Abstract: A shoe may include an upper sole and an outer sole. In one state of the shoe, the upper sole is conductively connected to the outer sole. In another state of the shoe, the upper sole is electrically insulated from the outer sole. The shoe may be changed between these states.

Abstract: The article of footwear for grounding the human body to earth includes a covered upper; a sole having an outer sole face distal from a user and an inner sole face proximate to the user; one or more electrically conductive portions which extend through the sole from the outer sole face to the inner sole face; and an electrically conductive layer which extends over a portion of the inner sole face and being configured to make conductive contact with the foot of the human body.

Abstract: A shoe (200) that includes a first piece of fabric (202) having an inner perimeter (207) and an outer perimeter (205) and a first piece of conductive material, joined with the inner perimeter of the first piece of fabric, wherein an inner perimeter of the first piece of fabric surrounds the first piece of conductive material to form a conductive sole (214) and the outer perimeter of the first piece of fabric is adapted to be joined to another fabric.

Abstract: Disclosure are a light source assembly, a backlight module and a display device. The light source assembly includes a light source including a base and at least one luminous element disposed on the base; and a light slot including a plurality of fixing parts, the light source is disposed in the light slot and fixed at one of the fixing parts through the base; and the light source has different light-emitting directions upon being fixed at different ones of the plurality of fixing parts. The light source assembly can adjust the light-emitting direction of the light source, has a simple structure, and is convenient to operate.

Abstract: A conduit for discharging excess static electricity through the sole of a shoe has a base a compressible central cylinder, a cap coupler, a detachable cap, and a coupler-receiving receptacle. The base, the compressible central cylinder, the cap coupler, and the detachable cap are all composed of compressible conductive materials. This enables the conduit for electrical discharge to be compressed, when a user takes a step. The base is terminally connected to the compressible central core, opposite to the cap coupler. The coupler-receiving receptacle traverses through the detachable cap, and the cap coupler engages into the coupler-receiving receptacle. This enables the detachable cap to function as an endcap that clamps the sole of the shoe between the base and the detachable cap. As a result, the detachable cap comes into contact with the user's foot and discharges static electricity through the compressible central core and the base, into the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminaire and a lighting system. The luminaire includes first and second light sources adapted to emit light beams of two different beam patterns encompassed within a single chamber with specular outer walls that are parallel to the optical axis of the beam patterns of both types of light sources. Employing a chamber having specular outer walls aligned with the optical axis of the beam patterns of both types of light sources and adapted to specularly reflect at least a portion of light incident thereon allows more uniform appearance of the luminaire while preserving the respective total beam patterns of the beams produced by the first and second light sources as the light beams are incident on the exit window of the chamber.

Abstract: A static electricity discharging shoe with conductive link to ground having a conductive insole contacting with a sole of a foot of a user, and a conductive outer sole contacting with a ground; and an electro-conductive insert, having an upper major and a lower minor base, the insert in electrical communication between the insole and the outer sole, the insert having a lateral geometry proportioned for complemental engagement within a mid-sole situated between the insole and the outer sole, a narrow middle portion of the insert secured within the mid-sole, the upper surface of the insert positioned opposite to the plantar metatarsal region of the sole of the foot proximally to the K-1 acupressure point when the foot abuts the insole, the upper surface of the insert defining a slightly raised pad, having orthopedic benefit in off-loading of metatarsal stresses on the foot in the area of the K-1 point.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a bendable lighting fixture, and more particularly to a bendable light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture containing a lighting element, for example an LED lighting strip, that is configured to be flexed in one or more directions. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a bendable lighting fixture that is configured to be flexed and/or bent along at least one direction of the surface on which the bendable lighting fixture may be mounted to.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved designs for incorporating static dissipative qualities into footwear. A novel static dissipative shoe may be made by incorporating a conductive layer or element that spans the exposed side surface of the sole on the outside of the finished shoe, in at least one location along the perimeter of the sole. A unique advantage is that static dissipative qualities may be incorporated into many existing shoe designs with no tooling changes, by adding a step to the manufacturing process, such as a pad printing step, for instance. Another advantage is that static dissipative qualities may be included at a lower cost, because fewer conductive parts and less conductive material are required, as compared to prior art. Yet another advantage is that, unlike for prior art, most embodiments have a negligible effect upon basic shoe performance characteristics, such as shock absorption, support, or wear resistance.

Abstract: A lighting device includes an elongate housing with a light exit window, a carrier assembly disposed within the housing and having a plurality of SSL elements, a reflector having a plurality of apertures and positioned between the housing and the carrier assembly, and an adhesive extending through the apertures and fixing the carrier assembly and the reflector to the housing. A method of assembling the lighting device and of a luminaire-including the lighting device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The described devices, “grounded [ungrounded] stimulation devices” and “devices with [without] EMF removal”, assist in maintaining and/or restoring bodily health primarily via two modes of operation: In one set of embodiments, by reducing or removing the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) encountered in daily life, through grounding. In another set of embodiments, by stimulating and/or encouraging bodily healing processes through the supply of free electrons, at Schumann frequencies. The embodiments function by allowing or increasing, respectively, the flow of low-current, low-voltage current into or out of the body, at levels safe for humans and animals, through conductive materials in electrical contact with the body. These devices use conductive materials incorporated into and/or comprising handheld, wearable or other items that directly contact the body, including shavers, clothing, shoes, mousepads, footstools, bedding, jewelry and collars. Certain devices allow the addition of heat/cold.

Abstract: A lighting assembly can be used for illuminating a predetermined area. The assembly includes a number of LEDs directed toward the predetermined area and a number of lenses. Each lens is disposed over only one associated LED and is configured to direct light from that LED toward the predetermined area, such that the light from each lens is directed across the entire predetermined area. The light intensity from each lens is substantially uniform across the entire predetermined area.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharging, detachable, overshoe, includes an electrically conductive flexible skeleton with oversized heel and toe regions for placing over footwear, and a conductive element situated to facilitate conducting static electricity between a body of a wearer of the footwear and the overshoe. The overshoe can be worn over a wide variety of street, work, office, and specialty footwear and may support reduction of electro-static discharge buildup on the body of the wearer by safely conducting any electrical charge generated or transferred to the body of the wearer to a grounded surface such as an electrically conductive floor.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharging, detachable, overshoe, includes an electrically conductive flexible skeleton with oversized heel and toe regions for placing over footwear, and a conductive element situated to facilitate conducting static electricity between a body of a wearer of the footwear and the overshoe. The overshoe can be worn over a wide variety of street, work, office, and specialty footwear and may support reduction of electro-static discharge buildup on the body of the wearer by safely conducting any electrical charge generated or transferred to the body of the wearer to a grounded surface such as an electrically conductive floor.

Abstract: An anti-static sole is provided with a pad body between a midsole and an insole. In the pad body is provided a chip resistor. The chip resistor includes a connecting pin at each of two opposite ends thereof. The two connecting pins of the chip resistor are electrically connected to the insole and the midsole, respectively. Since the chip resistor has no exposed wires, damage to the wires is avoided. Further, the anti-static effect can be improved since the resistance of the chip resistor is stable.

Abstract: Protective equipment for safely discharging electrical potential comprises an interface (10, 50, 60) adapted to be in contact with a wearer. A conductive path in the interface contacts the wearer, the conductive path reaching a ground. A first circuit device (30) is provided in the conductive path. The first circuit device (30) has at least one variable resistance so as to oppose a first level of variable resistance to decrease a conductivity in the conductive path as a function of an increase in potential difference between the wearer and the ground, to allow static discharge through the protective equipment.

Abstract: Protective equipment for safely discharging electrical potential comprises an interface (10, 50, 60) adapted to be in contact with a wearer. A conductive path in the interface contacts the wearer, the conductive path reaching a ground. A first circuit device (30) is provided in the conductive path. The first circuit device (30) has at least one variable resistance so as to oppose a first level of variable resistance to decrease a conductivity in the conductive path as a function of an increase in potential difference between the wearer and the ground, to allow static discharge through the protective equipment.

Abstract: Electrostatic footwear in the form of a cover with a sole and an upper having an opening to receive the foot or shoe of a user. The opening may be provided with elastic or an elastic cuff for retention about the user. The cover may be worn over the foot or the shoe of a user. The cover has an excess electrical charge to attract particulate matter including but not limited to dust, dirt, pollen, and dander. The electrostatic charge causes the particulate matter to be drawn and held thereon as the user moves about. The sole may include anti-skid material over a limited portion thereof to prevent the user from sliding or slipping.

Abstract: There is provided an electrically conductive bracelet including an electrically conductive clasp member that is connectable to an electrical ground. A conductive metal band is connected to the clasp member to define a bracelet inner diameter. The conductive metal band includes a plurality of bar members. Each bar member includes a bar inner surface and a bar outer surface. The plurality of bar inner surfaces collectively define a band inner periphery and the plurality of bar outer surfaces collectively define a band outer periphery. The band inner periphery is positionable on a user to electrically connect the conductive metal band to the user. The band inner periphery is disposed between the band outer periphery and the user when the conductive metal band is disposed on the user. An electrically insulating cover is disposed over the band outer periphery for electrically insulating the band outer periphery.

Abstract: In a legged mobile robot having an electric motor installed at a location between a foot and each leg to drive the ankle joint, a force sensor installed at the location between the foot and each leg to detect a floor reaction force acting from a floor surface on which the foot lands, and a cushioning member attached to the foot sole to cushioning impact that occurs when the foot lands on the floor surface, conductive members are disposed in depressions formed at the cushioning member, such that the conductive members contact the floor surface when the cushioning member contracts, thereby discharging and removing static electric charge electrified on the foot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that can be readily installed in any type of footwear, and that when installed enables a semi-continuous grounding path through the shoe of the wearer to an earthly source to dissipate static electricity. The present invention consists of a collection pad, an electrical path to a resistor, and continues that path to an earthly ground that prevents, or greatly reduces, electro static discharge (ESD) in personnel and their clothing when they are wearing shoes with insulative-soles. Alternatively a single resistor wire is employed to conduct static electricity to ground. This device is intended to increase the comfort level of the wearer of such shoes by eliminating, or greatly reducing the harmful and annoying effects of ESD without having any affect on the cosmetic appearance or the functionality of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe for enhancing human physical performance by establishing an electrical conduit between the body and the ground includes a shoe outsole formed of a conductive rubber material. A resilient conductive element is integral with the outsole and extends along a heel of the shoe upper along its outer surface. The tape extends into the interior of the shoe and contacts a conductive sock liner. Thus the foot is in constant electrical connection with the outsole. A conductive sock may be employed to provide a more reliable electrical path to the sock liner and thereby to the ground.

Abstract: Antistatic footwear for man, woman and child comprising an upper portion, an outer sole (3) and an insole (1, 2) disposed between the outer sole (3) and the upper portion. One or more electrical conductors positioned within the outer sole and contacting one or more electrically conductive regions of the insole (1,2) provide an electrical contact between the foot of the user and the ground.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and systems for conductively coupling the body and more specifically the bare feet of an animal or human body to the earth in situations where conductive contact with the earth is otherwise impossible, such as inside a home or other building or in a bed. Various embodiments of the invention allow earth's mobile surface charge of free electrons to flow from the earth to the body, (similar to that which occurs naturally when an animal or human is standing barefoot on the earth), for the purpose of neutralizing excess or residual immune system-produced reactive oxygen species free radicals that cause physiological deficiencies and disturbances in the body such as acute or chronic inflammation.

Abstract: An electrostatic circuit for a sole having an outsole, an insole and a midsole positioned between the insole and outsole. In one embodiment, the electrostatic circuit includes at least one conductor path that is printed on a first side of a first substrate. The conductor path may have a first exposed end attachable to the outsole and a second exposed end attachable to the insole. The electrostatic circuit may also include at least one resistor electrically that is coupled to each conductor path and mounted to the first substrate. In another embodiment, the electrostatic circuit may include first and second conductive pads attached to the first and second ends of each conductor path.

Abstract: An article of workwear comprises a plurality of components (17,18) incorporating electrically conductive fibres (21), and an electrically conductive member (20) bridging the junction between adjacent components. The electrically conductive member comprises a strip or tape (20) incorporating a plurality of electrically conductive filaments or yarns (22), each filament or yarn being incorporated in the strip or tape in such a manner as to have alternate portions of the filament or yarn exposed at opposite faces of the strip or tape. The strip or tape may be secured to each of the adjacent components by stitching (19).

Abstract: An electrostatic circuit for a sole having an outsole, an insole and a midsole positioned between the insole and outsole. In one embodiment, the electrostatic circuit includes at least one conductor path that is printed on a first side of a first substrate. The conductor path may have a first exposed end attachable to the outsole and a second exposed end attachable to the insole. The electrostatic circuit may also include at least one resistor electrically that is coupled to each conductor path and mounted to the first substrate. In another embodiment, the electrostatic circuit may include first and second conductive pads attached to the first and second ends of each conductor path.

Abstract: There is provided an improved heel grounding device for dissipating electrical voltages from a wearer to a ground. This device has first and second anchor plates which are adapted to be retained about the wearer's shoe. An elongate conductive strap is extended between the first and second anchor plates around the shoe's heel portion. Fasteners such as rivets are used to attach the conductive strap to the anchor plates. In this respect, the wearer can always check for proper dissipation of electrical voltages by visually confirming that the attachment between the conductive strap and the anchor plates via the fasteners remains intact.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus provides an output with high spatial uniformity of luminance. The illumination apparatus includes a cavity that has reflective surfaces and an output area. At least one light source is disposed in the cavity, with the light source including a point source (such as an LED) and an optical diverter having a flared (e.g., cuspated) reflecting surface. Light from the point source is distributed by the optical diverter towards the reflective surfaces within the cavity. Before exiting the device, light passes through an optical conditioning element that is positioned over the output area of the cavity. The optical conditioning element includes at least a diffuser, such as a translucent film or plastic sheet, and preferably also includes one or more prism sheets such as a brightness-enhancing film.

Abstract: An electrostatic dissipative footwear comprises a conductive insole and a conductive outsole spaced by a non-conductive mid sole. An electronic device extends through the mid sole for connecting the insole and the outsole in electrically conductive relationship. The electronic device includes a resistor for precisely controlling current flow between the insole and the outsole, and an active electrical device, such as a fuse, for protecting the wearer against electrical shocks.

Abstract: A sole and printed circuit assembly for an article of electrostatic dissipative footwear. The present invention also includes a method of manufacturing a sole for an article of electrostatic dissipative footwear.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for dissipating electrostatic charges while providing protection against undesirable high amperage current, and takes the form of ESD (Electrostatic Dissipating) footwear, which protects against the accumulation of electrostatic charges by dissipating the charges through controlled ohmic path leakage between the user and a ground. The apparatus is primarily constructed of several conductive layers and a set of parallel resistors, whereby the conductive layers are adapted to integrate with existing construction techniques of a multitude of footwear styles, in addition to a wide variety of electrical devices. The parallel resistors provide fail-safe operation and accurate, repeatable resistance for the apparatus. The apparatus can be attached to or embedded within a multitude of footwear styles or other devices to provide electrostatic dissipation between the user or electrical device and a ground.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for dissipating electrostatic charges while providing protection against undesirable high amperage current, and takes the form of ESD (Electrostatic Dissipating) footwear, which protects against the accumulation of electrostatic charges by dissipating the charges through controlled ohmic path leakage between the user and a ground. The apparatus is primarily constructed of several conductive layers and a set of parallel resistors, whereby the conductive layers are adapted to integrate with existing construction techniques of a multitude of footwear styles, in addition to a wide variety of electrical devices. The parallel resistors provide fail-safe operation and accurate, repeatable resistance for the apparatus. The apparatus can be attached to or embedded within a multitude of footwear styles or other devices to provide electrostatic dissipation between the user or electrical device and a ground.

Abstract: This invention relates to a footwear grounding device to reduce static charge buildup on personnel handling electronic components and products that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. The device incorporates a conductive strap having reusable adhesive elements near one end which permit proper positioning of the strap in the user's shoe and prevent the strap from shifting out of said position during the course of the day.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a shoe in which the upper and base define a first total internal volume; molding of a standard inner sole made of a material which may be plastically thermoformed using a form, the inner sole having a second volume less than the first volume and, when inserted in a shoe, leaving a free volume, smaller than the total volume, inside the shoe; insertion of the standard inner sole in the shoe and fixing in place, so as to create a shoe-inner sole assembly in which, between the base and standard inner sole there is at least one space with an empty volume substantially corresponding to the difference between the first volume and the second volume; heating of the shoe-inner sole assembly made in this way to the preset temperature necessary for the thermoforming of the inner sole; insertion of a foot in the shoe, so as to shape the standard inner sole in the areas around the space according to the features of the sole of the foot.

Abstract: A conductive slit screen is placed between a corona gun and the surface of a semiconductor wafer. The charge deposited on the wafer by the gun is controlled by a potential applied to the screen. A chuck orients the wafer in close proximity to the screen. A desired charge is applied to the wafer by depositing alternating polarity corona charge until the potential of the wafer equals the potential of the screen.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrostatically grounding a person working in an electronics factory or other area where static electricity in persons is a problem. There is an electrostatic drain to drain static electricity to ground from a predetermined region of the person's clothing, and an assembly to drain electricity from the person to the predetermined region for making of electrical connection to the drain means and for conduction of static electricity to it. The assembly comprises an electrically conductive tab, and a thin flexible synthetic resin substrate, and a conductive film on the substrate, and a discrete high-resistance resistor mounted on the film and having its terminal portions electrically connected to spaced and mutually electrically isolated regions of the film. An end of the tab is electrically connected to the conductive film, and a package formed of thin electrically-insulating water-resistant flexible sheet material is provided.

Abstract: A static dissipative shoe which is provided utilizes a polymer material embedded therein, so that the handling, shipping and storage of integrated circuits are protected from electrostatic discharge. A conductive plug in communication with the outsole and static interceptor fabricated from a non volatile material having a conductivity of less that about 10.sup.5 ohms and which is located in the toe region of the outsole, provides a conductive path to the static interceptor layer. The footwear includes a toe and heel region, a conductive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the conductive layer arranged proximate the upper surface of the outsole and upper surface of the conductive plugs for providing a continuous path from the outside of the footwear to the static interceptor means.

Abstract: A conductive screen is placed between a corona gun and the surface of a semiconductor wafer. The charge deposited on the wafer by the gun is controlled by a potential applied to the screen. A chuck orients the wafer in close proximity to the screen. A desired charge is applied to the wafer by first applying a surplus of one charge to the wafer and then depositing an opposite polarity charge until the potential of the wafer equals the potential of the screen.

Abstract: A shoe for enhancing human physical performance by establishing an electrical conduit between the body and the ground is described. The shoe outsole is formed of a conductive rubber material. A resilient conductive element is integral with the outsole and extends along a portion of the outer surface of the shoe upper, typically being secured to and around at least a portion of the collar of the shoe and further extending over at least a portion of the inside surface of the upper.

Abstract: An electrically conductive shoe insole is disclosed for cushioning a user's foot and for transferring electrical charges from the wearer's foot to a conductive shoe. The shoe insole includes a cushioned layer, which contains an electrically conductive material, and a fabric, which is bonded to the top surface of the cushioned layer by a nonconductive adhesive. The fabric contains a noncorrosive electrically conductive fiber interwoven therein. The adhesive is applied such that the electrically conductive fibers in the fabric contact the cushioned layer. This allows transfer of electrical charges from the fabric to the cushioned layer.

Abstract: An electrically conductive shoe insole is disclosed for cushioning a user's foot and for transferring electrical charges from the wearer's foot to a conductive shoe. The shoe insole includes a cushioned layer, which contains an electrically conductive material, and a fabric, which is bonded to the top surface of the cushioned layer by a nonconductive adhesive. The fabric contains a noncorrosive electrically conductive fiber interwoven therein. The adhesive is applied such that the electrically conductive fibers in the fabric contact the cushioned layer. This allows transfer of electrical charges from the fabric to the cushioned layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe inner sole, particularly an insole or welt for working or safety shoes, with a binder and a non-woven fabric optionally containing fillers, for preventing electric charges to the shoe wearer, the non-woven fabric containing a fibrous blend with between approximately 1 to 10% by weight of electrically conductive fibres.

Abstract: An electrostatically dissipating shoe protects against building up of electrostatic charges by dissipating of such charges through controlled ohmic path leakage between foot and ground. The shoe outsole is formed of synthetic material of substantial resistivity, providing overall resistance across it of about 10.sup.6 -10.sup.8 ohms. A flexible dissipating strip of synthetic material treated to be slightly conductive (about 10.sup.5 ohm-cm) overlies the outsole and extends along a major portion of the shoe length beneath an insole, being secured to the insole by electrically conductive adhesive. At least a heel portion of the insole is apertured over the strip. A cushion layer and/or sock liner overlies the insole, being also of substantial resistivity (e.g., about 10.sup.5 ohm-cm), and secured by conductive adhesive, which also fills the apertures for providing a conductive path through them to the strip. The construction creates an ohmic path continuous between foot and ground having resistance of 10.sup.

Abstract: A thermal and electrical conductor device constructed for installation on footwear for eliminating heat and static effects particularly where the soles and heels of the footwear are fabricated of man-made materials, the conductor device comprising a first metallic disc installed on the outside surface of the bottom of the footwear, a second metallic disc installed on the inside surface of the bottom of the footwear and a metallic conducting member interconnecting the two metallic discs piercing the bottom of the footwear wherein the metal of the discs and interconnecting member has the characteristic of being electrically and thermally conductive.

Abstract: A grounding device for dissipating electrostatic voltages from the body of a wearer comprises: a pair of grounding straps of equal length joined together at right angles at their ends; a pair of fastener straps extending from the grounding strap ends at about 45.degree.; and an elongated tongue of conductive elastomer having a resistivity of about 1.times.10.sup.6 ohm per square, the tongue being connected to one of the grounding strap ends and the fastener at such end; the length of the grounding straps being selected such that with one strap against a shoe counter, the other extends under the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite sole for use in safety footwear, as well as a combination heel and sole and a complete article of footwear, the composite sole comprising an inner sole of electrically conducting material, and a thin flexible outer sole up to about 8 mm thick of electrically conducting material, said outer sole being spaced from the inner sole and connected thereto at a plurality of positions in an electrically conducting manner. Electrically conducting plastics spacer plugs can be used as the connection between the inner and outer soles.

Abstract: The invention refers to an electronic detector arranged in such a way that the electric conductivity between e.g. a surgeon and a patient can be measured. The detector is preferably placed in the shoes of the surgeon and is through contact members on one hand connected to the surgeon's body and on the other hand to the bedding on which the surgeon stands, preferably a floor having a certain electric conductivity, or a round for this purpose. By the fact that an electrically conductive operating table is electrically connected to the same bedding also the patient will be galvanically connected with said bedding.A detector arranged in this way can detect the conductivity between the surgeon and the patient and makes it possible to control possible biologic leakage, e.g. germ-containing liquid, through perforations in the operation gloves of the surgeon, at which infections in incisions can be avoided to a great extent.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for making disposable shoe covers from a substantially continuous supply of material, the material is moved continuously through a plurality of operating stations wherein two parallel sheets of the material are joined to form a shoe cover. The webs of material are drawn from two supply sources along a parallel path where an elastic band of material is attached to one edge of both webs and are united by glueing and stitching operations. In addition, when desired, a static strip is added as the web moves through the apparatus. After the webs of material have been joined, the apparatus cuts the length of joined webs into discrete lengths to define the individual shoe covers.

Abstract: An article on manufacture which comprises footwear characterized by electrically conductive properties to prevent the accumulation of static charge on the footwear by the user thereof in a hazardous environment, which footwear includes a thin, flexible, nonwoven, fibrous sheet material containing a binding agent for the fibers, and impregnated generally uniformly therethrough with an electrically conductive amount of an electrically conductive particulate material.