Abstract: An artificial limb using a vacuum attachment principle is provided with an electrically activated pump that may be readily incorporated into the artificial limb or into a separate portable device. Because the electrically activated pump does not require manual manipulation to create vacuum, it is substantially easier to use than a manual pump. Due to the small size and small battery required by the electrically activated pump disclosed here, it may be readily incorporated into a prosthesis.

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 having an adjustable range of articulation and a method of adjusting the range of articulation of such an ankle. A lower leg connection component extends from the receiving cavity of a prosthetic foot connection component. The remainder of the receiving cavity is substantially filled with an elastomeric material. An interchangeable external bearing resides atop a portion of the elastomeric material and includes an aperture through which a portion of the lower leg connection component passes. By exchanging an installed external bearing for an external bearing having an aperture of different size, the limits of movement of the lower leg connection component can be altered and the overall range of articulation of the ankle adjusted.

Abstract: A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A multi-layer prosthetic liner having an inner polymeric material layer surrounded by an outer polymeric material layer. The outer polymeric material layer is dissimilar to the inner polymeric material layer. A tying layer may reside between the inner polymeric material layer and the outer polymeric material layer. Any embodiment of the liner may be wholly or partially covered on its exterior with a material that exhibits low-friction and/or wicking characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention preferably employ common communication modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.

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 tube-sock shaped polymeric covering for wearing over an amputation stump. The covering has an open end for receiving the amputation stump and a closed end opposite the open end. The covering includes a docking means for attachment of an external device to the covering. The covering may also include one or more areas of reinforcing material that can be present in the form of a strip or rod, for example.

Abstract: A prosthetic suspension sleeve having reinforcement that prevents or minimizes damage to the suspension sleeve, particularly as a result of abrasion, puncture, or an impact with another object during use. The reinforcement may be selectively located along one or more interior, exterior, or interior and exterior areas of a suspension sleeve. The reinforcement material may be comprised of one or more materials that preferably exhibit resistance to cuts, tears, punctures and/or other damage. In an alternative embodiment, reinforcement may be provided by mixing one or more reinforcing materials into the polymeric material of the suspension sleeve. Combinations of different reinforcement types may be employed.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg having an electronically controlled regenerative prosthetic knee. In certain embodiments of the present invention the knee may be passive, whereby it is used only to generate electrical energy. In other embodiments, the knee may be active, whereby it can be used to assist with or completely control gait, as well as to generate electrical energy. The knee makes use of an actuator motor/generator to control gait and/or to generate electrical energy. An electronic control system is provided to control overall operation of the prosthetic leg, to distribute generated electrical energy, and to transfer excess electrical energy to one or more storage devices for later use. A prosthetic leg of the present invention having an active prosthetic knee may be especially helpful in assisting an amputee with activities that impart a high torque load to the knee joint.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that uses cameras arranged on, in, or about a structure adapted to fit over, around, or about an object to be measured. Projectors are arranged on, in, or about the structure to project light toward the object. The projectors and/or the cameras may be electronically connected to a computer processor which controls their operation. A light pattern is projected onto the object to be measured while the cameras capture images of the object from several angles about the object. The data collected from the images taken of the pattern on the object may be used to form a mathematical three-dimensional data model of the object. The three-dimensional model may be displayed in digital form on a visual display device of a personal computer. The three-dimensional model of the object may be used in the manufacture of fitments or coverings for the object. In one example, the apparatus is used by a prosthetist to map the stump of an amputee to properly fit the amputee with a prosthetic device.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices having vacuum components operative to evacuate the interior of a prosthetic socket thereof, and control systems for use therewith. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and associated power source, and a vacuum accumulator connected to the vacuum pump. Associated control systems may be of various designs and may employ wired or wireless communication. Control of an evacuation device may be based on vacuum level, residual limb volume, residual limb motion, user activity level or other device parameters.

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

Abstract: A prosthetic device and prosthetic assembly operative to evacuate an interior of a prosthetic socket, and control systems for use therewith. The prosthetic device and prosthetic assembly employ evacuation devices for evacuating the socket. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source, and are adapted for mounting to a universal adapter that is installed to the distal end of a prosthetic socket. Associated control systems may be of various design and may employ wired or wireless communication. When wireless communication is employed, a hand held controller may be used to remotely control operation of the evacuation device.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle having an adjustable range of articulation and a method of adjusting the range of articulation of such an ankle. A lower leg connection component extends from the receiving cavity of a prosthetic foot connection component. The remainder of the receiving cavity is substantially filled with an elastomeric material. An interchangeable external bearing resides atop a portion of the elastomeric material and includes an aperture through which a portion of the lower leg connection component passes. By exchanging an installed external bearing for an external bearing having an aperture of different size, the limits of movement of the lower leg connection component can be altered and the overall range of articulation of the ankle adjusted.

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 prosthetic leg having an electronically controlled regenerative prosthetic knee. In certain embodiments of the present invention the knee may be passive, whereby it is used only to generate electrical energy. In other embodiments, the knee may be active, whereby it can be used to assist with or completely control gait, as well as to generate electrical energy. The knee makes use of an actuator motor/generator to control gait and/or to generate electrical energy. An electronic control system is provided to control overall operation of the prosthetic leg, to distribute generated electrical energy, and to transfer excess electrical energy to one or more storage devices for later use. A prosthetic leg of the present invention having an active prosthetic knee may be especially helpful in assisting an amputee with activities that impart a high torque load to the knee joint.

Abstract: A magnetically-coupled actuating valve assembly. The actuating valve can be used to control the action of an actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The valve assembly is especially well-suited to use with a damping cylinder of an electronically controlled prosthetic knee. A drive motor is coupled to and actuates a valve body portion of the assembly by means of magnetic attraction and, therefore, the valve assembly operates without the need to physically couple the drive motor to the valve body. The design of the present invention can reduce or eliminate working fluid leaks typically associated with a physical coupling. The design of the present invention may also obviate the need to submerge the drive motor in the working fluid, which typically reduces motor efficiency and may pose a fire hazard.

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. 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.