Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a base spring, a top spring assembly, a connector assembly, and a heel cushion. The top spring assembly includes first and second spring members, and first and second bond connections. The second spring member extends parallel with and spaced apart from the first spring member. The first bond connection is between distal ends of the first and second spring members, and the second bond connection is between a distal end of the second spring member and a top surface of the base spring. The top spring assembly has a first portion arranged horizontally, and a second portion arranged vertically. The connector is connected to a proximal end of the top spring assembly to connect the prosthetic foot to a lower limb prosthesis. The heel cushion is mounted to the base spring at a location spaced forward of a heel end of the base spring.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a base spring, a top spring assembly, a connector assembly, and a heel cushion. The top spring assembly includes first and second spring members, and first and second bond connections. The second spring member extends parallel with and spaced apart from the first spring member. The first bond connection is between distal ends of the first and second spring members, and the second bond connection is between a distal end of the second spring member and a top surface of the base spring. The top spring assembly has a first portion arranged horizontally, and a second portion arranged vertically. The connector is connected to a proximal end of the top spring assembly to connect the prosthetic foot to a lower limb prosthesis. The heel cushion is mounted to the base spring at a location spaced forward of a heel end of the base spring.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a base spring, a top spring assembly, a connector assembly, and a heel cushion. The top spring assembly includes first and second spring members, and first and second bond connections. The second spring member extends parallel with and spaced apart from the first spring member. The first bond connection is between distal ends of the first and second spring members, and the second bond connection is between a distal end of the second spring member and a top surface of the base spring. The top spring assembly has a first portion arranged horizontally, and a second portion arranged vertically. The connector is connected to a proximal end of the top spring assembly to connect the prosthetic foot to a lower limb prosthesis. The heel cushion is mounted to the base spring at a location spaced forward of a heel end of the base spring.

Abstract: Pressureless sintering of silicon carbide with fracture toughness in excess of about 4 MPa-m1/2 as measured by the single-edge precracked beam (SEPB) technique while maintaining a density greater than 3.1 g/cc for compositions with SiC greater than about 94 wt. % is made possible through the use of metallic Al to promote sintering and grain growth. Boron and carbon may be used as traditional sintering aids, with nitrogen to suppress grain growth, and additions of yttrium and/or lanthanide elements to promote intergranular fracture.

Abstract: Pressureless sintering of silicon carbide with fracture toughness in excess of about 4 MPa-m1/2 as measured by the single-edge precracked beam (SEPB) technique while maintaining a density greater than 3.1 g/cc for compositions with SiC greater than about 94 wt. % is made possible through the use of metallic Al to promote sintering and grain growth. Boron and carbon may be used as traditional sintering aids, with nitrogen to suppress grain growth, and additions of yttrium and/or lanthanide elements to promote intergranular fracture.