Abstract: The invention provides an adaptive brake force setting system. Every time when a pickup head with a predetermined mass crosses a plurality of recording tracks in an optical recording media, the system is used for selling brake force to make the pickup head stop from a predetermined initial brake position to a target recording track. The system comprises a detecting module and an estimating module. The detecting module is for detecting a final velocity and an acceleration of the pickup head when the pickup head arrives at the initial brake position. The estimating module is for, according to the final velocity and the acceleration, using a predetermined brake force estimating process to estimate the brake force exerted on the pickup head at each time for making the pickup head stop to the target recording track in a predetermined braking time. Therefore, the pickup head stop exactly to the target-recording track.

Abstract: A method of optimal power calibration adapted to rewritable or recordable disks is disclosed. In addition to an original power calibration area (PCA) in the inner track of a disk, another rearranged PCA is allocated in the lead-out area of the outmost track. Two optimal power calibration processes are performed on both of the power calibration areas allocated on the inner and outmost tracks to respectively derived optimal recording powers. A relation curve is established by using these two optimal recording powers that this relation curve describes the relationships between the optimal recording powers of the recording positions and the distances from these recording positions to the center of the optical storage disk. Required optimal recording power of any recording position can be derived from the relation curve while performing data recording operations.

Abstract: A method of establishing wireless communications between an interrogator and individual ones of multiple wireless identification devices, the method comprising utilizing a tree search method to establish communications without collision between the interrogator and individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices, a search tree being defined for the tree search method, the tree having multiple levels respectively representing subgroups of the multiple wireless identification devices, the method further comprising starting the tree search at a selectable level of the search tree.

Abstract: A method of system for establishing wireless communications between an interrogator and individual ones of multiple wireless identification devices, the method comprising utilizing a tree search method to establish communications without collision between the interrogator and individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices, a search tree being defined for the tree search method, the tree having multiple levels respectively representing subgroups of the multiple wireless identification devices, the method further comprising starting the tree search at a selectable level of the search tree.

Abstract: Anonymous voice communication between a first station and a second station is facilitated by providing an interface that allows input of a transaction specification from at least one of the first and second stations. A reference code associated with the transaction is generated, there being a defined relationship between the reference code and the address of the second station for voice communication. The reference code is supplied to the first station, and a voice communication request and the reference code are received from the first station. The reference code is used to recover said address and a channel for voice communication is opened between said first and second stations. Voice communication can thereby be established between the first and second stations without providing the address of the second station to the first station.

Abstract: An image processing method for dividing a digital image signal into plural image signals corresponding to plural blocks constituting a single display screen, and performing block-by-block coding of the image signals of the respective blocks, comprises transforming an image signal of a coding target block to be subjected to coding into frequency components by frame-by-frame frequency transformation on a frame basis or field-by-field frequency transformation on a field basis; setting a processing order for coding the frequency components corresponding to the image signal of the coding target block, according as the image signal of the coding target block has been subjected to the frame-by-frame frequency transformation or the field-by-field frequency transformation; and successively coding the frequency components corresponding to the image signal of the coding target block according to the order which has been set.

Abstract: A signal monitoring apparatus and method involving devices for monitoring signals representing communications traffic, devices for identifying at least one predetermined parameter by analyzing the context of the at least one monitoring signal, a device for recording the occurrence of the identified parameter, a device for identifying the traffic stream associated with the identified parameter, a device for analyzing the recorded data relating to the occurrence, and a device, responsive to the analysis of the recorded data, for controlling the handling of communications traffic within the apparatus.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for providing access to the Internet on a pre-paid or pay-per-use basis that utilizes an Advanced Intelligent Network (“AIN”) to set up a dial up connection between a subscriber and an Internet Service Provider (“ISP”). The telecommunications system communicates with the ISP's computer systems to coordinate verification of callers attempting access to the ISP. The system uses features of the AIN to identify a call as a pre-authorized call so that the ISP grants access without requiring a username and a password from a caller. If the ISP receives a call that is not so identified, the caller is treated as regular ISP subscriber, and requires a username and a password to authenticate the caller prior to granting access to the ISP's resources. The present invention further utilizes the telephone service provider's billing systems to aggregate bills and collect revenue from subscribers.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an injection molding apparatus, comprising a manifold including a plurality of manifold channels and a plurality of nozzles. Each of the nozzles defines a nozzle channel in fluid communication with one of the manifold channels and including a plurality of nozzle bodies coupled in tandem by a removable and secure connection. The nozzle bodies include at least a upstream nozzle body and a downstream nozzle body. The upstream nozzle body has an upstream end adjacent said manifold channel, and the downstream nozzle body has a downstream end adjacent a mold plate. A removable nozzle tip is retained in a downstream end of each downstream nozzle body. The nozzles also include a plurality of heaters, wherein at least one heater is embedded into each nozzle body.

Abstract: Byproduct from extracting citrus juice from whole fruit is made into a slurry and extracted to provide a rudimentary peel juice. This is processed into a raw peel juice and microfiltered to prepare a clarified raw peel juice. The peel juice is processed to remove naturally occurring components which detract from the quality of the fruit juice. Such components are removed by contacting the peel juice with an adsorptive rein resin in order to provide an enhanced peel citrus juice, which can be blended with other juices.

Abstract: A method for making an integrated circuit device includes forming at least one interconnect structure adjacent a substrate by forming at least one barrier layer, forming a doped copper seed layer on the at least one barrier layer, and forming a copper layer on the doped copper seed layer. The method may further include annealing the integrated circuit device after forming the copper layer to diffuse the dopant from the doped copper seed layer into grain boundaries of the copper layer. The doped copper seed layer may include at least one of calcium, cadmium, zinc, neodymium, tellurium, and ytterbium as a dopant to provide the enhanced electromigration resistance. Forming the copper layer may comprise plating the copper layer. In addition, forming the copper layer may comprise forming the copper layer to include at least one of calcium, cadmium, zinc, neodymium, tellurium, and ytterbium as a dopant.

Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymer synthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: A controller controls the automatic positioning of an antenna. The controller is arranged to position the antenna dependent upon a channel selected by a user, a location of a receiver tuned to the selected channel, and a location of a source of a signal associated with the selected channel.

Abstract: A multi-service mobile station according to the invention comprises means (42) for connecting the device by radio to telecommunication network in order to utilize typical mobile station services, such as speech and data services. Additionally, the multi-service mobile station provides means (41, 40, 47) for using various information processing services (P1, P2), such as telefax service and electronic mail service. When using information processing services, the information processed by the user is automatically saved in the memory means (40, 47) of the multi-service mobile station when a certain criterium is met. The criteria are e.g. shifting from one service to another, going over to current saving mode, or, in a two-section multi-service terminal device, folding the device together.

Abstract: An electronic camera system includes a programmable transmission capability for selectively transmitting electronic image data to a plurality of remote base units. In one embodiment, a camera module is detachably coupled to a portable computer including a display screen and a data entry device. The electronic image data generated by the camera module is supplied to the portable computer for display on the display screen. The data entry device is used by an operator to select which of the plurality of base units are to receive the digital image data. The digital image data is supplied by the portable computer to a radio-frequency transmitter module for transmission to the selected base units. The radio-frequency transmitter module is formed either integral with the portable computer or, like the camera module, is detachably coupled to the portable computer.

Abstract: A vending machine for purchasing selected items by a customer. The vending machine includes a dispensing assembly for dispensing an item and a selector assembly connected to the dispensing assembly. A computer assembly having a central computer, video display screen and a modem is connected to and actuated by the selector for connecting the computer to an internet site and displaying a received transmission on the video screen in response to a purchased item.

Abstract: An audio recording and reproducing apparatus includes a controller for controlling the entire behaviors, hard disc for write and read of audio data, audio compression/expansion circuit for expanding compressed audio data, and external I/O port. The audio recording and reproducing apparatus is connected to a network service center to obtain desired music data from storage of the network service center and to store it in the hard disc.

Abstract: This computer-based Internet ticket auctioning method preregisters potential bidders and advises them that all bids are conditional offers to purchase tickets, and therefore cannot be lowered or canceled at will. The auction's organizer programs the computer that runs the auction with dates and locations of various events, and with auditoria layout and locations of seats to be auctioned. Each registered customer can view the layout of a particular auditorium and submit a bid for one or more seats. The bidder specifies whether a partially filled order and noncontiguous seat assignments are acceptable. The bidder is also provided with an option to engage a “proxy bid” that will increase the bid amount up to a limit set by the bidder, in order to ensure purchase of tickets. Each customer can also choose to bypass the auction process entirely, by submitting a purchase order at a high, preset price. This preset price is automatically accepted and purchase of tickets is guaranteed.

Abstract: Techniques for reorganizing security levels without implicating accessibility to secured files classified in accordance to one of the security levels are disclosed. In a case of adding a new security level, the controllability or restrictiveness of the new security level is determined with respect to the most restrictive security level or the least security level in a set of existing security levels. A set of proper security parameters are then generated for the new security level and subsequently the existing security levels are reorganized to accommodate the new security level. In a case of removing a security level from the existing security levels, the security parameters for the security level to be deleted are either folded up or down to an immediate next security level, depending on implementation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for confirming a power off signal generated by the aligning of a power switch into an off position. The operator can select from four options prior to the power to the computer system being terminated. This should improve the efficiency of document product ion, and reduce the amount of data lost due to accidental power terminations.

Abstract: An Application-Specific Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device or fabric is described for use in applications requiring fast reconfigurability of devices in the field, enabling multiple personalities for re-using silicon resources (like arrays of large multipliers in DSP applications) from moment-to-moment for implementing different hardware algorithms. In a general purpose FPGA device or fabric, this fast reconfigurability is normally implemented by special reconfiguration support circuitry and/or additional configuration memory. Unfortunately, this flexibility requires a large amount of programmable routing resource and silicon area—limiting the viability in volume production applications. This invention describes how multi-program FPGA functionalities may be migrated to smaller die by constructing hybrid FPGA/ASIC implementations that retain the multi-program capability.

Abstract: A protective face mask comprising: an eye-protecting shield made essentially from a plastics material, the eye-protecting shield being dimensioned to cover at least the eye portions of a human wearer, the eye-protecting shield having a perimeter defining a first surface facing the wearer's face, and a second surface facing away from the wearer's face; an adhesive forming an adhesive strip attached to the first surface of the eye-protecting shield for providing a substantially watertight and releasable sealing engagement between at least a portion of the perimeter forming an upper edge of the face mask and at least a portion of the skin of the wearer's face, wherein the upper part of the perimeter of the mask is provided with a continuous layer of adhesive along the perimeter, and the lower part of the perimeter of the mask is free of adhesive, the lower part of the perimeter forms a bottom edge of the mask being provided with at least one part forming a projection offset from the centre line of the mask, a

Abstract: In order to provide a garment which incorporates a plaything which can be operated within an element of surprise, the garment comprises a concealment space such as a pocket (2), in which a plaything such as glove puppet (8) can be stored. The concealment space comprises a concealment aperture (9). There is an operating aperture (10) through which a wearer may place their hand in order to operate the plaything. The plaything is configured to have a first position in which it is stored in an interior of the concealment space (2) and a second position in which it extends through the concealment space aperture (9).

Abstract: A protective glove having an elastic substrate, a first pad segment attached to the elastic substrate, and a second pad segment attached to the elastic substrate independently from the first pad segment. The elastic substrate can be disposed over an area intended to substantially cover a forearm, a wrist, a back of a hand, a finger, and/or a thumb of a user wearing the glove. The elastic substrate can be stretchable in different directions and to different degrees in the areas around each pad segment, thereby enabling independent movement of the individually attached pad segments to accommodate any number of contours and flex points. Other embodiments provide methods for manufacturing a protective glove having independent pads.

Abstract: A non-fabric head or body band is made from compressed cellulose pop-up sponge material for cooling the wearer. The band comprises a reversible strip of pop-up sponge material in which one or more holes or passageways are formed, the ends of which are connected by an elastic band. The band is wetted causing the pop-up sponge material to expand, such that the inner and outer surfaces are approximately ?th of an inch apart, between which is held a supply of water/liquid. The inner surface is substantially in contact with the wearer, while the outer surface is exposed to the elements. During the cooling process, the strip draws heat and/or sweat away from the user, into the cellulose material, and toward the outer surface of the strip, allowing relatively rapid evaporation of sweat and dissipation of heat from the cellulose material as it is cooled from exposure to the elements.

Abstract: A scarf has hand-receiving pockets at the opposed ends. Adjacent to or on a surface of the pockets are long flaccid strands, fringes, tassels or the like which may be manipulated through hand contact with the scarf body, to be waved about in the manner of cheerleading pom-poms. The flaccid strands are in a preferred method of fabrication cut but not fully severed from sheets of material. The sheets are then stacked together and sewn or otherwise affixed along a single axis. Several rows of sheets may be placed adjacent to each pocket, giving a finished appearance of cheerleading pom-poms. Each sheet may have a color selected from the colors of a team, wherein the pompons will as a collection include all of the team colors.

Abstract: A combination bag-hat contains bag-hat-received matter and comprises a body assembly, a continuous hat-to-bag cinching cord, and a continuous open end-encircling cord. The body assembly comprises a cord-concealing, intermediate fabric layer, and a matter-containing, outer fabric layer. The outer fabric layer comprises opposing pairs of cord-letting apertures. The cinching cord is substantially disposed between the outer and intermediate fabric layers, and extends through the cord-letting apertures for forming opposing cord-linking loops. The outer and intermediate fabric layers conceal, fabric-guide, and frictionally engage the cinching cord during hat-to-bag cinching action. The encircling cord is disposed externally relative to the outer fabric layer and extends through the cord-linking loops. The encircling and cinching cords are tensionable for closing the open end and converting the bag-hat combination from a hat to a bag.

Abstract: A pocket fastening system for a vest wherein the pocket has a backing plate and a plurality of fasteners positioned on the backing plate for receipt into recesses formed on horizontal webbing strips on the surface of the vest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to athletic support garment having a support panel sized and shaped to encircle a person's waist or hips, and a crotch panel, the support panel having a front side, back side, top edge and bottom edge, the crotch panel having a front seamless portion sized and shaped to contain a person's genitals, a rear portion sized and shaped to cover the space between the buttocks but not restrict or impede movement of the person's legs and a strap portion joining the front portion and rear portion of the crotch panel, a first end of the crotch panel attached to the front side of the bottom edge of the support panel and a second end of the crotch panel attached to the rear side of the bottom edge of the support panel; wherein the support panel and crotch panel are formed from a fabric comprising a blend of a synthetic fiber and at least 10% of a stretchable fiber wherein the tensile strength of the fabric is sufficient to hold the genitals on top of and against the pubic bone above the crotc

Abstract: An impact-absorbing protective structure comprises one or more compressible cells. Each cell is in the form of a thin-walled plastic enclosure defining an inner, fluid-filled chamber with at least one small orifice through which fluid resistively flows. Each cell includes an initially resistive mechanism that resists collapse during an initial phase of an impact and that then yields to allow the remainder of the impact to be managed by the venting of fluid through the orifice. The initially resistive mechanism may be implemented by providing the cell with semi-vertical side walls of an appropriate thickness or by combining a resiliently collapsible ring with the cell. After the initially resistive mechanism yields to the impact, the remainder of the impact is managed by the fluid venting through the orifice. The cell properties can be readily engineered to optimize the impact-absorbing response of the cell to a wide range of impact energies.

Abstract: An airbag jacket, to be fitted in a rider jacket, includes an airbag body configured to fill with gas from an inflator operatively connected with the airbag body. The airbag body includes a flat front piece, a flat back piece substantially identical to the flat front piece; the flat front and back pieces having an opening formed therein for permitting an user of the airbag jacket to pass his or her head therethrough. The flat front and back pieces are joined together along a peripheral boundary thereof and along a peripheral boundary of the opening by sewing or bonding so as provide a plurality of continuously formed body covering portions including at least a back covering portion, a shoulder covering portion and a front covering portion.

Abstract: A toilet seat elevator assembly includes a mounting bracket for connection to a toilet bowl and a seat elevator removably connected to the mounting bracket. The seat elevator has a generally ring-shaped portion for resting on the toilet bowl and a mounting portion with opposing mounting projections. The mounting bracket has a pair of opposing side panels and an elongate slot formed in each side panel. Each elongate slot is adapted for slidably and rotatably receiving the mounting projections of the mounting portion, so that the seat elevator may be slidably and rotatably mounted to the bracket to facilitate installation, adjustment and removal of the seat elevator with respect to the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A protective toilet seat cover, particularly, but not by way of limitation, provides sanitary protection having a portion to overhang a side of a toilet and a forward bowl flap to hang down along the forward inside portion of a toilet bowl. A toilet seat cover made of a paper material is oversized to cover a toilet seat. Adhesive material may also be placed on the bottom of the toilet seat cover to prevent slipping on a toilet seat. A rear flap folds to contact a portion of the upper surface of the seat cover thereby forming a pocket. An edge of the rear flap may be provided an adhesive. The pocket may contain toiletries, such as personal wipes. The toilet seat cover may be folded and packaged with a disinfectant wipe, providing a convenient kit package for carrying and use.

Abstract: An elongated suction outlet assembly is provided for use in swimming pools, hot tubs and the like. The suction outlet assembly includes an elongated sump having at least one longitudinal, raised island extending upwardly from inside the sump, and an elongated cover engaging the sump. Safety features of the suction outlet assembly are designed to inhibit human entrapment and thereby reduce the related risk of serious injury or death. The cover is long enough to prevent a bather's body from covering and blocking all of the openings therein, and thereby avoids the creation of a dangerous entrapping force. In the event the cover becomes separated from the sump, the raised island(s) provides a back-up safety feature by preventing a bather's access to the suction outlet nozzle via narrow axial flow channels, thereby virtually eliminating the risk of limb entrapment.

Abstract: A personal hygiene cleansing device is disclosed which attaches to the wall of a shower or bath stall and to the water supply at a shower head in the stall. The device is adjustable to meet the height and other personal requirements of the user. Two generally vertically oriented, rubber coated bars are adjusted to a proper height and spacing for a user. When the height and the spacing between the two vertical bars is correct, pushing a users' buttocks against the vertical bars causes the cheeks of the buttocks to be spread exposing the area to a vertical fan shape water spray from a spray head that is part of the device. The rubber piping on the generally vertical bars prevent the bars from slipping along the skin of the buttocks to maintain maximum spreading of the cheeks of the buttocks. Spray water with or without soap exits the elongated spray head to cleanse or rinse the rectal or genital area.

Abstract: A loft bed includes a framework including head and foot portions, each having front and back upstanding posts and connector members therebetween. Each portion includes a connector member defining a roller guide channel, each channel extending substantially between respective upstanding posts of the head and foot portions. Each front upstanding post defines a pin guide channel extending vertically therealong between upper and lower guide channel ends. An upper bed frame includes opposed end rails with opposed side rails extending therebetween. A pair of rollers is attached to the end rails of the upper bed frame and receivable in the roller guide channels. A pair of pins is attached to respective ends of the bed frame for receipt in the pin guide channels. Movement of the roller and pins in the channels enables movement of the bed frame between a sleep configuration and selectable folded out configurations.

Abstract: A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures.

Abstract: A crib bumper for use in a baby crib is presented. The crib bumper includes at least one bumper section of dense non-absorbent material. The crib bumper may include a plurality of bumper segments abutting each other lengthwise to extend the length or width of a crib. The crib bumper may include a cover having an aperture through which a crib bumper section or crib bumper segments may be placed inside the cover. The cover may be formed of a washable material and may include a mechanism for closing the aperture to prevent the crib bumper from slipping out of the cover. In addition, the cover may include one or more connectors for connecting the cover to the crib.

Abstract: A swaddling blanket and pouch combination (SBPC) (10) that allows an infant to be comfortably and easily swaddled. The blanket (12) is comprised of a right blanket flap (28) and a left blanket flap (46) and includes a designated area to which is removably attached the pouch (70). The pouch features a lower end (78) which includes an opening and closing means that allows an infant's soiled diaper to be easily removed and replaced or to take a rectal temperature. The SBPC (10) is used by first placing the left blanket flap (46) over the pouch (70), which is then followed by placing the right blanket flap (28) over the pouch. The right and left blanket flaps (28,46) as well as the pouch (70) are preferably held in place by hook and loop fasteners (88).

Abstract: A bed includes a deck assembly that is supported by a base assembly. The base assembly includes a tilting actuator assembly. The base assembly is coupled to the deck assembly so that the deck assembly can be tilted from a prone position to an upright position. The base assembly and the deck assembly are coupled so that there are no easily accessible pinch points therebetween.

Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

Abstract: A rapidly deploying emergency evacuation stretcher includes an article for easy transport on one's person, wherein the article is characterized to include a first mode of utility and a second mode of utility, and the article includes a lightweight flexible member which is packed in an undeployed mode and disposed adjacent the article in a manner which cooperates with the article in a manner to enable the first mode of utility substantially without interference thereof and unpacked in its deployed state and cooperates with the article in a manner to provide the second mode of utility which includes forming the stretcher. A method uses the rapidly deploying emergency evacuation stretcher to transport a person.

Abstract: An accessory for a patient's use during a medical procedure is disclosed. The accessory includes a pillow that has an inner material and an outer material. The pillow includes a head support, at least one shoulder support and at least one hand support. The head support has a right side, a left side and a top side. The shoulder support is disposed adjacent the right side and/or the left side of the head support. The hand support is disposed adjacent the top side of the head support. The inner material of the pillow is made of a substantially rigid material. The outer material of the pillow is made of a substantially soft material.

Abstract: A seat cushion for an individual stadium seat includes a cushion portion and a pouch on one side of the cushion portion. The pouch receives an end of the seat to secure the cushion to the seat with the cushion portion on the seat. The seat cushion also includes an adjustable length strap that can also secure the cushion to a stadium bench seat or can maintain the cushion in a rolled-up condition for easy carrying or storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reclining means which has a mattress with a multiplicity of air chambers arranged in lattice form. Also provided is a mattress-profile memory which stores, for each of the air chambers, valve-control data corresponding to a mattress profile. The reclining means also has a data-carrier holder, into which a data carrier can be inserted, and means for writing valve-control data into a data carrier inserted into the data-carrier holder, as well as means for reading valve-control data which are stored on a data carrier inserted into the data-carrier holder.

Abstract: A multi-function tool has a shank body including a first end, a second end and a plurality of positioning grooves formed between the first and second ends thereof. A pry bar includes a connected section and a working section extending from a side of the connected section for pulling nails. A through-hole pierces the connected section for slidably receiving the shank body, with a second receptacle piercing the connected section and in communication with the through-hole. A clutch is disposed in the second receptacle for alternatively engaging with a selected one of the positioning grooves.

Abstract: A specially designed insert for orthopedic insoles and a process for manufacturing said insole, the use of which prevents the foot from bending excessively at the metatarsal joints, thereby protecting the skin in the area of the metatarsal heads of the forefoot on the bottom of the foot and preventing that skin from stretching, cracking or being otherwise damaged.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures. The apertures may have an elongate configuration to impart differences in the extensibility of the upper in different directions. For example, the matrix layer may be formed from a plurality of segments that cross each other to define the apertures. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: A toothbrush head has several bristle support segments movable relative to each other, and driving elements that change the position of the bristle support segments relative to each other. The driving elements have a cam control surface that causes the individual bristle support segments to execute an additional movement superposed upon the movement of the bristle support.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric-dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.