Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mat vacuum cleaning machine in which a vacuum suction device is installed in a rear region of the machine and is adapted to vacuum suction and remove moisture, impurities, and bacteria in a washed mat so as to effect a rapid drying of the mat, and an electric heating device is installed near the vacuum suction device to heat the mat, which was inevitably deformed and wrinkled in the previous washing and drying processes, to a predetermined temperature from 30° C. to 60° C. so as to evenly smoothen the mat, resulting in an improvement in cleanness of the automotive passenger compartment using the mat.

Abstract: An in-wall central vacuuming system has a central receptacle and a vacuum pump for drawing dirt and dust into a network of piping and into the receptacle. The system includes a series of ports strategically located around an interior environment of a residential or commercial building. The series of ports permit a flexible tubular hose to be connected thereto. Each port includes an interior wall mounting plate positioned behind the port and has axially aligned circular openings for receiving the flexible tubular hose. An elbow positioned within the wall attaches to a rearwardly extending tubular portion of the mounting frame and attaches to an odd sized first pipe section. A coupler member attaches the odd sized first pipe section to a universally available second pipe section which is used to create a network of piping for the system.

Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided and includes a housing for movement along the cleaning surface. A solution distribution system is mounted at least in part to the housing and includes a solution distributor operatively connected to the housing for distributing a solution onto the cleaning surface, a first solution tank for holding the solution, and a first adjustable flow rate valve fluidly connected between the first solution tank and the distributor for adjusting the flow rate of the solution out of the valve.

Abstract: A portable extractor apparatus is shown which includes a wheel mounted base having a solution tank for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A cleaning head communicates with the solution tank and contacts the surface to the cleaned for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A fluid pump circulates cleaning solution in a path between the solution tank and the cleaning head. A vacuum motor provides a vacuum source for the cleaning head for suctioning the surface being cleaned. The solution tank has mounted thereon both an initial multi-component filter assembly which initially filters incoming solution being circulated to the solution tank and a distinct final filter component which removes smaller particles from the solution being re-circulated from the tank. The solution tank bottom wall has a profile which improves the efficiency of the final filter component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an upright type vacuum cleaner capable of being converted to a canister type. The vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening, and on which the main body is rotatably installed, a handle installed to the main body, an extension pipe disposed between the handle and the main body and having a hollow inner space to define a flow passage for foreign substances, a securing mechanism between the extension pipe and the main body to restrict a circumference of the extension pipe, a cover installed at a portion of the main body where the securing mechanism and a lower end of the extension pipe are disposed, and an attaching mechanism between the securing mechanism and the cover to allow the extension pipe to be detached from the securing mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic closing assembly for a sliding door has a base, an adjusting device and a housing. The base is mounted on the sliding door and has a mounting bracket and a connecting frame. The connecting frame is mounted on the mounting bracket and has a damper barrel. The adjusting device is connected to the base and has a handle, a screw shaft, and a resilient device. The handle is rotatably connected to the base and rotates the screw shaft. The resilient device moveably engages the screw shaft and is selectively retracted by rotation thereof. The housing is telescopically connected to the base, is mounted around the adjusting device and comprises two tubes connected respectively to ends of the resilient device to transmit a returning force to the door.

Abstract: A rotation hinge configured in a portable electrical device includes a tube sequentially stringing a base coupled to a main housing of the portable electrical device, a cam module and a fixing plate coupled to a sub-housing of the portable electrical device, and engaging with a riveting plate. The cam module has a designed curve surface and at least two recesses positioned thereon. Each section of the designed curve surface between the recesses has an arc-shape projection portion. Each recess of the designed curve surface contacts an elastic sliding portion. While the cam module rotates, the elastic sliding portion moves from the recess and moves along the designed curve surface. While the elastic sliding portion contacts the arc-shape projection portion, a compression force stored in the elastic sliding portion is maximized. Therefore, the sub-housing is advanced to rotate by the elastic sliding portion releasing the compression force.

Abstract: Taught is a cotton stalk bark fiber. The fiber is a natural textile fiber made of cotton stalk balk. The length of the fiber is 5 mm-65 mm. The fineness thereof is 0.3-2.5 denier. The intensity thereof is 0.284-0.432 N/tex. The breaking elongation rate thereof is 3%-6%. Taught is further a method for processing cotton stalk bark fiber comprising peeling, skimming, degumming, preserving, cutting, tanning, opening, carding, baking, boxing and classifying, and packaging. The invention provides an inexpensive natural fiber having wide applications in the textile industry. The fiber has a similar performance to bast fiber, higher intensity than cotton fiber, and may be blended with other natural fiber, man-made fibers and recycled fiber to form fiber yarn for various purposes. This method changes waste into a commodity, and brings about economic and social benefits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier board supporting device, and particularly an improved structure of a hardware piece for hanging and supporting a carrier board on a steel cable or a support bar. A force-application piece is additionally provided between a body and a threaded fastening element of the supporting device in order to improve the fastening force, safety of assembling, regularity of assembled support device and the steel cable, and reduction of damage to the surface of the steel cable or support bar. Thus, the supporting device of the present invention features fast installation, surface-type fastening, and separation resistance and can be used in wide applications.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide an elongated hook and loop fastening strap with a slit defined therein for securing one or more objects together. The fastening strap includes an engaging portion, which is disposed generally above the slit, and an anchor portion, which is disposed generally below the slit. The engaging portion is peeled away from a base to which the anchor portion is attached and is wrapped around the objects to be secured. The engaging portion is then threaded through the slit and engaged onto the base. The engaging shear force between the anchor portion of the strap and the base is sufficient to hold the strap to the base when the engaging portion is peeled away from the base, alleviating the need for external bonding methods for securing the strap to the base and allowing a user to secure the strap using one hand.

Abstract: The invention provides a spring body for a slide fastener and a slider having the spring body mounted thereon, comprising: the spring body made of a platy material having an opening window portion at the opposite side of a pawl portion, and entirely formed in a lateral C-shape; a spring piece having a figuration that a longitudinal center portion of the platy material is cut out outward from a side end portion of a main body of the opening window portion to be pulled up at a required height in many steps, disposed between a rear surface of a pull holding body and a pull with elastic contact, and the pawl portion engaged with or released from a portion of a coupling element row by operating the pull through an inside of the slider body. Consequently, it can get the spring body enabling a material and manufacturing cost reduced, a stable and excellent productivity; a slider with an automatic stop function acquiring and realizing inexpensive structure, miniaturization, and simple assembly.

Abstract: An article with a slide fastener in which when a tearing force is applied to an article provided with a slide fastener and a slider makes contact with an end stop, a connecting member having flexibility and connecting between rear faces of right and left fastener stringers is disposed at a position on a side of a fastener element near the end stop, at which the force is not transmitted directly to the slider, a covering tape for covering at least the end stop and the connecting member is disposed on a rear face of the article, so that fastener elements and end stop are blocked from being damaged or the fastener elements are prevented from being dropped out of a fastener tape by a tearing force, and the connecting member is prevented from being hooked or caught by the slider so as to always realize a smooth slider operation.

Abstract: Described is a multi-roller snap ring with one or more rollers extending across a space defined by a frame and one or more rollers integrated within the frame of the snap ring. The multiple rollers reduce and mitigate the frictional wear and tear caused by a purse line being drawn through the snap ring during purse seine deployment and retrieval operations. In addition, a locking mechanism with a spring-loaded, sliding and rotating lock forming a portion of the frame and a stopper tab are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clasp for the connecting of two parts comprising a first (1) and a second (2) clasp part consisting of, against the first part (1) fixed, and from this extending part (3), in the second part (2) an opening (3) the shape of which closely connects to the outer shape of the extending part (3) so that the second part (2) can pass over the latter as well as the means, to restrain the second part on the extending part (3), in the spring-loaded means (8, 10, 11) and an edge or groove (5) arranged inside the second part's opening. The clasp consists of spring-loaded means (6, 7) designed to move the parts away from each other upon the parts being released. A button (4) arranged in the cylinder is placed for activation when the clasp's parts are to be released from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cremated remains spreading device that includes a hopper for holding the cremated remains having a conduit attached to the hopper. A blower assembly including a blower and motor is connected to a first end of the conduit for providing a pressurized air flow through the conduit. The hopper is adapted to deposit the cremated remains into the pressurized air flow in the conduit, the cremated remains being discharged from an outlet port formed at a second end of the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a button manufacturing device that is lightweight and robust, and that can be operated even at an unstable location and in a small space. A button manufacturing device comprises a base, a slide platform disposed on the base for reciprocating movement, first and second lower dies provided on both sides of the slide platform in the reciprocating directions, a press screw shaft capable of moving in the axial direction by screwing into a female screw section provided on a beam fixed to the upper part of struts, fixed on the base, an upper die provided on a lower end of the press screw shaft for joining to the first lower die or the second lower die, and an operating handle provided on an upper part of the press screw shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting barbs into a suture having a filament supply. The apparatus also has an in-feed collet for holding one end of a filament threaded therethrough. Further the apparatus has an out-feed collet for holding a second end of a filament threaded therethrough. Additionally, the apparatus has a holder positioned between said in-feed and out-feed collets for holding a filament suspended between the in-feed and out-feed collets. The apparatus also has a cutting assembly for cutting barbs in the filament tensioned between the in-feed and out-feed collets.

Abstract: A one-piece barrel assembly cart includes a right assembly cart base connected with a left assembly cart base and at least three stabilizer rings that are attached to the assembly cart base. The one-piece barrel assembly cart may be used to stabilize a tapered cured composite barrel, for example the large fuselage barrel of the aft section of a large new generation aircraft, such as a 7E7 Boeing airplane. A modular assembly cart includes at least two identical modules. Each of these modules includes a cart base and a stabilizer ring. The diameter of the inner surface of the stabilizer ring may vary as needed. Other modules including a fuselage support may be added. By providing modular assembly carts any shape and size of a one-piece composite barrel may be stabilized after curing of the composite material.

Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body, a shackle, and a sleeve. The lock body includes opposed front and rear longitudinally extending side walls terminating at first and second end portions. The shackle extends from the first end portion of the lock body. The sleeve covers at least a portion of each of the longitudinally extending side walls, and an internal surface of the sleeve includes at least one longitudinally extending rib contacting at least one of the front and rear longitudinally extending side walls to define a gap between the sleeve and the lock body.

Abstract: A rotor assembly operable with anvil mechanism for comminuting waste wood and other fragmentable material has a rotating drive shaft with a series of rotors fixed in axially spaced relation thereon. A series of radially projecting hammers mechanisms are situated along the axis of the shaft and powered by the shaft. Fragmenting knives are removably secured to the leading outer portions of the hammer mechanisms. The hammer mechanisms include sidewisely reversible hammer legs having portions received by the rotors sidewisely contiguously.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems for controlling the direction of thermal expansion of a composite part during thermal processing. The systems may comprise at least one guiding mechanism capable of being attached to a surface of a tool for fabricating composites and at least one moveable composite insert capable of being attached to a composite part. The moveable composite insert has an opening for receiving the at least one guiding mechanism. The opening is capable of controlling movement of the at least one moveable composite insert in a desired direction during thermal expansion of the composite part, when the guiding mechanism is received by the opening. Methods for controlling the direction of thermal expansion of a composite part during thermal processing are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic material, in which at least the surface thereof is adhesive and conductive, is provided on a plate, and while a substrate constituting a component of an electronic part is held on the surface of the elastic material by the adhesiveness of the elastic material, an element such as a semiconductor chip is mounted at a fixed location on the substrate.

Abstract: There are proposed a manufacturing method of a winding assembly of a rotating electrical machine using a rotation block and a fixed block and a manufacturing apparatus used for the same. The rotation block includes a rotation surface rotatable around a rotation axis, and the fixed block includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and a shaping surface. The shaping surface is formed between end parts of the first and the second surfaces, is made to have an almost semicircular shape with the rotation axis as the center, and extends along the rotation axis. Plural wire rods are simultaneously fed from the first surface of the fixed block to the rotation surface of the rotation block, and the wire rods positioned on the rotation surface are bent by rotation of the rotation block.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a mesoscaled disc resonator comprised of micro-machined substantially thermally non-conductive wafer with low coefficient of thermal expansion for sensing substantially in-plane vibration, a rigid support coupled to the resonator at a central mounting point of the resonator, at least one excitation electrode within an interior of the resonator to excite internal in-plane vibration of the resonator, and at least one sensing electrode within the interior of the resonator for sensing the internal in-plane vibration of the resonator. The inertial sensor is fabricated by etching a baseplate, bonding the substantially thermally non-conductive wafer to the etched baseplate, through-etching the wafer using deep reactive ion etching to form the resonator, depositing a thin conductive film on the through-etched wafer.

Abstract: A lubricant is applied to swage contact surfaces in a disk drive of the type including a suspension arm connected to an actuator arm by a swaging process. A preferred thin film lubricant may be applied to the contact surfaces by immersion and draining, immersion and raising the part out of the solution, localized spraying, or various deposition processes. Application of the lubricant reduces chipping during de-swaging, particularly with nickel plated metal components. Application of the lubricant has also shown to improve gram load uniformity, reduce adverse distortion to the actuator assembly and reduces torque out retention values. Improved gram load uniformity enhances overall disk drive functioning, reduced distortion preserves intended attitude and flatness of the actions for assembly and reduced torque out retention values improves reworkability of the disk drive.

Abstract: A method for creating a disk drive. A slider is installed in a disk drive having at least one unlubricated disk. The slider is designed to be in initial contact. The slider is burnished to the final design point. A vapor phase lubricant reservoir system is installed in the drive either before or after the burnishing step.

Abstract: A component recognition apparatus for a chip mounter includes a head portion having a frame and at least one nozzle portion installed on the frame, the nozzle portion picking up an electronic component and mounting the electronic component on a substrate, a camera coupled with the frame and comprising an imaging device, and a mirror portion having a mirror support portion installed on the frame and a mirror held by the mirror support portion in a space that does not interfere with the movement path of the electronic component held by the nozzle portion. The camera includes a lens portion, and an image of the electronic component held by the nozzle portion is reflected by the mirror, passes off-axis through the lens portion, and is formed on the imaging device.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of detaching a semiconductor chip from a tape minimize the likelihood that the semiconductor chip will crack. The apparatus includes a holder, a first ejector having an upper end, and a second ejector whose upper end is disposed centrally of that of the first ejector. The holder has an upper portion and a through-hole extending through the upper portion. The ejectors have upper ends that are extendable and retractable out of and back into the holder via the through-hole in the upper portion of the holder. A tape to which at least one semiconductor chip is attached is set against the upper portion of the holder. The first ejector is extended a first distance from the holder to push the semiconductor chip upward. The second ejector is extended from the holder by a second distance larger than the first distance so as to push the semiconductor chip further upward. Thus, the tape is progressively detached from the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a battery enabled flexible circuit. The invention includes forming a first insulating layer and positioning a battery on the first insulating layer, the battery having at least a first and a second terminal. A second insulating layer is then formed on the first insulating layer and the battery. The second insulating layer has vias that are in electrical contact with at least one of the first and the second terminals.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to circuits and methods for the manufacture of circuits, such as those which avoid the formation of undesirable short circuit paths. One such method maintains a layout area of a fluid composition receiving layer within a layout area of a dielectric layer. Another such method relates to the application of fluid composition receiving layers, conductive layers, and dielectric layers, such as in the provision of printed circuits.

Abstract: First, a plurality of wiring boards are fabricated at separate steps. The first wiring board includes a Cu post formed on a wiring layer on one surface of a substrate, and a first stopper layer formed at a desired position around the Cu post. The second wiring board includes a through hole for insertion of the Cu post therethrough, a connection terminal formed on a wiring layer on one surface of a substrate, and a second stopper layer that engages the first stopper layer and functions to suppress in-plane misalignment. The third wiring board includes a connection terminal formed on a wiring layer on one surface of a substrate. Then, the wiring boards are stacked up, as aligned with one another so that the wiring layers are interconnected via the Cu post and the connection terminals, to thereby electrically connect the wiring boards. Thereafter, resin is filled into gaps between the wiring boards.

Abstract: A conductive portion is formed in a hole formed in a material sheet. A metal foil is placed on a surface of the material sheet to provide a laminated sheet. The laminated sheet is heated and pressed to provide a circuit-forming board. The metal foil includes a pressure absorption portion and a hard portion adjacent to the pressure absorption portion. The pressure absorption portion has a thickness changing according to a pressure applied thereto. The circuit-forming board provided by this method provides a high-density circuit board of high quality having reliable electrical connection.

Abstract: Manufacturing is carried out while including the steps of: from a trunk line 12, drawing out electric wires 13a to be a branch line 14 longer than a required length of the branch line 14; forming a branch line portion 17 by applying tape winding to the drawn-out electric wires 13a; making, as a trunk line accompanying part 17a, a part from a base end P2 to a branching position P1 of the branch line portion 17 accompany the trunk line 12 and making, as a main branch line part 17b, a part from the branching position P1 to a front end P3 of the branch line portion 17 distant from the branch line 12; and applying an protecting treatment 19 by tape winding to the whole.

Abstract: A hose coupling according to the present invention for securing a hose has a cylindrical nipple and a cylindrical socket disposed radially outwardly thereof. A plurality of circumferentially extending annular hose gripping projections are provided on a radially inner surface of the socket in a predetermined interval along a longitudinal direction of the nipple. The hose comprises an elastic tube layer and a reinforcing layer disposed radially outwardly thereof, and is to be secured between the nipple and the socket by crimping the socket after the hose is inserted between the nipple and the socket. At least one hose gripping projection of the plurality of hose gripping projections protrudes radially inwardly of the socket greater than other hose gripping projections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for tooth-machining of workpieces (3), especially gear wheels, comprising milling, deburring by hobbing and integrated secondary deburring. The method proceeds on a machine tool (1) having two workpiece spindles (11, 12) which may exchange places. A workpiece (3) is mounted on a first workpiece spindle (11), followed by the workpiece spindles (11, 12) exchanging places, followed by pre-milling and, where applicable, cutting (=deburring by shaving) of the workpiece (3), followed by a further exchange of places, followed by chamfering and cutting of the workpiece (3), followed by a further exchange of places, followed by a finish-milling of the workpiece (3), followed by a further exchange of places, followed by a workpiece change. At the same time, the same procedure takes place on the second workpiece spindle (12), staggered in time by an exchange of places of the workpiece spindles (11, 12).

Abstract: A replaceable tip for a driving member of a clipper is configured to drive a moving blade. The replaceable tip is replaceable without disassembly of the clipper body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hand held cutting device comprising a handle (62), a cutting head (63), a cutting element (4) attached to the cutting head (63), and a guiding and supporting element (2) extending from the cutting head (63). The guiding and supporting element (2) and cutting head (63) are arranged to form a protecting periphery (100) such that any part of a cutting edge (4A) of the cutting element (4) does not protrude outside of said periphery. The guiding and supporting element (2) includes a distal portion (2A) arranged to form a feed channel (64) together with a portion (60) of the handle (62) and a support device (1) is arranged on the guiding and supporting element (2).

Abstract: An alignment device for assembling a masonry joint includes a main body configured to slidably engage a generally vertical support pole, the main body including a first arm and a second arm projecting away from the main body, the first arm defining a predetermined angle relative to the second arm, and a reel assembly on the main body for supporting a reel of string, the main body further including a string guide between the reel assembly and the first arm for guiding a string from the reel to the first arm. Also a method of building a wall using the alignment device.

Abstract: A chalk box including a housing, a reel, a line, an opening through which the line enters and exits the housing, and a removable cap located proximate the opening. The chalk box may also include a seal or seals located between the handle and the chalk to inhibit entry of chalk in the area between the handle and the reel. The chalk box may also include one or more flat areas on the bottom surface of the chalk box to stabilize the chalk box during operation.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention comprises a coordinate measurement apparatus that includes an articulated arm having a first end, a second end, and plurality of jointed arm segments therebetween, each arm segment including at least one position transducer. A measurement probe assembly is coupled to the second end of the arm. The measurement probe assembly comprises a first joint providing a first axis of rotation between the second end of the arm and a body of the measurement probe assembly. An encoder includes an encoder housing and an encoder shaft. The encoder housing is configured to rotate about a second axis with respect to the encoder shaft, which is rigidly coupled to the body. A probe is rigidly coupled to the encoder shaft. A measurement device is coupled to the encoder housing such that the measurement device rotates about a second axis with respect to the probe.

Abstract: A pipe bending template includes an object with four indicator marks displayed along a length thereof. The four indicator marks are spaced according to a bend radius and a bend angle of a pipe. The object may be formed from a plate, a tube, a flat screen display or a slide rule. With a plate, the indicator marks are displayed along an edge of the plate. With a tube, the indicator marks are notches cut through the tube. The tube is sized to receive an outside perimeter of the pipe. With a flat screen display, the indicator marks are displayed along an edge of the flat screen display. With a slide rule the indicator marks are arranged in different rows along a length of the slide rule. The slide rule also includes four indicator strips that are aligned with the indicator marks on the slide rule.

Abstract: An exemplary test apparatus for a columniform workpiece includes a base plate, a support plate perpendicularly mounted to a top surface of the base plate, a shaft rotatably mounted to the support plate, a contact member mounted the support plate and perpendicularly slidable relative to the support plate, and a test meter. The shaft is configured for mounting the columniform workpiece at a side of the support plate and making the columniform workpiece perpendicularly rotate relative to the support plate. The contact member includes a first end contacting the end surface of the columniform workpiece. The test meter includes a pole with a distal end contacting a second end opposite to the first end of the contact member, the poles' length resiliently adjusting corresponding to the end surface of the columniform workpiece, and a value of the test meter changing corresponding to changes in the length of the pole.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a scale measurement apparatus. A scale has scale markings arranged to form an incremental pattern and at least one scale mark. A readhead has an incremental detector means which produces an output signal and a scale mark detector means for producing a signal having a zero crossing. The readhead is moved relative to the scale. The output from the incremental detector is used to determine a predetermined phase in the output signal and the value of the signal from the scale mark detector corresponding to the predetermined phase in the output signal from the incremental detector on either side of the zero crossing is determined. These values are used to define the width of the scale mark pulse.

Abstract: In a drying system using a compression refrigeration system, a condenser is divided into a regulating condenser and a heating condenser. The regulating condenser is capable of regulating the amount of exhaust heat discharged to outside the system. The heating condenser produces moist air by feeding heat to an aqueous object to be dried placed in a processing vessel to evaporate the moisture in the object. Heat of condensation of steam is recovered by an evaporator as heat of a refrigerant, and the recovered heat is discharged in the heating condenser to use it for the vaporization of the moisture in the object, and excess heat is discharged by the regulating condenser to outside the system.

Abstract: A sole structure is provided that can improve cushioning and bending properties of the sole heel portion. The sole assembly 1 is formed of an upper plate 2 disposed on the upper side of the heel portion H, a wavy lower plate 3 provided below the upper plate 2 in the heel portion H and having at least two convex portions 30, 31 that protrude downwardly and that are adapted to form voids C relative to the upper plate 2, and a plurality of cleats that are provided on the lower surfaces of the convex portions of the lower plate and/or a cleat that is provided between adjacent convex portions of the lower plate.

Abstract: A component for supporting a wearer's foot. The heel support includes a flexible central plate joined at its periphery to one or more tubular portions. The heel support provides cushioning without the need for an air-tight enclosure in the rear sole of a shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a tongue opening and a sole assembly secured to the upper. A saddle has a first portion having a lower edge secured to at least one of the upper and the sole assembly in a midfoot portion of the upper and sole assembly, and an upper edge wrapped over the tongue opening. A second portion has a lower edge secured to at least one of the upper and the sole assembly in a midfoot portion of the upper and sole assembly, and an upper edge wrapped over the tongue opening and secured to the upper. A heel strap is connected to the first portion and the second portion and extends about the upper. The saddle is free from the upper at all locations other than the lower and upper edges of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A construction of an oxford type, lace up athleisure shoe enables the shoe to be slipped on the wearers foot and held securely on the foot without the need for lacing on the shoe. This provides the shoe with the appearance of a lace up shoe that is worn without lacing.

Abstract: A foot and ankle protective apparatus provides support and protection with simultaneous pliability. The apparatus is especially helpful to those who have recently had a cast removed and still require protection of the applicable area while allowing for walking. The apparatus comprises a thick, durable sole. Pliable leg, ankle and foot support is provided. The foot cover shell covers a stadium plate shaped cushion with a convex outer for fit to the identical shape of the shell. The concave inner of the cushion provides for comfortable fit to the top of the foot. The ankle opening between the foot surrounds and the leg surround overlaps allows for limited dorsi flexion and plantar flexion of the ankle, while still providing ankle support both laterally and against extreme flexion. The apparatus is especially useful in lieu of total immobilization.

Abstract: A sidewalk grader provided for grading a sidewalk base disposed along a curb of an existing road structure. The sidewalk grader comprises a tracking assembly fixable to a vertically adjustable backfill blade of a compact excavator positioned to move forward over an existing road structure to advance the sidewalk grader. The tracking assembly comprises a vertically adjustable tracking means disposed for engagement with the top surface of the curb, to provide a reference point. A grading assembly is mounted to the tracking assembly. The grading assembly comprises a frame, and a grading blade rotatingly mounted to the frame to permit adjustment of slope of the blade. An adjustable link connects the grading blade to the frame to adjustable fix their relative position.