Marshall-Developed Knee Brace Featured At White House Observance

Marshall Center's selectively lockable knee brace technology was one of 15 technologies featured at a recent White House observance of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The technology was one of only eight technologies presented to Vice President Al Gore, and the Marshall Center was the only NASA Center or government agency honored. October is Americans with Disabilities Month.

Vernotto McMillan, Marshall Technology Transfer Department's deputy manager, and Gary Horton, chief executive officer of Horton Orthotics Corp. of Little Rock, Ark., presented the technology to the vice president at he celebration at his home.

The knee brace technology resulted from the design of actuators for rocket engine thrust vector control systems that pivot a rocket engine to provide steering capability for space transportation systems, said McMillan.

A team of five Marshall engineers, including Neil Meyers, the device's principal inventor, and co-inventors Michael Shadoan, John Forbes, Kevin Baker, and Darron Rice, worked with Horton Orthotic Lab to perfect, then ready the product for commercialization.

The technology is unique because it results in quicker, less painful rehabilitation by allowing movement of the knee. Knee braces on the market prior to this design locked the knee in a rigid, straight-leg position.

The selectively lockable knee brace attaches to a patient's thigh, with the lower part secured to the foot. It allows the knee to bend when weight is not on the heel, then locks into position when weight is placed on the heel.

"The technology is a source of pride for everyone at Marshall," said Sally Little, manager of Marshall's Technology Transfer Department. "It is a perfect example of space propulsion technology being transitioned into a practical application on Earth-an application that will improve the quality of life for countless rehabilitation patients."