Abstract: A conductive human interface has a fabric layer with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A soft coating overlies the interior surface of the fabric layer. An electrode or sensor is included to connect with a user. A conductive path connects the electrode or sensor with an electrical connector which, in turn connects with a prosthetic or other assistive device. The conductive path includes a conductor having a section overlying the fabric layer. The overlying section of the conductor can be cord of conductive thread. A nonconductive support thread can extend through the fabric layer from the exterior surface to the interior surface, and further around the conductor to secure the overlying section of the conductor to the fabric layer.

Abstract: A conductive human interface has a fabric layer with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A soft coating overlies the interior surface of the fabric layer. An electrode or sensor is included to connect with a residual limb. A conductive path connects the electrode or sensor with an electrical connector which, in turn connects with a prosthetic or other assistive device. The conductive path includes a conductor having a section overlying the fabric layer. The overlying section of the conductor can be cord of conductive thread. A nonconductive support thread can extend through the fabric layer from the exterior surface to the interior surface, and further around the conductor to secure the overlying section of the conductor to the fabric layer.

Abstract: An electrode is supported on a prosthetic liner to communicate electrically with a residual limb. A housing is fixed to the liner, and is receivable in a socket in an installed position. A processor is installed in the housing in communication with the electrode. Electrical signal contacts are exposed at a distal end of the housing for contacting electrical signal contacts in the socket. The housing defines a ground current path that communicates with a ground contact in the socket.

Abstract: A digital electronic system used for receiving an audio alarm from a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and like detectors. The system amplifies and converts the alarm to a digital encoded radio frequency signal for shutting off power to a kitchen appliance. The system includes a microphone and an amplifier connected to a comparator circuit. This circuit provides for outputting a logic 0 or logic 1 and outputs logic 1, in the form of the digital radio frequency signal, if an audio alarm is received. The comparator circuit is connected to a transmitter and encoder circuit, which receives the frequency signal and transmits it to a radio frequency receiver and decoder circuit. This circuit then decodes the signal and disconnects the power to the appliance.

Abstract: An electrode is supported on a prosthetic liner to communicate electrically with a residual limb. A housing is fixed to the liner, and is receivable in a socket in an installed position. A processor is installed in the housing in communication with the electrode. Electrical signal contacts are exposed at a distal end of the housing for contacting electrical signal contacts in the socket. The housing defines a ground current path that communicates with a ground contact in the socket.

Abstract: A conductive human interface has a fabric layer with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A soft coating overlies the interior surface of the fabric layer. An electrode or sensor is included to connect with a residual limb. A conductive path connects the electrode or sensor with an electrical connector which, in turn connects with a prosthetic or other assistive device. The conductive path includes a conductor having a section overlying the fabric layer. The overlying section of the conductor can be cord of conductive thread. A nonconductive support thread can extend through the fabric layer from the exterior surface to the interior surface, and further around the conductor to secure the overlying section of the conductor to the fabric layer.

Abstract: Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot structure includes a primary foot member and a heel member. The primary foot member has a heel portion, a toe portion with a pair of toe sections separated by a gap, and an elongated intermediate portion configured as an arch extending downward from the heel portion toward the toe portion. The heel member includes a hollow cylindrical spring wall extending downward from the heel portion of the primary foot member. The primary foot member and the heel member are portions of a unitary body of material formed by additive manufacturing.

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 system having a microprocessor-controlled socket evacuation device, and a method of retaining a prosthesis on the residual limb of an amputee using such an evacuation device are described herein. The evacuation device can include an electrically powered vacuum pump. The evacuation device can be operated in a manner that automatically adjusts the socket vacuum level to correspond to a determined activity level of a user. The microprocessor control can also limit operation of the evacuation device to certain determined portions of a user's gait cycle.

Abstract: Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.

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: Various systems, apparatuses, and methods for producing a prosthetic foot by an additive manufacturing process are disclosed.

Abstract: A digital electronic system used for receiving an audio alarm from a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and like detectors. The system amplifies and converts the alarm to a digital encoded radio frequency signal for shutting off power to a kitchen appliance. The system includes a microphone and an amplifier connected to a comparator circuit. This circuit provides for outputting a logic 0 or logic 1 and outputs logic 1, in the form of the digital radio frequency signal, if an audio alarm is received. The comparator circuit is connected to a transmitter and encoder circuit, which receives the frequency signal and transmits it to a radio frequency receiver and decoder circuit. This circuit then decodes the signal and disconnects the power to the appliance.

Abstract: Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.

Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and methods for producing a prosthetic foot by an additive manufacturing process are disclosed.

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 system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention may employ common communications and/or communications/control modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.

Abstract: Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention may employ common communications and/or communications/control modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.