Abstract: A touch sensitive apparatus comprises: a top plate having light source(s) associated therewith, such that light from the light source(s) is transmitted within the top plate with total internal reflection; and a base plate having detector(s) associated therewith for detecting light transmitted within the base plate. The top plate and the base plate are configured such that if an external body touches a first surface of the top plate, then light is coupled from a second surface of the top plate into the base plate through a first surface of the base plate. Each of the light source(s) is disposed within the top plate in a recess for that light source, wherein the recess has refracting input face(s) such that light from a light source is coupled into the body of the top plate through the refracting input face(s).

Abstract: A packaged light emitting diode comprises a light emitting diode die and a cylindrical lens. The cylindrical lens is provided directly over a light emitting surface of the light emitting diode die. The cylindrical lens is advantageously provided as a truncated substantially oblate ellipsoidal lens in a body having two first truncations and one second truncation. As an alternative, the cylindrical lens is provided as an aspherical lens in a modified ellipsoidal body having again two first truncations and one second truncation. Light emitted through the lens has a narrow angular distribution along a first axis and a broad angular distribution along a second axis, orthogonal to the first axis. A touch sensitive apparatus comprising one or more such packaged light emitting diodes, being integrated within a top light-guiding plate of said apparatus, is also described.

Abstract: A touch sensitive apparatus comprises a top plate and a base plate. The top plate has one or more light sources associated with it, such that light from the light source(s) is transmitted within the top plate with total internal reflection. The base plate has detector(s) associated with it for detecting light transmitted within the base plate. The top plate and the base plate are configured such that if an external body touches a first surface of the top plate, then light is coupled from a second surface of the top plate into the base plate through a first surface of the base plate. One or more regions of the first surface, the second surface, or both are provided with a layer inhibiting internal reflection at that region of the surface, thereby providing optical separation between one part of the top plate and another part of the top plate.

Abstract: Optical System Manufacture A method of manufacturing an optically transmissive sheet is described. The method comprises moulding the optically transmissive sheet as a laminate, wherein the optically transmissive sheet is adapted for total internal reflection at first and second faces of the optically transmissive sheet. The method further comprises forming one or more light absorbing layer regions on either the first face, the second face, or both of the optically transmissive sheet, wherein the one or more light absorbing layer regions are formed in the moulding process. Methods of manufacturing an optical element for a touch screen apparatus, and of manufacturing a touch screen apparatus, are also described, as are optically transmissive sheets, optical elements for a touch screen apparatus, and touch screen apparatus.

Abstract: An external ankle brace including a rigid heel enclosure having a rear portion and a forward portion, the rear portion configured to receive and at least partially encircle the heel portion of the shoe, the forward portion having a medial sidewall and a lateral sidewall for collectively and concurrently at least partially encircling the sides of the shoe concurrent with the rear portion connecting the medial and lateral sidewalls to collectively at least partially encircle the side. The ankle brace includes a lateral upright extension selectively perpendicular to the rigid heel enclosure and pivotally attached to the lateral sidewall, the lateral upright extension including a lateral reinforcing component and a medial upright extension selectively perpendicular to the rigid heel enclosure and pivotally attached to the medial sidewall, the medial upright extension including a medial reinforcing component.

Abstract: An external ankle brace is disposed on the exterior of a shoe having a heel portion, a toe portion, a sole, and oppositely disposed sides. The external ankle brace comprises a rigid heel enclosure having a rear portion, configured to receive the heel of the shoe, and a forward portion having a medial sidewall and a lateral sidewall for collectively and concurrently at least partially encircling the sides of the shoe. A lateral upright extension is present. A medial upright extension is present. A lower fastening system comprises at least one lower adjustable connecting strap for extending underneath the sole of the shoe. An upper fastening system comprises at least one upper connecting strap for selectively connecting the lateral sidewall to the medial sidewall across the top of the shoe.

Abstract: An external ankle brace including a rigid heel enclosure having a rear portion and a forward portion, the rear portion configured to receive and at least partially encircle the heel portion of the shoe, the forward portion having a medial sidewall and a lateral sidewall for collectively and concurrently at least partially encircling the sides of the shoe concurrent with the rear portion connecting the medial and lateral sidewalls to collectively at least partially encircle the side. The ankle brace includes a lateral upright extension selectively perpendicular to the rigid heel enclosure and pivotally attached to the lateral sidewall, the lateral upright extension including a lateral reinforcing component and a medial upright extension selectively perpendicular to the rigid heel enclosure and pivotally attached to the medial sidewall, the medial upright extension including a medial reinforcing component.

Abstract: An external ankle brace is disposed on the exterior of a shoe having a heel portion, a toe portion, a sole, and oppositely disposed sides. The external ankle brace comprises a rigid heel enclosure having a rear portion, configured to receive the heel of the shoe, and a forward portion having a medial sidewall and a lateral sidewall for collectively and concurrently at least partially encircling the sides of the shoe. A lateral upright extension includes a lateral reinforcing strut. A medial upright extension includes a medial reinforcing strut. A lower fastening system comprises at least one lower connecting strap for extending underneath the sole of the shoe. An upper fastening system comprises at least one upper connecting strap for selectively connecting the lateral sidewall to the medial sidewall across the top of the shoe.