A method for filling a flexible element with a loose granular material, wherein the element has two lengths of material connected to each other at points in the interior and along the edge, includes leaving a filling opening. An air pressure difference between the interior and the external environment is generated, which widens the interior before it is filled with the granular material.

A brace for retaining an organ in an expanded state configured to adhere and substantially conform to an external surface of the organ includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and at least one sheet of thin malleable material forming a middle layer between the inner layer and outer layer, the at least one sheet being enclosed and configured to rigidify and maintain the organ in an expanded state upon application of a vacuum. The brace can be incorporated into a brassiere.

A shape-formable apparatus comprising locking sheets. The apparatus can have a first state in which the apparatus is formable, and a second state in which the apparatus has the desired shape and is substantially less formable than in the first state. The apparatus can further include an envelope defining a chamber, a port positioned to fluidly couple the chamber with ambience, and at least two locking sheets positioned in the chamber in an at least partially overlapping configuration. Each locking sheet comprises a major surface, and at least a portion of each locking sheet can be patterned to include solid regions and open regions, the solid regions being movable with respect to one another within the major surface.

Method of using a shape-formable apparatus. A shape-formable apparatus can include an envelope defining a chamber, a port positioned to fluidly couple the chamber with ambience, and at least two locking sheets positioned in the chamber in an at least partially overlapping configuration. Each locking sheet can include a major surface, and at least a portion of each locking sheet can be patterned to include solid regions and open regions, the solid regions being movable with respect to one another within the major surface. The method can include providing the shape-formable apparatus in a first state; forming the apparatus into a desired shape; and reducing the pressure in the chamber to change the apparatus from the first state to a second state in which the apparatus is substantially less formable than in the first state.

A shape-formable apparatus comprising fibrous material. The apparatus can have a first state in which the apparatus is formable into a desired shape, and a second state in which the apparatus has the desired shape and is substantially less formable than in the first state. The apparatus can include an envelope defining a chamber, a port positioned to fluidly couple the chamber with ambience, and a fibrous material positioned in the chamber. The fibrous material can be substantially less formable when the apparatus is in the second state than when the apparatus is in the first state.

The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods to relieve tension or stress on tissue and, in particular, tissue that includes a surgical incision site. A shape-setting material is used to conform the device to the tissue without the need for continuous application of negative pressure. The device can support and improve the health of breast tissue after breast augmentation or reconstruction post-mastectomy.

A particle filled neck brace is used for immobilizing the neck and chin of a patient and includes a vacuum pump disposed on the neck brace, which pump is communicated to the interior of the neck brace. After the neck brace is secured around the neck and chin of the patient, the vacuum pump is manipulated to remove air from the neck brace to form a rigid mold about the patient's neck and chin. The vacuum pump has a one way directional valve so that the neck brace remains in a rigid configuration for as long as the neck brace is applied to the patient. The neck brace also specifically forms a rigid mold over the patient's chin so as to immobilize the patient as well as to provide a comfortable fit without inducing further distracting the patient or restricting the patient's venous return blood flow.

A brace for retaining an organ in an expanded state configured to adhere and substantially conform to an external surface of the organ includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and at least one sheet of thin malleable material forming a middle layer between the inner layer and outer layer, the at least one sheet being enclosed and configured to rigidify and maintain the organ in an expanded state upon application of a vacuum. The brace can be incorporated into a brassiere.

An improved dispenser unit for dispensing bulk food items, including a cabinet having at least one hopper having a drum with product compartments, a deflector and flexible gate valve, a dispense assembly, and a control system. The dispense assembly may or may not include one or more belts and/or sensors. The product compartments include flexible and/or elastic membranes, which dynamically change the effective product storage volume within a compartment, and eliminate rigid or semi-rigid pinch points between the drum and drum compartment. A product flow divider may be positioned above the receiving container in the dispense assembly, said divider configured to cause the dispensed product to divide into two or more flow streams into the receiving container. The receiving container may be vibrated or oscillated.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to variable stiffness devices, including orthoses, that use the principles of granular jamming. In some embodiments, a device may comprise a cell having an air impermeable outer bladder. The outer bladder of the cell can define an internal pocket. A plurality of granular particulates may be disposed within the first cell. The stiffness of the cell can be altered by altering the negative internal pressure of the cell, thereby causing the granular particulates to compact, or jam. In some embodiments, a plurality of cells may be disposed within a device. The location of each of the plurality of cells may correspond to a location of a user's foot. The mechanical characteristics of each cell of the plurality of cells may be independently adjusted by adjusting the negative internal pressure of the cell.