Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, preferably a spring-fluid combination, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons maintained in a colinear alignment via a guide pin attached to the lower pylon. A resilient element provides shock absorption, and a torque-resisting cuff provides torsion-resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial motion therebetween. The pylons also have a polygonal interface to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by an easily exchangeable auxiliary ankle member demountably attached to forefoot and sole portions, which are in turn demountably and interchangeably connected. The forefoot, heel and auxiliary ankle portions are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The easily demountable connection of the auxiliary ankle permits interchangeability thereof to match the activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot without the necessity of frequent visits to the prosthetist. A compressible member between the forefoot member and the sole member, and function blocks located between the various members provide additional adjustability. The orientation of the auxiliary ankle member and compressible member also allows for increased plantar flexion.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a socket with an insert having a bladder system for monitoring and compensating for volume fluctuations in a residual limb is provided. A plurality of bladders are preferably provided, in one embodiment, substantially only on a posterior portion of the socket. The bladders may be organized into zones, with the zones being inflatable to differing pressures depending on volume fluctuations in a residual limb. Pressure sensors may be provided for each bladder or for each zone, and flow regulators maybe provided to control fluid flow into or out of the bladders or zones of bladders based on readings from the pressure sensors to control volume within the insert. Alternatively, bladders can be manually inflated depending on an amputee's needs.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a foot portion and an ankle portion. The foot portion and ankle portion may be fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The ankle portion may include an upper end positioned near or below about the location of a natural human ankle joint, a lower end, and an elongated intermediate section at least a portion of which curves downward and forward between the upper end and the lower end. The foot portion may be curved and have a heel section, an arch section and a toe section. The foot portion may be connected to a lower attachment section of the ankle portion, with at least the heel section of the foot portion extending rearwardly from the lower attachment section and below the upper end of the ankle portion.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a socket with an insert having a bladder system for monitoring and compensating for volume fluctuations in a residual limb is provided. A plurality of bladders are preferably provided, in one embodiment, substantially only on a posterior portion of the socket. The bladders may be organized into zones, with the zones being inflatable to differing pressures depending on volume fluctuations in a residual limb. Pressure sensors may be provided for each bladder or for each zone, and flow regulators may be provided to control fluid flow into or out of the bladders or zones of bladders based on readings from the pressure sensors to control volume within the insert. Alternatively, bladders can be manually inflated depending on an amputee's needs.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a foot portion having an ankle portion demountably and interchangeably connected thereto. The foot portion and ankle portion are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the ankle portion permits interchangeability of ankle and foot portions to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. Auxiliary ankle members and wedge blocks between the foot portion and the ankle portion provide additional adjustability. A split sleeve is provided for assembling the various components.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, preferably a spring-fluid combination, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons maintained in a colinear alignment via a guide pin attached to the lower pylon. A resilient element provides shock absorption, and a torque-resisting cuff provides torsion-resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial motion therebetween. The pylons also have a polygonal interface to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, preferably a spring-fluid combination, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons maintained in a colinear alignment via a guide pin attached to the lower pylon. A resilient element provides shock absorption, and a torque-resisting cuff provides torsion-resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial motion therebetween. The pylons also have a polygonal interface to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by an easily exchangeable auxiliary ankle member demountably attached to forefoot and sole portions, which are in turn demountably and interchangeably connected. The forefoot, heel and auxiliary ankle portions are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The easily demountable connection of the auxiliary ankle permits interchangeability thereof to match the activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot without the necessity of frequent visits to the prosthetist. A compressible member between the forefoot member and the sole member, and function blocks located between the various members provide additional adjustability. The orientation of the auxiliary ankle member and compressible member also allows for increased plantar flexion.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis is provided for attaching to a pylon or other intermediate supporting member fitted to the stump of an amputee. The foot prosthesis includes a forefoot portion constructed of a resilient polymer-encapsulated fiber laminate and having an upper attachment section, a curved intermediate section and a lower forward extending section. The shape of the forefoot is generally parabolic or J-shaped so as to provide smooth resilient support to the amputee during normal walking and running activities without producing undue stress concentration in the prosthetic foot, which could otherwise degrade the integrity of the foot. An arcuate toe section provides smooth rolling contact of the foot prosthesis with a ground surface during toe-off, simulating the stride and feel of a natural human foot. A heel portion, also formed of a resilient polymer encapsulated laminate material, attaches under the forefoot in order to provide enhanced comfort and energy absorption during heel-strike.

Abstract: An ankle block prosthesis is provided having a lower foot plate and an upper ankle plate connected by a monolithic ankle block. The foot plate, ankle plate and ankle block are generally sized to fit within a surrounding cosmesis. The foot is configured such that during a walking or running stride the wearer experiences a smooth rollover or transition of compressive forces from a heel-strike position to a toe-off position so as to provide a natural feeling foot during walking or running activities.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more optional spring inserts may be embedded inside the ankle block to increase the rigidity of the prosthetic foot and to improve the degree of energy storage and return. The shape of the spring inserts is preferably one that supports compression during relative angular rotation of the ankle plate and foot plate elements, such as during toe and heel roll, and also vertical compression, such as in response to vertical shock loads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis having a substantially rigid leg member, wherein most of the bending takes place about a confined ankle region relatively low to the ground, and in a flexible toe and ankle section, wherein the bending of the prosthesis more closely resembles the bending of a normal ankle joint. The confined bending helps to reduce the amount of horizontal deflection caused along the ankle section by the upward deflection of the prosthesis. The present invention also comprises a tubular leg member that is detachable from the ankle and foot member, and a heel member extending rearwardly from the foot member which is also detachable therefrom.

Abstract: Provided herein is a simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot incorporating an ankle block with spring inserts. The ankle block is formed of compressible material having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more spring inserts are embedded inside the ankle block to increase the rigidity of the prosthetic foot and to improve the degree of energy storage and return. The shape of the spring inserts is preferably one that supports compression during relative angular rotation of the ankle plate and foot plate elements, such as during toe and heel roll, and also vertical compression, such as in response to vertical shock loads.

Abstract: A prosthetic pylon attachment construction provides a useful attachment interface between the exterior of a pylon which otherwise has a generally curvilinear exterior and a broad range of other prosthetic devices having relatively flat attachment surfaces, and permits ready manufacture and ready interchangeability of a range of prosthetic devices and pylons.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by an ankle portion and a foot portion. The foot portion extends from heel to toe and is secured to a downwardly extending lower attachment section of the ankle portion. The foot portion and part of the ankle portion are bifurcated into multiple side-by-side foot portions such that they are capable of movement independent from one another. Preferably, the foot is bifurcated by the provision of a slot in said foot and ankle portions. A strap or similar expedient may be provided to limit the movement of the side-by-side foot portions relative to each other, if desired.