Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes a single socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb. A sealed cavity is formed between the socket and the residual limb. The wearer may use a liner over the residual limb for comfort. A vacuum source is connected to a vacuum valve connected to the cavity to suspend the artificial limb from the residual limb and to control and minimize volumetric and fluid changes within the residual limb A liner for a hypobarically-controlled socket for an artificial limb, with a liner interface bonding the liner to the socket and forming a seal between the liner and the socket. The liner may be permanently attached to the socket or the liner may be removed from the socket for replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for securing a prosthesis to the residuum of a limb of an amputee and for providing pressure therapy to the residuum so as to manage fluid within the residuum. The apparatus includes a socket shaped to receive a residuum of a limb of an amputee and configured to connect to a prosthetic limb. The socket forms a chamber between the socket and the residuum when the socket receives the residuum. The apparatus also includes a pressure control device operably connected to the chamber and capable of creating a positive pressure and a negative pressure within the chamber to provide pressure therapy to the residuum, as well as provide securement of the socket to the residuum. The apparatus may also include a liner surrounding at least a portion of the residuum. The control device adjusts pressure within the chamber based on manual and automatic inputs.

Abstract: A vacuum pump having shock absorption and controlled rotation for use in an artificial limb. The pump includes a housing having a first chamber, and a shaft configured to be received by and to reciprocate within the first chamber, the housing and shaft forming a pump chamber. A piston may be coupled to the shaft and positioned within the pump chamber, and intake and exhaust ports are fluidly coupled to the pump chamber. Rotational structure is mounted with respect to the pump to provide controlled rotation of the shaft relative to the housing, and shock absorption structure is included within the pump to provide shock absorption for the shaft. Both a pneumatic spring and a mechanical spring element may be provided for the shock absorption structure. An optional adapter couples the shaft to the pylon of an integral pylon prosthetic foot.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a rigid support member and a removable inner liner having a contact surface adjacent the support member formed of a non-skid or non-slip material. The liner may include a flap or pocket for receiving at least a portion of the support member, at least at first strap having a first end attached to a first region of the liner and a second end fastenable to a second region of the liner for securing the orthotic device to the wearer, and a patient interface surface.

Abstract: The present invention in one embodiment is a vacuum pump including a compressible elastomeric member with an internal reservoir enclosing a volume of fluid, an outlet port providing fluid communication between the internal reservoir and a fluid sink, and an inlet port providing fluid communication between the internal reservoir and a fluid source. The pump further includes first and second pressure elements coupled to the elastomeric member on opposing sides. At least one of the first and second pressure elements is adapted to apply a longitudinal force along, and a rotational force about, an axis extending through the compressible elastomeric member. Upon the application of a longitudinal compression force to the compressible elastomeric member, fluid flows from the internal reservoir to the fluid sink and upon the application of a longitudinal expansion force, fluid flows from the fluid source to the internal reservoir.

Abstract: A connector for fluidly connecting the sealed interior of an artificial limb socket with a pressure source when the connector is mounted to the socket at a hole and an artificial limb including same. The connector includes a flexible elongated tubular section having a lumen, a flange coupled to one end of the elongated tubular section, the flange having a seal surface for sealingly abutting one of the socket wall surfaces around the hole, and a tubular portion adjacent to the flange and extending the lumen from the seal surface of the flange. Tubular portion has at least one section oversized relative to hole which provides a reasonable air-tight seal between the at least one section and an inner surface of the hole or the other of said socket wall surfaces around the hole and distant from the flange, when the tubular portion is received within the hole.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a rigid support member and a removable inner liner having a contact surface adjacent the support member formed of a non-skid or non-slip material. The liner may include a flap or pocket for receiving at least a portion of the support member, at least at first strap having a first end attached to a first region of the liner and a second end fastenable to a second region of the liner for securing the orthotic device to the wearer, and a patient interface surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring aspects of a socket of a prosthetic limb having a residual limb contained therein. The apparatus includes and the method uses sensors for measuring one or more of pressure, force, temperature, moisture, and vacuum and one or more devices for displaying sensor values to the wearer, setting sensor limits, and/or sounding an audible alarm when a sensor limit is exceeded.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis having improved rollover and stability. The prosthesis includes a first plate and a mounting block having a mounting portion configured to be coupled to a user of the prosthesis, an attachment portion and a gap portion, with the mounting block attached to the first plate at the attachment portion with a gap between the mounting block gap portion and the first plate. Also included is a resilient element positioned at least partially within the gap, the resilient element configured generally to dissipate stress in the first plate and control deflection between the first plate and the mounting block. The mounting block may be substantially rigid with the area of the first plate attached to the mounting block becoming substantially rigid while the remainder of the first plate is at least partially flexible. The resilient element may be interchangeable to adjust performance of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.

Abstract: A system for removing perspiration from a residual limb inserted in a prosthesis comprising an nonporous prosthesis socket, a porous thin sheath adjacent the socket, a nonporous liner adjacent the sheath, an osmotic membrane adjacent the liner allowing water vapor to pass from the limb but preventing liquid from passing to the limb, a nonporous seal that prevents air leakage between the residual limb and the socket; and, a vacuum source to reduce the pressure in a space between the limb and socket. A method of removing perspiration from a residual limb in a prosthesis.

Abstract: A fitting for a prosthetic foot permits multi-axial movement of the prosthetic foot with respect to a lower limb prosthesis and provides shock absorption. The multi-axial fitting has a mount, a base, and a shock absorbing resilient member disposed between the mount and the base. The resilient member is torqueable and compressible under force, providing shock absorption, rotation, medial lateral movement and dorsiflexion of the prosthetic foot with respect to the lower limb prosthesis.

Abstract: A cushion adapted to reduce heat and moisture from a wheelchair user's body, including a cushion member having a compressible material that permits air and moisture to flow through the cushion member. The cushion also includes an air and water permeable cover adapted to receive the cushion member. The cover includes an interface member having an outer layer formed of a hydrophobic material, an inner layer formed of a hydrophilic material, and a spacer layer having fibers positioned between, and generally perpendicular to, the outer and inner layers.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes a single socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb. A liner with a volume less than the residual limb is donned over the residual limb, with the liner tensioned into a total contact relationship with the residual limb. A sealed cavity is formed between the socket and the liner. A vacuum source is connected to the socket cavity thereby drawing the residual limb and liner into firm and total contact with the socket. To compensate for some air leakage past the seal, there is a mechanism to maintain the vacuum in the cavity. A plate/socket attachment connects the vacuum source to the cavity.

Abstract: A system for removing perspiration from a residual limb inserted in a prosthesis comprising an nonporous prosthesis socket, a porous thin sheath adjacent the socket, a nonporous liner adjacent the sheath, an osmotic membrane adjacent the liner allowing water vapor to pass from the limb but preventing liquid from passing to the limb, a nonporous seal that prevents air leakage between the residual limb and the socket; and, a vacuum source to reduce the pressure in a space between the limb and socket. A method of removing perspiration from a residual limb in a prosthesis.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes a single socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb. A liner with a volume less than the residual limb is donned over the residual limb, with the liner tensioned into a total contact relationship with the residual limb. A sealed cavity is formed between the socket and the liner. A vacuum source is connected to the socket cavity thereby drawing the residual limb and liner into firm and total contact with the socket. To compensate for some air leakage past the seal, there is a mechanism to maintain the vacuum in the cavity.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes a single socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb. A sealed cavity is formed between the socket and the residual limb. The wearer may use a liner over the residual limb for comfort. A vacuum source is connected to a vacuum valve connected to the cavity to suspend the artificial limb from the residual limb and to control and minimize volumetric and fluid changes within the residual limb. A liner for a hypobarically-controlled socket for an artificial limb, with a liner interface bonding the liner to the socket and forming a seal between the liner and the socket. The liner may be permanently attached to the socket or the liner may be removed from the socket for replacement.

Abstract: A weight-actuated vacuum pump for a hypobarically-controlled artificial limb having a socket with a cavity to receive a residual limb. A dual-action pump has a housing fixedly attached to the socket of the artificial limb, a cylinder reciprocating within the housing and attached to the pylon of the artificial limb, a first chamber within the cylinder, a piston reciprocating within the first chamber, a second chamber between the cylinder and the housing, and valve means for connecting the first chamber and second chamber to the cavity and to atmosphere. A single-action pump has a housing fixedly attached to the pylon of the artificial limb with a first chamber therein, a piston reciprocating in the first chamber with a seal, forming a second chamber between the piston and the housing, an intake/exhaust port connected to the second chamber, and one-way valves connecting the second chamber to the cavity and to atmosphere.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes a single socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb. A liner with a volume less than the residual limb is donned over the residual limb, with the liner tensioned into a total contact relationship with the residual limb. A sealed cavity is formed between the socket and the liner. A vacuum source is connected to the socket cavity thereby drawing the residual limb and liner into firm and total contact with the socket. To compensate for some air leakage past the seal, there is a mechanism to maintain the vacuum in the cavity.

Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed for providing an improved performance, including improved stability and improved multi-axial compliance. The prosthesis includes a two-part lower foot plate, incorporating a forefoot plate and a heel plate, and an upper foot plate that is attached to the forefoot and heel plates by a two-part intermediate elastomeric layer. Forming the lower foot plate and the elastomeric layer each in two parts ensures that the forefoot plate and heel plate function substantially independently of each other, which leads to substantially improved cushioning at heel strike and to improved stability throughout the gait cycle.