Abstract: A system with binary coding in a textile structure can include a textile sensor that senses a property and that has a yarn pattern. A binary code can be associated with the yarn pattern. When the textile sensor senses the property, the property alters relative positions of yarns in the yarn pattern, causing the associated binary code to change. A particular change in the binary code represents a defined value of the property. As a result, a second textile sensor having a second yarn pattern can be designed based on the unique binary codes of the first textile sensor measurements, such that the second textile sensor provides predictable responses to different property values.

Abstract: A color change compression fabric and/or garment can include an elastic material having one color in an unstretched condition that changes to a different color in a stretched condition. The different, stretched color corresponds to a predetermined amount of stretch applied to the material, which in turn can correspond to a predetermined amount of compressive pressure. The compression fabric may include a covering yarn having a first color and wrapped a number of turns about an elastic yarn having a second color different than the first color. When the fabric is stretched, the turns of the covering yarn move apart from each other to expose the second color of the elastic yarn underneath. A particular amount of fabric stretch can provide a unique color profile of a combination of the first and second colors, and the unique color profile preferably corresponds to a certain amount of compressive pressure.

Abstract: A knitted therapeutic compression and cushion sock and a method for making such a sock include a terry-knit cushioning layer in selected bottom portions of the sock, allowing for greater ventilation and cooling in the top portion. The sock includes graduated zones of compressive pressures. Gradual changes in compressive pressures from one zone of compressive pressure to another can be provided by compression flaring, or changing the feed rate of elasticized yarn during knitting at or near the interface of two zones having different compressive pressures. Such a sock is useful for padding and compressing foot and leg areas to both prevent and treat vascular and skin conditions such as foot and leg ulcers.

Abstract: A tubular garment includes a number of zones of compressive pressure about the circumference of the garment. A zone of compressive pressure in the distal portion of the garment includes a stitch pattern that is more dense than at least a portion of the stitch pattern in a zone of compressive pressure in the proximal portion of the garment. As a result, the compressive pressure in the distal portion zone is greater than the compressive pressure in the proximal portion zone. A more dense stitch pattern in one portion of a single zone can provide cushioning and increased compressive pressure compared to another portion of the zone. A more dense stitch pattern useful in such garments includes tuck stitches.

Abstract: An article for applying hot or cold therapy to an individual in need of such therapy which includes a sleeve containing a thermal pack encased within a moisture absorbing fabric and a temperature control fabric adjacent the thermal pack.

Abstract: A multilayer compression stocking or bandage system comprises a plurality of layers, including an underlayer and at least one overlayer, each of which may have predetermined amounts of compressive pressure at discrete locations. In one aspect, the underlayer has one or more alignment markings, each positioned at a different location on the underlayer to assist in aligning discrete locations of compressive pressure on the lower extremities. In another aspect, each of the layers has one or more alignment markings, each alignment marking positioned at a different location on the respective layer, and each alignment marking on a layer corresponds to a different one of the alignment markings on each other layer.

Abstract: A mitten is provided with pouches for receiving packages of heat transfer material. The packages of heat transfer material are inserted into the pouches and the mitten is placed in a microwave to heat the material or in a freezer to cool the material. After sufficient heating or cooling, the mitten may be removed and placed on the user's hand to provide hours of warmth or cold. The mitten may be provided with velcro.TM.-type fasteners so as to secure the mitten around the arm of the user.

Abstract: An elastic compression bandage of narrow woven fabric includes cotton weft yarn picks and textured stretch nylon multifilament warp yarns having total deniers in the range of from 210 to 560. The construction provides from 10 to 16 weft yarn picks per inch and from 30 to 40 warp yarns per inch in the as-woven fabric. Spaced apart across the width of the fabric are pairs of warp yarns interwoven with the weft yarn picks in a leno construction that provides high frictional resistance to slippage between those warp yarns and the weft yarns. The ratio of leno pairs to non-leno warp yarns is in the range of from 1/6 to 1/14. The non-leno warp yarns and the weft yarn picks are interwoven in a 1.times.1 weave. The leno pairs are in a pretensioned state when the bandage is in an unstretched condition.

Abstract: Circumferential adjustment is provided in a generally wedge-shaped insert sewn into a slit extending downwardly in the upper thigh engaging portion of the elastic stocking and the insert is divided longitudinally along the medial portion to provide first and second insert panels. A strip of hooked fasteners is sewn to the free edge of one of the insert panels for holding the panels in circumferentially adjusted overlapping relationship. Spaced-apart lines of walewise extending special stitch loops are provided on the insert panels to indicate the amount of overlap of the insert panels.