Abstract: A handheld, cordless scanning device for the three-dimensional image capture of patient anatomy without the use of potentially hazardous lasers, optical reference targets for frame alignment, magnetic reference receivers, or the requirement that the scanning device be plugged in while scanning. The device generally includes a housing having a front end and a rear end. The rear end includes a handle and trigger. The front end includes a pattern projector for projecting a unique pattern onto a target object and a camera for capturing live video of the projected pattern as it is deformed around the object. The front end of the housing also includes a pair of focus beam generators and an indexing beam generator. By utilizing data collected with the present invention, patient anatomy such as anatomical features and residual limbs may be digitized to create accurate three-dimensional representations which may be utilized in combination with computer-aided-drafting programs.

Abstract: A handheld, cordless scanning device for the three-dimensional image capture of patient anatomy without the use of potentially hazardous lasers, optical reference targets for frame alignment, magnetic reference receivers, or the requirement that the scanning device be plugged in while scanning. The device generally includes a housing having a front end and a rear end. The rear end includes a handle and trigger. The front end includes a pattern projector for projecting a unique pattern onto a target object and a camera for capturing live video of the projected pattern as it is deformed around the object. The front end of the housing also includes a pair of focus beam generators and an indexing beam generator. By utilizing data collected with the present invention, patient anatomy such as anatomical features and residual limbs may be digitized to create accurate three-dimensional representations which may be utilized in combination with computer-aided-drafting programs.

Abstract: A lanyard suspension system for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a lanyard cord adapted to extend from a distal end of a patient's residual limb; and (b) a lanyard lock assembly adapted to be seated at a distal end of a patient's prosthetic limb socket assembly. The lanyard lock assembly includes: (1) a lanyard lock base having a lanyard cord channel extending therethrough from an inlet hole in a proximal surface of the lanyard lock base to an outlet hole in one of a side surface and a distal surface of the lanyard lock base; and (2) a locking mechanism designed to allow the lanyard cord to substantially freely thread through the lanyard cord channel from the inlet hole to the outlet hole while substantially inhibiting the lanyard cord from threading in the opposite direction when in an active setting.

Abstract: A lifting sling and a method for making the same are disclosed. The lifting sling comprises an elongated, flexible member having a working surface, a lifting end portion for attaching to a lifting mechanism and a choker end portion. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart gripping members are attached to the working surface of the flexible member for frictionally engaging the outer surface of a load being lifted. To make the lifting sling, the flexible member is laid on the face of a mold having cavities for forming the gripping members. Liquid casting material is introduced into the mold cavities and allowed to penetrate the surface of the flexible member for permanent bonding thereto.

Abstract: A digitizer for use in computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems for making orthotic and prosthetic devices includes a movably mounted pendent arm having a free end with a contact wheel mounted to the free end for making rolling contact with the surface of a three dimensional shape to create reference points for the CAD/CAM to accurately create an orthotic or prosthetic device. The digitizer is automated by mounting a sensor tip at the free end of the pendent arm for automatically visibly sensing marked reference points on the surface of the shape.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (10) includes a viscoelastic cantilever spring keel (12) encased in foamed polymer cover (14) shaped to resemble a human foot. The keel (12) includes an attachment flange (16) for connecting the keel to an upper prosthesis at a location generally corresponding to the location of the ankle joint of a human foot. The keel (12) also includes a forefoot portion in the form of a singular beam (22) cantilevered forwardly and diagonally downwardly from the mounting flange (16). The beam (22) is composed of a primary section (50) extending forwardly from the attachment flange (16) and a forward portion (48) having a significantly lower spring rate and, thus, substantially more compliant than the adjacent portions of the beam primary section (50).