Abstract: The improved footwear system of the present application uses composite materials in the design of an advanced modular in-shoe foot orthosis and a new container assembly which includes a high performance energy storage and return element orthosis. The footwear system uses a method of manufacture incorporating a new last model. The advantages of the footwear system over standard issue combat boots include lower weight, improved treatment of lower extremity overuse injuries and reduction of the occurrence of such overuse injuries by protecting at-risk feet with advanced footwear which can be customized to meet the biomechanical needs as well as the specific activities of the wearer.

Abstract: The improved footwear system of the present application uses composite materials in the design of an advanced modular in-shoe foot orthosis and a new container assembly which includes a high performance energy storage and return element orthosis. The footwear system uses a method of manufacture incorporating a new last model. The advantages of the footwear system over standard issue combat boots include lower weight, improved treatment of lower extremity overuse injuries and reduction of the occurrence of such overuse injuries by protecting at-risk feet with advanced footwear which can be customized to meet the biomechanical needs as well as the specific activities of the wearer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.