Abstract: A support for an article of foot wear including a dynamic support that is capable of molding to a portion of a plantar surface of a foot. The dynamic support includes a plurality of independently movable particles.

Abstract: An electrostatic sensor device including a first sensor element and a second sensor element; a dielectric substrate material formed in two layers, and a sensing hole which penetrates the dielectric substrate material from its upper surface to its lower surface. The first sensor element is receivable in the sensing hole; and second sensor element includes a first conducting ring disposed on an upper surface of said dielectric substrate and surrounding said sensing hole. The second conducting ring is disposed on a lower surface of the dielectric substrate and surrounds the sensing hole. The first sensor element and the second sensor are capable of producing a variable response when the first sensor element is disposed in the sensing hole.

Abstract: An electrostatic sensor device including a first sensor element and a second sensor element; a dielectric substrate material formed in two layers, and a sensing hole which penetrates the dielectric substrate material from its upper surface to its lower surface. The first sensor element is receivable in the sensing hole; and second sensor element includes a first conducting ring disposed on an upper surface of said dielectric substrate and surrounding said sensing hole. The second conducting ring is disposed on a lower surface of the dielectric substrate and surrounds the sensing hole. The first sensor element and the second sensor are capable of producing a variable response when the first sensor element is disposed in the sensing hole.

Abstract: An insole for placement in or on an article of footwear to support all or a portion of a wearer's foot, comprising: a base shell support layer having an upper surface, wherein the base layer includes a heel support portion, a plurality of substantially rigid particles disposed on the heel support portion, and an upper layer, the upper layer overlying and being secured to the base layer, the upper layer overlying the particles and maintaining them in an area between the upper layer and the base layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus to reduce blood pressure mechanically and to provide proper hand position for walking to reduce stress on the heart and blood pressure in the hands.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a plantar contour of a foot of a user, the plantar contour having a height. The apparatus comprises an impression block having a thickness sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour. A method for forming an insole corresponding to a plantar contour of a foot of a user, wherein the plantar contour has a height. The method comprises the steps of (1) placing the foot of the user into an impression block having a thickness wherein the thickness is sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour (i.e., a portion or the full arch contour); (2) forming a digitized model of the impression; (3) extrapolating data from the digitized model of the impression to form a complete digitized model of the full height of the plantar contour; (4) providing the complete digitized model to a milling machine; and (5) directing the milling machine to manufacture the insole using the complete digitized model.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a plantar contour having a foam impression block and a carrier. The apparatus has a foam impression block including a front portion and a rear portion and a carrier including a height adjuster. The block is associated with the carrier such that the rear portion and the height adjuster are adjacent one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a plantar contour of a foot of a user, the plantar contour having a height. The apparatus comprises an impression block having a thickness sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour. A method for forming an insole corresponding to a plantar contour of a foot of a user, wherein the plantar contour has a height. The method comprises the steps of (1) placing the foot of the user into an impression block having a thickness wherein the thickness is sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour (i.e., a portion or the full arch contour); (2) forming a digitized model of the impression; (3) extrapolating data from the digitized model of the impression to form a complete digitized model of the full height of the plantar contour; (4) providing the complete digitized model to a milling machine; and (5) directing the milling machine to manufacture the insole using the complete digitized model.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a contour of the underside of a person's foot includes an array of gauge pins supported by a first support structure and disposed in spaced relation for independent, guided movement along their longitudinal axes. An inflatable diaphragm elevates the gauge pins into extended positions until they contact the underside of the foot. A camera, forward of the gauge pin array, is pointed towards the gauge pin array. An initial reference image is captured of the gauge pins in their retracted position. The person's foot is then placed on the first support structure and the gauge pins are elevated (by means of the diaphragm). The gauge pins are locked in place; the foot is removed and an image of the conforming gauge pin array is acquired by the camera, using ambient light. The image is sent to a processor which analyzes the image and compares it to the reference image to determine the new location of the tops of the gauge pins.