Abstract: A hydrogel-fabric composite for cosmetic and therapeutic applications. This application allows the shape retaining solidified gel structure or multi gel composite of a desired hydrogel or blend of hydrogels to disperse the active solutes within the gel more evenly while maintaining activity and then resulting in a set gel shape that conforms with an underlying fabric substrate. Specifically, having the active solutes dispersed within the gel provides an even concentration of active solutes and penetrates the skin over a set amount of time due to the concentration gradient. Further, the temperature constraints of active solute ingredients while still suspending them within the hydrogel for cosmetic use allow for adequate suspension and dissolution of active ingredients throughout the final gel product. Shape retaining Hydrogels, when used with specific active solutes, will remain translucent inferring the purity of the product.

Abstract: Compositions for topical application that effectively deliver antioxidants across the epidermis, dermis, or a combination thereof into cells and/or the bloodstream while concurrently maintaining chemical activity of the antioxidants. In certain aspects, these formulations include emulsions and balms each having a lipophilic carrier and a lipophilic antioxidant solubilized by the lipophilic carrier. Also disclosed herein are methods for making these compositions for topical application.

Abstract: A silicone prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic assembly that acts as the interface between the residual limb of an amputee and the socket assembly. The prosthetic liner comprises an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and sidewalls comprising an inner layer of molded silicone. The silicone is molded over a mandrel that has been sandblasted using #36 grit and, optionally, #320 grit at 100 psi so as to form microcraters and reduce the coefficient of static friction.

Abstract: A silicone prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic assembly that acts as the interface between the residual limb of an amputee and the socket assembly. The prosthetic liner comprises an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and sidewalls comprising an inner layer of molded silicone. The silicone is molded over a mandrel that has been sandblasted using #36 grit and, optionally, #320 grit at 100 psi so as to form microcraters and reduce the coefficient of static friction.

Abstract: A soft thermoformable elastomer with a phase change material exhibiting high latent heat of fusion. The compound provides elasticity, softness, formability, and heat over an extended duration and to facilitate prolonged skin contact at elevated temperatures. Used in combination with active ingredients the increased temperature and formability provides enhanced transdermal delivery through the skin. Thermoplastic elastomers may be manufactured by mixing together plasticizing oil, a triblock copolymer, a paraffinic substance and one or more additives, e.g., an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, and/or other additives to form a mixture which melted then cooled into the thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: An apparatus for residual limb volume management. Specifically the present invention relates to tapered prosthetic socks used in combination with a measuring template such that, when compressed, a user can see whether or not their residual limb has swelled or shrunk. The point at which the top edge of the socket of the prosthetic stops when in a compressed stance is the “0” mark on the measuring template and any upward or downward movement will be noticed by the user via a baseline drawn onto the prosthetic sock made using the measuring template. A mobile/online application can be implemented to remind the user to regularly check the baseline and instruct the user if corrective action is needed.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic socket that has a thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) layer that is in contact with the amputee's residual limb. The TPE layer is not uniform in thickness but has ridges to extend circumferentially around the TPE layer. A fabric exterior layer covers the outer surface of the TPE layer conforming to the ridges and is used as a substrate to form a mechanical bond to an elastomeric material. Impregnating the elastomeric material within the fabric exterior occurs by applying an uncured material to the fabric exterior layer and onto at least the apex surfaces located within the sealing regions thereby creating an air tight boundary layer when inserted into a socket. When a vacuum is applied the air is evacuated from the volume below the seal layer.

Abstract: An interchangeable lock-pump prosthetic system that includes a universal dummy, vacuum pump, and mechanical lock. Each of the three objects have similar geometries for the purpose of fitting into a prosthetic, whereupon a user may for instance, swap the vacuum pump with the lock, depending on the needs of the user and without changing to a separate prosthetic. The universal dummy is an inactive component and acts as a placeholder during manufacturing of the socket, for the eventual inclusion of the vacuum pump or mechanical lock. The vacuum pump is a pressure dependent object that acts to remove any residual air between the socket and the elastomeric liner. The lock takes advantage of a mechanical locking pin which receives a properly configured liner, thus securing the user within the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A method and system of choosing a prosthetic liner using cross-references databases which informs a user using a specified interface. Specifically, the method comprises a user accessing a graphical interface wherein amputee attributes are entered in order of (1) level of amputation, (2) residual limb length, (3) activity level, (4) residual limb shape/volume, and (5) clinical conditions with corresponding attribute options. Alternatively, the chosen attributes are (1) class of amputation, (2) residual limb length, (3) body weight, (4) use of the prosthesis, (5) activity level, and 6) uneven paths for knee joints with corresponding attribute options. Alternatively, the chosen attributes are (1) level of amputation, (2) residual limb length, (3) body weight, (4) use of the prosthesis, (5) activity level, and 6) uneven paths for foot joints with corresponding attribute options.

Abstract: An interchangeable lock-pump prosthetic system that includes a universal dummy, vacuum pump, and mechanical lock. Each of the three objects have similar geometries for the purpose of fitting into a prosthetic, whereupon a user may for instance, swap the vacuum pump with the lock, depending on the needs of the user and without changing to a separate prosthetic. The universal dummy is an inactive component and acts as a placeholder during manufacturing of the socket, for the eventual inclusion of the vacuum pump or mechanical lock. The vacuum pump is a pressure dependent object that acts to remove any residual air between the socket and the elastomeric liner. The lock takes advantage of a mechanical locking pin which receives a properly configured liner, thus securing the user within the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic socket that has a thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) layer that is in contact with the amputee's residual limb. The TPE layer is not uniform in thickness but has ridges to extend circumferentially around the TPE layer. A fabric exterior layer covers the outer surface of the TPE layer conforming to the ridges and is used as a substrate to form a mechanical bond to an elastomeric material. Impregnating the elastomeric material within the fabric exterior occurs by applying an uncured material to the fabric exterior layer and onto at least the apex surfaces located within the sealing regions thereby creating an air tight boundary layer when inserted into a socket. When a vacuum is applied the air is evacuated from the volume below the seal layer.

Abstract: A liquid spray system having antimicrobial and non-clumping properties that may be achieved without having more than 100% of the electron cation exchange. The agent may be chosen from a large number of antimicrobial agents, wherein a QAC or similar compound is the most desirable. When the spray is applied to a surface, the surface does not exhibit a formation of clumps or coagulations, etc. This non-clumping property may be achieved three different ways. First, the agent may be dissolved in a specially denatured alcohol or similar solvent carrier. Second, the agent may be dissolved in water or an SDA and then forced into a fine mist by way of a high pressure gas. Third, the agent may be dissolved into a water in oil emulsion. Further, the spray allows for no amount of carrier solvent to make contact with the surface of the material being treated.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic socket that has a thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) layer that is in contact with the amputee's residual limb. The TPE layer is not uniform in thickness but has ridges to extend circumferentially around the TPE layer. A fabric layer covers the outer surface of the TPE layer conforming to the ridges and is used as a substrate to form a mechanical bond to an outer seal layer. The outer seal layer is formed by applying an uncured material to the fabric around the ridges thereby creating an air tight boundary layer when inserted into a socket. When vacuum is applied the air is evacuated from the volume below the seal layer.

Abstract: An induction-heating device for heating and or melting a heat affected product zone of shaving or cosmetic products stored in a product container which consists of a layer of said product heated by an electrically conductive metallic target member having through-passages overlying said top product surface and energized by an induction coil into which an electromagnetic field is generated by electronic circuitry for a predetermined time period into said product container, thereby permitting said heated and or melted product to flow through said through-passages onto said top surface of said target member to be collected by a user for shaving or cosmetic purposes.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner having a lower longitudinal stretch in the distal region than in either the proximal or optional intermediate region. The distal region may stretch anywhere from 0-30% vertically and 10-200% horizontally as compared to the proximal region's vertical stretch of 55-125% and 100-175% horizontally. The stretch of the liner at various pressure sensitive regions of a residual limb can also be lowered or heightened depending on the area. A variety of stitches may be used at the distal end to implement this lowered longitudinal stretch. Preferably, the liner is made of a stretchable material. The liner also has an interior layer of elastomer gel. The design of this prosthetic liner is primarily to prevent the “pistoning” of the amputee's residual limb within the liner and for comfort over pressure-sensitive areas of the residual limb.

Abstract: An induction-heating device for heating and or melting a heat affected product zone of shaving or cosmetic products stored in a product container which consists of a layer of said product heated by an electrically conductive metallic target member having through-passages overlying said top product surface and energized by an induction coil into which an electromagnetic field is generated by electronic circuitry for a predetermined time period into said product container, thereby permitting said heated and or melted product to flow through said through-passages onto said top surface of said target member to be collected by a user for shaving or cosmetic purposes.

Abstract: A low extensibility material for use in prosthetics and orthotics. The low extensibility material is adhered to the fabric portion of a prosthetic liner or orthotic liner either internally or externally and limits the longitudinal movement while allowing for transversal movement. The customizable nature of the invention allows for shaping and personalization depending on the needs of the user.

Abstract: Compositions for topical application that effectively deliver antioxidants across the epidermis, dermis, or a combination thereof into cells and/or the bloodstream while concurrently maintaining chemical activity of the antioxidants. In certain aspects, these formulations include emulsions and balms each having a lipophilic carrier and a lipophilic antioxidant solubilized by the lipophilic carrier. Also disclosed herein are methods for making these compositions for topical application.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a therapeutic material incorporating a soft thermoformable elastomer with a phase change material exhibiting high latent heat of fusion. The compound provides elasticity, softness, formability, and heat over an extended duration and to facilitate prolonged skin contact at elevated temperatures. Used in combination with active ingredients the increased temperature and formability provides enhanced transdermal delivery through the skin. Thermoplastic elastomers may be manufactured by mixing together plasticizing oil, a triblock copolymer, a paraffinic substance and one or more additives, e.g., an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, and/or other additives to form a mixture which melted then cooled into the thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic assembly that acts as the interface between the residual limb of an amputee and the socket assembly. The prosthetic liner comprises an outer textile with variable stretch characteristics due to the knit construction and stitching and an interior gel layer. The distal region of the liner textile has less stretch than does the intermediate region or proximal region and is stitched together to form a unitary liner. The liner advantageously minimizes a condition referred to as “pistoning” wherein the distal most portion of the residual limb ascends and descends in the lower portion of the socket creating an unhealthy condition for the residual limb.