Abstract: A controllable footwear method and apparatus, comprising a structure which controls a splitting of a force exerted on a sole of the footwear between a first portion which is stored in an energy storage structure and later returned to the sole, and a second portion which is dissipated, and a control for controlling the structure in dependence on an activity of the wearer, to alter a relation between the first portion and the second portion, to thereby alter a dynamic characteristic of the footwear.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 18, 2006
Date of Patent:
July 8, 2008
Assignee:
ProMDX Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard F. Bailey, Sr., Ronald A. Fisher, Steven M. Hoffberg
Abstract: A method for controlling footwear, comprising cushioning a transient force during use of the footwear at a first period of a gait cycle, storing energy from said cushioning, and releasing the stored energy during use of the footwear at a second period of the gait cycle, and after said transient force has subsided. The control can be electronic, mechanical or hydraulic, and is preferably dependent on a sensed gait cycle phase. The control may be adaptive to the user or the use of the footwear. The stored energy can be used to assist in locomotion, to generate electrical energy, to drive a heat pump, or simply dissipated.
Abstract: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 8, 2005
Date of Patent:
April 17, 2007
Assignee:
ProMDX Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard F. Bailey, Sr., Ronald A. Fisher, Steven M. Hoffberg
Abstract: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 8, 2005
Date of Patent:
September 19, 2006
Assignee:
ProMDX Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard F. Bailey, Sr., Ronald A. Fisher, Steven M. Hoffberg
Abstract: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 10, 2001
Date of Patent:
March 15, 2005
Assignee:
ProMDX Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard F. Bailey, Sr., Ronald A. Fisher, Steven M. Hoffberg
Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing cryotherapy and controlled compression using a non-chlorofluorocarbon pressurized refrigerant supplied in a disposable canister, including a canister adapter, an inject valve which mates to the adapter, providing a steady flow rate of refrigerant to provide a predetermined cooling and a selectively initiated rapid flow of refrigerant to rapidly establish operating conditions, a conduit for connecting the inject valve and a maze fluid flow path in which the heat of vaporization of the refrigerant fluid cools an object in proximity to the maze, a bladder for accumulating vaporized refrigerant outside the maze and an exhaust valve having a predetermined relief pressure, venting refrigerant gas from the bladder to the atmosphere, thereby inflating the bladder with gaseous refrigerant to a specified pressure.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 14, 1994
Date of Patent:
August 19, 1997
Assignee:
Promdx Technology Inc.
Inventors:
Richard F. Bailey, Sr., Ronald A. Fisher