...that Charles Goodyear performed some of his experiments on rubber while in debtor's prison? He was there so often he referred to it as his "hotel". Chronically in debt because of poor business sense and ill health, Goodyear depended on the generosity of friends and family. Even after he unlocked the secret to vulcanizing rubber, he was unable to improve his financial situation. When he died, his estate was $200,000 in debt.
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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 8162863 | Sole with anchor for compression foot cuff A compression foot cuff includes a counterforce component adjacent to a first impermeable layer of an inflatable member. The counterforce component includes a generally rigid sole for applying a counterforce to the inflatable member and an anchor member extending ou... | 04/24/2012 |
| 8142378 | Immobilizing and supporting inflatable splint apparatus Disclosed is a medical device which operates as a supporting splint for the treatment of orthopedic conditions. Said device is an inflatable, flexible, lightweight water-resistant splint whose measure of rigidity is easily controlled by the user. According to the pr... | 03/27/2012 |
| 8109892 | Methods of making compression device with improved evaporation In a method of forming a compression sleeve, a wicking layer is provided that is strategically exposed to promote wicking and cooling of the body part acted upon by the sleeve. The wicking layer has a perimeter and a surface area. A bladder segment that defines a bl... | 02/07/2012 |
| 8096964 | Compression garment having grip A compression garment adapted for placement in a self-retaining configuration on a body part for imparting compression therapy on the body part. The compression garment includes a flexible wrap and a bladder held in use by the wrap for compressing the body part. The... | 01/17/2012 |
| 8079970 | Compression sleeve having air conduits formed by a textured surface A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet and a second sheet attached to the first sheet. The first and second sheets define at least one inflatable section. At least one conduit including a textured inner surface on each of the first and second shee... | 12/20/2011 |
| 8043242 | Method of and system for joint therapy and stabilization A joint therapy system and method is shown for proving thermal therapy and joint stability in dual modes of operation. In some embodiments, a treatment system is shown utilizing an orthopedic support for supporting a joint region and having one or more of temperatur... | 10/25/2011 |
| 8034008 | Access port for flexible wound treatment devices A limb wound treatment device is described having a first end, a second end and an interior therebetween for accommodating a treatment gas. The device can include a flexible housing that can be inflated. The first end can include an inflatable cuff seal for hermetic... | 10/11/2011 |
| 8034009 | Device and method for compressing wounds A dressing for applying compression to a wound in a patient includes a bladder having a non-deformable end wall and a deformable membrane. The dressing may include a flexible web having an adhesive layer on one side thereof for securing the dressing to the patient s... | 10/11/2011 |
| 8029451 | Compression sleeve having air conduits A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed within the boundary of the least one of said inflatable sections. ... | 10/04/2011 |
| 7993292 | Orthotic apparatus and method of operation Various embodiments of the invention relate to orthotic apparatuses configured to apply a controllable, therapeutic force to a subject. In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure and an actuator system operable to provide in... | 08/09/2011 |
| 7967766 | Compression garment with heel elevation A garment that includes at least one inflatable chamber for applying compression to a limb for assisting venous return, and an elevation member to elevate the limb. The elevation member may comprise an inflatable chamber, and the garment may be configured for compre... | 06/28/2011 |
| 7959588 | Pressureable compression wrap A compression wrap for application to body members having a top layer and a bottom layer with an inflatable bladder of smaller dimension positioned therebetween, an interiorly positioned pocket for insertion of a gel pack and a hand-bulb for increasing the pressure ... | 06/14/2011 |
| 7942838 | Compression garment An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part includes one or more bands of compressible or non-compressible material. ... | 05/17/2011 |
| 7935066 | Inflatable compression dressing An improved inflatable compression dressing (10) for use in controlling swelling and promoting healing to wounds subsequent to surgery while allowing visual inspection of the wound during healing is provided. The dressing comprises a bladder (138) form... | 05/03/2011 |
| 7931607 | Pulmonary therapy apparatus A vest apparatus comprises a vest having a rear panel, left rear and right rear air bladders supported by the rear panel, and a controller operable to inflate one of the left rear and right rear air bladders and simultaneously deflate the other of the left rear and ... | 04/26/2011 |
| 7927295 | Device and method for compressing wounds A dressing for applying compression to a wound in a patient includes a bladder having a non-deformable end wall and a deformable membrane. The dressing may include a flexible web having an adhesive layer on one side thereof for securing the dressing to the patient s... | 04/19/2011 |
| 7922678 | Wound treatment device A limb wound treatment device is described having a first end, a second end and an interior therebetween for accommodating a treatment gas. The device can include a flexible housing that can be inflated or a rigid housing. The first end can include an inflatable cuf... | 04/12/2011 |
| 7909787 | Reconfigurable heel elevator A method and apparatus for eliminating or otherwise reducing or mitigating pressure on an individual's heel while the leg is in an extended position, while allowing for ambulation without completely removing the device. An apparatus comprises a support member config... | 03/22/2011 |
| 7857777 | Electro active compression bandage 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 ... | 12/28/2010 |
| 7850629 | Compression apparatus for applying localized pressure to an extremity An apparatus for applying compression therapy to a portion of the human body includes a flexible member and an air bladder chamber. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the body portion to secure the air bladder chamber thereto. An air pump inflates the air... | 12/14/2010 |
| 7837638 | Flexible joint wrap A flexible joint wrap includes a heat exchange bladder, which provides fluid circulation and compression to a joint. The joint wrap includes upper and lower sections for attachment above and below a joint. The bladder has an opening at a center section which provide... | 11/23/2010 |
| 7686775 | Method and apparatus for multidirectional positioning of a shoulder The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manipulating a shoulder joint, by independently manipulating the upper arm in two directions. One direction is “longitudinal”, wherein the upper arm moves substantially along its longitudinal axis. The second i... | 03/30/2010 |
| 7670307 | Cervical traction/stretch device kit The cervical traction/stretch device kit comprises a cervical traction/stretch device including an expandable bellows section which is made of non-elastic and non-stretchable material. The device further includes a shoulder section which can be fixed to or made inte... | 03/02/2010 |
| 7648472 | Pneumatic achilles sleeve The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabri... | 01/19/2010 |
| 7591797 | Fluid operated actuators and pneumatic unloading orthoses A flexible fluid filled actuator has an elastic bladder and a guide surrounding the bladder. The guide has asymmetrical elastic properties. When the bladder is inflated the guide directs the bladder to expand preferentially in a selected direction or directions. The... | 09/22/2009 |
| 7559908 | Compression apparatus for applying localized pressure to a wound or ulcer An apparatus is provided for applying compression therapy to an extremity of the human body, such as a portion of the human leg. The device includes a flexible member and an air bladder. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the extremity to secure the air b... | 07/14/2009 |
| 7524296 | Secure fit orthopedic brace having a vacuum chamber and associated methods The vacuum orthopedic brace and method include the use of an inner sleeve or liner, and at least one rigid member. The rigid member includes a fabric liner or other porous material to act as a wick, and a gasket surrounding the wick material. A valve is preferably p... | 04/28/2009 |
| 7476207 | Configurable apparatus and method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. A first embodiment of ... | 01/13/2009 |
| 7468048 | Joint aspirate facilitating device A joint aspirate-facilitating device is provided including a flexible main panel that is secured to the joint to be aspirated. An inflatable bladder is secured to the main panel and is placed in contact with the soft tissues overlying and surrounding the joint space... | 12/23/2008 |
| 7413554 | Wearable joint driving device Provided is a wearable joint driving device in which a plurality of frame members are attached to a wearing body so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the wearing body. Between the frame members, there is mounted a fluid pressure type actuator. The fluid ... | 08/19/2008 |
| 7364558 | Back support panel with convex surfaces for muscle support A back brace for supporting a lower back region of a wearer that includes a strapping system that supports a lumbar support panel at the lower back region of the wearer. The lumbar support panel includes an inner surface adjacent to the wearer's back defining a pair... | 04/29/2008 |
| 7354412 | Orthopedic arm and shoulder brace The present invention relates to a portable device for providing continuous passive motion of a limb comprising a brace for supporting said limb. A programmable motor, mechanically connected to the brace, provides continuous passive motion of a limb. The movement of... | 04/08/2008 |
| 7354410 | Compression treatment system A compression treatment system is provided that includes a first bladder supported about a limb. A second bladder is supported about the limb. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source and the bladders are inflated such that the first bladder is in... | 04/08/2008 |
| 7354411 | Garment detection method and system for delivering compression treatment A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communica... | 04/08/2008 |
| 7343916 | Pulmonary therapy apparatus A pulmonary therapy system includes a chest binding apparel apparatus including a plurality of air bladders. The chest binding apparel apparatus is configured to be supported proximate the chest of a patient. ... | 03/18/2008 |
| 7337777 | Airway stabilizer for resuscitation A simple and compact device permits a single rescuer to quickly place a prone patient's airway in an optimal, open configuration. The device consists of a reversibly collapsed neck support that can rapidly be placed underneath the neck of an unconscious patient lyin... | 03/04/2008 |
| 7328472 | Configurable inflatable support devices A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining membrane that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the s... | 02/12/2008 |
| 7320599 | Blood pressure simulation apparatus with tactile interface The blood pressure level in humans is a vital health parameter, yet the vast majority of people do not have a physical feeling for what normal and abnormal blood pressure levels mean in relation to the forces exerted on the heart and blood vessels. A blood pressure ... | 01/22/2008 |
| 7300410 | Arm support in sling, with coded strap and/or connections An arm supporting pillow in sling apparatus, comprising in combination a flexible sling, with a first strap having connection to the sling to be supported by a user, an insert pillow received in the sling, to be retrievable from the sling, the sling and pillow dimen... | 11/27/2007 |
| 7300411 | Garment detection method and system for delivering compression treatment A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communica... | 11/27/2007 |