Abstract: A building block toy set has first and second blocks each having a first connection device at the upper end and a second connection device at the lower end which is releasably mateable with the first connection device on the other block, whereby the first block is connectable on top of the second block in a first configuration and the second block is connectable on top of the first block in a second configuration. Each first connection device has an actuator formation on the first connection device and at least the second block is a smart block having a sensor assembly associated with the second connection device which is activated by the actuator formation when the second block is interconnected with the first block in the second configuration. A processing unit is mounted in the smart block and associated with the sensor assembly to produce a sensory output signal when the sensor assembly is activated.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for an orthopedic knee brace. The knee brace includes upper and lower support arms. The hinge assembly includes a hinge plate and first and second gear members pivotally connected to the hinge plate. The first gear member is coupled for rotation with the upper support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the upper support arm. The second gear member is coupled for rotation with the lower support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the lower support arm. The hinge assembly allows medial/lateral articulation of the upper and lower support arms in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the first and second gear members.

Abstract: A building block toy set has first and second blocks each having a first connection device at the upper end and a second connection device at the lower end which is releasably mateable with the first connection device on the other block, whereby the first block is connectable on top of the second block in a first configuration and the second block is connectable on top of the first block in a second configuration. Each first connection device has an actuator formation on the first connection device and at least the second block is a smart block having a sensor assembly associated with the second connection device which is activated by the actuator formation when the second block is interconnected with the first block in the second configuration. A processing unit is mounted in the smart block and associated with the sensor assembly to produce a sensory output signal when the sensor assembly is activated.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for an orthopedic knee brace. The knee brace includes upper and lower support arms. The hinge assembly includes a hinge plate and first and second gear members pivotally connected to the hinge plate. The first gear member is coupled for rotation with the upper support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the upper support arm. The second gear member is coupled for rotation with the lower support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the lower support arm. The hinge assembly allows medial/lateral articulation of the upper and lower support arms in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the first and second gear members.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for an orthopedic knee brace. The knee brace includes upper and lower support arms. The hinge assembly includes a hinge plate and first and second gear members pivotally connected to the hinge plate. The first gear member is coupled for rotation with the upper support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the upper support arm. The second gear member is coupled for rotation with the lower support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the lower support arm. The hinge assembly allows medial/lateral articulation of the upper and lower support arms in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the first and second gear members.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for an orthopedic knee brace. The knee brace includes upper and lower support arms. The hinge assembly includes a hinge plate and first and second gear members pivotally connected to the hinge plate. The first gear member is coupled for rotation with the upper support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the upper support arm. The second gear member is coupled for rotation with the lower support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the lower support arm. The hinge assembly allows medial/lateral articulation of the upper and lower support arms in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the first and second gear members.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for an orthopedic knee brace. The knee brace includes upper and lower support arms. The hinge assembly includes a hinge plate and first and second gear members pivotally connected to the hinge plate. The first gear member is coupled for rotation with the upper support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the upper support arm. The second gear member is coupled for rotation with the lower support arm and has an articulation surface adjacent a surface of the lower support arm. The hinge assembly allows medial/lateral articulation of the upper and lower support arms in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the first and second gear members.

Abstract: A method for sublimating graphics onto a three-dimensional object, such as an orthopedic brace, includes pre-treating the device if needed. The device may require a coating that is able to receive sublimated inks and capture those inks. Sublimation papers are cut to the appropriate size, placed on the device with re-positional adhesive, and wrapped around the object. Shrink tubing and clamps may also be used to ensure continuous contact between the sublimation paper and the device during sublimation. After the sublimation paper has been placed against the desired surfaces of the device, the paper and the device are heated to sublimate the inks into the device. After the device and paper are heated and allowed to cool, the sublimation paper is removed with a lubricant or solvent. Orthopedic devices and other three-dimensional objects having a complexity in their geometric profile can therefore be provided with sophisticated graphics.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator and support vest, harness or spider for supporting a diver's backpack, includes a pivoting fastener secured to the shoulder straps. A polyangular or triangular holder further distributes the weight of a load between the waist, back and shoulders of a user. A strap incorporating the pivoting fastener and/or the polyangular or triangular holder for use with a backpack or other back carrier or framework or support harness is also provided.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having chest portions which include stretchable material to support the breasts of a diver. The buoyancy compensator is secured to the back of a spider and has forward extensions which overlap and are loosely tethered to waistband portions of the spider. The waistband portions of the spider are secured to the back portion of the spider by adjustable means for waist size adjustment.

Abstract: A combination unit of a buoyancy compensator, backpack, and spider having adjustable combination strap means forming a combination shoulder strap and belt strap means with releasable strap retaining means. A backpack for support of a gas cylinder is attached to the back of the spider. The buoyancy compensator overlies the spider and has two downward extending lobes, each having a bottom and sides that are configured to surround the backpack without interfering with the attachment of a pressurized gas cylinder. The buoyancy compensator includes independent suspension means whereby it is attached to the spider at the shoulder and neckline areas and tacked to the spider at the bottom of each downward lobe portion of the buoyancy compensator.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator for a diver having an inflatable bladder characterized by minimal lateral deformation when inflated is formed of a two piece gusset of double-sided heat sealable material disposed between a forward and a rearward single-sided heat sealable member. A method for making the inflatable bladder by welding in three roughly parallel planes is also provided.

Abstract: A weight release system for selectively releasing a weight from a body. The system includes a retaining member pivotally attached to the body. The retaining member is also releasably engaged to the body distal the pivotal attachment so as to retain and secure a weight relative to the body, so that the center of mass of the weight is substantially between the pivot and the releasable engagement of the retaining member. Upon releasing the retaining member from the body, the weight causes the retaining member to pivot relative to the body so that the weight is below the pivot, thereby permitting separation of the weight from the body.

Abstract: A weight release system for selectively releasing a weight from a body. The system includes a retaining member pivotally attached to the body. The retaining member is also releasably engaged to the body distal the pivotal attachment so as to retain and secure a weight relative to the body, so that the center of mass of the weight is substantially between the pivot and the releasable engagement of the retaining member. Upon releasing the retaining member from the body, the weight causes the retaining member to pivot relative to the body so that the weight is below the pivot, thereby permitting separation of the weight from the body.