Abstract: A roller pump including a stator and a rotor assembly disposed within the stator. The rotor assembly includes a rotor hub, a first roller slide and a second roller slide slidingly disposed within the rotor hub. Each of the roller slides rotatably supports a roller. An occlusion adjustment knob for adjusting a radial position of the first and second roller slides and a magnetic detent assembly for providing an audible indicator as the occlusion adjustment knob is rotated.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a polyurethane foam injected with strand mats and a device for increasing the volume of the strand mats. The method comprises the steps of: increasing the volume of each of the strand mats to weaken the cohesion between glass fibers in each of the strand mats; continuously supplying and transferring the volume-increased strand mats; spraying a polyurethane foam solution on the continuously transferred strand mats; and foam molding the polyurethane foam solution in which the strand mats are immersed, into a polyurethane foam. Because the cohesion between the glass fibers in the strand mat is weakened and the volume of the strand mat is increased, the polyurethane foam solution uniformly permeates into the strand mats. As a result, the productivity of the polyurethane foam is improved and the variations in a variety of the mechanical properties are minimized.

Abstract: A drawing mechanism for the doubling and drafting of fibre slivers, has a drawing mechanism frame for accommodating the drawing mechanism, which has at least two pairs of rollers each comprising an upper roller, and a lower roller, and has means for adjusting the spacing of at least one of the lower rollers in relation to another lower roller, in each case having a mounting device for accommodating the lower roller, wherein lower rollers are arranged to be driven by a drive device comprising at least one drive element endlessly revolving around pulley wheels. In order, by simple means in terms of construction, to make possible a considerable reduction in the work and time required for adjustment of the lower roller(s) and, accordingly, of the extent(s) of the drawing zone(s), the mounting device(s) are made adjustable by the drive device.

Abstract: A fastening spring that includes a tolerance zone and a restraint zone. The tolerance zone has a steep incline and the adjoining restraint zone has a flat incline. This allows for tolerance compensation that is increased by the disassembly strength. Furthermore, the fastening spring can be easily manufactured and allows for a damage-free disassembly and assembly of a first component into a second component.

Abstract: A clip (10) for holding banknotes has a first clasp portion (14) and a second clasp portion (12) for holding banknotes therebetween. The first clasp portion (14) has a first magnetic portion (22) including magnetic material (30,32) and the second clasp portion has a second magnetic portion including magnetic material (18,19). The first magnetic portion (22) is moveable relative to the second magnetic portion between: a closed position whereby the interaction of the magnetic material of the first magnetic portion (30,32) and second magnetic portion (18,19) is such that there is a net force of attraction to hold the first and second clasp portions (14,12) together; and an open position whereby the first and second clasp portions (14,12) are released apart.

Abstract: Multiple layer elements for a transducer array are provided. Each element comprises two or more layers of transducer material. Various of the elements are manufactured by one or more of: (1) stacking to form a multiple-layer, multiple-dimensional array where the layers are polymericly bonded and electrically connected through asperity contact, (2) using air or gas to separate at least two elements, (3) stacking an even number of layers where each layer is electrically connected through asperity contact, (4) using multiple-layers where each layer comprises transducer material and electrodes in a substantially same configuration, and (5) electrically isolating electrodes on layers by kerfing or cutting after bonding the layers together.

Abstract: A wheel assembly removal apparatus for use in the automotive maintenance and repair industry. The apparatus is adapted to remove a seized wheel assembly, and associated components, from a vehicle chassis for maintenance and repair while minimizing time and cost, and the possibility for damage. The wheel assembly removal apparatus preferably incorporates, among other elements, a slide hammer assembly that includes a hammer secured to a hollow slide tube. The hollow slide tube is received on a slide shaft. The slide shaft also preferably incorporates a hammer stop near a distal end and a distally projecting support extension. A coupler is formed at a proximal end of the slide shaft and is configured to releasably engage an interchangeable rotor securing tool. The interchangeable rotor securing tool releasably attaches to the coupler at the distal end and to a rim mounting surface at the proximal end.

Abstract: A method of positioning a seal in a groove of a bore in a housing comprising the steps of: placing a cylindrical seal on a plurality of projections that extend from a cylindrical body; radially moving at least one of the projections to deforming the cylindrical seal into a C-shape; inserting the cylindrical body into the bore until in the deformed cylindrical seal is in radial alignment with the groove; and axially retracting at least the one projection to allow the cylindrical seal to radially expand from the C-shape to a circular shape and fill the groove to complete its placement in the housing.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of treating a physical vapor deposition target. The target has a sputtering surface and a sidewall edge at a periphery of the sputtering surface. The method comprises pressing a tool against the sidewall edge to form a distribution of imprints in the sidewall edge of the target. The tool is then removed from the sidewall edge, leaving the imprints extending into the sidewall edge. The invention also encompasses a physical vapor deposition target. The target includes a sputtering surface having an outer periphery, and a sidewall edge along the outer periphery of the sputtering surface. The sidewall edge has a repeating pattern of imprints extending therein.

Abstract: A method of expanding types of synchronous motors capable of reducing the number of required stator types to use stators in common, and a synchronous motor produced by the method. A group of stators are prepared by stacking stator cores of identical shape so that heights of the stators are different from one another to be multiples of a fundamental height. A plurality of groups of rotors are prepared so that lengths of the rotors in each group are different from one another to be multiples of a fundamental length. The rotors in each group are provided with permanent magnets having a residual magnetic flux density different from that of the permanent magnets for the rotors in the other groups. A stator and a rotor corresponding to a preset output torque specification value and a preset rotor inertia specification value are respectively selected from the group of stators and the rotor groups and are combined with each other, whereby an expanded type of motor is obtained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a winding of a rotary electric machine includes steps of pressing a portion of a conductor segment in a predetermined direction to reduce its dimension in the direction, inserting the conductor segment into a slot of a stator core, bending the conductor segments and joining ends of the conductor segments. In the pressing step, the conductor segment is pressed with a punch in a condition that it is held in a die that has curved inside corner portions to restrict deformation of corners of the pressed portion.

Abstract: A hard disk balancing apparatus for a hard disk drive including an eccentricity detection unit to detect an eccentricity amount and an eccentricity position of the hard disk with respect to a rotation axis of a spindle motor for rotating the hard disk as an origin, and a pushing unit to push a circumference of the hard disk in the eccentricity position and to move the hard disk on the rotation axis of the spindle motor according to the eccentricity amount. Here, the eccentricity detection unit includes a detection sensor to detect the rotation axis of the spindle motor, and is placed coaxially with the rotation axis of the spindle motor, and at least three distance sensors that are separated from the detection sensor to be at least farther than a radius of the hard disk and to measure a distance between one point on the outer circumference of the hard disk and themselves.

Abstract: One joint member having a melting point different from that of the other joint member is joined to each bonding pad of a slider and further joined to each bonding pad of a suspension through the other joint member. The slider is exfoliated from the suspension in the state that the one joint member is attached to the slider by heating and melting the other joint member.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head capable of improving a high frequency response characteristic and the efficiency of the head, and reducing the manufacturing time, and a method of manufacturing the thin film magnetic head. After laminating a precursory layer for forming a coil pattern, a precursory layer for forming a separate layer, and a precursory layer for forming a coil pattern, these layers are continuously patterned with the use of a mask by etching to selectively form the coil pattern, the separate layer and the coil pattern in a batch process. The number of the manufacturing steps (the number of photolithography processes) is reduced compared with the case where the coil pattern, the separate layer, and the coil pattern are formed by plating in separate processes, so that a thin film coil comprising the coil patterns can be formed in a shorter time.

Abstract: When two mounting units for performing a series of component mounting operations constituted of component holding, component recognition, and component placing are arranged, operational control is executed so that, while a component recognition or board recognition operation is performed in either one of the two mounting units, the component placing or component holding operation is not performed in the other of the mounting units.

Abstract: An electric-component mounting system including component-mounting devices arranged in an array and each having a component-holding head for holding an electric component, and a head-moving device to move the head, and a substrate-transferring device to move at least one substrate on which electric components are to be mounted, and wherein the substrate-transferring device stops each substrate at at least one stop position which corresponds to at least one of the component-mounting devices and at which operations of the component-mounting devices are concurrently performed on the at least one substrate.

Abstract: A tool for inserting electrical wires into an electrical connector for mating with a plurality of electrical contact members fixedly mounted within the electrical connector comprises a base fixture upon which the electrical connector is to be installed, an insertion die holder upon which a set of insertion dies is mounted for encountering and forcing the plurality of electrical wires into the electrical connector, a driving assembly for moving the insertion die holder toward the base fixture so as to cause the set of insertion dies to force the plurality of electrical wires into the electrical connector and mate with the electrical contact members of the electrical connector, and structure fixedly mounted upon the base fixture for engaging the electrical connector so as to precisely locate and laterally immobilize the electrical connector upon the base fixture such that the set of insertion dies can accurately insert the electrical wires into said electrical connector.

Abstract: A hybrid integrated circuit fabrication method in which an insulating substrate member and its metallic substrate carrier are made to be mating with precision through use of computer controlled machining performed on each member. A combination of disclosed specifically tailored software and commercially available software are used in the method to generate code for controlling a precision milling machine during the fabrication of substrate and substrate carrier members. The method for precision mating of substrate and substrate carrier enable disposition of a precision recess in the substrate carrier and the location of recess pillars and pedestals (the latter being for integrated circuit die mounting use) at any carrier recess location desirable for electrical, thermal or physical strength reasons.

Abstract: There are provided a method and device for generating component mounting data in view of productivity, quality assurance, safety, or the like, when components are mounted onto a mounting target, and a component mounting method and device by which a mounting operation can be performed based on the data. Rules that must be observed, or are desired to be observed, based on various conditions such as mounting apparatus and component information and the like are automatically generated in view of productivity, quality assurance, safety, or the like and can be utilized for generation of component mounting data.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for providing differential adjustment of the height of a multilayer substrate in localized areas for improved Q-factor performance of RF devices is disclosed as comprising inter alia: a multilayer substrate (200); an RF component (210) embedded in the substrate (200); a surface mounted component (220); and an RF shield (260) disposed next to the surface mounted component (220), wherein the height of the shield (260) does not extend substantially beyond the height of the surface mounted component (220). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, configured, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to further improve or otherwise optimize Q, RF performance and/or material characteristics.

Abstract: The attachment of an electrical component to an electrical termination on a component-carrying substrate by a solder bump technique of a thermally curable adhesive composition for encapsulating purposes is described which comprises a thermosetting polymer and a chemical cross-linking agent which has fluxing properties but which is unreactive or of severely restricted reactivity with the polymer without the action of heat and/or catalyst. The composition is to be thermally curable when heated to soldering temperatures in a reaction which is catalyzable merely by metal oxide fluxed from metal surfaces by cross-linking agent then dissolved in the thermosetting polymer.

Abstract: An optical device is provided which includes a plurality of optical modules. Each optical module includes an optical component fixedly coupled to a relative reference mount. The relative reference mount is configured to attach to a substrate. A plurality of optical modules mount on the substrate to form the optical device.

Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing a matching pair of electrodes comprises the steps of: fabricating a first electrode with a substantially flat surface; depositing islands of an oxidizable material over regions of the surface; depositing a layer of a third material over the surface of the first electrode to form a second electrode; separating the first electrode from the second electrode; oxidizing the islands of oxidizable material, which causes the islands to expand; bringing the upper electrode and the lower electrode into close proximity, whereupon the expanded island of oxidizable material touches the upper surface and creates an insulating gap between the two surfaces, thereby forming a matching pairs of electrodes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-reciprocal component including a casing having an input/output terminal and a ground terminal formed therein, a ferrite plate, a line conductor, and a magnet disposed in the casing, and an upper yoke and a lower yoke provided at the top face and the bottom face of the casing, respectively. In the non-reciprocal component, the casing is insert-molded with the lower yoke so that a portion of the casing penetrates through the lower yoke. A side of the component is defined partly by the lower yoke and partly by the penetrating portion of the casing. An input/output terminal and a ground terminal in the casing are defined by respective portions of a molded hoop material.

Abstract: A multilayered circuit board and a method of forming the multilayered circuit board are provided. In a first circuit forming process, a first circuit is formed on an insulating board with a conductor; in a circuit embedding process, the first circuit is embedded in the insulating board so as to have a predetermined surface flatness and a predetermined parallelism; in a masking process, a pilot hole for a via hole is masked at a part of a surface of the circuit; in an insulating layer forming process P5p, an insulating material is applied as a layer to the surface except that portion thereof covered by the mask; in an insulating material layer flattening process, the surface of the insulating material layer is flattened so as to have the predetermined surface flatness and the predetermined parallelism; and in a pilot hole forming process, the mask is removed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a compressor valve plate (36) comprises at least the following steps in succession: blanking of a blank of the plate (36) from a steel sheet of suitable thickness, punching holes corresponding to the output and intake openings, the hole corresponding to the output opening being a preliminary hole (48a) having a diameter larger than the final diameter of this opening (48), forming, by coining, a depression (42) for housing an output valve-closure blade (54), with the depth of the depression increasing towards the end of the depression which corresponds to the preliminary hole (48a), in a manner such that, during the coining, at least some of the material of the blank creeps towards the preliminary hole, partially filling it, calibrating the output opening (48) to the final diameter by punching, and coining an annular projection (50) around the calibrated output opening (48) to define a valve seat for the output closure blade.

Abstract: This invention concerns a heat-resistant assembly having a heat-resistant block conformed to the contours of boiler tubes and the surface of their connecting rib. The heat-resistant assembly has an arm which protrudes from the surface of the rib toward the heat-resistant block and which has a catch on the end. The block has an indentation in which the catch on the arm engages. The block can be hung on or removed from the tube assembly by means of the arms and indentations. The heat-resistant assembly is further distinguished by the fact that a space is created between the end of the arm and the indentation of the block. A fusible substance, which will melt when the temperature of the arm exceeds a given value, is placed in the space. The heat-resistant assembly is further distinguished by the fact that an indentation is formed in the block in which a heat-resistant sleeve is adhered to engage the arm. This arrangement makes it possible to manufacture the heat-resistant block using press molding.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printhead for raising its product acceptance rate and improving its quality is provided. The method of manufacturing printheads includes steps of providing a base layer, forming a pattern layer on the base layer by a semi-conductor manufacturing process, forming a dry film of a channel barrier layer having an ink channel, a flow channel and plural ink cavities on the pattern layer; and adhering a nozzle plate on the dry film of the channel barrier layer by thermal compression. The pattern layer further includes a flow pattern and a base pattern surround a central location reserved for the ink channel, wherein the base pattern comprises at least a heating layer and a passivation layer, and the flow pattern is made of the same material and at the same height as the base pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an ink jet recording head utilizing ink bubbling by heating of an exothermic resistor to thereby eject ink and a method manufacturing the same, including the steps of: preparing a substrate provided with the exothermic resistor; applying such first resin on the substrate as to provide a first mold shape for forming the nozzle channel and the movable member; forming the first mold shape using the first resin; applying, on the substrate, second resin over the first mold shape for forming the nozzle channel and the movable member; and removing the first mold shape. By this method, the movable member is formed in the nozzle channel between the ink inlet and the exothermic resistor to thereby provide a high-density, high-accuracy ink jet recording head which can improve a frequency response while maintaining proper discharge performance.

Abstract: A method for adjusting piezoelectric valve components to create a precise interface between a piezoelectric actuator and a movable valve plunger is provided which includes the steps of conducting a coarse adjustment prior to assembly followed by a fine adjustment after assembly. The method includes measuring a first difference between a valve body and a valve plunger, and compensating for this first measured difference such that surfaces of the valve body and the valve plunger are in a common plane. A second common plane is established between an end surface of an actuator housing and an end of an actuator rod. The step of compensating for the first measured difference can comprise machining the surfaces in the first common plane or using a shim. A second adjustment is conducted by rotating a nut disposed axially with the actuator rod to adjust the axial position of the valve plunger.

Abstract: A method of making a rim of sheet metal for a vehicle wheel, in which: a rectangular geometric shape is cut out of a blank of sheet metal; the blank is bent to obtain a cylindrical hoop; the two free edges of the hoop are welded together; at least one cylindrical flow spinning operation is performed to obtain a profile of given thickness of the hoop, zones of constant thickness being adjacent to zones of variable thickness; a cut is made perpendicular to the axis of the hoop out of at least one lateral edge of the hoop; the hoop is profiled to obtain the rim; and the size of the said rim is set.

Abstract: The caster roll (10) is used in the manufacture of metal plate, strip, sheet, or foil. The caster roll (10) includes a cylindrical roll core (12) and at least one metal overlay (14) formed on the roll core (12). The at least one metal overlay (14) defines a plurality of cooling passages (34) for conducting a cooling medium through the at least one metal overlay (14) to cool the roll (10) during use. Additional metal overlays (16) may be formed on top of the at least one metal overlay. (14). The cooling passages (34) may also be formed in the roll core (12).

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line (10) and method for assembling vehicle bodies utilizes electromagnetic gauging apparatus (44) to generate production gauge data of an assembly of formed sheet metal components, and an electrical controller (38) compares the production gauge data to design gauge data to detect any production deviation and is electrically connected to the assembly line to adjust the assembly of the formed sheet metal body components to correct any production deviation detected.

Abstract: In a method for mounting an inner cover section to a support structure of a motor vehicle, an engagement member is introduced onto the cover section or onto the support structure and engages into a receptacle formed in the corresponding other component. The engagement member thereby seats loosely with play in the receptacle to engage behind it and an elastic foam is disposed in the gap defined between the cover section and the support structure to push against and thereby tension these components. The elastic foam material partially fills the intermediate space between the cover section and the support structure.

Abstract: A wheel bearing device is provided to prevent loosening of a hub ring and an outer joint ring that are fitted together. An irregular portion treated with hardening is formed on a fit face of the hub ring on an inside periphery of which the outer joint member is fitted. A low hardness portion of the outer joint member formed with hardness lower than that of the irregular portion is expanded in diameter to make it bite into the irregular portion. In this way the hub ring and the outer joint ring are unitized together.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle assembly comprising first and second handle portions pivotally movable between open and closed positions. A blade carriage within the assembly carries a blade. When the handle portions are in the open position the blade carriage is exposed to enable cutting blade replacement. A threaded fastener mounted on the handle assembly includes a knob portion to enable the fastener to be manually moved between a locking position in which the fastener holds the handle portions in their closed position and a releasing position in which the handle portions can be moved between open and closed positions. A detent assembly is operatively connected to threaded fastener to releasably hold the fastener in its locking position. Movement of the second handle portion into its open position pivots an end portion of the blade carriage outwardly away from the first handle portion to facilitate blade replacement.

Abstract: A cutting tool capable of cutting work pieces which are thicker than what comparably-sized conventional cutting tools are capable of cutting has a jaw with a cutting edge which does not completely abut or overlap over the full length of an opposing edge of a second jaw when the cutting tool is in its closed position. A resulting gap between the opposing edges varies from a maximum at the free end of the cutting edges to zero at a portion of the opposing edges where the edges abut one another. The cutting tool successively notches a work piece, and as the notch deepens, the work piece is advanced toward the abutting portion of the cutting edge and the opposing edge until it is finally severed. The jaws may be operated manually by hand levers or driven by hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A paint can channel perforating apparatus includes a perforating member, a stiffening brace and a plurality of perforating bits. The perforating bits are arranged normal to the plane defined by the perforating member. A protective housing may be adapted to enclose the perforating member and the rim of a paint can. The protective housing includes at least one cross member arranged parallel to the stiffening brace and a plurality of guides sized to accept and direct the stiffening brace linearly. A shaft may be fixedly attached to the stiffening brace and slideable relative to an orifice defined within one of at least one of the cross members. Further a spring may be positioned around the shaft and between a handle and the cross member to return the perforating bits to a rest position after the channel has been pierced by the perforating bits.

Abstract: A digital display compass for mounting on vehicle rear view mirrors, including a direction sensor module generating signals corresponding to a direction that it is facing attached to the inside of the vehicle windshield, an electronic housing attached to the back side of the rear view mirror, and a digital display attached to the front side of the rear view mirror. A flexible transmission cord extends from the directional sensor module to the electronic housing, and transmits the signals from the direction sensor module. The electronic housing contains a battery power source and electronics for converting the signals received from the transmission cord to drive a digital display representative of the direction sensed by the direction sensor module. A flexible cable extends from the back side of the mirror to the front side of the mirror and provides electronic communication from the electronic housing to the digital display.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided comprising: a stage, including three or more pads formed on a surface of the stage, the pads forming an invisible plane and capable of supporting a panel to be measured; a movable measuring stylus, having a tip, the measuring stylus being movable between an initial position, through an insertion region, and a measuring position; a spring, the spring being disposed to apply downward force upon the measuring stylus so that the measuring stylus presses against the panel; a lever, movably mounted on said base, capable of moving the measuring stylus between the initial position, through the insertion region, and the measuring position; and a means for measuring the difference between the height of a tip of the measuring stylus in the measuring position and the height of the invisible plane.

Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a feeler device that can be deflected in space. Also provided are balancing element for adjusting a predetermined rest position of the feeler device for any different alignment of the probe head in space. The balancing element are designed as masses. The forces or moments required for balancing the feeler device are produced by the masses.

Abstract: A wall fastener locating and marking tool including a generally elongate vertical member having an upper end, a lower end; a generally elongate horizontal bar attached to the upper end of the vertical member and substantially normal to the vertical member; a handle portion, and a marking tool assembly releasably connected to the vertical member and vertically slidable along the vertical. The marking tool assembly has a marking tool tip protected by a depressible collar and includes retention means for bearing an object by its wall fastener hardware during the locating, marking, and installation of the object.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A filter assembly for collecting lint in use with a dryer having an interior compartment. The filter assembly includes a control unit, an input air pathway in communication with the interior compartment, an exhaust, and a micro-filter. The input air pathway carries air and lint from the interior compartment through the micro-filter into the exhaust. The filter assembly includes a first and second air flow sensor in the interior compartment for determining the change of air flow between the input air pathway and exhaust. The control unit is in communication with the first and second air flow sensors and an alarm. The control unit triggers the alarm when the air flow sensors detect a restricted pattern of air flow, thereby signaling a build-up of lint in the filter.

Abstract: A method by which a freeze-drying process may be developed from a single freeze-drying experiment. The method uses in-process manometric temperature measurement (MTM) data to optimize the primary drying conditions. Manometric temperature measurement is a procedure by which the product temperature at the sublimation interface and the resistance of the previously dried product to vapor flow may be determined. The inventive method can be used in an inventive freeze-drying system. The system comprises a freeze-dryer, a measurement system including hardware and software necessary for generation of MTM data and a control system including hardware and software for interpretation of the generated MTM data and control of the freeze-dryer. The measurement system and control system may be combined into a single device.

Abstract: An enhanced apparatus and method for cleaning, drying, and disinfecting brine shrimp eggs is provided. The apparatus may have a blower and a furnace that provide pressurized, dry air to a screening device. The screening device may include a vibrating screen designed to release detritus while retaining viable cysts. The dry air may convey the cysts upward and suspend them within a containment vessel. The containment vessel may have a lower, narrow section and an upper, wide section; the larger airflow velocity within the narrow section suspends the brine shrimp eggs while the remaining detritus moves upward, into the wide section, in which the airflow velocity is lower. The air suspension rapidly dries the cysts to maintain a high percentage of viable eggs. Ultraviolet lights disinfect the cysts within the narrow section. An extractor with a cyclone separator draws material from the wide section and removes viable eggs from the detritus.

Abstract: The invention is a clothes dryer featuring an interior working volume that is adjustable to suit the size of the load and type of article(s) to be dried. Since the volume is adjusted to fit the load, only the necessary volume is heated. For large loads or bulky articles, the volume is set to full, while for small loads and small articles the volume may be decreased for faster drying and energy savings. The dryer working volume is adjusted by a simple manually operated linkage, or, in other embodiments, by motorized mechanisms.

Abstract: A foot retention device (20, 100) includes a rigid vertical strut (40) and a springy band (30) disposed adjacent to an exterior side of the strut (40) and configured to flex over the strut (40) to form a non-drooping asymmetric arc that conforms to the profile of a human foot. A releasable securing mechanism (50) allows the band (30) to be easily secured and released. The foot retention device (20, 100) provides a fixed right angle (A) between a base plate (12, 180) and the vertical strut (40) allowing the user's foot to be inserted straight in. The foot retention device (20, 100) includes a non-sloping design for athletic applications, and a sloping design for footwear (200). Methods of assembling and manufacturing the foot retention device (20, 100) are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having an outsole having a top surface and a lip, where the lip extends around a portion of a periphery of the outsole and is above the top surface. The lip also has an inner surface facing inwardly and an outer surface facing outwardly. An upper is in contact with and secured to the outer surface of the lip. The inner surface of the lip is thereafter secured to the top surface for completing the shoe's attachment of the upper to the outsole.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue including an inner tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Fastening structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the fastening structure and the engagement structure.