Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to socket liners for prosthetic systems and prosthetic systems including the same. In an embodiment, a socket liner for a prosthetic system is included having a polymeric wall member defining an interior volume. The polymeric wall member having an inner surface bordering the interior volume and an outer surface. The polymeric wall member can include an anterior side, a posterior side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side the second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. A plurality of horizontal ridges can be disposed on the inner surface of the polymeric wall member on the first lateral side and the second lateral side. A plurality of vertical channels can be disposed on the inner surface of the polymeric wall member on the anterior side and the posterior side. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to socket liners for prosthetic systems and prosthetic systems including the same. In an embodiment, a socket liner for a prosthetic system is included having a polymeric wall member defining an interior volume. The polymeric wall member having an inner surface bordering the interior volume and an outer surface. The polymeric wall member can include an anterior side, a posterior side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side the second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. A plurality of horizontal ridges can be disposed on the inner surface of the polymeric wall member on the first lateral side and the second lateral side. A plurality of vertical channels can be disposed on the inner surface of the polymeric wall member on the anterior side and the posterior side. Other embodiments are also included herein.

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 articulating prosthetic foot is used for a prosthetic or orthotic artificial limb for amputees having a residual limb. The artificial limb has a pylon and a socket for receiving the residual limb and a vacuum pump connected to the socket. The articulating foot articulates on the pylon and has a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is driven by the articulating motion of the foot and drives the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A hydraulically-driven vacuum pump is used for a prosthetic or orthotic artificial limb for amputees having a residual limb. The artificial limb has a pylon and a socket for receiving the residual limb. The vacuum pump is connected to the socket and mounted in-line on the pylon. An upper portion housing of the vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum pump by a port. A lower portion housing of the vacuum pump reciprocates within the upper housing portion and is connected to a piston of the hydraulic pump. The weight of the amputee bears on the pylon and drives the lower portion within the upper portion thereby driving the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A socket system in an artificial limb for amputees, the socket system being dynamically activated by weight-bearing loads and variable in response to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads. The socket system includes: a liner adapted to engage the residual limb; a semi-flexible inner socket having a textured surface; an inner socket air wick between the liner and the textured surface of the inner socket; a semi-rigid outer socket having a textured surface; an outer socket air wick between the inner socket and the textured surface of the outer socket; a sealing sleeve engaging the outer socket and the residual limb, the sealing sleeve, the outer socket, and the residual limb creating a sealed chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the sealed chamber and creating a vacuum within the sealed chamber. The vacuum source is dynamically activated in response to weight-bearing loads and varies the response of the socket system to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads.

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 socket system in a prosthetic or orthotic artificial limb for amputees, the socket system being dynamically activated by weight-bearing loads and variable in response to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads. The socket system includes: a liner adapted to engage the residual limb; a semi-flexible inner socket having a textured surface; an inner socket air wick between the liner and the textured surface of the inner socket; a semi-rigid outer socket having a textured surface; an outer socket air wick between the inner socket and the textured surface of the outer socket; a sealing sleeve engaging the outer socket and the residual limb, the sealing sleeve, the outer socket, and the residual limb creating a sealed chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the sealed chamber and creating a vacuum within the sealed chamber. The vacuum source is dynamically activated in response to weight-bearing loads and varies the response of the socket system to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads.

Abstract: A socket system in a prosthetic or orthotic artificial limb for amputees, the socket system being dynamically activated by weight-bearing loads and variable in response to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads. The socket system includes: a liner adapted to engage the residual limb; a semi-flexible inner socket having a textured surface; an inner socket air wick between the liner and the textured surface of the inner socket; a semi-rigid outer socket having a textured surface; an outer socket air wick between the inner socket and the textured surface of the outer socket; a sealing sleeve engaging the outer socket and the residual limb, the sealing sleeve, the outer socket, and the residual limb creating a sealed chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the sealed chamber and creating a vacuum within the sealed chamber. The vacuum source is dynamically activated in response to weight-bearing loads and varies the response of the socket system to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads.

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 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. 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: 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: Footwear having a vacuum pump for removing fluid from its interior. The footwear can have a rigid outer shell, a flexible material bonded to the rigid outer shell, a thin sheath within the flexible material, a heelstrike-actuated vacuum pump in the heel, and a vacuum hose connecting the vacuum pump to the interior. The pump can be configured to reduce or increase pressure within the footwear to provide different results.

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 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 an adhering interface attaching the liner to the inner wall of the socket and forming a seal between the liner and the socket. The liner may be permanently attached to the socket.