Abstract: One capacitor fabrication process of the invention comprises a noble metal layer formation step of forming a noble metal layer on one surface of a substrate, a dielectric layer formation step of forming a dielectric layer on the noble metal layer, a metal foil formation step of forming a metal foil of 10 ?m or greater in thickness on the dielectric layer, a separation step of separating the noble metal layer from the dielectric layer at an interface, and an electrode layer formation step of forming an electrode layer on the second surface of the dielectric layer separated off by the separation step, wherein the second surface faces away from the first surface of the dielectric layer with the metal foil formed thereon.

Abstract: An abrasive disk which burnishes synthetic Venetian plaster, a decorative wall and ceiling coating, to a high sheen. With the use of a 5¼ orbital palm sander, the burnishing disc will increase productivity and ease of burnishing the otherwise flat sheen which is in need of shine to achieve a smooth marble like look and feel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precursor component for the manufacturing of saw blades respectively saw bands, a method for the production of this precursor component, as well as a method for the production of saw blades, respectively saw bands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering and identifying a container utilizing a thin film material and a frame. The thin film material covers a through hole in the frame and has a perforation that defines an outer detaching surface an inner covering surface commensurate with the container opening. The method comprises the steps of attaching the thin film material to a frame having the through hole; disposing the frame onto an open top surface of the container; depressing a portion of the frame to detach the thin-film from the frame along the perforation and further sliding the frame coaxially to circumscribe the base of the container where it identifies information about the container.

Abstract: A method and clamp system for use on an ion implanter system for aligning a cathode and filament relative to one another in-situ are disclosed. The invention includes a clamp system having a clamp including a first clamp member separably coupled to a second clamp member, and an opening to a mount portion of one of the cathode and the filament in at least one of the clamp members. Each clamp member includes a surface to engage a mount portion of one of the cathode and the filament. The opening is adapted to receive a positioning tool to position the cathode and the filament relative to one another by moving the mount portion when the clamp is released. The mount portion may include a tool receiving member to facilitate accurate positioning.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present technology provide reinforcing guide systems used in fabrication of concrete elements and methods of constructing reinforcing guides used in fabrication of concrete elements. For example, in one embodiment, a reinforcing guide system used in fabrication of a concrete element comprises: a guide; and a plurality of brackets attached to the guide, wherein each bracket is configured to receive and secure a reinforced bar. For example, in one embodiment, a method of fabricating a concrete element comprises: providing a guide with a plurality of brackets attached thereto; securing a plurality of reinforced bars to the guide using the brackets, thereby constructing a reinforcing guide; placing the reinforcing guide in a mold; and pouring mixed concrete into the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an iron core comprising: a plate thickness measurement unit for measuring a thickness of the strip as an intermediate product of the iron core; an inlet guide for positioning the strip in a widthwise direction thereof; a mil roll unit for performing a rolling-bending process to the strip fed out of the inlet guide; a restraint jig for shaping the strip fed out of the mil unit and holding a curvature thereof constant; and a curvature measurement unit for measuring a curvature of the strip to which the rolling-bending process has been performed by using said mill roll. Position control of the inlet guide, the pressure roll unit, and the restraint jig is performed based on at least one of the plate thickness and the curvature of the strip.

Abstract: A micro antenna and a method of manufacturing the micro antenna are provided. A plurality of holes are formed to penetrate a first substrate. A plurality of vertical conducting parts are formed in the plurality of holes using a conductive material. Horizontal conducting parts are formed on upper and lower surfaces of the first substrate to be electrically connected to the plurality of vertical conducting parts so as to form a 3-dimensional (3-D) coil structure. The first substrate including the 3-D coil structure is bonded to a second substrate and then removed so as to realize the micro antenna.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a write pole for a perpendicular magnetic write head. The method includes forming a mask structure over a full film layer of magnetic write pole material. A layer of hard mask material such as conformally deposited alumina is then deposited full film over the mask and write pole material. An ion mill, such as in an Ar or CHF3 chemistry is then used to preferentially remove horizontally disposed portions of the alumina layer (hard mask layer), thereby forming vertical hard mask walls at the sides of the mask structure. An ion mill is then used to form the write pole, with the alumna side walls providing excellent masking for forming well defined write pole edges. A relatively gentle clean up process can then be performed to remove the remaining mask material and side walls.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing a magnetic head slider, the method being adapted so that throat height of a main magnetic pole piece of a perpendicular recording magnetic head can be controlled with high accuracy. According to one embodiment, a first Electrical Lapping Guide element (ELG) is disposed on the same layer as a plated underlayer of a shield of one write head in a row bar, and other ELGs are disposed on the same layer as that of a main magnetic pole piece of another write head. Front end positions (Tops) are detected from changes in resistance values of the other ELGs and an ending position of lapping is calculated. Since the front end positions (Tops) of the other ELGs are accurate, it is possible to assign a correlation to throat height “Th” of the main magnetic pole piece and the resistance value of the first ELG by detecting this resistance value existing when the front end positions (Tops) are detected.

Abstract: A tool for making the semiconductor package accurately contact with the terminals of a electrical connector, comprises a body with a through hole for passing through the semiconductor package thereof, a plurality of the latching members mounted on the body and a guiding member, the guiding member is received in the body and could move up and down relative to the body. The guiding member of the invention is a floatable model to decrease the damage of the semiconductor package while loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a surface mounted (crystal) device comprising: the steps of providing an aggregated sheet material having a plurality of container main bodies lengthwise and crosswise, accommodating at least a crystal piece inside the concavities of the plurality of container main bodies formed in the aggregated sheet material, and then parting the aggregated sheet material into individual container main bodies. The method further includes: the steps of providing annular grooves on outer perimeters between the container main bodies of the aggregated sheet material; positioning an outer peripheral edge of an electrode roller having an inclined face of a seam welder inside the annular groove; abutting the inclined face against a metal cover tacked to the container main body; bonding the metal cover to an aperture end face of the container main body, by seam welding; and then parting the aggregated sheet material into individual container main bodies.

Abstract: The present invention is a means for forming substrates for the fabrication of active devices using topography based lithographic manufacturing techniques. A form is used to create a substrate by injection molding, embossing, or by other means of applying a topography to the substrate using a form. This substrate can be plastic, glass or other moldable material or a moldable material layer on another material, but is typically an insulating material that will not participate in the operation of the end devices. The present invention is a means for creating such a form. Furthermore, the present invention is also a means for molding the backside of said substrate, either simultaneously or in multiple steps, such that active devices or portions of a given active device can be formed on both front and back sides of the substrate. The present invention includes means for interconnecting components on both sides of the substrate.

Abstract: A conductive elastomeric and mechanical pin and contact system for creation of a Elastromechanical Connector (1) that combines Mechanical Pins, an Insulator Array with Conductive Elastromeric Memory Material. This combination provides a low cost, high density, reliable, reusable electronic interconnect system. This system can be used in place of most connector systems in use today. It replaces any connector that uses pins and sockets and also supports the fine conductor pitch required in the semiconductor business like Ball Grid Array (BGA) Sockets and related devises. The inventive device includes mechanical pins (2), installed in an insulator (3), each mechanical pin is topped with conductive elastromeric compound (4). A mechanical pin is used for each connection point, the insulator positions the mechanical pins in an array pattern appropriate to the interconnection requirement. A conductive elastromeric compound is added to each metal pin to create the Z axis electrical coplanality to the mating unit.

Abstract: Forming an inlay comprising an antenna wire having two end portions and a site for a transponder chip, comprises: mounting the wire to a surface of substrate; and leaving the end portions of the antenna wire free-standing, as loops adjacent terminal areas of a site on the substrate for the transponder chip. With the transponder chip installed on the substrate, the free-standing loops are repositioned to be substantially directly over the terminals of the transponder chip, in preparation for interconnection of the loops to the terminals of the transponder chip, then are bonded to the terminals. An embedding tool for mounting the wire on the substrate may embed the wire in or adhesively place a self-bonding wire on a surface of the substrate. The substrate may have two transponder chips, and function as a secure inlay. An anti-skimming feature is included in the inlay.

Abstract: A mandrel, useful in high voltage cable splicing and termination operations, having a tapered surface and longitudinal ribs for assembly onto a high-voltage cable to be connected to a premolded or extruded high-voltage component. As the premolded high-voltage component is passed over the mandrel, the mandrel expands the internal cavity of the high-voltage component and may further reduce the loss of lubrication within the internal cavity of the high-voltage component thereby allowing for the high voltage component to be easily installed onto the high-voltage cable. After the high voltage component passes over the apparatus, the high-voltage component may return to a lesser-expanded shape providing a snug fit around the cable member. The high-voltage component may then compress around the cable, with a uniform layer of lubricant remaining in between interior cavity of the high-voltage component and the outer layer of the cable.

Abstract: A low-cost, high-temperature heat exchanger is made from a notched piece of metal, the metal being folded back and forth upon itself to form a monolith. The notches in the metal piece create openings, communicating with distinct sides of the monolith. Ducts are attached to the openings. Cut pieces of corrugated metal, which may have a catalyst coating, are inserted between folds of the monolith. The heat exchanger may be used as part of a fuel cell system, or in other industrial applications, to recover waste heat, or to conduct various catalytic and non-catalytic reactions. The invention also includes an element, or building block, for a high-temperature heat exchanger, including a folded metal monolith with metal combs inserted, the monolith and the combs defining seams which are hermetically sealed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-chamber tube, produced from a flat sheet, welded along the longitudinal surfaces with two planar face surfaces, two curved narrow sides and webs, folded from the flat strip which divide adjacent chambers and which are soldered to the opposing tube inner wall and a method for production thereof. According to the invention, the flat strip comprises inward projections in the region of the soldering of the webs.

Abstract: A manufacturing method that can stabilize an operation torque of a torque limiter device in a manufacturing stage is provided. The method of manufacturing the torque limiter device 1 includes an assembling step S1 of attaching a clutch disk 13 and a damper mechanism 16 to a spline hub 15, and attaching a friction facing 21 to the clutch disk 13; an assembling step S2 of attaching a transmission torque limiting portion 6 to the friction facing 21; and a grinding step S4 of supplying a torque to at least one of the transmission torque limiting portion 6 and the spline hub 15 to rotate them relatively to each other.

Abstract: A to be-processed portion of an inner panel formed by stamping a steel plate is overlaid, in a thickness direction thereof, with a to-be-processed portion of a reinforcing member formed by stamping a steel plate. The inner panel and the reinforcing member are joined and integrated by a spot welding apparatus, thereby obtaining an intermediate article. A material handling robot puts off the intermediate article from the spot welding apparatus, conveys it to a pressing apparatus, and sets it against the pressing apparatus. The to-be-processed portion of the inner panel and the to-be-processed portion of the reinforcing member are subjected to piercing by the pressing apparatus.

Abstract: A rotary electric shaver including a shaver main body, an outer cutter frame attached to the shaver main body and provided with a plurality of circular outer cutter attachment holes, outer cutters formed on the shaving surfaces with hair introduction openings and provided in the outer cutter frame so as to be displaceable inside the outer cutter attachment holes, and inner cutters rotationally driven so as to slide against the outer cutter surfaces formed on the inner surfaces of the shaving surfaces of the outer cutters for cutting hair; wherein an outer cutter mounting hole, formed as a single opening with at least two of the outer cutter attachment holes connected, is provided in the outer cutter frame, and the outer cutters are provided in the outer cutter frame so as to be displaceable inside the outer cutter mounting hole.

Abstract: An electronic palm-held hair trimmer has an ergonomically curved head with a trimmer housing that fits within a use's palm and fingers during use. The ergonomically curved head allows the user's hand to hold the hair trimmer in a manner that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the hair trimming mechanism during use. A detachable strap can be attached to clips on either side of the head for attaching to a use's hand to better support the hair trimmer. An On/OFF power button on the head is reachable by an index finger or middle finger of a use's hand while holding the hair trimmer in the palm of a use's hand. A turbo button is located with the power button, and allows for variable speeds of the trimming blades when activated. Attachments are provided for varying the amount of hair and length to be cut. The trimmer may be operated with a power cord or may include a rechargeable battery that is used as a power supply.

Abstract: A shaving device assembled with multiple blades having a generally planar portion and arcuate end portions in a generally parallel spaced relationship adapted for shaving curvilinear areas of a body.

Abstract: A dispensing utensil 10 comprising: a handle portion 11; an implement portion 12; a cavity 15 for storing dispensable contents, the cavity 15 defined by a first wall means 13, 14 and a second wall means 19 closing the cavity 15; characterised in that a first portion 20 of the first wall means 13, 14 is openable about a hinge formed by the second wall means 19, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed.

Abstract: A portable metered delivery system for sealably carrying and dispensing powder having a tubular container with open and closed ends to receive and contain powder therein and a removable cap with a base portion and a scoop portion. The removable cap projects longitudinally from the open end of the tubular container to dispense the powder into a bottle. The system also includes an insert with an open section allowing the powder to pass through and a closed section for preventing release of the powder. The insert is disposed between the tubular container and the removable cap. When the removable cap is rotated about the tubular container to expose the open section or closed section the amount of powder being dispense can be controlled.

Abstract: A piercing tip assembly has two piercing tips, each having two sets of piercing and shearing edges. The tip is reversible so that the tip can be detached from the shears, its orientation changed, and replaced on the shears so a fresh, sharp set of piercing and shearing edges is exposed during use. The tips are reverse by rotating each tip and replacing the tip mounted on the right side of the jaw, and switching the tip on the left side of the jaw to the right side, and the tip on the right side of the jaw to the left side. The piercing tip assembly protects a substantial portion of the upper jaw of a metal shears from wear.

Abstract: A baker knife includes two blades of different Shore hardness to be used by a baker, usable for various processes in making bread and cake. The baker knife is made of silicon.

Abstract: A pair of cutting jaws are provided for a hydraulic or electric pressing tool. Each jaw is formed in the manner of a lever, with a driving portion and a working portion, which extend in opposite directions from a pivot axis. The working portion is reduced in its thickness by half or more in comparison with the driving portion.

Abstract: Herein a dummy hair clipper head is a rigid form conforming to those dimensions of the head of a hair clipper (typically its stationary blade) which are necessary for its compatibility with attachment guide combs and optionally including a novel method of dual engagement with the V shaped groove of the guide comb. Said rigid form being incorporated into an object to allow the attachment of guide combs to that object. The diverse embodiments of this device include a comb organizer, a scissor comb, a razor comb, a vacuum comb, a dryer comb, and a liquid dispensing comb.

Abstract: A saw blade clamping arrangement for a power tool including a housing, a drive shaft mounted for reciprocating motion relative to the housing and having a longitudinal drive axis, and a saw blade releasably interconnected with the drive shaft. The saw blade clamping arrangement includes a blade support mechanism with first and second slots crosswise intersecting slots configured to selectively receive the saw blade in first and second orientations. The clamping arrangement also includes a tubular actuator rotatable about the longitudinal drive axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the actuator including a locking cam surface, and a locking member operatively associated with the actuator, and movable between a locked position that selectively locks the blade in one of the first and second orientations and an unlocked position that releases the blade, the locking member including a follower surface driven by the locking cam surface.

Abstract: A self-leveling laser emitter (1) has a portable housing (2) in which a beam unit (5) is mounted so as to be swivelable in two dimensions in a self-leveling manner at a bearing point (4) arranged in the area of one third to two thirds of the height (H) of the housing exclusively by the downwardly directed gravitational force (G), which beam unit (5) emits two axis beams (7) in axial directions, including a plumb beam (6), and at least one first beam source is arranged in the beam unit (5) above the bearing point (4) and at least one second beam source is arranged below the bearing point (4).

Abstract: A level is provided, comprising a casing having a flat surface; a first bubble level aligned approximately parallel with said flat surface; a first light positioned to illuminate said first bubble level; a switch, wherein when said switch is actuated, said light illuminates said level; and a power source for said light.

Abstract: A masonry guiding tool for attachment to a backing wall, comprising a base member for attachment to the backing wall and an elbowed plumb line holder. The plumb line holder comprises an elongated mounting portion defining a first axis therealong, the mounting portion being movably carried by the base member and axially movable relative thereto along the first axis which is destined to be parallel to the backing wall. The plumb line holder also comprises an elongated plumb line support portion transversally connected to the mounting portion, the elongated plumb line support portion defining and extending along a second axis transversal to the first axis, the plumb line support portion for movably holding a plumb line. The guiding tool allows the plumb line to be movable along the first axis by axially moving the mounting portion relative to the base member, and along the second axis of the plumb line support portion by moving the plumb line along the plumb line support portion.

Abstract: An exemplary contour measuring device (100) includes a pair of guide rails (13), a movable fixture (14), a first probe (15), a second probe (16), and an error correcting unit (17). The movable fixture is movably disposed on the guide rails. The first probe is configured for measuring an object along a contour measuring direction and obtaining a first measured contour value from the object to be measured. The second probe is configured for measuring a standard object whose contour is known along the contour measuring direction and obtaining a second measured contour value from the standard object. The error correcting unit is configured for compensating the first measured contour value according to the second measured contour value.

Abstract: A pivoting cable extension arm (2) has a pivot sensor (3). The extension arm is mounted on a swivel frame (4) having a swivel sensor (5). The swivel frame has two tangent sheaves (4A, 4C) that allow a wide pivot range of the extension arm. A cable take-up drum (6) has a range sensor (7) for sensing the length of cable (1) extending from the drum. The three-sensors (3, 5, 7) provide data for computing 3D coordinates of the end of the cable (1) over a wide range of space surrounding the assembly. This allows an object to be measured and modeled in three dimensions by touching the cable end to points on the object and acquiring spatial coordinates of the points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for viewing coordinates representative of points on a vehicle, which includes a portable gauge assembly (52) having a length of bar (62) graduations (64), an adjustable pointer mount (76) and adjustable pointer (78) for simultaneously setting coordinates representative of a height and width or height and length dimension of a point on the vehicle and an adjustable positioning means (66) for setting a coordinate representative of a baseline of light emitted relative to the vehicle. Positioning means (66) is further used for adjusting bar (62) level and perpendicular to the baseline when gauge (52) is spatially place relative to the point on the vehicle and the baseline, whereby the coordinates may then be viewed at pointer mount (76) or transferred a spatial location within the path of the baseline and viewed at positioning means (66).

Abstract: A dipstick wiper for determining the amount of engine oil in a crank case sump is mounted to the top of the dipstick guide tube and has jaws which clip about the dipstick handle. The jaws are preferably faced with wiping material for wiping the dipstick as it is withdrawn. Additionally, the wiper jaws secure the dipstick into the inserted position in the guide tube so that it does not work loose during movement of the vehicle. A retainer clip on the jaws secures the jaws in open position after the initial wiping pass so that the stick can be reinserted and withdrawn to accurately measure the amount of oil in the sump.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a measuring tape for measuring purposes, a detecting device coupled to the measuring tape for measuring a moving distance of the measuring tape relative to the detecting device, a processing device coupled to the detecting device for calculating a value detected by the detecting device into a digital output, a displayer coupled to the processing device for displaying the digital output corresponding to the moving distance of the measuring tape relative to the detecting device, and a driver device coupled to the displayer for actuating the displayer to display the digital output and for allowing the work pieces or objects to be easily and quickly measured by the users.

Abstract: Device for dewatering and drying solids, especially plastics granulated under water, in form of a centrifuge dryer comprising a housing (1) having an inlet opening (2) for the solid material with adhering water and an outlet opening (3) for the dehydrated solid material, a screen cylinder (4) fixedly disposed inside the housing (1), a rotor (5) arranged inside the screen cylinder (4) and wings (6) attached to the rotor at a distance from one another, a water drain (7), and arrangements (8, 8?) for the introduction and removal of an air stream passing vertically through the device. It is distinguished on the one hand in that the inlet opening (2) is arranged tangential to the screen cylinder (4, 10).

Abstract: A dryer monitor detects when textiles in a dryer are dry, detects when textiles in a dryer are overdry, and/or may count dryer cycles. The dryer monitor includes a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a controller and various status indicators. The humidity and temperature sensors may be located outside the drying compartment of the dryer. In the case of a clothes dryer, the humidity and temperature sensors may be located outside the drum of the dryer and may be located, for example, in the exhaust compartment of the dryer. The dryer monitor determines dryness of items in the dryer, and may also determine whether the items are overdry, based on humidity information received from the humidity sensor. The dryer monitor counts dryer cycles based on temperature information received from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of improving runnability of a drying section (40) of a paper or board machine or similar. A paper web is contacted with surfaces of a number of successive drying cylinders (41) at a machine speed of at least 550 m/min. One or more drying cylinder surfaces in the beginning of the drying section are heated to a temperature of at least 120° C. The invention also relates to a use of heated rotating drying cylinders in a paper machine or similar, a drying section of a paper machine and a method of selecting a drying strategy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clogging detecting system for a dryer which can display a clogging degree or state of an air passage to the user through a remote controlling device. The clogging detecting system for the dryer includes the dryer for judging the clogging degree of the air passage, and sending the clogging degree to a remote controlling device, and the remote controlling device for receiving the clogging degree from the dryer, and displaying the clogging degree through a display unit.

Abstract: An aromatherapy footwear includes a lower portion and an upper portion formed of resilient material sized and shaped to fit beneath and above a foot of a user. The upper portion is hingedly attached to the lower portion. An aromatherapy pouch is formed of flexible, aroma-permeable material and sized and shaped to fit beneath the foot above the lower portion. The pouch contains aromatherapy and thermal reservoir materials. A cavity is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and is sized and shaped to receive the aromatherapy pouch. Stitching through the aromatherapy pouch at least partially divides the compartment into at least two subspaces to control movement of the contents. When the aromatherapy pouch is heated or cooled and placed in the cavity the footwear will heat or cool while providing aromatherapy benefits. The footwear includes an outer sole formed of resilient material and suitable for outdoor use.

Abstract: A pair of casual shoes such as flip-flops are packaged for sale so as to have the general appearance of an essentially spherical ball. Each shoe has a flexible sole portion and an upper portion connected to at least part of the periphery of the sole portion by stitching, which extends around the entire sole portion periphery. The sole portion of each shoe is flexed generally into a U-shape and also is flexed transversely to the length thereof, and then the two U-shapes are interfitted with the toe and heel regions of one shoe fitting against the instep region of the other shoe. An elongate cord is laced between the stitching around the peripheries of the two sole portions so as to hold the two shoes together in the ball shape but removal of the cord release the two shoes for separation and opening out into a pair of flip-flops.

Abstract: Therapeutic footwear includes upper and lower portions formed of resilient material sized and shaped to fit beneath and above a foot of a user. The upper portion is hingedly attached to the lower portion. A removable pouch is formed of flexible, permeable material and sized and shaped to fit beneath the foot above the lower portion. The pouch contains at least one of aromatherapy and thermal reservoir materials. A cavity is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and is sized and shaped to receive the removable pouch. Stitching through the removable pouch at least partially divides the compartment into at least two subspaces to control movement of the contents. When the removable pouch is heated or cooled and placed in the cavity, the footwear will heat or cool while providing aromatherapy benefits. The footwear includes an outer sole formed of resilient material and suitable for outdoor use.

Abstract: Toe (1) of protection for accident-preventing shoes comprising a capsule substantially shaped as the front part of a shoe, having un upper portion (2) provided with aeration hollows (7). With said hollows (7) is associated a diaphragm which allows the flow of humidity only from the inside to the outside of the toe (1).

Abstract: A foot support adapted to position a foot in an anatomically functional position is provided. The foot support includes a metatarsal portion, a toe portion, and a bendable joint defined between the metatarsal portion and the toe portion. The metatarsal portion is adapted to align the first metatarsal head of a foot, and the metatarsal portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The toe portion extends away from the metatarsal portion and is adapted to align the big toe of a foot. The toe portion also includes an upper surface and a lower surface.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a shoe upper including a male member and a shoe sole including a female receptor for locking with the male member. The male member locks with the female receptor by moving the male member with respect to the female receptor in a first direction, which locks the shoe upper with the shoe sole. The male member unlocks from the female receptor by moving the male member an additional distance further in the first direction, which unlocks the shoe upper from the shoe sole. The female receptor includes resilient arms to hold and release the male member and a stop to prevent movement of the resilient arms in a second direction.

Abstract: Footwear including a flexible sole having a series of flexure zones positioned to correspond to primary joint axes of the human foot approximating the characteristics of a bare foot in motion.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a boot (2) worn by a football goalkeeper, has studs (3, 4) on the sole (1), wherein there are more studs (4) on the outer region of the sole (1) than on the inner region of the article of footwear.