Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity with a heel region, and a heel support device extending around the rear of a heel region from a lateral side to a medial side. The heel support device may include a plurality of slats and a base, the plurality of slats providing a progressive gradient of lengths and/or widths, and/or one or more pegs extending from the device for attachment to a footwear upper, and/or an elongated tip that may be disposed in a cavity of an extension of a heel collar of the upper.

Abstract: A hamstring support system comprising a waist strap, a heel cup and an elongated biasing element assembly elastically extending between the waist strap the heel cup. The waist strap is secured to a waistline of a patient having an injured or recovering hamstring injury. The heel cup is secured to a heel of an injured leg of the patient. A length of the biasing element assembly is adjusted to a neutral or slight biasing force when the injured leg is bent, thus providing a supporting force when the injured leg is extended. A pliant material can be placed between the heel cup and the heel. A shoe is preferably worn over the heel cup.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting livestock including a livestock processing station, a computer network system, and a livestock routing mechanism. The livestock processing station confines the individual livestock, allowing individual livestock data to be collected and analyzed. The computer network system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) for data input at the livestock processing station and a sorting application coupled to the PLC via a computer network, the sorting application for analyzing individual livestock data and assigning livestock to pens.

Abstract: A device (900) includes a leg engaging section (101) and a foot engaging section (102 intersecting at a heel receiver (103). The leg engaging section and the foot engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture (104). A first compression wrap member (301) and a second compression wrap member (302) extend from the leg engaging section. An inflatable bladder (501) can be disposed along the leg engaging section between the leg insertion aperture and a compressible cushion layer (902). The inflatable bladder can be selectively inflatable through a connection tube (502) exiting the inflatable bladder at a non-orthogonal angle (504) relative to an edge (507) of the inflatable bladder. The leg engaging section can define at least one channel to permit the connection tube to exit the device.

Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.

Abstract: An athletic footwear artificial ligament device includes a flexible band securable around a lower leg above an ankle of a foot of a wearer, a ring disposable adjacent an outer side of the ankle spaced below the flexible band, and a plurality of artificial ligaments coupled to and arrayed about the ring. An upper artificial ligament is attached to the flexible band and extends downward to the ring. A lower artificial ligament is attachable to an upper of the athletic shoe, adjacent to the sole and above the heel, and extends upward to the ring. A forward artificial ligament is attachable to the athletic shoe upper forwardly of the ring, above the sole and spaced forwardly from the heel, and extends rearward to the ring such that the artificial ligaments perform as a second set of ligaments providing sprain protection of the ankle of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a ring-shaped member and the ring-shaped member. A method of manufacturing a ring-shaped member to be placed in a process chamber of a substrate processing apparatus includes arranging one silicon member and another silicon member to cause one abutting surface of the one silicon member and another abutting surface of the other silicon member to abut on each other, heating the one abutting surface and the other abutting surface through optical heating to melt silicon on a surface of the one abutting surface and silicon on a surface of the other abutting surface such that silicon melt is caused to flow into a gap between the one abutting surface and the other abutting surface, and cooling the one abutting surface and the other abutting surface to crystallize the silicon melt forming a silicon adhesion part.

Abstract: A support garment for use during resistance training. The support garment includes a band of elastomeric material having a front perimeter and a rear perimeter. The front perimeter and rear perimeter are folded together at two points, each point forming a segment. The segments are then affixed to each other at a midpoint. In addition, openings are formed on both sides of the segments with upper arm sleeves encompassing the openings. Each upper arm sleeve is configured for wear on an upper arm of a user above an elbow of the user. The upper arm sleeves are biased inwardly by the attached segments. The user positions one arm in each upper arm sleeve and positions the attached segments across a chest of the user during resistance training.

Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.

Abstract: A compression garment for a limb is disclosed. The garment can include a body portion and a spine portion. Each of the body and spine portions can have a plurality of bands (e.g. bands for adjusting tension of the garment). The spine portion can be releasably attached onto the body portion such that the spine portion is positionable at different locations on the body portion to adjust a width of the garment. The bands of the body portion and/or of the spine portion can be trimmable and include a detachable fastener, whereby as a result the band can be caused to move to a plurality of different positions to adjust the garment to a plurality of different sized limbs (e.g. different sized feet).

Abstract: An exemplary ankle brace includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, a medial guide, a lateral guide, a top guide, and a bottom guide. The brace also includes a medial strap and a lateral strap positioned around the user's ankle between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The medial strap and the lateral strap are configured to tighten the inner sleeve. The brace also includes a collar strap positioned around a tibia and a fibula of the user between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The collar strap is configured to tighten the inner sleeve such that the ankle brace maintains a predetermined height on the user's ankle. The brace also includes a pocket adapted to receive a removable arch support.

Abstract: An orthotic ankle garment is integrally knit of a body yarn, and comprises at least one compression zone incorporating elastic yarns integrated with the body yarn. A lateral fabric brace strap is integrally formed with the body yarn within the compression zone, and is adapted to extend vertically on an outside of the lower leg between the open leg end of the garment and a termination point proximate a lateral malleolus of the ankle. A medial fabric brace strap is integrally formed with the body yarn within the compression zone, and is adapted to extend vertically on an inside of the lower leg between the open leg end of the garment and a termination point proximate a medial malleolus of the ankle. The lateral and medial brace straps define vertically-disposed areas of reduced fabric stretch relative to directly adjacent areas of the compression zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating organically contaminated wastewater and/or organically contaminated wet waste, in particular for treating sanitary wastewater (15) in trains. According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: a) purifying the organically contaminated wastewater and/or the organically contaminated wet waste, in particular the sanitary wastewater (15) in trains, in a bioreactor (20), b) feeding the wastewater (24) at least partially purified in the bioreactor (20) into a conditioning plant (30), c) at least partial phase separation of the partially purified wastewater (24) in the conditioning plant (30), d) obtaining a liquid portion and a solid portion of the at least partially purified wastewater (24).

Abstract: An orthotic ankle garment has an open leg end and a toe end, and includes at least one circumferential compression zone located between the open leg and toe ends of the garment. The compression zone has elastic yarns integrated with the body yarn, and is adapted for applying substantially circumferential compression to the lower leg of the wearer. At least one low-stretch horizontal resistance band extends axially across the compression zone from a heel end of the resistance band to a toe end of the resistance band. The resistance band is adapted to reside substantially adjacent one side of the wearer's foot, and defines an area of reduced fabric stretch relative to directly adjacent areas of the ankle garment.

Abstract: A medical pressure sock with an antibacterial fabric packing and an adhesive structure is provided. The antibacterial fabric packing is arranged on the inner surface. The adhesive structure is arranged at a position the pressure of which needs to be improved relative to the medial ankle of the lower limb; an adhesive surface connected with the adhesive structure is arranged on one side of the antibacterial fabric packing; the antibacterial fabric packing cross section includes a cross section front side, a cross section intermediate connection layer and a cross section rear side; the cross section intermediate connection layer has a special shape capable of being inserted into the cross section front side and the cross section rear side. The provided medical pressure sock solves the imbalance pressure and the not long-lasting antibacterial time problems of the traditional pressure socks, thus speeding up the recovery process of patients with varicose veins.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation orthosis and method therefor, the orthosis including: (a) an at least semi-rigid frame configured to substantially envelop a limb segment, the frame having at least one first complementary mechanical fastener associated therewith; (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode assembly associated with, and supported by, the frame, the assembly having a surface stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on the limb segment, the surface electrode assembly having an electrode base for electrically associating, via the frame, with a stimulator unit for providing a stimulation signal to the surface electrode, the electrode base having a top face for receiving the stimulation electrode, and a bottom face having at least one second complementary mechanical fastener, the first and second fasteners adapted for reversible attachment and detachment, at a plurality of locations on the frame, thereby enabling the electrical stimulation electrode assembly to be adjustably

Abstract: An ankle support for controlling motion of an ankle joint of a user, the support including a body portion configured to be positioned on a lower leg of the user adjacent the foot; a reel connected to the support; one or more tensionable members windable onto the reel and extending from the reel; strap portions wrapped about a portion of the foot when the support is installed on the user, the strap portions being connected to the tensionable members. The strap portions are tensioned and secured in the tensioned state to limit movement of the foot by winding the tensionable members onto the reel.

Abstract: A bootless ankle brace for treating an injured ankle. The brace includes a body panel, two stabilizing straps, and a binding strap. The user's foot is inserted into the body panel so that the body panel is located just above the ankle. The outside (lateral) stabilizing strap is brought forward across top of the foot and under the heel and secured to the opposite side of the ankle. This process is repeated with the inside (medial) stabilizing strap. Once both straps are secured, they are both tensioned (using finger loops) and re-secured to the side of the body panel. The ankle brace is secured by wrapping and securing an elastic cuff around the body panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising multiple interconnectable bands of compressible or noncompressible material. Optional spine to further interconnect the bands. Interconnectable pieces designed for covering specific body areas. Modular arrangement of the individual components. Customized or off-the-shelf availability of the apparatus.

Abstract: An external orthotic device increases comfort, stability, and motion control of the ankle and/or foot. An outer shell comprises separate medial and lateral portions, attached to each other only by a flexible/hinge connector that extends between and is preferably anchored to each of the portions in an under-the-foot region of the shell. This connector retains the bottom end of the shell portions together, but allows the shell portions to pivot or otherwise move relative to each other with the bottom-of-the-foot connector as the pivot axis. This pivoting allows the shell to open wide for donning and doffing of the orthotic device and for adjusting the closeness of the two portions to tighten the two portions on the wearer. Strap(s) or other retainer may tighten the medial and lateral portions together around a liner into which the wearer inserts his/her foot.

Abstract: An ankle brace is provided that includes (a) a boot assembly having a semi-rigid or rigid support, (b) an adjustable stirrup configured to go under the arch of a wearer's foot, and (c) a lace and rotatable tightening mechanism configured to tighten the adjustable stirrup and pull it upward.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.

Abstract: An orthotic device having a thin, flexible material defining a plantar wall and lateral, medial and posterior sidewalls. A fastening mechanism releasably secures the lateral and medial sidewalls together. In some embodiments, the plantar wall defines a laterally extending distal trimline positioned distal of the first metatarsal head and proximal of the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads when the foot is secured within the orthotic device. In other embodiments, the device includes a heel post having a distal terminal edge with a medial portion extending into the arch proximal to the navicular bone and a lateral portion positioned proximal of the arch. In still other embodiments, an elongate strip of padding material projects inwardly below and proximate the medial malleosus and the lateral malleosus and is positioned to inhibit withdrawal of the calcaneous bone. A method of manufacturing an orthotic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an Achilles tendon support capable of suppressing a dorsiflexion of an ankle joint as well as suppressing a twist of the ankle joint. The Achilles tendon support includes: an inner support section for covering an Achilles tendon and both side edge portions thereof, upper portions of the inner support section being fastenable to each other on a front side of an upper ankle portion with a hook and loop fastener; and an outer support section for covering the Achilles tendon and both the side edge portions thereof in a range from a sole through a back heel portion, upper portions of the outer support section being fastenable to an outer surface of the inner support section with a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: An ankle brace is configured with a lateral anterior talofibular (ATF) strap and an inversion control strap affixed to a non-rigid brace body coupled to a semi-rigid orthotic arch support. The brace may be quickly donned and doffed by a wearer, and provides prophylactic or post-injury support to the ATF ligament without unduly restricting the wearer's motion. As a result, the wearer may participate in physical activity without significant impairment in range of motion.

Abstract: An ankle stabilizing apparatus for minimizing inversion and eversion of the foot, and more specifically, a body member having at least one cuff member positioned against a cuff portion of the body member, wherein the cuff member defines at least one opening for receiving at least one stabilizing strap such that the cuff and stabilizing strap dynamically apply a variable force against the body member and ankle. The apparatus promotes variable compression against the ankle upon application and during wear. The apparatus also resists distal migration during wear.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: A hinged ankle brace having a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi-rigid foot bed rotatably connected by a medial hinge and a lateral hinge provides enhanced stability and support to a wearer's ankle. The medial hinge of the ankle brace may be higher than the lateral hinge to accurately replicate the bending motion of an ankle. The ankle brace also includes ratchetably interconnected semi-rigid straps. These semi-rigid straps provide a semi-rigid structure encircling the ankle of a wearer for enhanced support. The ratchet mechanism may include a curved window that enables angular adjustment of the ratcheting straps. The ankle brace may also include a soft inner liner and a soft outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to provide compression to the semi-rigid shell, which in turn provides additional compression to the ankle. The semi-rigid foot bed may include posterior extensions that cup and support the wearer's heel, and a posterior cut-out portion that receives the wearer's heel.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place. The closure panels are provided with guiding in the form of loops secured to the boot. Each closure panel passes through its associated loop for proper positioning.

Abstract: The ankle brace includes a calf body defining lateral and medial frontal sides spaced by a frontal opening, and first and second straps depending from the first and second frontal sides of the calf body, respectively. The first and second straps are arranged to extend juxtaposed across the opening and secure to the second and first frontal sides, respectively. The brace also includes opposed lateral and medial ankle struts pivotally attached to the calf body, and a footplate connected to the ankle struts. The medial ankle strut has greater rigidity than the lateral ankle strut. The calf body medial section has greater rigidity than the calf body lateral section.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, braces that are capable of stabilizing an injured limb, particularly an injured wrist. An exemplary brace fits across the injury in contact with the user's limb and has an adjustable casing and compressible material.

Abstract: Devices and methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided for treating patients suffering from tendon dysfunction. Certain exemplary brace embodiments contain strapping systems and inflatable cells that are adapted to support the forefoot of the patient.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ankle-foot orthosis that includes a boot and a pre-tibial shell. The boot includes an inner shell and outer shell between which are included padding and/or structural supports according to the needs of the patient to be treated. The pre-tibial shell likewise includes an interior layer and an exterior layer. Both the boot and the pre-tibial shell are custom molded to a casting made from an injured foot while taped in a non-weight-bearing position and corrected to a position of neutral pathology. Also disclosed is a method for constructing the disclosed ankle-foot orthosis.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a therapeutic boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. A fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place.

Abstract: A wearable article, which covers any number of different orthopedic immobilization devices for appendages of either the upper or lower extremities, includes a tubular sleeve of material printed with graphic indicia, including any of a decorative pattern, logo, text, graphic or advertisement, etc. In various disclosed embodiments, the article maybe any of reversible, water repellent, rapidly securable, selectively accessible or capable of storing either a source of scent or other all the object therein.

Abstract: An ankle brace is configured to provide lateral and/or medial support of an ankle joint between the leg and foot and broadly includes an upper brace anchor secured to the leg above malleoli of the ankle joint and a lower brace anchor secured below the foot. The anchors are interconnected by a stabilizing strap that is tensioned between the anchors and serves to restrict inversion and/or eversion of the foot. The anchors and strap are also dimensioned and configured to permit dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot.

Abstract: A dorsal night splint has dynamic adjustable features that allow the patient to adjust the splint while in use to control the stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles. A semi-rigid flexible frame is included along with a tightening strap that is anchored to the frame and by which the patient can tension the strap and adjust the structure of the frame to fit the patient's desired therapeutic or prophylactic needs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ankle foot orthotic device for assisting a user during gait. The device comprises: a foot support having a shape and size configured to the plantar aspect of a user foot, the foot support having a forward portion and a rearward portion and a heel plate coupled to an upper surface of the rearward portion. The device further comprises: an upper rod having a longitudinal axis and a lower end connected to an offset and a lower rod having: a longitudinal axis; a lower end connected to the heel plate; and an upward end connected to the offset.

Abstract: A dorsal night splint has dynamic adjustable features that allow the patient to adjust the splint while in use to control the stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles. A semi-rigid flexible frame is included along with a tightening strap that is anchored to the frame and by which the patient can tension the strap and adjust the structure of the frame to fit the patient's desired therapeutic or prophylactic needs.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic device incorporating an adjustable response system allowing the hindfoot to recognize that the foot landed on the heel during a walking sequence is provided. The device is constructed to provide feedback for the patient to make adjustments needed throughout the body structures to prepare for weight transfer onto the foot during gait. The system also helps the patient to maintain toe extension during a walking sequence. The device generally incorporates an articulated foot support and a foot support insert configured to substantially inhibit supination or pronation of the mid foot.

Abstract: The invention is an ankle derotation and subtalar stabilization system that incorporates a pivoting adjustable-tension oblique tether strap that is anchored to both a forefoot component and leg component, and that is contiguous with pivoting adjustable-tension derotation strap that passes behind the leg and that is secured to a leg component. The system restrains oppositely directed rotation between the foot and the leg, and can actually after the normal biochemical relationship in a manner that produces foot rotation in a direction opposite to that which is normally coupled with leg rotation, without restriction of upward and downward foot movement. The primary application for the system is restraint of excessive subtalar joint inversion, leg external rotation, and anterolateral rotary displacement of the talus, but it can also be configured to restrain subtalar eversion and leg internal rotation through its incorporation into the structure of an ankle orthosis or shoe.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. In one form of the invention, a fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place. In a second form of the invention, the stabilization block is permanently affixed to the boot and may include fastener elements for engaging complementary fastener elements on the boot.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: A non-ambulatory thermotherapy device for contacting and applying hot or cold therapy to a treatment area of a user of the non-ambulatory thermotherapy device. The device has at least one pad made of a pliable single piece of gel material for contacting a part of the user's treatment area and for undergoing selective heating or cooling to specific temperatures to selectively apply hot or cold therapy, respectively, to the part of the user's treatment area. The pad has opposite main surfaces and a plurality of bumps extending from one of the main surfaces for increasing a surface contact between the gel material and irregularly shaped contours of the part of the user's treatment area during application of hot or cold therapy to the part of the user's treatment area.

Abstract: An orthopedic ankle orthosis having a closure unit with a pull system that provides a mechanical advantage for applying user-desired forces to the ankle joint structures and yet permits the ankle joint to move within a range of motion during activity by the user. The method of using the orthopedic ankle orthosis includes placing the orthosis over a user's ankle, wrapping the lateral and medial body members of the orthosis around the user's ankle, and pulling the elongated pull member to apply user-defined forces to the ankle joint structures.

Abstract: A device and method is provided wherein a non-extendable strap is attached to the interior of an athletic, or other type of shoe, commencing on the instep side, extending below the user's foot, and ankle, which has been previously fitted with a commercial brace or wrap or taped, which is inserted within the shoe, and the strap is attached within the shoe again on the outstep upper side. The strap element is drawn tight about the user's ankle when the shoe is laced, strapped, or otherwise secured about the user's foot. The strap element extends above the user's ankle, and is pulled taut and affixed to the brace, or wrap, or separately taped, at a position on the outside of the user's lower leg. The device and method of attachment allows the shoe and brace or wrap to act together, as an integrated system, to limit active ankle inversion.

Abstract: Support devices for joints of the human body are disclosed. A support device for an ankle includes a main body having a medial portion and a lateral portion disposed about the ankle, and an interior surface; at least one of a medial support member disposed in a cavity in the medial portion of said main body and a lateral support member disposed in a cavity in the lateral portion of said main body; a strap disposed on a proximal portion of said main body, said strap having fastening means adapted to create a first level of pressure in the front of the lower leg immediately proximal to the ankle and a second level of pressure in the rear of the lower leg immediately proximal to the ankle; and one or more proprioceptive members disposed on the interior surface of said main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing movement of an ankle comprises in one embodiment a flexible body member for receiving a foot and a stiffening unit secured to selected portions of the body member such that the stiffening unit minimizes movement of upper portions of the body member with respect to lower portions of the body member, without obstructing forward and rearward movement of the upper portions of the body member with respect to the lower portions of the body member.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.