Patents Examined by D. H. Willse
  • Patent number: 5139524
    Abstract: A prosthetic alignment device having a shank member, an alignment body, and setscrews to adjust the angular orientation of the shank member and secure the shank member in place relative to the alignment body. The alignment body has a body cavity into which the shank member is inserted, a concave bearing surface for engaging a spherical radius of curvature of the end of the shank member, and an annular opening for inserting the end of the shank member. Angulation of the shank member inside the body cavity causes the annular opening to elastically deform and exert a hoop stress on the shank member increasing the securing force therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Prosthetics Research Study
    Inventors: Alan L. Aulie, Ernest M. Burgess