Abstract: A protective plate assembly comprises a plurality of overlapping rigid plates (1, 2, 3) for covering a wearer's chest and abdomen, the plates being attached together such that the amount of overlap between successive plates is variable. Elements (13, 16) of compressible material are provided, distributed on an inner side of the assembly, such that when the amount of overlap between the plates (1, 2, 3) increases, the elements move closer together in the direction in which said overlap increases, and vice versa. Two adjacent plates of the assembly are attached to each other by means of a peg (12) extending from one of said plates, which peg is captive within a slot (9) on the other of said plates, the slot running substantially perpendicular to the overlapping edges of the plates.

Abstract: A multi-piece bathtub for children comprising at least two bathtub segments adapted to be assembled to provide one of a plurality of predetermined fluid retaining areas, where a first of the bathtub segments is operative to cooperate with a second of the bathtub segments to at least partially define one of the plurality of predetermined fluid retaining areas operative to resist fluid leakage by providing a sealed fluidic interface between the first and second bathtub segments.

Abstract: A enclosure assembly with a support for a mattress of a bed to accommodate a person on the mattress, the enclosure assembly including a framework having connectors to secure the framework in an upstanding relation peripherally about the mattress, the framework including corner posts each extending a generally common distance above the mattress, and frame members spanning the corner posts. A net having inside and outside surfaces is supported on the framework and has at least one normally closed opening provided with a closure member which may only be opened from the outside of the net, thereby at least partially defining a “safe zone” about the periphery of the mattress. The enclosure assembly also comprises a coverlet which overlies the mattress and is removably interconnected along its periphery to the inside surface of the net, thereby further defining the “safe zone” about the mattress on which the person may rest without risk of falling off the mattress and harming themselves.

Abstract: A patient support including a siderail movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the patient support. A controller coupled to the sideail moves between a deployed position and a stored position in response to movement of the siderail between the raised position and the lowered position.

Abstract: A device for the examination of persons including a medical examination device (11) having an examination volume (12), a support (1) for a person to be examined, and a drive assembly (3) for displacing the support in a displacement direction in such a manner, that a person to be examined present on the support is displaced into and out of the examination volume. The drive assembly includes a gear-wheel (7), which is driven by a driving device (5, 8) and co-operates with a toothed rack (4) mounted to the support for displacing the toothed rack relative to the gear-wheel in the driven state of the gear-wheel. The drive assembly includes an auxiliary moving assembly (6, 9) for displacing the gear-wheel in its driven state in the displacement direction with a speed which is lower than the speed of support.

Abstract: A device for controlled orientation of a person's cervical spine that is compatible with medical imaging machines. The device is capable of rotation about the axis of a patient's spinal column independent of, or in addition to, flexion/extension of a patient's spinal column. The device may incorporate locking mechanisms to secure rotational orientation and may include quantitative indicators of the degree of rotation.

Abstract: A pillow comprises a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A padded attachment member is removably attached to the pillow body to adjust the vertical height of the pillow body.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp comprising two outer side rails, a plurality of rungs configured to extend between the side rails, and at least one connecting member configured to releasably secure the side rails in place with the rungs therebetween. A plurality of slots in each side rail are configured to receive opposing ends of the rungs and to hold the same in place when the side rails are secured together by the connecting member.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to the neck. The head includes a first carrier coupled to the head and operatively connected to a drive mechanism for moving the first carrier in a first path of motion. The first carrier has at least one of a plurality of bristles and elastomeric cleaning members extending outwardly therefrom to deliver oral care benefits to the user. The head also includes a second carrier coupled to the head. The second carrier is formed of an elastomeric material and has at least one of a plurality of bristles and elastomeric cleaning members extending outwardly from an upper surface thereof. The second carrier is constructed so that upon application of a force to the upper surface thereof, the second carrier moves in a second path of motion that is different from the first path of motion.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a support member mounted on a first shaft in the head of the toothbrush. A carrier member is mounted on a second shaft to the support member. The support member is eccentrically mounted so that when its first shaft is rotated the carrier member is moved in an orbital path during the rotation of the support member. The carrier member is freely mounted on its second shaft so that during this orbital movement the carrier member rotates in a random manner. Cleaning elements such as bristles extend outwardly from the carrier member.

Abstract: The head of a powered toothbrush includes a first tuft block mounted for rotational oscillation about an axis generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the head, and a second tuft block having fixed bristles or bristles independently movable by being mounted on an elastomeric base. The second tuft block oscillates perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head and in an in and out direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the head. A third stationary block may also be mounted on the head of the powered toothbrush. The bristles on the first, second, and third tuft blocks may be of various lengths, colors and stiffness, and may be mounted perpendicularly to or at an angle to the outer surface of the head.

Abstract: A tool for both plunging and cleaning plumbing fixtures and drains includes a handle with a plunger and a cleaning brush both connected to the same end of the handle. The plunger is removable by way of a connector between the brush handle and the plunger head. The brush and handle may be released from the plunger head and used for scrubbing and cleaning a toilet bowl. The plunger may be reconnected to the brush and handle, allowing the plunger head to be operated by use of the brush handle. When the plunger, brush and handle are connected, the tool is also in a storage form and may be easily and aesthetically stored. Exemplary embodiments are particularly useful for cleaning and plunging toilets using the combination toilet brush and toilet plunger.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having multiple cleaning elements. One group of the cleaning elements is flexibly mounted on the head and another group may be fixedly mounted on the head. The flexibly mounted cleaning elements are attached to a flexible membrane so that the membrane is capable of flexing to alter its original orientation during use of the toothbrush and then recover to the original orientation randomly during use.

Abstract: A window blind cleaning system for cleaning the slats of vertical or horizontal blinds of varying heights, with a user selected cleaning material placed over the cleaning heads, which the user remotely actuates to close the cleaning surfaces onto the slats to be cleaned. The system includes a handle, an extension handle, handle mounted trigger, actuating link, backing plates with attached cleaning pads forming the cleaning heads. Resilient supporting arms urge the cleaning heads apart and the trigger operated actuating link urges the cleaning heads together about the slat. A resilient U-shaped restraining bar may be used to further urge the cleaning heads apart. The cleaning pads and covers over them are removably attached. The backing plates and cleaning pads are shaped to conform to the blind slats. The primary handle is formed from multiple sections. Assembled together, these sections form a single handle allowing the user greater cleaning reach.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine particularly for industrial applications, comprising a box-like structure, which is provided, in its downward region directed toward the floor, with floor cleaning devices, and supports electrical controls for actuating and controlling the machine, at least one part of the electrical controls for actuating and controlling the machine being associated with a supporting body that can be detachably coupled to the box-like structure, and connectors for detachable electrical connection being provided between the part of the controls for actuation and control and their remaining part.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. In one aspect of the invention, the cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the housing. A suction nozzle is secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A first latch is operatively connected to the solution tank to releasably latch the solution tank to the housing and a second latch is operatively connected to the recovery tank to releasably latch the recovery tank to said housing, wherein the second latch is in close proximity to the first latch.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaning apparatus for a stable, the apparatus adapted for being towed behind a powered vehicle having a power take off unit and including a two-wheel trailer; a tank with an air-tight cavity mounted on the trailer; a hydraulic pump powered by the power take off unit of the powered vehicle; a vacuuming unit powered by a hydraulic motor and having a vacuum input and a conduit connecting the vacuum input to the tank cavity, a debris-removing unit having an intake unit with a scoop element and a hand-operated handle with rotating tines powered by the hydraulic motor and having a first vacuum hose connecting the intake unit to the tank cavity; and a debris-scattering unit powered by the hydraulic motor, including a conveyor for scattering debris rearwardly and an auxiliary scattering portion for scattering debris transversely behind the trailer. The apparatus may also include a hand-held rake with hollow tines connected to the tank cavity.

Abstract: A temporary checking device is provided that works in conjunction with elements of a vehicle hinge that remain in the vehicle's final configuration. The hinge includes a hinge pin rotatably connecting a door hinge bracket to a pillar hinge bracket. The checking device includes a spring portion that is disposed between the door hinge bracket and the pillar hinge bracket. The spring portion is compressed during movement of the door hinge bracket relative to the pillar hinge bracket from either of two rest positions. The spring portion urges the vehicle door affixed thereto back into one of the rest positions, thus allowing manufacturing operations such as painting, etc., to be performed on the vehicle.

Abstract: A triple positioning hinge that is compact and securely retains a monitor of a portable electronic device at three determined positions permanently. The triple positioning hinge has a body, a pivoting member, a first positioning element, a second positioning element and a resilient element. The first positioning element has multiple detents formed on a surface of the first positioning element. The second positioning element is pushed toward the first positioning element by the resilient element and has three positioning notches circularly formed in a surface at intervals and respectively correspond to and engage with the detents of the first positioning element to hold the monitor connected with the pivoting member at three determined positions.

Abstract: The link element (12) includes a strand (14), which extends longitudinally in a horizontal plane, and a front end which (22) includes a device for attachment to a watch (10). The attachment device includes a casing (24), which is secured to the front end (22) of the strand (14), and two coaxial securing pins (26) of transverse axis (A) which are received in two associated lateral housings (28) of the casing (24). A free end of each pin (26) is pivotally received about the transverse axis (A) in one of the two opposite orifices of the watch (10). The casing (24) includes a bottom plate (32) and a top back plate (34), The front end (22) of the strand (14) includes a holding pin (44), which is fitted vertically into a opening (46) of the bottom plate (32). The top back plate (34) is secured to the bottom plate (32) trapping the front end (22) of the strand (14) such that the casing (24) is secured to the strand (14).

Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.

Abstract: A three component strap fastener having a body member with a fork inserted into a fork end opening and a catch inserted into an opposite catch end opening in the body member is improved by reconfiguring the catch end opening so as to prevent undesirable twisting of the catch relative to the fork within the body member. Additional constrainment of the catch to prevent it from being forced out of coplanar relationship relative to the fork is achieved by narrowing the outboard extremities of the open mouth formed at the catch end opening of the body member. This added constrainment is achieved by building up the interior wall structure of the body member at the transverse outboard extremities of the catch end opening with four interior, wedge-shaped corner restraints.

Abstract: A felting machine for producing fiber art has a wide variety of operating arrangements, providing flexibility for the fiber artist.

Abstract: A method for processing a screw rotor includes a step of rotating a blade holder 2 while shifting the blade holder 2 in X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to form a groove on the outer surface of a rotating cylindrical workpiece 1 with a tool 3 using a processing apparatus having a bed 11; a C-axis shaft supporter 12 disposed on the bed 11; a C-axis shaft 14 held by the C-axis shaft supporter 12, the C-axis shaft 14 for rotating the cylindrical object 1; a column 13 disposed on the bed 11; the blade holder 2 rotatably held by the column 13; and the tool 3 attached to the blade holder 2.

Abstract: A device for processing components, and in particular, sections for aircraft, includes a handling system that supports a holding frame. The holding frame includes at least one pressure stamp and/or at least one processing device or unit. By means of the handling system, the processing device is freely positionable in space in relation to the components. Preferably, in the region of the holding frame at least one connection element is arranged. Due to the connection elements, an essentially closed force ring is established between the holding frame and the components so that in an ideal case there is no longer any feedback of reaction forces to the handling system. The connection elements, the processing device and the pressure stamps can be movable by actuators and can comprise integrated force sensors and/or distance measuring sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a trim cover to a foam pad includes a base and a platform coupled thereto that defines a working surface for supporting the foam pad thereon. A plurality of actuators project from the working surface. Each actuator is capable of movement away from and toward the working surface and includes a pair of retaining fingers capable of movement between an open and closed position. In use, the retaining fingers grasp a first connecting member on the trim cover and move the first connecting member toward the working surface as the actuators are moved toward the working surface so as to engage the first connecting member with a second connecting member in the foam pad thereby securing the trim cover to the foam pad.

Abstract: A method for replacing a damaged brake beam on a railcar having a car body supported on a railcar truck. The railcar truck includes a wheel and axle assembly mounted between a pair of laterally spaced side frames. The side frames include structure, on an inboard side thereof, for guiding and supporting the brake beam, and with the structure on the side frame members defining a predetermined lateral distance therebetween.

Abstract: A method of making a slider includes the steps of laminating the bottom-facing surface of a third layer to the upper-facing surface of a fourth layer, laminating the bottom-facing surface of a second layer to the upper-facing surface of the third layer in a heat-compression mold, heat-pressing the combined second, third and fourth layers in the mold to form a desired shape, and heat pressing a first layer on top of the second layer inside the mold.

Abstract: In a method for winding the stator of a multiphase electric motor a plurality of mutually spaced stator teeth are assigned to each phase, wherein all the teeth of the stator are wound without a break in the winding wire, and wherein the winding wire is taken via a contact-making element of a contact-making device before or after the winding of all the stator teeth assigned to a phase.

Abstract: An method for manufacturing an electrical component comprises providing a base body of a ceramic material with at least two contact regions with terminal elements secured thereto. The base body is immersed into a solution that contains a fluid that wets the base body and a hydrophobic and lipophobic intermediate layer material dissolved in the fluid. The base body is removed from the solution so that a part of the solution remains adhering thereto as a film that completely envelopes the base body. An intermediate layer is produced by evaporating the fluid contained in the film, and a protective layer is applied onto the intermediate layer.

Abstract: An electronic component attaching tool suitable for an external shape of a semiconductor device is prepared. The electronic component attaching tool has a function of aligning a position of the semiconductor device to an IC socket. The electronic component attaching tool is mounted on the standard surface that is formed on the IC socket substantially regardless of the external shape of the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device is then aligned and attached to the IC socket by using the electronic component attaching tool, and the electronic component attaching tool is removed from the IC socket. Another electronic component attaching tool suitable for an external shape of another semiconductor device is prepared, and the same procedure as the above is performed to align and attach this semiconductor device to the same type IC socket.

Abstract: A method for preforming of two or more flexible cables in an arrangement consisting of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and flexible cable sections extending therebetween. Moreover, also provided is an apparatus for the preforming of two or more flexible cable sections of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and therewith interposed flexible cable sections which are adapted to interconnect the rigid printed circuit boards. The apparatus consists of a tool constituted of an elongated cylindrical member having a tapered leading end which narrows into an ultra-thin flat end section of a blade-like configuration, and which is adapted to be pushed between the flexible cables and so as to preform the flexible cable sections and cause them to yield in a predetermined outwardly bowed permanently relationship between the rigid printed circuit boards at the opposite ends thereof to lengthen the fatigue life of the conductors in the flexible cable sections.

Abstract: A mechanism for reducing the vertical cross-talk interference experienced in signal lines due to the inductive affects from signal lines in other signal planes of a multi-layer ceramic package is provided. With the apparatus and method, one or more vias in the multi-layer ceramic package may be removed from the structure to provide area through which an offset of the signal lines may pass. Because these offsets of the signal lines exist in parallel planes above or below each other, with no ground lines existing directly between these signal line offsets, a capacitive cross-talk is introduced into the signal lines. This capacitive cross-talk is opposite in polarity to the inductive cross-talk already experienced by the signal lines. As a result, the capacitive cross-talk tends to negate or reduce the inductive cross-talk thereby reducing the far end noise in the signal line.

Abstract: This connector assembly comprises a header 1 to which a plurality of coaxial cables 3 are connectable and a socket 2 configured to be mounted on a printed board 4. The header 1 can be detachably coupled to the socket 2. The header 1 has a first terminal array 12 to which the coaxial cables 3 are electrically connectable. The socket 2 has a second terminal array 21 which makes contact with the first terminal array 12 when the header 1 is coupled to the socket 2. The first terminal array has a plurality of first terminals each having a wire terminal 120 for connection with each conductive wire of the cables and a contact 122 for contact with the second terminal array. The feature of the present invention resides in that the wire terminals 120 are arranged in a line, and the contacts 122 of the first terminal array are arranged in two rows in a staggered configuration, and a pitch of the contacts 122 of each row is larger than a pitch of the wire terminals 120.

Abstract: The invention relates to a segmented inner ring for holding guide blades. According to the invention, a lateral wall opposing the front side of the inner ring and pertaining to a shaft shoulder formed on the rotor shaft extends radially, and respectively one half of a labyrinth seal is formed on the front side of the inner ring and on the shaft shoulder. The aim of the invention is to apply an arrangement of stacked labyrinth seals, known from airplane turbines, to a stationary gas turbine having a separation plane. To this end, a method is used to mount an inner ring of a gas turbine. The invention also relates to a stationary gas turbine comprising a segmented inner ring.

Abstract: A method and gas removing apparatus removes non-condensate gas from a heat pipe. The gas removing apparatus includes at least one heating unit, a sealing unit and a height-adjusting unit. The heating unit heats the heat pipe and includes a clip to clamp the heat pipe. The sealing unit is placed atop the heating unit and outside an opening of the heat pipe. The height-adjusting unit supports the heating unit and adjusts a height of the heating unit according to the length of the heat pipe, whereby the clip clamps on a lower portion of the heat pipe. During the removing operation of the non-condensate gas, the heating unit only heats a bottom portion of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat pipe, including the steps of: providing a hollow body with an open end and an opposite close end; filling a predetermined quantity of working fluid into the hollow body through the open end thereof after an interior of the hollow body having been evacuated to a predetermined vacuum degree; and sealing the open end of the hollow body.

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.

Abstract: A vehicle box assembly wherein a bed floor and the inner right and left side wall panels are defined by and assembled from two monolithic one-piece integrated side/floor panel members. The two panel members are preferably formed by roll forming a thin metal sheet so that only a single roll-formed panel configuration is required. Subsequent forming operations, such as punching or die forming, are carried out on the roll-formed configuration to create right and left panel members which are assembled to define the floor and opposed inner side panels of the box assembly.

Abstract: A universal saw capable of being employed as a jigsaw or sabre saw, having a housing containing a drive train that includes an electric drive motor and a motion converter that converts the rotary motion of the drive motor into a reciprocating working motion of the saw blade movably guided in the housing, and having a wear-resistant base plate for supporting the universal saw on the work piece to be machined can be adapted with particular ease to the optimally desired intended use as a jigsaw or as a sabre saw in that on the one hand, the base plate (21) can be rigidly locked in a definite, first operating position in relation to the housing of the universal saw (10) in which position, the direction of the working movement of the saw blade (14, 15) is perpendicular to the plane of the base plate (21) and on the other hand, outside of this operating position, the base plate (21) can be variably adjusted in its angular position in relation to the direction of the working movement.

Abstract: A laser alignment device includes a base adapted to be installed in a drilling machine above the worktable of the drilling machine. The base has two through holes, a first laser module mounted in one through hole and operable to emit a first laser beam, a second laser module, which has a laser emitter mounted in the other through hole and operable to emit a second laser beam from its bottom side. The second laser module has a protruding portion extending around the periphery of the laser emitter and engaging the inside wall of the associated through hole to maintain the laser emitter away from the inside wall of the associated through hole Setting devices are mounted in the base and are inserted into one through hole to engage the periphery of the laser emitter of the second laser module.

Abstract: Is disclosed an inclination sensor for detecting a tilted state of a case by detecting by a magnetic sensor a magnetized portion of a pendulum type movement mounted rotatably on a shaft in accordance with inclination of the case, wherein the shaft fitted with a clearance in a rotation shaft hole of the movement is further provided at both ends with loosely fitted thereon spacers and mounted in the case. This realizes non-restricted state of both the movement and the shaft. Thus, the movement obtains an improved response characteristic and an increased stability since no oscillation of a running vehicle is transmitted through the shaft to the movement.

Abstract: A laser, square, protractor kit has a laser marker with a housing. The housing has a first positioning member. The protractor has a base with a second positioning member which cooperates with the first positioning member to position the housing on the protractor base. The protractor base also includes a third positioning member. A framing square is coupled with the third positioning member enabling the protractor to be positioned on the framing square.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling nut that is visually perceptible that indicates the pull-up position of the tube fitting assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device used to set twist angles. The device include a set plate which is supported at one end and a protractor plate at a second end. The hose is placed in position atop the two supports and the hose placed on top of the supports with couplers at each end. The user then clamps the first coupler in a horizontal position pointing toward one of two sides of the set plate. This is used as a reference from which a twist angle may be set at the other side of the tool. The other side of the tool includes a protractor in such a way that the elbow can be rotated in position relative to one of two scales. These two scales are color coded such that for acute angles, the user will know to point the first end horizontally in the red (?) direction and for obtuse angles the user will point the coupler in the blue direction. Depending on which color the user selects will match it up and the elbow twist angles will be properly set. The hose is easily unclamped from the device and crimped.

Abstract: The present invention provides device for measuring a seal gap of a vehicle, which more conveniently and precisely measures the dimensions of a space between a moving part and a mounting part of a vehicle body, thus more precisely controlling the tolerance of a gap defined between the moving part and the mounting part. The device includes a plate member installed in a gap created between a moving part and a mounting part of a vehicle body; a gap sensor mounted to the plate member and configured to measure the dimensions of the seal gap; a transmitter outputting a value measured from the gap sensor; a receiver receiving a signal output from the transmitter; and operation processing equipment configured to process a value from the receiver and output the dimensions of the seal gap.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an oil-filler-port/oil-level-gauge attachment hole is formed on a side of the internal combustion engine. An oil-level-gauge for measuring the amount of oil in the inside of the internal combustion engine extends within the oil-filler-port. The oil-level-gauge is formed integral with a cap for the oil-filler-port. A guide cylinder portion for guiding the gauge deep inside the oil-level-gauge attachment hole is provided to extend therein. A side outflow hole where the filled oil detours around the guide cylinder portion and directly flows down to the inside is formed on the way of the guide cylinder portion. A guide wall for preventing the gauge from entering the side outflow hole is formed on a lower portion of the side outflow hole.

Abstract: In a sensing device for detecting the distance of a vehicle or work device from structures that can be sensed mechanically, in particular plant stands, plant rows, soil structures, ploughing furrows or the like, with a rod-shaped, resilient sensing feeler which has a freely movable sensing end and at a distance therefrom is fixed rigidly to a housing, and an electrical measuring system which detects a change in location of the sensing end in respect of the holder and generates a measuring signal dependent on the change in location, the sensing feeler has at a distance from its fixing location a permanent magnet whose magnetic field is detected by a field-sensitive sensor with a fixed location in respect of the fixing location of the sensing feeler, which sensor generates an electrical signal dependent on the distance between the permanent magnet and the sensor.

Abstract: A footwear dryer and sanitizer apparatus comprising a base with upwardly extended, removable, hollow tubes. The top of each tube is removably fitted with a footwear holder, each holder fitted with at least one ultraviolet bulb for sanitation of footwear. The apparatus further comprises a controller for regulating the removable bulbs, heating elements, and fans, such that forced drying air for footwear is warmed. The apparatus supports and holds a pair of footwear for drainage and drying and sanitation, without the need for chemicals or solutions.

Abstract: A skateboard shoe comprising a plurality of fluid chambers able to move and flex independently from one another along the bottom portion of the midsole is shown and described. The midsole acts as both a stabilizing midsole and an impact cushioning midsole while improving the fit of the shoe so it moves with the foot.