466 results about "Orthotics" patented technology

A method and apparatus have been devised for analyzing abnormal conditions of gait and posture and for translating such analysis into biomechanical correction through the utilization of orthotics alone and in combination with other measures and which includes a walking platform upon which a patient can stride, video cameras directed at the patient including a frontal camera, lateral camera, overhead camera and lower rear camera, mirrors to produce reflected images of the patient from selected of the cameras, and a closed circuit television for simultaneously displaying images of the patient when striding on the walking platform; and such information is coordinated with more traditional diagnostic measures for determining or sensing ground reactive and weight-bearing forces on the feet both when static and during ambulation to produce an accurate prescription through the use of orthotics alone and in combination with other measures.

Non-surgical treatments for idiopathic scoliosis include muscle stimulation therapy, chiropractic care, and the application of a variety of braces (orthotics). Surgical intervention frequently employs rigid metallic braces that prevent further flexing of the spine where applied. This invention allows flexing of the spine with long term correction of the scoliosis by application of small variable forces to supplant and counter the unbalance of the pertinent muscles. This invention may be applied to other spine problems in addition to idiopathic scoliosis as this invention permits and accommodates flexing of the spine and simultaneously supplies correcting and straightening forces.

This invention relates to a system that continuously monitors pressure and force on the foot, analyzes and visualizes the pressure and force exerted on said foot in real-time. The invention measures pressure and force applied to a plurality of sensors placed in various points of an orthotic, shoe, shoe lining, insert, sock or sock type device. If the sensors detect pressure or force, the sensors send a signal to a microcomputer processor located in the shoe that subsequently analyzes and sends the data wireless to either a handheld electronic device, a personal computer, an electronic data capture system or a software program. The handheld electronic device or the personal computer then displays the data to an operator of the device or computer instantaneously; while the data capture system or program forwards the information to a handheld device and / or personal computer.

An intelligent insole for generating time sensitive information about the pressure on the foot. The insole includes a custom-made, semi-custom or generically sized orthotic component. The orthotic is laminated with a top cover and an intermediate pressure sensor having an array of capacitive pressure sensors. Signal processing equipment may be embedded in the insole or placed locally with the insole as on the side of a shoe. The processor also can connect to a wireless transmitter for relaying the information to a remote site.

An electrical stimulation device for a body part of a person comprises an orthotic with sensor and electrodes and a controller. The controller receives a sensor signal, compares the sensor signal to a threshold value and generates an electrical output from the electrodes if the sensor signal exceeds the threshold value. A docking station facilitates connection of the electrodes and sensors to a computer. The docking station including a first processor for measuring values of the sensor signal and the electrical outputs and a second processor for generating electrical outputs on the electrodes.

Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.

This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one orthotic section formed at least in part by midsole material. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole. Also, the insertable midsole orthotic allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and / or prosthetic purposes. The shoe sole can also include at least one compartment containing a fluid, a flow regulator, a pressure sensor to monitor the compartment pressure, and a control system such as a computer processor, capable of automatically adjusting the pressure in the compartment(s) in response to the impact of the shoe sole with the ground surface.

A cruciform anterior spinal hyperextension orthosis comprising a front portion having a rigid anterior cruciform brace assembly provided with movable upper and lower arms extending therefrom and arranged vertically, two laterally disposed movable arms extending therefrom horizontally, and body contact pads rotatably secured to the free ends of each of the upper and lower vertically disposed arms. A rear portion is provided adjustably secured to the front portion and having a paraspinal support formed in two juxtaposed segments, a pulley system comprising at least one pulley set having two pulley banks each having a plurality of pulleys, each bank disposed proximate to an adjacent edge of the juxtaposed segment, and a cable running through each pulley of each bank of pulleys in the set in alteration and in series and linking together each of the two juxtaposed segments. Adjustable mechanism for securing the front portion to the rear portion including: two straps, respectively removably attached to lateral edges of the two juxtaposed segments and adapted to be secured to two strap engaging devices, respectively, attached to each of the laterally disposed movable arms.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for treating oral functions are shown and described. An orthotic dental system for treating oral functions includes an upper dentition orthotic, a lower dentition orthotic, and an articulator system. The articulator system extends between the upper and lower dentition orthotics and can have at least one rigid connector pivotally coupled to the upper dentition orthotic and the lower dentition orthotic. A spacer can be positioned and configured to spatially separate the upper dentition orthotic and the lower dentition orthotic a desired minimum distance. The orthotic dental system can improve various types of oral functions.

The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices.A patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device using this technology is disclosed. This exemplary device is used to help stabilize the ankle-foot region, for example, in patients with impaired gait.

A lumbar orthosis that includes first and second, separate, opposing and mating front attachment panels; and a separate, laterally adjustable, rigid lumbar compression piece configured for positioning only at the rear of a wearer, wherein pulling of a cord causes the brace both circumferentially to tighten and to concentrate compression and pressure of the separate, laterally adjustable, rigid lumbar compression piece directly and especially upon a spinal region of a wearer's back with the aid of a mechanical advantage dependant upon a number of apertures through which the cord or cords pass. An orthosis and method for correcting lumbar and thoracic back pain and disorders is also disclosed.

The present invention provides a motion analysis system for manufacturing of dental orthotics and prosthetics using computer aided means. The process includes measuring the relative function of one anatomical structure to another based on optical data and in some cases enhanced with other sensor data. The components of hard and soft tissue are used in analysis and where the data can be compared in a time series such that a computer generated occlusal surface from which either a treatment orthosis or prosthesis could be manufactured to aid with dental treatment.

An apparatus and method for addressing specific physiological symptoms through distinct combinations of jaw alignment, tongue and teeth interaction is described. A dental orthotic comprising a mandibular orthotic conforming to an user's mandibular dentition used for advancing a jaw of an user forward includes a plurality of contours for adjusting the tongue / teeth interaction, and may also include extensions for positioning the user's tongue. The plurality of contours are designed and applied to specific locations on the orthotic and extensions to promote a desired response for a specific physiological symptoms. The oral contours may include specific shapes such as protrusions, depressions, and grooves. The dental orthotic may also include a maxillary orthotic which is affixed to an upper surface of the mandibular orthotic. The contours change the shape of the mandibular orthotic as well as the dental shapes within the mouth, resulting in repositioning of the tongue and tissue of the throat, thereby improving the oral functions as well as relieving neuromuscular responses and autonomic nervous system dysfunctions.

This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components.The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and / or prosthetic purposes.

A method and apparatus for providing a topographical map of the bottom of a patient's rear foot with the foot in a semi-weight bearing condition and in the neutral position. A flexible membrane defines the top of an air cushion that captures the patient's foot in the neutral position when the air pillow is inflated. The membrane also conforms to the bottom of the foot. A three-dimensional scanner located below the membrane measures the distances to the bottom of the membrane over an array of positions. A manufacturing facility converts these measurements into information by which computer numerical controlled equipment machines an orthotic insert for the patient's footwear.

An orthotic device comprising a generally foot shaped body including depressable relief segments that underlie the metatarsal-phalangeal aspect of the foot and, optionally, the heel of the foot. The relief segments are provided by relieved areas cut or otherwise provided in the indicated areas of the orthotic device in such a way as to interdigitate within the device to define resilient segments that are depressed by the application of the weight of a user thereto and return to their original configuration upon removal of some or all that weight.

The orthosis comprises a leg portion and a foot portion. The leg portion which extends upwards from the ankle serves to apply therapeutic compression to the leg once the orthosis has been put on. The foot portion which extends from the malleolar region to the toes and covers the instep is a shaped portion that envelops the foot elastically. The dimensioning and the mesh structure of the foot portion are such that 0<Px<Pm<Pb once the orthosis has been put on, Px being the pressure applied to the instep region, Pm being the pressure applied to the malleolar region, and Pb being the therapeutic compression applied to the ankle region. Preferably, Px=5 mmHg±25% and Pm=0.5(Pb+Px)±25%.

Systems and methods for using a three dimensional fabrication device, like a 3D Printer, for novel automation and additive manufacturing techniques in manufacturing medical devices such as orthotics, customized for a particular person. The systems and methods may use a plurality of work surfaces on the three dimensional fabrication device. The systems and methods may use a plurality of materials or a plurality of fabrication tools and processes to manufacture the customized product.

A dynamically molding orthotics device. The orthotics device consisting of a pre shaped counter frame containing an envelope within which a non-catalytic dynamic molding compound is sealed to interface between the pre-molded counter frame and the anatomy of the user. The counter frame of the pre molded shapes consist of irrigating canals, volume and pressure regulating pockets and relief areas for the purpose of (perpetually) dispersing and uniformly molding the compound to functionally dynamically and comfortably support and protect normal and amputated extremities and articulations of humans and animals. The molding compound is managed continuously by the pressures exerted between the continuously variable anatomical shapes of each extremity and articulation, flesh textures and bone densities, the pre molded counter frame shapes, and, the respective biomechanical dynamics of the whole body anatomy in each physical activity. These three elements combine to precisely circulate the molding compound to emphasize biomechanically sound support and comfort.

A powered lower extremity orthotic, including a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link, is controlled by based on signals from various orthotic mounted sensors such that the artificial foot follows a predetermined trajectory defined by at least one Cartesian coordinate.

An osteoarthritis knee brace for treating a patient's knee joint, a surrounding area thereof, and the upper and lower leg portions. The knee brace has at least one vertical strut with upper and lower portions, at least one pivoting hinge intermediately disposed there between, a shin cuff attached to the vertical strut lower portion and positioned below the hinge and a thigh cuff attached to the vertical strut upper portion and positioned above the hinge. The brace further includes a means for applying a corrective and therapeutic force to the osteoarthritis damaged knee joint and all of the surrounding areas including the upper and lower leg portions, which are removeably positionable about the osteoarthritis knee brace. Still further, the brace include a means for equally distributing the corrective and therapeutic force at each point at which the means for applying a corrective and therapeutic force is applied.

In an embodiment a system for facilitating a subject's functional development includes sensing devices configured for sensing mind state signals; sensing devices configured for sensing body state signals; and a set of processing resources configured for generating a mind state indicator / measure, a body state indicator / measure, and a mind - body synergy indicator / measure that corresponds to an expected extent to which each of the subject's mind state and the subject's body state are cooperatively or synergistically aligned with respect to facilitating the subject's functional development. In an embodiment, the system can be configured for concurrently presenting a set of activities involving a model body part; engaging the subject in attempted imitation of the set of activities by way of attempted movement of a subject body part that is a mirror image of the model body part; presenting an indication of an expected extent to which each of the subject's mind state and body state are cooperative with respect to subject performance of the set of activities; and presenting an indication of an extent of subject relaxation. An associated multiple (e.g., up to 12) degree of freedom robotic orthosis can include a set of appendage motion modules configured for engaging with a portion of a subject appendage; a set of mechanical power interface modules coupled to the set of appendage motion modules and configured for facilitating movement of appendage motion modules within the set of appendage motion modules; and a set of flexible drive shafts couplable to the set of mechanical power interface modules.

This invention elevates the midsection of the foot when shoeless, addressing congenital flatness, or lapsing or pronation in the arch. The device, which can be constructed of various materials, does not continue to the metatarsus or heel, and is attached to the foot by lateral straps or stretchable bands, either singular or in two pieces closed by a snap, buckle, velcro or similar fastener, and adding a heel or, ankle strap or band if greater stability is desired. It may be worn inside or over stockings, and feature assorted shapes, textures, coloration, and decoration. The invention can also serve as an orthotic for barefoot runners or dancers by means of longitudinal extension, with openings under the metatarsus and heel so these areas may touch the ground or floor, and employ additional straps or bands. This device is contraindicated as a diagnostic or therapeutic aid, without the intent of medical application.