Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent compression. In certain embodiments an energy source is applied to the limb to facilitate intermittent compression treatment. In certain embodiments, intermittent compression is applied to a limb for pre-determined periods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging an arcuate surface of an object such as a bottle with a label thereon. Such bottle may be a wine bottle. In one embodiment, the bottle is placed into an imaging chamber. Preferably, space between the imaging chamber and the wine bottle is covered with a flexible material to exclude light from the chamber. A scanner, or imaging device, is moved either manually or under the control of a microprocessor with respect to the bottle to image the bottle label. Either the scanner travels along an arcuate path around the bottle or the bottle rotates on a turntable to cause the label to move past a stationary scanner. A controller is associated with the imaging device and/or the turntable to control movement of the imaging device or the turntable to cause imaging of the bottle label. The image of the scanned label may be stored in memory, sent to a printer, or wirelessly transmitted to remote storage and/or output devices.

Abstract: A molded article having a field of molded hooks formed integrally thereon is made in a mold in which the hook-forming cavities are on a surface of a retractable mold insert. The insert is retracted from the molded article prior to the article's release from the mold, so that the molded hooks do not experience excessive shear forces as the article is removed from the mold cavity. The invention is especially useful when the draft angle of the hook-bearing surface of the molded article is less than about 45°.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be in the range os about 25–60 mmHg.

Abstract: An article of protective sports gear, such as a chest pad, knee pad, shin guard, wrist guard, or the like, is provided with a closure system comprising an injection molded plastic member having a field of integrally molded hooks, the field of hooks being releasably engageable by a cooperative loop-bearing member.

Abstract: A fastening kit comprises an injection molded pallet having a field of integrally molded hooks on a surface, and a cooperative loop-bearing member. When the pallet is fastened to a first object and the cooperative loop bearing member is attached to a second object, the first and second objects can be releasably attached to one another by contacting the loops of the loop bearing member with the field of integrally molded hooks.

Abstract: A footwear article with a hook and loop fastening system, wherein the hooks are a field of injection molded hooks. The injection molded hooks can be integral with a wall of the footwear article, such as the shell of a skate or ski boot, or the hooks can be formed on an injection molded subassembly that is assembled into the footwear article.

Abstract: An injection molded insert having a field of integrally formed hooks on a surface can be used as a component of a molded article, such that the field of hooks will be on a surface of the molded article. The molded article having the mold insert as a component can be formed by various molding processes such as injection molding, compression molding, blow molding or rotational molding, or by forming from a moldable mass such as sprayable resins, epoxy-based resins, or fiberglass-based resins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be in the range os about 25-60 mmHg.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be 50% or less of the baseline pressure.

Abstract: A method of providing enhanced circulation, venous return and microcirculation is achieved by use of intermittent pneumatic compression in alternating periods of application and recovery.

Abstract: A unitary boot-type ankle brace is provided having the capability of stabilizing an ankle against inversion and eversion without limiting normal plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle and while simultaneously providing focal compression of the anterior talofibular ligament. The brace is preferably constructed of a flexible material and includes a medial side portion dimensioned and configured to extend along a medial side of a user's leg and foot, and having a lateral side portion dimensioned and configured to extend along a lateral side of the leg and foot. The side portions are joined to a forwardly extending forefoot sleeve portion and to a base portion. In a primary aspect of the invention the side portions define a rear opening for insertion of the foot with a strap for selectively connecting the side portions adjacent the user's heel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be 50% or less of the baseline pressure.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles wrap comprises a wrap including at least one strap for fastening the wrap around the foot and around the ankle. The wrap positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The wrap also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for injection-molding a unitary, relatively rigid thermoplastic device having a field of injection-molded hooks integrally formed in predetermined areas on the device during the injection-molding of the device for releasable attachment to an associated co-operative loop bearing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing therapeutic intermittent pneumatic pressure to a body portion. An air reservoir receives a substantially steady flow of pressurized air from a pump. Pressure is applied as a rapid pulse from the reservoir to a cuff means in contact with the body portion so as to promote acceleration of venous blood flow in the body portion. In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic pressure is applied in a graduated manner and/or sequentially distally to proximally along the body portion. A simplified carrying arrangement is provided for the system.

Abstract: A walking brace is disclosed having inflatable air cells to provide therapeutic pressure to the patient's leg and which requires no external equipment or oral inflation tube for reinflation. Each air cell contains a piece of resilient foam, which allows air to come in through an external connection to inflate the air cell when the foam within the air cell expands and the external connection is open. Similarly, when the external connection is open, air leaves the air cell through the external connection in response to pressure on the air cell. However, once the external connection is closed, the air cell maintains its volume of air.

Abstract: A system for intermittent, sequential, graduated compression of a multicompartment inflatable cuff by means of a single pulsing air pump and a single air tube connecting the pump to the cuff. Each more proximal compartment is inflated through a fluid restrictor communicating with its adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most proximal compartment is limited by a fluid restrictor bleeding air to atmosphere and the pressure in the most proximal compartment is always less than the pressure in the adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most distal compartment is controlled by a pressure relief valve. In a second embodiment, deflation is through a restrictor located in the supply line to the cuff and deflation of each more proximal compartment is through a one-way check-valve that permits flow of air from a proximal compartment to a distal compartment but not in the reverse direction.

Abstract: An improved ankle support system including first and second support side walls and attaching straps which have an elongated hook portion pivotally attached to the side wall support and which has an elongated loop portion integrally formed with the hook portion and having a width wider than the loop portion such that when the strap is wrapped around the leg, the loop portion entirely covers the hook portion.

Abstract: An injection-molded thermoplastic device having a field of injection-molded hooks integrally formed in predetermined areas on the device during the injection-molding of the device for releasable attachment to a strap with loops.