Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly includes a first step of forming one kind of a radical unit or at least two kinds of radical units having an alternately stacked structure of a same number of electrodes and separators; and a second step of forming a cell stack part by repeatedly stacking one kind of the radical units, or by stacking at least two kinds of the radical units. Edge of the separator is not joined with that of adjacent separator. One kind of radical unit has a four-layered structure in which first electrode, first separator, second electrode and second separator are sequentially stacked together or a repeating structure in which the four-layered structure is repeatedly stacked, and at least two kinds of radical units are stacked by ones to form the four-layered structure or the repeating structure.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a film-wrapped electrical device, including: a first injection step of depressurizing, to a given pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, the inside of an injection chamber (2) in which a bag-shaped laminate film wrapping member (29) is placed, the laminate film wrapping member (29) having an opening portion (29a) and housing an electrode assembly (21?) including a positive electrode and a negative electrode stacked with a separator therebetween, and injecting part of a predetermined injection amount of an electrolyte solution (20) into the wrapping member (29) through the opening portion (29a); and a second injection step of, after the first injection step, pressurizing the inside of the injection chamber (2) to a pressure higher than the given pressure and injecting the rest of the predetermined injection amount of the electrolyte solution (20).

Abstract: A system for assembling a camera for a vision system of a vehicle includes a circuit board having an imaging array sensor disposed thereat, with the circuit board having connector circuitry at a side thereof. A lens barrel is provided and the circuit board is attached at the lens barrel. Solder pads are provided at the connector circuitry. A coaxial connector is provided and the coaxial connector is aligned with the connector circuitry at the circuit board. The system includes determining when the coaxial connector is aligned with the connector circuitry at the circuit board. When the coaxial connector is determined to be aligned with the connector circuitry, the coaxial connector is attached at the connector circuitry, with attaching the coaxial connector at the connector circuitry including soldering the coaxial connector at the connector circuitry via the solder pads.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting system includes a screen printing device, an inspection device, an electronic component mounting device, a feedback part that generates, based on inspection data formed by the inspection device, first information about corrections on control parameters pertinent to positioning of a mask to a substrate in the screen printing device, and a feedforward part that generates, based on the inspection data, second information about corrections on electronic component mount coordinates in the electronic component mounting device. The feedback part generates the first information based on the first print displacement value. The feedforward part generates the second information based on the second print displacement value.

Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of easily manufacturing a biosensor in which each of an enzyme layer and a mediator layer contains a hydrophilic polymer having no double bond of oxygen atoms and thereby which can be stored for a long period. Since an enzyme layer and a mediator layer are formed together as a reaction layer, there is no need to individually form enzyme layer and mediator layer on a cover layer and an electrode layer, respectively, as in a conventional biosensor, and reaction layer can be easily formed. Since each of enzyme layer and mediator layer contains the hydrophilic polymer having no double bond of oxygen atoms, a reaction between an enzyme and a mediator can be suppressed, and reduction of the mediator in mediator layer can be suppressed, in a stored state. Therefore, a biosensor which can be stored for a long period can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a billboard system illuminated by an arc lamp which includes a reflector with reflector features and an output lens includes the steps of removing the lens from the arc lamp housing, mapping the light pattern output of the arc lamp, and then removing the arc lamp and reflector from the housing. Next, a plurality of LEDs is mounted on an LED circuit board in a pattern so that light output by the LEDs replicates the light pattern of the arc lamp, including the reflected light. The circuit board is then installed inside the housing, and the lens is reattached. Preferably, the LEDs include a central LED cluster of densely packed LEDs to replicate the original output of the arc and a pair of LED groups of less densely packed LEDs, located on either side of the LED cluster, to replicate the output from the reflector.

Abstract: Methods of patterning metal nanowire containing transparent conductive films using laser diodes, where the films comprise a radiation absorbing substance, such as an infrared absorbing substance or an ultraviolet absorbing substance. The use of laser diodes can decrease the time and costs associated with patterning transparent conductive films comprising nanowires, such as silver nanowires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a circuit board involving the removal of a subregion thereof. In said method, at least two layers or plies of the circuit board (1) are interconnected, the subregion (6) to be removed is prevented from being connected to an adjacent ply of the circuit board by providing a layer (7) of adhesion-preventing or bonding-preventing material, and peripheral zones (8) of the subregion (6) to be removed are separated from adjoining zones of the circuit board (1). According to the invention, a fissure formation and/or a detachment from the subregion (6) of the circuit board (1) to be removed is initiated in a subregion in or on the layer (7) of adhesion-preventing or bonding-preventing material, and the subregion (6) to be removed is then removed, thus making it possible to remove a subregion (6) to be removed from a circuit board (1) in a simple and reliable, and if necessary automated, manner.

Abstract: A forging process is conducted in a temperature range of 350-600° C. on at least a portion that is required to have a fatigue strength in an intermediate forged product having a ferrite and pearlite texture obtained by conducting a hot forging on a steel in which N is not greater than an amount at which N is unavoidably dissolved as a solid, thereby improving strength of the portion that is required to have a fatigue strength. With this, there is provided a forged product having a good strength and a low price.

Abstract: Machine tool, comprising a workpiece carrier assembly (11) including a workpiece carrier (12), said workpiece carrier assembly (11) being supported on a workpiece carrier support (1) for horizontal movement in a first direction in parallel with a horizontal Z axis; a first tool carrier (21), supported on a tool carrier support (2) for horizontal movement in a second direction, said first tool carrier (21) being displaceable in said second direction between an operative position in which said first tool carrier (21) is facing said workpiece carrier assembly (11), and an inoperative position in which said first tool carrier (21) is not facing the workpiece carrier assembly (11). The invention also relates to a method of machining a connecting rod using the machine tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation tool for assembling a main rotor shaft unit and an assembly method thereof. The installation tool comprises a first element for supporting the generator end of the rotor shaft and a rotatable support plate is coupled to a second element of the installation tool via engaging coupling elements. The rotor shaft is rotated by a single crane unit via lifting elements mounted to the generator end, and then lifted out of the installation tool and placed on a floor. The bearing units are then mounted to the outer surface of the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is afterwards lifted onto the installation tool so that the coupling element is brought into engagement and the rotor shaft is rotated on to the first element. This provides an installation tool that eliminates the need for two crane units to rotate the rotor shaft and reduces the amount of man-hours needed to assemble the rotor shaft unit by up to six hours.

Abstract: A method for producing a turbine rotor of an exhaust gas turbocharger, wherein the turbine rotor includes a turbine wheel with a hub and turbine blades that extend from the hub, and a shaft, includes the steps of: providing the turbine wheel and the shaft; forming a protective layer by applying or introducing a halogen on or in the surface of the turbine wheel and subsequently heat-treating the turbine wheel; and connecting the shaft to the hub of the turbine wheel after the protective coating is formed.

Abstract: An exemplary method for manufacturing a fan rotor includes the following steps. First, a discoid-shaped metal sheet is provided. Second, the metal sheet is stamped such that the stamped metal sheet includes a hub at a middle thereof, a blade-portion spaced from and surrounding the hub, and supporting bars interconnecting the hub and the blade-portion. The blade-portion includes outer peripheral blades adjacent to each other. Third, a free end of each blade is curled up by force applied along a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the blade-portion. Finally, each blade is bent downward about an axis coinciding with a portion of one side of the blade that connects with an inner periphery of the blade-portion.

Abstract: Two plates, corresponding to the diameter of a length of riveting material being used, act as gauges and are placed separately on the top and bottom of at least one components to be made into a jewelry item. The length of material, such as a wire or tubing, is passed through holes in all the components, and the holes of the plates. This allows the jewelry maker to cut the length of material flush with the exposed surface of the plate on the top of the stack. This automatically measures the optimal length of material needed to span the combined thickness of all the components to be riveted together, while providing the desired length exposed at the top and bottom of the stacked pieces, to fashion a properly formed and secure flattened rivet head on each end of the length of material.

Abstract: A structural system and method of assembly comprising structural members with slots, and interior structural members. Specific structural members are sequentially interconnected in rigid alignment. A first structural member is positioned with two upward facing slots. Additional structural members are added by engaging downward facing slots of the additional structure members with upward facing slots of the prior structural member. The structural members further include engagement features in cooperating slots. A protruding features engages a recess to retain the engaged structural members. The features may be a partial sphere and a matching recess which may be disassembly, or a tapered protrusion having a squared-off rear edge which resists disassembly, or one of a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a trailer including a frame supporting a trailer bed and having rotatable wheels and a tongue for pivotal attachment to a land vehicle hitch. The method includes forming a plurality of structural members. Each structural member is made by cutting desired shapes having a desired perimeter edge outline and fastener holes from a metal sheet having galvanized protective coatings on both sides thereof, and bending the shapes for thereby forming into structural members. The structural members are secured together with rivets extending through the fastener holes thereby forming the trailer frame. The galvanized coatings are preferably one of zinc, aluminum or zinc and aluminum. The desired shapes are preferably cut by laser.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for joining at least two components to form a structural assembly, near a wing of an aircraft, wherein at least one component is formed from a fibre composite plastic and at least one further component is formed from either a metal or a fibre composite plastic. A bushing is secured in a hole through the components. The bushing includes a first end with a collar which faces towards a lower face of the structural assembly and a second end. A zone of an upper face of the structural assembly radially surrounds the second end and includes a depression. A connecting element is installed in the bushing. This provides a smooth, aerodynamically beneficial configuration of the upper face, which can be coated, and which ensures a reliable electrical contact between the connecting element and a conductive surface of the first component.

Abstract: A guardrail system (20) and method comprises utilizing at least one through-hole (577) of a poured concrete wall (520) of a structure (500) to affix a stanchion (22, 122, 222) to the wall inside a bay (530) of the structure. The stanchion allows for a guardrail (30) or a gate to be conveniently and securely positioned within the bay (530) without damage to the structure and without covering an edge (515, 525) of the structure (500). A fastener (24) inserts through the through-hole (577) which is a pre-existing tie-hole (576) resulting from formation of the wall (520). In one optional aspect a guardrail stanchion (222) includes a base segment (50) having at least two slots (26) for receiving fasteners (24) which insert through two tie-holes (576) of the wall (520), and at least one side segment (52) having at least one adjustment port (56), the side segment (52) extending generally perpendicular to the base segment (50).

Abstract: A shaving blade assembly including a blade unit and a skin contact member. A razor including a razor handle and such a shaving blade assembly. The blade unit includes at least one shaving blade having a cutting edge. The blade unit has a blade unit skin contact surface area, where the blade unit and the skin contact member have a shaving blade assembly skin contact surface area. The ratio between the shaving blade assembly skin contact surface area and the blade unit skin contact surface area is between approximately 2 and 3.1. The skin contact member can include a leading planar surface and a trailing planar surface defining a contact plane, and the contact plane and the shaving plane are parallel and the distance between the contact plane and the shaving plane is between approximately 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm.

Abstract: A shaving blade assembly including a blade unit and a skin contact member. A razor including a razor handle and such a shaving blade assembly. The blade unit includes at least one shaving blade having a cutting edge. The blade unit has a blade unit skin contact surface area, where the blade unit and the skin contact member have a shaving blade assembly skin contact surface area. The ratio between the shaving blade assembly skin contact surface area and the blade unit skin contact surface area is between approximately 2 and 3.1. The skin contact member can include a leading planar surface and a trailing planar surface defining a contact plane, and the contact plane and the shaving plane are parallel and the distance between the contact plane and the shaving plane is between approximately 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm.

Abstract: A utility knife including a housing and a blade carrier at least partially within the housing. The blade carrier is configured to receive a first blade in a first end of the blade carrier and a second blade in a second end of the blade carrier, and is movable within the housing between a first extended position, a retracted position, and a second extended position. When the blade carrier is in the first extended position, the first blade is extended outwardly from a first end of the housing, when the blade carrier is in the retracted position the first and second blades are disposed entirely within the housing, and when the blade carrier is in the second extended position, the second blade is extended outwardly from the second end of the housing.

Abstract: A utility knife including a handle having a slot that extends through a bottom side of the handle and a first blade holder that is pivotal with respect to the handle between an extended position where a blade is exposed and configured to cut a work-piece and a folded position where the blade is within the slot of the handle. The knife further includes a spare blade holder including a recess configured to receive a spare blade, and the spare blade holder is pivotal with respect to the handle between an open position where the recess is exposed to allow the spare blade to be removed from the spare blade holder and a closed position where the recess is within the slot of the handle to inhibit removal of the spare blade from the spare blade holder.

Abstract: A keyhole saw blade or sabre saw blade for a power tool comprises a base blade having a cutting edge and a securing shank designed as one piece with the base blade. At least one impression is formed into the base blade or the securing shank.

Abstract: A jigsaw includes a main body having a grasping part configured to be grasped by a user, a blade projecting downwardly from a front part of the main body and configured to reciprocate up and down, and a base coupled to a lower part of the main body and configured to make contact with a workpiece. A rear end of a contact surface that is configured to make contact with the workpiece is located at a position that coincides with or is rearward of the rear end of the grasping part.

Abstract: A tool capable of creating and measuring circles and circular profiles of any size without the need for a pivoting center arm. Circle size can be selectively adjusted and held, and both the inside and outside of tool creates and measures circles of a near infinite number of size. The tool contains marking rules such as radius, diameter, arc length, circumference, sector area, area of a circle for any size circle, etc., obviating the need for calculating the same, and any or a combination of unit measure systems can be employed.

Abstract: There is provided an eyeglass frame shape measuring apparatus includes an eyeglass frame holding unit which holds an eyeglass frame, and a measuring unit which measures a shape of a rim of the eyeglass frame by tracing a contour of the rim of the eyeglass frame. The measuring unit includes a tracing stylus which is inserted into a groove of the rim, a tracing stylus moving unit which moves the tracing stylus in a radial direction of the rim, and a rotating unit which rotates the tracing stylus moving unit about a first axis set to pass through an inside of the contour of the rim such that the tip of the tracing stylus traces the rim along the contour of the rim, and which is disposed on a rear side of the eyeglass frame held by the eyeglass frame holding unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to a laser tracker for determining the position of an auxiliary measuring instrument that has a retroreflector and a multiplicity of target markings, and also for continuously tracking the auxiliary measuring instrument. The target markings may be arranged in a known fixed spatial distribution on the auxiliary measuring instrument and may be embodied to emit or reflect light beams. The laser tracker may have a first radiation source for producing measurement radiation, a distance measuring module, and a target sensing unit for determining an impingement point for radiation reflected by the retroreflector on a sensor of the target sensing unit and for producing an output signal in order to control a fine targeting functionality and a target tracking functionality.

Abstract: A laser surveying device includes a rotatable and tiltable laser head in a housing to rotate about a rotational axis set in a certain direction and project a laser beam around and a tilt angle detector to detect a tilt angle of the laser head relative to the housing. The tilt angle detector includes a pattern plate on which a certain pattern is formed, provided in one of the laser head and the housing, light receiving elements arranged in the other of the laser head and the housing at different positions opposite to positions of the pattern plate to receive light beams reflected by the pattern plate, and a determiner to determine a direction and an amount of tilt of the laser head on the basis of a light receiving amount of each of the light receiving elements.

Abstract: A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure that includes first and second differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that if either of the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a novel thumb screw type connector mechanism that enables the level to be removably interconnected with the structures to be leveled, such as conduit. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to various surfaces of the level and a bulls-eye level that is mounted on the top surface of the level body.

Abstract: A pivoting construction square is provided for measuring angles between adjacent planes, for drafting arcs or circles, and for quickly comparing measured angles to a roof pitch. The device comprises a first and second arm member pivotably attached to one another, wherein the outer ends thereof include apertures for accepting a writing utensil therein. A cross member is connected therebetween, one end thereof being pivotably fixed and the other being slidably disposed within an elongated rail. A locking pin member is adapted to lock the slidable end. Measurement indicia are provided along one arm to correspond to angles, while a quick reference guide comparing angles to roof pitch is also provided. Both arms include a bubble level, while one arm further includes a plurality of aligned apertures to receive a writing utensil. In this way, the device functions as a construction square, a compass, a ruler, and a protractor.

Abstract: A combination square for usage with a grooved blade, comprising: a straight component having a first straight edge and a second straight edge perpendicular to the first straight edge; an angled component having a third straight edge and an angled edge; a marked scale comprising degrees; a marker, wherein the square is configured to allow indication by the marker of angles on the scale; a slot configured to allow accommodating the blade; and a locking screw configured to allow clamping the combination square onto the blade at a desired position along the blade; wherein the angled component is rotatably connected to the straight component; and the square is further configured to allow measuring a center of a circle coupled to the second straight edge and the angled edge at a second end of range of motion of the rotation by the straight component relative to the angled component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fitting and determining the size of a patient interface, said device (10) comprising a sizing gauge(12), wherein the shape of the gauge (12) is configured to replicate the shape of a contacting surface of a patient interface with the portion of a patient's face, and a support (14) including a grip (16) for holding the device (10) by hand during use, which support (14) is mechanically coupled to said gauge (12).

Abstract: A method of determining the offset of the head part of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis stem component, relative to the neck of the stem part on which the head part can be fitted, involves obtaining a first and second images of the patient's joint on a non-coincident first and second planes. Template parts are fitted to the first and second images of the bone, which have markings on them which can be placed relative to the head part and the stem part respectively of the patient's bone, and scales for measuring first and second displacements which are the distances between the axis of the head part and the axis of the neck of the patient's bone measured in the first and second planes.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for obtaining one or more dimensions of an object employing, at least in part, touch sensors.

Abstract: An in-process diameter measuring apparatus equipped with a function of determining a measurement abnormality of a grinding machine is provided. The apparatus measures the diameter of a to-be-processed surface of a workpiece in the process of the workpiece. A sizing device (2) is provided including measuring heads (2X and 2Y) for detecting two locations spaced apart from each other in a diametric direction of the workpiece (W). Based on respective measured values of those measuring heads (2X and 2Y), the diametric dimension is calculated by a dimension calculator (32). With respect to the abnormality detection, the difference between the measured values (G1 and G2) of the measuring heads (2X and 2Y) is determined by a measurement abnormality determiner (34) and the occurrence of the measurement abnormality is determined when this measurement value difference (??) depart from a predetermined permissible range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal machine (1) for drying granular solid materials, comprising a hopper (2), a centrifuging mechanism (3), associated to the hopper (2), provided with a rotary helical device (6) enabling the transport of the granular solid materials. Said centrifuging mechanism (3) is also provided with a perforated rotary piece (7), surrounding the rotary helical device (6) configured to remove, by centrifugal force, free liquids adhered to the surface of the granular solid materials. Additionally, the machine (1) comprises a solid outlet duct (5) and a solid collecting chamber (8), arranged between the centrifuging mechanism (3) and the solid outlet duct (5), capable of receiving the centrifuging granular solid materials from the rotary piece (7). The solid collecting chamber (8) is provided with a solid conducting rotor (9), which comprises radial blades (10) configured to push the granular solid materials and impart an increase in tangential velocity to them.

Abstract: A dryer having a waste heat recovery device includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet and having a front surface and a rear surface, an intake duct configured to provide an intake flow path through which air flows into the drum, an exhaust duct configured to exhaust air coming from the drum out of the cabinet, a heater configured to heat air flowing into the drum, and an ambient air duct configured to inhale air from outside the cabinet and supply the air from outside the cabinet into the drum. The waste heat recovery device includes an evaporation unit configured to absorb heat from air that is exhausted from the drum, a condenser unit configured to transfer heat absorbed from the evaporation unit to ambient air that flows into the ambient air duct, and a heat transfer medium configured to transfer heat between the evaporation unit and the condenser unit.

Abstract: A boxing glove drying device has a body member. The body member has an open end and a closed end. The closed end is curved and configured for inserting into a boxing glove. A plurality of openings is formed in the body member.

Abstract: A horizontal rotating drum for mixing and drying treated seed with multiple functional zones separated by one or more dams that are attached to and rotate with the drum. The dam regulates the flow of seed through the drum's functional zones. The dam has one or more cleanout passages and an overflow passage centrally disposed within the dam to selectively regulate seed flow.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a freeze drying process in a freeze drying apparatus having walls, shelves and a number of vials or trays positioned on different areas of the shelves and containing product to be freeze dried. One or more vials or trays are selected that are representative of the positions of all of the vials or trays in different areas of the shelves. One or more heat flux sensors are positioned between the selected vials or trays and adjacent portions of the walls and/or shelves. The heat transfer between the selected vials or trays and the adjacent wall or shelf portions is measured during the freezing and drying stages of the freeze drying process.

Abstract: A rotary drum (302) for use within a vacuum chamber (212) in a vacuum freeze-dryer (204) for the bulkware production of freeze-dried particles is provided. The drum (302) is in open communication with the vacuum chamber (212) and comprises a main section (304) terminated by a front plate (306) and a rear plate (308), the rear plate (308) is adapted for connection with a rotary supporting shaft (312) for rotary support of the drum (302), and the rear plate (308) is permeable for sublimation vapor from freeze-drying the particles.

Abstract: A method, for drying an etched layer with a plurality of structures with etched spaces between the plurality of structures is provided. A liquid is provided within the spaces on the etched layer. The liquid is displaced with a drying solution with a solvent. Some of the solvent is removed from the drying solution to form a solid from the solution, wherein the solid at least fill half the height of the etched high aspect ratio spaces. The solid is removed.

Abstract: A dryer performance optimization system comprising a dryer having an inner wall and being adapted to rotate at variable speeds and a variable frequency drive being adapted to vary the rotational speed of the dryer. The preferred system also comprises a baghouse having an inlet end being adapted to receive exhaust gas from the dryer and an outlet end and a controller being adapted to control the temperature of the exhaust gas from the dryer. A method for controlling the temperature of exhaust gas in a baghouse comprising providing a dryer performance optimization system as described herein and varying the temperature of the exhaust gas from the dryer by varying the rotational speed of the dryer.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a laundry dryer having a rotatable drum for accommodating clothes to be dried and an apparatus for circulating drying air through the drum. The method comprises the steps of performing a drying cycle selected by a user, wherein the drying cycle comprises predetermined drum movements over time depending on the cycle selected, detecting values indicative of the temperature of the drying air exiting the drum, based on said detected values, determining that the clothes inside the drum are in tangling conditions and starting an untangling operation for untying the clothes inside the drum. The untangling operation comprises modification of the predetermined drum movements.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus performs a heat treatment on a plurality of target objects held by a holding unit while allowing an inert gas to flow upwardly in a vertical processing container with at least one heating unit provided in the vicinity of the processing container. The heat treatment apparatus includes: a main temperature control unit configured to control the heating unit; an inert gas passage through which the inert gas flows into the processing container; an inert gas heating unit installed in the inert gas passage and configured to heat the inert gas; a first temperature measuring unit installed in the inert gas heating unit; and a temperature controller configured to control the inert gas heating unit based on temperatures measured by the first temperature measuring unit.

Abstract: A footwear device. The footwear device preferably encloses a foot of a wearer to augment the wearer's athletic performance by helping to prevent the wearer's susceptibility to injury. The footwear device is preferably comprised of an upper portion, wherein the upper portion may comprise of an integrated padding or padded portion that provides impact resistance to the toes and to the top portion of the foot. This padded portion preferably helps absorb, disperse, and deflect impact, thereby shielding a foot of the wearer against injury and abrasion.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a braided upper with overlay portions. The overlay portions may be applied to edges of the braided upper. The overlay portions can include eyelets to receive a lace. The overlay portions can extend around portions of the upper to reduce stretching and increase support. The overlay portions may facilitate attachment between the braided upper and a sole system.

Abstract: A shoe, which has a shoe upper part and a sole connected to the shoe upper part. The shoe upper part and the sole are connected together by a connection element. In order to simplify the connection between the shoe upper part and the sole and so the connection is stable and water proof, the connection element is a longitudinally extending, profiled molded part that has an upper stripe-shaped section and a lower fork-shaped section which has two fork sections. The shoe upper part has a stripe-shaped upper part section in its region that adjoins the sole, which stripe-shaped upper part section is connected to the strip-shaped section of the connecting element. The sole has a stripe-shaped sole section in its region that adjoins the shoe upper part, which strip-shaped sole section extends between the two fork sections and is connected to at least one of the fork sections.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to therapeutic footwear such as sandals, conventional shoes, and corrective inserts that may be inserted into conventional shoes. Specifically, the therapeutic footwear may be used for maintaining, correcting, or repositioning the great toe to decrease pressure on the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint or bunion. Additional therapeutic features may include spreading of the wearer's toes, supporting the wearer's arch to control excessive pronation, and providing sustained heel cord stretch at rest, during ambulation, pedicure, and before, during, or after medical treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn generally to footwear, and more specifically, to footwear having reduced noise and impact characteristics. According to the invention noise generated by the impact of the footfall when in contact with hard floors is reduced by an outer sole with certain hardness and a sound reducing insole which comprising a material of high indentation forced deflection (IFD) weight having a minimum thickness of ¼ to a maximum ¾ inch, and an optimal thickness of about ½ inch. Also, the footwear comprises an upper portion attached to the outer sole to provide comfort and foot protection.