Abstract: A spring extension tool comprises a tool body and a tool positioning member. The tool body has two spaced apart fingers at a first end thereof and a lever attachment structure adjacent a second end thereof. The spaced apart fingers define a channel therebetween. A spring engagement face of each one of the fingers is inwardly sloping with respect to a straight longitudinal reference axis of the tool body. The tool positioning member is adjustably attached to the tool body such that a relative distance between the spaced apart fingers and the tool positioning member is adjustable.

Abstract: A portable hose fitting insertion apparatus and method. The apparatus can be hand held and operated in areas such that hose repairs can be made without removal of the hose. A friction operated ratcheting mechanism is preferably used to drive a shaft forward. A pad is preferably disposed on an end of the shaft and pushes on an outer surface of the fitting. A clamping mechanism is preferably disposed on a terminal portion of the apparatus and holds an end portion of a hose in place while a fitting is inserted.

Abstract: A method of attaching a functional element (10, 210), in particular a fastener element to a sheet metal part (12, 212), optionally in liquid and/or gas-tight manner, is characterized in that the functional element (10, 210, 410) is pressed against the sheet metal part (12, 210, 410) supported by a die (14, 114, 214, 414) and sheet metal material (13) is pressed by means of at least one movably mounted shaped part (16, 116, 216, 416) of the die (14, 114, 214, 414) into an undercut (18, 218, 418) of the functional element (10, 210, 410). The disclosure also claims a die, a functional element, and a component assembly comprising the functional element and a sheet metal part.

Abstract: A bearing installing and removing tool includes a driving unit and a link unit, wherein the driving unit has a threaded rod on which an adjusting member of a connection frame is threadedly mounted. The connection frame has a guide rail and a pivotable portion so as to be connected with different types of pull assemblies or link units to have different functions. A pull unit may be connected with the threaded rod so as to remove a bearing located in a tubular shaft. A connection unit may be connected with the threaded rod and includes a connection piece with a bowl-shaped space so as to be connected with a bowl-shaped head of a bolt such that the bolt provides an adjusting function to mount a bearing to a shaft whole improve poor eccentricity between the bearing and the shaft is existed.

Abstract: Tool includes a fixed handle and a movable, lockable handle. A working end of the tool includes an upper jaw and a movable lower jaw. A passage may be provided in one or both of upper and lower jaws. A sealing device may be provided in the upper jaw, the sealing device being disposed adjacent to the passage. Lower jaw may likewise include a passage therein. In use, an elongated object such as a tube may be inserted into the passage in the lower jaw and then into the passage in the upper jaw adjacent the sealing device. When the lower jaw is engaged with the upper jaw, the lower jaw compresses the sealing device and sealingly engages the sealing device, the passage, and the tube disposed therein. In that manner, a seal is achieved. In the case where an opening having a coupling is fluidly connected to the upper jaw, a sealed, fluid connection may be established between the coupling on the upper jaw and the tube engaged by the seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced method and apparatus for locating a valve stem aperture in a wheel. The invention includes a locating station having an overhead camera to scan the wheel. The scanned image of the wheel is received by a controller and is divided into radial zones. The controller locates the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture from the scanned image of the wheel. The wheel then moves along an assembly line to a stemming station. A robot is positioned at the stemming station. The robot supports a valve stem insertion tool and a valve stem aperture locating sensor. When the wheel reaches the stemming station, the robot moves the valve stem insertion tool and the valve stem aperture locating sensor to the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture. The robot moves the valve stem aperture locating sensor along the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture and locates the valve stem aperture.

Abstract: A explosive device is disclosed for collapsing an expansion-fit metal tube from within a hole of a metal plate of a boiler or the like. The device includes a connecting rod inserted into the tube and extending outwardly from top and bottom ends of the tube. The portion of the connecting rod extending out of the top end of the tube is encapsulated by a blast chamber containing an explosive charge. The portion of the connecting rod extending out of the bottom end of the tube is secured via a retaining plate held by a washer and nut threaded to the connecting rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibration isolating bushing, for example, built into a suspension system, an inside diameter of one edge (4) of an inner cylinder (1) being made larger than that of the other edge (6). The outside diameter of the thinner edge (4) is enlarged by applying pressure with a pressure forming jig (26) to the thicker edge surface (25), with the thinner edge surface (20) of the inner cylinder (1) abutted on a base (23). After completion of enlargement of the outside diameter of the thinner edge (4), the outside diameter of the thicker edge (6) is enlarged by further pressure with the pressure forming jig (26), this process thus capable of enlarging the outside diameter of both edges (4), (6) with one continuous working step.

Abstract: An installation device for installing a windshield in a vehicle. The device includes a pivot assembly including a pair of suction cups that attach to the door glass of a vehicle door, and a depending member that extends upwardly and forwardly adjacent a windshield opening. A support assembly includes a pair of suction cups that attach to a windshield, and a support rod that is axially and rotatably moveable with respect to the suction cups. The support rod includes an end that pivots on the depending member of the pivot assembly. The device moveably supports the windshield such that a single technician can install the windshield on a vehicle.

Abstract: In a method for producing a boundary acoustic wave device that includes a first medium, a second medium, and a third medium laminated in that order, and electrodes disposed at the interface between the first medium and the second medium, the method includes the steps of preparing a laminate including the first medium, the second medium, and the electrodes disposed at the interface between the first medium and the second medium, adjusting the thickness of the second medium after the step of preparing the laminate to regulate a frequency or the acoustic velocity of a surface acoustic wave, a pseudo-boundary acoustic wave, or a boundary acoustic wave, after the adjusting step, forming the third medium different from the second medium in terms of the acoustic velocity with which the boundary acoustic wave propagates therethrough and/or in terms of material.

Abstract: A head stack assembly of a disk drive unit including a head arm assembly (HAA) having a head gimbal assembly, a drive arm to be connected with the head gimbal assembly; wherein the drive arm comprises a securing portion, a connection portion and a spacer connecting the securing portion with the connection portion. In the present invention, at least one undercut is formed on the spacer of the drive arm to strengthen the drive arm. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing such a head stack assembly.

Abstract: A process for reducing fringe field effects of a main write pole by shielding it on all four sides, with the regular return pole also serving as the leading edge shield, is described. The main pole may also be tapered and the leading edge and side shields may be magnetically connected to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic write head and method for bulk fabrication of the same are provided. A trench is formed in a nonmagnetic substrate. A first magnetically permeable layer is deposited in the trench of the substrate. An optional first insulating layer is deposited in the trench. A conducting circuit is defined in the trench. The conducting circuit creates the magnetic flux. An optional second insulating layer is deposited in the trench. Writer gaps are patterned and then a second magnetic layer is added over the second insulating layer. The substrate is divided to form individual write heads.

Abstract: The induction coil of the magnetic head of the present invention is fabricated in a patterned electrical insulation material, preferably utilizing reactive ion etch (RIE) techniques. The electrical insulation material is particularly patterned such that it is formed away from the ABS surface and in the location of the induction coil. A fill layer is deposited around the patterned electrical insulation material layer, such that the fill layer is disposed at the ABS surface. In a preferred embodiment, the patterned electrical insulation material is initially fabricated from hard baked photoresist and subsequent to the deposition of the fill layer the hard baked photoresist material is removed and replaced by SiO2. The SiO2 is thereby located away from the ABS surface and the induction coil is subsequently fabricated within the SiO2 material.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for simultaneously processing two single-sided hard memory disks is provided. Disks are positioned in pairs, with one surface of one disk positioned adjacent one surface of the second disk, with the disk surfaces touching or with a slight separation between them. In this back-to-back orientation, the disk pairs may be processed using conventional double-sided disk processing equipment and techniques. However, each disk will not have two active surfaces. Because of the positioning of the disks during processing, only one surface of each disk will be subjected to full processing. Therefore, each disk will only have one active side.

Abstract: A method for producing components for injection moulding comprising a body made of thermally conducting material with expansion coefficient matching that of the insulating layers and provided with a passage for the material to be injected. At least one strip of electrically conducting material with high change of resistance with temperature, forming a heating resistor or inductor is applied on a electrically insulating base layer previously directly applied on the body. At least one final insulating layer with low thermal emissivity is then applied to optimise electrical efficiency. The method utilises thermal spray techniques and can be applied also for production of other heating equipment.

Abstract: Methods for producing micromachined layered devices having a membrane layer and a first and second layer on both sides of the membrane layer are disclosed. The method includes applying a membrane layer to a substrate, opening a window in the substrate so as to enable the addition of layers from both sides of the membrane layer while the substrate is made into a frame that supports the membrane layer during processing, adding at least one layer on each side of the membrane either simultaneously or on one side at a time, and removing the device from the substrate frame.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor stack may be engineered or reengineered to include one or more longitudinally outwardly concave spacers. The spacers may provide a longitudinal compression force that increases with rotational speed.

Abstract: An isothermal plate assembly with predetermined shape and method for manufacturing the same are proposed. An upper plate and a lower plate with predetermined shape are provided and an accommodation space is defined therein. A flattened heat pipe is bent into the predetermined shape and placed into the accommodation space. A binding agent is applied on the face between the heat pipe, the upper plate and the lower plate. The upper plate and the lower plate are assembled and then a hot melting process is executed. The resultant product is then cooled to form a finished isothermal plate assembly with predetermined shape.

Abstract: A cooling jacket assembly is made for an electric motor or generator. A hollow cylindrical housing is cast with an outer peripheral surface and an annular axially facing end surface, a plurality of grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface and a radial lip at one end. The outer peripheral surface is machined into a smooth surface having a uniform diameter. Inlet and outlet ports are drilled through the end surface to communicate with the grooves. A pair of sealing recesses are formed in the outer peripheral surface on opposite sides of the grooves, and an O-ring seal is placed in each recess. A cylindrical sleeve is slid over the outer peripheral surface of the housing until it engages the lip and so that the sleeve slidably engages the outer peripheral surface and sealing engages the seals.

Abstract: An ink jet head includes a substrate having a flow path construction member constructing a plurality of discharge ports for discharging ink and a plurality of ink flow paths corresponding thereto, and a plurality of energy generating elements corresponding to the plurality of discharge ports. The substrate has an ink supply port for supplying ink to the ink flow paths. The ink supply port includes a first liquid chamber disposed on a plane on which the energy generating elements are formed, and having a grooves with island-shaped columns left, and a second liquid chamber disposed on the opposed plane, and having a plurality of through holes partitioned at positions corresponding to the island-shaped columns. In the ink jet head, the island-shaped columns and a partition wall for the through holes are left as a beam construction section, thereby improving a mechanical strength of a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing endodontic instruments by milling. A provided metallic (e.g., a nickel-titanium alloy or stainless steel) thread or wire having a longitudinal axis is advanced along its longitudinal axis at a feedrate while contacting at least a portion of the metallic thread or wire with a plurality of rotating milling heads so as to remove portions of the thread or wire and yield a metallic rod including a cutting portion having a plurality of cutting edges.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a node for joining a plurality of structural members together, such as in a vehicular body and frame assembly, is well suited for joining structural members that are formed from differing materials. An insert is provided having a node securing portion and a mounting portion that is adapted to have a structural member secured thereto. A node is formed about the node securing portion of the insert for joining a plurality of structural members together. The insert can be formed from a first material, while the node can be formed from a second material that is different from the first material. The insert can be provided with a node securing portion having at least one aperture or protrusion formed therein, and the node can be formed within or about the aperture or protrusion. A plurality of inserts can be provided, each having a node securing portion and a mounting portion, and the node can be formed about each of the node securing portions of the inserts.

Abstract: A manicuring appliance comprising a hand held center section with proximal and distal end sections each of which may be detachable from the center section. Each end section may have a lip shaped to bear against the base of the cuticle. The distal end section comprises a pusher for shaping the cuticle and prepare it for cutting by the proximal end section. The proximal end section includes a cutting blade positioned to properly cut or trim the cuticle along an arc which follows the arc of the cuticle base as the user moves the appliance along the cuticle. Various alternative embodiments of the proximal cutting section are disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held dressing device has a blade with a sharpened cutting edge. The blade is preferably V- or U-shaped and permanently or removably supported by the limbs of a Y-shaped body with an extending hand group. The blade may be made from a single piece or form multiple segments with straight or curved cutting edges. The blade of blade segments may be fixed, such as by an adhesive, to a supporting carrier. Guard projections may extend from behind the cutting edge to beyond the cutting edge to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent contact with the blade edge while maintaining effective cutting action. In a method of use, the hair dressing device is manipulated so that the blade partly surrounds a cluster of hair strands and the device is moved to cut at least some of the strands of hair.

Abstract: A dual wet razor device is used for shaving hair on a head at different lengths. The device has a first and a second cutting edge on opposite sides of one another and a sensitive guide under each cutting edge for safely cutting different short lengths of hair on the scalp of a user.

Abstract: A knife has a blade that can be contained within a housing when not in use and extended outside the housing when used. Additional blades can be stored within the housing, and when desired, loaded onto a blade seat. A trigger actuator moves a blade seat carrying a blade between extended and retracted positions. The blade seat may be locked into a number of different positions.

Abstract: A lever actuated cutting tool that allows ground level cutting of shrubs and small trees from a standing position. The design of the cutting tool takes advantage of the principles of leverage and resistive force, and also incorporates a pendulum swing, to provide a tool that is able to generate a tremendous amount of cutting force. A padded handle is provided at the long end of the lever and a first sharpened steel blade is attached to the cutting end of the lever. The lever is rotate-ably attached to the fulcrum and the fulcrum lies on the ground during operation. A second sharpened steel blade is immovably attached to the base of the fulcrum, and the trunk of the shrub to be removed is positioned in between the two blades. The cutting action is accomplished by moving the lever downward toward the ground. The force applied by the user is multiplied by the lever and transferred to the first cutting blade.

Abstract: A kitchen slicer for cutting items to be cut such as fruit, vegetables etc. is proposed, with a base, to which a blade is fixed, which is arranged on an edge of a discharge plate, and an exchangeable insert, which can be fixed to the base in different positions for setting different cutting thicknesses. The insert forms a guide surface on which the items to be cut can be moved toward the blade. The different positions including a safety position in which an end side of the insert is arranged adjacent to the blade, in particular in such a way that the guide surface lies at the level of the blade or above it. In this connection, the insert comprises on its rear end side at least one projection which lies below the blade in the safety position.

Abstract: A cutlery implement includes a blade, a handle and a bolster. The bolster is positioned at a balance point, in front of the back edge of the blade. The bolster has a tapered thickness to create a smooth transition from the blade to the handle. The bolster provides a more comfortable gripping portion, such that user may safely grip the cutlery implement at its balance point. A cutlery block is configured to store a cutlery implement having a bolster with a tapered thickness such that the blade is safely concealed.

Abstract: A saw chain tensioning mechanism for adjusting the tension in a saw chain extending around a chain guide plate includes a threaded rod member disposed adjacent to a rear end of the chain guide plate and along the longitudinal direction of the chain guide plate, a movable member engaged with the chain guide plate and adapted to be moved along the threaded rod member by a rotation of the threaded rod member, and a driving gear integral with the threaded rod member. The tensioning mechanism includes a driving gear for rotatively driving the driving gear and an operating member for manually rotating the driving gear. Manipulating the operating member changes the longitudinal position of the chain guide plate and correspondingly causes a change in a tension of the saw chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column module for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering angle sensor (13) that is inserted into a module housing (1,2). The rotor of the steering angle sensor is assigned to a steering column and co-operates with at least one fixed measuring wheel (37), in which angular modifications of the steering column are registered by electronic measuring sensors (22), operating as the stator and connected to the vehicle electric system by means of a central printed circuit board (6). The measuring sensors (22) are fastened to the printed circuit board (6) and the measuring wheel or wheels (37) is/are mounted in a housing (38) that is fixed to the printed circuit board (6).

Abstract: A laser leveling device having a suction mounting arrangement includes a housing and a mounting seal extending from the lower portion of the housing. The mounting seal cooperates with an attachment surface to define a suction mounting area therebetween. The suction mounting arrangement cooperates with the mounting seal to maintain the vacuum pressure seal in the suction mounting area. A laser light source mounted within the housing in a planar relationship relative to the attachment surface includes at least one diode projecting an alignment beam through an opening in the housing to denote a reference plane along the attachment surface.

Abstract: A method for correcting a vehicle compass measurement for an interfering magnetic field generated by a vehicle accessory, where the interfering magnetic field has an intensity sufficient to cause a compass measurement error, includes monitoring the operation of the vehicle accessory and detecting a characteristic of operation of the vehicle accessory. A measurement or timing signal is then generated based on the characteristic of operation. A magnetic field for direction is measured in response to the measurement signal and an offset or correction value is determined based at least one the measured magnetic field and the characteristic of operation of the vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A non-contact electronic level has a light source, a vial having a bubble and positioned to be irradiated by light from the light source, and a photo sensor located at a position corresponding to the bubble at a fixed distance from the vial. The photo sensor captures an image of the bubble after the vial is irradiated by the light source. An image processing unit is electrically coupled to the photo sensor and converts the image of the bubble into an electronic level signal by comparing the centroid of the image of the bubble with a predetermined point.

Abstract: A method for making beaded jewelry is provided. The method utilizes a megaphone shaped device having a small diameter first end and a larger diameter second end. The circumference of the first end is that of one part of the human body, such as a child's wrist. The circumference of the second end is the size of another part of the human body, such as an adult ankle. Markings on the girth of the device sequentially graduate in circumference and define graduated bracelet, anklet and other jewelry sizes. When one is making a bracelet or other article of jewelry of strung beads, the diameter of the beads affects the finished length of the article. Use of the device takes into account the diameters of the beads and thereby ensures that the finished item of beaded jewelry will fit the intended wearer.

Abstract: A tool damage detection device which detects the presence or absence of damage, has a contact bar rotatably supported on a casing; a pneumatically operated air drive device operatively connected with a supply of air under pressure; and a linear-to-rotational motion conversion device operatively interconnects the contact bar and the direct-air drive device. A resilient member is interposed between the contact bar and the conversion device.

Abstract: A device for checking the chamfer and/or radius of a corner of an object includes a housing having a pair of right angled surfaces at one end thereof for placement against right angled surface of the corner of the object having a chamfer or radius extending between the right angled surfaces. A sensing slide bar having a known angled distal end is slidably mounted in the housing and extends outward from the housing and is engageable with the chamfer or radius. The length of the outward extension of the slide bar is measured by a microprocessor in the housing and provides a digital display on the housing with a readout correlating to the chamfer or radius of the object's corner contacted by the angled distal end of the slide bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for curing a coated fiber, comprising either two fiber coating curing stages separated by a cooling stage, or two fiber coating curing stages separated by a distinct time interval, or both. One of the two fiber coating curing stages responds to the coated fiber, and provides a partially cured fiber coating. The other of the two fiber coating curing stages responds to the partially cured coated fiber for further curing the coating of the fiber. In one embodiment of the invention, a cooling stage is placed between the two curing stages, while in the other the curing stages are placed a set distance apart such that polymerization of the coating initiated by the first curing stage has time to complete prior to the coating being irradiated by the second curing stage.

Abstract: An object is to provide a drying machine which can accomplish delicate drying and reduce burdens on a matter to be dried during drying while securing a predetermined evaporation temperature in an evaporator. In summary, a dry cleaner equipped with a heat pump device comprises a water-cooling heat exchanger which removes heat from a refrigerant entering a capillary tube; and a control device which variably controls a discharged heat amount in the water-cooling heat exchanger and capacity of the compressor, wherein the control device has at least two kinds of drying modes including a usual drying mode and a delicate drying mode, and in the delicate drying mode, a temperature of air discharged into a storage chamber is set lower than in the usual drying mode to control the capacity of the compressor and to increase the discharged heat amount in the water-cooling heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray-drying device (1) having a vertical drying chamber (2), material-atomization means (4) and drying-gas feed (6) means. Filter elements (11) are present in order to filter the fine particles out of the flow of drying gas (7). The fine particles are periodically removed from the filter elements (11) and collected in fine-particle collection means (10) in such a manner that they remain separate from the main flow of spray-dried material. In this way, it is possible to successfully control the properties of the spray-dried (main) material without it being undesirably influenced by the fine particles.

Abstract: A heater fixing unit of a drum-type washing machine is provided. The heater fixing unit more stably supports a heater installed in a dry duct to reduce vibration and a noise of the heater. For that purpose, the heater fixing unit includes a duct body, a heater, two or more fixing parts, and two or more clamp members. The duct body communicates with an inside of the drum. The heater is installed in an inside of the duct body to heat an air flowing in an inside of the duct body. The fixing parts protruded from two or more positions on an inner surface of the duct body. The clamp members fixedly support the heater.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a degree of dryness control system that is responsive to moisture level of clothing articles tumbling in a drum and a target moisture value to control the drying cycle of the clothes dryer. The clothes dryer has a load size parameter producing module and an air flow detection parameter module. These modules generate one of two parameter conditions used by the processor to modify or select an appropriate moisture target value. The load size producing parameter module generates one of a small load input parameter and a large load input parameter. The air flow detection module produces one of a first and second air flow parameter to be utilized by the degree of dryness processor. As a result, the processor selects one of four target moisture values from these conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for opening/closing a door of a dryer, by which the door is opened/closed more simply and swiftly. The present invention includes a housing, a drum rotatably installed in the housing, a heating apparatus for supplying hot air to the drum, a door opening/closing an entrance formed at the housing for putting a laundry in the drum, and an apparatus for opening/closing the door. And, the apparatus for opening/closing the door includes a hook provided at one side of the door of the dryer, the hook having a hanging portion at one end, a latch body provided to the housing in the vicinity of the entrance wherein the hanging portion is inserted the latch body, a pair of holders provided to confront each other in the latch body to hold the hanging portion, a pair of springs provided in rear of the holders, respectively, and a support member provided to the latch body to support each of the springs to move stably.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having a sole with a top surface, a fore area, and a rear area. The shoe also includes a lip extending above the top surface and around a periphery of the fore area of the sole and around a periphery of the rear area of the sole. The shoe further includes an upper with a fore area and a rear area and being in contact with the lip. A first stitch is used to connect the fore area of the upper to the lip proximate to the fore area of the sole and a second stitch is used to connect the rear area of the upper to the lip proximate to the rear area of the sole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole for a footwear item. The invention essentially comprises a sock lining (1), an insole (2) and an outsole (3) as well as a shock-absorbing device (4). The inventive sole is characterised in that the aforementioned shock-absorbing device is an elastically-deformable element or insert (4) which is inserted into the sole in the form of a moulded body (4) comprising mutually-spaced tubular pieces (4?) having one closed end and one open end which is connected to a common base (4?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner sole for a shoe, comprising a base body, a covering layer and several cushioned layers arranged on the surface of the sole. A first cushioned layer is provided in the ball area of the forefoot, a second cushioned layer is included in the transition area of the metatarsus and the tarsus and a third cushioned area is provided between the metatarsus and the heel. The cushioned layers are subdivided into individual, separate plateau-like fields which are located close to each other in the transversal direction of the sole surface. This provides an inner sole which brings about a substantial improvement in the transport of fluids in the venous and lymphatic vessel system in the legs during movement of the foot joints and ankle joints by means of synergistic support of the muscle structure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enhance durability of the non-slip member of the shoe where a lot of non-slip protuberances are fixed to the surface of a base fabric. The shoe of the present invention comprises an upper 20 that covers an instep of a foot, a sole 21 having a ground contact surface and a non-slip member 1 provided on an outer surface of the upper 20 and/or the sole 21. The non-slip member 1 comprises a base fabric 12composed of a knitted fabric of a multilayer structure, the base fabric including an external knitted fabric layer 123 having a first surface 121 exposed to the outside and an internal knitted fabric layer 124 having a second surface 122 on a opposite side of the first surface 121 and a plurality of resin or rubber non-slip protuberances 1 that are fixed to the base fabric 12 and protrude from the first surface 121 of the external knitted fabric layer 123.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: A multi-shank ripper excavation tool has a body mounted from an arm, e.g. a dipper arm or a boom arm, and at least first and second shanks mounted to the body. Each shank is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool, and each the shank includes a ripper tooth positioned for ripping engagement with a substrate. The shanks and ripper teeth are laterally spaced apart along the axis of rotation relative to the arm, and the ripper teeth are angularly spaced apart in a direction of substrate ripping motion. In some implementations, plates are mounted to span a region between two or more shanks, rearward of the teeth in a direction of ripping motion, and define, with the shanks, a bucket volume for receiving material ripped from the substrate. Methods for ripping excavation of a substrate employing the above excavation tools mounted on a dipper stick or a boom arm are also described.