Abstract: A backpack is provided incorporating a framesheet and having superior torsional flexibility and load support. The backpack includes a sack configured to be disposed on a user's back and having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when worn. The framesheet is attached to the first side of the sack, generally with the spine of the user. A surface contour is provided to the framesheet that facilitates load support and inhibits barreling. The framesheet has a first width in the upper region and a second width less than the first width, the second width residing in the intermediate between the scapulas and the hip bones of the user. Optionally, a stay can also be provided to the backside of the framesheet, preferably along the centerline thereof.

Abstract: A monitoring device and patch assembly and method for forming the assembly is disclosed wherein the patch includes a platform and at least a portion of the monitoring device is positioned adjacent the patch. At least a portion of the monitoring device and platform are encapsulated to connect the monitoring device to the patch.

Abstract: An automobile structure includes a first extruded structural member with longitudinally extending ribs on an exterior surface, and a second structural member joined to the first structural member with adhesive, wherein the depth of the adhesive between the first and second structural members varies with variations in the cross-section of the first structural member, and the ribs define a gap of a specified depth between facing surfaces of the two joined structural members to enhance the performance of the adhesive bond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of a structure which comprises a plurality of structural members bonded together, the method comprising the steps of extruding a first structural member with a chosen cross section, and joining the first structural member to a second structural member by bonding with an adhesive, wherein the depth of the adhesive between the structural members is chosen so as to enhance the performance of the adhesive bond. The present invention also provides a method of manufacture of a structure wherein the first structural member is provided on a first surface with a plurality of spaced-apart exterior ribs which abut an adjacent surface on the second structural member and which define between them a gap for receiving adhesive, whereby the ribs define a chosen depth of adhesive in order to optimize the bond between the first and second structural members.

Abstract: A unitary foot and shin component for a lower limb prosthesis has a one piece thermoplastic endoskeletal foot keel and shin member and a continuous flexible cosmesis. The cosmesis includes a resilient foot body which is molded directly onto the keel so as to embed the keel, and an integral flexible and hollow shell which surrounds the shin member but is spaced from it. By forming the foot body and the hollow shell as a single polyurethane molding, the foot and shin can be supplied as a single component, ready for connection to a stump socket and alignment coupling.

Abstract: A single-piece fibre-reinforced plastics shin component for a lower limb prosthesis for a below-knee amputee has an elongate resilient energy-storing blade and, integrally formed at a proximal end of the blade, an alignment plate extending generally anteriorly and perpendicularly with respect to the blade to form at least part of an alignment device for adjusting the position of the blade relative to an upper limb component. The blade is straight and of constant cross-section at least over its distal end portion to allow it to be cut to length to suit the amputee.

Abstract: A single-piece fibre-reinforced plastics shin component for a lower limb prosthesis for an above-knee amputee has an energy storing blade and, integrally formed therewith, a shin cradle in the form of a channel section which has a pair of pivot supports formed as flanges extending away from one of the major surfaces of the blade. Each flange has a pair of holes defining transverse pivot axes, one of which is a knee axis and the other of which is a pivot axis for mounting the distal end of a knee movement control unit. These holes together define a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to and to the anterior of the blade. The blade merges smoothly into the channel section and, over a distal end portion, is straight and of constant cross-section to allow the blade to be cut to length to suit the amputee.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in sunbathing comprises a screen formed of a sheet of thermoplastic material which is transparent to the safe UV-A wavelengths of solar radiation but which contains uniformly distributed therethrough a first agent whcih absorbs at least 80% of the UV-B radiation in the 290-320 nm range and a second agent which prevents transmission therethrough of some radiations above 450 nm wavelength, i.e. visible light and infra-red. The screen may be mounted on a frame so as to shield the sunbather from the harmful wavelength of radiation, prevent unpleasant overheating and provide subdued lighting. The second agent may be an absorbing dye or pigment.