Abstract: A quick release buckle assembly has a male portion and a female portion. The male portion is inserted into the female portion to lock the buckle assembly together. The male buckle portion is connected to a cable. Pulling the cable with sufficient force causes the male portion to release from the female portion. Several buckle assemblies can be simultaneously released if the cables are connected to a single handle. Pulling on the handle then releases all of the male portions at once.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single unit crematory urn in the shape of a sports article wherein cremated remains of humans or pets are disposed within the sports shaped article. The article can be, for example, in the shape of a basketball, football, baseball, baseball bat, baseball glove, hockey puck, hockey stick, bowling ball, bowling pin, and the like. Any sports article having a hollow center is suitable for this invention. A base is optionally utilized to secure the bottom of the sports shaped article and retain in an upright position. The article is a replica constructed out of substantially rigid polymeric material. The article may optionally be covered with a clear case to protect from the environment. The single unit has an opening, and removable closure, to allow the cremated remains to be placed therewithin. The unit may be constructed for holding the cremated remains of one or more human or pets.

Abstract: A casket ornament display comprises a shadow box comprising opposed side walls, opposed end walls, a back wall, and a transparent pane front, a casket ornament including a fastener adapted to removably secure the ornament to a casket, the casket ornament attached to the back wall of the shadow box via the fastener, and indicia attached to the shadow box identifying a deceased to be memorialized, the ornament being either a) one that was removed from the casket in which the deceased was displayed, or b) one that is substantially identical to an ornament that was secured to the casket in which the deceased was displayed.

Abstract: A multi-functional rotary turning and positioning apparatus and method for performing multiple service operations on a turbomachinery rotor while the rotor remains continuously supported with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a platform, a rotary headstock mounted to the platform, a spindle coupled to and rotatably supported by the headstock and adapted for coupling to a turbomachinery rotor, bearing pedestals mounted to the platform and adapted for rotatably supporting the rotor, at least one motor for turning the spindle at least two different rotational speed ranges, equipment mountable to the platform for performing multiple service operations on the rotor, and equipment for controlling the rotational speed and position of the spindle for the purpose of performing the service operation with the operating equipment.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a first spindle for accommodating a workpiece and a first carrier for machining units movable along an X axis, which can be moved relative to one another along a Z axis, a second carrier which is movable along an X axis and with which machining units can be moved into or out of a functional position associated with the first spindle in a transverse direction extending transversely to the X axis and transversely to the Z axis, as well as an additional carrier for machining units in such a manner that it offers optimum possibilities for the machining of a front side of a workpiece and a rear side of a workpiece, it is suggested that the second carrier bear a second spindle, that as a result of movement of the second carrier the second spindle be movable in the direction of the Z axis and the transverse direction between a workpiece takeover position and at least one workpiece machining position and that the additional machining units be arranged in a spatial area, i

Abstract: A method for taking an electronic component out of a carrier tape configured to house the electronic component in a concave that is defined by a sidewall and a bottom surface reduces a binding force applied by the concave to the electronic component by stretching the sidewall to outside near a perforation hole that is formed at least one of the sidewall and a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the sidewall.

Abstract: A method of making a stent-graft includes providing a self-expanding stent having a collapsed configuration with a first diameter and an expanded configuration with a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the stent including a polymeric coating on at least an inner surface, disposing a graft on a mandrel having a third diameter greater than the second diameter, and contacting an outer surface of the graft with the coated inner surface of the stent, the stent applying a compressive force to the graft.

Abstract: A fixture assembly and inspection method by which the internal diameter and/or concentricity of a segmented annular seal can be readily inspected and optionally measured prior to final installation. The fixture assembly has at least two fixture segments supported on a base, by which an annular fixture housing is defined having an outer rim and a groove with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the annular seal. The fixture assembly further includes a device or apparatus for assessing at least one dimensional characteristic of the annular seal when installed in the groove of the fixture housing and as the assessing device/apparatus travels along the interior circumference of the fixture housing.

Abstract: A spring actuated clamping mechanism has a backer plate with an upper surface and a lower surface. A set of apertures is formed along the periphery of the backer plate. The upper surface of the backer plate has at least one backer plate recess, and preferably four recesses, formed therein. A threaded aperture is also formed in the backer plate. A compression plate is also provided. A second set of apertures is formed along the periphery of the compression plate. The lower surface of the compression plate has at least one compression plate recess, and at least one compression plate aperture. At least one compression spring is disposed between the backer plate and the compression plate. A screw tension release mechanism is screwed into the backer plate threaded aperture and inserted through the compression plate aperture.

Abstract: A method of making a speaker may be performed partially or completely in a roll-based processing. The method includes: providing an electrode; providing a membrane, which is treated to form an electret membrane by performing a ferroelectric process with a controlled external condition including at least one of humidity and temperature conditions; forming a conductive layer on the membrane; forming first supporting members on one of the electrode and the membrane; providing a substrate; forming second supporting members on one of the substrate and the membrane; and combining the electrode, the membrane, and the substrate to provide a first chamber and a second chamber, and the first supporting members are disposed between the electrode and the membrane in the first chamber and the second supporting members are disposed between the substrate and the membrane in the second chamber.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an axial air-gap electronic motor, a plurality of core member and a plurality of dummy members are prepared, wherein each of the dummy members has a shape same as that of the core members. Then, the plurality of core members is arranged such that teeth surfaces of the core members face each other, and the dummy member is arranged between predetermined core members. Thereafter, a coil is wound from one end side toward the other end side of the core members through the dummy member continuously without cutting. A part of the coil corresponding to a transition wire set between the core members is wound on the dummy member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to effectively suppress vibration of the disk in a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with low density gas sealed therein, and securely prevent leakage of the low density gas from the base. In an embodiment, helium gas is sealed in a hermetically sealed enclosure of an HDD, and a shroud is formed integrally with a base. In manufacturing the base, a magnetic disk facing surface of the shroud is shaped by cutting after die-casting. This accomplishes a small and precise size of the gap between the magnetic disk facing surface and the circumferential edge of the disk. Cutting the shroud formed independently from the exterior walls, which ensure the hermeticity with the shroud, suppresses the vibration of the magnetic disk and eliminates the necessity of cutting of the inner surfaces of the exterior walls for the purpose of suppression of the vibration to reduce the risk of helium leakage.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a PMR pole in a transducer including an intermediate layer are disclosed. A mask including line(s) having side(s) is provided. A hard mask is provided on the mask. Portions of the hard mask reside on the line side(s) and intermediate layer surface. The hard mask includes a wet-etchable layer and a high removal ratio layer on the wet-etchable layer. Part of the hard mask on the side(s) of the line is removed, exposing part of the line. The high removal ratio layer has a low angle removal rate on the line side(s) and a high angle removal rate on the intermediate layer surface. The low angle removal rate is at least four times the high angle removal rate. The line is removed, providing an aperture in the hard mask. A trench is provided in the intermediate layer. A PMR pole is provided.

Abstract: A coil-holding assembly for an electrical machine has coil holders made of plastic and on which coils of a stator can be wound. The coil holders are formed and pivotal on an outer edge of a planar central plastic support by integral film hinges between a winding position parallel to a plane of the support and a bent-up position perpendicular to the plane. Thus the coils can be wound on the holders in the parallel position thereof and the holders are then moved into the bent-up position for use in the electric machine.

Abstract: An electronic component installation apparatus 4 which constructs an electronic component mounting line 1 and installs an electronic component on a substrate is configured to include substrate conveyance lanes L1, L3 as two conveyance paths for feed which respectively feed the substrate carried from the upstream side to the downstream side, the conveyance paths for feed in which substrate positioning parts for positioning and holding the substrate in installation work positions are disposed between two component installation parts 22A, 22B for taking the electronic components out of component supply parts 23A, 23B and transferring and installing the electronic components to the substrate, and a substrate conveyance lane L2 as a return conveyance path which returns the substrate carried from the downstream side to the upstream side and is disposed in a state of being sandwiched between the substrate conveyance lanes L1, L3.

Abstract: A double crimping tool for fastening an electrical conductor with insulation to a contact element, which includes a front crimping unit with a front drive cam plate and front crimping stamps for forming a front press section in the region of the stripped end of the conductor; and a rear crimping unit with a rear drive cam plate and rear crimping stamps for forming a rear press section in the region of the insulation of the conductor. The crimping stamps are displaced by rotation of the drive cam plates. By levers the two drive cam plates are connected to a shared force introduction element such that during the pressing procedure at first optionally the front or the rear drive cam plate is rotated by a predefined initial pressing angle while the other drive cam plate is made to rotate only after the first drive cam plate has attained the initial pressing angle.

Abstract: Staking apparatus (22) disclosed performs a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.

Abstract: A serial-connection fitting assembly and a punch apparatus applied therefore are disclosed. The serial-connection fitting assembly includes a plurality of fitting members and a plurality of joining members staggered with the fitting members in alignment. Each fitting member has a conjunction hole radially arranged therein, and a groove indented radially on a top surface thereof with the same axial direction of the conjunction hole. The serial-connection fitting assembly is loaded in the punch apparatus, and the fitting members could be punched into pre-holes of respective plates one by one. Therefore, the labor hour for inserting the fitting members could be saved, and the efficiency for assembling the plates would be increased.

Abstract: A system method for manufacturing leads is provided. The method includes providing a conductive sheet, shaping the conductive sheet into at least two opposing longitudinal strips and a plurality of interposing strips, masking lateral sides and a center of the plurality of interposing strips, covering the exposed surface with a conductor and severing the conductive sheet at least along center mask. The plurality of interposing strips are preferably flexible and configurable into desired shapes for potential future attachment to an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A part cartridge for a mounter device used in a mounting process for mounting electronic parts on a substrate by heating the substrate to a predetermined temperature after the electronic parts are mounted on the substrate put on a conveying carrier by the mounter device, comprising holding part holding the substrate in the state of being fitted to the conveying carrier, and a guide tape holding the holding part. The holding member is stored in the state of being wound together with the guide tape so that the holding part can be mounted on the conveying carrier by the mounter device. By this, a method of holding and carrying the substrate for mounting the holding part on the conveying carrier by using the mounter device can be adopted in the mounting process. The deflection of the substrate in reflow can be securely prevented while suppressing cost by effectively utilizing the existing mounting line and devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printed circuit board including a core substrate including core circuit layers on both sides thereof, a first build-up layer formed on one side of the core substrate, a second build-up layer formed on the other side of the core substrate, and first and second protective layers formed on the first and second build-up layers, respectively, wherein the first build-up layer includes a trench circuit layer as an outermost circuit layer formed by a trench technology, the trench circuit layer is embedded in the first protective layer, and an outermost circuit layer of the second build-up layer is embedded in an outermost insulating layer of the second build-up layer, and a method of manufacturing the printed circuit board. Thanks to the formation of the outermost circuit layer by the trench technology, it is difficult to separate the outermost circuit layer from the outermost insulating layer.

Abstract: A method of mounting supply components includes the step of inserting dish-like members into a base. Each dish-like member holds components. One dish-like member can stay inserted in the base while the other dish-like member is removed from the base and refilled with components.

Abstract: There is provided a control means for controlling movement positions and movement timings of a nozzle elevating means and a nozzle moving means. The control means stores positions and heights of obstacles located between a component supply unit and a circuit board in advance. The control means moves down a nozzle in sync with the time when the nozzle has finished passing over each obstacle after an electronic component has been photographed by a component camera. Alternatively, the control means moves the nozzle in a path to avoid the obstacles. In addition, in a component mounting region, the nozzle moves at a component mounting region movement height and the component is mounted by the nozzle moved down from the component mounting region movement height. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten an elevating stroke of the nozzle (5). In addition, the nozzle can be elevated in an arc trajectory.

Abstract: There is prepared an insulation layer generation member having a support film and a semi-cured insulation layer provided on a surface of the support film. Subsequently, the insulation layer generation member is affixed to a pad such that the pad contacts the semi-cured insulation layer. The semi-cured insulation layer is cured, to thus generate an insulation layer. Subsequently, the insulation layer is exposed to laser by way of the support film, thereby opening an opening in the insulation layer.

Abstract: A method of rapid prototyping of a microwave device, by: providing a plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film, each sheet having a different metallization pattern formed thereon; providing a base onto which each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film can be received, wherein the base comprises a metallization pattern formed thereon such that the placement of each of the plurality of thin sheets thereon forms a different circuit; and sequentially placing each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film onto the base, thereby sequentially forming different circuits across the thin sheet and the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electroconductive material-filled throughhole substrate that is free from any void part in the electroconductive material filled into the throughholes. The method comprises forming an electroconductive base layer on one side of a core substrate having throughholes, and precipitating and growing an electroconductive material from one direction within the throughholes by electroplating using the electroconductive base layer as a seed layer to fill the electroconductive material into the throughholes without forming any void part and thus to manufacture an electroconductive material-filled throughhole substrate.

Abstract: A connection terminal of a litz wire, a mounting method thereof, and a manufacturing method of a cooking appliance with a working coil consisting of the litz wire. The mounting method includes preparing the litz wire including plural wires, each of which includes a sheath, installing one end of the litz wire at the connection terminal, removing the sheaths from the plural wires by heating the litz wire, and deforming the connection terminal through a pinch-off process, thereby connecting front ends of the wires through the connection terminal and removing the sheaths or sheath residues between cores of the wires, and thus reducing resistance of the litz wire.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an electric contact and manufacturing equipment of the electric contact. A contact and a metal base are superimposed and support by a jig, and a rotational tool, which rotates at a predetermined speed and advances/retracts to/from the jig, is pressed into a surface, which is not contacted with the contact, of the metal base while being rotated, so that the contact and the metal base are joined by solid state diffusion welding by using frictional heat generated by friction between the rotational tool and the metal base, and then the rotational tool is retracted from the metal base.

Abstract: A heat pipe and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes: defining a closed end, a closed portion, and a contact section in sequence along a heat pipe to be processed; closing the opening of the closed end and the passage of the closed portion so as to finalize the heat pipe; and cutting axially the contact section into a plurality of equal parts, bending the equal parts outward to assume a divergent shape, thereby providing the contact section with an area for contact with a heat-generating source. Heat is directly transferred from the heat-generating source to the heat pipe via the contact section, thereby enhancing heat dissipation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air gap-insulated exhaust collector for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein individual gas-conducting components of an inner shell body are inserted into one another in the region of at least one slide fit, wherein a calibrating process, in which a reduction in cross section takes place at least on the respective outer component, is carried out in the region of at least one slide fit of this type when the components are inserted into one another.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus has one or more shaving heads (5) with a shaving surface (9) for contacting the skin during shaving and at least one cutter (4) that is moveable behind the shaving surface (9). A drive structure (3) including a motor (2) and coupled to the cutter or cutters (4) for driving the movement of the cutter or cutters is carried by a housing (1) containing the motor (2) of the drive structure. A shell structure (12) envelops at least a portion of the housing (1) behind the shaving head or heads (5) and is mounted to the housing (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an input shaft of a wind turbine generator with an output shaft of a wind turbine are disclosed. Preferably, the method includes placing a push plate of a wind turbine alignment tool into pressing contact with a selected support flange of a wind turbine generator identified by a misalignment measurement device. With the push plate positioned, an indexing means of the wind turbine alignment tool is advanced along an adjustment link member of the wind turbine alignment tool to impart an alignment force onto the selected support flange to align the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine. The method preferably concludes by rechecking the alignment of the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A measuring device is capable of measuring one or more aspects of a compressor blade or a turbine blade of a turbine engine at a plurality of predetermined positions along the blade. The measuring device can be disassembled so that individual elements of the measuring device can be moved into the confined space where a first row of compressor blades or turbine blades of a turbine engine are located. The elements can then be reassembled in this space and attached to a turbine blade so that measurement on the blade can then be acquired.

Abstract: A method and device for analyzing a formed weld of a wind turbine system is disclosed. The device includes a gage for measuring a distance, a first member configured for receiving the gage, a second member attached to the first member, the second member being configured to releasably attach to a first surface on a first side of the formed weld, a third member attached to the first member, the third member being configured to releasably attach to a second surface on a second side of the formed weld, and the gage being positionable at a plurality of locations on the first member, the plurality of locations including a first location being proximal to the second member and distal from the third member and a second location being proximal to the third member and distal from the second member.

Abstract: The register insertion apparatus for sheet-fed embossing machines with position sensors (S1, S2, S3) for detecting printing marks (P1, P2, P3) of a sheet (5), comprises a register plate (15) capable of being pivoted down as feeder table with ventilation openings (20) and vacuum feed lines (21) to a suction apparatus (22) and front stops (12), which are capable of being lowered and actuators (L1, L2, L3) for positioning the register plate in X-direction and in Y-direction. With a register controller (11) the register plate (15) is pivoted down, a gripper bar (8) is brought up to it, the register plate pivoted up again, then a sheet (5) is fed-in and stopped at the front stops (12). Thereupon the register plate is evacuated for sucking on and fixing the sheet on the register plate.

Abstract: A marking apparatus for a measuring tape unit, the marking apparatus includes at least one marking member configured for marking a surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring distance on a loose surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame and a wheel operatively coupled to the frame. The wheel rotates relative to the frame. Further, the wheel includes a hub for operatively coupling the wheel with the frame. The hub rotates relative to the frame in response to one of pushing and pulling of the frame. To increase traction between the wheel and the loose surface, a plurality of spikes is provided on a peripheral surface of the wheel, projecting outwardly away from the hub. As the peripheral surface rolls on the surface, the distance traversed by the wheel is measured by calculating the number of rotations made by the wheel. A counter is operatively coupled to the wheel for tracking the number of rotations made by the wheel as the peripheral surface of the wheel rolls on the loose surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying wood veneer includes an elongate drying chamber including a conveyor for conveying material to be dried from an input end to an output end; and a cooling section for cooling veneer leaving the output end of the drying chamber, the cooling section including a pressure controller for maintaining a pressure in the cooling section that is slightly higher than pressure in the drying chamber while maintaining a near-zero pressure differential between the drying chamber and the cooling section.

Abstract: A system for removing water from sludge is disclosed. The system (100) includes: de-watering (102) sludge comprising an output from a wastewater treatment system to form a semi-solid sludge cake; dispensing (104) the sludge in a sludge hopper and dispensing a blending material in a recipient blending material hopper; depositing (106) the sludge and the blending material in a mixing device; mixing (108) the sludge and the blending material having a porous structure in a weight ratio of the sludge to the blending material of about from 2:1 to about 10:1; and compressing (110) the sludge and the blending material to release moisture. The system (100) provides an improved method of de-watering sludge, for more efficient processing, transporting and recycling, depending on the application.

Abstract: A technology can efficiently dry the high-boiling point solvent contained in the object and achieve the space-saving and energy-saving of a drying apparatus. A drying method for drying an object containing a first solvent while conveying the object into a chamber (38), comprises: a first drying step of drying the object up to a drying point in the prestage of the chamber (38); and a second drying step of forming a vapor atmosphere of a second solvent having a lower boiling point than the first solvent in the chamber (38) and drying the object such that the temperature of the object in an inlet port of the chamber (38) is made to be lower by a predetermined temperature difference than the temperature of the vapor atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for controlling a dryer includes the steps of sensing an amount of laundry in the dryer, setting a primary drying time period T1 of the dryer with reference to the amount of laundry sensed thus, setting a secondary drying time period T2 in the middle of drying according to the primary drying time period set thus, and drying the laundry according to the secondary drying time period T2 set thus, whereby permitting setting of a more accurate drying time period because the drying time period of the dryer is set two times.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for drying a fibrous web, in particular a paper web, paperboard web or tissue web, by way of hot air, on which the fibrous web is charged with the supply air for the drying from a supply air chamber and on which exhaust air from the drying operation passes into an exhaust air chamber, whereby the exhaust air from the exhaust air chamber is supplied at least partly to the suction side of a pressure booster and at least a part of the supply air from the pressure side of the pressure booster is supplied to the supply air chamber.

Abstract: A main body of a shoe sole includes a recess formed at an upper surface thereof and a non-slip cushion sheet attached to a bottom surface thereof, wherein pluralities of air chamber grooves are formed in the recess at a front portion of the main body and an air chamber groove is formed in the recess at a rear portion of the main body. A shoe liner covers open upper portions of the air chamber grooves so as to provide pluralities of tunnel-type air chambers. An outer periphery of the shoe liner is attached to an outer periphery of the upper surface of the main body and other portions of the shoe liner are inserted into the recess. The binding line between the shoe liner and the main body is snugly positioned within the interior boundary of the main body.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a shell having a first hardness and a recess. A lateral side of the recess has a first depth and a medial side of the recess has a second depth that is different than the first depth. A first aperture extends through a forefoot portion of the shell, with the first aperture defining a first tongue fixed on a medial side thereof with a remainder of the first tongue free to flex with respect to the shell. An insert has a second hardness and is seated in the recess. A lateral side of the insert has a first height and a medial side of the insert has a second height that is different than the first height, with the second hardness being different than the first hardness.

Abstract: Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product.

Abstract: A shoe comprising: an assembly of a shoe upper and sole unit for supporting a foot, the assembly defining a foot compartment that orients a foot in an objective (desired) tri-planar alignment to affect three areas of the foot anatomy simultaneously: (1) the sustentaculum tali; (2) the lateral calcaneus; and (3) the fifth metatarsal ray of the foot. In certain embodiments the shoe compartment is configured to correct an adverse internal rotation of the talus by: (1) vertical lift on the ST; (2) varus movement of the calcaneus; and (3) fifth ray pressure to adduct the forefoot.

Abstract: A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, which includes a front body for accommodating phalanxes of a foot, a rear body for accommodating a heel of the foot, an internal lateral body and an external lateral body linking the front body and the rear body, and a sole. The shoe has a clamping device for exerting a pressure essentially laterally on the rear body and a clamping member and pinching members for cooperating with the clamping device and wherein the pinching members are positioned laterally on either side of a median strip of the rear body and whereby the pinching members place force against the median strip by tightening of the clamping device.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive a bootie. The article can include an upper to receive the bootie. Ball control elements may be provided on the bootie and the ball control elements can extend through the upper. The ball control elements can be configured to aid kicking or to interact with various surfaces. The upper can receive different booties having different ball control elements.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a shape correcting member is disclosed. The shape correcting member includes an inner surface associated with a portion of a foot and an outer surface disposed opposite of the inner surface. The inner surface is pre-shaped to fit the contours of a portion of the foot and the outer surface is substantially non-protruding. With this arrangement, the outer surface may facilitate accurate kicking.

Abstract: A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball.