Abstract: Embodiments of a gas diffuser plate for distributing gas in a processing chamber are provided. The gas distribution plate includes a diffuser plate having an upstream side and a downstream side, and a plurality of gas passages passing between the upstream and downstream sides of the diffuser plate. The gas passages include hollow cathode cavities at the downstream side to enhance plasma ionization. The depths, the diameters, the surface area and density of hollow cathode cavities of the gas passages that extend to the downstream end can be gradually increased from the center to the edge of the diffuser plate to improve the film thickness and property uniformity across the substrate. The increasing diameters, depths and surface areas from the center to the edge of the diffuser plate can be created by bending the diffuser plate toward downstream side, followed by machining out the convex downstream side. Bending the diffuser plate can be accomplished by a thermal process or a vacuum process.

Abstract: A tool that seats and cuts multiple wires inserted into terminals of a multi-terminal jack includes a support housing for a linearly translatable, and removable carrier. The carrier fixedly retains one of a blade head and a jack, and slidably retains the other of the jack and the blade head, in such a manner that the jack is maintained in precision alignment with the blade head as the carrier is linearly translated within the support housing. A carrier translation control mechanism is coupled to the support housing in a manner that pushes and thereby linearly translates the carrier, so as to bring the blades of the translated blade head into precise stuffing and cutting engagement with the wires in the jack.

Abstract: A saddle for a stringed instrument comprising an elongate member having a string support surface for supporting strings of the instrument and a base for connecting to the stringed instrument. The elongate member has at least one internal cavity and an insert made from a resonant material is received in the internal cavity. The insert may be formed from a material having the same or a different density than the material of the elongate member. At least one piezo electric crystal is embedded in the insert to faithfully and reliable capture the vibrational energy of the strings. The saddle provides a compact and simple apparatus for reliably and accurately amplifying the sound of a guitar, particularly an acoustic guitar. The piezo-electric crystal relies on vibration of the strings to generate a signal, but not on downward pressure as with conventional under the saddle pickups.

Abstract: A process for forming the stator of a linear electric motor, an annular stack of lamination elements, and a stator for an electric motor, said stator comprising an annular stack of laminations elements (5) within which is mounted a tubular coil (6), said process comprising the steps of: a—providing lamination elements (10), each being defined by two lamination portions (13, 14) to be affixed to each other to complete the respective lamination element (10); b—forming two mutually complementary annular assemblies (20, 30), with the lamination portions (13, 14) of each annular assembly (20, 30) being seated side by side in relation to each other; and c—seating in the interior of each of said annular assemblies (20, 30) a respective adjacent end portion of the tubular coil (6), affixing the two annular assemblies (20, 30) to each other, to complete the shape of the annular stack of lamination elements (5).

Abstract: A conductive film is formed on a substrate into which a MEMS circuit is fabricated, and a film of a dielectric A having a low dielectric constant and a film of a dielectric B having a high dielectric constant are formed on the conductive film, followed by the formation of a conductive film over the dielectric films. A millimeter wave is guided along the film of the dielectric B functioning as a dielectric waveguide, and is propagated along its length while being reflected by the conductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor electret condenser microphone capable of being reduced in size and including an acoustic sensor 100 and a case 200 for accommodating the acoustic sensor 100, the acoustic sensor 100 has a semiconductor chip 110 forming necessary electronic circuits 111A to 111C, and opening a through hole 112 away from the electronic circuits 111A to 111C, an electrode layer 120 formed on the surface of the semiconductor chip 110 away from the through hole 112, an electret member 130 laminated away from part of the electrode layer 120 and through hole 112, and a diaphragm 140 provided with a spacing 160 to the electret member 130, in which the electrode layer 120 exposed from the electret member 130 is connected to the electrode 111a of the electronic circuit 111A through the case 200 (FIG. 6).

Abstract: An adjustment method and apparatus to derive a pressure and measure for the securement force and alignment of flanges, couplings, bearings, headers, and securement bolts or nuts, where at least one member is moveable in relationship to another member such as a spindle nut retaining a wheel hub and the hub's inner and outer bearings upon a spindle, the spindle nut having affixed upon or embodied within, one or more axially affixed pressure calibration instruments to sense an axial pressure, and integrated with a corresponding axial micro measurement, to identify an exact pressure reference point from which is accomplished a desired securement force, the desired securement force being either satisfied or further accomplished by a specified increment of tightening of the securement device, thusly achieving dimensional stability of the structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a printed circuit board, and more particularly a method of forming a plated through hole (PTH), a blind via, and a buried via of printed circuit board. The method includes providing a two-layer board having a through hole therein, conformally forming a seed layer on the metal foil and in the through hole, forming a mask on the metal foil, having an opening aligned to the through hole to expose the seed layer on the through hole, forming a conductive layer on the exposed seed layer within the through hole, and removing the mask.

Abstract: A method and device for cutting and sealing of disposable multilumen tubing is disclosed. The method comprises providing a first surface and an opposite second surface, placing a portion of the multilumen tubing between the first and the second surface and applying heat and pressure to at least one of the first and the second surface so as to plastically deform and cut the said portion of the multilumen tubing and to heat-seal the cut ends thereof. The device for cutting and sealing comprises a first jaw and juxtaposed therewith a second jaw, said first and said second jaw are provided with respective first and second surface. The device further comprises biasing member exerting pressure on at least one of the said first and the second surface and a source of energy suitable for heating of at least one of the said first and the second surface.

Abstract: A method of converting a diesel engine to a natural gas engine comprising inserting a spark plug into a diesel fuel injector opening in a cylinder head; installing a throttle body on the diesel engine; installing a throttle body adaptor between a throttle body and an intake manifold of said diesel engine; and modifying a piston, whereby the compression ratio of said piston is decreased during operation of said piston. The method also includes installation of a waste gate and waste gate adaptor and a timing mask.

Abstract: A low or high pressure turbine case is machined on its outside surface to form circumferential notches. The notches coincide with the internal locations of labyrinth seals for the blades, or with “hot spots” that have been identified. A stiffener ring is shrunk with an interference fit into each notch through inducing temperature differentials between the ring and the case. The compressive circumferential force exerted by each ring prevents the low or high pressure turbine case from expanding as much as it would otherwise, thus improving blade tip clearance or counterbalancing the “hot spots”, stiffening the case, and improving case cooling. In an alternate embodiment a hydraulic nut may be used to push the ring in place and held by a locking nut. Alternatively, C-rings, or multiple segmented rings, may be coupled together by hydraulic, electrical, or other means and actuated by a controller to exert adjustable compressive circumferential force.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a method of manufacturing a thin wall isogrid or the like casing (10) by a machining process comprises the steps of mating a casing (10) with a support (20); the said support having a substantially continuous support surface (22) engaging at least part of the inner or outer surface of the casing (10) and machining a plurality of recessed pockets (12) in the said inner or outer surface of the casing (10) opposite the surface engaged by the said support (20). The support (20) reacts loads acting on the casing (10) by a machining tool (52,54) during machining, thereby minimising distortion of the casing (10) and tearing of the pockets (12) being formed. During the mating process, the casing (10) is deformed such that the support surface (22) engages substantially the whole of the inner or outer surface of the casing (10).

Abstract: A reformer for a fuel cell system, a fabrication method thereof, and a fuel cell system are provided. The reformer includes a plurality of reaction substrates. The reaction substrates each have a reaction substrate body provided with a flow channel with micropores formed on the surface of the flow channel. In addition, a catalyst layer may be formed within the flow channel of the reaction substrate body. Since the reformer for a fuel cell system suggested in the present invention includes reaction substrates having micropores formed in the flow channel, it has a high specific surface area and high catalyst activity. Moreover, since the catalyst layer is formed by a deposition method, the reformer can be of a small proportion, occupying little space in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rim and to a method for its production, in particular for bicycles, using a machining device for the working a welding burr of the rim. The machining device comprises a machining means working the outer contour of the rim and a another machining means working the inner contour of the rim, that has an outer diameter being less than the width of the rim well. The main steps of the method include movement of the first means along the outer contour of the rim to work the welding burr on the outer contour and movement of the second means along the inner contour of the rim to work the welding burr on the inner contour. During machining the inner contour the rim is pivoted around an axis by a predefined angular range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wheel, particularly for use on automotive vehicles. The wheel has a wheel rim and a wheel disc connectable to each other. The method includes shaping the wheel disc, shaping the wheel rim, manufacturing the wheel disc to form a first centering element and manufacturing the wheel rim to form a second centering element. The centering elements allow the wheel disc and the wheel rim to be connectable to each other via the first and second centering elements in a centered or concentric way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for shaving hair (93) and to a shaving head (9) used therein. The shaving head (9) has at least one cutting member (17, 19) having a cutting edge (23) and a cutting direction (X), and the device has an actuator (29) for effecting a periodical motion of said cutting member relative to a base portion (3) of the device. According to the invention said periodical motion is effected in an imaginary plane which extends transversely to the cutting edge (23) and which has a first motion portion (89) and a second motion portion (91) following the first motion portion. The first motion portion is mainly directed in the cutting direction (X), and the second motion portion is mainly directed opposite to the cutting direction and is closer to the skin (93) than the first motion portion. Said periodical motion results in a reduced risk of skin irritations and skin injuries and provides a smooth shaving result.

Abstract: A straight blade razor allows consumers lacking professional dexterity put the blade against the skin at an ideal angle. A handle portion, a razor portion extending from the second segment of the handle portion including a detachable trapezoidal blade compartment for holding the blade which compartment includes a top, an end wall, left and right non-parallel side walls having a bottom end, and a smooth bottom wall having a gap between its first and second bottom wall segments through which the blade protrudes to a point slightly beyond the bottom wall but not as far as either bottom end of the side walls. The first and second bottom wall segments curve toward the top near the gap between them to encourage cut hair into the compartment. A planar retaining wall inside the blade compartment holds the blade at a fixed tilted angle relative to the skin.

Abstract: A saw and/or saw frame comprising: an elongate substantially rigid back member and a swing arm pivotally connected to the back member so as to be rotatable between an extended position and a storage position; A handle comprises a first blade mount; the swing arm comprises a second blade mount; the back comprises a third blade mount disposed proximate to the swing arm; each of the first, second, and third blade mounts being constructed to engage one end of a removably mounted saw blade; and wherein the first, second, and third blade mounts are disposed to allow quick changes in blade configuration. The back member also has an elongate blade storage cavity accessible from above adapted to store at least one of the removably mounted saw blades and an auxiliary blade mounting mechanism configured to operatively mount an auxiliary blade extending forward from the frame.

Abstract: A split-end hair remover comprising an enclosure having top, bottom and sides, where the top includes a substantially planar screen having upper and lower surfaces that include a plurality of apertures through which one or more split hair ends may project, a motor carried within the enclosure that drives several sets of blades, each set of which is disposed around a center of rotation and where each of the blades of a set has a cutting edge disposed parallel to and proximate the lower surface of the planar screen.

Abstract: A vegetation trimmer comprising an elongate main handle to which is connected a motor that rotatably drives a trimmer head located at a distal end of the handle. The trimmer head defines a rotational axis and includes a housing and a spool rotatably received in the housing for carrying at least one coil of flexible trimmer line. The trimmer head further includes structure for enabling trimmer line to be wound through housing and onto the spool in a user-selected clockwise or counterclockwise direction without removing the spool from the housing such that trimmer line is dischargeable from the trimmer head in an appropriate clockwise or counterclockwise direction dictated by the direction of rotation of the vegetation trimmer drive shaft.

Abstract: An exchangeable blade knife includes a handle and a blade adapted to be removably coupled to the handle. A bias mechanism is coupled to the handle, the bias mechanism applying a bias on the blade in a lateral direction to press the blade against the handle. The blade may be removed from the handle without also removing the bias mechanism from the handle.

Abstract: A guide adapter (18) has carrier means removably secured on a tool-side end of a housing (4) of a saber saw (2) and a contacting element (16) for contacting on a work piece (32) to be worked. The contacting element (16) has a claw contour for securing on a surface (30) of the work piece (32). The carrier means has a clamping contour for immobile clamping on the housing (4) and the claw contour is transiently affixed relative to the carrier means. The claw contour has a plurality of teeth (28), which are directed away from the carrier means.

Abstract: A manual retracting device for the movable lower saw guard of a electrical circular saw in which the guard is moved up into its cutting position by depressing a thumb button located adjacent the saw handle permitting the operator to control the movable lower saw guard while continuing to hold and control the power saw at the handle. The guard is automatically returned to its closed protective position when the operator removes his thumb from the control button.

Abstract: A tool for easily removing solid particles from liquid. The particle remover comprises a handle (22), a distal surface (26) and a member array (24) comprised of a plurality of elongated members (28) that are arranged such that the elongated members (28) and the distal surface (26) define an open ended chamber (38) that is open on one end for trapping particles. The particle remover can be used to selectively remove particles that are either floating or submerged in a liquid without substantially disturbing the liquid and can be used repeatedly to accumulate particles that are dispersed throughout the liquid.

Abstract: An optical system for a laser level is described. The laser level comprises at least two optical systems which are parallel to and oppositely adjoin to each other in a same plane. Each optical system comprises a laser light source, a regular lens, a diffusion lens, a beam-splitting element, and an outer casing as well as the regular lens and the diffusion lens are located between the laser light source and the beam-splitting element. For the optical system of the laser level, the laser beam is sequentially regularized, diffused and split into a fan-shaped light beam with an angle greater than 180 degrees to ensure that the light beams from the optical systems are spread in the same plane. Thus, the laser level generates a disk-shaped light beam with 360 degrees to indicate a circular mark in the same plane.

Abstract: An angle sensor comprising a housing (1) having horizontal and vertical axes, which housing is adapted to receive a magnetic core (5) such that the core remains in substantially the same plane, e.g. by floating on a liquid (4). The core is provided with two orthogonal windings (8, 18). In use, an electric field is applied across the vertical axis of the housing, which electric field induces a voltage in the windings, wherein the magnitude of the induced field is dependent on the angle of the magnetic core to the horizontal winding.

Abstract: The present spirit level has an elongated body with a longitudinal leveling face and at least one inclination peg retractably mounted in the body. The inclination peg is configured to selectably extend at least partially out from the leveling face by at least one predetermined stepwise increment, such that when it contacts a surface to be leveled, the inclination peg raises the leveling face to a predetermined angle of inclination from the surface to be leveled.

Abstract: Test piece, comprising at least two shaped probe elements and at least one connecting element for connecting the at least two shaped probe elements. Each connecting element is provided with at least one fastening element at one end of the connecting element for fastening a shaped probe element. Length variations of the at least two shaped probe elements and/or of the at least one connecting element are compensated by the fastening elements in such a way that the distance between respective two sensing points under standard measuring conditions is essentially constant.

Abstract: A measuring instrument is described for application to the end of a circular member, such as a pipe, to locate the precise center of such circular member, and project it to a distant surface.

Abstract: Quilting Template with a flat, transparent, circular plastic disk approximately one eighth of an inch thick, a centermost conical aperture to allow a pencil point or pin to act as a pivot shaft, a plurality of concentrically and radially disposed cutouts spaced around the center aperture, a plurality of conically shaped apertures placed at strategic locations within the disk, and silk screened or otherwise printed indicators on the disk. A preferred embodiment includes the radial cutouts are approximately one quarter of one inch wide so that the outer arc of the cutout can be used as a retaining wall for guiding a standard hand operated cutting wheel and the inner arc can be used to draw a sew line that is an ideal distance from the edge of the fabric being cut.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a main case; a flexible non-metallic tape selectively deployable from the case; the tape comprising a matrix of a plurality of longitudinally disposed reinforcing strands and a polymer; at least a first length indicating measuring scale printed on the tape and visible to a user when the tape is deployed; the tape having a generally flat cross-sectional profile when deployed from the main case and having a width in the range of approximately ? inch to approximately one inch. The tape measure may advantageously further comprise a see-through outer coating, the first length indicating measuring scale visible through the outer coating; and/or a second length indicating measuring scale printed on the tape and visible to a user when the tape is deployed. The plurality of reinforcing strands may advantageously comprise at least thirty strands of glass fiber material. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape measure which has at least one roller provided in the front surface of a housing, thus protecting the fingers of a user. The tape measure of the present invention includes a housing, a circumferential outer surface of which is covered with a grip. The housing has a neck extending from the front surface of the housing, thus forming upper and lower concave parts on upper and lower surfaces of the neck, respectively. The housing further has a tape extraction hole formed in a lower end of the front surface of the neck. The tape measure further includes a bobbin rotatably provided at a central portion in the housing, with a coil spring mounted in the bobbin; and a tape coupled at a first end thereof to the coil spring of the bobbin and extending at a second end thereof to the outside of the housing through the tape extraction hole, so that the tape is extracted to the outside through the tape extraction hole.

Abstract: A lint trap for trapping air particles includes an air inlet for allowing the air particles to enter the lint trap and a base having a tapered gradient for increasing the velocity of the air particles and containment by centrifugal force. The air inlet is connected to a dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply independent device (1) producing a hot air flow (2). Heat (4) is produced by a catalytic heating element (5) which is energised by a liquid fuel, the hot air flow (2) being produced by an electric fan (7). The inventive device (1) is provided with a fuel cell (8) which supplies electric power to the fan (7). Said device comprises a tank (10) for the liquid fuel connected with the aid of a valve (11) to the fuel cell (8) and the heating element (5) in such a way that they are jointly supplied with the liquid fuel (6).

Abstract: A thermal management chassis for providing simultaneous spray cooling and dry cooling for a plurality of cards. The thermal management chassis includes a chassis having a dry chamber and a spray chamber, a first opening within a rear portion of the chassis extending into the spray chamber, a second opening within the rear portion of the chassis extending into the dry chamber, and a main backplane secured and sealed to the rear portion of the chassis. Electronic cards may be electrically coupled within sockets of the main backplane within both the dry chamber and the spray chamber. The cards within the spray chamber are typically high heat flux components with increased cooling requirements and the cards within the dry chamber are typically low heat flux components with reduced cooling requirements. A spray cool system is within the spray chamber and a dry cool system is within the dry chamber.

Abstract: A method for the Continuous gradual stretching and drying of industrial hides and similar products comprises at least one step (a) involving the initial partial drying of the completely wetted hides supplied following a treatment with liquids, such as tanning, retanning or dyeing, until their relative moisture content is reduced to between 45% and 65%, at least one step (b) involving the final stretching of the hides by means of localised mechanical stresses able to recover the shrinkage resulting from the partial drying thereof, characterized in that, after said initial partial drying step (a), at least one intermediate stretching step (c) is performed, followed by intermediate partial drying (d) followed by at least one intermediate stretching step (e) before proceeding to said step (c) involving the final drying and heat-fixing of the hides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a desiccant cartridge (10) adapted for use in a canister (14) of an integrated receiver/dryer or accumulator assembly of an automotive air conditioning system wherein the canister (14) has an offset inlet port (16). The desiccant cartridge (10) includes a desiccant cup (18) having a center tube (36) and a desiccant cap (12) including a planar portion (44) having a recessed port area (46) provided with a first aperture (56), or first tube (72), for cooperation with a side tube (78) and/or the offset inlet port (16) of the canister (14). The cap (12) further includes a docking piece (80) provided with a second aperture (88), or second tube (92), for cooperating with the center tube (36) of the cup (18) when the cap (12) is retained therein.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controllably drying moisture-containing work pieces. The system comprises a drying compartment defining an internal workspace for housing and drying the moisture-containing work pieces by introducing heat into the internal workspace and heating the moisture-containing work pieces located in the internal workspace by removing heated moisture from the work pieces and absorbing the heated moisture into the air in the workspace to produce heated humidified air. A multi-directional air flow heat exchanger is employed for receiving heated humidified air and atmospheric air and for recycling waste heat from exhaust air from the drying compartment, and for heating the atmospheric air in the heat exchanger using recovered heat extracted from the heated humidified air to a temperature higher than ambient temperature thereby reducing energy costs and drying time and preventing the loss of circulation air.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control method of a clothes drier capable of preventing a laundry damage due to an over-drying and capable of decreasing a power dissipation, and an apparatus thereof. The control method of a clothes drier comprises the steps of: dividing a section that clothes dryness degree values varied as the clothes are dried are generated into a plurality of dryness degree detection sections; detecting the dryness degree values in the plurality of dryness degree detection sections according to a preset sampling rate or the number of samples; detecting a representative value of the detected dryness degree values; and drying the clothes with a preset heating value corresponding to the detected dryness degree representative value.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a water tub for accommodating wash water therein; a drum rotatably installed in the water tub; and a drying device for supplying a hot air into the drum. The drying device includes a blower unit for forcing air to flow; a hot air supply duct for generating the hot air, the hot air supply duct having a heater therein and being connected to the blower unit; and at least one hot air jetting portion for jetting the hot air generated by the hot air supply duct into the drum, each of the hot air jetting portion having a hot air supply line for guiding a flow of the hot air and a plurality of nozzles connected to the hot air supply line to communicate with the hot air supply line.

Abstract: A clothes dryer comprises: a cabinet; a drum rotatably installed within the cabinet; and an exhaust port for discharging air having passed through the drum, wherein the exhaust port includes first and second exhaust pipes respectively diverged to both sides of the cabinet, and exits of the first and second exhaust pipes are arranged at positions rotationally symmetric to each other by 180° with respect to a vertical axis passing through the center of the cabinet. Since panels constituting right and left walls of the cabinet are fabricated by one process thus to be commonly applied to the right and left sides of the cabinet, the number of fabrication processes is reduced thus to enhance a productivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clothes dryer including a drum rotatably installed in a cabinet, a plurality of vent holes being formed on the circumferential surface of the drum, first and second ducts coupled to the drum, respectively, for sucking and exhausting air to/from the drum, and a fan motor for forcibly sending air through the first and second ducts. Here, at least one of the first and second ducts is linked to the plurality of vent holes. The clothes dryer can increase a capacity of the drum without increasing a size of the cabinet.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes: a drum rotatably installed in a cabinet; and an exhaust chamber installed in the cabinet and communicating with the drum for guiding the air from the drum outside the cabinet, the exhaust chamber configured to be detachable into two pieces, thereby reducing a manufacturing cost and improving productivity and efficiency of the operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating assembly (1) for heating a hot air stream (6) flowing in a flow passage (29) of a tumble dryer (26), said heating assembly (1) being configured for installation in said flow passage (29) and comprising at least one heating element (5), which is arranged such that the hot air stream (6) can flow around it in a passing direction (D), and at least one temperature sensor (4) by means of which the temperature of the hot air stream (6) can be detected. In order to provide a heating assembly (1) which allows more precise temperature control to be executed, the present invention is so conceived that the at least one temperature sensor (4) is arranged such that it projects into a core area (15) of the hot air stream (6).

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for compacting a continuously conveyed fiber composite (V) by means of heat (W) impingement. A heated treatment medium (L) is blasted towards the fiber composite (V) by means of at least one nozzle arrangement (2a, 2b). Said nozzle arrangement (2a, 2b) comprises a plurality of adjacent blasting nozzles (4) which are disposed at a distance (a) from each other. An intermediate space (5) is formed between two adjacent nozzles (4). Said intermediate space (5) between blasting nozzles (4) is essentially closed to the fiber composite (V) counter to the conveying path (F) such that an overpressure (P) can be created in a pressure chamber (6) located between the nozzle arrangement and the surface (O) of the fiber composite (V), whereby the treatment medium (L) can be blasted through the entire thickness of the fiber composite (V) even when said fiber composite has a great thickness.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, having a structure that includes a mid-sole component with a membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor and connected in spots with a lower protective layer made of a material that is resistant to hydrolysis, water-repellent, breathable, and/or perforated. A tread made of perforated elastomer is joined perimetrically and hermetically to the component. The membrane is associated with the protective layer by a thermoreactive adhesive.

Abstract: A convertible sandal comprises first and second connectors provided in or on a vamp of the sandal along respective medial and lateral sides of the vamp adjacent a rear margin of the vamp. The sandal may further include first and second holders located along the respective medial and lateral sides of the vamp. A removable strap may be selectively connected in a first position, in which end sections thereof are detachably connected to the connectors and the strap extends around a heel of the wearer's foot, or in a second position, in which the end sections are detached from the connectors and connected to the holders so that the strap extends over the wearer's forefoot.

Abstract: A damping element for a shoe, especially for a sports shoe, having at least one first element which extends essentially in a load direction over a pre-determined height in the unloaded state of the damping element, and is embodied as a hollow body defining a receiving area in which an associated second element with a smaller cross-section can at least partially penetrate. The second element extends essentially in the load direction over a pre-determined height in the unloaded state of the damping element, and is arranged coaxially in relation to the first element. To improve the damping performance of the shoe, the second element is also embodied as a hollow body and the two associated elements are interconnected by means of an elastic connecting section which only extends between the first-element and the second element so that the elements together form a gas-tight chamber.

Abstract: An outsole (1, 3), in particular, for athletic shoes (2) can be realized with a significant elastic deformability in the tangential direction so as to also achieve a superior shock-absorption when the foot contacts the ground obliquely and with a slight propulsive force. According to the invention, the sole (1) essentially is only rigid to a tangential deformation beyond at least one critical point of deformation in the region that is deformed to this critical point. This results in a correspondingly increased stability for the runner in the respective point of contact or load application. The runner is also able to push off from the point of load application without any loss in distance. A floating effect on the sole is prevented. The sole can be affixed, as a whole or in a plurality of parts, also detachably to an intermediate sole (4) of the shoe (2).

Abstract: A method for providing an insole and an insole for footwear for increased sensory stimulation of a foot in the footwear. The method comprises preselecting positions on the foot with nerves at these positions to be stimulated and providing means for stimulating elevation of said insole at said preselected positions during step movement of said foot on said insole.