Abstract: A connector for fluidly connecting the sealed interior of an artificial limb socket with a pressure source when the connector is mounted to the socket at a hole and an artificial limb including same. The connector includes a flexible elongated tubular section having a lumen, a flange coupled to one end of the elongated tubular section, the flange having a seal surface for sealingly abutting one of the socket wall surfaces around the hole, and a tubular portion adjacent to the flange and extending the lumen from the seal surface of the flange. Tubular portion has at least one section oversized relative to hole which provides a reasonable air-tight seal between the at least one section and an inner surface of the hole or the other of said socket wall surfaces around the hole and distant from the flange, when the tubular portion is received within the hole.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a rigid support member and a removable inner liner having a contact surface adjacent the support member formed of a non-skid or non-slip material. The liner may include a flap or pocket for receiving at least a portion of the support member, at least at first strap having a first end attached to a first region of the liner and a second end fastenable to a second region of the liner for securing the orthotic device to the wearer, and a patient interface surface.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a custom breast prosthesis or an intermediate casting form for a breast prosthesis, in which the task of creating the intermediate casting form is considerably simplified, and enables a shaping of the casting form, in situ.

Abstract: A fastener, for releasably securing movable panels or other components of a support device, includes a clamping member having a cap and an externally threaded shank, a clamping knob internally threaded for movement along the shank, and a retaining member having a threaded shaft received into an internally threaded aperture of the shank. The external shank threads and internal knob threads have a relatively coarse pitch, while the shaft threads and internal aperture threads have a relatively fine pitch. The clamping knob includes a recess with a locking shoulder that engages a head of the retaining member, thus to determine a locked position for the knob, preventing further movement of the knob in the axial direction away from the cap. The locked position can be set to coincide with a clamping position of the knob, or alternatively spaced apart to allow limited axial travel of the knob.

Abstract: A structural member for use in a wheelchair which includes an elongate section having side members connected by at least one central member and movement accommodating channels. Preferably, the elongate section has a W-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The preferred cross-section has a generally round outline. The preferred wheelchair structural member also includes a mechanism for imparting torsional stiffness thereto. Preferably, that mechanism includes stiffening disks which have a solid, circular cross-sectional appearance, and which are formed integrally with the elongate section. Similarly, the preferred structural member may include a mechanism for imparting bending strength. Stiffening disks, as well as increased cross-sectional diameter and increased wall thickness may be used to reduce the tendency of a structural member to bend. A preferred injection molding method and the preferred use of fiber-reinforced plastic materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A knee joint assembly utilized in an above knee prosthesis includes an upper half member, a lower half member, and a locking pin assembly for locking the upper and lower half members together. The upper member has a front face having a lower edge, a center rib which is orthogonal to the front face, and two upper surfaces, one on each side of the center rib. The two upper surfaces are each upwardly sloped from the front to the rear of the upper member when the upper member is locked together with the lower member. The lower member includes a base having a lip protruding horizontally. The lower member also includes two ramps extending parallel to each other and extending vertically from the base. The ramps each have a sloped surface.

Abstract: An orthosis for supporting a limb of a patient having soft tissue damage includes a semi-rigid shell having lateral, medial and posterior portions, and a soft porous pad which surrounds the limb within the semi-rigid shell. The pad and shell are firmly secured around the limb by utilizing hook and pile straps. If the orthosis is utilized for a leg, a footplate is pivotally attached to medial and lateral uprights. The uprights are adjustably secured to the shell, thereby restricting the movement of the foot. An opening is provided in the shell across the anterior part of the limb to reduce the pressure on the damaged soft tissue. The shell supports a fractured limb and the pad provides comfort to the patient and enhances the healing of the damaged soft tissue.

Abstract: A moisture-proof, cylindrical container is provided having a plurality of storage compartments for the receipt of various types of pills or other such items. A selector plate is rotatably mounted on the container to a position wherein an aperture in the plate is aligned over any one of the storage compartments to allow the introduction or removal of pills from that compartment. Indicia on the outside of the container adjacent the storage compartments identify the contents of that compartment. A cap secured to the container body over the selector plate, includes a threaded portion adapted to engage the container body below the indicia identifying the contents of the compartments.

Abstract: A vitamin dispenser having a plurality of juxtaposed storage compartments for the receipt of various types of pills or other comparable items. The somewhat cylindrical vitamin dispenser utilizes a selector cap having a selector aperture which is rotatable to an aligned position over any one of the plurality of storage compartments to allow the introduction or removal of pills from that compartment. A cover plate is mounted over the selector cap and rotatable with or relative to the selector cap to provide a cover to the selector aperture when desired. Indicia are located in conjunction with the selector cap to identify the contents of each compartment aligned below the selector aperture.