Abstract: According to the embodiments described herein, prosthetic devices can include a prosthetic socket, a vacuum passage, and an evacuation device. The interior of the prosthetic socket can be adapted to receive a residual limb. The vacuum passage can extend through the side wall of the prosthetic socket and into the interior of the prosthetic socket. The evacuation device can include an electrically powered vacuum pump contained within a housing. The housing can be attached to the side wall on the exterior of the prosthetic socket. The electrically powered vacuum pump can be in communication with the vacuum passage. The electrically powered vacuum pump can draw air from the interior of the prosthetic socket, while the residual limb is received within the interior of the prosthetic socket, to evacuate the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly operative to evacuate an interior of a prosthetic socket, and control systems for use therewith. The prosthetic assembly employs evacuation devices for evacuating the socket. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source located within a housing. Associated control systems may be of various design and may employ wired or wireless communication. When wireless communication is employed, a hand held controller or other remote control device may be used to remotely control operation of the evacuation device.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices having vacuum components operative to evacuate the interior of a prosthetic socket thereof, and control systems for use therewith. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and associated power source, and a vacuum accumulator connected to the vacuum pump. Associated control systems may be of various designs and may employ wired or wireless communication. Control of an evacuation device may be based on vacuum level, residual limb volume, residual limb motion, user activity level or other device parameters.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly operative to evacuate an interior of a prosthetic socket, and control systems for use therewith. The prosthetic assembly employs evacuation devices for evacuating the socket. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source located within a housing. Associated control systems may be of various design and may employ wired or wireless communication. When wireless communication is employed, a hand held controller or other remote control device may be used to remotely control operation of the evacuation device.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and prosthetic assembly operative to evacuate an interior of a prosthetic socket, and control systems for use therewith. The prosthetic device and prosthetic assembly employ evacuation devices for evacuating the socket. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source, and are adapted for mounting to a universal adapter that is installed to the distal end of a prosthetic socket. Associated control systems may be of various design and may employ wired or wireless communication. When wireless communication is employed, a hand held controller may be used to remotely control operation of the evacuation device.

Abstract: Evacuation devices for evacuating the socket of a prosthetic limb, and prosthetic limb systems employing such vacuum devices. The evacuation devices each preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source. Such evacuation devices can be attached at various locations on or in a prosthetic limb. Because the electrically powered pump does not require manual manipulation to create vacuum, it is substantially easier to use than a manual pump. Due to the small size and small power source required by such an electrically powered pump, an evacuation device may be readily incorporated into a prosthesis.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices having vacuum components operative to evacuate the interior of a prosthetic socket thereof, and control systems for use therewith. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and associated power source, and a vacuum accumulator connected to the vacuum pump. Associated control systems may be of various designs and may employ wired or wireless communication. Control of an evacuation device may be based on vacuum level, residual limb volume, residual limb motion, user activity level or other device parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for terminating optical fibres. In the method, the fibre is threaded through a tubular ferrule so that the end of the fibre projects from an end face of the ferrule, and a heated cutting edge is swept across the end face of the ferrule at a predetermined rate. This produces a cut end for the fibre with a minimum of scratches, roughness, distortion, stress or discoloration without the need for subsequent grinding or polishing. The apparatus disclosed is particularly intended for performing the above method and comprises a jig adapted to receive the tubular ferrule and a fixed heated blade. The jig is arranged to be movable freely under the action of gravity with the end face of the ferrule maintained in sliding engagement with the blade whereby the cutting edge thereof is swept across the end face at the predetermined rate.