Abstract: In an embodiment, an appendage splint is disclosed. The appendage splint may include or comprise a support member including a lateral member configured to wrap and couple with a portion of the support member.

Abstract: An ink flow control mechanism is provided to prevent ink leakage or excessive ink discharge of a writing instrument particularly utilizing a capillary stick for delivering ink from an ink reservoir to a writing tip. A porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, which is permeable to moisture vapor and air molecules while performing hydrostatic resistance, is used to wrap a first portion of the capillary stick to prevent ink leakage to allow air to enter the ink reservoir to balance pressure drops. A foam is further used to wrap a second portion of the capillary stick. The ink flow rate can be adjusted by a selection of foams with different porosity density. The foam is in addition capable of absorbing an extra amount of ink flowing into the capillary stick to prevent leakage.

Abstract: An ankle brace comprising a shoe base for releasable attachment to the foot of a patient, the base including lateral sides, a sole support, a toe end, and a heel end, the ankle brace further comprising leg supports for rigid attachment to the shoe base and adapted to be strapped to the leg of a patient above the patient's ankle. Attachment means are provided for attaching the leg supports to the shoe base, for securing the leg supports to the sides of the base, and for resisting twisting and rotational torques applied to the leg supports relative to the shoe base. In one embodiment, such torques are resisted by interacting vertical members on the shoe base and leg supports. In another embodiment, the leg supports are secured to the sole support inwardly of the side of the base. An air cushion for the heel portion of the shoe base may be provided to absorb impactive forces when the patient is walking.