Abstract: A composite interbody device includes superior and inferior endplates with a plastic core molded therebetween. The core includes one or more features for permitting bone growth through the core. Each endplate includes a bone interface side coated with hydroxyapatite, for promoting bone on-growth. Pores in the bone interface sides permit bone in-growth. Core interface sides of the endplates include relatively larger pores for accepting molten material from the core, for example during injection molding, to enhance bonding of the endplates with the core. Each endplate has a central barrier layer for preventing the molten core material from extruding through the core interface pores into the bone interface pores, reserving the bone interface pores for bone in-growth. A method of manufacturing the composite interbody device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a curved shower rod on a previously installed straight shower rod. The bracket includes a body having a first member that defines a first bore for receiving an end of the curved shower rod therein, and a second member defining a second bore for receiving a portion of the straight shower rod therein. The first member extends outwardly from the second member at an angle. The second member comprises first and second regions that are movable away from each other to capture a portion of the straight shower rod between them. A securement mechanism locks the first and second regions together to prevent the bracket from disengaging from the straight shower rod. A second mounting bracket is similarly engaged on an opposite end of the straight shower rod and receives a second end of the curved shower rod therein.

Abstract: The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key.

Abstract: Sound muffling flooring underlay tile systems using sonic foam-enhanced underlay board may comprise a sound-muffling tile assembly for installation underneath a floor surface to help minimize sound transfer between living areas and to provide increased insulation. The sound-muffling tile assembly may comprise a flooring base member, a cushioning film layer, and a fastener for securing the flooring base member to the cushioning film layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cushioning film layer may comprise a foam substance comprising an open-cell structure. In addition to actively dampening sound waves that travel through the open-cell structure of the foam substance, the cushioning film layer provides a floated surface for the floor above the sound-muffling tile assembly when installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the construction of fire and sound resistant modular walls and partitions with panels (1) forming partitions (T) or doors (P), formed by a central core (2) on which there are bonded two insulating layers (3) made of plaster, cork or another fire and sound insulating material, two overlays (4) made of fiberboard, encased in protective film (5) made of aluminum, and respective outer finishing layers (8) which are smooth or decorated with inlaid wood (9) or moldings. The doors (P) are incorporated in a metallic casing (12) fixed to the floor and ceiling, made of metallic tubes (13) forming a grid with the same fire and sound resistance. To reinforce the panel (1) against stresses, a reinforcement layer (6) made of Tablex or the like is intercalated in the core. For a bearing partition, steel plates (7) are incorporated.

Abstract: A device and method for roller swaging a tube and a fitting using a tapered mandrel acting on forming rollers and having a rack body that supports lead screws that are rotated by a rack motor where the lead screws are used to move the rack drive head and the axial position of the mandrel. The mandrel is supported by a roller bearing having roller elements that are parallel to the rotational axis of the mandrel. A position sensor is attached between the rack body and the rack drive head to indirectly measure the position of the mandrel and/or a position sensor can be used to directly measure the position of the mandrel. The drive motor drives a primary drive shaft through a torque sensor to a secondary drive shaft to a roller swaging assembly and to the mandrel. The swage rollers in the roller swaging assembly are forced outward by the tapered mandrel to swage the tube and fitting.

Abstract: Captive panel fasteners are configured to be held captive on a panel by multiple retaining elements. The fasteners include longitudinal grooves along a cylindrical portion of the fastener, a retaining ring over the cylindrical portion, a primary structure for retaining the retaining ring on the cylindrical portion, and secondary structure for retaining the cylindrical portion within a bore of the panel. The retaining ring includes radially inwardly extending opposing prongs that fit into the longitudinally extending grooves. A stop point may be provided in the longitudinally extending grooves, or an end of the fastener may be flared, to retain the retaining ring on the fastener. The prongs may also be slightly flexible and flared to grip the longitudinally extending grooves. The secondary structure can include one or more spring loaded pins in the fastener extending externally outward.

Abstract: A socket and a method for tightening a nut on an axle are disclosed. The socket includes a socket body having a first end and a second end. The first end of the socket body has a rotatable gear hub. The second end is configured to accommodate the nut. The socket includes a socket body insert fixed substantially within the socket body. The socket also includes a trigger movable between a triggered position and a non-triggered position, wherein the trigger is configured to move to the triggered position when a distance between the axle and nut is different than a predetermined trigger distance. The socket further includes a reset pin operably connected to the trigger to reset the trigger to the non-triggered position when depressed. The socket also includes a reset spring positioned between the reset pin and the gear hub to bias the reset pin towards the second end.

Abstract: Electro coiled tubing (ECT) can be utilized to provide electrical power to equipment in wells. A long length of ECT is provided with protrusions welded on the inside of the tubing at selected intervals to form support shoulders. Anchors with a load shoulder are attached to the electrical cable enclosed in the tubing such that the load shoulder contacts the support shoulder created by the welded protrusion. The weight of the electrical cable can then be transferred to the tubing via the contact between the load shoulder and the support shoulder. The protrusions are welded to the tubing and the anchors are attached to the cable during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method includes acquiring a first structural component conforming to a design, producing a first vehicle including the first structural component, and transferring possession of the first vehicle with the first structural component having a first set of mechanical properties. The method further includes acquiring a second structural component conforming to the design, subjecting the second structural component to a heat treatment process so that the second structural component is characterized by a second set of mechanical properties different from the first set of mechanical properties, producing a second vehicle including the second structural component, and transferring possession of the second vehicle with the second structural component having the second set of mechanical properties.

Abstract: A micro device may comprise a substrate, a first micro structure coupled to the substrate, a second micro structure coupled to the substrate, and port configured to receive an input. The first micro structure is configured to move into engagement with the second micro structure in response to the input.

Abstract: A system is provided that is configured to mount a first component to a second component. The system includes an engagement device and an attachment device. The engagement device is attached to the first component. The attachment device is configured to mate with the engagement device to thereby provide mounting of the first component at one of a plurality of angles with respect to the second component while at least inhibiting rotation of the first component with respect to the second component.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive cover installer includes a base, a fixing body defining a recessed portion for receiving a main body, a support portion, an air cylinder movably connected to the support portion, a positioning fixture defining a number of through holes therein, and for receiving a number of covers, a controller, a motor for controlling movement of the air cylinder, a pressure sensing member fixed below the air cylinder, and a display. The air cylinder is forced by the motor to drive the pressure sensing member to press the covers onto the main body; the main body resists the pressure sensing member to generate a pressure of a resistance. The pressure sensing member senses the pressure of the resistance to generate a pressure signal to the controller. The controller analyzes the pressure signal to generate a pressure value to be displayed on the display.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting system formed by interlinking a plurality of electronic component mounting machines in series for enabling a machine operator to be prevented from mistaking the machine to which an operation section or a signal tower belongs for another. In each of the machines, an operation section placed to one direction side from a center in the board conveying direction of the machine on a machine side face is placed in an attitude in which the normal direction of an operation face is inclined toward the center line. A signal tower placed on one direction side from the center line on the top face of the machine is placed in an attitude in which at least one portion is inclined only at an angle ? toward the center line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to connector tools for seating connectors on a substrate such as a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, the connector tools can be made by wire electrode discharge machining (WEDM) process. In the embodiments, the connector tool includes reinforced ribbed end walls, ribbed internal walls, interconnected walls and contours that reduce tool and connector damage. In other embodiments, the connector tools include guiding structures that align the connector tool to the connector before seating the connector so that the connector tool aligns to the connector pins and body to avoid damage to the connector and/or the substrate. In another embodiment, the connector tool has guiding skirts and surfaces to capture the connector in position then seat the connector. Thus, the invention reduces connector and substrate damage during manufacturing, reduces tool damage, and lowers product costs by boosting manufacturing yields.

Abstract: A lashing platform comprising includes a base frame, a setting plate resiliently supported on the base frame, a plurality of screwing devices for inserting twistlocks into container fittings or removing twistlocks from container fittings, a plurality of magazines for accommodating the twistlocks, and a plurality of transfer devices for transferring a twistlock from a magazine to a screwing device or from a screwing device to a magazine. The lashing platform being characterized by at least two units, which are each formed by at least two screwing devices, at least one transfer device, and at least one magazine and which can be moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the lashing platform within the base frame, at least one drive for moving the units, and a controller for moving the units into positions in which the screwing devices have access to the container fittings of containers of different size.

Abstract: An expanding cam lock for use with an electrophoresis system is disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, the expanding cam lock includes a base plate with a first surface adapted to engage the first buffer core assembly and a follower plate having second surface adapted to engage the second buffer core assembly, buffer dam or buffer displacement dam. The base plate and the follower plate are slidably coupled together and are designed for insertion between the first buffer core assembly and the second buffer core assembly, buffer dam or buffer displacement dam in the electrophoresis container. A cam is positioned between and moveably coupled with the base plate and the follower plate. The cam is movable from a first position to a second position to urge the first and second surfaces to secure the gel cassette to the first and second buffer core assemblies.

Abstract: A power module is proposed to package an electronic system having flip chip power MOSFET devices. The power module includes a front surface cover board and a multi-layer printed circuit laminate bonded thereto. Notably, the front surface of the printed circuit laminate includes recessed pockets each having printed circuit traces atop its floor. Inside the recessed pockets are power MOSFET and other circuit components bonded to the printed circuit traces. As the circuit components are encased inside the power module, it features a low profile, an increased mechanical robustness and EMI/RFI immunity. Additionally, some circuit components can be provided with a front-side bonding layer that is also bonded to the front surface cover board to realize a double-side bonding to the interior of the power module. Methods for making the low profile power module are also described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an implantable pulse generator, comprises: providing a lead body including a plurality of conductors; providing a feedthrough component comprising feedthrough pins; electrically coupling pulse generating circuitry through switching circuitry with the feedthrough pins; hermetically enclosing the pulse generating circuitry and switching circuitry within a housing; providing a ferrule tube connector about each feedthrough pin wherein (i) each ferrule tube connector comprises an inner diameter that is sized to make contact about a circumference of respective feedthrough pin, and (ii) each ferrule tube connector comprises at least one slot in an upper portion of the respective ferrule tube connector; placing a respective conductor of the plurality of conductors in the slot of each of the ferrule tube connectors; and performing welding operations to connect the plurality of conductors of the lead body with the ferrule tube connectors.

Abstract: A high-speed router backplane is disclosed. The router backplane uses differential signal pairs on multiple signal layers, each sandwiched between a pair of digital ground layers. Thru-holes are used to connect the differential signal pairs to external components. To reduce routing complexity, at least some of the differential signal pairs route through a via pair, somewhere along their path, to a different signal layer. At least some of the thru-holes and vias are drilled to reduce an electrically conductive stub length portion of the hole. The drilled portion of a hole includes a transition from a first profile to a second profile to reduce radio frequency reflections from the end of the drilled hole.

Abstract: A method for terminating a fiber optic cable includes removing an end portion of an outer jacket of a fiber optic cable to expose a strength member and at least one optical fiber. A binder material of the strength member of the fiber optic cable is heated using a heat source to expose strength elements of the strength member. The strength elements are secured to a fiber optic connector assembly using an adhesive.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for disassembling turbine components. A system is provided that includes a turbine tool. The turbine tool is configured to loosen an interference fit between a first component and a second component of a turbine system. The turbine tool is also configured to apply a thermal medium to an inner portion of the first component of the turbine system.

Abstract: A method for providing a film cooled article is disclosed. A metallic article is provided having first and second wall surfaces and a cooling hole. The cooling hole includes a metering hole that extends from an inlet at the second wall surface to an outlet at the first wall surface. The method further includes exposing the first wall surface of the metallic article, applying a thermal barrier coating overlying the first wall surface and at least partially covering the outlet, boring through an outer surface of the applied thermal barrier coating to expose the metering hole, removing the thermal barrier coating from a trough portion of the outlet formed in the metallic article and forming a trough region in the thermal barrier coating that extends from the trough portion of the outlet formed in the metallic article to be flush with the outer surface of the thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for producing a turbomachine airfoil. Other embodiments include unique methods for manufacturing an airfoil for a gas turbine engine. Still other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for airfoils for gas turbine engines and other turbomachinery. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: A light weight bearing cage assembly (100) consisting of a plurality of snap-on bridge elements (104) coupled between first and second cage support rings (102A, 102B) conforming to the surfaces of adjacent rolling elements (10). The snap-on bridge elements maintain rolling element (10) in separation, provide rolling element retention within the bearing assembly, and function as a lubrication reservoir between the rolling elements for grease lubricated bearings. Each snap-on bridge element may be individually removed and replaced by snap-on engagement with the first and second cage support rings. Optional locking clips or rings (300, 302) fitted over each snap fitting end of the bridge elements optionally provides additional security against accidental uncoupling of the bridge elements from the first and second cage rings.

Abstract: A razor has an electrochemical sensor for sensing various characteristics, such as biological, chemical, temperature, humidity, and pressure. The electrochemical sensor is positioned within a razor head of the razor, but may be attached to and enclosed in the razor head housing or attached to a razor blade of the razor. The electrochemical sensor may be positioned at different locations within the housing and on the razor blades. The electrochemical sensor may be positioned such that a sensing surface is exposed to a shaving surface of a patient. The razor may also have various electrical components for processing signals generated by the electrochemical sensor and determining the presence or concentration of a chemical or biological marker. The data associated with the signals may be displayed, transmitted to a separate computing device, or stored in a memory.

Abstract: Fluid reservoir (1) for storing a fluid for a handheld device, like a shaving apparatus. The handheld device may have a replaceable fluid reservoir such as a cartridge or an incorporated fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir comprises a housing (2) and a flexible membrane (3). The flexible membrane delimits a variable storage volume (2a) in the housing. The storage volume may be varied by a deformation of the membrane. The variable storage volume has an output port (5). The fluid reservoir according to the invention further comprises a forcing member (4) to exert a force on the membrane to pressurize a fluid in the storage volume. The forcing member has a recess for receiving a part of the storage volume. The membrane may be received into the recess of the forcing member during a compression stroke. By virtue thereof a volume defined by the recess may be effectively used to become part of the storage volume for the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven cutting device with a double blade arrangement driven by means of a double eccentric arrangement having opposing oscillating blade movement, comprising an advantageous construction with a separate double eccentric group for the drive device that can form a uniformly operable front-part group, particularly in conjunction with the double blade arrangement at a particularly favourable cost, and that is advantageous for installing the front-part group in the production process and/or when replacing the preferably uniformly operable front-part group.

Abstract: A blade 1 for a hedge trimmer having a long axis and comprising a plurality of cutting teeth, each tooth having a longitudinal axis extending laterally away from the long axis of the blade 1, each cutting tooth comprising a root and a tip and opposing sides extending between the root and the tip, characterised in that at least one of the cutting teeth comprises a special tooth which is sharpened along at least one side to form a cutting edge, in which a first portion of the cutting edge is bevelled such that a tangent line to the first portion is inclined at an angle of between 1 degrees and 6 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the tooth, and a second portion of the cutting edge closer to the tip of the tooth than the first portion and which is bevelled such that a tangent line to the second portion is inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tooth of between 8 degrees and 25 degrees.

Abstract: A cable control set for extended reach garden shears, the extended reach garden shears having a cutting section comprising at two blades pivoted together, the cutting section attached to a first location of an extension rod, the cutting section capable of being driven by the cable. Two guiding rollers are pivoted onto a second location of the extension rod, and the cable is placed between the two guiding rollers, a rotatable member is pivoted onto an opposite side of the extension rod by a corresponding securing member; and a rotating arm is pivoted onto a top surface of the rotatable member via a corresponding securing member, and the two auxiliary rollers are pivoted onto the one end of the rotating arm, the cable is placed between the two auxiliary rollers.

Abstract: Extended reach garden shears include an extension rod, a handgrip, a cutting head and a pull handle. The extension rod is formed with an accommodating space, a front opening and a rear opening. The extension rod is provided with a pin hole and a rope-guiding hole. The handgrip is slidingly disposed on the extension rod. The cutting head is inserted into the front opening. The pull handle is inserted into the rear opening. A fixed base is fixed in the accommodating space. A movable base is slidingly disposed in the accommodating space and connected to the cutting head. A rope has a combining end, a connecting end and a wrapping section. The wrapping section wraps around the fixed base and the movable base. The combining end is connected to the pull handle. The connecting end is connected to the pull handle. The rope, the fixed base and the movable base enable the garden shears to achieve an efficient trimming action.

Abstract: Secateurs for picking fruit that have two arms assembled in a pivoting manner that move against each other around a pivoting axis and against the action of an elastic spring, each arm having a gripping area and a cutting area, and the cutting area of each one of the arms has a portion with an appreciably concave curved shape with a sharpened edge, so that in the situation of the maximum approach of one to the other of the two cutting areas, both appreciably concave curved portions form an open concave curved housing; and there being a difference in height of one sharpened edge against the other, in such a way that during the movement of both arms coming together in the cutting action, the sharpened edge of one of the arms is superimposed over the sharpened edge of the other arm.

Abstract: An edge-trimmer comprises a holdable support arm (2), a cutting head (3) rotatable about a rotation axis thereof (C) and positioned in proximity of an end (2b) of the support arm (2); a motor for moving the cutting head (3) by means of a transmission organ (5), an orientation device (6) of the cutting head (3) in the space connected to the support arm (2) and rotatable about a first rotation axis (A). The orientation device (6) exhibits a rotatable junction (7) which enables the cutting head (3) to further rotate about a second rotation axis (B) which is inclined with respect to the first rotation axis (A).

Abstract: Axes for mountaineering activities such as technical ice climbing, extreme mixed climbing, and dry-tooling are provided. Such axes may include a main body having a proximal portion connected to a handgrip and a distal portion connected to a tool, in which there is defined an axis X parallel to the vertical use plane of the axe, tangential to the outer end of the handgrip and the tip of the tool and intersecting the longitudinal axis (Y) of the handgrip and the longitudinal axis (Z) of the tool, so as to respectively form angles ? and ?, wherein said proximal portion of the main body is removably and adjustably connected to said handgrip, so as to modify the inclination of said handgrip according to said angle ?, is provided.

Abstract: A hair removal device comprising a thermoplastic elastomer disposed on a portion of the hair removal device and one or more projections extending from the thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer is polar and hydrophilic.

Abstract: A co-ordinate measuring machine comprising a bed provided with a horizontal measuring surface, a unit that is mobile along guides carried by the bed itself, an annular structure extending along a perimetral area of the bed and constrained thereto by statically determinate means of constraint, and a plurality of displacement sensors set between the annular structure and one between the bed and the mobile unit for detecting relative displacements with respect to an initial reference condition.

Abstract: A tape measure assembly with a cleaning aperture is disclosed herein and comprises a central spool upon which a measuring tape containing linear markings is coiled and stored. A protective housing or case surrounds the central spool and allows pivotal rotation of the central spool mounted therein. A cleaning aperture is provided through the protective housing to allow access to the measuring tape and spool without disassembly of the protective housing. An easily removable plug is used to seal the cleaning aperture when not in use to preventing ingress of debris through the cleaning aperture.

Abstract: The laundry dryer (1) of the present invention comprises a drum (2) wherein the laundry desired to be dried is placed, a channel (5) having an inlet allowing the cycle air to enter into the drum (2) and an outlet allowing the cycle air to leave the drum (2), providing the cycle air to be circulated in a closed cycle, a condenser (4) that provides the cycle air leaving the drum (2) to be dehumidified by being condensed, a heater (3) that provides the dehumidified cycle air leaving the condenser (4) to be heated and at least one fan (6) that maintains the cycle air to move along the length of the channel (5).

Abstract: The technology relates to spray dried plasma and methods of making the same. The method includes providing plasma to a spray drying apparatus, spray drying the plasma, at the spray drying apparatus, to form physiologically active plasma powder, the spray drying apparatus configured utilizing one or more parameters, and storing the physiologically active plasma powder.

Abstract: Hand-held hair dryer having a housing provided with air inlet, an electric fan, and power supply. The hair dryer is provided with an upper air outlet and a lower air outlet extending substantially in opposite directions out from the housing and provided with heating element. The lower air outlet also serves as a grip. The housing is provided with a throttle arranged pivotably about a pivot. The throttle is operated by a button between a first position where the upper air outlet is blocked and the lower air outlet is open to air flow, and a second position where the air flows in a direction opposite of the first.

Abstract: An air flow deflector for use with a hood-type hair dryer is a thick, resiliently compressible, unitary halo with an inner perimeter of length suited to surround and abut, preferably with tension, against the subject's head when the halo's inner perimeter is contoured approximately immediately below the subject's hair line. The halo deflects the flow of warm air away from exposed skin portions of the head, neck and shoulders. An arcuate upturned extension on its front portion deflects air flow back to the interior of the hood of the dryer. The unitary halo may be continuous or split for adjustability and hinged for increased manipulability.

Abstract: A method for drying grain with a single drying step is based on the glass transition temperature (Tg) hypothesis. The air used to dry the grain is maintained at a sufficient temperature and relative humidity (RH) such that the grain remains entirely in the rubbery state during the drying process, which prevents the formation of fissures that result from the transition of the grain to the glassy state at the grain kernel periphery. The result of the process is an improved head rice yield (HRY) comparable to longer, multi-step drying methods but which may be accomplished in less time and with lower energy requirements.

Abstract: The present invention aims to shorten a drying time for time for drying a coiled electrode. To this end, a drying device for drying the coiled electrode wound on a winding core includes a heating unit for heating the coiled electrode from a winding core side. Since this enables heat to be transferred from a core part toward a surface of the coiled electrode, tiny spaces can be generated between layers of an electrode and moisture can be evaporated from these spaces. Thus, moisture of the core part side, which has been difficult to evaporate, can be reliably evaporated and a drying time for the coiled electrode can be shortened.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to microfluidics, and to spray drying and other drying techniques. In some aspects, an article containing one or more channels or microfluidic channels is used to mix one or more fluids prior to spray drying. The mixing may occur immediately before the fluids are expelled through a nozzle or other opening into a drying region of the spray dryer. In one set of embodiments, for example, a first fluid is exposed to a second fluid, then the fluids are exposed to air or other gases before being expelled through a nozzle. In certain instances, the first fluid may contain a dissolved species that may precipitate upon exposure to the second fluid; such precipitation may occur immediately before expulsion through a nozzle or other opening, thereby resulting in controlled precipitation as part of the spray drying process.

Abstract: Tumble dryer (301) comprising a drum (302) that is rotatably positioned for containing laundry, and furthermore a blower (341) and an air inlet system (332) for via an air inlet supplying air to the drum (302). The tumble dryer (301) comprises a control system (305) for controlling at least a drive of the drum and the blower (341). A first stationary wall (371) of the tumble dryer (301) is placed near a first end surface of the drum (302) and a second stationary wall (372) is placed near a second end surface of the drum. The first wall is provided with a first air supply opening (311) and the second wall with a first air discharge opening (322). The first air supply opening (311) is placed substantially at a lower side of the first wall (371), and the first air discharge opening (322) is placed substantially at an upper side of the second wall (372), wherein the blower (341) is placed upstream from the first air supply opening (311) for blowing air through the first air supply opening into the drum.

Abstract: An outsole, especially for sports shoes, that can be formed with a large amount of elastic deformability even in the tangential direction towards the front and the back, enabling a good cushioning effect even when the tread of the foot is inclined and somewhat slipping. Beyond at least one critical deformation in the deformed region, the sole remains essentially rigid in relation to tangential deformation. In this way, the runner has a secure footing on the respective tread point. The elastic deformability of the sole also in the tangential direction is caused by at least one first element, and the rigidity of the sole in relation to tangential deformation beyond the at least one critical deformation, in addition to the degree of the at least one critical deformation in the deformed region is due to at least one second element.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: An article of footwear and insert for an article of footwear are provided with means for provisional instantaneous enhancing cutaneous mechanoreceptors pressure sensation from the plantar surface (sole) of the foot perimeter zone. Such instantaneous stimulation ought to compensate age/illness—related deterioration of plantar cutaneous sensation; it enhances its ability to detect and react to the shifts of the body's Center of Gravity (COG) toward the edges of the feet which, if left uncorrected right away, cause ankle sprain, and/or loss of balance and fall. An insole disclosed is provided with a set of pressure-activated protrusions, which form a narrow strip in close proximity to the perimeter of the insole inside the inner neighborhood of the plantar sole perimeter, and becomes active just when the Center Of Pressure (COP) of the wearer of the footwear is shifting dangerously toward the edges of the feet.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include body portions, optionally with an arched structure, that define a base orientation and an open space; and a spring member extending across the open space and engaging the body portion(s). When a force is applied to the body portion(s) in at least some orientations and/or directions of incident force, e.g., so as to change the impact-attenuation member out of its base orientation, the spring member may exert a force that urges the impact-attenuation member back toward the base orientation. Various example structures for the impact-attenuation member are described. Such impact-attenuation members may be used in articles of footwear or other foot-receiving device products.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper; an outer midsole having a base coupled to the upper, and a rim portion extending from the periphery of the base, wherein the rim portion defines a plurality of spaced apart gaps; and an inner midsole disposed interiorly to the rim portion, wherein a portion of the inner midsole is disposed in at least one gap.