Abstract: A surface analysis method and system, the system comprising a digital imaging system for generating a digital image of a surface, a processor so coupled to the digital imaging system as to receive the digital image, to process the digital image and to generate a processed digital image highlighting relief variations in the surface, and a display system for displaying the processed digital image. The processor being so configured as to apply at least one digital filter to the digital image to highlight relief variation in the surface.

Abstract: The orthosis is formed of a monolithic semi-rigid resilient shell and is engaged inside a footwear to conformingly fit against the plantar portion of a person's foot, extending from the anterior metatarsal region to the heel portion. The rear end portion of the orthosis has inner and outer rearwardly-extending resiliently deformable arms defining a rearwardly-opened notch therebetween for partial engagement of the heel in the notch. Upwardly arcuate inner and outer flanges are provided respectively on the inner and outer arms, opposite the notch, for forming a cup-like seat for the heel. The front end portion of the orthosis engages the metatarsal plantar region of the foot, and has a sinuous front edge having five frontwardly-facing arcuate concavities each for registering engagement thereagainst of a corresponding one of the five metatarsal anterior portions of the user's foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a podiatrist in the performance of various para-medical operations on patients. The apparatus consists of a unit movble on the ground as if a dental unit used by dentists. The work unit includes a pneumatic network, connected to an external air compressor, and to which is connected three tools. Two of these tools include drilling heads, pressurized water outlets and pressurized air outlets, while the third tool includes a pressurized water outlet and pressurized air outlet. Operation of each tool, and of each outlet and drill of a given tool, is made independently of each other, and controlled by a number of knobs, buttons and dials.

Abstract: A device for three-dimensional measurements of body portions relative to overall body posture. The device includes two diverging main arms, being elongated, rigid and cylindrical, and pivotally interconnected at one end by a transverse bolt. Two elongated, rigid, cylindrical, support rods are mounted transversely to one of the main arms, one rod slidable lengthwisely thereof. Each arm includes a spirit level embedded therein, and one arm further includes a scale plate embedded therein. A transverse scale ruler is pivoted spacedly to two sleeves slidable along one and the other arm, respectively. A gravitational goniometer is mounted to the main arm not connected to the rods, for lengthwise displacement thereabout. The rods are to abut joint portions of a human body, and at least one of the spirit levels and goniometer to be levelled before the scales can be effectively used, cooperatively with comparison charts of normal dimensions-posture ratios data.

Abstract: A work cabinet it disclosed and intended to be located in the offices of podiatrists, dentists, prosthetic technicians, orthetic technicians, denturologists, jewellers and the like. The work cabinet provides a counter level table top below which are enclosed several air filtering and circulating units and on top of which are disposed side by side three housings, each provided with at least one front opening for having access to the working space within the respective housing. In a first housing are located power-driven tools for the rough machining and grinding operations to be effected on a work piece, such as a foot prothesis, foot-correcting inner sole, dentures, and the like small work pieces generally made of plastics, such as acrylics, porcelaine, plaster and the like. The second housing contains also power-driven tools, but mainly used for intermediate finishing operation, such as buffing and polishing of the same work pieces. The third housing is for the final polishing operation.