Jack D Lewis

US Patent:

43611427, Nov 30, 1982

Filed:

Aug 20, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/294445

Inventors:

Jack L. Lewis - Evanston IL
Carl M. Patrnchak - Chicago IL
William D. Lew - Chicago IL
George T. Shybut - Brookline MA

Assignee:

Northwestern University - Evanston IL

International Classification:

A61F 300

US Classification:

128 80C

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

46693025, Jun 2, 1987

Filed:

Apr 24, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/726485

Inventors:

Robert F. Wagner - Lombard IL
Jack L. Lewis - Evanston IL

Assignee:

Sealy, Incorporated - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G01N 1900

US Classification:

73172

Abstract:

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.