Abstract: A movable prosthetic limb includes a drive linkage which is configured to move the prosthetic limb. An ultrasonic drive motor is coupled to the drive linkage and powers the drive linkage. The ultrasonic motor is non-backdrivable and has high torque at low speeds. Specifically, a prosthetic limb uses an ultrasonic motor to drive an elbow joint or prosthetic fingers. A movable prosthetic wrist includes a base configured to be coupled to an amputee. An ultrasonic drive motor is attached to the base, and a hand piece is attached to the ultrasonic drive motor to form a wrist joint. In this configuration, the ultrasonic drive motor directly moves the wrist joint. A harmonic drive can also be used for gear reduction in the wrist joint.

Abstract: An open-ended annular sleeve configured to receive a limb of a wearer and having an inside, an outside, a first open end, a second open end and an intermediate position between the first and second opened ends. The annular sleeve has a foamed or non-foamed gel composition containing a block copolymer and mineral oil, as well as several other features such as the capability to form an air-tight seal, differing elasticity in the circumferential direction as opposed to the axial direction, etc. Also described is an open-ended polymeric annular sleeve completely coated on one of the inside or outside with fabric, and on the other side, coated with fabric only at an intermediate portion.

Abstract: A novel way of locking and unlocking an adjustment device for an artificial leg or arm makes it possible to perform an adjustment of the prosthesis, without necessitating disassembly of the prosthesis or the removal of the prosthesis from the patient. This facilitates the work in adjusting the translatory position and the angular position, and the adjustment device also offers a further degree of freedom by the addition of the possibility of distal adjustment. The novel combination provides a locking ring (40) on the adjustment head. The locking ring offers a stable, adjustable locking of the adjustment head against a coupling sleeve (50) on the stump, while at the same time fixing the translatory position of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket includes a recess at its distal end for receiving a prosthetic socket component such as a pin interlock device and a threaded opening providing access to the recess from the inside of the socket. A threaded retainer may be threadedly fastened to the threads of the opening for removably retaining the prosthetic socket component within the recess.

Abstract: A shuttle lock for maintaining a patient's residual limb in a prosthetic limb socket includes: (a) a housing having a distal surface adapted to abut an inside surface of a prosthetic limb socket, a substantially concave proximal surface and a hole extending into the center of the proximal surface, where the hole is adapted to receive a plunger pin carried on a patient's residual limb; (b) a lock positioned within the housing for securing the plunger pin received in the hole; and (c) means for securing the housing of the shuttle lock within the prosthetic limb socket; (d) where the concave proximal surface includes at least one radial groove which is adapted to guide the plunger pin into the hole.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the use of the rapid manufacturing systems in the manufacture of prosthetic limb sockets by providing a substantially flat and strong distal attachment plate or base for the deposition of the fused-deposition-modeling materials thereon. The present invention also provides a method for fabricating a socket of a prosthetic limb which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substantially flat distal attachment plate, where the attachment plate includes a coupling mechanism carried thereon for coupling a prosthetic upright assembly thereto; and (b) repeatedly depositing layers of solidifying material to the proximal surface of the attachment plate, controlled, at least in part, according to the dimensions of the patient's residual limb, so as to form a socket for receiving the patient's residual limb.

Abstract: An adaptor which may be secured to the lower end of a lower limb prosthesis which would allow the lower limb prosthesis to be secured to an ankle joint or prosthetic foot with a mechanical locking or anchoring type of fixation. What is provided is the lower limb prosthesis which would include an upper socket portion for receiving the stump of the wearer, a limb portion which extends from the socket portion down to approximately the ankle portion of the wearer, and an adaptor portion. The adaptor portion would further include a triangulated base portion which would mate with the lower end of the prosthetic limb. There would be further included a second barb portion extending from the base portion, which would define an area between the barb portion extending from the base portion, so that when the adaptor is fabricated onto the limb through either a lamination process or a drape molding process, the adaptor is secured more tightly against the limb during the fabrication process.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb comprises a socket for receiving a patient's residual limb, and an upright assembly. The socket includes a base provided in its distal end. The base includes a chamber therewithin and an channel for providing fluid communication between the chamber and the interior of the socket. A duct extends through the socket and engages the base such that it is in fluid communication with the chamber. A valve is coupled to the duct to allow controlled or forced gas transfer to and from the interior of the socket. A seal is provided between the base and the socket to facilitate suction between the patient's residual limb and the socket.

Abstract: A magnetic detachment system 10 for prosthetics which includes a prosthetic sleeve member 20 having a dosed end 22 provided with a first magnetic member 23, a prosthesis unit 12 including a prosthetic socket member 30 having a closed end 32 provided with a second magnetic member 33, and a detachment unit 13 including a detachment member 60 having a generally flat head element 61 which can be interposed between the first and second magnetic members 23, 33 to separate the sleeve member 20 from the socket member 30.

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: An athletic equipment attachment for use by persons having a stump arm, such as amputees and persons having congenital birth defects, is described and claimed. The inventive athletic equipment attachment includes a body having a top end with an adjustable opening configured to receive a person's stump arm, and a bottom end with connecting means for either removably or permanently connecting the attachment to the handle of a piece of athletic equipment, such as a field hockey stick, an ice hockey stick, a golf club or the like. The attachment can also be used as a rehabilitative tool or in connection with items for daily use, such as brooms or mops.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis includes a femoral component for mounting to the distal end of a femur, a tibial component for mounting to the resected proximal end of the tibia and a bearing disposed between the femoral and tibial components. The tibial component includes a superior bearing surface with a recess extending distally into the bearing surface. The bearing includes an inferior bearing surface for engagement on the superior bearing surface of the tibial component. Additionally, the bearing includes a projection that is rotatably engaged in the recess of the tibial component. Rotation of the bearing relative to the tibial component is limited by a stop extending from the superior bearing surface of the tibial component. The stop is engaged in a slot formed in the inferior surface of the bearing. The slot is concentric about the rotational axis and extends through an arc consistent with the desired maximum range of rotation.

Abstract: A fastening device for a prosthesis, the fastening device having a cylindrical channel and an inclined washer designed to accept insertion of a cylindrical inset, such as a tube, bar or peg, with minimal resistance and yet substantially prevent withdrawal of the cylindrical insert from the fastening device unless a release mechanism is operated to permit withdrawal. The device permits rotation of the cylindrical inset with respect to the fastening device while still securely fastening the cylindrical insert within the fastening device, so as to prevent unlocking of the device and separation of the cylindrical insert.

Abstract: A pyramidal link-plate assembly for coupling a prosthetic limb upright assembly to another prosthetic limb component includes: a base plate member having a dome extending from a distal end and a cavity opening onto a distal apex of the dome, where the cavity includes a conically shaped portion with a diameter that widens with the distance from the distal apex of the dome; and a rotatable member which includes a substantially conically shaped body positioned within the conical portion of the cavity and which includes a frustopyramidal boss extending distally therefrom out through the opening in the distal apex of the dome. The conically shaped body of the rotatable member, positioned within the cavity, also widens with the distance from the distal apex of the dome. The boss is adapted to be received within an a central opening of a conventional annular coupling-socket.

Abstract: A tubular fabric is provided for forming the shaft of a prosthesis having a predetermined length and one open end, the other end of the shaft being closed for holding a coupling member except for an aperture corresponding to a portion of said coupling member which is inserted therethrough to extend outwardly. The tubular base material is selected to be longer than the length of the shaft of the prosthesis to be formed. By means of a ring the tube is annularly held together from the outside at a predetermined length so as to form a first section starting from the opening. The remaining second section is then folded back over the annular hole onto the first section. To form the shaft of the prosthesis the material is impregnated with a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A flexible urethane suspension sleeve for use in attaching a below the knee prosthesis to the remaining portion of the patient's limb. The sleeve has a generally tubular shape and includes a preflexed portion. A reinforced intermediate portion provides for abrasion resistance in the portion of the sleeve covering the socket "ears" and is disposed intermediate first and second reinforced end portions having different elasticities. A pair of non-compressive portions are disposed intermediate the reinforced intermediate portion and the reinforced end portions and provide for a non-compressive suction adhesion to the thigh of the user and the prosthesis.

Abstract: A socket has a gelatinous core to provide an enhanced cushioning effect for a residual limb. The gelatinous material is covered by a flexible inner cover that shields the skin of the residual limb from the gel and by a flexible outer cover that shields the inner wall of a prosthetic frame from the gel. The inner cover prevents the gel from absorbing body oils and therefore eliminates odors associated with liners formed of gelatinous materials. A self-inflating foam pad is positioned between the inner and outer covers to adjust the fit as needed when the residual limb changes in volume. The pad initially has substantially no air in its interstitial spaces and air is admitted when the patient opens a valve. This prevents over-pressurization of the pad because the maximum pressure that can be exerted by the pad is determined by the prosthetist when the patient is fitted with a prosthesis.

Abstract: A weight-bearing apparatus such as a cushion, prosthetic device, or bed mattress includes a support surface having a shaped or sculpted portion that conforms to the shape of a body portion being supported. The shaped portion fits to the body portion, thereby to position the body portion so as to situate one or more weight-bearing parts of the body portion over specific zones of the support surface that are cooled below normal body temperature. The reduced temperature applied to the zones of the support surface removes heat from the weight-bearing areas, thereby reducing the risk of injury to tissue in those areas.

Abstract: Novel crystal gels and articles are formed from one or more block copolymers having at least one crystalline midblock and high levels of a plasticizer, said midblock segment having an amount of crystallinity sufficient to achieve improvements in one or more physical properties including improved crack propagation resistance, improved tear resistance, improved resistance to fatigue and resistance to catastrophic failure not obtainable in amorphous gels.

Abstract: The stump of an amputee's limb receives a sleeve which is inserted into a formed plastic socket, and a locking stud with axially spaced peripheral grooves projects from the sleeve. A coupler is mounted within the bottom of the socket and has a top conical surface with inclined tapering guide grooves which extend to a tubular center bushing slidable within a tubular fitting. A set of circumferentially spaced locking balls are confined within holes in the bushing and move between locking positions projecting into one of the grooves of the locking stud and retracted release positions in response to axial movement of the bushing within the fitting. An actuator stem projects laterally from the coupler and has cam surfaces effective to rotate a pair of actuating pins to shift the bushing and release the locking balls in response to axial or rotary movement of the actuator stem.

Abstract: A fastening device for a prosthesis, the fastening device having a cylindrical channel and inclined washer designed to accept insertion of a cylindrical insert, such as a tube, bar or peg, with minimal resistance and yet substantially prevent withdrawal of the cylindrical insert from the fastening device unless a release mechanism is operated to permit withdrawal. The device permits rotation of the cylindrical insert with respect to the fastening device while still securely fastening the cylindrical insert within the fastening device, so as to prevent unlocking of the device and separation of the cylindrical insert.

Abstract: An improved above-the-knee prosthesis with an anatomically configured socket is characterized by one or more contours which correspond to a pre-selected anatomical contour of the upper or lower residual thigh. By exaggerating the depth of the contour in the socket as compared with the corresponding contour in the thigh, the socket grips the residual thigh and maintains the femur in proper alignment. The new channels and contours allow the patient using the socket to have improved rotational support and control over the prosthesis by providing structures which the muscles of the upper and lower residual thigh can "grip." The socket snugly contains the thigh and maintains it, throughout the gait cycle, in a proper anatomical position. This fit increases the comfort of the prosthesis and minimizes gait abnormalities common with other artificial limbs. The increased support helps maintain the physical condition of the residual limb.

Abstract: A pyramidal link-plate assembly for coupling a prosthetic limb upright assembly to another prosthetic limb component includes: a base plate member having a dome extending from a distal end and a cavity opening onto a distal apex of the dome, where the cavity includes a conically shaped portion with a diameter that widens with the distance from the distal apex of the dome; and a rotatable member which includes a substantially conically shaped body positioned within the conical portion of the cavity and which includes a frustopyramidal boss extending distally therefrom out through the opening in the distal apex of the dome. The conically shaped body of the rotatable member, positioned within the cavity, also widens with the distance from the distal apex of the dome. The boss is adapted to be received within an a central opening of a conventional annular coupling-socket.

Abstract: A blank is described for producing a soft wall inside socket of a prosthesis having a pre-shaped side wall formed of a thermoplastic material, an inside liner and an outside sheathing. The blank forms a receiving space for receiving a shank stump and having an opening restricted by an edge of said side wall, for inserting the shank stump. For the purpose of adapting the height of said edge of the blank to the shank stump to be received, a slit-shaped recess runs along said edge and extends from the edge into the side wall by a predetermined depth (T). Preferably, the slit-shaped recess is arranged in the center of the side wall such that a double wall portion is formed with an inner wall adjacent to the inner liner and an outer wall adjacent to the outer sheathing, whereby the thickness of the inner wall essentially corresponds to the thickness of the outer wall.

Abstract: A method of providing prosthetic sockets (30) for a patient's residual limb (21). While the residual limb (21) is swollen with post-trauma edema (22-25), a resin-impregnated temporary shell forming sock (52) is placed onto the edema-swollen residual limb (21). The resin is activated to cause it to harden into a temporary prosthetic shell (30), but prior to hardening of the resin, the sock (52) is conformed to the patient's edema-swollen limb (21). After swelling of the residual limb (21) has substantially dissipated, a permanent prosthetic socket conforming to the patient's unswollen residual limb (22b-25c) is formed and the temporary prosthetic socket (30) is replaced with the permanent prosthetic socket. A temporary prosthetic socket (30) is also disclosed in which a resin-hardened temporary sock (52) is bonded to a socket liner (49) over a prosthetic attachment assembly (48) in a configuration substantially conforming to the patient's residual limb (21) when in an edema-swollen (22-25) condition.

Abstract: An improvement to a protective item capable of supporting a load bearing appendage, said item comprising a space having an opening, said space being configured to snugly receive the appendage, said improvement comprising a fluid pathway communicating between the exterior of the item and the inner end of the space, said improvement further comprising a flow control valve located in said fluid pathway enabling a uni-directional flow of air from the exterior to the space.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket material includes a pre-formed tubular sleeve-like reinforcement web of fibers pre-impregnated with an uncured, preferably water activatable, moldable, hardenable resin material, with an integrated prosthesis coupler at one end, the coupler provided with a central aperture. The material is moldable under compression using a one-step compressive molding system. The web of fibers preferably is constituted of a radially compliant tube made of bias braided carbon fibers.

Abstract: A definitive socket for residual limb prosthetic use is formed in a single molding step by compressive pressure casting or molding a pre-formed, moldable, hardenable socket material over a residual limb and curing the socket material to a load-bearing hardened condition while it is maintained under peripheral compressive pressure against the residual limb and while the residual limb is tensioned in a distal direction during the casting process. The combination of pressure casting the socket material and applying tension to the residual limb in a distal direction while the socket material is curing results in forming a definitive socket that fits well to the residual limb after curing without substantial rectification. Pressure relief formations, socket coverings, and a prosthesis coupler may be compression molded simultaneously with the socket.

Abstract: A reinforcement assembly to reinforce a selected site on a body, and methods of making and using such a universal reinforcement assembly. Several embodiments of reinforcement assemblies in accordance with the principles of the invention are well suited to support or reinforce laminated structures. In one embodiment, the reinforcement assembly has a reinforcement member configured to be attached to the selected site on the body and a universal attachment medium separately bonded to the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member may be a plate composed of a molding compound, a high density polymer, or another suitable high-strength material. The universal attachment medium, more specifically, may have a first section bonded to the reinforcement member and a second section extending from the reinforcement member to cover an area of the body substantially surrounding the selected site.

Abstract: A prosthetic sock for reducing movement of a residual limb within a prosthetic socket of a prosthesis includes a stretchable prosthetic sock having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a movement-opposing material disposed partially on the inner surface and outer surface for reducing the residual limb movement so as to leave areas about a circumference of the prosthetic sock without the movement-opposing material. The prosthetic sock may be a cotton cloth material, and the movement-opposing material may be latex laminated on the inner and outer surface of the sock.

Abstract: A fastening device for a prosthesis, the fastening device having a cylindrical channel and inclined washer designed to accept insertion of a cylindrical insert, such as a tube, bar or peg, with minimal resistance and yet substantially prevent withdrawal of the cylindrical insert from the fastening device unless a release mechanism is operated to permit withdrawal. The device permits rotation of the cylindrical insert with respect to the fastening device while still securely fastening the cylindrical insert within the fastening device, so as to prevent unlocking of the device and separation of the cylindrical insert.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes an outer socket, a flexible, compressible inner socket within the outer socket with a cavity for receiving the residual limb, a space between the inner socket and the outer socket, a vacuum source connected to the cavity, a positive pressure source connected to the space, a regulator for controlling the vacuum source and positive pressure source, and a seal for making an airtight seal between the residual limb and the socket. Another embodiment includes a semi-compressible molding material in the space to mold to the contours of the residual limb under the influence of vacuum and/or positive pressure. Another embodiment includes a positive mechanical interlock between the inner socket and the outer socket.

Abstract: A lower extremity prosthesis solves the problem of relieving the end of the leg stump (S) from a portion of the vertical forces acting on it by pressure from the socket (1) surrounding and supporting the stump, by providing a mechanism capable of transferring forces to the tibia (T). The mechanism includes a first member (13) connected to the tibia and second members (5, 8) detachably connected to the first member and carried by the socket.

Abstract: A shuttle lock for a below-knee prosthesis comprising a body portion having a vertically extending hole for receipt of a pin from a roll-on suction suspension sleeve located within a socket, and a cup-shaped flange positioned on a upper surface of the body portion for receipt of the socket to provide on-axis alignment of the pin to the shuttle lock. The shuttle lock further includes a sprag clutch for engagement and disengagement of the pin.

Abstract: A modular interface connector for coupling a prosthetic limb socket assembly to a prosthetic limb upright assembly comprises an interface cushion member adapted to fit substantially entirely within the distal end of the socket, having a proximate end adapted to abut the wearer's residual limb; a first attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the interface connector within the distal end of the socket; and a second attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the upright assembly to the distal end of the socket. When attached in the socket, the interface connector provides an air-tight seal between the attachment mechanism and the wearer's residual limb.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket casting device includes a base member on which an elongated annular molding bladder is mounted, the bladder peripherally enclosing a generally centrally located casting area and extendable when inflated from the forward side of the base. The bladder is formed of a pliable, air impermeable, relatively non-stretchable sheet material enclosing, in cooperation with the base, an air chamber peripherally surrounding the casting area. The casting area includes an open residual limb receiving end and extends from such end to the base, and an inflation system for the bladder is provided. The casting device may be used in conjunction with a prosthesis suction socket that includes a tension member at its distal end connectable to the base member during a casting procedure. Moldable and settable prosthesis socket or other moldable casting material is placed over the suction socket and is compression molded by the inflated bladder while the casting material cures.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a cosmetic cover for a prosthetic limb comprises the steps of: fitting and aligning a prosthetic limb to a wearer's residual limb; collecting orientational and positional data from adjustment points between the various endoskeletal and/or socket components of the residual limb; transmitting the orientational data to a CAD system that has access to the socket and endoskeletal component dimensions; using the CAD system to calculate inner surface dimensions for a cosmetic cover to be worn over the prosthetic limb according to the socket and endoskeletal component dimensions and according to the orientational and positional data; and downloading the inner surface dimensions from the CAD system to a CNC milling machine, which is adapted to carve the inner surface of a cosmetic cover from a carving blank using the calculated inner surface dimensions.

Abstract: The sensor and alarm system for monitoring a relative position of a prosthetic device with respect to the residual portion of an amputee's limb includes a battery power supply; a proximity sensor for generating a position signal indicative of the relative position of the prosthetic device and the residual portion in the prosthetic device near the residual portion, and an alarm device for signaling when the prosthetic device is located in an injurious position or positions.

Abstract: A method of forming a socket for connecting a prosthesis to an amputated extremity including forming a molded cast into which an amputated extremity conforms, the molded cast having a closed distal end for positioning adjacent one end of the amputated extremity and an open proximal end for surrounding the amputated extremity, forming a vacuum assembly by connecting an attachment device for receiving a vacuum tube to the distal end of the mold cast and attaching a first end of the vacuum tube to the attachment device. Subsequently, wrapping a formable plastic layer around a portion of the vacuum tube, the attachment device and at least the distal end of the molded socket. The plastic layer is sealed around the vacuum tube and at least the distal end of the molded cast such that trapped air between the plastic layer and the vacuum assembly can be drawn through the vacuum tube, thus conforming the formal plastic layer to at least the distal end of mold cast and the attachment device.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket for connecting a prosthesis to an amputated extremity. A molded cast having a distal end and a proximal end which conforms to the amputated extremity. A prosthetic socket component is affixed to the distal end of the molded cast for detachably connecting the molded cast to an artificial limb wherein the component is recessed within a plastic layer. The plastic layer is formed around a portion of the component and the distal end of the molded cast wherein the component is retained in position by the plastic layer.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a thermoplastic prosthetic limb socket from a thermoplastic preform cone involves the steps of: obtaining a digital or physical positive representation of a patient's residual limb; determining a desired thickness for the thermoplastic socket; selecting a thermoplastic preform cone; calculating the dimensions of a proximate extension to be added to the proximate end of the digital or physical representation of the patient's residual limb based upon the dimensions of the patient's residual limb, the dimensions of the preform cone, and the desired thickness of the thermoplastic socket; forming a positive socket mold based upon the combined dimensions of the patient's residual limb and the extension; heating the preform cone; and stretching the preform cone over the positive cast. Preferably the method is performed on a CAD tool.

Abstract: An arm socket and attached hand prosthesis. The socket has a gate in an anterior wall making the socket easy to put on and allowing the user to adjust the pads on the interior of the socket to changes in the shape of the residuum or the amount of padding required over a scar or bony area. The hand prosthesis includes an artificial hand and a connector. The artificial hand has a stationary jaw and a movable jaw with a slidable ratchet bar connected at one end to the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw towards the stationary jaw and at the other to a cable, a pair of pawls in mesh with the ratchet bar for holding the movable jaw in selected position.

Abstract: A below-knee prosthesis in which an adapter is displaceable and fixable in relation to the lower socket end on a circular segment surface whose circular arc lies in the sagittal and frontal plane and whose midpoint is the center of the knee.

Abstract: Elastomeric interface for prosthesis having two integral and inseparable sections separated by a line of demarcation where the hardness of the two sections is shown. The interface has a first soft section and a second hard section. The soft section makes contact with the skin. The hard section is located at the connection points to the prosthesis. The interface is made by injecting a first batch of soft elastomer into a mold, followed by the injection of a second batch of hard elastomer into the mold, onto the first-formed part, so that the materials of different hardness bond naturally to one another.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for post-operative use with a transtibial residuum including post-operative adjustable preparatory socket for a patient that has undergone a transtibial amputation. The socket is formed of a single piece of semi-rigid plastic and includes a cup shaped base, a semi-circular rear shell and a semi-circular front shell that are vertically extended from the base. The rear shell has two opposed circumferential cuffs that surround the wearer's leg above the knee. The front shell extends upwardly to a height just below the cuffs. Wide elastic bands surround the upper and lower sections of the device to press the shells into secure contact against the residual limb. A support strap also surrounds the device in the region of the wearer's patella tendon to help absorb some of the impact in the event of a fall. A supra patellar socket formed of a single piece of semi-rigid plastic for use in placer of the post-operative socket after some healing has occurred.

Abstract: A below-knee prosthesis with a rigid, bowl-shaped outer shaft having a closed distal end, and with a flexible inner shaft which is fitted therein in a removable manner and which likewise has a closed distal end and also an air chamber which can be inflated via a valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic sock for reducing movement of a residual limb within a prosthetic socket of a prosthesis includes a stretchable sock having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of movement-opposing patch surfaces oppositely disposed on the inner surface and outer surface for reducing the residual limb movement. The stretchable sock may be a cotton cloth material, and the movement-opposing patch surfaces may be latex patches laminated on the inner and outer surface of the stretchable sock.

Abstract: A definitive socket for residual limb prosthetic use is formed in a single molding step by compressive pressure casting or molding a pre-formed, moldable, hardenable socket material over a residual limb and curing the socket material to a load-bearing hardened condition while it is maintained under peripheral compressive pressure against the residual limb and while the residual limb is tensioned in a distal direction during the casting process. The combination of pressure casting the socket material and applying tension to the residual limb in a distal direction while the socket material is curing results in forming a definitive socket that fits well to the residual limb after curing without substantial rectification. Pressure relief formations, socket coverings, and a prosthesis coupler may be compression molded simultaneously with the socket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a prosthetic socket using a vacuum tube assembly for vacuum sealing a layer of plastic material onto a molded cast to form a prosthetic socket. The vacuum tube assembly includes a cylindrical shaft for providing an air path for the vacuum tube assembly between the prosthetic cast and a suction device. The cylindrical shaft includes a connection device attached to one end of the cylindrical shaft, wherein the connection device is used for affixing the vacuum tube assembly to an attachment device on the prosthetic socket. The attachment device is formed within the prosthetic socket and is the component which connects the prosthetic socket to an artificial limb shaft. A reciprocating cover is also provided on one end of the cylindrical shaft for covering the connection device, so that the reciprocating cover abuts the prosthetic socket when the connection device is affixed to the attachment device.

Abstract: A modular interface connector for coupling a prosthetic limb socket assembly to a prosthetic limb upright assembly comprises a base, adapted to fit within the distal end of the socket; and an interface cushion, having a proximate end adapted to abut the wearer's residual limb, mounted on the base. The base includes interconnection components in its distal end such that the modular interface connector can be releasably mounted within the distal end of the socket and such that the upright assembly can be releasably mounted to the distal end of the base and, in turn, to the distal end of the socket. When mounted in the socket, the interface connector provides an air-tight seal between the base and the inner surface of the socket to facilitate a suction fit of the wearer's residual limb in the socket.