Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial foot including a foot body part, a toe part rotatably disposed at a first end of the foot body part, a toe joint connecting the foot body part and the toe part to each other, and an adapter disposed on a top of a second end of the foot body part. According to the artificial foot, since the toes of the artificial foot rotate when a wearer walks, when the artificial toes come in contact with the ground, energy is stored due to the load by the weight and the toes kick off the ground as much as the elastic energy accumulated by the spring, so the toe members of the artificial foot do not drag on the ground. Accordingly, the wearer does not need to lift up the hip joints, so the wearer can walk similar to normal walking.

Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket system includes a distal seal positionable between an interior surface of a prosthetic socket defining a pin bore and a distal end of a prosthetic liner carrying an attachment pin arranged to extend through the pin bore. The distal seal includes a base proximate to the attachment pin and defining an opening configured to receive and surround the attachment pin, a sealing portion extending distally from an outer radial portion of the base, and a variable clearance defined between the sealing portion and the base. The sealing portion is adapted to form a seal around the attachment pin and prevent fluid flow through the pin bore by deflecting relative to the base when the sealing portion engages the interior surface of the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot, including a keel having a longitudinal axis. The keel includes a keel body including a heel portion, a forefoot portion, and an ankle portion positioned between the heel portion and the forefoot portion. The ankle portion includes a housing having a vertically oriented central axis. In addition, the prosthetic foot includes a coupling assembly disposed within the housing of the ankle portion. The coupling assembly includes a bearing member disposed about the central axis, a support sleeve concentrically disposed about the bearing member, and an embedding member disposed about the support sleeve. The embedding member includes a plurality of interlocking rings.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet that allow for heel height adjustment and/or provide metatarsal joint functionality to more closely mimic natural human feet are provided. A prosthetic foot can include an ankle module having a locking mechanism configured to lock the heel at a particular height. The prosthetic foot can also include a toe region that adapts to varying heel heights. The ankle module and/or locking mechanism can be adjusted, controlled, and/or locked via a hydraulic mechanism. The toe region can curve upward relative to a portion of the foot proximal of the toe region.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure characterize apparatuses and/or methods as may be implemented with a variety of prosthetic components and applications. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments described herein, movement parameters pertaining to movement of a user of a prosthetic foot are sensed as the user travels along a surface, with the prosthetic foot having a front ball region and a rear heel region for respectively contacting the surface. A state of movement of the user, including a speed at which the user is travelling along the surface, is determined based on the sensed movement parameters. Utilizing a mechanical actuator, the prosthetic foot is dynamically positioned in response to the speed at which the user is travelling along the surface, by manipulating the mechanical actuator to move the rear heel region relative to the front ball region based on changes in the speed.

Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a rotatable pyramid and lateral travel limit is provided. A first member has a first end connectable to a prosthetic component and a second end with a bar having sides and a distal face. The distal face has ribs thereon. A central hole is provided through the first member. A second member has a first end with a pyramid and a second end with a ring that defines a recess with a solid face. A third member has a dome on a first end and a channel on the second end. The pyramid extends through a central hole through the dome. A screw passes through the central hole of the first member wherein it can engage the second member within the recess. The lateral movement of the bar within the channel is bound by the screw contacting the second member.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis for a person is provided that comprises a foot prosthesis having a heel plate for contacting the ground and an ankle plate extending vertically from the heel plate when the heel plate is in ground contact, a leg prosthesis having an upper end portion mountable to the body of the person and a lower end portion, and a clearance enhancer. The clearance enhancer is in the form of a generally L-shaped plate, the plate including a base plate and an upper plate extending generally perpendicularly from the base plate. The base plate is configured to be connected to the lower end of the leg prosthesis. The upper plate includes a number of mounting openings to receive a corresponding number of fasteners for connecting the upper plate to the ankle plate of the foot prosthesis so that the lower portion of the leg prosthesis overlaps the ankle plate of the foot prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot with a base spring having a forefoot area and a heel area, a connecting means arranged above the base spring and used to fasten the prosthetic foot to a prosthesis, and a frontal support, at the upper end of which the connecting means is arranged and which, at its lower end, is secured on a torsion element that can twist amount the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic foot. The torsion element is designed as a leaf spring arrangement secured to the base spring at one end in the heal area or in the forefoot area.

Abstract: A suspension liner for a residual limb has a liner body with a plurality of anterior and posterior projections formed from a thickness of the liner body. Medial and lateral tendons are located between and correspond to profiles of the plurality of the anterior and posterior projections such that the medial and lateral tendons are located on opposed sides of the liner body relative to one another. The medial and lateral tendons flare circumferentially toward proximal and distal sections of the liner body.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot structure includes a primary foot member and a heel member. The primary foot member has a heel portion, a toe portion with a pair of toe sections separated by a gap, and an elongated intermediate portion configured as an arch extending downward from the heel portion toward the toe portion. The heel member includes a hollow cylindrical spring wall extending downward from the heel portion of the primary foot member. The primary foot member and the heel member are portions of a unitary body of material formed by additive manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting system for detachably connecting a prosthesis shaft to a liner that has been pulled over a residual limb, said system comprising a connecting pin and a receiving device with a receiving portion into which said connecting pin can be introduced, and being characterized in that the connecting pin comprises at least two rigid pin segments arranged one behind the other, in a longitudinal direction of said connecting pin, such that they can be displaced relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthetic adapter that allows for rotation of a prosthetic about central axis. In one embodiment, the invention is a prosthetic adapter comprising: a first component adapted to be coupled to a residual limb; a second component adapted to be coupled to a prosthesis; the first component or the second component comprising a collar forming a central cavity formed about a first central axis; the other one of the first component or the second component comprising a hub extending along a second central axis, the hub positioned in the central cavity so that the first and second central axes are substantially coaxial; wherein when the hub is positioned within the central cavity of the collar, the hub has only two degrees of freedom, rotation about the first central axis and translation along the first central axis.

Abstract: An adjustable socket system includes a distal end portion having an axis, and a frame having a plurality of elongate fingers longitudinally extending from the distal end portion. Each of the elongate fingers defines at least two segments pivotally connected to one another and extending in a longitudinal direction relative to the distal end portion. The at least two segments are pivotable inwardly or outwardly relative to the axis. At least one elongate element is adjustably connected to the plurality of elongate fingers and forms part of a circumference of the adjustable socket system.

Abstract: A vertical suspension system for a prosthetic foot includes a first member operatively coupleable to an amputee's residual leg. The suspension system can also include a second member coupleable to a prosthetic foot. One or more upper leaf springs and one or more lower leaf springs extend between and are attached to the first and second members such that at least one of the ends of each leaf spring is rotationally fixed to the first or second members, where the upper an lower leaf springs are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: An adapter assembly allows mechanical coupling of prosthetic components such that a distal end of a socket adapter extends below a top surface of a prosthetic. The adapter assembly may include sets of external threads to operatively engage internally threaded surfaces of the prosthetic and the socket adapter.

Abstract: A pylon for a prosthetic device, the pylon having a central axis, a first end, and a second end. In an embodiment, the pylon includes a first connecting member disposed at the first end and configured to couple to a socket worn by an amputee. In addition, the pylon includes a second connecting member disposed at the second end and configured to couple to a prosthetic foot. Further, the pylon includes a pylon member extending axially from the first connecting member to the second connecting member, wherein the pylon member extends helically about the central axis.

Abstract: An prosthetic alignment device. In one embodiment, the prosthetic alignment device includes a first component having a first end portion configured to be coupled to one of a prosthesis or a residual limb and a second end portion having a curved channel extending along a curved channel axis; a second component extending along a second central axis comprising a first end portion configured to be coupled to the other one of the prosthesis or the residual limb and a second end portion comprising a curved bar that extends along a curved bar axis, the curved bar positioned within the curved channel so as to be slidable along the curved channel axis in first and second opposite directions so that the first and second components can be selectively adjusted to a plurality of relative positions.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket for receiving an amputation stump has at least one shell which has an arched, open cross-section, where the shell ends in the applied state overlap each other at least partially. At least one tensioning means is disposed on the shell to act in a circumferential direction for tensioning the shell ends relative to each other. The shell is being made of a dimensionally stable plastic having regions with varying elasticity. The proximal end of the socket is relatively more flexible. The inner surface of the socket includes a direction dependent surface to aid in holding the amputation stump. A connector for the distal prosthesis is preferentially positioned adjacent the patient's greater trochanter and is configured for pivotable bearing of the prosthesis with fixing devices to secure the orientation of the prosthesis relative to the socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member having a heel member shaft extending upwardly from a heel end thereof and a forefoot member having a forefoot member shaft extending upwardly from a toe end thereof. An ankle member receives the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft to translate in a direction of a wearer's leg in response to an upward force thereon. At least one compressible member is coupled to the ankle member and is in compressible contact with the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft so as to compress in response to the translation thereof.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices containing an artificial foot are disclosed. Methods of making and using prosthetic devices containing an artificial foot are also disclosed. The artificial foot may be in the form of a thermoformed foot member having at least one foot member curved section between a foot member first end and a foot member second end opposite the foot member first end such that (a) a first portion of a foot member inner surface overlaps and faces a second portion of the foot member inner surface, (b) a foot member second end surface is positioned (i) between and connecting a foot member outer surface and the foot member inner surface to one another and (ii) over and facing the foot member second end surface along the at least one foot member curved section.

Abstract: An adjustable prosthesis system for a residual limb includes: an adjustable outer shell having an adjustable inner volume and an adjustable inner shape; at least one closure component attached to the adjustable outer shell and adapted to adjust at least one of the adjustable inner volume and the adjustable inner shape of the adjustable outer shell; an inner liner adapted to receive the residual limb and to be inserted in the adjustable inner volume of the adjustable outer shell; and an adjustable connector having a proximal end adjustably connected to a distal end of the adjustable outer shell and adapted to provide concurrently for a plurality of directional adjustments and/or angular adjustments of a position of the distal end of the adjustable outer shell relative to the proximal end of the adjustable connector, a distal end of the adjustable connector being adapted to connect to a prosthetic device.

Abstract: A leg prosthesis wherein the prosthesis shaft and the transtibial part are connected by a prosthesis shaft adapter. The prosthesis shaft adapter is constructed as a compact one-part component with a liner (sleeve as inner prosthesis shaft adapter) of the amputation stump and with a rearward extension for the prosthesis receptacle connection. The prosthesis shaft adapter is designed such that, in addition to the rearward extension of 1 cm to 10 cm, the prosthesis receptacle connection is also angled and laterally offset. Advantageously, the leg prosthesis according to the invention has a relatively low weight due to the prosthesis shaft adapter as a connecting element. The leg prosthesis operates absolutely safely and can be efficiently produced. The fabrication of a leg prosthesis with an individual biomechanical fit to the patient is significantly facilitated, which also results in fewer faulty prostheses.

Abstract: A computerized prosthesis alignment system includes a transducer that can measure socket reactions in the anterior/posterior plane and the right/left planes, while canceling or reducing the transverse forces on the measurements of these socket reactions. In addition, the transducer is also capable of determining the axial load or weight experienced by the prosthesis. The computerized prosthesis alignment system is in communication with a host computer. The moment data from the transducer is interpreted by the user via a computer interface. The host computer includes memory for storing one or more applications. These applications receive data from the transducer, interpret the data with discrete algebraic or fuzzy logic algorithms, and display the output numerically and graphically. Applications may also interpret the data to provide analysis to the user for aligning the prosthesis.

Abstract: A ground contact device having a module with at least a portion of the module's outer surface being curved. The ground contact device also having a planar surface, oriented in a plane parallel to a surface suitable for walking, on the module's inside surface. In addition, the planar surface contains a plurality of prosthetic mount holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an offset alignment device with a longitudinal axis that is capable of singularly offsetting two prosthetic components a selected distance along an alignment axis that is selectably oriented in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and is also capable of adjusting the rotational orientation between the two prosthetic components that are connected to the present invention about a rotational axis. This is accomplished by providing a first member having an end comprising a channel. A second member is also provided having a crown for being laterally adjustably connected to the first member along an alignment axis and also rotationally adjustably connected to the first member along a rotational axis. In an alternative embodiment, scales are provided for measuring the adjustments made to the device.

Abstract: A universal tube clamp, having a head portion with an aperture formed therein with set screws to retain another object thereto, and a clamping portion. The clamping portion has an outer perimeter sidewall defining an opening with knurls formed on inside walls, a generally T-shaped slot with a vertical portion that extends from a bottom of the sidewall upwardly towards the head portion with ears formed on both sides of the slot, and a horizontal slot portion that extends horizontally through the sidewall above the two ears, and a bolt which forces the two ears together to reduce a diameter of the opening. The ear that the bolt head impinges on is narrower than the threaded ear, and the vertical portion of the T-shaped slot is wider at the bottom of the sidewall than at its top where it joins the horizontal slot portion.

Abstract: A modular prosthesis system that can be inexpensively manufactured using modern technology and advanced polymer materials. The modular prosthesis system will be immediately fit on the residual limb and aligned for optimal gait without specialized tools or labs, alleviating the many steps involved with conventional labor-intensive and costly prosthesis construction. The modular prosthesis system also accommodates the changing in size and shape of the limb, eliminating the need for multiple prostheses and adjustments to an existing prosthesis during the lifetime of an amputee.

Abstract: A locking device for a prosthesis comprising a locking mechanism that may be disengaged from the locking pin using a single hand, and that remains in the open position until the pin is removed. The locking mechanism of the present invention thus provides a secure connection that may be more easily removed than current devices. The current invention comprises a self-holding release mechanism that makes it possible to use both hands for pulling the amputation stump out of the prosthetic sleeve. The release mechanism is held in an open position by an interior locking mechanism. When the locking pin has come out of the locking mechanism, the inner locking mechanism will let the release device return and the lock will reset, and again be ready for use when the locking pin is inserted once more.

Abstract: A robotic prosthesis alignment device is disclosed that may automatically move the alignment of a prosthesis socket in relation to a prosthesis shank. The robotic prosthesis alignment device provides automatic translation in two axes. The robotic prosthesis alignment device includes angulation mechanics that automatically provide for plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion of the foot and shank with respect to the prosthesis socket. A surrogate device is also disclosed that can replicate the alignment achieved with the robotic prosthesis alignment device.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: An adjustable pylon to be used with a prosthetic limb. The adjustable pylon including a fixed tube having an attachment end to attach to the prosthetic limb, a receiving end, and a retainer bulkhead with a hole. The adjustable pylon including an adjustable tube having an attachment end to attach to the prosthetic limb, an insert end sized to fit inside the fixed tube, a threaded bulkhead with a threaded hole inside the adjustable tube. The adjustable pylon including a length adjustment screw including a threaded body and a centering post.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: An ankle joint prosthesis comprised of a central core element capable of attachment to an artificial leg, coupled to two side elements capable for attachment to an artificial foot. The medial and lateral side elements envelop the central core element lower region along a common central axis, and are coupled together by a mechanical fastening mechanism and can be rotated relative to the central core element and positively constrained to align in various orientations dependent of a specific grooved profile within each side element pair. The ankle joint orientation is affected by engaging an anterior and/or posterior located mechanical linkage enacting an upward linear movement on a guide pin plunger, thus allowing the side elements to rotate by a torque force from a torsion spring until reaching orientation held in place along a grooved profile. The load bearing elements shall be precision machined from Grade 5 Titanium.

Abstract: A leg prosthesis wherein the prosthesis shaft and the transtibial part are connected by a prosthesis shaft adapter. The prosthesis shaft adapter is constructed as a compact one-part component with a liner (sleeve as inner prosthesis shaft adapter) of the amputation stump and with a rearward extension for the prosthesis receptacle connection. The prosthesis shaft adapter is designed such that, in addition to the rearward extension of 1 cm to 10 cm, the prosthesis receptacle connection is also angled and laterally offset. Advantageously, the leg prosthesis according to the invention has a relatively low weight due to the prosthesis shaft adapter as a connecting element. The leg prosthesis operates absolutely safely and can be efficiently produced. The fabrication of a leg prosthesis with an individual biomechanical fit to the patient is significantly facilitated, which also results in fewer faulty prostheses.

Abstract: An adapter assembly allows mechanical coupling of prosthetic components such that a distal end of a socket adapter extends below a top surface of a prosthetic. The adapter assembly may include sets of external threads to operatively engage internally threaded surfaces of the prosthetic and the socket adapter.

Abstract: A pyramid receptacle for coupling a prosthetic limb to a socket, comprising a unitary machined component formed with an externally-threaded neck section flanged by a larger-diameter disk. The disk is formed with a concave face, and a central cavity. A plurality of threaded set screws are journalled into the hollow threaded neck section through the threads thereof and into communication with the central cavity. Machining the threaded holes for the plurality of set screws directly through the hollow threaded neck section, and ensuring that the set screws stay flush or recessed when fully tightened effectively halves the length of the pyramid receptacle and facilitates angular adjustment of the prosthetic limb before affixing it in place, but does not significantly increase the profile length of the interconnection between socket and knee joint.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a functional analysis on a person equipped with an artificial extremity having adjustable settings. The method includes the steps of providing a sensor assembly configured as a replacement for a part of the artificial extremity and installing the sensor assembly in place of the part. Forces, accelerations and/or torques are then measured with the sensor assembly during use of the artificial extremity by the person and the settings of the artificial extremity are optimized based on these measurements. The sensor assembly is removed and the replaced part is installed back into the artificial extremity, while retaining the optimized settings. In one embodiment, the artificial extremity is a leg prosthesis having an artificial knee joint with a rotational adaptor mounted above it. The sensor assembly then replaces the rotational adaptor.

Abstract: An adapter assembly allows mechanical coupling of prosthetic components such that a distal end of a socket adapter (160) extends below a top surface of a prosthetic (100). The adapter assembly may include sets of external threads (314, 324) to operatively engage internally threaded surfaces (170, 110) of the prosthetic and the socket adapter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a double-wall prosthetic limb socket assembly includes: (a) a first substantially rigid inner-wall socket adapted to receive a patient's residual limb; and (b) a second substantially rigid outer-wall socket seating the first inner-wall socket therein, the second outer-wall socket including, (i) a distal, circular base-plate; and (ii) a molded circumferential wall bonded to and extending proximally from the distal, circular base-plate; where the circular base-plate includes a vacuum port extending radially from a circumferential outer side of the base-plate in fluid communication with a vacuum channel extending through the circular base-plate and out through an outlet hole in a proximal side of the circular base-plate; such that when the vacuum port is coupled to a vacuum pump, the vacuum will help to draw the first inner-wall socket into the second outer-wall socket.

Abstract: A computerized prosthesis alignment system includes a transducer that can measure socket reactions in the anterior/posterior plane and the right/left planes, while canceling or reducing the transverse forces on the measurements of these socket reactions. In addition, the transducer is also capable of determining the axial load or weight experienced by the prosthesis. The computerized prosthesis alignment system is in communication with a host computer. The moment data from the transducer is interpreted by the user via a computer interface. The host computer includes memory for storing one or more applications. These applications receive data from the transducer, interpret the data with discrete algebraic or fuzzy logic algorithms, and display the output numerically and graphically. Applications may also interpret the data to provide analyses to the user for aligning the prosthesis.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable coupler is provided having first and second ends that are in an angularly adjustable mating engagement. The first end has a longitudinal axis and a base with an optionally concave and serrated surface, and can comprise a collared clamp for connecting to a pylon. The second end has a longitudinal axis and a base with an optionally convex and serrated surface, and can comprise a receiver for connecting to a pyramidal adapter. The concave portion of the first end and the convex portion of the second end are complementary to each other. A connector is provided to connect the first and second ends in a selected angular alignment about a fixed axis of rotation. The range of angular alignment of the first and second components spans approximately 50 degrees about the fixed axis of rotation.

Abstract: A pyramid receptacle for coupling a prosthetic limb to a socket, comprising a unitary machined component formed with an externally-threaded neck section flanged by a larger-diameter disk. The disk is formed with a concave face, and a central cavity. A plurality of threaded set screws are journalled into the hollow threaded neck section through the threads thereof and into communication with the central cavity. Machining the threaded holes for the plurality of set screws directly through the hollow threaded neck section, and ensuring that the set screws stay flush or recessed when fully tightened effectively halves the length of the pyramid receptacle and facilitates angular adjustment of the prosthetic limb before affixing it in place, but does not significantly increase the profile length of the interconnection between socket and knee joint.

Abstract: An adapter assembly allows mechanical coupling of prosthetic components such that a distal end of a socket adapter (160) extends below a top surface of a prosthetic (100). The adapter assembly may include sets of external threads (314, 324) to operatively engage internally threaded surfaces (170, 110) of the prosthetic and the socket adapter.

Abstract: A robotic prosthesis alignment device is disclosed that may automatically move the alignment of a prosthesis socket in relation to a prosthesis shank. The robotic prosthesis alignment device provides automatic translation in two axes. The robotic prosthesis alignment device includes angulation mechanics that automatically provide for plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion of the foot and shank with respect to the prosthesis socket. A surrogate device is also disclosed that can replicate the alignment achieved with the robotic prosthesis alignment device.

Abstract: A mobility assistance apparatus and a method for improving the mobility of a person using a walking aid, such as a cane, crutch, or walker, involve use of a device for ground engagement with ambulating using the walking aid. In a preferred example the device is a resilient lower extremity prosthesis that is capable of storing and releasing energy to generate propulsive force to aid mobility. The prosthesis has a foot, ankle and shank. The shank has a lower portion that is anterior facing convexly curved for generating forward propulsion with ambulating to aid mobility.

Abstract: A trouble-free safety prosthesis joint, which has a below-knee connector device with a main body, a base, a drive element and a restoring unit. The restoring unit is provided in a receiving space located in the interior of the main body and is connected to the drive element. The base extending downward from the main body serves for connection to the below-knee prosthesis. A thigh connector device is arranged on the below-knee connector device. One end of the brake element is connected to the restoring unit and the other end is connected pivotably to the thigh connector device. A brake element and a brake stirrup are also located in the receiving space of the below-knee connector device, which is connected to the thigh connector device and the brake stirrup is connected to the brake element. The brake stirrup engages the brake journal and is connected to the below-knee connector device.

Abstract: A position deviation adjustment apparatus for a prosthesis is provided. The position deviation adjustment apparatus includes a connecting member, a plate lid, an adjustment base, and a receptacle base. The connecting member is concentrically assembled with the plate lid. Then the assembled connecting member and plate lid together are assembled to the adjustment base. The adjustment base is then concentrically fixed to the receptacle base. When the connecting member and the plate lid are not yet fixed, they can be radially moved relative to the adjusting base, for aligning a center line of the connecting member and a center line of the receptacle base. Thereafter, the connecting member and the plate lid are fixed to the adjusting base.