Abstract: A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.

Abstract: Dynamic arm brace assemblies and methods of use are provided herein. An example device includes a torso connection member securable to a torso of a patient, a forearm support member that couples with at least a forearm of an patient, the forearm support member couples with the torso connection member so as to fix an elbow of the patient proximate the torso, the forearm support member being pivotally coupled to the torso connection member to allow for an angle between the forearm support member and a coronal plane of the patient, and a dynamic tensioning assembly that externally rotates the forearm support member and selectively sets the angle so as to stretch a shoulder capsule (capsule and adjacent tissue(s)) affected with adhesive capsulitis, reducing the adhesive capsulitis.

Abstract: Support braces and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A support brace includes a flexible fabric substrate and an elastomeric member disposed on the surface of the flexible fabric substrate. The elastomeric member is disposed so as to apply pressure non-uniformly about a limb or joint of the wearer, in a pattern selected to divert pain and/or reduce loads on the joint. The flexible fabric substrate can include regions having different levels of elasticity, to provide different levels of compression to different parts of the joint or limb in addition to the compression provided by the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member can be deposited, screen printed, injection molded, or otherwise applied to the fabric substrate, optionally without adhesive.

Abstract: A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.

Abstract: Systems relating to a mechanical closure or locking device configured to allow for quick connect and disconnect. The systems can be used in conjunction with compression garments. The systems can include a buckle that couples to an anchor. The buckle and anchor can include complementary features that can mechanically interface to secure the buckle and anchor together. The buckle and anchor can include complementary magnetic elements to secure the buckle and anchor together. The buckle can be manipulated to tighten or loosen an adjustable strap.

Abstract: A method for hip distraction includes positioning a patient on a patient pad placed on a surgical table; and applying a distraction force to a leg of the patient that is sufficient to distract a hip joint of the patient, wherein the distraction force is opposed by a slide-resisting friction force provided by the patient pad and the patient pad is sufficiently stiff to resist bunching while providing the slide-resisting friction force.

Abstract: Support braces and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A support brace includes a flexible fabric substrate and an elastomeric member disposed on the surface of the flexible fabric substrate. The elastomeric member is disposed so as to apply pressure non-uniformly about a limb or joint of the wearer, in a pattern selected to divert pain and/or reduce loads on the joint. The flexible fabric substrate can include regions having different levels of elasticity, to provide different levels of compression to different parts of the joint or limb in addition to the compression provided by the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member can be deposited, screen printed, injection molded, or otherwise applied to the fabric substrate, optionally without adhesive.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a mouthpiece, a bladder, and a mesh assembly having a mesh material and a piezoelectric material. The mesh material is in contact with a liquid of the bladder. The mouthpiece, the bladder, and the mesh assembly are located in-line along a longitudinal axis of the device between opposite longitudinal ends of the device, with the mesh assembly extending between and separating the mouthpiece and the bladder. A liquid-filled cartridge also is disclosed for use with an electronic device for delivery of a substance into a body through respiration includes a liquid container; and a liquid contained within the container for aerosolizing and inhaling by a person using the electronic device. The liquid includes a plurality of nanoparticles in a nanoemulsion, the nanoparticles including the encapsulation of the substance to be delivered into the body through respiration. The nanoemulsion preferably is produced using a microfluidizing machine.

Abstract: A compression garment having one or more flex frames that can be shortened or lengthened to apply or release a compressive force to the limb or other anatomical feature of a user. The compression garment can have a wire made of shape memory material (shape memory alloy). A controller of the compression garment can supply an electrical input to the wire, generating heat that can cause the wire to contract such that the flex frame deflects to a shorter length to apply a compressive force to the limb or other anatomical feature of the user. The one or more flex frames can be contracted in unison or in sequence to direct the flow of bodily fluids in the limb or other anatomical feature of the user.

Abstract: An anatomical gripping system comprising: a binding comprising: a substantially rigid spine; a calf shell mounted to the substantially rigid spine; an anterior shell; and a clamping mechanism connecting the anterior shell to the calf shell; wherein the calf shell comprises a flexible portion configured to selectively engage the superior portion of the calcaneus bone of a patient; and further wherein when the clamping mechanism applies a force to the flexible portion of the calf shell, the flexible portion of the calf shell is drawn into engagement with the superior portion of the calcaneus bone of the patient.

Abstract: A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.

Abstract: A grooming device having a base plate, a reciprocating plate, and a biasing mechanism. The base plate includes a plurality of grooves configured for guiding hair into a plurality of grooves of the reciprocating plate. The grooves of the reciprocating plate are disposed in sliding abutment with the grooves of the base plate and are configured as cutting edges for shearing or cutting the hair extending through the grooves of the base plate.

Abstract: Systems relating to a mechanical closure or locking device configured to allow for quick connect and disconnect. The systems can be used in conjunction with compression garments. The systems can include a buckle that couples to an anchor. The buckle and anchor can include complementary features that can mechanically interface to secure the buckle and anchor together. The buckle and anchor can include complementary magnetic elements to secure the buckle and anchor together. The buckle can be manipulated to tighten or loosen an adjustable strap.

Abstract: A method for hip distraction includes positioning a patient on a slide-resisting pad placed on a surgical table; tilting the surgical table so that the patient is in a first degree of inclination; applying a distraction force to a leg of the patient while the patient is in the first degree of inclination so that a hip joint of the patient is distracted, wherein the distraction force is opposed by a combination of a slide-resisting friction force provided by the slide-resisting pad and a gravitational force attributable to the first degree of inclination; reducing the tilt of the surgical table in accordance with a reduction of the distraction force over time so that the patient is in a second degree of inclination; and performing at least a portion of a surgical procedure on the distracted hip joint while the patient is in the second degree of inclination.

Abstract: An anatomical gripping system comprising: a binding comprising: a substantially rigid spine; a calf shell mounted to the substantially rigid spine; an anterior shell; and a clamping mechanism connecting the anterior shell to the calf shell; wherein the calf shell comprises a flexible portion configured to selectively engage the superior portion of the calcaneus bone of a patient; and further wherein when the clamping mechanism applies a force to the flexible portion of the calf shell, the flexible portion of the calf shell is drawn into engagement with the superior portion of the calcaneus bone of the patient.

Abstract: A compression garment having one or more flex frames that can be shortened or lengthened to apply or release a compressive force to the limb or other anatomical feature of a user. The compression garment can have a wire made of shape memory material (shape memory alloy). A controller of the compression garment can supply an electrical input to the wire, generating heat that can cause the wire to contract such that the flex frame deflects to a shorter length to apply a compressive force to the limb or other anatomical feature of the user. The one or more flex frames can be contracted in unison or in sequence to direct the flow of bodily fluids in the limb or other anatomical feature of the user.

Abstract: Dynamic arm brace assemblies and methods of use are provided herein. An example device includes a torso connection member securable to a torso of a patient, a forearm support member that couples with at least a forearm of an patient, the forearm support member couples with the torso connection member so as to fix an elbow of the patient proximate the torso, the forearm support member being pivotally coupled to the torso connection member to allow for an angle between the forearm support member and a coronal plane of the patient, and a dynamic tensioning assembly that externally rotates the forearm support member and selectively sets the angle so as to stretch a shoulder capsule (capsule and adjacent tissue(s)) affected with adhesive capsulitis, reducing the adhesive capsulitis.

Abstract: Support braces and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A support brace includes a flexible fabric substrate and an elastomeric member disposed on the surface of the flexible fabric substrate. The elastomeric member is disposed so as to apply pressure non-uniformly about a limb or joint of the wearer, in a pattern selected to divert pain and/or reduce loads on the joint. The flexible fabric substrate can include regions having different levels of elasticity, to provide different levels of compression to different parts of the joint or limb in addition to the compression provided by the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member can be deposited, screen printed, injection molded, or otherwise applied to the fabric substrate, optionally without adhesive.

Abstract: A leash attachment and method for using the leash attachment are provided. The leash attachment has a built-in flip open cup that allows an animal to drink from the flip open cup once liquid is expelled to the distal end of the cup via a nozzle. Unused liquid form the flip open cup drains back via a funnel into the leash attachment by way of a fill hole. The leash attachment attaches to a leash via a rolling cam with ridges on the cam's outer surface.