Abstract: A technology is described to allow the controlled ingress and egress of air through a prosthetic socket by the insertion of a mechanical valve. The air flow through the valve is controlled by a toggle switch that moves a magnet to shift the position of a valve stem or valve obstruction in the valve. The normal, or closed, position allows flow out of the socket for donning and walking. The open position allows for free flow of air for donning or doffing.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises a mechanical joint that is adapted for use on a user's anatomical joint which has a proximal area, a distal area, a lateral side and a medial side. The preferred mechanical joint comprises a proximal body that is disposed adjacent to the proximal area of the user's anatomical joint and a distal race that is disposed adjacent to the distal area of the user's anatomical joint. The preferred mechanical joint also comprises a release plate, an iris, a roller bearing pin, a resilient tube and a drive pin that are substantially disposed in the proximal body. The preferred mechanical joint further comprises a pivot screw that is adapted to pivotally connect the proximal body and the distal race and a cable pull assembly that is adapted to permit the distal race and the proximal body to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A compact close contour mechanical joint that uses a snap ring, a transfer gear partially press-fit into a brake wheel, a distal bar having integral gear teeth that engage the exposed portion of the transfer gear, a second bar with a T-shaped proximal end, a handle disengaging an unlocking pin to separates gear teeth that allows incremental distal bar movement, and a two-axis arrangement for distal bar rotation. Instead of using a spring biasing member, the mechanical joint uses a gear ratio reduction that provides a smaller stop increment, less travel, enhanced joint strength, less stress on gear teeth, and less force required to unlock it than prior close contour joints. Although it is contemplated for use of the mechanical joint to be primarily in orthotic, any application for which the mechanical joint's compact configuration would provide some assistance or technical advantage is considered to be within its scope.