Abstract: Disclosed is an orthosis device particularly well-suited for use in the field. The orthosis system includes a tibial cuff, at least one strut, an optional off-loading cuff, and a foot plate. The struts connect the tibial cuff to the footplate. Optional couplers may be used to facilitate these connections and may be in the form of quick disconnects or cam locks. The footplate may further spring plate having energy return properties to aid mobility. The systems may be modular, is compact, and easily stowed and carried.

Abstract: Disclosed is a splint system for protecting and immobilizing an injured body segment and/or associated joint. The splint system is a garment-based splint system including a garment including an inner fabric layer having a skin-facing surface layer and an interior surface layer, and an outer fabric layer, wherein the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer define one or more pockets and one or more channels connecting a filler source to the one or more pockets.

Abstract: A haptic device includes a housing, a first motor configured to rotationally drive a first lead screw, a second motor configured to rotationally drive a second lead screw, and a touch point configured to contact the skin on a distal end. The rotation of the first lead screw is configured to move the touch point along a first axis and the rotation of the second lead screw is configured to move the touch point along a second axis The second axis can be perpendicular to the first axis. The haptic device can be configured to be worn on a user's arm via a wrist band or compression sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bladder collection system. Particularly, a bladder collection system for females is disclosed. The system is designed to be flexible and useful in upright or mobile situations. The bladder relief system includes a collection interface sized and configured for seated or standing application, a sleeve, defining a collection opening, and sidewalls defining a collection cavity, an interface tubing, extending from one end of the sleeve to another, between a collection end of the interface tubing, and an exit port for connection to an exit hose; and an adsorbing material contained within the collection cavity.

Abstract: Earplugs that have enhanced performance in protecting the user from high noise levels without impeding auditory awareness are described. The earplugs comprise a housing and a non-linear acoustic filter, wherein the non-linear acoustic filter can comprise a bulb. The earplugs are designed to be compatible with other types of headwear, e.g., headphones and helmets.

Abstract: A control and method for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger of an air source heat pump. A defrost cycle is initiated when ice and frost have accumulated on the outdoor heat exchanger sufficiently such that, as a function of the indoor temperature of a comfort zone, the maximum permissible heat transfer degradation at which the efficiency and reliability of the temperature conditioning system are optimized, has occurred. Heat transfer degradation is determined from the outdoor ambient air temperature and the temperature of either the outdoor heat exchanger, or the compressor suction line. If the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger or the suction line is less than a predetermined value, a deferred defrost cycle is initiated wherein the defrost cycle starts after a fixed time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a temperature conditioning system in which a plurality of stages of temperature conditioning apparatus may be selectively energized to meet a temperature conditioning demand in a comfort zone into which the flow of temperature conditioned air is varied in response to temperature therein. Control means are operative to determine the differential temperature of the return air and the supply air and to energize and de-energize stages of temperature conditioning in response thereto. Means are provided to measure the outdoor ambient temperature, thereby enabling the control means to determine the heating capacity of an ambient air source heat pump relative to the outdoor ambient air temperature, and to energize and de-energize heating stages as appropriate, to meet heating demand.

Abstract: Apparatus for rotating a fluid impeller of a centrifugal or axial flow fan, at multiple speeds. A fan is provided with a first and a second electric motor for drivingly rotating a fluid impeller at relatively fast and slow speeds, respectively. The rotor of the first motor directly drives the fluid impeller; the second motor is connected to the impeller shaft of the fan through a belt drive, with pulleys sized to reduce the impeller's rotational speed relative to that of the second motor.Only one of the motors is provided with a start winding. Control means selectively energize the first and second motors, and are operative to energize the one motor long enough to bring the other motor up to operating speed.

Abstract: A control and method for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger of an air source heat pump. A defrost cycle is initiated when ice and frost have accumulated on the outdoor heat exchanger sufficiently such that, as a function of the indoor temperature of a comfort zone, the maximum permissible heat transfer degradation at which the efficiency and reliability of the temperature conditioning system are optimized, has occurred. Heat transfer degradation is determined from the outdoor ambient air temperature and the temperature of either the outdoor heat exchanger, or the compressor suction line. If the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger or the suction line is less than a predetermined value, a deferred defrost cycle is initiated wherein the defrost cycle starts after a fixed time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling one or more electrically powered devices. A control for a temperature conditioning system is shown which is operative to monitor the electrical current supplied to component devices, i.e., compressors, auxiliary heating elements, indoor fan, and outdoor fan; and to cause an indicator means to indicate that one or more of the devices has failed to operate in a manner consistent with the controlled status of the system. If a failure is detected, control means are operative to lock out one or more of the devices from operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling and selectively setting back the comfort condition, such as temperature, within a conditioned zone utilizing a system which includes both preferred and back-up conditioning means, the former exhibiting more favorable energy consumption characteristics than the latter. The system is operable in both a normal mode, and in an economy mode during which the comfort condition is permitted to degrade toward an economy level during a setback period of predetermined duration. Selective operation of the preferred and back-up conditioning means is effected in order to minimize energy consumption during both modes and especially during the time that the comfort condition is restored to the normal level from the economy level. In a preferred embodiment, the preferred conditioning means comprise an electrically operated heat pump of the vapor compression type and the back-up conditioning means comprise electrical resistance-type heating means.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an electronically controlled apparatus for accurately charging and/or venting refrigerant for an air conditioning system having an air cooled condenser and capillary tube control. The system includes means for stabilizing the sensed pressure values, means for rapidly charging a refrigeration system having a gross undercharge, means for automatically terminating the operation of the charge adjuster and means utilizing condenser heat to increase the speed at which refrigerant may be added to the refrigeration apparatus.