Patents by Inventor Ernesto G. Castro

Ernesto G. Castro has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8048012
    Abstract: A custom articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) system is disclosed that is formed on a cast of the wearer's foot. The custom articulated AFO has an adjustably tightenable calf section hingedly connected to an adjustably tightenable foot section. The custom articulated AFO is made of thermally formable plastic sheet, is lined inside and outside, and is padded inside. The brace permits dorsal/plantar flexion while supporting the ankle against supination and pronation. The apparatus and methods of manufacture are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Ernesto G. Castro
  • Patent number: 7691076
    Abstract: A custom articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) system is disclosed that is formed on a cast of the wearer's foot. It has an adjustably tightenable calf section hingedly connected to an adjustably tightenable foot section. It is made of thermally formable plastic sheet, is lined inside and outside, and is padded inside. The brace permits dorsal/plantar flexion while supporting the ankle against supination and pronation. The apparatus and methods of manufacture are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ernesto G. Castro
  • Patent number: 7640680
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved pedorthic systems for patients having partial foot amputations or foot neuropathies. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics with leather linings and molded stiffeners are disclosed, along with methods of manufacture. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics and ankle-foot orthoses having solid, molded fillers to replace the volume of missing foot portions are also provided, along with methods of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Ernesto G. Castro
  • Publication number: 20040034316
    Abstract: This invention relates to providing semi-custom ankle brace systems. Further, this invention relates to methods of fabricating semi-custom ankle brace systems. Further, this invention relates to methods of using semi-custom ankle brace systems. Even further, this invention relates to business systems for retail distribution of semi-custom ankle brace systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Ernesto G. Castro
  • Patent number: 6443919
    Abstract: A custom ankle brace which is made to compensate for debilitating conditions of an individual patient's ankle area. The brace is custom made by creating a negative cast of the patient's foot/ankle/lower-leg; and then prescribed markings are included on the negative cast by the castmaker to indicate the desired geometry of support. The markings are transferable to a positive cast to inform the bracemaker. The custom brace has inner and outer material layers with a stiffening element within, all fitted to the shape of a built-up positive cast, the stiffening element having a unitary horizontal partial sole portion and vertical back-and-sides-of-leg portion. The stiffening element, made from a thin polymeric sheet, is vacuum and heat fitted to the built-up-positive cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Ernesto G. Castro
  • Patent number: 6155997
    Abstract: A custom ankle brace which is made to compensate for debilitating conditions of an individual patient's ankle area. The brace is custom made by creating a negative cast of the patient's foot/ankle/lower-leg; and then prescribed markings are included on the negative cast by the castmaker to indicate the desired geometry of support. The markings are transferable to a positive cast to inform the bracemaker. The custom brace has inner and outer material layers with a stiffening element within, all fitted to the shape of a built-up positive cast, the stiffening element having a unitary horizontal partial sole portion and vertical back-and-sides-of-leg portion. The stiffening element, made from a thin polymeric sheet, is vacuum and heat fitted to the built-up positive cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Ernesto G. Castro