Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing integrated circuits on a wafer includes a polish pad; a rinse arm movable over the polish pad; and a post-polish cleaner. The post-polish cleaner includes a brush for brushing the wafer; and a nozzle aiming at the wafer. The apparatus further includes a mixer configured to mix an additive and di-ionized water; and a pipe connecting the mixer to at least one of the rinse arm and the nozzle.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing has a coaxial opening having a circular cross-section and at least one line having an oval cross-section, extending parallel to a longitudinal axis. To produce the cylindrical housing, the coaxial opening is produced with a large diameter having at least one bore with a small diameter extending parallel to the opening in a cylindrical blank, and subsequently a mandrel is inserted into the coaxial opening, wherein forces are then applied onto a circumferential surface of the drilled cylindrical blank for the production of the cylindrical housing. Another possibility for production is to roll a metal strip such that a concavity is formed, to create a bore therein and to apply forces in order to level out the concavity. An oval cross-section is imparted on each bore extending in concavities. The metal strip is wound about a mandrel to create the coaxial opening of the circular cross-section.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a motor includes coupling a base cover to a sleeve having a penetration hole formed therein, such that one side of the penetration hole is closed; inserting a shaft in the penetration hole; coupling a plate to the shaft such that the shaft is inserted in the plate; and pressing and coupling a hub to the shaft such that the shaft is inserted in the hub while the base cover is supported in an axial direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A rotor of a rotating electrical machine is provided in which neither deterioration nor fluctuation in the cogging torque is caused and that causes neither physical enlargement nor cost increase. The rotor of a rotating electrical machine, provided with a plurality of magnetic poles 3 that are fixed on a rotor iron core 2 and arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the rotor iron core 2, is characterized by including a tube-shaped non-magnetic ring 4 mounted on the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of magnetic poles 3, and characterized in that the non-magnetic ring has a plurality of inner-diameter bulging portions 41 that abut on the corresponding outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of magnetic poles.

Abstract: A method for producing a coil, in particular an ignition coil for a motor vehicle, in which a primary winding is wound onto a winding mandrel. Then the winding mandrel is introduced into a housing of the coil and the winding mandrel then is removed from the housing, the primary winding remaining inside the housing. Finally, additional components of the coil, in particular a secondary coil shell onto which a secondary winding has been wound, are introduced into the housing, so that the secondary winding is concentrically disposed within the primary winding while dispensing with a separate primary coil shell. The method allows a design of the coil that is more compact in diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery which is suppressed in increase of internal resistance, while having high capacity retention rate and small battery swelling even after a long use. Specifically disclosed is a method for manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, which is characterized by using a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material having an ?-NaFeO2 crystal structure and the following chemical composition: LixMnaNibCocOd (wherein 0<x<1.3, a+b+c=1, 1.7?d?2.3), while satisfying |a?b|<0.03 and 0.33?c<1, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte containing an unsaturated sultone and a sulfate ester compound.

Abstract: A fabrication method of battery pack device includes the steps of: preparing a plurality of protection circuit substrates disposed apart from each other in a space of a frame, and supported to the frame via a bridge member; attaching a connector component to a top face side of each of the protection circuit substrates; moving a leading end of a sealing material feeder towards the connector component from a bottom side of the protection circuit substrate and supplying a sealing material to a bottom end of the connector component; infiltrating the sealing material into a gap between the connector component and the protection circuit substrate, along a circumference at the bottom end of the connector component to seal the gap with the sealing material.

Abstract: This invention describes the recipe and preparation process of nano-scale electrolyte suspension and its application via a spin coating process for fabrication of airtight/fully dense electrolyte layers composed in solid oxide fuel cell-membrane electrode assembly with high performance characteristics. The recipe of nano-scale electrolyte suspension includes 10˜50 wt % nano-scale electrolyte powder, 0.01˜1 wt % poly acrylic acid (PAA as dispersant), 0.1˜5 wt % poly vinyl alcohol (PVA as binder), 0.005˜1 wt % octanol as defoamer, and deionized water as solvent. Solid oxide fuel cell fabricated via this recipe and process exhibits that the open-circuit voltage (OCV) is over 1 Volt, and maximum power density is 335 mW/cm2 at 800° C.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for assembling a core (4) for receiving wound sheet material: which core (4) comprises a tube (6), a first end member (8) inserted in a first end (10) of the tube (6), and a second end member (12) inserted in a second end (14) of the tube (6); and the apparatus (2) comprising a base (16), first chuck means (18) mounted on the base (16) and for insertion in the first end member (8), second chuck means (20) mounted on the base (16) and for insertion in the second end member (12), a ram (22) mounted on the base (16) and for applying axial pressure on one of the first and the second end members (8, 12) such that the first end member (8) is forced into the first end (10) of the tube (6) and the second end member (12) is forced into the second end (14) of the tube (6) thereby to ensure that the first and the second end members (8, 12) are accurately fitted in the tube (6), first drill means (24) for drilling at least one fixing aperture in the first end (10) of the tube (6) and the first end member (8

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting component attachment of the present invention includes a detection head (70) for detecting presence or absence of a component or whether or not a component is attached, and a driving mechanism (80) for driving the detection head in an attachment direction of the component. The detection head (70) includes a movable element (72) having a distal end portion capable of being brought into contact with a predetermined portion of the component, a guide passage (71c) for guiding the movable element in the attachment direction so as to be capable of reciprocal motion, a fluid passage (71d) for passing a fluid when the distal end portion is brought into contact with the predetermined portion and pushed and the movable element is moved to a predetermined position, and a detection portion for detecting a pressure or a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A stator manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a stator efficiently includes a base plate, a plurality of radially inward displacing jigs disposed radially in an annular pattern on the base plate and which are radially displaceable toward and away from each other, a plurality of core holding jigs disposed radially inward of the radially inward displacing jigs and which are radially displaceable toward and away from each other, a movable plate disposed vertically upward of the base plate and which is vertically movable toward and away from the base plate, a cam disposed on the movable plate for displacing the radially inward displacing jigs radially toward each other when the movable plate is lowered, and a spacer holding jig for holding spacers that are inserted between adjacent separate cores.

Abstract: A crimping tool adapter for alignment and installation of coaxial cable connector nut rotation aid that enables a standard coaxial cable crimping tool to be augmented to allow a person to rapidly align a coaxial cable connector nut rotation aid in line with a coaxial cable connector and crimp the aid to the coaxial cable connector end i.e., the threaded nut while also crimping the coaxial cable connector to the coaxial cable. Adapter may be implemented as a plate with a radial portion having a central axis coincident with the axis of the conductor in the center of the coaxial cable. Plate is attached to the crimping tool, generally using existing screw holes on the crimping tool to augment the tool. Enables a coaxial cable connector nut rotation aid to be placed on the plate thereby properly aligning the coaxial cable connector nut rotation aid with the coaxial cable connector before crimping. May be made from any type of material, for example steel or plastic.

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: An apparatus for removal of a disk in a disk stack. The apparatus includes a shaft. The shaft has an end portion insertable into a disk remover tool. The shaft has a positioning portion at an end of the shaft opposite the insertable end portion. The positioning portion includes a surface de-tensionizer. The surface de-tensionizer provides disengagement of surface tension between the disk and a disk spacer during a disk removal process performed thereon.

Abstract: A transfer assembly (22) for moving a work-piece (26) between stations of a hydroforming and/or hydrotrimming assembly. The transfer assembly (22) includes left and right posts (40, 42) spaced from and parallel to each other and extending vertically. A left top arm (56) and a left bottom arm (58) and a right top arm (62) and a right bottom arm (64) extend in spaced and parallel relationship with each other transversely to the posts (40, 42) to distal ends (60, 84). An upper rail (80) extends between the distal ends (60, 84) of the top arms (56, 62) and a lower rail (82) extends between the distal ends (60, 84) of the bottom arms (58, 64). The rails (80, 82) each include a plurality of part grabbers (86, 88) for engaging the work-piece (26). A transfer module interconnects each arm with the associated post for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) vertically up and down and for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) in and out.

Abstract: A moving-positioning means of belt-fastening apparatus including a head and an anvil plate on which a row of fastener holes disposed, a row of positioning grooves are disposed in one side of the anvil plate; said positioning grooves are parallel to said fastener holes and the spaces of the positioning grooves are identical to those of said fastener holes; and a positioning strip disposed on the head is compatible with said positioning grooves. Since the positioning grooves and the fastener holes are separately disposed on the anvil plate, the positioning strip may be inserted into the positioning grooves to be located when the head moves. Therefore the fastener holes are no longer used for the location, and the movement of the head is not restricted to the fastener holes, which means the head may move in the whole area of the frame no matter whether the fasteners are inserted into the fastener holes or not.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing anti-EMI shields on computer chassis, the method includes the following steps. The anti-EMI plate is glued to the computer chassis. The anti-EMI plate is pressed onto the plate by a pressing machine, and then the plate is quick dried with the anti-EMI plate by a drying machine. The plate is cut into desired dimension with the anti-EMI plate by a cutting machine, and the plate is stamped into desired shape with the anti-EMI plate by a stamping machine.

Abstract: In a method for producing an identification carrier or electronic key for electrically actuatable locks, an integrated circuit having at least one memory component is applied on a carrier by a printing process and an identification code is stored in the memory component.

Abstract: A surface mount package is provided that includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer configured to be electrically connected to the first metal layer. The surface mount package further includes a ceramic layer between the first and second metal layers. The ceramic layer has an opening therethrough.

Abstract: It is to provide an electronic component connecting method capable of performing dehumidification within a short time without giving a thermal influence to an electronic component which has already been mounted on a wiring board. When a first connection terminal group 5 formed on a connection area 3 of a rigid board 1 is connected to a flexible board 2 where a second connection terminal group 6 has been formed by employing a thermosetting resin in an electrically conductive manner, since a connection area 3 which is heated in a step for thermally hardening the thermosetting resin is locally preheated, moisture, and oils and fats contained in the connection area 3 among such moisture, and oils and fats, which have been absorbed in the rigid board 1 are dehumidified. Thereafter, the thermosetting resin interposed between the first connection terminal group 5 and the second connection terminal group 6 is thermally hardened.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board having interlayer insulating layers and conductor layers repeatedly formed on a substrate, via holes formed in the interlayer insulating layers, and establishing electrical connection through the via holes, including containing an electronic component in said substrate, forming a positioning mark on said substrate based on a positioning mark of said electronic component, and conducting working or formation based on the positioning mark of said substrate.

Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.

Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board for an optical waveguide which includes electrical and optical layers for transmitting electrical and optical signals to the printed circuit board. The method includes forming a lower clad layer on a base substrate, layering or applying a core material on the lower clad layer, machining a trench in the core material to form a core layer having a core pattern, and forming an upper clad layer on the lower clad layer and the core layer. The method enables an optical waveguide to be manufactured using a simple apparatus and process without the use of an additional photo mask.

Abstract: A method for fabricating electrode structures within a honeycomb substrate having a plurality of elongated channels is provided that is particularly adaptable for producing an ultracapacitor. In this method, the nozzle of a co-extrusion device simultaneously feeds a current collector along a central axis of one of the channels while simultaneously injecting a paste containing an electrode material so that the interior of the channel becomes completely filled with electrode paste at the same rate that the current collector is fed. Such co-extrusion as performed simultaneously at both sides of the ceramic substrate to rapidly form electrode structures within substantially all the channels of the substrate. The resulting ultracapacitor is capable of storing large amounts of electrical energy per unit volume in a structure which is relatively quick and easy to manufacture.

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: A method for mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub by use of a crane boom is provided. The orientation of the blade is kept substantially horizontal when the blade is lifted off the ground and mounted to the rotor hub. Control wires which connect the blade via the crane boom to a winch arrangement are used for keeping the blade orientation substantially horizontal in addition to at least one bearing wire for bearing the blade weight.

Abstract: A disposable safety razor includes a blade housing and a blade disposed within the blade housing to expose a cutting edge suitable for shaving. The blade housing and the blade have complementary characteristics which result in destruction of the blade upon an attempt to remove the blade from within the blade housing. In this regard, the blade housing comprises a substantially rigid housing and the blade comprises a brittle ceramic blade. The safety razor further includes a handle attached to the blade housing. The handle is made from a pliable plastic material that forms an enclosure filled with a dispensable liquid.

Abstract: An electric shaver includes a plurality of outer cutter frames connected to an electric shaver main body, the outer cutter frames accommodating therein short hair cutter blocks and long hair cutter blocks. Each of the outer cutter frames is floatably and swingably movable with respect to the electric shaver main body according to an amount of pressure applied to the outer cutter frame by a skin.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus has at least one cutting unit (3) having an outer shaving surface (7) for contacting the skin, interrupted by hair entry apertures (8), an internal cutter (5) which is drivable for movement along the hair entry apertures (8) for cutting off hairs projecting through the hair entry apertures (8). A suspension member (6) via which the external cutter is suspended relative to the holder (2) is tillable relative to the holder (2) about a tilting axis (17) located more closely to a first peripheral portion (18) of the shaving surface (7) than to a second peripheral portion (19) of the shaving surface (7) opposite to said first peripheral portion (18) of said shaving surface (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic pipe cutting tool comprising a housing body with handle, a blade holder mounted on the housing body and a rotatable blade associated with the blade holder to form a cutting opening, is characterized in that said housing body is provided with a motor which is drivable connected with said blade, and is further provided with a power supply which is electrically connected with the motor by switch to form a loop circuit. The plastic pipe cutting tool according to the present invention is driven by electric and can decrease labor intensity, and is light and easy-carried.

Abstract: This invention provides a cutting tool, comprising: a housing; as well as the tool bit holder, which may rotate, fix and may be held in the housing. The tool bit holder has a tool bit holder main body top that lodges with the tool bit main body bottom to hold the removable bit. The bit forms specifically with the knife edge opposite one side which has at least one localization selector. In the tool bit holder, the main body member has a localization member which may move with the localization selector. The localization member: sets the position, and should set in the position so that the localization member coordinates with the localization selector. In the release position, the localization member is separated from the coordination to the release position at the localization selector. The bit disassembles conveniently and allows different positions and good utility.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a unidirectionally-locking blade cover that automatically snaps back over the exposed blade after each cut, and a dependent, index finger operated unlocking trigger.

Abstract: Fashioning device includes an elongate rod, a support member including a lower portion and an upper portion rotatable relative to the lower portion and which is movably mounted on the rod at the upper portion, at least one fashioning member movably mounted on the rod and that includes a rotatable or fixed fashioning tool, such as a cutting blade, and a handle movably mounted on the rod. By manually turning the handle around the support member while applying pressure to the handle, the fashioning tool of each fashioning member acts on the substrate, e.g., cuts the substrate. The handle may be a one-part handle or a two-part handle. The two-part handle is designed to enable manual pressure to be applied against the support member and a rotational force to be applied to the rod at a distance from the support member.

Abstract: The right handed hunter uses a special safety tool having a pistol grip handle firmly gripped by the hunter's left hand and having a slot formed in a forward portion of the safety tool for receiving a knife blade with its cutting blade up during dressing of the game. With the right hand of the hunter gripping the knife handle and holding the knife blade within the slot, he pushing the safety tool forward with his left hand while pushing the knife forward with his right hand to form an elongated cut in the game. This arrangement ensures that both hands are safely kept well away from the cutting edge of the knife blade while forming the elongated cut. The slot is a deep one, formed in the forward portion of the safety tool, enabling the tool to receive types of widely used knife blades of any shape.

Abstract: A shoe for a band saw includes a block for coupling to the band saw, and a body having a surface for engaging a workpiece. The block has a first detent feature. The body has a second detent feature for cooperating with the first detent feature to hold the body with respect to the block. The body is moveable between an engaged position in which the first and second detent features cooperate to hold the body with respect to the block, and a non-engaged position in which the first and second detent features do not cooperate.

Abstract: A saw includes at least one handle and at least one blade, the handle having at least one fastening device having at least one first part in the form of a rotational body, which rotational body can be turned around a first turning axis. The blade is detachable from the handle and has at least one through cut-out extending from an edge of the blade. The first turning axis extends through the at least one cut-out.

Abstract: An ergonomic, self contained hand-held thread inspection tool is power driven, which uses current draw as a surrogate for torque to initiate automatic reversal and gage withdrawal in case of jamming. The distal end carries the thread gage attached to a motor-driven spindle. A thread depth collar sleeve, adjustable by manual turning, concentrically surrounds the thread gage. When threaded into a blind hole or onto a protruding stud and operated, the distal end of the thread depth collar sleeve comes in contact with a part, pushing it against spring force. This movement is internally sensed, causing an indicator to flash, signaling “test OK”, while automatically reversing the spindle to withdraw the thread gage. If during the forward excursion of the thread gage a torque exceeding the pre-set torque limit is encountered, a buzzer is sounded signaling an over-torque problem and the spindle is simultaneously reversed for automatic gage withdrawal.

Abstract: A laser guiding device for machine tools includes a casing, a circuit board and a laser module. The casing includes a base with a through-hole and a top cap covering the base. The circuit board is disposed on the base. The laser module is disposed on the base and electrically connected with the circuit board. The laser module is disposed corresponding to the through-hole of the base. An elastic body and a thread adjustment element are respectively disposed beneath and on the laser module and respectively abut against a bottom and a top of the laser module. Accordingly, the present invention can adjust the angle of the laser module via locking or releasing the thread adjustment element so that laser light is emitted along the correct direction.

Abstract: A tape measure calibrator includes a base with a first reference surface and a second reference surface. A pull calibration mark is made on the base which indicates a first distance from the first reference surface. A push calibration mark is also made on the base which indicates a second distance from the second reference surface, in which the first distance and the second distance are substantially equal.

Abstract: A method is described for calibrating apparatus comprising a measurement probe (4) mounted on a machine, such as a machine tool. The machine is arranged to capture machine position data (x,y,z;70;80) indicative of the position of the measurement probe and the measurement probe is arranged to capture probe data (a,b,c;72;82) indicative of the position of a surface relative to the measurement probe (4). The measurement probe (4) may be an analogue or scanning probe having a deflectable stylus (14). The first step of the method involves moving the measurement probe (4) at a known speed relative to an artefact (30;40,42) whilst capturing probe data (a,b,c;72;82) and machine position data (x,y,z;70;80). In particular, the measurement probe (4) is moved along a path that enables probe data (a,b,c;72;82) to be captured that is indicative of the position of two or more points on the surface of the artefact relative to the measurement probe (4).

Abstract: A method and system for installing shakes on a building comprising a ledger board and a shake jig for assisting with installation of shakes. The shake jig comprising a base member supporting an adjustable member with a releasably fastener facilitating releaseable retention of the adjustable member in a desired relative position with respect to the base member. The base member has a shake shelf for abutting against a surface of a shake to prevent further insertion of the base member, between an installed topmost shake and an at least partially overlapped shake, and facilitate desired alignment of the shake jig with respect to the installed topmost shake. The adjustable member has a ledger shelf for engaging with the ledger board and retaining the ledger board in a desired horizontal orientation with respect to the shake shelf and assisting with installation of shakes.

Abstract: A filter mechanism is disclosed which is designed to be used with a clothes drying machine for filtering the exhaust of the clothes drying machine, and for directing said exhaust either into the interior of a building or to the exterior of a building. The mechanism includes a disposable flexible filter element, a cylindrical body that supports and holds in place the flexible filter element, a rectangular enclosure to contain the cylindrical body and filter, and a means of directing the exhausted air into the interior or to the exterior of a building. The cylindrical body, in addition to holding the filter element in place, comprises one end of the rectangular filter mechanism and provides a means of removing the filter element for replacing of the flexible filter element. This said end comprises the inlet to the filter which may be connected the clothes drying machine. Openings on the rectangular housing provide the means for directing the exhaust into the interior or to the exterior of the building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus (100) which enables supply of heated air of temperature ranges different from one another thereto, including a cabinet (10) having an inside space for holding clothing, a steam generator (20) provided to the cabinet (10) for supplying steam to the inside space (11), selectively, and a heated air supply device (40) in the cabinet (10) for making selective supply of air with at least three temperature ranges to the inside space (11).

Abstract: A method to monitor a secondary drying phase of a freeze-drying process comprises initial steps in which is provided to perform pressure rise tests at different time and to calculate a respective value of experimental desorption rate of product (steps 1 to 3). Subsequently, the method provides to estimate initial conditions and kinetic constants of a kinetic model of the process (step 4) and to calculate at time t=t2 a respective residual moisture content and a respective desorption rate (step 5). The method can be performed in a freeze-dryer apparatus which includes a drying chamber that contains a product to be dried and can be isolated to perform pressure rise tests.

Abstract: Disclosed is a partial insole for a fore portion of a foot and a partial insole for a rear portion of a foot. The rear insole supports a calcaneum of a foot and the fore insole supports a foot pad. The partial insole includes a body, pre-fashioned size indication marking, and an adhesive.

Abstract: A composite element includes a base layer, a thermoplastic polymer material, a thread, and a cover layer. The base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The polymer material is separate from the base layer, extends into the base layer, and is at least partially located at the first surface. The thread has a section lying adjacent to the first surface layer and substantially parallel to the first surface throughout a distance of at least five centimeters, and the thread is bonded to the base layer with the polymer material. The cover layer is located adjacent to the first surface and bonded to the base layer with the polymer material, and the section of the thread is located between the cover layer and the base layer.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for V-strap sandals wherein the device is engageable with the thong and strap for impeding movement between a wearer's foot and the sandal, and connection means for releasably connecting the stabilizing device to a V-strap sandal.

Abstract: An arch support device for an article of footwear includes an upper portion conformed to an underside of a person's foot, a lower portion, and a plurality of springs interposed between the upper portion and the lower portion. The plurality of springs, which may be in front-to-back alignment with each other, are positioned below the plantar calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament. The arch support device is adapted to be positioned within an article of footwear, which may be a shoe or a sandal, for example.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an anatomical toepiece that is adapted for insertion into the footbed of a footwear article to provide increased comfort and control. The toepiece comprises a core comprising an anchoring flange for embedded attachment within the footbed of the footwear article. Additionally, the core comprises an inter-toe engagement portion which extends upwardly from the anchoring flange for engagement between the great toe and the adjacent digit, and a wing which caps the inter-toe engagement portion and extends outwardly in both directions over a portion of the upper forefoot.