Abstract: A prosthetic liner incorporating a locking attachment that can be used by amputees to engage their prosthetic liner with a prosthetic device. The prosthetic liner has an open proximal end and a closed distal end with a liner opening at the closed distal end. The prosthetic liner further comprises an external fabric layer and an internal elastomer layer. This internal elastomer layer may be made of silicone, urethane, or a thermoplastic styrene-based elastomer gel. The locking attachment is comprised of two parts: an umbrella further comprising a stem having a base and the exterior screw cap. The exterior screw cap can engage the umbrella in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, locking grooves, locking studs, and locking teeth. In addition, the locking attachment has an internally threaded central aperture that allows for the expulsion of air as well as the mounting of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner having a cylindrical or conical body with an open proximal end, a closed distal end, a posterior face, an anterior face, an internal thermoplastic elastomeric layer, and an external fabric layer, with a support material attached to the anterior face and a plurality of interior surface modifications on the internal thermoplastic elastomeric layer with the option of including at least one channel for wicking. The liner may be a locking or cushion liner. Also, the support material may be attached to the distal end of the liner inside of an enclosed pocket or inside of an open pocket attached to the exterior fabric layer. The support material is preferably a foam the foam selected from the group consisting of ethyl vinyl acetate, polyethylene, neoprene, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, vinyl, silicone, and urethane.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint used with a prosthetic foot to allow for a non-linear spring to be used for energy absorption and return capacity. Specifically, the ankle joint comprises a main body that connects to the shank of a prosthetic foot using mounting bolts that further connects to a pyramid adaptor using guide pins and a non-linear spring. The use of a non-linear spring as an attachment member allows for movement of the attachment point in relation to the foot while retaining the added benefits of a conical spring and the nonlinear compression it has. The non-linear spring of the present invention is preferably a progressive rate spring and is preferably conical but may other shapes that increase stiffness with deflection. The spring rate is determined by the weight of the patient and their activity level. Complementary teeth are alternatively available to prevent rotation.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint used with a prosthetic foot to allow for a non-linear spring to be used for energy absorption and return capacity. Specifically, the ankle joint comprises a main body that connects to the shank of a prosthetic foot using mounting bolts that further connects to a pyramid adaptor using a non-linear spring. The use of a non-linear spring as an attachment member allows for movement of the attachment point in relation to the foot while retaining the added benefits of a conical spring and the nonlinear compression it has. The non-linear spring of the present invention is preferably a progressive rate spring and is preferably conical but may other shapes that increase stiffness with deflection. The spring rate is determined by the weight of the patient and their activity level.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint used with a prosthetic foot to allow for a non-linear spring to be used for energy absorption and return capacity. Specifically, the ankle joint comprises a main body that connects to the shank of a prosthetic foot using mounting bolts that further connects to a pyramid adaptor using guide pins and a non-linear spring. The use of a non-linear spring as an attachment member can also allow for a multiaxial movement of the attachment point in relation to the foot while retaining the added benefits of a conical spring and the nonlinear compression it has. The non-linear spring of the present invention is preferably a progressive rate spring and is preferably conical but may other shapes that increase stiffness with deflection. The spring rate is determined by the weight of the patient and their activity level. Complementary teeth are alternatively available to prevent rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for residual limb volume management. Specifically the present invention relates to tapered prosthetic socks used in combination with a measuring template such that, when compressed, a user can see whether or not their residual limb has swelled or shrunk. The point at which the top edge of the socket of the prosthetic stops when in a compressed stance is the “0” mark on the measuring template and any upward or downward movement will be noticed by the user via a baseline drawn onto the prosthetic sock made using the measuring template. A mobile/online application can be implemented to remind the user to regularly check the baseline and instruct the user if corrective action is needed.

Abstract: Compositions for topical application that effectively deliver antioxidants across the epidermis, dermis, or a combination thereof into cells and/or the bloodstream while concurrently maintaining chemical activity of the antioxidants. In certain aspects, these formulations include emulsions and balms each having a lipophilic carrier and a lipophilic antioxidant solubilized by the lipophilic carrier. Also disclosed herein are methods for making these compositions for topical application.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner having a lower longitudinal stretch in the distal region than in either the proximal or optional intermediate region. The distal region may stretch anywhere from 0-30% vertically and 10-200% horizontally as compared to the proximal region's vertical stretch of 55-125% and 100-175% horizontally. A variety of stitches may be used at the distal end to implement this lowered longitudinal stretch. The liner also has an interior layer of elastomer gel. The design of this prosthetic liner is primarily to prevent the “pistoning” of the amputee's residual limb within the liner and for comfort over pressure-sensitive areas of the residual limb. The liner also includes the use of a low extensibility material which is adhered to the fabric portion of a prosthetic liner or orthotic liner either internally or externally and limits the longitudinal movement while allowing for transversal movement.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner having a lower longitudinal stretch in the distal region than in either the proximal or optional intermediate region. The distal region may stretch anywhere from 0-30% vertically and 10-200% horizontally as compared to the proximal region's vertical stretch of 55-125% and 100-175% horizontally. A variety of stitches may be used at the distal end to implement this lowered longitudinal stretch. The liner also has an interior layer of elastomer gel. The design of this prosthetic liner is primarily to prevent the “pistoning” of the amputee's residual limb within the liner and for comfort over pressure-sensitive areas of the residual limb. The liner also includes the use of a low extensibility material which is adhered to the fabric portion of a prosthetic liner or orthotic liner either internally or externally and limits the longitudinal movement while allowing for transversal movement.

Abstract: A prosthetic suspension sleeve with a fabric section of 5-60 degrees that allows for a greater comfort for the wearer. The use of polymeric material is easier on the skin while also enhancing the function of the sleeve by retaining its location due to the grip on the skin and exterior socket wall and sealing the socket and wearer's skin to allow a vacuum to form or be created within the socket. The sleeve generally comprises an internal gel or silicone layer and an outer fabric layer, both of which are pre-flexed to a 5 to 60-degree bend at about a midsection of the sleeve, and an internal fabric layer which is located throughout the midsection of the suspension sleeve depending on the placement of a prosthetic socket. The prosthetic suspension sleeve may also be a straight sleeve with fabric reinforcement. The internal fabric layer may alternatively further comprise an internal layer of sprayed silicone.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner incorporating a locking attachment that can be used by amputees to engage their prosthetic liner with a prosthetic device. The prosthetic liner has an open proximal end and a closed distal end with a liner opening at the closed distal end. The prosthetic liner further comprises an external fabric layer and an internal elastomer layer. This internal elastomer layer may be made of silicone, urethane, or a thermoplastic styrene-based elastomer gel. The locking attachment is comprised of two parts: an umbrella further comprising a stem having a base and the exterior screw cap. The exterior screw cap can engage the umbrella in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, locking grooves, locking studs, and locking teeth. In addition, the locking attachment has an internally threaded central aperture that allows for the expulsion of air as well as the mounting of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner incorporating a locking attachment that can be used by amputees to engage their prosthetic liner with a prosthetic device. The prosthetic liner has an open proximal end and a closed distal end with a liner opening at the closed distal end. The prosthetic liner further comprises an external fabric layer and an internal elastomer layer. This internal elastomer layer may be made of silicone, urethane, or a thermoplastic styrene-based elastomer gel. The locking attachment is comprised of two parts: an umbrella further comprising a stem having a base and the exterior screw cap. The exterior screw cap can engage the umbrella in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, locking grooves, locking studs, and locking teeth. In addition, the locking attachment has an internally threaded central aperture that allows for the expulsion of air as well as the mounting of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A sock comprising an outer fabric layer that tapers from a proximal end down to a distal end. The distal end of the sock further comprises a fabric disc which can be mechanically or chemically applied to the outer fabric layer. The distal end of the sock further comprises a channel which allows for the receipt of a prosthetic (not illustrated). Likewise, the fabric disc comprises a complementary disc channel which allows for the receipt of a prosthetic. No glue is present on the interior rim of the channel or the interior disc rim of the disc channel. Preferably the fabric disc is made of polyester but may be made of any material that has a horizontal stretch that is at least 20% less than that of the exterior fabric layer. Further, the fabric disc preferably has an outer diameter between ½ and 2 inches and an inner diameter between ¼ to ½ inches. The fabric disc is attached to the distal end using a heat activated polyurethane adhesive layer but may be applied using fabric glue as well.

Abstract: Compositions for topical application that effectively deliver antioxidants across the epidermis, dermis, or a combination thereof into cells and/or the bloodstream while concurrently maintaining chemical activity of the antioxidants. In certain aspects, these formulations include emulsions and balms each having a lipophilic carrier and a lipophilic antioxidant solubilized by the lipophilic carrier. Also disclosed herein are methods for making these compositions for topical application.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner having a lower longitudinal stretch in the distal region than in either the proximal or optional intermediate region. The distal region may stretch anywhere from 0-30% vertically and 10-200% horizontally as compared to the proximal region's vertical stretch of 55-125% and 100-175% horizontally. The stretch of the liner at various pressure sensitive regions of a residual limb can also be lowered or heightened depending on the area. A variety of stitches may be used at the distal end to implement this lowered longitudinal stretch. Preferably, the liner is made of a stretchable material. The liner also has an interior layer of elastomer gel. The design of this prosthetic liner is primarily to prevent the “pistoning” of the amputee's residual limb within the liner and for comfort over pressure-sensitive areas of the residual limb.

Abstract: A suspension interface having a fabric layer with an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The fabric layer can be knit or woven and is preferably made from a stretchable, breathable material such as nylon. At a pre-determined point along the length of the fabric layer, an external sealing element is affixed using conventional gluing means creating a bond layer. The suspension interface has an internal grip layer or external grip layer that is preferably silicone but may also be a thermoplastic material such as urethane. The internal or external grip layer can be as thick as one inch in thickness and as thin as 1/64 of an inch but is preferably about ? of an inch.

Abstract: Compositions for topical application that effectively deliver antioxidants across the epidermis, dermis, or a combination thereof into cells and/or the bloodstream while concurrently maintaining chemical activity of the antioxidants. In certain aspects, these formulations include emulsions and balms each having a lipophilic carrier and a lipophilic antioxidant solubilized by the lipophilic carrier. Also disclosed herein are methods for making these compositions for topical application.

Abstract: An antimicrobial prosthetic liner having an exterior fabric layer and an inner layer comprising a thermoplastic and further incorporating evenly distributed nanoparticles of certain metal oxide nanoparticles in an amount ranging from 2%-6% weight per weight and ranging in size from between 5 nanometers and 100 nanometers in diameter, most preferably 20 nanometers in diameter. Preferably, the metal oxide nanoparticles used are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Copper oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum hydroxide as well as metal nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles may also be used to provide antimicrobial effects.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner having a lower longitudinal stretch in the distal region than in either the proximal or optional intermediate region. The distal region may stretch anywhere from 0-30% vertically and 10-200% horizontally as compared to the proximal region's vertical stretch of 55-125% and 100-175% horizontally. The stretch of the liner at various pressure sensitive regions of a residual limb can also be lowered or heightened depending on the area. A variety of stitches may be used at the distal end to implement this lowered longitudinal stretch. Preferably, the liner is made of a stretchable material. The liner also has an interior layer of elastomer gel. The design of this prosthetic liner is primarily to prevent the “pistoning” of the amputee's residual limb within the liner and for comfort over pressure-sensitive areas of the residual limb.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic socket that has a thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) layer that is in contact with the amputee's residual limb. The TPE layer is not uniform in thickness but has ridges to extend circumferentially around the TPE layer. A fabric exterior layer covers the outer surface of the TPE layer conforming to the ridges and is used as a substrate to form a mechanical bond to an elastomeric material. Impregnating the elastomeric material within the fabric exterior occurs by applying an uncured material to the fabric exterior layer and onto at least the apex surfaces located within the sealing regions thereby creating an air tight boundary layer when inserted into a socket. When a vacuum is applied the air is evacuated from the volume below the seal layer.