Abstract: An orthotic such as a knee, ankle, elbow or wrist brace is provided. The orthotic includes one or more compression devices that adjust the amount of compressive force applied to a body part based upon fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. One embodiment of the invention incorporates one or more inflatable air bladders connected to an air pump and an atmospheric pressure sensor. The brace places the inflatable air bladder proximate a joint where it can be inflated to provide compressive support for the joint. The invention also comprises a method for adjusting the compressive force applied to a body part based upon fluctuations in atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a diamine salt and sulfoisophthalic acid in a ratio other than one salt to one acid and a process for producing a diamine salt of sulfoisophthalic acid comprising generating a sulfoisophthalic acid and charging the sulfoisophthalic acid with diamine.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus designed to specifically target the abdominal muscles is described along with a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus generally comprises four parts: a base; a seat frame attached to the base; an upper portion having a back support and handles; and a lower portion to retain the legs of a user. The apparatus allows a user to complete a typical “crunching” motion and a twisting motion encompassing both the upper torso and the lower body simultaneously. In other words the lower portion and the upper portion of the device are capable of movement about at least two distinct axes simultaneously.

Abstract: A bacteriostatic filter cartridge having a porous core member about which is layered a yarn and/or a polyester membrane and/or melt blown web of polypropylene and/or a trilaminate polypropylene membrane, any or all of which may be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove contaminants from the water and which prevents the growth of bacterial and other microorganisms on the filter media.