Like many start-ups, Dynamic Systems began operating as a business out of a home garage. Its founder, Charles Yost, was employed at the time with Stencel Aero Engineering Corporation in Arden, NC. While under contract with NASA to study improvements to crash-safety in aircraft, Yost created a material with impact-absorption and dissipation properties, open-cell structure, and slow-return -- or memory. He called it "Temper" foam. 

When the contract ended, and Charles was laid-off, he decided to manufacture the foam full-time, as he could see its potential for a variety of market applications. Working closely with NASA Ames Research Laboratories and its Biomedical Applications division at Southwest Research Institute, they explored uses for the material as foot supports, padding for prosthetics and orthotics, and pressure injury reduction.

Fast forward 50 years later, and Dynamic Systems, now in a 29,000 sq. ft. facility with 15-20 employees, continues to manufacture premium, high-performance, visco foams. SunMate®, Pudgee® and Liquid SunMate® Foam-in-Place Seating, also invented by Mr. Yost, are improved, second- and third-generation derivatives of the original formulation. They are used all over the world in environments as varied as medical, aviation, auto, industrial, furniture, sports and more.

In the coming months, we will be looking back at the company's major milestones, recognizing its amazing customers and employees, and celebrating the many intriguing applications for this inconspicuous, pervasive, and revolutionary material.

If you have a story you would like to share about your experience with Charles, DSI or SunMate products, we'd love to hear it! Contact us here.