Abstract: A process for fabricating a magnetic recording transducer for use in a data storage system comprises providing a substrate, an underlayer and a first nonmagnetic intermediate layer deposited to a first thickness on and in contact with the underlayer, performing a first scanning polishing on a first section of the first intermediate layer to planarize the first section of the first intermediate layer to a second thickness, providing a main pole in the planarized first section of the first intermediate layer, providing a first pattern of photoresist on and in contact with the first section of the first intermediate layer, the pattern comprising an aperture to define a side shield trench, performing a wet etch to remove at least a portion of the first intermediate layer thereby exposing at least one of the plurality of main pole sides, and depositing side shield material in the side shield trench.

Abstract: A method and mass storage device that combine multiple solid state drives (SSDs) to a single volume. The device includes a carrier board and at least two solid state drives having power and data connections to the carrier board. The carrier board includes a circuit board functionally connected to a control logic and at least two secondary connectors that are disposed at different edges of the circuit board and functionally connected to the control logic. The solid state drives are connected to the carrier board through the secondary connectors, and each solid state drive has a power and data connector directly connected to one of the secondary connectors of the carrier board. The solid state drives are oriented substantially parallel to the carrier board and to each other.

Abstract: A ball grid array presentment apparatus and associated method are provided. The apparatus has a stationary guard defining a first passage. A core is mounted adjacent to the stationary guard, the core being operably moveable between an unload position and a second position. The core defines a second passage and supports a workpiece fixture operably retaining the ball grid array. The unload position of the core operably aligns the second passage to the first passage, the aligned passages being sized to permit access to unload the ball grid array from the workpiece fixture. The second position of the core operably misaligns the second passage from the first passage whereat the core and the stationary guard cooperatively form an enclosure around the workpiece fixture containing a supply of balls that are not retained in the ball grid array.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a bottom panel, a first mounting member, and a second mounting member. The bottom panel includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The first mounting member includes a positioning portion and an installation portion. A concave portion is defined in the bottom surface, for receiving and preventing the positioning portion from rotating relative to the bottom panel. The bottom panel defines a through hole, for an installation portion. The second mounting member includes a locking portion. The locking portion defines an installation hole, for locking the installation portion. The bottom panel top surface t is between locking portion and positioning portion. The positioning portion bottom surface place in the same plane with the bottom panel bottom surface or is between the bottom panel top surface and the bottom panel bottom surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board includes preparing a core substrate having first and second surfaces, forming a penetrating hole from the first surface toward the second surface of the substrate, forming first conductor on the first surface of the substrate, forming second conductor on the second surface of the substrate, and filling conductive material in the hole such that through-hole conductor connecting the first and second conductors is formed. The forming of the hole includes forming a first opening portion on the first-surface side of the substrate, a second opening portion from the bottom of the first portion toward the second surface, and a third opening portion from the bottom of the second portion toward the second surface, and the forming of the hole satisfies X2<X3?X1 where X1, X2 and X3 represent the diameters of the first, second and third portions.

Abstract: There is provided a component mounting apparatus, which includes: a nozzle which sucks a component; a nozzle supporting member, on which the nozzle is installed, which moves in a vertical direction with respect to an upper surface of a substrate on which the component sucked at the nozzle is mounted; an optical system which captures an image of a leading edge portion of the nozzle where the component is sucked in a component mounting operation, from a side direction, such that an optical axis of the optical system is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a sucking surface of the nozzle; and an analyzer which analyzes the image of the leading edge portion to determine whether a sucking state of the component sucked by the nozzle is normal or abnormal.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a module, a substrate is placed above a resin bath while a electronic component is directed downward. In addition, a resin thrown into the resin bath is softened until it becomes flowable. Then, a first surface of the substrate is brought into contact with a liquid surface of the softened resin. The softened resin is allowed to flow forcibly into a gap between the substrate and the electronic component. Then, the resin cures, and a resin portion is formed. Further, a metal thin film is formed on the surface of the resin portion by sputtering to form the shield metal film.

Abstract: A terminal crimping device where an electric wire is moved from a wire stripping section to a terminal crimping section, with both ends of the wire held by two wire holding hands of a wire conveying hand, and is subjected to terminal crimping processing by terminal crimping pressing devices. The terminal crimping device has the second wire conveying hand for conveying the wire at the terminal crimping section. The wire conveying hand conveys the wire without passing it from one side of the wire crimping pressing devices to the other side, so that an occurrence of a holding failure of the wire is suppressed even if the number of the terminal crimping pressing devices is increased or the conveyance speed of the wire is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for winding wires of electrical connector, which includes adopting a unique process to wind wires around a ring body, wherein first and second wire groups each including four different color wires are respectively wound around upper and lower half portions of the ring body and respectively forming first and second input terminal wires and first and second output terminal wires. The first and second input terminal wires are twisted with corresponding ones to thereby achieve reduction of reluctance and better application to high frequency signals.

Abstract: A bipolar electrode assembly includes a substrate having proximal and distal ends and supports first electrode and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are disposed in an interwoven configuration across the surface of the substrate from the proximal to distal ends. A cooling medium is disposed interposed between the first and second electrodes from the proximal to distal ends. The first and second electrodes each include a plurality of finger-like prongs which either extend lengthwise or transversely or the first and second electrodes extend spiral inwardly along the surface of the substrate. The prongs of the first electrode intermesh with the prongs of the second electrode. Each prong is separated by the cooling medium. First and second electrodes may be disposed in a lengthwise alternating configuration across the surface of the substrate with a cooling medium disposed in vertical registration thereunder.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow engine valve includes inserting a half-finished hollow shaft section in sequence into die holes which have different hole shapes, and sequentially drawing so as to reduce the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the hollow shaft section and stretch its length in stages. The half-finished product is subjected to heat treatment so that the hardness thereof is lower than or equal to a predetermined level. A shaft end sealing section is formed by increasing the wall thickness of the opening end of the hollow shaft section toward the inside of the opening and the gap in the shaft end sealing section is welded.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping an edge of an aerofoil comprising a brush and the brush comprises a plurality of bristles extending substantially parallel to each other. A motor rotates the brush about an axis. The axis is arranged substantially parallel to the bristles of the brush. A support structure holds the brush such that the axis intersects a first surface of the edge of the aerofoil or holds the brush such that the axis intersects a second surface of the edge of the aerofoil. There are means to move the brush such that the brush contacts the first surface of the edge or such that the brush contacts the second surface of the edge. There are means to produce relative movement of the brush and the aerofoil such that the first brush moves longitudinally along the edge of the aerofoil to shape the edge of the aerofoil.

Abstract: An automated tool and method for spacing a gap between the anti-vibration bars and the flow tubing in the bend region of a tube bundle of a U-tube steam generator, prior to welding, during manufacture. The tool comprises two toggle clamp elements attached to a scissors assembly, which are actuated by a linear drive motor in line with a force gauge, and coupled to a distance measuring device. The tool is operated by first attaching the toggle clamps respectively to two adjacent anti-vibration bars. A linear drive motor on the tool is then cycled and readouts of force and distance are plotted on a curve to determine the point of contact between the anti-vibration bar and the tube. The computer then automatically cycles the drive motor to adjust the gap to a desired range of position coordinates adjacent the point at which the curve markedly changes slope.

Abstract: Provided is a cartridge for a razor for holding one or more razor blades in a canted orientation including a metal piece formed from sheet metal bent along two or more bend lines running parallel to a longitudinal axis of the metal piece to form a curved top portion, a flat center section, and a curved bottom portion. The cartridge further includes slotted openings cut in linear parallel alignment in the longitudinal direction of the center section of the metal piece and having a sharpened edge such that a razor blade having a first and a second sharpened cutting edge is formed between each set of slotted openings, wherein the slotted openings are canted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the metal piece thereby forming a plurality of canted razor blades. A handle adapted for use with the cartridge is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a saw device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handheld centerless saw. The saw comprises a frame and a pair of driving rollers mounted to the frame for rotation. The saw also comprises an annular blade mounted between the drive rollers and functionally engaged thereby, where the blade defines frontward and backward hemispheres. At least two guide wheels are mounted to the frame, or to a cover mounted to the frame, the guide wheels being positioned in the backward hemisphere of the blade. The guide wheels are operatively engaging the inner circular edge of the blade. A drive assembly mounted to the frame is operable for urging the countersense rotation of drive rollers, thereby causing rotation of the blade.

Abstract: An interlocking double throwing knife comprises: a first opposable throwing knife having a first blade and a first handle attached to the first blade, where the first handle has a first receptacle for housing another blade; and a second opposable throwing knife having a second blade and a second handle attached to the second blade, where the second handle has a second receptacle for housing another blade. The first opposable throwing knife and the second opposable throwing knife interlock by simultaneously inserting the first blade into the second receptacle and the second blade into the first receptacle such that the first blade and the second blade are sheathed within opposing knife handles.

Abstract: A folding tool includes a handle and an implement pivotally coupled to the handle. The implement is adapted to travel between a closed position and an open position. The implement includes a tang having a contoured surface. The folding tool also includes a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position along an axis that is transverse to a plane defined by the implement. The folding tool further includes a cantilever spring having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end adapted to interact with the tang of the implement. The spring exerts a closing force on the implement when the blade is in a closed position. The spring exerts an opening force on the implement during at least a portion of the travel of the implement between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: The utility knife device generally comprises a sheath, covering a portion of the user's hand and a blade housing which attach together at a connection point. The blade housing is made up of a casing which preferably encloses the user's index finger, a blade housed within the casing and a trigger which extends out of the casing and manipulates the blade. The blade is capable of extending outward from the casing being held in place for use. The blade is also capable of automatically retracting within the casing so that the blade is not exposed.

Abstract: A hand tool for use with a cutting blade having two parallel cutting edges provides for selective locking of a handle portion relative to a tool holding portion in two positions which are mirror images of each other, thereby allowing for use of both opposed parallel cutting edges of the cutting blade without the need for removal and re-positioning of the cutting blade in the tool holding portion.

Abstract: A collapsible bolt cutter includes compound levers a first lever of which includes elongate handles and a second lever of which includes cutting jaws for transmitting a force applied to the handles to the cutting jaws with a mechanical advantage when the handles are urged to move towards each other. The handles are each split along their length to form free handle portions articulated to the second levers. Locks or latches a provided for selectively locking the handle portions in the aligned operative positions during normal use while being manually releasable to release the free handle portions to allow the free handle portions to be pivoted to a second folded position when not in use and for storage.

Abstract: A splitting implement comprises a first head member, a second head member attached thereto, and a handle on which the first head member is disposed. The first head member is configured for splitting a surface or an object, and the second head member may be similarly configured, except that the second head member is of such dimensions that it does not strike the object or surface until after the first head member strikes the object or surface. The second head member may assist the first head member in penetrating the surface or object and in splitting the surface or object. In the event that the splitting implement becomes embedded in the surface or object, the second head member may increase the leverage that the splitting implement may exert for extracting the splitting implement from the surface or object.

Abstract: A disclosed sensor assembly for detecting movement and a position of a wing flap includes a sensing device that generates a signal corresponding to a position of the flap. The sensor assembly includes a linkage that is attached to the movable flap for mechanically communicating movement of the flap to the sensing device. The linkage includes a first pivot shaft mounted to the flap that is disposed about a first axis and a second pivot shaft attached to the first pivot shaft for movement about a second axis transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: Measuring device for determining a leg length for measurement of stockings, in particular medical compression stockings, comprising a base plate with a foot-receiving surface and, arranged vertically thereon, a measurement board, wherein the measurement board (6), which can be mounted releasably on the base plate (2), is composed of a plurality of releasably connectable board sections (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d).

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring a counterbore hole chamfer depth of a workpiece, includes a positioning member having a guiding hole aligned with the counterbore hole of the workpiece, a support member having a receiving hole aligned with the guiding hole, and a measuring device supported by the support member. The measuring device includes a gauge, a retractable pole connected to the gauge and extending into the receiving hole, and a measuring head portion connected to the retractable pole and movably received in the guiding hole. The measuring head portion has a cone-shaped end for abutting on an inner wall of the counterbore hole chamfer, thereby making the measuring head portion move back in the guiding hole and the retractable pole retract. The gauge is configured for calculating and displaying the depth of the counterbore hole chamfer based on the distance the retractable pole retracts.

Abstract: When calculating a compensation value for a geometric error, a first index representing an order of connection of drive axes in a machine and a second index representing an order of connection of the drive axes including the geometric error are obtained. Then, a first vector is obtained by performing a matrix operation of a reference vector according to information on the connection in the first index, and a second vector is obtained by performing the matrix operation of the reference vector according to information on the connection in the second index. Thereafter, a difference between the first vector and the second vector is obtained as the compensation value.

Abstract: An oxidation furnace for the oxidative treatment of fibres, which, comprises a process chamber arranged inside a housing, a blowing device arranged in the centre of the process chamber, a suction device arranged in the two opposite end regions of the process chamber, at least one ventilator that circulates the hot air through the blowing device, the process chamber and the suction devices, and at least one heating device arranged in the flow path of the hot circulated air. The blowing device comprises a plurality of vertically interspaced blowing boxes comprising an inlet, and, on opposite sides, outlets for the hot air. Two stacks of vertically interspaced blowing boxes may be provided, said blowing boxes being interspaced one behind the other in the direction of movement of the fibres, and/or the built-in boxes in a stack comprise at least one additional outlet in the upper side and the lower side, for hot air.

Abstract: An oxidation furnace for the oxidative treatment of fibres, especially for producing carbon fibres, which, comprises a process chamber arranged inside a housing, a blowing device for hot air, at least one suction device arranged in an end region of the process chamber, at least one ventilator that circulates the hot air through the blowing device, the process chamber and the suction device, and at least one heating device arranged in the flow path of the hot circulated air. The suction device is formed from a plurality of vertically interspaced suction boxes. Said boxes have at least one outlet for the hot air, and at least one inlet for hot air, communicating with the process chamber and arranged in the outward-facing side of the suction boxes, that is the side that is at a distance from the centre of the process chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a canister having a front panel. The front panel has a slit extending across a width of the panel. The canister is operable for being supported from a first vertical surface. A spring-loaded axle is operable for rotating in a first direction to generate a tension sufficient to rotate the axel in a second direction. Caps are joined to the canister for substantially enclosing the axel within the canister. A netting supports wet garments to lay flat. The netting comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is joined to the axel with the second end protruding from the slit. A hem bar is joined to the second end of the netting. Means secures the hem bar to a second vertical surface. A tension knob is joined to the end of the axel and is operable for adjusting a level of the tension.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for drying flexible tubular casings by microwaves, in particular for drying coated or uncoated food casings, and also to the use of microwaves for drying such casings. In addition, the invention relates to an integrated system for producing and drying flexible tubular casings by microwaves.

Abstract: An apparatus for freeze drying a substrate is provided. A chamber for receiving a substrate is provided. An electrostatic chuck (ESC) for supporting and electrostatically clamping the substrate is within the chamber. A temperature controller controls the temperature of the electrostatic chuck. A condenser is connected to the chamber. A vacuum pump is in fluid connection with the chamber.

Abstract: Vacuum concentrator, comprising a vacuum chamber with a closure which may be sealed in an airtight manner, a centrifuge rotor arranged in the vacuum chamber with at least one receiver for at least one vessel for samples to be dried, a drive motor arranged outside the vacuum chamber for driving the centrifuge rotor, a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum chamber, a tempering device associated with the vacuum chamber for tempering the at least one sample in the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor associated with the vacuum chamber for detecting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber and an electrical control and evaluating device which is connected to the drive motor, the vacuum pump, the tempering device and the pressure sensor, for detecting the end point of the vacuum concentration by means of the pressures detected by the pressure sensor in the vacuum chamber and terminating the vacuum concentration when the end point is determined.

Abstract: A substrate processing method and apparatus which can remove an anti-drying liquid, which has entered a three-dimensional pattern with recessed portions formed in a substrate, in a relatively short time. The substrate processing method includes the steps of: carrying a substrate, having a three-dimensional pattern formed in a surface, into a processing container, said pattern being covered with an anti-drying liquid that has entered the recessed portions of the pattern; heating the substrate and supplying a pressurizing gas or a fluid in a high-pressure state into the processing container, thereby forming a high-pressure atmosphere in the processing container before the anti-drying liquid vaporizes to such an extent as to cause pattern collapse and bringing the anti-drying liquid into a high-pressure state while keeping the liquid in the recessed portions of the pattern; and thereafter discharging a fluid in a high-pressure state or a gaseous state from the processing container.

Abstract: Apparatus to dry milled silicon particles has solvent spray nozzles, solvent drainage, gas inlet, and gas exhaust. This drying can occur, for example, following an acid etch and a deionized water rinse. The drying apparatus is an enclosed system with a lid that contains a solvent feeding tube and exhaust ventilation. This enclosed system design creates an effective low temperature drying system in an inert atmosphere. The apparatus can handle a variety of different particle sizes, inhibits the growth of surface oxides on the particles by using lower temperatures, and allows reuse of solvent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing lint from air that is discharged from a clothes dryer uses a lint filtration housing mounted on the frame of the clothes dryer, the filtration housing having an interior that contains a filter for removing lint from the dryer exhaust air flow stream. The housing provides an influent fitting for transmitting heating exhaust air from the drying chamber to the housing interior. An ambient air supply enables ambient air to be added to the filtration housing interior. One or more vanes is provided that create an annular vortex within the filtration housing interior. The flow of the annular vortex within the filtration housing interior can be between about 500 and 3,000 cubic feet per second. A flow line transmits pre-heated air from the filtration housing interior to the dryer interior.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drying slurry-like materials, in particular sludge from wastewater treatment plants, including two drying stages, namely: a first indirect drying stage (2), supplied with hot fluid, which receives sludge having an entry dryness Se, and outputs sludge having an intermediate dryness Si and water steam, which is channelled towards a condenser (8) in which a heating fluid, in particular water, is reheated and, in turn, heats a heating gas for a second drying stage (6); and a step (5) of forming strings of sludge at the exit from the first stage; the second stage (6) of drying the strings of sludge using gas at least partially heated by the heat extracted from the condenser, said second stage outputting a slurry having a final dryness Sf; the intermediate dryness Si is controlled according to the measured entry dryness Se and the desired exit dryness Sf, for minimum consumption of the total energy used for drying, the flow rate, pressure and/or temperature of the hot fluid (3)

Abstract: A shoe is designed to enable unhindered natural foot motion between the foot and the ground. The shoe is constructed with a cupped heel, a contoured arch, a radiused forepart and neutral heel/forefoot position to create a foot bed that anatomically cradles a wearer's foot. A soft, flexible strobel stitched insole is added, which utilizes encapsulated high resiliency foam. The outsole is sculpted to have rounded natural edges and an anatomically correct flex location toward the forefoot of the shoe where softer, more flexible materials are used. The outsole is further designed with harder, protective materials strategically placed in high ground-contact areas to deliver protection and support. An optional midfoot support element may be positioned between the insole and outsole to control torsional stiffness. Upper materials are selected to minimize restriction of movement and promote breathability.

Abstract: The present invention provides orthotic inserts which are designed to accommodate a wide range of individuals in ready-made shoes. The orthotic inserts are compatible with a variety of shoe sizes and styles and provide a cost efficient alternative to custom made orthotics. The invention further provides methods for manufacturing the orthotic inserts in an efficient continuously automated manner.

Abstract: The heel counter structure includes a sole plate provided at least at the heel region of the shoe and having a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is upraised along the heel region of the shoe so as to enclose the lower portion of the heel portion of the foot of the wearer. The heel structure also includes a pair of heel counter portions provided on the medial and lateral sides of the heel region of the shoe so as to sandwich the heel portion of the foot sideways. The heel counter portions are coupled to the peripheral portion of the sole plate at the lower ends of the heel counter portions so that the heel counter portions can tilt inwardly and outwardly independently of the sole plate. The heel counter portions are separated from the peripheral portion of the sole plate except the lower ends of the heel counter portions.

Abstract: Provided are a last for making an article of footwear, an article of footwear that is made from the last and a method for manufacturing the last. The last has dimensions defined by a last length, a joint girth, an instep girth and a heel breadth. In the last, a ratio of the last length to the joint girth is between 0.920 and 0.976, a ratio of the last length to the instep girth is between 0.945 and 1.006, and a ratio of the last length to the heel breadth is between 0.255 and 0.259. The last can provide a shape suitable for comfortably accommodating the elderly foot.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a woman's fashion shoe with a removable insole fitted inside a sleeve so as to appear as part of the shoe. The sleeve both conceals the insole and holds it in place. The invention allows women to wear fashion shoes comfortably with prescription or off the shelf orthotics.

Abstract: An aluminum shoe. An aluminum outer sole has a top side, a bottom side and at least two bends to follow the contour of a wearer's foot. An aluminum heel is welded to the bottom of the aluminum outer sole. A flexible, cushioned inner sole is glued to the top side of the aluminum outer sole. A foot retention means for holding the foot onto the inner sole is connected to the inner sole. In a preferred embodiment a front heel and a rear heel are welded to the bottom side of the outer sole. Also, in a preferred embodiment, three bends are placed into the outer sole to better follow the contour of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: Footwear assemblies with a light weight sole assembly securely attached to an upper and associated methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes an upper connected to a light weight sole assembly, wherein the sole assembly has a durable outsole securely attached to a lightweight midsole, and a lightweight cradle style chassis is attached to the midsole. The chassis has a body and sidewalls extending upwardly from the lateral and medial side portions of the body to define a concave structure that receives a portion of the upper therein. At least a portion of the upper is cemented to the chassis, and edge portions of the upper are stitched to the sidewalls of the chassis.

Abstract: Shoe constructions which automatically adjust the effective girth of a shoe to enable the shoe to change in girth throughout a day in accordance with changes in a wearer's foot, including along the upper and lower side edges of the ball, waist, and instep of the wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear including heel portion movable relative to the forefoot portion from a first articulated configuration to a second articulated configuration is provided. An articulation assembly having a forefoot articulation member and a heel articulation member is also provided. The articulation assembly couples the forefoot portion to the heel portion and includes a hinge mechanism and a cam mechanism. The hinge mechanism may include a pin located within a socket. The cam mechanism may include a cam surface and a protrusion configured to ride on the cam surface. The article of footwear may include a locking mechanism having a first locking element that engages a second locking element in the first articulated configuration. The first locking element may be a first concavity formed in a surface and the second locking element may be a protrusion configured to extend into the first concavity in the first articulated configuration.

Abstract: An insert system for an article of footwear includes an outer assembly, a first insert assembly and a second insert assembly. The outer assembly is configured to interchangeably receive the first insert assembly and the second insert assembly. The first insert assembly includes a first sleeve member and a first midsole configured to provide enhanced cushioning and support. The first sleeve member includes a tongue and a fastening member that wraps around the tongue. The second insert assembly includes a second sleeve member and a second midsole configured to enhance speed.

Abstract: A footwear wrap for decorative attachment to footwear and the wearer's leg without the need for any fasteners fixed to the footwear. A fabric strap has a central fastener, such as a buttonhole, which permits a central portion of the strap to be secured to a footwear component. The strap, after being looped around a shoe attachment point, can have its end threaded through the enclosed hole and its central region tightened around the attachment point. A first two part fastener has connectable male and female components that are longitudinally spaced from the central fastener on one side of the central fastener for permitting the strap to be attached to itself by the first two part fastener. A second, similar, two part fastener is longitudinally spaced on the opposite side of the central fastener for a similar purpose.

Abstract: This invention includes embodiments which disclose a magnetic sole insert system wherein there are a plurality of magnets embedded within a shoe insert base and wherein the angle of the magnetic axis of each of the plurality of magnets to other magnets in the plurality of magnets is random in both two and in three dimensions.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper; a midsole positioned beneath the upper and including a plurality of support members, at least one support member being formed of a lower portion formed of a first material, and an upper portion positioned above the lower portion and formed of a second material, the second material having a higher resiliency than that of the first material.

Abstract: The invention provides a foot covering to protect one's feet from the surface contamination of public floors. The Air Pedipad is a one size fits all adhesive pad which adheres to one's skin or sock. The Air Pedipad is composed of recycled paper and a light adhesive to attach to the barefoot or sock. The Air Pedipad possesses an antimicrobial material that inhibits fatty acid synthesis in bacteria and prevents makes pathogen growth impossible.

Abstract: Outer sole of a climbing shoe made of a flexible natural or synthetic rubber material having the general appearance of a smooth surface, the outer sole including at least in the zone located in its front portion, grooves produced by etching.