leaving the guidewire in place in an expanded configuration wherein the helical loops contact the inner wall of the hollow body organ. A thermal sensor is disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter. The distal end of the catheter, being relatively more flexible than the guidewire, traverses a helical path in contact with the inner wall of the hollow body organ, guided by the helical loops of the guidewire.

Abstract: A method and a device for chip mounting; the method comprising the steps of forming an elastic or plastic bump (22) on a chip (2), providing an adhesive (24) to a substrate (20) beforehand, moving the chip (2) near the substrate (20) to press the bump (22) against an electrode (23) on the substrate (20), expanding the adhesive (24) between the chip (2) and the substrate (20), controlling the height of a head when the bump (22) is pressed against the electrode (23), and allowing non-uniform pressing condition between the bump (22) and the electrode (23) to be absorbed by the elastic or plastic deformation of the bump (22), whereby a variation in dimensions of the substrate can be absorbed properly, the height of the head can be controlled quickly, and a bonding time can be shortened remarkably and, when a bonding process is divided into a preliminary bonding process and a main bonding process, a preliminary bonding process time can be shortened remarkably, and an actual tact time in an entire chip bonding proc

Abstract: A packaging process of a circuit board involves a first step in which the circuit board is provided with a predetermined number of pins and is then arranged in the lower mold of a first molding tool. The upper mold of the first molding tool is joined with the lower mold before the resin is injected. The mold is then opened to remove therefrom a semifinished product, which is provided with a metal passivation layer and is subsequently placed in a second molding tool to carry out a second packaging operation. The second molding tool is opened to remove therefrom a finished product.

Abstract: A method for attaching an electronic component to a substrate having a patterned conductive layer underlying a dielectric layer includes: removing regions of the dielectric layer to form cavities having an exposed surface area of the conductive layer; filling the cavities with solder paste; heating the solder paste to form a convex surface which protrudes above the substrate surface, for receiving an electronic component for attachment; planarising the convex surface such that it and the surface of the substrate surface are substantially coplanar; placing contact pads of the electronic component adjacent the substrate such that the contact pads overlie given filled cavities; and reheating the solder so that it reflows and connects the electronic component to the substrate. The cavities preferably all have the same volume. If the ratio of exposed surface area to cavity volume is low, pillars form during reflow, spacing the component from the substrate.

Abstract: Capsules, for example for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, are produced from at least three films (12, 13, 14) of a water-soluble polymeric material, by deforming two of the films (12, 14) to form a multiplicity of recesses, and filling the recesses (18, 32) with a flowable filling material. A film (13) is used to cover the recesses (18) in at least one of the films (12), and is welded to it by dielectric welding. The films with filled recesses are then brought together and welded together by dielectric welding to form filled capsules, which are cut or punched out of the welded film. The polymeric material may be gelatin, or a water-soluble cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and may also contain a plasticiser.

Abstract: A device for electrically interconnecting and packaging electronic components. A non-conducting base member having a component recess and a set of specially shaped lead channels formed therein is provided. At least one electronic component is disposed within the recess, and the conductors of the component are routed through the lead channels. A set of insertable lead terminals, adapted to cooperate with the specially shaped lead channels, are received and captured within the lead channels, thereby forming an electrical connection between the lead terminals and the conductors of the electronic component(s). A method of fabricating the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a control valve assembly using a mold comprising an upper mold half (20) and a lower mold half (21). A shaft (11) with premounted bearing blocks (13) or other functional components is placed in the mold, and the control valves subsequently are injection-molded on the shaft (11) in cavities (22) via feeders (23) to produce the control valve assembly. Afterward, the bearing blocks (13) can no longer be detached. Because they are produced separately, the bearing blocks can have a complex geometry. This allows a considerable degree of freedom in the geometric design of the control valve assembly while nevertheless ensuring cost-effective production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a piston for a reciprocating internal combustion engine, in particular, for an Otto-cycle engine with direct injection in a motor vehicle, whereby each piston is produced in a casting process. According to the invention, the volume VIST, formed by the surfaces on the combustion chamber side thereof, is determined for at least the first piston of a casting process batch, said volume VIST is compared with a desired volume VSOLL and, depending upon this comparison, the compression height KH is fixed with a difference from a set value such that VIST=VSOLL, within given tolerance allowances.

Abstract: A method of making an improved heat transfer tube. The inner surface of the tube has a primary set of fins and an intermediate sets of fins positioned in the areas between the primary fins and at an angle relative to the primary fins. While intermediate fins may be used with primary fins arranged in any pattern, in a preferred embodiment of the inner surface tube design, the intermediate fins are positioned relative to the primary fins to result in a grid-like appearance. Tests show that the performance of tubes having the intermediate fin designs of the present invention is significantly enhanced. A first set of rollers creates the primary and intermediate fin designs on at least one side of a board. A second set of rollers may be used to further enhance the performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for non-cutting production of a component, especially a component of a gearbox. Said component comprises a hub (15). The hub (15) is provided with a stepped hole (15) and is produced by cold deformation in a pressing process. A hub (15) extending in a substantially radial manner with respect to the plane of a round metal blank is produced from a rotating round metal blank (1), using at least one rotating pressing cylinder (11). The invention is characterized in that the pressure cylinder (11) is advanced into the round metal blank (1) at least periodically and in sections, whereupon it is inserted therein in a radial manner from an outer position to an inner position. A material web (15) forming the stepped hole (17) and extending substantially inwards from the hub (15) is embodied on the inner periphery of the hub (15), characterized in that when the hub (15) is deformed, at least one section of an attachment (7) is arranged at a distance from the round metal blank (1).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roller includes: forming a hollow cylindrical body that includes a fully solidified outer peripheral surface and a semi-solidified interior, with an inner peripheral surface swelling inwardly; and pressing the swollen portion of the inner peripheral surface outwardly by pulling an insert die from the semi-solidified cylindrical body, to thereby allow the outer periphery of the cylindrical body to swell outwardly in a barrel-like manner. A primary molded product including a through hole along a central axis is thereby formed, and a secondary resin is injected into the through hole of the primary molded product.

Abstract: A folding knife having a safety lock moveably mounted on a handle of the knife. The safety lock may slide to a locking position to prevent the blade from opening out of the handle by obstructing the path of the blade as the blade is urged from a closed position to an open position. The safety lock also may slide away from the locking position, in which the safety lock does not obstruct the path of the blade.

Abstract: A utility knife having a quick release feature, whereby a resilient blade engaging member biased to the locked position engages an opening in the blade, and when the blade engaging member is pushed against the end of a guide slot it automatically releases from the blade allowing the blade to be removed from the knife handle. The knife handle structure reinforces the throat of the knife, by providing a double channel configuration comprising an outer channel with a blade retaining surface and an inner channel inverted relative to the outer channel and providing a blade supporting surface. The outer channel is tapered toward the inner channel about the throat of the knife, to reinforce the throat and prevent deformation under the stresses imparted by the knife blade when in use.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw including a housing, a motor supported by the housing, a spindle mounted for reciprocation relative to the housing and having a front end for supporting a saw blade, the spindle being movable through a cutting stroke and a return stroke, the cutting stroke having a stroke length, and a pivot body interconnecting the spindle and the motor. The position of the pivot axis of the pivot body may be movable relative to the housing to change the stroke length of the spindle. A shock absorber may be operatively positioned between the motor and the front end of the spindle and may be at least partially mounted within the spindle.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for recording a point in space, which is to be used as the viewing point of from which the eye of an artist will view a copy easel and the subject to be copied. This viewing point is recorded so as to allow the artist to move the eye from this viewing point and return the eye to the same specific viewing point in order to continue drawing. This is accomplished by placing a portion of a figure, into which a pair of reference points has been incorporated, on the drawing surface of the easel. A second complimentary portion of the figure, into which a second pair of reference points has been incorporated, is placed behind the drawing surface of the easel. The second portion of the figure is positioned so as, when seen from the viewing point, to appear to complete the figure and align the two pairs of reference points.

Abstract: A hand wheel includes a hollow support base, an encoding device, a coupling shaft, an indicia member, a friction coupling unit, and a wheel member. The encoding device is disposed in a receiving space of the support base, has a seat portion and a rotary spindle, and generates an electrical signal output that corresponds to detected rotation of the spindle relative to the seat portion. The coupling shaft is connected to the spindle. The indicia member is sleeved on the coupling shaft for indicating angular rotation of the coupling shaft relative to the support base. The friction coupling unit permits co-rotation of the indicia member with the coupling shaft and forced rotation of the indicia member relative to the coupling shaft. The wheel member is operable for driving rotation of the coupling shaft.

Abstract: A laser sighting device, comprising a light emitter holder, a rotator holder rotatably mounted on the light emitter holder, a laser light source mounted on the light emitter holder and for emitting a laser beam on an emitted light optical axis along a rotation center of the rotator holder, and an optical path deflecting component mounted on the rotator holder and for deflecting the laser beam projected from the laser light source in a direction perpendicular to the emitted light optical axis.

Abstract: In order to measure a two-wheeled vehicle frame, in which an essentially U-shaped measurement bracket (12) with two limbs (13) and an upper crossbar (14) is inserted, centered, into a retaining hole (5) which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis, and is moved to a fixed angular position, an optically acting component (9) is mounted in a defined position relative to the steering axis (2) of the two-wheeled vehicle frame, and a relative position between the measurement bracket (12) and the optical component (9) is fixed by means of a beam path between the measurement bracket (12) and the optically acting component (9), the invention provides that the optically acting component (9) is mounted in the headstock (1) without any play but such that it can rotate, using an adjustable-height insert (7) which in provided with a first scale, the crossbar (14) is provided with a horizontal marking (18) and with a central horizontal second scale (17), the crossbar is provided with an optically acting surface (16), w

Abstract: A vial having an outer wall which is straight and cylindrical and a curved inner cavity. The inner cavity is curved in a substantially uniform arc. The apex of the curved cavity is closer to the cylindrical outer wall of the vial than the ends of the inner cavity. The inner cavity is substantially uniform in cross section throughout its length.

Abstract: In a system for inspection of wood-board thickness, displacement sensors (2(21U, 22U, 23U, 21L, 22L, 23L)) are disposed at three positions with respect to a width of a wood material (1) being conveyed thereto for measurement of the thickness thereof. A programmable controller (6) determines the pass/fail of the board thickness based on the extent of portion having a board thickness deviated from the range of allowance extending along a conveyance direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking diametral dimensions of crankpins (18) and main journals (38)in the course of the grinding includes a head (39) with a Vee-shaped reference device (20) and an axially movable feeler (17), along a direction that contacts the surface of the pin (18, 38) to be checked, and an articulated support device (9, 12, 15), coupled to the grinding wheel slide (1)that carries the head (39) and enables it to contact with the surface of the pin (18, 38) during possible orbital rotations A transducer (41) in the head (39) cooperates with the feeler (17) for detecting its displacements, and transmits signals to a processing and display device (22), in turn connected with the computer numerical control (33) of the grinding machine.

Abstract: 1. A device for placing one or more reference lines on the face of a user in such manner as not to mark the face in any manner. The device utilizes a frame adapted to rest on top of the nasal bone and the ears of the user. At least one line drawing attachment is detachably secured to the frame. The attachment includes an elongated hollow cylinder having an elongated slot extending from the interior to the exterior of the cylinder. The cylinder contains an elongated light source which when electrically energized projects a reference line of light through said slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining consistent spacing between parallel forms for concrete structures. The elongated spacer includes notches at either end for flush engagement with the upper corners of the parallel forms. An angled notch may be provided for engagement with angled toeboards used in curb construction, and a level may be included for use in setting the parallel forms at a consistent level.

Abstract: An instrument for enabling a precise determination of the force-displacement characteristics of a compliant structure, including both in-plane and out-of-plane structure deflection, is provided by the invention. The instrument includes a fixture that is oriented for constraining an end of the compliant structure with respect to mechanical ground as the force-displacement characteristic is determined. A mechanical probe of the instrument is disposed relative to the fixture to enable pushing of the probe against a free end of the compliant structure. A mechanical stage is provided, including a support for the probe, and being free with respect to mechanical ground to advance the probe relative to the fixture. This enables pushing of the probe against the free end of the compliant structure.

Abstract: A novel tape measure for a safer, more accurate and easier measuring, marking and cutting of raw materials for construction. The tape measure of this invention has a support and “T” shape tape lip. The support is installed within the housing below the tape. The support has “L” shape lip at the free end and has a “U” shape eyeliner for an accurate reading of the measure tape and for holding the tape in a normal arc shape. The support is sliding in and out of the housing through the same opening for the tape. The other side of the support, which remains in the housing, has scissors' blade shape. The whole shape of the support is of “Y” shape. The support slides in and out of the housing by moving the “L” lip from the bottom opening of the tape. The present tape measure is used not differently from the prior art tape measures when used to cut, measure or to draw a line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grain roasting apparatus in which a blower is installed at one side of a body having a support at a lower portion of the same, a heated air flow path is installed in the blower, a heater is provided, a peel collecting port and a discharge port are installed at the other side of the body, rotation portions are installed in an upper portion of the heated air flow path and an upper portion of the discharging port, respectively, a rotary drum is installed in the rotation portions, rotation members are rotated together with the rotary drum, the rotary drum is inserted into the rotation members, the rotary is installed eccentrically about a rotation center, support portions are installed opposite each other at both ends of the same, a heated air flow port having a net and connected with the heated air flow path is protruded from one side of the support, the heated air inlet is inserted into an insertion portion of the rotary port, respectively, and is supported therein, a ring gea

Abstract: A wafer drying apparatus of increased efficiency in which isopropyl alcohol (IPA) supplied to a hood is activated by heat, thereby increasing its diffusion efficiency and enabling it to vaporize pure water on a wafer quickly, includes a washing tank for storing pure water, a hood positioned at an upper portion of the washing tank, an injection nozzle for ejecting IPA positioned in the hood, a storage tank for storing the IPA, a bubble maker in the storage tank to create IPA vapor, a nitrogen supplier for storing a carrier gas for transferring the IPA vapor in the storage tank to the hood, and a heater provided near the injection nozzle to heat the IPA vapor that is ejected through the injection nozzle to a predetermined temperature, thereby uniformly diffusing the IPA vapor.

Abstract: This invention is a compact, portable apparel drying apparatus that comprises a base having two ends with a cross-member midway between these ends. An apparel holding frame is pivotally connected to each end of the base. Two support arms are provided, one end of each is removably connected to one of the apparel holding frames. The other ends of the support arms are pivotally connected to the base cross-member. When connected, the support arms securely position the apparel holding frames at an inward angle of approximately 75 degrees with respect to the base. When the support arms are disconnected from the holding frames, they fold compactly to lie flush with the base. The base, the apparel holding frames and the support arms may be formed from any durable material such as stainless steel rod or high temperature plastics.

Abstract: A drying mold 1 for a pulp molded article has a first mold member 10, a second mold member 20, and a third mold member 30. The first mold member 10 has a drying portion 12 and first passageways 13a and 13b connecting the drying portion 12 to an exterior surface of the first mold member 10. The second mold member 20 has a prescribed heating means and is disposed in contact with the exterior surface of the third mold member 30. The third mold member 30 is disposed in contact with the exterior surface of the first mold member 10. The drying mold 1 is designed to form second passageways 2a and 2b between the first and the third mold members when the first and the third mold members are disposed in contact with each other. The passageways 2a and 2b connect the first passageways 13a and 13b to the outside of the drying mold 1.

Abstract: When atmosphere inside a wafer carrier is replaced by introducing a gas into the wafer carrier from a gas inlet provided to the wafer carrier that can accommodate wafers. At the same time, the atmosphere inside the wafer carrier is sucked to make an inside pressure negative relative to an outside pressure.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for arranging exhaust air and supply air in a drying section covered with a hood (14) in a paper machine, having drying cylinders (10) or the like and devices operating by negative and positive pressure. The exhaust air from the devices operating by negative pressure, such as suction rolls (20) and suction boxes is supplied out from the drying section via a first heat recovery tower (22). Substitute air is supplied via this first heat recovery tower to the runability components (38) operating by positive pressure in the drying section. Substitute air can be additionally supplied via a second separate heat recovery tower (22′) to devices (40, 42) supplying heating air and/or ventilation air. The main portion of the exhaust air from the air space of the hood is supplied via this second heat recovery tower and out from the drying section.

Abstract: A boot sole having an insole resistant to penetration of emitted particles and shock. An outsole is secured to the insole and an upper, the sole having a cavity provided therewithin with a shock attenuator capable of compression or collapse under high stress within the cavity. The portion of the shock attenuator remote from the insole is preferably V-shaped to deflect particles impinging thereon away from the boot wearer. The shock attenuator preferably is ringed with a high strength shell acting as a pressure plate at the time of shockwave from explosion for added protection. Rubber cleats can be disposed on the outsole to provide additional ground clearance for deflection of blast energy from under foot and to allow for additional wear of the sole. The overboot sole embodiment is fitted with adjustable straps to provide a good fit between the overboot and the boot on which it will be mounted and provides blast protection in identical fashion as the described boot.

Abstract: Footwear having a window for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion, a sole portion, and an insole liner, a window portion associated with the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a reference mark associated with the insole liner, the reference mark for indicating proper fit of the shoe when a foot is inserted into the shoe and viewed through the window portion.

Abstract: A footwear liner includes two sides connected at a front seam and a back seam by stitching, an inner bottom piece connected to the two sides along a bottom seam by stitching, and an outer bottom piece adhered to the inner bottom piece. Each side includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer that is impermeable to water and permeable to vapor. The outer bottom piece includes an outer layer and an inner layer that is impermeable to water and permeable to vapor. The two sides and the inner bottom piece cooperate to form a partial enclosure with a toe portion, a heel portion, and an open top portion. In the preferred embodiment, the front and back seams are covered by a sealing tape to waterproof the seams, and the outer bottom piece overlaps and is adhered to portions of the sides adjacent the bottom seam to form a waterproof seal between the outer bottom piece and the sides.

Abstract: A health-diet sandal which comprises a shoe sole having a heel portion adapted for biasing against an arch portion of a wearer's foot, and a shoe body comprising a vamp attached on top of the shoe sole to define a foot chamber between the vamp and the shoe sole, and an elongated elastic unit having two ends extended from two sides of the vamp adapted for mounting behind a heel of the wearer's foot, so as to hold the wearer's foot within the foot chamber in position. Therefore, the nervous distributed around the arch portion of the wearer's foot is able to be stimulated by the heel portion of the shoe sole for improving the wearer's blood circulation and metabolism.

Abstract: An improved sole for use with all types of footwear, including dress, casual, and athletic shoes and sandals, which has a socket casing made of a plurality of layers, the topmost surface of which is in the form of an accommodating orthopedic type molded foot bed, the innermost surface having embedded magnets, enclosing an adjustable helium bladder, and filled with a fluidic polymeric material. The amount of fluidic polymeric material may be increased or decreased through a valve in the socket casing. The helium bladder is adjustable through a valve in the socket casing. The socket casing is attached to the outsole by means of snap-like fasteners or other usual attachment methods such as adhesive glue or injection and replaces the insole and mid-sole.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a foot orthotic including an orthotic base mechanism for underlying a sole of a foot, a first cushioning mechanism, and a second cushioning mechanism. The orthotic base mechanism has a proximal end for underlying a heel of the foot and a distal end for underlying the forefront of the foot. The first cushioning mechanism is operatively connected to the orthotic base mechanism at the proximal end, while the second cushioning mechanism is operatively connected to the distal end of the orthotic base mechanism. Additionally, there is provided a foot orthotic including a first cushioning mechanism and a second cushioning mechanism that are independent of each other. The present invention additionally provides for a method of making the foot orthotic and method of using the foot orthotic disclosed herein.

Abstract: A support structure for a shoe includes a bladder arrangement having at least one (and preferably two) fluid-filled chamber arranged in a heel region of the sole of the shoe. The fluid-filled chamber has outer walls with a pressurized fluid disposed therein. The fluid-filled chamber is configured to be compressively deformed when an external pressure is applied thereto, such as the pressure exerted by a wearer's foot. The support structure also includes at least one pillar disposed in the fluid-filled chamber. The pillars are configured to decrease the amount by which the fluid-filled chamber is compressively deformed when the external pressure is applied thereto, while still permitting the fluid-filled chambers to be deformed sufficiently to provide-adequate protection against the force of impact during use.