Abstract: A movable reusable frame-like structure for supporting, containing and protecting a flexible fluid containment vessel for use in hydraulic fracturing operations to store fluids, said structure having a base frame carrying plural vertical supports, the plural vertical supports interconnected by plural support straps to define a volume above the base frame carrying a secondary containment, and a flexible fluid containment vessel within the secondary containment.

Abstract: A rules based software user interface application and environment, comprising: a) a clinical quality measure library database schema, b) a clinical quality measure specification database schema, c) a rules library, d) a clinical business rule (CBR) editor, e) a key performance indicator (KPI) or clinical quality measure specification editor, f) a clinical quality runtime configuration module, g) a cost of care runtime configuration module and h) a runtime manager module and, in some embodiments, i) a measure testing module. In some embodiments, rules-based software applications comprise a component for delivery of clinical measure description libraries as a web or Internet application. In other embodiments, rules-based software applications comprise a component for measure testing which include a test data generator module which generates a test database with a known target measure result and an audit detail component for inspecting test results.

Abstract: An anatomical wheelchair seat cushion system is disclosed. The system includes a flexible base having a lower surface which interfaces with the wheelchair and an upper surface which receives a fluid-containing pad which interfaces with the user and/or interfaces directly with the user. The base is anatomically contoured and includes a plurality of features for adjusting this contour prior to positioning of a user thereon and various self-adjustment features for dynamic adjustment capabilities.

Abstract: An adjustable seat cushion system which is particularly suited for wheelchair applications is disclosed (e.g., used over a conventional wheelchair seat). The system generally includes a central cushion assembly which includes a base with a pad positioned thereon. One generally elongated side cushion is disposed on each of the two sides of the central cushion assembly and is movably interconnected with the central cushion assembly. The position of each of the side cushions may be adjusted relative to the central cushion assembly and be substantially retained within the adjusted position. Changing the position of the side cushions may be utilized to adapt the seat cushion system to the anatomical characteristics of a variety of different users and/or to provide different support objectives.

Abstract: Flowable, pressure-compensating material compositions are provided. The compositions are directed toward improving one or more aspects of the flowable material, such as by providing/improving flame retardancy and/or the homogeneity of the composition over time. For instance, one composition includes a liquid, a viscosity-increasing material, and beads having a preselected coating thereon to provide for a coupling interaction with at least one of the liquid and the viscosity-increasing material.

Abstract: A cycle saddle which accommodates for the movement of a rider's ischial tuberosities. In one embodiment, portions of the saddle substantially coinciding with the rider's ischial tuberosities yield to the downward movement of the ischial tuberosities to reduce the magnitude of the localized pressure concentrations in these areas. In another embodiment, the saddle has a portion which pivots transversely about the central, longitudinal axis of the saddle during the pedalling motion to account not only for the downward movement of an ischial tuberosity, but also for the associated upward movement of the other ischial tuberosity.

Abstract: A flame-resistant, flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided. The composition can include a flame retardant such as boric oxide, boric acid, borax, bicarbonate of soda, epsom salt or mixtures thereof. The remainder of the composition can include silicone oil, glycerin or a wax/oil material.

Abstract: A hand padding device comprising a pliable enclosure containing a flowable material. The device is designed to be inserted into a ball glove. Preferably, the padding device includes two convex surfaces.

Abstract: A padding device is provided comprising a flowable material and/or low compression set foam. The flowable material comprises discrete particles dispersed in a wax and oil base. The padding device is particularly suitable for use in seating cushions, including bicycle seat cushions. A method for securing the padding device to a bicycle seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-reinitializing padding device having at least two fluidly connected chambers which contain flowable material for use in applications where it is desirable to reinitialize the padding device for subsequent use in absorbing and/or distributing impact forces. One application for which the padding device is particularly well suited is as a foot padding device in footwear. In this application, the device provides improved absorption and distribution of impact forces generated when the footwear contacts a surface, as well as improved lateral support for the foot. In a preferred embodiment, a primary chamber is positioned under the area to be padded, and a plurality of secondary chambers, each fluidly connected to the primary chamber, are positioned around the padded area. The impact force of the user's foot deforms the primary chamber, thereby forcing some of the flowable material contained therein to flow into the secondary chambers.

Abstract: A flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided comprising a liquid, a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid and spherical particles. A method for making such composition is also provided. The composition is especially suitable for use in padding devices.

Abstract: A flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided comprising a liquid, a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid and spherical particles. A method for making such composition is also provided. The composition is especially suitable for use in padding devices.

Abstract: A padding device is provided comprising a flowable material and/or low compression set foam. The flowable material comprises discrete particles dispersed in a wax and oil base. The padding device is particularly suitable for use in seating cushions, including bicycle seat cushions. A method for securing the padding device to a bicycle seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing process for producing clean, contamination-free seals. The process includes the step of incorporating a small amount of polar liquid within the material to be sealed between heat-sealable layers. An alternating electromagnetic energy field, such as that produced by a dielectric heating device, is applied to the seal area. The energy vaporizes the polar liquid, thereby cleaning the seal area. Subsequently, the energy causes the resinous layers to seal together, sealing the material within the package. A preferred composition for sealing within the resinous package is also disclosed. The material includes a polar liquid, a surfactant, wax, oil and microbeads. The material is especially suited for producing padding devices.

Abstract: A padding device is provided comprising a flowable material and/or low compresison set foam. The flowable material comprises discrete particles dispersed in a wax suitable for use in seating cushions, including bicycle seat cushions. A method for securing the padding device to a bicycle seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wear resisting member or pad is mounted in the undersurface of the heel of an article of footwear, such as a ski boot, to improve the wearability of the heel. When employed in a ski boot, the heel thereof is formed with a cavity for weight reduction, and an opening is provided in the bottom wall of the heel for receiving the pad. When mounted in the opening in the heel, an upstanding boss on the pad engages a depending boss on the underside of an inclined wall in the heel so that the pad strengthens the heel and supports the heel of the wearer's foot. The pad is releasably retained in the opening in the heel by a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs on the margin of the opening and a groove in the outer periphery of the pad into which the lugs extend. The pad is shiftable to different rotated positions in the opening to compensate for wear and can be replaced when worn out.

Abstract: An article of footwear, particularly a ski boot or the like, having an integral one-piece shell molded from a relatively rigid plastic material. The shell has a lengthwise split in the cuff portion to provide overlapping flap members which completely enclose the wearer's foot. The flap members are resiliently spreadable for insertion or removal of the wearer's foot. The front of the shell has a depending skirt portion with a lower free edge which overlies a rearwardly extending vamp. The skirt portion has a downwardly opening slot with adjustable transverse fastener means for flex control at the front of the shell. The cuff portion of the shell is assymetrical at its upper end so that the shell is higher at the inside and the rear than at the outside and the front. An integral one-piece liner of soft flexible material is disposed within the shell. The liner is split lengthwise to permit spreading of the liner when the flap members of the shell are spread apart.

Abstract: Improved footwear, such as a ski boot having a substantially rigid shell, a slip joint defined at the instep area between a vamp portion extending upwardly and an upper shell portion extending downwardly with a portion overlying the vamp at the instep area provide boot flexure. A slit in the upper shell portion commences at the joint and extends upwardly. Threaded adjustable fastening means are positioned across the slit so that the amount of boot flexure can be adjusted.

Abstract: Removable, adjustable, foot-supporting and foot-positioning, orthopedic inserts for selectively and correctly supporting and positioning bottom regions of the foot, which are constructed and designed for use in athletic or sports footwear, including shoes and boots, whereby the foot is selectively and correctly supported and positioned in the footwear, and the leg, in turn, is selectively and correctly supported and positioned relative to the footwear.

Abstract: A closure assembly for footwear including ski boots in which a closure member having a lever end, engagement tooth and latch end is associated with a slotted tooth section molded on the footwear shell to open and close sections of the footwear.