Abstract: A gas sensor assembly detects the presence of a constituent in a first gas stream. The assembly comprises: (a) a flexible circuit having a pair of oppositely-facing surfaces, (b) a sensor mounted on one surface of the flex circuit, the sensor electrically connected to conductors in the flex circuit, and (c) a channel for directing a second gas stream across the flex circuit surface facing away from the sensor, the channel formed at least in part by the flex circuit surface facing away from the sensor. The first and second gas streams can be derived from a common gas stream. In operation, thermal conductivity between the sensor and neighboring heat-conducting structures components is reduced, thereby reducing sensor electric power consumption.

Abstract: A method of treating a gas sensor element for improving measurement characteristics thereof, including: heating the gas sensor element at a temperature of 600-1000° C. for 3-24 hours in a treatment atmosphere in which an oxygen concentration is regulated to be not higher than 0.2% and in which are included: (A) not lower than 1000 ppm of an adsorptive gas component wherein an adsorptive capable of being adsorbed on the measuring electrode is bound to oxygen; and (B) a combustible gas in an amount that can be substantially stoichiometrically oxidized by oxygen that is generated upon reduction or decomposition of the adsorptive gas component, so that the adsorptive gas component is reduced or decomposed for permitting the adsorptive in the adsorptive gas component to be adsorbed on the measuring electrode, and so that the noble metal material of the measuring electrode is reduced.

Abstract: A laminate is formed from a carrier layer and an electrically conductive layer. In one section, the conductive layer is formed into an antenna structure. The antenna structure can be produced in a joint operation with the electrically conductive layer. The antenna structure is connected to a microchip, so that data can be written in or read out without contact in a wireless transponder system.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of forming a first magnetic pole layer; removing both sides in a track width direction of the first magnetic pole layer so as to leave a predetermined residual area in the first magnetic pole layer; forming an insulating layer about the residual area of the first magnetic pole layer; forming a gap layer made of a nonmagnetic material; forming a second magnetic pole layer magnetically connected to the first magnetic pole; and patterning the second magnetic pole layer by etching while using a mask. As a consequence, even if an area relatively far from the second magnetic pole layer is eliminated from the gap layer, the insulating layer is mainly exposed from this area. This can prevent magnetic materials from adhering to the root of the second magnetic pole layer and its vicinity during etching.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fastening leads to the positive and negative electrodes in large capacity, high power lithium-ion batteries, power lithium-ion batteries and power lithium-polymer batteries. This method uses rivets to fasten the leads (or terminals) to the positive and negative electrodes, which makes the connection secure and increases reliability.

Abstract: A universal harmonic balancer installation kit includes a collection of threaded rods and compatible threaded nuts correlated with each of the threaded rods and sized to position and engage a bushing against the hub of a harmonic balancer to thereby drive the balancer onto the end of a crankshaft. Various spacers and washers may be used in combination with the bushing and nuts to accommodate harmonic balancers of various size and configuration in combination with crankshafts having threaded installation openings of various sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making large capacity lithium-polymer power battery array and its associated cooling system. To effectively increase output power, serially or parallel connected multiple individual battery cells with soft shell are used. In order to prevent over heating, metal pipes are imbedded inside the battery between each individual cells and when outside air passes through these pipes, either being forced by fan(s) or flowing naturally, it will effectively reduce the temperature.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electric compressor which contains a rotor having built-in magnets. The present invention offers a magnetizing method and an assembly method for implementing high reliability electric compressors at low manufacturing cost. Magnet (130) at pre-magnetization state is inserted into a plurality of slots (104) of magnetizing jig (100) made with a nonmagnetic material. After magnetizing the magnets, magnetizing jig (100) is coupled fitted to the rotor to have the magnets (130) transferred into magnet slots.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic component feeding device which can stably feed electronic components, and an electronic component mounting apparatus having the electronic component feeding device. In a component feeding unit, an opening provided in a suppressor for picking electronic components is formed in a size corresponding to electronic components stored in a storage tape of 16 mm pitch so as to employ storage tapes of four types, i.e., 4 mm pitch, 8 mm pitch, 12 mm pitch, and 16 mm pitch. When the storage tape of 4 mm pitch is employed, a component pickup position of a suction nozzle and a feed stop position of a head electronic component have been conventionally in a center of the opening.

Abstract: A chip tray of the present invention includes on its underside a resilient sheet member that resiliently retains microelectronic components in the chip tray below by pressing gently but firmly down on the microelectronic components and the separators between cavities that contain the components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate holding method capable of contributing to improvement in performance of an electronic part. A plastic film is adhered to a holding frame by using an adhesive tape having a proper gas releasing characteristic such that total quantity of gas detected when analysis using gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (dynamic HS-GC-MS) is conducted under test conditions of 180° C. and 10 minutes is 100.5 ?g/g or less in n-tetradecane. In the case where the plastic film held by the holding frame is subjected to a process of manufacturing an electronic part (for example, a solar battery), even when a process accompanying generation of heat during the manufacturing process (for example, a film forming process such as plasma CVD) is performed on the plastic film, a release amount of unnecessary gas released from the adhesive tape due to the influence of the heat is suppressed, so that deterioration in the performance of the electronic part caused by the unnecessary gas is suppressed.

Abstract: In an electronic component mounting apparatus for taking out a chip 6 from a component supply portion 4 to mount to a board 16 held by a board holding portion 10, an image of a supply portion reference mark provided at a mark post 18 of the component supply portion 2 is taken by a second camera 35 moved by a camera moving mechanism, a camera coordinates system is calibrated based on a result of taking the image, thereafter, a position of the chip 6 is recognized by the second camera 35 and the chip 6 is picked up by a mounting head based on a result of the recognition. Thereby, stable pick up accuracy can be ensured by calibrating an aging variation of the coordinates system owing to thermal elongation or contraction of the camera moving mechanism.

Abstract: A press tool for partially assembling a fiber optic connector includes a base, a ferrule door, a sliding portion, and a slide adapter door. The ferrule door is rotatably attached to the base for holding a first portion of the fiber optic connector in a predetermined location during the partial assembly of the fiber optic connector. The slide adapter door is rotatably attached to the sliding portion for holding a second portion of the fiber optic connector during the partial assembling of the fiber optic connector. The invention is also directed to a transfer tool for grasping and moving a partially assembled fiber optic connector.

Abstract: A robot hand 23 having a hand body 30 having a reference axis J1 is provided with fixed holding members 40 and 41 and a movable holding member 42. The holding members 40, 41 and 42 are arranged on the hand body at angular intervals about the reference axis J1. Each of the fixed holding members 40 and 41 has a first guide part 50 and a second guide part 51 defining a V-shaped groove. The movable holding member 42 has a first guide part 60 and a second guide part 61 defining a V-shaped groove. Peripheral parts 19 of a wafer 22 are fit in the V-shaped grooves of the holding members 40 to 42 to grip the wafer 22 by the robot hand 23. The first guide parts 50 and 61 are provided at their lower ends with protrusions 55 and 65 protruding toward the reference axis J1, respectively. The protrusions 55 and 65 prevent the wafer 22 from slipping off the holding members 40 to 42.

Abstract: An automated wire harness machine is capable of manufacturing a wire harness in an automated process. The wire harness is generally a plurality of bundled, preferably un-stripped, insulated wires. Each un-stripped end portion of each wire is preferably terminated by an electrical terminal in one of a series of electrical connectors of the wire harness. Each connector has at least one wafer which houses a plurality of terminals. The wire harness machine utilizes a pallet that holds all of the wafers of one wire harness. A conveyor transports the pallet and wafers through a series of stations which perform automated manufacturing steps. The first station is a terminal inserter which inserts and locks the terminals within pre-assigned cavities of the wafers. The next station is an automated wire loader which measures, cuts and crimps the two ends of each wire into the respective terminals of the loaded wafer assembly.

Abstract: A tube-plug extracting apparatus has a clamping mechanism, movable frame, chucking mechanism, rotation mechanism, and vertical motion mechanism. The clamping mechanism holds a test tube upright. The movable frame is located over a plug extracting position and slides in a vertical direction. The chucking mechanism chucks a plug attached to the test tube. The rotation mechanism rotates the chucking mechanism. The vertical motion mechanism moves the movable frame in a direction to extract the plug. The vertical motion mechanism has ball screws and a drive motor. The ball screws have a stroke long enough to move the movable frame in order to shift a lower-limit stop position for chucking the plug corresponding to the size of test tube.

Abstract: A method for contacting patterned electrode devices includes the steps of providing a porous substrate, depositing electrically conductive material to form at least one electrode on a front-side of the porous substrate and depositing at least one electrically conductive back-side contact trace on the back-side of the substrate. A portion of the electrically conductive material penetrates into the substrate. A device is formed including the electrode on the front side of the substrate, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled by a conducting channel including the electrically conductive material through the substrate to the back-side contact trace.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, a method includes engaging a first contact on a motherboard with a second contact on an electronic package. A portion of one of the first and second contacts is covered with an interlayer that has a lower melting temperature than both of the first and second contacts. The method further includes bonding the first contact to the second contact by melting the interlayer to diffuse the interlayer into the first and second contacts. The bonded first and second contacts have a higher melting temperature than the interlayer before melting. In other example embodiments, an electronic assembly includes a motherboard having a first contact that is bonded to a second contact on an electronic package. An interlayer is diffused within the first and second contacts such that they have a higher melting temperature than the interlayer before the interlayer is diffused into the first and second contacts.

Abstract: A method of using a tool for punching orifice that has wall surfaces extending at an angle relative to a generally planar surface of a workpiece. The method includes sequentially forming two spaced apart impressions formed in the workpiece between first and second generally planar surfaces spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the workpiece. The two spaced apart impressions form a first orifice wall surface disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the generally planar surface facing the tool and a second orifice wall surface disposed at an acute angle with respect to the generally planar surface, and coincidental with the punching process, a retention arrangement that secures the workpiece during the forming of the orifice.

Abstract: Pneumatic tires adapted to use on bicycles have a number of criteria that need to be evaluated. For high performance bicycle riding, such as in mountain bike races, it is advantageous to optimize performance. Standard tires with tubes have ease of repair in the replacement of a punctured tube, have the ability to maintain pressure for long periods, and do not require special adaptation of the rim for sealing.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a composite coil spring includes the following steps: preparing a mold, winding a coil former around an mandrel of the mold, winding composite material pre-preg, compressing and heating, opening the mold and detaching the mandrel and the coiled coil former.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an effectively invisible gemstone setting by casting a wax model of the setting and inserting a flange or post between the stones and into the floor of the setting, or into a depression or aperture on the floor of the setting, in order to secure the stones placed in the wax model of the setting. The flange is shaped so that the majority of its body is hidden beneath the gemstones and so that a narrowed portion of the flange engages the sides or girdles of the gemstones. The upper portion of the flange has sloped sides and may reflect light to and from the crown of the gemstones mounted in the setting.

Abstract: A truss clamp for connection with a second clamp when installing truss assemblies includes a mechanism for adjustably connecting the two clamps in spaced relation. The truss clamp includes a fixed member and a rotatable member, the rotatable member having first and second ends and being pivotally connected to the fixed member intermediate the ends of the rotatable member and being rotatable between a first position wherein the first end is in confronting relation with a portion of the fixed member and a second position wherein the second end is in confronting relation with the portion of the fixed member. A holding mechanism may be disposed over a center spring action mechanism, for selectively maintaining the rotatable member in at least the second position. A method of installing trusses using a truss clamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is an illuminating nail clipper for clipping the nails of an animal such as a dog, cat, bird, or the like which allows for the clipping of an individual nail at the desired length to prevent injury or improper length cutting for the animal. The device includes a hand-actuated clipping blade used in conjunction with an adjustable in size nail holder which includes a cutting hole and which allows the nail to be clipped to be firmly held at a particular position relative to the nail cutting blade. Using an appropriate diameter aperture of the cutting hole, the animal nail may be inserted in an aperture of size sufficient to permit the nail to penetrate a particular distance based on the diameter size of the nail, which is tapered. A light source disposed on a flexible arm or conduit can be provided to illuminate an animal's nail to make it translucent, allowing the operator to see the capillaries within the nail and thus to avoid cutting to the live portion of the nail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaving appliance comprising at least one rotating flexible strip (12) which is provided with a plurality of bezels, is guided in a guiding channel (3) in a cutting section (4), and is driven by a motor (10) in the longitudinal direction. The quality of one such shaving device is significantly improved by the fact that the guiding channel (3) is flexible in the cutting section (4).

Abstract: The hand held tool for cutting the sheath of a cable or insulated conductor is comprised of a durable plastic body, aluminum components which make up the blade adjustment mechanism and stainless steel hardware. The spring loaded blade adjustment mechanism allows the user to cut into the cable sheath or conductor insulation at various depths. The roller bearing guide in conjunction with the stepped thumb grip allows the user to easily insert the cable as well as perform the process of cutting the cable sheath or insulated conductor. Standard utility knife blades are used as the integral component for cutting the cable sheath or conductor insulation. A compartment for storing extra utility knife blades is located in the body of the tool.

Abstract: A device for opening blister packs without annular depressions around the blisters serving as guidance trails is provided comprising a handle and a cutter having a suitable transverse dimension and form of cross section at the position of the intended cutting, making it suitable for cutting the foil of the type used in blister packs, and for opening any pack or container wrapped in a foil or any other cutable material or tape used for packaging as such. A preferred cutter is having cutter formed essentially as a rod and further provided with a point in order to facilitate penetration of foils. The device may be provided with means for protection of the cutter in order to avoid unintended cuts during storage and transport. The handle of the device may be shaped in order to facilitate the use by elderly and/or patients suffering from a rheumatic disease.

Abstract: Flatware having a decorative handle comprised of a composite of stone and/or shell and a resin, and the method for creating same. The stone and/or shell is reduced to particulates and embedded within transparent or translucent resin, forming the handle, such that the particulates are visible yet protected within the resin. The method entails preparation of the raw materials, successive applications of resin and particulate to the flatware to build up a handle, shaping the handle to the desired final shape, and creating a finish for the final product.

Abstract: An atomically sharpened cutting edge for a cutting instrument is described. Focused ion beam (FIB) milling provides the atomically sharp cutting edge. In one embodiment, a cutting edge blank is provided and milled by FIB to form an atomically sharp edge. In another embodiment, a metal cutting edge blank is provided, a layer of a harder material is provided on at least one side of the blank and it is milled by FIB to form an atomically sharp edge.

Abstract: A brake mechanism includes a trigger device and a brake device arranged in a casing of a tool. The trigger device is a switch to activate the power. The brake device is to depress the power that is transmitted to the output shaft. The output shaft is wrapped by a flexible band which has one end fixed to the casing and the other end is connected to a connection device which is activated by the trigger device or the brake device so as to be pull the flexible band to change the friction to the output shaft.

Abstract: A simple attachment for a reciprocating tool that will effectuate the ability to do a flush cut in an inexpensive and simple manner which is neither too rigid, nor not rigid enough. This is effectuated by providing an insert which fits into the reciprocating tool in the same fashion as a regular blade. The present invention then offsets the placement of a blade, sander, file, or other tool by as many inches as wished by the user. The blade, sander, file, or other tool is held rigid through the use of a 45 degree bracket spanning the distance from the original plane to the offset plane, or via a single or compound trapezoid design.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power tool with a reciprocating blade, such as a jigsaw, in which the blade can have linear and pendulum movement components imparted thereon and also to a blade holder assembly. There is provided a bearing for a holder member which allows control of the movement of the holder in relation to both movement components, said bearing including a first part though which the holder member passes and a second part in relation to which the holder member and the first part are movable.

Abstract: A visual protractor is disclosed that reduces the time to teach students how to measure and understand angles and significantly improves overall student comprehension of angles. The protractor offers a significant increase in convenience in measuring and drawing angles.

Abstract: The Reversible Doorjamb Square is an improved tool designed as a solid one piece 90-degree right angle square that slides into a plastic lined box beam jamb tube. The invention will allow the user to temporally secure a doorjamb in place before permanently nailing it to the framing members. Adjustments are possible by means of cam levers, calibration screws and stand-off discs that allow the user to position the unit plumb, level, square and flush to the finish wall.

Abstract: A door operating hardware installation guide for preparing a door for the mounting of operating hardware. The guide includes a front template and a side template. The front template includes a first side and a second side and the side template includes a first side and a second side. The side template is operatively, removably coupled to the front template. The front template and the side template have a plurality of through guide holes defining the outer perimeter of proposed mounting holes for the operating hardware. The accurate placement of the mounting holes in the door is facilitated by the through guide holes when either the first side or the second side of the front template is in contact with the edge of the door and either the first side or the second side of the side template is in contact with the side of the door.

Abstract: An improved angle deciphering and leveling device that transmits a radio frequency to a receiver located on or near the person using the level and also to a second receiver on or near a person who can double-check the level-user's work. The level works with a tilt switch that rotates about a shaft. The shaft is connected to a knob and spool. The spool is attached to the shaft. The tilt switch is attached to the spool. The tilt switch corresponds to a dial face that reads in angular degrees. When the tradesman sets the knob to the desired angle, the tilt switch corresponds to that angle and when the level is tilted to the preset angle a radio-frequency transmitter is triggered. When the transmission signal is received by the proper same frequency receiver, a alarm will sound verifying the angle has been reached. An on/off power switch will shut off the level when not in use.

Abstract: The present multi-axis installable and adjustable level is permanently installed to a suitable panel on or in a movable structure, such as a recreational vehicle or the like, or a portable work table or the like. The present level enables a user of the structure to level the structure precisely as required, and/or to determine the level of the structure, once the present level has been properly installed. The present level comprises a pair of leaves or panels which are hinged together, with one of the leaves providing coarsely adjustable permanent attachment to the structure and the opposite leaf including a bull's eye type level thereon. The first leaf is secured to a suitable panel (which may be sloped, horizontal, or vertical) of the structure, and the second leaf is extended and locked in a substantially horizontal orientation. The bubble level is then leveled precisely using the infinitesimal adjustment provided.

Abstract: A device for providing an indication of roofing related information. The device includes a first component (1) including a first set (4) of roofing related information, and at least one further set (9) of roofing related information. The positions of the information sets have a predetermined relationship to one another on the first component. The device also includes a second component (2) pivotally connected for relative rotary movement to the first component. The second component has a first information display position (6) for indicating a selected member of the first information set and at least one further information display position (10) for indicating the related member of the at least one further information set.

Abstract: An apparatus for gauging the dimension of an object. The apparatus has a wall with a generally flat front surface, facing a first direction, and a peripheral edge. Space graduations are provided on the wall relative to which a dimension of an object placed in front of the wall can be gauged. The surface on the wall reflects an image of an object located in front of the wall. At least one of i) a depiction of at least one of a) an animate object; b) an inanimate object; and c) a scene; ii) at least one word; iii) a design; and iv) a logo is provided on the wall and is viewable from in front of the wall in conjunction with the spaced graduations and a reflected image from the surface on the wall.

Abstract: Mounting tools and methods for using mounting tools are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a mounting tool includes a template having a body configured to be releasably attachable to a support medium. The mounting tool further includes a projecting member configured to interface with the body. The projecting member is movable to project at an angle from the body for catching particulates. The projecting member can have several different configurations. For example, the projecting member can be integral with the body. Alternatively, the projecting member can be a discrete component with respect to the body.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

Abstract: An improved type rule housing structure comprises essentially a housing, and a slip-resistant pad that is provided over the periphery of said housing by injection molding integrally together with said housing and extends from the upper edge of the front side of said housing toward the upper side and edges of left and right sides and further around the rear side to enclose the type rule at the middle of the lower side such that the upper and rear sides can be enclosed completely, while only the rear end of the lower side of said housing is enclosed; wherein several recessed portions are further provided regularly at the lower side of said housing for facilitating griping thereon by a user to achieve a slip-resistant effect; wherein said slip-resistant pad is protruded over every side of the housing such that, in case the housing being accidentally fallen down to the ground, the slip-resistant pad can contact with the ground first and absorb the impact force acting upon the housing so as to avoid the damage of

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a heat source, preferably a heat pump, a rotating drum, and means to generate flow of air from the heat source to an inlet in the drum. At least two outlets are separated from each other in the drum to enable higher air flow rates without increase in pressure drop, resulting in reduced drying time.

Abstract: A forage bale dryer and method of operation is described, which is particularly adapted to dry large bales of forage material, such as hay, alfalfa, etc. The dryer has a bale support platform disposed between a lower and an upper plenum chamber, and the upper plenum chamber is spaced from the support platform to define an accessible stacking area for disposing one or more layers of forage bales onto the support platform. An air circulating passage is connected to the plenum chambers to direct a drying air flow there across. A sheet of flexible film material is disposed about the stack of bales and between the plenum chambers, whereby upon the application of a drying air flow, a negative pressure causes the flexible film material to collapse against the circumferential side surface of the stack of bales, whereby the drying air flow is confined through the stack. The drying air flow is also reversible by proper synchronization of valve plates in the air circulating conduits.

Abstract: A dummy substrate is obtained by covering a silicon substrate with a resin coating. This increases the strength of the dummy substrate, prevents pieces and particles of the silicon substrate from scattering, and even when the dummy substrate is damaged during processing, prevents them from contaminating a processing apparatus. The use of a chemical-resistant resin for the resin coating restrains the dummy substrate from being etched by a cleaning process using a chemical solution and increases the number of times that the dummy substrate can repeatedly be used.

Abstract: A method and a system for removing water from high water content solid such as high water content coal, which enables dewatering with small energy consumption. A liquefied material which is a gas at 25° C. under 1 atm. (hereinafter referred to as material D) is contacted with a solid containing water to allow the liquefied material D to dissolve the water contained in the solid, and to produce a liquefied material D having a high water content and simultaneously remove the water from the solid, and by vaporizing the material D in the liquefied material having a high water content, to thereby separate the water from the resulting gaseous material D, recovering the separated gaseous material D, and liquefying the recovered gaseous material by pressurizing, cooling or a combination thereof, to reuse the resulting liquefied material for removing water from a solid containing water.

Abstract: The method of removing moisture from a material contained within a dryer (3) comprises heating a first stream of gas (A3); passing the heated stream of gas through a dryer (3) to extract moisture from the material to be dried; returning a first portion (E3) of the used gas from an outlet of the dryer (3) to the heater (2), re-heating the second stream of gas (E3) in the heater (2); and passing the heated second stream (B3) back into the dryer (3), wherein the first stream of gas (A3) is atmospheric air from >which at least a proportion of the nitrogen present therein has been removed, to thereby increase the percentage by volume of oxygen in the first stream of gas (A3).

Abstract: A laundry drying machine, which maintains the stable installation of a humidity sensor for a long period of time, includes a housing defining an external appearance, a drying tub rotatably installed in the housing, a front panel rotatably supporting a front end of the drying tub, and a humidity sensor, installed on the front panel, for detecting dryness of laundry contained in the drying tub. The humidity sensor of the laundry drying machine is installed on the front panel having a relatively high strength so as to support the total weight of a drying tub and laundry contained in the drying tub, thereby maintaining the stable installation of the humidity sensor for a long period of time and reducing the generation of errors of the humidity sensor.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises an upper portion which is dimensioned to at least partially enclose a user's foot, a sole portion connected to the upper portion and a solid microwaveable, insole shaped heating pad. The sole portion includes a pocket which is dimensioned for receipt of the heating pad. The article is adapted for removal and insertion of the heating pad by means an openable fastener which connects the upper portion from the sole portion. The invention also relates to a method of heating a foot comprising the step of providing an article of footwear according to the invention, removing the heating pad from the pocket of the article of footwear, heating the heating pad in a microwave for a suitable amount of time, inserting the heating pad into the pocket of the article of footwear and placing the article of footwear onto a users foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.