Abstract: A wall panel jig system and method. The system typically includes two side supports having a jig-frame rotatably connected between the supports. The frame can rotate freely between the two supports but can be locked into place. The outer steel frame tracks, which form the perimeter of the steel frame, are connected within the jig-frame and the steel studs are then connected to the tracks. The jig-frame rotates to allow the builder to make connections all around the steel frame. When all the studs are connected, a roll table is brought near the jig and the steel frame is guided onto the table to allow a plywood wall to be built onto the frame thus completing the prefabricated wall. The walls can then be transported to their final destination for installation.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention concerns a method of manufacturing the body of a drum kit. The method includes the steps of rolling a flat, unpainted metal sheet (10) to a cylindrical form (12) and welding free edges (14) of the form to produce a cylindrical body (18). This body is temporarily stiffened and paint is applied to the exterior of the temporarily stiffened body. Thereafter the body is destiffened before it is deformed to a suitable shape for nesting with other such bodies. Other aspects of the invention concern the apparatus used in the method and the drum kit itself, including the body and top and bottom ends which can be attached to the respective ends of the body. Yet another aspect of the invention concerns a drum kit body which is of tubular form, which is suitable for nesting with other similar bodies and which has a weld line running from one end of the body to the other.

Abstract: A developing blade 10 is insert molded by forming a rib portion 13 which projects from an end portion in the longitudinal direction of a blade body 12 in the transverse direction of the blade body 12, opposite to the contact surface 12a side of the blade body 12, on the blade body 12 in contact with the developing roll of the developing blade 10 and forming the gate 21G of a metal mold 20 in which a metal plate 11 as an insert member has been installed only in a cavity 21b corresponding to the above rib portion 13. Therefore, a developing blade 10 without burrs and recesses on its contact surface with the developing roll or without welds can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: An extruded seal member having a corrugated axial surface exhibiting alternating peaks and valleys extending longitudinally along the axial surface of the seal member; a method for manufacturing the seal member which comprises extruding a tubular structure having a corrugated axial surface, crosslinking the extrude tubular structure, cutting the tubular structure to provide a plurality of uniform seal members and recovering the seal members; and a method of using such multilayer seal members, are described.

Abstract: A specific illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed here. The disclosed die tool that will assemble dissimilar materials to form a carrier plate of steel material and an insert of bearing grade material. One die used in the tool is carrier plate itself. The carrier plate provides a die opening to blank and pierce the bearing material into the steel material cavity.

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: In a method of fabricating a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) device a plurality of magnetoresistive device layers is deposited on a first silicon nitride layer formed on a silicon oxide layer. An etch stop is formed on the magnetoresistive device layers, and a second layer of silicon nitride is formed on the etch stop. The magnetoresistive device layers are patterned to define a plurality of magnetic bits having sidewalls. The second silicon nitride layer is patterned to define electrical contact portions on the etch stop in each magnetic bit. The sidewalls of the magnetic bits are covered with a photoresist layer. A reactive ion etch (RIE) process is used to etch into the first silicon nitride and silicon oxide layers to expose electrical contacts. The photoresist layer and silicon nitride layers protect the magnetoresistive layers from exposure to oxygen during the etching into the silicon oxide layer.

Abstract: An inexpensive method to build thin-wall, flush-mounted, electro-conductive rings directly from the conductor leads embedded inside a non-conductive tubular body is described. Such rings, made from a combination of mechanical and chemical processes, are intended for use as cylindrical electrodes when placed inside human tubular organs.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for MRI imaging using a coil constructed of microstrip transmission line (MTL coil) are disclosed. In one method, a target is positioned to be imaged within the field of a main magnetic field of a magnet resonance imaging (MRI) system, a MTL coil is positioned proximate the target, and a MRI image is obtained using the main magnet and the MTL coil. In another embodiment, the MRI coil is used for spectroscopy. MRI imaging and spectroscopy coils are formed using microstrip transmission line. These MTL coils have the advantageous property of good performance while occupying a relatively small space, thus allowing MTL coils to be used inside restricted areas more easily than some other prior art coils. In addition, the MTL coils are relatively simple to construct of inexpensive components and thus relatively inexpensive compared to other designs. Further, the MTL coils of the present invention can be readily formed in a wide variety of coil configurations, and used in a wide variety of ways.

Abstract: A line for assembling accumulator batteries comprises movement means forming a feed path for the batteries, and a plurality of operating stations mounted along the feed path, each designed to perform at least one operation on the batteries. The movement means are prepared in such a way that they keep the batteries grouped in groups each comprising a plurality of batteries drawn near to one another along a respective main side, and can be activated to move each group in sequence through the stations. There is also an assembly method comprising a first operating step in which a plurality of batteries to be assembled are picked up, being placed side by side along the main side to form a group of batteries to be assembled. Moreover, at least some of the successive assembly operating steps are performed simultaneously on all of the batteries in the group.

Abstract: A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.

Abstract: There is provided a tape core wire manufacturing apparatus that makes it possible to manufacture a large variety of tape core wires in small quantities with ease, and in addition, makes it easy to apply a uniform coating over a broad width. In the tape core wire manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, a coating apparatus that applies a coating material to respective optical fiber core wires has a coating head that moves in the longitudinal direction relatively to the respective optical fiber core wires that have been placed in a row on a coating jig. The coating head has a position adjustment surface that is located in the vicinity of a coating member of the coating head and adjusts the positioning in the thickness direction of the respective optical fiber core wires when these are in the form of a tape. This position adjustment surface is pressed against the respective optical fiber core wires. The coating head is also able to be tilted in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method of repairing blade members, especially blade members in a turbomachine is provided. In one example, a damaged portion of a blade member is cut away from the blade member, by milling for example. The extent of the cut away portion generally corresponds in size and/or shape to the damaged area. A replacement portion is then welded into place in the resultant void in the blade member. The resulting weld seam is then burnished or deep rolled in order to cold work the blade member material at the weld seam. This induces compressive residual stresses in the blade member that counteract tensile residual stresses in and around the weld seam caused by the welding, and therefore strengthens the resulting repaired structure. The disclosed process particularly useful for repairing bladed disks (bladed monoblock disks) where individual blades cannot be removed for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and manufacturing method for adjusting the performance of manufacturing operations or steps in manufacturing components having three-dimensional external structural characteristics. An embodiment of the system broadly comprises: (a) a plurality of manufacturing operations for processing a component having three-dimensional external structural characteristics; (b) at least one analytical device for analyzing at least one characteristic of the component after the performance of one or more manufacturing operations to generate a component data set; (c) at least one data storage device for storing the generated component data sets and for providing at least a relevant portion of accumulated component data; and (d) a communication mechanism for transmitting at least a relevant portion of accumulated component data to one or more manufacturing operations so that the performance thereof can be adjusted in response to the transmitted portion of accumulated component data.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head includes the steps of: forming a solid layer for forming a flow path on a substrate on which an energy generating element is arranged to generate energy that is used to discharge liquid; forming, on the substrate where the solid layer is mounted, a coating layer for coating the solid layer; forming a discharge port used to discharge a liquid, through a photolithographic process, in the coating layer deposited on the solid layer; and removing the solid layer to form a flow path that communicates with the energy element and the discharge port, whereby a material used for the coating layer contains a cationically polymerizable chemical compound, cationic photopolymerization initiator and an inhibitor of cationic photopolymerization, and whereby a material of the solid layer that forms a boundary with a portion where the discharge port of the coating layer are formed contains a copolymer of methacrylic acid and methacrylate est

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for quickly and inexpensively plugging leaks in the tubing of low pressure steam boilers. The invention uses a cap containing a gasket channel of the same diameter as the edge of the tube. The underside cylindrical wall of the cap contains an aperture in common with that of the top of the cap. A threaded rod is passed through the cap and connected to an identical plug on the other end of the tube. Simultaneously tightening hex nuts on the two rods seals the tubing ends.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making an item of jewelry. The method includes the steps of providing a chain comprising a plurality of links; providing at least one bead having an opening defined therethrough; providing a press having a support member, a hammer, and at least one pin; positioning the bead on the chain; resting the bead on the support member; positioning a first link on the at least one pin; and actuating the press, whereby the first link is widened. In a preferred embodiment the item of jewelry is a rosary.

Abstract: A system comprising a primary electrical device, such as a shaver, and an auxiliary electrical device, such as a shaver cleaner, defining a receiving arrangement for receiving the primary electrical device. The primary electrical device includes a first connector configured to couple with an associated connector of the auxiliary device to transmit electrical or electromagnetic energy between the devices. The primary electrical device includes an additional connector configured to couple the primary electrical device for receiving electrical or electromagnetic energy, such as from an electric mains voltage.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a razor cartridge includes a plurality of skin-engaging elements disposed on a frame. The skin engaging elements include at least two or more substantially blades having a sharpened cutting edge, a first inter-blade guard, and a cap. The two or more blades are disposed on the frame in parallel relation to one another. The first inter-blade guard is disposed on the frame between two (2) blades. A rinse-through gap extends across substantially the entire length of the frame between the first inter-blade guard and the blade aft the first inter-blade guard.

Abstract: A razor blade head assembly having at least two razor blades, with one blade of convex curvature housed in the head assembly and a straight blade. Also the razor blade head assembly can have a third blade situated between the first and straight blade, with less of a curvature than the first blade. The blades preferably have a single bevel. Also shown is a razor blade assembly for cutting hair extending from skin, having a handle, a head assembly removably mounted to the handle and having three single-beveled blades, in which a first blade of convex curvature first contacts and cuts the hair, a second blade is proximately located behind the first blade and has a lesser convexity than the first blade for second contact with and cutting of the hair, and a straight blade proximately located behind the second blade for smoothing the skin.

Abstract: A tool is provided into which a saw blade can be mounted and removed therefrom. The tool includes a housing have a groove therein. An attachment assembly is mounted in the groove and can be slid within the groove. The attachment assembly includes a first part, a second part, and a member attaching the parts together, while allowing the parts to move relative to each other. The saw blade is inserted between the first and second parts and is removable therefrom. A spring retainer is affixed within the housing. The attachment assembly is moveable within the housing to abut against the spring retainer. When the attachment assembly abuts the spring retainer, the second parts can be moved out of engagement with each other to allow the removal of the saw blade from therebetween.

Abstract: A folding hand tool with an open-assist mechanism that is not mechanically linked to a folding knife blade is disclosed. The open-assist mechanism is allowed to rotate around the same pivot used by the blade, and includes a lug that interacts with the kick of the blade when rotated. Because the open-assist mechanism is not mechanically linked to the blade, it has a range of free motion that promotes safety, and allows the mechanism to rotate into the blade cavity when the blade is extended. The folding knife also may have a carabiner that shares the blade cavity with the blade, with the blade nesting into the carabiner to save space, thereby giving the folding knife a smaller profile.

Abstract: Elastomeric sleeves are positioned on the handles of tile nippers to maintain the tile nippers in an open position and to absorb shock. The elastomeric sleeves each include two opposed raised projections. The raised projections nearest the head of the tile nipper bias the tile nipper in an open position and provide cushioning as the tile nippers engage a piece of tile. The second raised projections contact each other as the tile nipper cuts the tile, preventing the jaws from contacting each other and reducing the jolt that the user feels as they cut the tile.

Abstract: A power-saving scissors comprises a first handle having a first knife set; the first handle being formed with a receiving space; an inner wall of the receiving space being formed with teeth; a second handle pivotally installed to the first handle by a planet gear set; the second handle having a second knife set; a gear being protruded from the second handle at a position corresponding to the receiving space; the center gear being engagable with the receiving space of the first handle; the planet gear set including the center gear, at least one peripheral gear and a cover; one end of the center gear being installed to the second handle and another end thereof being protruded with a post; the at least one peripheral gear being engaged to the center gear and also engaged to the teeth of the receiving space.

Abstract: The method employs attaching two handle/jaw pieces together with a third coverplate piece thereon in the hinge area so that a flange surface of the coverplate opposes a flange surface of one of the handles. A flange surface on the second handle similarly opposes a second flange surface of the first handle. These opposing flange surfaces together creates a type of modified box joint that is robust, accurate, and capable of simple disassembly. A joint in combination with a hand tool that employs this method.

Abstract: A small hand tool is provided for forming in a fruit or vegetable an exterior surface recess for complementarily receiving a tealight candle. The tool has a hollow cylindrical body centered around an axis and having a sharpened lower end portion, and a handle projecting axially upwardly from the top end of the body. A diametrically extending, laterally twisted cutting blade member is positioned within a lower end portion of the body and has a cutting edge portion lying in a plane transverse to the body axis. TO form the candle receiving recess the tool body is pushed and twisted into the fruit or vegetable, until the top end of the tool body is flush with the outer side of the fruit or vegetable, and then pulled outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A razor blade including a substrate with a cutting edge defined by a sharpened tip and adjacent facets, a layer of hard coating on the cutting edge, an overcoat layer of chromium nitride on the layer of hard carbon coating, and an outer layer of polytetrafluoroethylene coating over the overcoat layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to an electric tool, in particular a circular saw, jigsaw or milling machine comprising a housing and a shaping tool that can be installed in a dismountable and rotatable way in the housing and wherein a laser unit is installed on or in the housing, which is outfitted to project a reference line that runs in the plane of an object to be shaped between the two sides of the installed shaping tool in its working direction and of which at least one side runs in or very close to the plane of one side of the shaping tool and wherein the laser unit can project a further reference line that runs in the plane of the object to be shaped between the two sides of the installed shaping tool in its working direction and of which at least one side runs in or very close to the plane of the other side of the shaping tool.

Abstract: In a razor cartridge, a platform portion has a first cartridge section that includes at least one first pair of razor blades position therein. Each of the first pair or razor blades has an at least partially exposed cutting edge. A second cartridge section is also provided and is coupled to the platform portion. The second cartridge section includes at least one pair of second razor blades positioned therein, each of the second pair of razor blades also has an at least partially exposed cutting edge. The razor cartridge can be mounted either temporarily or permanently to a handle and the cutting edges of each of the first and second pair of razor blades face one another so that during a shaving operation, the razor cartridge can cut hair when drawn over a user's skin in either of two generally opposite directions.

Abstract: A razor assembly is provided that includes a razor cartridge with one or more razor blades, a shaving aid body, a handle, and a linkage pivotally connected to the handle. The linkage is connected to the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body in a manner such that the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body are moveable relative to the handle. Movement of one of the razor cartridge or the shaving aid body in a first direction causes the other of the razor cartridge or the shaving aid body to move in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. As a result, the positions of the shaving aid body and the razor cartridge are continuously adjusted to maintain the contact surface of the shaving aid body approximately co-planar with the cutting edges of the razor blades within the razor cartridge.

Abstract: A coupling is for the connection, that is radially elastic but torsion resistant, of two component parts. The coupling includes base elements and a plurality of tabs formed integrally with the base elements at node areas. Each tab has two support points that are at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction. The node areas form the connection of the tabs to the base elements. Both the node areas and the tabs are configured such that they are flexurally softer than the base elements.

Abstract: A process for measuring a person's foot to determine the optimum surface for said foot to rest upon to have the optimum balance and range of motion, and the method to transfer these needs to the foot orthotics and footwear. A foot measuring device to use with this process to measure the optimum position and also provide an accurate surface upon which to create the mold for the foot orthotic. An angle measuring device to accurately measure the foot's needs and the surface in footwear that the foot rests upon. A device to alter foam casting blocks used for making impressions of the foot for foot orthotics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outer garment that covers at least part of a wearer's upper body, such as a shirt or a shirt-dress, that has optimally adjusted measurements, and includes at least one measurement that changes based on physical characteristics of a wearer, such as bra measurement and height. For example, a master pattern may be designed in a chosen style for a chosen body type in the usual manner for an outer garment for a wearer of a specific bra measurement and height. The same outer garment in the same style for a wearer of the same body type and chest circumference but a different bra cup size and/or height may be defined by adjusting fewer than all measurements, based, for example, on an algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laser liner that may be utilized in the craft of scrapbooking. The laser liner of the present invention may comprise an elongated arm and at least one moveably mounted laser. The elongated arm may have a substantially straight longitudinal edge in which a user may line up a piece of media against it. The moveably mounted laser may be adapted to travel longitudinally along at least a portion of the elongated arm, and when powered, projects a beam upon the media in an orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal edge of the elongated arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device oon a power saw (2) comprising a saw blade (3) as a tool, a handle (4) as an extension of the tool, and a grip (6) which is used for holding the power saw (2) and is disposed essentially perpendicular to the tool. The inventive display device is provided with a laser (8) having a laser beam that can be activated. The display device is arranged at the end of the tool, which is located opposite the tool and/or below the handle (4) in such a way that the laser beam on the power saw (2) is oriented at an angle (a) of more tha 0° and less than 90°, preferably less than 45°, relative to the tool axis (10) while the laser beam and/or the laser (8) is/are optionally directed to one side of the tool axis (10) or the other.

Abstract: A multipurpose construction gauge to ensure installation of pre hung windows and doors within their mounting frame openings in a plumb, square and level manner with the inner sill gapped flush with later installed sheet rock. Other applications include masonry.

Abstract: A device for laying floor and wall coverings in reentrant corners comprises an independent insert obtained from the same material as the flooring and having two dimensions before laying and being defined in three dimensions after laying and having, when flat, a geometrical configuration of regular lines so that, after laying, said insert has a regular parallelepiped geometrical configuration. The insert includes, three triangular areas, of which two of the bases are part of the peripheral outline of the insert and the third inner base makes it possible, by consecutive juxtaposition, to obtain a central triangular part sloping, after laying, and situated in a forward plane away from the corner part where the successive walls and the floor meet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to templates used in the creation of thin-film replicas, for example, the creation of thin films, such as carbon films, for use as specimen support in electron-beam specimen analysis. More specifically, the present invention is directed to novel reusable patterned templates, the methodology of making these reusable templates, the templates made from such methodologies, the use and reuse of these templates to make thin films of any type for any purpose, and the thin films made from these templates. A feature of the novel template of the present invention is in its employment of one or more zones of discontinuity, or undercuts, associated with the patterns transferred into the template to allow for the removal of the thin film from the template without sacrificing the structural integrity of the template to prevent at least one re-use of the template.

Abstract: A template having a plurality of holes at predetermined distances oriented in such a way that the template provides holes to drill fastening holes for a first accessory, such as a towel bar, and holes to drill fastening holes for a second accessory, such as a paper holder. A first line of holes and a second line of holes are aligned at a right angle such that in operation, the template is held in a first position when drilling for the first accessory and the template is held in a second position when drilling for the second accessory. The second position is obtained by rotating the template 90° from the first position. The template also includes a pair of bubble gauges which are oriented at a right angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: An angle finder tool for use with embroidery machines, wherein the tool enables accurate angle measurements to be determined so that the embroidery machine may properly orient the design onto the fabric during the embroidery process. The angle finder tool includes a lower component comprising an angle degree chart and an upper component connected to the lower component, wherein the upper component comprises a crosshair. The upper component rotates independently of the lower component. The angle finder tool is placed within and parallel to an embroidery hoop and centered on a target orientation indicator on the fabric. The crosshair on the upper component is rotated to align with an arrow on the target indicator. The angle indicated by aligning the crosshair and target indicator arrow is supplied to an embroidery machine, which uses the angle to orient a design template in relation to the fabric.

Abstract: Provided is a distance calculating apparatus calculating a real distance from a map distance of a map path connecting a first point and a second point on a map, the apparatus including: a housing; a scale input unit into which a reduced scale is input, disposed in the housing; an optical sensor unit disposed in the housing, the optical sensor unit sensing movement of the housing using light and outputting an electrical signal when the housing is moved along the map path; a calculation unit disposed in the housing, the calculation unit calculating the map distance using the electrical signal input from the optical sensor unit and calculating the real distance using the map distance and the reduced scale input from the scale input unit; and a display unit disposed in the housing, the display unit displaying the real distance calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: A negative pressure type drying machine includes a wheeled machine base carrying an drying chamber that has the peripheral walls respectively formed of high transmittance glasses, a hygrometer/thermometer for measuring the temperature and humidity in the drying chamber, an electric heater mounted in the drying chamber at the bottom for heating the air inside drying chamber, a high pressure blower for drawing air out of the drying chamber to produce a negative pressure in the drying chamber, and a control system mounted in the wheeled machine base below the drying chamber for controlling the operation of the electric heater and the high pressure blower.

Abstract: An industrial hopper and support system includes a hopper having a plurality of receivers complementally configured to receive the top ends of legs of a support. The hopper is particularly designed to receive and discharge both solid and liquid material by the mounting of a selected valve, and the receivers include recesses therein which inhibit the spread of the legs and provide a structural connection between the legs of the support when the hopper is mounted thereon. The hopper may be mounted to the legs without the use of tools, but a separate fastener may be used when it is desired to lift both the hopper and its support from above. The support is provided with openings through primary tubular members which align with crossmembers so that forks inserted into the openings pass longitudinally through the crossmembers.

Abstract: A drying device for a wood-waste collecting machine includes a blower set on the base of the machine and a heating member connected between the blower and the conveying device of the machine. The blower has an air outlet connected with a windpipe, and the heating member is connected with one end of the windpipe, having a tubular member and a heating element in the tubular member. Between the other end of the heating member and a preset sidewall of the container of the conveying device is provided a pipe joint, for air sucked by the blower blown in the heating member to heat. Then heated air is blown through the air holes of the sidewall of the collecting chamber of the container of the conveying device to dry wood waste therein and then compressed in the compressing device of the machine to become tight solid blocks.

Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.

Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.

Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing elastic sheet comprises a single sheet of elastic material having a flat sheet-like base portion and a large number of semispherical protrusions integral with and projecting from one surface of the flat base portion. The semispherical protrusions are arranged in direct contact with one another such that every adjacent three or more of the semispherical protrusions jointly define a valley therebetween. The sheet-like base portion has a large number of breathing holes formed therein, each of the breathing holes being located at a position corresponding to the position of one of the respective valleys. A cushion pad produced from the elastic sheet, a sole insert and a shoe in which the cushion pad is incorporated are also disclosed.

Abstract: The Shoe Glove Boot is an apparatus that is made of a durable fabric, manmade or natural fibers. It has an upper and a sole with an opening at the heel enabling a shoe heel to protrude through not to change the height of the shoe. The Shoe Glove Boot gives the consumer the advantage of wearing the shoes of their choice and the ability to add protection of the same shoe during inclement weather or non-inclement weather with a fashionable look. The Shoe Glove Boot can be made with one bootleg or it can be made with attachments giving the consumer the boot length of their desire from ankle, to knee and finally, a thigh boot. The Shoe Glove Boot is not only for protection in cold or wet weather but can be worn during warmer weather by simply changing to a lighter fabric.

Abstract: A novel technique for preventing ground-water wetting and spraying of footwear uppers during walking or running, through use of special downwardly opened cavities or recesses provided in the sole.