Abstract: A slider comprising a body having an air bearing surface (ABS), wherein the ABS extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the body. The slider comprises a transducer supported by the body and positioned near the trailing edge, wherein the transducer comprises a pole tip partially extending from the body. The slider comprises a surface defined in the body and forming the trailing edge, wherein the surface comprises a plurality of segments. A first segment of the plurality of segments extends from the ABS and is offset from a portion of the pole tip recessed within the body. The first segment is offset from the pole tip portion by a lesser extent than any other of the plurality of segments.

Abstract: A method for making a magnetic assembly comprises the following steps: twisting a first to eighth magnetic wires to form a bundle of wires having a first end and an opposite second end; providing a magnetic core; winding the bundle of magnetic wires around the magnetic core; sorting the first end and the second end of the bundle of wires to form individual first ends and individual second ends of the first to eighth wires; picking out the second ends of the first wire and the second wire, and the first ends of the third wire and the fourth wire to form a centre tap of a primary coil of a transformer; and picking out the second ends of the fifth wire and the sixth wire, and the first ends of the seventh wire and the eighth wire to form a centre tap of a secondary coil of the transformer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an inductor element and a manufacturing method thereof. The inductor element includes: an electrode body formed of insulating material and having an internal electrode having a coil shape disposed therein; and external terminals formed on a part of the electrode body and each connected with both ends of the internal electrode, wherein electrode body is formed and separated on a base substrate, whereby a size of the inductor element is reduced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger includes joining a first conductive sheet to a second conductive sheet to define a plurality of separate volumes in a blank envelope, creating an aperture in each separate volume in the blank envelope, and heating the blank envelope. The method further includes pressurizing each separate volume through the apertures, hot plastic forming the blank envelope into a formed envelope, and assembling a plurality of formed envelopes into a heat exchanger core, wherein the heat exchanger core includes a fluid passage outside of the formed envelopes, wherein the fluid passage is defined by adjacent formed envelopes, and wherein the fluid passage extends across a dimension of the heat exchanger core.

Abstract: When a mounting head is moved upward of a rear side conveyor across and over a front side conveyor after a component suction operation, it is determined whether or not there is a possibility that a component sucked by a suction nozzle may interfere with a component mounted on a circuit board on the front side conveyor. When so determined, a head lifting mechanism is caused to lift up the mounting head to a position where the component sucked by the suction nozzle does not interfere with the mounted component. Thereafter, the mounting head is moved upward of the rear side conveyor, and the head lifting mechanism is caused to lower down the mounting head to an initial height position. Thereafter, the component is mounted on a circuit board on the rear side conveyor.

Abstract: A tool for compressing a connector onto a coaxial cable includes a pair of gates, a plunger for compressing the connector against the gates and onto the coaxial cable, and an actuator in communication with the gates and the plunger. When the actuator is moved from a first position to a second position, it causes the gates to move from an open to a closed position in which they retain the coaxial cable and brace the connector, and the plunger moves from a first position to a second position in which it engages the connector to compress the connector against the gates and onto the coaxial cable. When the actuator is moved back to its first position, the gates move to their open position thereby releasing the coaxial cable and the plunger moves to its first position thereby disengaging from the connector.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for securing a component in a cushion to a device and includes a receiving module, a fetching module, a control module, a positioning module, and a mounting module. The fetching module is moveable to catch the cushion. The positioning module includes a stage and a pair of positioning members. The pair of positioning members is moveable between a locked position in which the pair of positioning members is deviated from the stage. The cushion being located between the pair of positioning members and the stage and an unlock position in which the pair of positioning members is located on the stage to position the cushion. The mounting module secures the cushion on the stage to the device.

Abstract: A system and method for a semiconductor wafer carrier is disclosed. An embodiment comprises a semiconductor wafer carrier wherein conductive dopants are implanted into the carrier in order to amplify the coulombic forces between an electrostatic chuck and the carrier to compensate for reduced forces that result from thinner semiconductor wafers. Another embodiment forms conductive layers and vias within the carrier instead of implanting conductive dopants.

Abstract: A dielectric layer is directly applied onto the surface of a heat sink part. For example, the composition for making the dielectric layer may be made into a paste or ink and then printed as a paste or ink, or applied with some other equivalent method, such as a lamination technique. The electrical circuit traces are then printed in a similar fashion onto the dielectric layer in the required pattern for whatever circuitry is to be applied. That circuitry (e.g., circuit elements) is then attached to the electrical traces as needed for the particular application.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wiring board with a built-in electronic component includes positioning an electronic component in a cavity of a substrate, forming intermediate structures each including an intermediate insulation layer and an intermediate wiring-pattern layer on upper and lower surfaces of the substrate, respectively, such that a component-accommodating substrate is formed, attaching a support sheet to a first surface of the component-accommodating substrate, forming a connection layer including insulation layers and wiring-pattern layers on a second surface of the component-accommodating substrate on the opposite side with respect to the first surface of the component-accommodating substrate, removing the support sheet from the component-accommodating substrate such that an intermediate laminate structure having the connection layer laminated on the second surface of the component-accommodating substrate is formed, and forming upper-layer structures each including an insulation layer and a wirin

Abstract: A manufacturing method of laser diode unit of the present invention includes steps: placing a laser diode on top of a solder member formed on a mounting surface of a submount, applying a pressing load to the laser diode and pressing the laser diode against the solder member, next, melting the solder member by heating the solder member at a temperature higher than a melting point of the solder member while the pressing load is being applied, and thereafter, bonding the laser diode to the submount by cooling and solidifying the solder member, thereafter, removing the pressing load, and softening the solidified solder member by heating the solder member at a temperature lower than the melting point of the solder member after the pressing load has been removed, and thereafter cooling and re-solidifying the solder member.

Abstract: A method of forming a control module for an electrical stimulation system, the control module including an electronic subassembly disposed in an inner space of a casing and a feedthrough housing disposed along a portion of the casing, includes: forming an RF-diverting assembly having capacitive elements electrically-coupled to a feedthrough ground; electrically-coupling the capacitive elements to conductive pathways extending along a non-conductive substrate; electrically-coupling the conductive pathways to feedthrough pins extending through the feedthrough housing from a location external to the casing to a location within the inner space of the casing; electrically-coupling the conductive pathways to the electronic subassembly such that the conductive pathways electrically-couple the feedthrough pins to the electronic subassembly; electrically-coupling the feedthrough ground to an electrically-conductive portion of the feedthrough housing; and electrically-coupling the electrically-conductive portion of the

Abstract: A PCB includes a base layer, a wiring pattern formed on a surface of the base layer, and a protecting layer formed on the wiring pattern. The protecting layer is formed by printing and solidifying an ink on the wiring pattern. The ink includes a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, a phenoxyl resin solution, a solvent, a hardener, and an antifoaming agent.

Abstract: Manufacture of a gas turbine exhaust diffuser shell (40A/40B) to achieve a final cross-sectional shell geometry by forming an opening (76) in the shell to receive a strut shield collar (46); forming a compensating outward bowing (78) of the shell around the opening that departs from a desired final shell geometry in an amount and shape that compensates for a welding shrinkage when welding the collar in the opening; and welding the collar in the opening. This produces the desired shell geometry after the welding. The collar may be welded proximate an edge (74) of the diffuser shell, such as along an intersection of an axial plane with the diffuser shell. A multi-bolt flange (68) may be welded to or otherwise formed along this edge for assembling an annular exhaust diffuser duct (38A-B, 40A/B) in an exhaust section (20) of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A remote turbine component replacement apparatus for a turbine assembly includes an arm having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be positioned at a user accessible region and the second end configured to extend to a remote location of the turbine assembly, the remote location in close proximity with a turbine material zone to be removed. Also included is a base portion proximate the second end, the base portion configured to engage a turbine component located at the remote location. Further included is a material removal tool disposed proximate the base portion. Yet further included is a debris removal component disposed proximate the base portion.

Abstract: A method for repairing a flange of a rotor, to a transverse surface of which a disk of a fan in an upstream turbo-fan engine is attached. The flange includes, in a form of a ring, openings for connecting to the disk and intermediate discharge openings. Wear marks are formed by friction of the fan blades on the flange. The method includes machining spot facings onto the flange, in areas with wear marks; placing anti-wear slugs in the discharge openings that can be covered by the blades during friction; and the spot facings extend between the connection openings and are circumferentially limited by clamping surfaces of the connection between the disk and the flange.

Abstract: Multilayer weaving is used to form a fiber blank having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the vane to be made and comprising across its thickness a first woven portion with a plurality of layers of yarns interlinked by weaving, and also a second and third woven portions. The first portion is situated between the second and third portions and interlinked thereto by weaving over only a fraction of its longitudinal dimension. A preform for the vane is formed by folding out, on either side of the first portion, segments of the second and third portions not interlinked with the first portion, by shaping the first portion to form a preform portion for the airfoil of the vane, and by shaping the folded-out segments of the second and third portions to form preform portions for the inner and outer platforms of the vane to be fabricated.

Abstract: A nozzle plate for a fluid-ejection device, comprising: a first substrate made of semiconductor material, having a first side and a second side; a structural layer extending on the first side of the first substrate, the structural layer having a first side and a second side, the second side of the structural layer facing the first side of the first substrate; at least one first through hole, having an inner surface, extending through the structural layer, the first through hole having an inlet section corresponding to the first side of the structural layer and an outlet section corresponding to the second side of the structural layer; a narrowing element adjacent to the surface of the first through hole, and including a tapered portion such that the inlet section of the first through hole has an area larger than a respective area of the outlet section of the first through hole.

Abstract: A method of forming a flat bar is provided. A tube is provided having an inside surface and an outside surface. The outside surface of the tube can be clad with a nickel or stainless alloy material. A helix shaped strip can be cut from the tube. The helix shaped strip can be uncoiled to form an uncoiled strip, and the uncoiled strip can be straightened and flattened to meet mill standards.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a component of a solar energy system. The method comprises the step of providing a tube. The tube comprises a material that deforms when at least a length of the tube is exposed to a suitable difference in pressure between an interior portion of the length of the tube and an exterior portion of the length of the tube. The method also comprises providing a die having a cavity arranged to receive the length of the tube. The cavity defines a shape that is related to that of the component of the solar energy system. Further, the method comprises positioning the length of the tube in the cavity of the die.

Abstract: A method of placing under a protective atmosphere a watch case fitted with its movement, includes: installing the watch case in the housing of a support including a unit for holding the watch and a unit for guiding an actuator acting on a part of the case; introducing the support into a flexible pouch; installing the support in the open pouch in a device for imposing a protective atmosphere; reducing the pressure within such device; closing the pouch containing the support; extracting the support from the sealed pouch of the device for imposing a protective atmosphere; closing the watch case by acting on the actuator via the outside of the pouch in order that it displaces a part of the watch according to the guide unit in order to close the watch; opening the pouch and separation of the actuator from the part of the case on which it acts.

Abstract: The tool is designed to carried out maintenance operations on a bearing assembly comprising a bushing split into at least two shells; the maintenance tool comprises a device arranged to act on and rotate the bushing shells. In particular, the device comprises a slide and a pin; the slide has a hole transversal to its sliding direction and the pin is slidably mounted inside the hole and protrudes from the hole; in a first operating position the pin acts on a shell and in a second operating position the pin does not act on any shell. The method provides to rotate the bushing shells without rotating the supported shaft, and to carry out maintenance operations on a shell at a time while leaving the shaft supported by the other shell.

Abstract: A shaving blade unit with a housing having a bottom surface and a top surface defining a pair of elongated spaced apart apertures extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. At least one blade is mounted to the housing. The blade has a blade edge extending generally parallel to the pair of apertures. A solid polymeric lubrication member having an upper skin contact surface and an opposing base. A pair protrusions extend from the base. Each protrusion has an enlarged distal end. The enlarged distal ends of the protrusions each have a dimension greater than a dimension of the corresponding aperture whereby inserting the protrusion into the corresponding aperture deflects a front wall of the housing and each of the enlarged distal ends engage the bottom surface of the housing. The solid polymeric lubrication member and the enlarged distal ends are molded from a water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A shaving unit (1) comprises a cap (2) having an annular shaving track (8) defining an axis (Z), the shaving track being provided with hair entry apertures (20) which have a V-shaped forward edge with a point directed in a cutting direction (Y). A rotary cutter (4) has a plurality of cutter blades (18), the cutter being arranged to rotate about the axis such that the cutter blades follow the shaving track in the cutting direction to cut hairs protruding through the apertures, wherein the cutter blades have a V-shaped cutting edge (34) and a point of the V is directed opposite to the direction of rotation.

Abstract: In described embodiments, a knife includes a blade having a distal tip and a proximal heel and a handle extending proximally from the heel. The handle is sized such that no more than three fingers of a user fit around the handle. A method of using the knife is also provided.

Abstract: An electric hair clipper includes a housing containing an electrical source and drive-related components. A clipper mechanism having a reciprocating clipper is located beneath the bottom of the housing but is spaced therefrom by a central hub that extends downwardly from the bottom of the housing. The housing, central hub and clipper mechanism are arranged such that a person can hold the electric hair clipper by placing his or her fingers in the space between the housing and the clipper mechanism with the central hub lying between two fingers and with the back of the person's fingers resting in a pair of elongated spaced apart recesses formed in the bottom of the housing on opposite sides of the hub.

Abstract: A draw cut utility knife includes an elongated handle and a head holding a blade. The handle defines a thin central portion surrounded by a flange extending around its perimeter, the central portion aligning with the blade. The head has a rounded edge from which the blade protrudes, and is formed around the blade in a manner permanently embedding it in the head. The central portion may have cut outs for reduced weight, and the head preferably includes a thickened portion for holding the blade adjacent a centrally located cut out which accommodates a user's finger. A second blade may be secured to another thickened portion of the head opposite the first blade, both blades permanently secured in the head with a rearward sharpened edge allowing the knife to be safely drawn toward a user and easily guided for a precision cut.

Abstract: A cutting tool is revealed. The cutting tool includes an upper handle, a lower handle, a blade, at least one quick release device and a connection part. The cutting tool features on that both the blade and the connection part are pivoted quickly by the quick release device without any special tools. When the cutting tool is in an open state or a closed state, the quick release device disposed on the connection part is switched and moved in a circular part on one end of the blade so as to cut.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing and a hook assembly. The hook assembly includes a hook support and a hook member. The hook support is rotatably attached to the housing for rotation about a first axis. The hook member has a shank portion and a hook portion. The shank portion defines a second axis that is transverse to the first axis and is configured to rotate with respect to the hook support about the second axis. The hook portion extends in a radial direction from the shank portion. The rotation of the hook support about the first axis alters an orientation of the shank portion of the hook member with respect to the housing, and the rotation of the shank portion with respect hook support alters the radial direction of the hook portion.

Abstract: A multiple laser sight system for an archery bow or the like configured so that the multiple laser systems can be calibrated together and having features such that the user can use one laser system during the day and one laser system during the light. The laser sight is further configured to not interfere with the optional use of conventional sighting pins and the use of evening infrared systems, like the prior art use of night vision goggles.

Abstract: A wheel alignment measuring device using a body center line of a vehicle includes: front laser sensors provided at both sides of a front of a workbench on which the vehicle is disposed to measure positions of side panels each provided at both sides of a front of the vehicle; rear laser sensors at both sides of a rear of the workbench to measure positions of the side panels each provided at both sides of a rear of the vehicle; and a measuring unit configured to connect a center point A of a connection line connecting two points of a front of the side panels measured by the front laser sensors and a center point B of a connection line connecting two points of a rear of the side panels measured by the rear laser sensors to obtain a body center line C of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic level which receives a reflection light from a pattern marked on a staff and determines a height of sighting position and a distance to the staff, comprising an electronic level main unit, a sighting optical system accommodated in the electronic level main unit for sighting the staff and a sighting device provided on an upper surface of the electronic level main unit, wherein the sighting device can be sighted at least in two directions, and an angle formed by two directions is equal to or approximately equal to a field angle of the sighting optical system.

Abstract: An inclinometer for measuring a change in the inclination of a structure from a given initial position. The inclinometer comprises a frame, a pendulum and at least three distance-measuring device. The frame is rigidly connected to the structure such that the inclination of the frame has the same changes in inclination as the structure. The pendulum is freely suspended from the frame and comprises a first end attached to the frame and a freely moving opposite end. The distance-measuring devices at the frame have respective coplanar measuring axes converging at a single point. Each measuring device measures a change in the distance separating same from the pendulum.

Abstract: In order to determine the particular cut possessed by a tumbler of a mechanical lock, the tumbler is stimulated with mechanical energy. The vibrational response of the tumbler is detected, and the detected response is used in determining which of the possible cuts the tumbler possesses. The cut of a lock tumbler is defined by its shape and/or size. For example, in the case of a pin tumbler lock, the cut of a pin is defined by its length. Different cuts of tumbler will herefore exhibit different vibrational responses to stimulation by mechanical energy, and these different vibrational responses can be used to determine which cut the tumbler possesses, for example by comparing with the vibrational responses of real or modeled tumblers with known cuts. The tumbler may be stimulated by an impulse of mechanical energy, and, after stimulating the tumbler, the vibrational response of the tumbler may be detected over a period of time.

Abstract: A hole-shape measuring apparatus is provided with a hole diameter measuring mechanism which measures the diameter of a flush bolt hole, and a countersunk head depth measuring mechanism which measures a countersunk head depth. The hole diameter measuring mechanism has a hole diameter measuring rod configured so as to be inserted into a constant portion at a tip portion and displaced according to the diameter of the constant portion, and a hole diameter measuring sensor which measures the amount of displacement of the hole diameter measuring rod. The countersunk head depth measuring mechanism has a countersunk head depth measuring rod configured so as to be inserted into a countersunk head portion at a tip portion and displaced according to the countersunk head depth, and a countersunk head depth measuring sensor which measures the amount of displacement of the countersunk head depth measuring rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method of checking wear on roller chains. In order to provide a device for checking wear on roller chains, which enables a quantitative statement to be made about the state of wear of a fitted roller chain, it is proposed according to the invention that means for tensioning a portion of the roller chain with a defined measuring load be provided and that means for measuring the spacing between a given number of chain links be provided, the means for measuring the spacing having two contact pins, each of which is configured for positioning between two rivet heads or on a rivet head of a link plate, and a device for measuring and displaying the distance between the two contact pins. The advantages of the invention consist essentially in that it enables an accurate, quantitative measurement of the wear on a roller chain in the fitted state to be obtained quickly and easily.

Abstract: A tape measure is described that has a finger recess in a housing, with at least a portion of the underside of a tape blade exposed in the finger recess. Pressing a finger against the underside of the tape allows the user to create a drag brake that acts against the retraction spring to slow and/or stop the retraction of the tape blade. The lateral edges of the tape blade, for that portion of the tape blade disposed in the finger recess, are protected by the housing. This arrangement results in a compact yet versatile and safe overall tape measure with good tactile feedback during finger-braking.

Abstract: The tumble dryer includes a rotary drum (1), a suction turbine (5) in communication with air inlets and outlets (3, 6) at opposite ends of the drum to create an axial drying air flow, and an unloading door (7) with a loading opening (8) formed therein. The turbine creates a suction air flow in a loading duct (9) connected to the loading opening (8) during a suction-assisted clothes loading operation, and moves the clothes loaded inside the drum (1) away from the air outlets (6) and/or for temporarily provides an auxiliary air exit in communication with the suction turbine (5) during suction-assisted clothes loading to assure enough suction air flow for that purpose.

Abstract: A dryer for drying product includes a housing and a drying chamber formed in the housing. A series of doors are moveably mounted on the dryer for providing access to the drying chamber. A latch assembly is associated with each door for latching the door to the dryer. The latch assembly includes a bracket mounted to the door and a shaft rotatively mounted adjacent a portion of the bracket. The shaft includes a latch for engaging a latching catch and securing the door in the closed position. A locking member is pivotally mounted to the bracket and moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member extends into a locking cavity formed in the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and drying a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate, a rotating device configured to rotate the substrate holder, a cylindrical cup surrounding a peripheral portion of the substrate, and a gas ejector disposed below the substrate. The gas ejector has at least one gas discharge opening arranged along an entire circumference of the substrate. The gas ejector is configured to discharge a gas downwardly from the gas discharge opening to induce downward flow of air in a gap between a peripheral portion of the substrate and the cylindrical cup.

Abstract: A method of controlling and enhancing the nucleation of product in a freeze dryer wherein a product is maintained at a predetermined temperature and pressure. A mixture of water vapor and CO2 gas is introduced into a condenser chamber separate from the product chamber to create a predetermined volume of condensed frost, ice and dry ice crystals on an inner surface of the condenser chamber. The condenser chamber is connected to the product chamber and has a predetermined pressure that is greater than that of the product chamber. Upon the opening of the condenser chamber into the product chamber, gas turbulence is created that causes the condensed frost in the form of an ice fog and accompanying ice and dry ice crystals to rapidly enter the product chamber for even distribution therein to create uniform and rapid nucleation of the product in different areas of the product chamber.

Abstract: Appliance for drying laundry (100), comprising a drying-air moisture-condensing system comprising a heat pump system (215, 220, 225) with a first heat exchanger (215) for cooling the drying air and a second heat exchanger (220) for re-heating said drying air, and a variable-output compressor (210), and at least one Joule-effect heater (255) located downstream the heat pump heat exchangers for boosting the heating of the drying air.

Abstract: A system, method and configuration for recovering turpentine during the manufacturing of wood chips, wood pellets or other substances that may include turpentine. In general, a turpentine recovery system is used to capture turpentine from exhaust of a dryer as wood chips are being dried. Advantageously, application of the various techniques disclosed herein can result in the recovery of turpentine that can then be sold to generate revenue and, may contribute to a reduction in the capital and operation costs for emission controls for the dryer exhaust.

Abstract: A dryer barrel basket may include a body with a mesh surface. The dryer barrel basket may also include a door positioned proximate a bottom portion of the dryer barrel basket. The dryer barrel basket may further include a hinge which may be sized and configured to allow the door to rotate between an open and closed position. In addition, the dryer barrel basket may include a locking mechanism that is configured to secure the door to the mesh body in a closed position and allow the door to be disposed in an open position using an opening mechanism.

Abstract: A sole device with air cushion function includes a sole body having a receiving space and a sealing film, the sealing film sealing the receiving space, the sole body having a plurality of supporters formed at a top side thereof; and an air valve set assembled in the receiving space, the air valve set having a main valve, a sub valve and at least one air duct. Under this arrangement, the air flows into the sole body via the air valve set and a motion of a foot of a user.

Abstract: An air exhaust outsole, for safety footwear having an upper with an air permeable insole having a top insole surface for supporting a foot of the wearer, the air exhaust outsole comprising: a midsole, with a top midsole surface engaging a bottom insole surface of the upper, the midsole including at least one ventilation channel between a side midsole surface and the top midsole surface; a puncture resistant layer with a top surface bonded to a bottom midsole surface, the puncture resistant layer comprising a puncture resistant core bonded about at least a peripheral edge in a flexible coating; and a tread layer with: a top surface bonded to a bottom surface of the puncture resistant layer; and a bottom tread surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having an upper, a footbed, an outsole, and a bladder that is disposed between the footbed and the outsole includes providing a plurality of layers. The layers include a top, outsole, first bladder, and second bladder layer. Also, the method includes molding the layers together substantially simultaneously to form the upper, the footbed, the outsole, and the bladder.

Abstract: A shoe insole covering embedded with bamboo and charcoal, designed to cover a shoe insole is presented. The shoe insole covering comprises a main body, an opening and a plurality of raised dots. The main body includes a top portion, a bottom portion and an inner portion. The opening is located at the bottom portion. The opening includes an elastic edge that is extendable. The extendable elastic edge allows the shoe insole covering to fit with shoe insoles of different sizes. The shoe insole covering receives the shoe insole through the opening and secures the shoe insole at the inner portion. The shoe insole covering provides grip and prevents shifting of the shoe insole in footwear. The plurality of raised dots provide additional grip to the footwear. The shoe insole covering completely wraps the shoe insole. The shoe insole covering is washable and reduces bad odor coming out from the shoe insole.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to portions of an article of footwear formed from an extruded member. In certain embodiments, a sole or portion of a sole can be formed from one or more extruded members. In certain embodiments, the extruded member can be a single, continuous piece of solid material. In certain embodiments, a sole for an article of footwear can be fashioned from an extruded member formed in a controlled geometric pattern. In certain embodiments, the sole can include one or more layers.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an intermediate covering portion with an adjustable volume. The intermediate covering portion is closed around the instep of the foot. The article also includes a tensioning system that can be used to change the volume of the intermediate covering portion. The tensioning system includes two tension balancing members engaged with driven tensioning members, and a common driving tensioning member that engages both tension balancing members.