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

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.

Abstract: An adjustable lower limb prosthesis has a pylon connected to both a prosthetic foot and to the stump adapter by way of a foot/pylon joint and a pylon/stump joint, respectively. Each of the joints is similar and includes a tapered socket holding a truncated conical wedge sleeve. The wedge sleeve has a bore which may be angled with respect to the cone axis, and into which the pylon is fitted. A cap locks the wedge sleeve in the bore and locks the pylon in the wedge sleeve. For adjusting the prosthesis, a set of wedge sleeves are available to the prosthetist, each having a bore with a different offset with respect to the conical axis of the sleeve. The prosthetist selects the appropriate sleeve based upon a prior determination using a temporary pylon and an alignment adapter. The correct foot wedge sleeve and circumferential alignment of the wedge sleeve are set with the aid of discs having offset holes.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: An artificial foot includes a hollow, rigid, compression-molded composite keel made from aramid fiber-reinforced plastic for connection to a prothesis and to an improved composite carbon-fiber material acting as a spring for improving the energy absorbing and releasing characteristics of the foot to aid movement of the amputee. The spring includes a pair of thin, forwardly-extending composite spring members capable of lateral movement with respect to each other and connected to the keel. An auxiliary deflection spring or plate is interposed between the primary deflection plate and the keel and includes a forwardly-extending upwardly-oriented portion to aid in energy absorption and release during flexing of the foot. The plates are surrounded by a suitable abrasion resistant material, such as a Kevlar sock, surrounded by a low density flexible foam urethane. A medium density flexible foam urethane wedge is interposed beneath the heel portion of the keel.