Abstract: An adjustable lower limb prosthesis has a pylon connected to both a prosthetic foot and to the stump adapter by way of a foot/pylon joint and a pylon/stump joint, respectively. Each of the joints is similar and includes a tapered socket holding a truncated conical wedge sleeve. The wedge sleeve has a bore which may be angled with respect to the cone axis, and into which the pylon is fitted. A cap locks the wedge sleeve in the bore and locks the pylon in the wedge sleeve. For adjusting the prosthesis, a set of wedge sleeves are available to the prosthetist, each having a bore with a different offset with respect to the conical axis of the sleeve. The prosthetist selects the appropriate sleeve based upon a prior determination using a temporary pylon and an alignment adapter. The correct foot wedge sleeve and circumferential alignment of the wedge sleeve are set with the aid of discs having offset holes.

Abstract: An automatic or semiautomatic cat litter box and cleaning mechanism which is compact and simple in design is provided. The device has an enclosed housing with a pivotable top lid which can be opened to allow periodic cleaning when needed. A sifting screen is rotated by a crankshaft mechanism so as to traverse a 360.degree. radial arc through the interior portion of the housing, passing through the soiled litter and removing the waste. When the sifting screen has completed its cycle, it stops on top of a storage container upside down so as to drop any sifted cat waste into the storage container which can be removed from the housing and the waste can be periodically disposed of.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: An artificial foot includes a hollow, rigid, compression-molded composite keel made from aramid fiber-reinforced plastic for connection to a prothesis and to an improved composite carbon-fiber material acting as a spring for improving the energy absorbing and releasing characteristics of the foot to aid movement of the amputee. The spring includes a pair of thin, forwardly-extending composite spring members capable of lateral movement with respect to each other and connected to the keel. An auxiliary deflection spring or plate is interposed between the primary deflection plate and the keel and includes a forwardly-extending upwardly-oriented portion to aid in energy absorption and release during flexing of the foot. The plates are surrounded by a suitable abrasion resistant material, such as a Kevlar sock, surrounded by a low density flexible foam urethane. A medium density flexible foam urethane wedge is interposed beneath the heel portion of the keel.