Northwestern University

Sealy, Inc.

Jack L Lewis

Robert F Wagner

Carl M Patrnchak

George T Shybut

William D Lew

An apparatus particularly suited for measuring the shape or contour of a surface under load, such as a mattress, is comprised of a humanoid having body limb extremities which are movable in a manner similar to the movement of comparable human extremities. Sensors are placed at joints, such as the knees and hips, to measure the amount of relative movement, i.e. deflection, that occurs at these joints when the humanoid is placed upon a mattress surface. The sensors provide an indication of the shape or contour of the mattress surface by correlation of the relative movement that occurs at these joints caused by the underlying mattress shape. In its preferred form, a movable frame is provided to raise and lower the humanoid in relation to the mattress surface to be tested. A 'spine' is also advantageously provided with associated sensors to measure deflection, and thus surface contour, in the lower torso/abdominal region.

Deflection and topography assessment mechanism anthropomorphically

An orthotic joint, and the orthosis with which it is used, for the protective treatment of ligamentous injuries or deficiencies, or as a supplement to total joint replacement. The joint includes coacting guide members that are both slidable and pivotal with respect to each other and, when assembled and supported in pairs on opposite sides of a patient's knee, allow freedom of movement of the knee except for those movements that would normally be controlled by the ligament or ligaments requiring protection. An arrangement of straps connect each pair of guide members and are tensioned (and untensioned) in sequence to perform operations in conjunction with the articulating surfaces of the members that would otherwise be demanded from the protected ligament(s). The orthosis includes a system of interfacial elements and suspension elements that engage the upper and lower leg portions and effectively maintain the orthotic joints in proper positions to restrain abnormal knee movements or, in the case of prosthetic joint replacement, to prevent movements that do not conform with the prescribed action of the replaced joint.

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Evanston, IL, United States of America

Jack L Lewis