Abstract: A vacuum pump may be used to attach a prosthetic and/or orthotic device to a residual limb. The vacuum pump may be in line below a socket of a residual limb. The socket may be a portion of the prosthesis that accepts the residual limb. The vacuum pump may generate a vacuum condition between the prosthesis and the residual limb. Generally, a vacuum condition may be generated between a socket and the residual limb. The residual limb may be covered with a sock, elastomeric liner, or sheath covering the limb. The vacuum condition may positively attach the prosthesis to the residual limb without the need for straps, retaining pins, or suction type vacuum which do not use a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a footshell having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first portion polymer lattice structure and the second portion has a second portion polymer lattice structure. The first portion polymer lattice structure has a first set of mechanical properties and the second portion polymer lattice structure has a second set of mechanical properties different from the first set of mechanical properties. The footshell also includes a sole attached to a bottom of the first portion and the second portion, wherein the sole is formed of a solid material.

Abstract: A vacuum pump may be used to attach a prosthetic and/or orthotic device to a residual limb. The vacuum pump may be in line below a socket of a residual limb. The socket may be a portion of the prosthesis that accepts the residual limb. The vacuum pump may generate a vacuum condition between the prosthesis and the residual limb. Generally, a vacuum condition may be generated between a socket and the residual limb. The residual limb may be covered with a sock, elastomeric liner, or sheath covering the limb. The vacuum condition may positively attach the prosthesis to the residual limb without the need for straps, retaining pins, or suction type vacuum which do not use a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A vacuum pump may be used to attach a prosthetic and/or orthotic device to a residual limb. The vacuum pump may be in line below a socket of a residual limb. The socket may be a portion of the prosthesis that accepts the residual limb. The vacuum pump may generate a vacuum condition between the prosthesis and the residual limb. Generally, a vacuum condition may be generated between a socket and the residual limb. The residual limb may be covered with a sock, elastomeric liner, or sheath covering the limb. The vacuum condition may positively attach the prosthesis to the residual limb without the need for straps, retaining pins, or suction type vacuum which do not use a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A vacuum pump may be used to attach a prosthetic and/or orthotic device to a residual limb. The vacuum pump may be in line below a socket of a residual limb. The socket may be a portion of the prosthesis that accepts the residual limb. The vacuum pump may generate a vacuum condition between the prosthesis and the residual limb. Generally, a vacuum condition may be generated between a socket and the residual limb. The residual limb may be covered with a sock, elastomeric liner, or sheath covering the limb. The vacuum condition may positively attach the prosthesis to the residual limb without the need for straps, retaining pins, or suction type vacuum which do not use a vacuum pump.

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: 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 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: 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.