Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for configuring a medical device. A personal data assistant is used by a practitioner to gather patient information. Patient information is transferred to a server, and three optional medical devices are configured as a “good,” “better,” and “best” alternative. One of the proposed options is selected customized by the practitioner prior to ordering. Order status may be obtained online, and historical patient and order information is maintained. A catalog of medical device components is also provided, the catalog items are either ordered “as is” or are customized through the customizer prior to ordering.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle for connection of a prosthetic lower leg to a prosthetic foot. A substantially hollow prosthetic foot connection component includes a receiving cavity for receiving a portion of a lower leg connection component. A retainer or retainer assembly is preferably installed into the receiving cavity to help retain the lower leg connection component therein. Once the necessary components are in place, the remainder of the receiving cavity is substantially filled with an elastomeric material. An external bearing may reside atop the elastomeric material and act in conjunction with the elastomeric material to control ankle flexion.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a custom prosthetic liner. The system may include a shape capture device for capturing the shape of a residual limb. The captured shape may be used to generate a 3-dimensional electronic liner model using a processor and specialized software. A 3-dimensional electronic model of the residual limb may also be produced. Preferably, an interface is provided that allows a user of the system to alter the shape and/or size of the 3-dimensional model(s) to allow the subsequently-produced liner to accommodate particular features of the residual limb. Data associated with at least the resulting 3-dimensional liner model is provided to a manufacturing facility equipped to produce a custom liner therefrom. The data may be remotely transmitted to the manufacturing facility. A positive likeness of the residual limb is created from the data associated with the 3-dimensional model(s), and is subsequently used as a mold core in the liner molding process.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle for connection of a prosthetic lower leg to a prosthetic foot. In one embodiment, a prosthetic foot connection component is connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component only by means of an elastomeric material, thereby allowing for multi-axis movement of the ankle without requiring direct contact between the two components. In other embodiments of the ankle, a prosthetic foot connection component may be mechanically connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component. However, the design of the mechanical connection and the use of an elastomeric material casing allows for movement of the ankle without surface-to-surface sliding contact between the two components. Compression of the elastomeric material, as well as one or more mechanical stops may be used to control and limit movement of the ankle.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an adapter element securable to a residual limb, a foot plate having a heel portion and a toe portion along the length thereof, at least one toe spring connected between the adapter element and the toe portion of the foot plate, and a heel spring connected between the adapter element and the heel portion. The heel spring may be a leaf spring or a tube type shock absorber. The concave side of the leaf spring exhibits a plurality of transverse ribs. Alternatively, a tubular pylon may have a collar mounted thereon for movement along the length of the pylon. A toe spring and a heel spring extend from the collar to form toe and heel portions of the prosthetic foot. A further heel spring is connected between the heel portion and another end of the pylon, and a non-extensible band extends between the heel portion and the collar. As another alternative, a tubular pylon has one end securable to a residual limb, and a collar is mounted to the pylon for movement along the length of the pylon.

Abstract: A system and method for releasably securing a prosthetic limb to a residual limb. The system and method utilizes a lanyard for drawing the residual limb into a receiving portion of the prosthetic limb and for helping to maintain attachment of the prosthetic limb to the residual limb. The lanyard is routed through a releasable ratchet mechanism, which allows tension to be incrementally applied to the lanyard and further prevents the lanyard and the residual limb connected thereto from moving in an opposite direction. A suction cup may also be employed within the receiving portion of the prosthetic limb for aiding in retention of the residual limb. The ratchet mechanism allows the system to be used without maintaining constant tension on the lanyard, thereby reducing the amount of effort required of the user. The system and method also reduces or even eliminates pistoning of the residual limb within the prosthetic limb during movement of the user.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle includes a bottom component connected to a prosthetic foot, a lower leg connection component connected to a prosthetic lower leg, an elastomeric material securely connecting the bottom component with the lower leg connection component, and a mechanical device suspended in the elastomeric material. The mechanical device is formed of a first bracket connected to the bottom component and a second bracket connected to the lower leg connection component. The first and second brackets interlockingly float in the elastomeric material, and are not in direct contact with one another, thereby permitting relative movement of the bottom component and the lower leg connection component by deformation of the elastomeric material. At least one mechanical stop is positioned to prevent the relative angular movement of the ankle from deforming the elastomeric material beyond the elastic limit thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic attachment locking assembly includes a distal adaptor fittable in the bottom of a socket for a residual limb stump and has an upper surface configured to accept an end of a stump liner. The internal surface of the socket merges smoothly with the upper surface of the distal adaptor. The distal adaptor has a pin bore through which a lock pin of the stump liner may extend, and a lower surface having a plurality of projections. A lock body of a prosthetic attachment lock has a pinion gear engagable with the lock pin to lock the lock pin, and an upper surface matably engagable with the projections such that the lock body and the distal adaptor may be connected via the projections and the upper surface of the lock body. The pinion gear is mounted to a centering axle. A one-way clutch for the pinion gear incorporates a sleeve non-rotatably mounting the centering axle such that the centering axle does not bind when it is pressed to move longitudinally.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an adapter element securable to a residual limb, a foot plate having a heel portion and a toe portion along the length thereof, at least one toe spring connected between the adapter element and the toe portion of the foot plate, and a heel spring connected between the adapter element and the heel portion. The heel spring may be a leaf spring or a tube type shock absorber. The concave side of the leaf spring exhibits a plurality of transverse ribs. Alternatively, a tubular pylon may have a collar mounted thereon for movement along the length of the pylon. A toe spring and a heel spring extend from the collar to form toe and heel portions of the prosthetic foot. A further heel spring is connected between the heel portion and another end of the pylon, and a non-extensible band extends between the heel portion and the collar. As another alternative, a tubular pylon has one end securable to a residual limb, and a collar is mounted to the pylon for movement along the length of the pylon.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an adapter element securable to a residual limb, a foot plate having a heel portion and a toe portion along the length thereof, at least one toe spring connected between the adapter element and the toe portion of the foot plate, and a heel spring connected between the adapter element and the heel portion. The heel spring may be a leaf spring or a tube type shock absorber. The concave side of the leaf spring exhibits a plurality of transverse ribs. Alternatively, a tubular pylon may have a collar mounted thereon for movement along the length of the pylon. A toe spring and a heel spring extend from the collar to form toe and heel portions of the prosthetic foot. A further heel spring is connected between the heel portion and another end of the pylon, and a non-extensible band extends between the heel portion and the collar. As another alternative, a tubular pylon has one end securable to a residual limb, and a collar is mounted to the pylon for movement along the length of the pylon.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for configuring a medical device. A personal data assistant is used by a practitioner to gather patient information. Patient information is transferred to a server, and three optional medical devices are configured as a “good,” “better,” and “best” alternative. One of the proposed options is selected customized by the practitioner prior to ordering. Order status may be obtained online, and historical patient and order information is maintained. A catalog of medical device components is also provided, the catalog items are either ordered “as is” or are customized through the customizer prior to ordering.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle includes a bottom component connected to a prosthetic foot, a lower leg connection component connected to a prosthetic lower leg, an elastomeric material securely connecting the bottom component with the lower leg connection component, and a mechanical device suspended in the elastomeric material. The mechanical device is formed of a first bracket connected to the bottom component and a second bracket connected to the lower leg connection component. The first and second brackets interlockingly float in the elastomeric material, and are not in direct contact with one another, thereby permitting relative movement of the bottom component and the lower leg connection component by deformation of the elastomeric material. At least one mechanical stop is positioned to prevent the relative angular movement of the ankle from deforming the elastomeric material beyond the elastic limit thereof.

Abstract: Articles of apparel for an amputee's residuum and for non-amputees who desire or require padding or joint support.

Abstract: A prosthetic attachment locking assembly includes a distal adaptor fittable in the bottom of a socket for a residual limb stump and has an upper surface configured to accept an end of a stump liner. The internal surface of the socket merges smoothly with the upper surface of the distal adaptor. The distal adaptor has a pin bore through which a lock pin of the stump liner may extend, and a lower surface having a plurality of projections. A lock body of a prosthetic attachment lock has a pinion gear engagable with the lock pin to lock the lock pin, and an upper surface matably engagable with the projections such that the lock body and the distal adaptor may be connected via the projections and the upper surface of the lock body. The pinion gear is mounted to a centering axle. A one-way clutch for the pinion gear incorporates a sleeve non-rotatably mounting the centering axle such that the centering axle does not bind when it is pressed to move longitudinally.

Abstract: A prosthetic attachment locking assembly includes a distal adaptor fittable in the bottom of a socket for a residual limb stump and has an upper surface configured to accept an end of a stump liner. The internal surface of the socket merges smoothly with the upper surface of the distal adaptor. The distal adaptor has a pin bore through which a lock pin of the stump liner may extend, and a lower surface having a plurality of projections. A lock body of a prosthetic attachment lock has a pinion gear engagable with the lock pin to lock the lock pin, and an upper surface matably engagable with the projections such that the lock body and the distal adaptor may be connected via the projections and the upper surface of the lock body. The pinion gear is mounted to a centering axle. A one-way clutch for the pinion gear incorporates a sleeve non-rotatably mounting the centering axle such that the centering axle does not bind when it is pressed to move longitudinally.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb suspension system includes a socket part having a cavity into which a residual limb may be introduced, a distal adaptor secured at a distal end of the socket part, and an air valve mounted to the distal adaptor and communicating with the cavity so as to selectively permit air flow to or from the cavity.

Abstract: An impact reducing prosthetic pylon has a distal component which can be attached to a prosthetic foot and includes a housing within which the proximal component can slidably fit. A resilient bumper-like member formed of a foam is positioned within the housing and is compressed by the proximal component when the prosthesis is under a load. Relative rotation of the proximal and distal components is prevented, but a limited, resiliently damped rotation may be permitted.

Abstract: A knee mechanism for a lower limb prosthesis which maintains knee stability over an initial range of flexion and includes an upper member for connection to or forming part of the thigh component of a prosthesis, a lower member for connection to or forming part of the shin component of a prosthesis, and a slider and a crank connecting the upper member to the lower member. The locus of the instantaneous center of rotation of the mechanism is a curve which commences above the knee and posterior to the load line and which, over an initial range of flexion of the mechanism, moves continuously downwards and to the posterior, the curve being convex towards the posterior. The lower member, the slider and the crank preferably constitute a slider crank mechanism with the crank pivotally connected to the upper and lower members and the slider pivotally connected to the lower member and slidably connected to the upper member.

Abstract: A composite and metal prosthetic component has a metal pyramid insert. The insert part includes a pyramid part and a stem having at least one slot in its bottom. Composite material may fill the spot to prevent rotation of the stem within the composite base. An annular, part spherical aluminum dome is molded onto the composite part at a position to act as a contact surface for parts mating with the pyramid part.

Abstract: An adapter assembly which is particularly advantageous in allowing for adjusting and positioning of prosthetic devices which are attached to a stump or stump socket. The adapter is particularly advantageous for orienting and positioning of a Symes prosthesis, due to the small space requirements. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, an interface member is attached to a stump socket, with a nut movably disposed inside of a cavity of the interface member. The nut includes an aperture extending therethrough, and receives a hollow laminating bolt which clamps the prosthesis and adapter assembly in place to allow the user to test the prosthesis. If adjustments are needed, the hollow bolt can be loosened, and adjustments performed via the movably disposed nut. Once a desired position is achieved, a resin is injected through the laminating bolt and into the cavity of the interface. After the resin has hardened or cured, the hollow laminating bolt is replaced with a solid bolt.