Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-forming prosthetic device. The present invention is further directed to a method of making the self-forming prosthetic device. In addition, the present invention is directed to a new bra for use with a prosthetic device in the form of a breast prosthesis.

Abstract: A method is described that includes making a first impression of the face of a surgical patient prior to the commencing of surgery and of making a second impression of the face after the first impression has been made. Typically, the first and second impressions are a negative first and second impression that are each used in turn to make a first and a second positive impression of the face which are then used for making a comparison therebetween and also for teaching purposes. The second impression may be taken during the actual surgical procedure or it may be taken after surgery has been completed and the patient has fully healed. If desired, a third impression may be made after the second impression has been taken. The third impression is typically a third negative impression that is used to create a third positive impression. The third positive impression is also used for comparison purposes.

Abstract: A method for creating a flexible sleeve member for an amputation stump. The sleeve member is made of a thermoplastic elastic and transparent material. The sleeve member is shaped after a flexed limb, for instance a knee, which makes it easier to avoid foldings of the sleeve, which would otherwise be obtained at the back of the knee when a person wearing the prosthetic device sits down. By means of the sleeve member according to the invention, comfort is improved for a person wearing such a prosthetic device.

Abstract: A hearing aid instrument of the in-the-ear type (and preferably CIC) provides a plate member with electronic hearing aid components mounted thereto. The plate member is preferably of a harder material such as hard plastic. A soft polymeric body is bonded to the plate member and encapsulates preferably a plurality of the electronic hearing aid components. The body is soft and is shaped to conform to the ear canal of the user. The soft polymeric body and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components define a soft structure compliant to the ear canal during use and that is substantially solid and free of void spaces between at least some of the components and the ear canal. This combination of soft compliant structure and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components addresses problems of peripheral leakage, poor fit, pivotal displacement that occurs with jaw motion and internal cross talk of components housed in prior art hollow type hearing aids.

Abstract: A cushioning sole for use in contact with a foot, the foot being characterized by a specific shape relief and pressure map. The cushioning structure comprises a central layer of a rubber-like thermoplastic material having an upper surface devised to be in contact with the foot and having a shape relief conforming the specific shape relief of the foot, and a bottom surface opposite the upper surface. The cushioning sole further comprises a layout of space-apart anatomical pressure-receiving fingers made integrally with the central layer and protruding from at least one of the upper surface and bottom surface. Each of the pressure-receiving fingers has a predetermined height and diameter. The layout, the height and the diameter of the pressure-receiving fingers are determined in function of the physical characteristics of the rubber-like thermoplastic material and the specific pressure map of the foot, whereby the overall pressure-receiving fingers suit the specific pressure map of the foot.

Abstract: Cardiovascular components such as biocompatible heart valves and annular sewing rings are disclosed, as well as, methods for making the same. The heart valves include biodegradable polymer fiber scaffolds and collagen. Also disclosed are donor aortic heart valves processed without the use of crosslinking chemicals.

Abstract: An ornamental accessory for a fingernail comprises an overlay having a reusable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer pre-applied to a bottom surface thereof for application and bonding to the wearer's natural nail, and a method of making the same. The adhesive formulation is a copolymer of acrylic ester and vinyl acetate formed from an aqueous acrylic copolymer emulsion. The bottom surface of the overlay to which the adhesive is applied is textured to enhance adhesion of the adhesive layer. A method for forming a pre-glued ornamental fingernail accessory includes the steps of forming an overlay having the shape and size of a natural fingernail and applying an aqueous copolymer emulsion, as described above, to a bottom surface of the overlay. The emulsion is allowed to cure whereby a substantial portion of the water in the emulsion is evaporated to form a reusable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer fixed to the overlay.

Abstract: The device and method of the invention utilizes a vacuum pump, a casting device, first and second CIR Connectors, a connector cuff, a casting balloon, a heating chamber or oven, a supracondylar wedge, and a CIR alignment/vacuum forming jig to create a prosthetic device under field conditions.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the use of the rapid manufacturing systems in the manufacture of prosthetic limb sockets by providing a substantially flat and strong distal attachment plate or base for the deposition of the fused-deposition-modeling materials thereon. The present invention also provides a method for fabricating a socket of a prosthetic limb which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substantially flat distal attachment plate, where the attachment plate includes a coupling mechanism carried thereon for coupling a prosthetic upright assembly thereto; and (b) repeatedly depositing layers of solidifying material to the proximal surface of the attachment plate, controlled, at least in part, according to the dimensions of the patient's residual limb, so as to form a socket for receiving the patient's residual limb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel apparatus for measuring the shape of various parts of anatomy, and alternatively capturing and digitizing an image of the part for the purpose of creating prosthetic or orthotic devices. Also provided are methods of measuring anatomical profiles involving physical contact with the body parts, and methods of manufacturing internal or external prosthetic and orthotic articles which mimic natural body parts in texture and motion characteristics, and in some cases, appearance.

Abstract: A container for cross-linking composite materials on dental bridges and arches and on individual teeth, comprising: a plurality of plate-like elements which can be stacked and clamped together, at least one of the plate-like elements, which is internal to the plurality of plate-like elements, being constituted by a plurality of blocks which can be removed independently of each other to form an area which is suitable to constitute a mold into which it is possible to place a metallic structure on which the elements of a dental prosthesis are to be formed, the at least one of the plate-like elements and a plate-like element that is adjacent thereto in an upward region and constitutes the top plate-like element of the container being both made of a material which is transparent to light.

Abstract: Methods for reproducing a 3D object surface are provided. A preferred method according to this invention includes (1) identifying a real object surface, (2) acquiring at least a 3D data set with a 3D surface imaging device, (3) acquiring at least a 2D data set using a 2D surface imaging device with a surface resolution of at least about 0.1 mm2, (4) synthesizing a 3D composite data set by orienting a first virtual image of the first data set and a second virtual image of the second data set to form a composite virtual image that corresponds to the composite data set, and (5) making a reproduction of the object surface with the composite data set. Orientation of the virtual images is relative to each other and without substantial loss of surface resolution.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber rein-forced composite dental restoration comprising the steps of (i) preparing a mould; (ii) filling the cavity of the mould with a fiber-reinforced polymerizable material comprising an organic matrix and a fiber component embedded within the matrix; (iii) applying pressure to the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material; and (iv) curing the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material. The method is characterized in that the mould is designed in a way which allows excess organic matrix material to escape form the cavity during pressing.

Abstract: A method for forming removable dentures using injection molding techniques wherein a cyanoacrylate base material is applied to the sides of the denture teeth, an activator or accelerator compound being sprayed onto the deposited base material whereby the base material is rapidly cured. The denture is then placed in the lower half of a mold, or flask, and a plurality of sprues are positioned therein. The upper flask portion is then attached to the lower half and the assembled flask is then invested with plaster material. The activated gel enables the teeth to be retained in position in the lower half of the flask. The flask is then placed in hot or boiling water and then deflasked to remove the melted wax. The flask is then reassembled and polymer injected therein filling the areas previously occupied by the wax. After the polymer is cured, the prothesis is removed, polished and then returned to the dentist.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated earplug, including the steps of injecting in a multimaterial-injection moulding machine an elongate core or body part of a thermoplastic elastomeric material which has a relatively high hardness, and an outer sealing part essentially enclosing the core or body part, at least partially, and made of a thermoplastic elastomeric material which has a relatively lower hardness. The material of the outer sealing part is softer than the material of the core or body part and has a Shore A Durometer hardness of less than about 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite comprising the steps of (i) preparing a mould; (ii) filling the cavity of the mould with a fiber-reinforced polymerizable material comprising an organic matrix and a fiber component embedded within the matrix; (iii) applying pressure to the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material; and (iv) curing the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material. The method is characterized in that the mould is designed in a way which allows excess organic matrix material to escape form the cavity during pressing.

Abstract: A kit and method for creating an article display includes a frame having two openings. The completed display includes a clay tablet having an impression formed therein located within one of the frame openings and a picture located in the other frame opening. The invention is suitable for making impressions of baby's hands or feet and displaying a picture of the baby along with the tablet carrying the impressions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a false nail chip (1), the method comprising: building an impression material (21) on a tray (20) having a size for holding a fingertip shape; pressing a fingertip (4) including a nail (6) portion against the impression material to take a precise impression of the nail portion; injecting ground plaster mud (38) into the precise impression of the nail portion taken and forming a fingertip plaster model (33) for a false nail chip including a nail portion comprising a nail plate (9), a nailtip and a nail plate margin (10) by hardening; shaving the precise impression at the extreme end from the nailtip of the fingertip plaster model to form an enlarged cavity (28); injecting the plaster mud into the enlarged cavity to integrally add a plaster coarse pattern (30) of a nailtip extending portion to the fingertip plaster model to form a false plaster coarse pattern; removing the false nail plaster coarse pattern from the precise impression; adjusting the nail chip shape of the nail chip sid

Abstract: Methods for reproducing a 3D object surface are provided. A preferred method according to this invention includes (1) identifying a real object surface, (2) acquiring at least a 3D data set with a 3D surface imaging device, (3) acquiring at least a 2D data set using a 2D surface imaging device with a surface resolution of at least about 0.1 mm2, (4) synthesizing a 3D composite data set by orienting a first virtual image of the first data set and a second virtual image of the second data set to form a composite virtual image that corresponds to the composite data set, and (5) making a reproduction of the object surface with the composite data set. Orientation of the virtual images is relative to each other and without substantial loss of surface resolution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-forming partial breast prosthesis suitable for use with partial mastectomies. The present invention is further directed to a method of making the self-forming partial breast prosthesis.

Abstract: An alloplastic device and process for replacement of a damaged or diseased spinal vertebral column disk. The replacement disk is hollow room temperature vulcanizable (RTV) silicone shaped to mimic the natural disk being replaced. The shape can be derived from a mold of the natural disk or an MRI scan. The replacement disk may be trabeculated (honeycombed) and may be filled with a lubricating fluid including triglyceride oil, preferably soybean oil. The replacement disk is formed by allowing RTV silicone injected into a mold to vulcanize at room temperatures until a wall of sufficient thickness is formed. The unvulcanized silicone is expressed to form the hollow interior. The replacement disk is formed with a nipple having an interior concavity. The nipple is cut from the body of the replacement disk leaving an opening into the hollow interior.

Abstract: A precise, anatomically configured finger insert for the holes of a bowling ball conforms to the exact size and shape of the bowler's fingers prior to the insert being set into the pre-drilled holes of the bowling ball. The inserts are formed from a soft, resilient elastomer that favors rather than resists the full spectrum of all finger shapes. The insert is vented to eliminate the vacuum effect produced when the fingers are very rapidly removed from a tightly confined space, the venting allowing for ease of finger extraction upon release of the bowling ball, the venting spaces in plurality also allowing the soft deformable elastomer to accommodate finger size change secondary to swelling by pushing into the venting spaces. The method of production of the finger hole inserts yields inserts that are unique and personal for each individual bowler, yet capable of being mass produced.

Abstract: A method of forming a flexible mold (12) and resulting article is provided where a model (10) having the contour of the article to be molded is provided. The model (10) is partially encapsulated within a flexible and substantially liquid impervious layer (14). The combined model (10) and liquid impervious layer (14) is immersed into a curable liquid composition and handle members (36, 38) are inserted into the curable liquid composition. The curable liquid composition (34) is cured having the handles (36, 38) embedded within the composition (34) and subsequent to curing, forms a solid flexible mold encompassing structure (44). Handle members (36, 38) are actuated to release the model (10) from the layer (14) to form the flexible mold (12) for the article to be produced.

Abstract: An external custom prosthetic device is created and positioned upon a patient such that an area to be covered is matingly engaged with a product that is a simulacrum of the part desired to be replaced due to reversed imaging, by laser photography or laser mapping. A method for creating a silicone based prosthetic, process for generating same with or without an air pocket disposed therein, and products by these processes are likewise taught.

Abstract: The invention relates to an epithesis consisting of a sheath adapted to a body part on the back and simulating the desired body surface on the front, and a filling inside the sheath, wherein the filling consists of an elastic material with a density of d<0.25 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A method for forming the outer surface of a breast prosthesis is disclosed. A digital, three-dimensional image is formed of a patient's breast using a computerized scanner. A computer-controlled milling machine utilizes the image to form a solid model of the breast. A sheet of flexible, moldable material having a uniform, precise thickness is then vacuum-formed over the breast model. A hard, two-piece mold is cast from the flexible sheet. A soft, curable material is then either poured or injected between the two pieces of the mold to form the breast prosthesis outer surface. The breast prosthesis outer surface is then turned inside out to form a shape that is a mirror image of the patient's breast.

Abstract: An impression of a portion of a human body is made by forming a preform of tandard profile of polymeric material with shape memory that is substantially rigid at ambient temperature and flexible and elastic at a higher working temperature, bringing the preform to that working temperature, and placing the preform on that body portion. After cooling of the preform to below the working temperature, the preform is removed from the body portion and a positive model is cast from the preform. The preform is then returned to the working temperature without physical constraint, whereupon the preform resumes its standard profile and so can be re-used a number of times. The polymeric composition comprises at least one elastomer and one polycaprolactone diluted in a composition of solvents that dissolve the polymers. The elastomer is polyurethane. The composition of solvents comprises dimethyl-formamide to dissolve the polyurethane, toluene to dissolve the polycaprolactone, and methylethylketone as a buffer.

Abstract: Shaped article replicas which are proportionately accurate replicas of a shaped article and which are equal, greater or smaller in size than said shaped article are made by preparing a swellable polymer replica of said shaped article; immersing said swellable polymer replica in a swelling agent system under conditions which will enlarge said polymer replica to a predetermined extent; forming a casting mold of such enlarged polymer replica; making a powder compact in said casting mold and heating said powder compact to produced a proportionately accurate solid replica of a predetermined size.

Abstract: A method of making functional orthotics from a multiplicity of uniquely designed injection molds which have been constructed by studying large numbers of replicas produced from uncorrected replicas that replicate the contour of the feet of a multiplicity of patients. In one form of the method of the invention, following a careful dimensional study of the corrected replicas, they are grouped into families, the members of which exhibit lower surface contours that are substantially identical. An injection mold is then made for each of the identified families, in a manner such that the mold will produce an orthotic having an upper surface that corresponds to the lower surface of the corrected orthotic that make up the group. Companion data is then developed which correlates the corrected replicas of each identified family with the uncorrected replicas from which they were made. A study of the uncorrected replicas then provides data as to the contour of the patient's feet which they replicate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material of a three-dimensional framework of supporting, trabecular structures encompassing cavities which are connected with one another and which can be predeterminedly adjusted. The material is obtainable by forming the framework around the shaped bodies serving as space retainers for the cavities and subsequently removing the shaped bodies. The material according to the invention can be used for example as a implant or as a filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for constructing a prosthetic limb socket. The method involves the steps of: a) creating a positive cast of a patient's residual limb; b) positioning a mechanical press on a distal end of the positive cast; c) molding a prosthetic socket component over the positive cast and over the mechanical press; and d) activating the mechanical press such that the prosthetic socket component is pushed apart from the distal end of the positive cast. Preferably, the mechanical press includes a spacer component adapted to abut a distal surface of the positive cast, a pusher component adapted to abut a proximate surface of a socket component formed over the positive cast, and an actuator for moving the pusher component from the spacer component. Thus, the method preferably also involves the step of activating the actuator to move the pusher component from the spacer component.

Abstract: A method of providing prosthetic sockets (30) for a patient's residual limb (21). While the residual limb (21) is swollen with post-trauma edema (22-25), a resin-impregnated temporary shell forming sock (52) is placed onto the edema-swollen residual limb (21). The resin is activated to cause it to harden into a temporary prosthetic shell (30), but prior to hardening of the resin, the sock (52) is conformed to the patient's edema-swollen limb (21). After swelling of the residual limb (21) has substantially dissipated, a permanent prosthetic socket conforming to the patient's unswollen residual limb (22b-25c) is formed and the temporary prosthetic socket (30) is replaced with the permanent prosthetic socket. A temporary prosthetic socket (30) is also disclosed in which a resin-hardened temporary sock (52) is bonded to a socket liner (49) over a prosthetic attachment assembly (48) in a configuration substantially conforming to the patient's residual limb (21) when in an edema-swollen (22-25) condition.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming a cervical cap in situ, i.e., within a patient's body, which cap will substantially completely conform to the shape of the patient's cervix, allowing the cap to be left in place over an extended period of time. The method of the invention includes the steps of positioning a snugly fitting rim member around the patient's exocervix, mounting a shell member, having an aperture, onto the rim member such that the rim member, shell member and exocervix define a cavity, and injecting a curable material through the aperture to substantially fill the cavity. After the curable material is allowed to harden, the entire assembly is removed from the patient and the shell removed from the cured material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing artificial fingernails includes forming a model of a desired artificial fingernail which is then enclosed within an investment material. After the investment material has hardened, the model is removed therefrom to form a negative cast of the desired artificial fingernail. A reciprocating screw injector is then used to inject an acetone resistant thermoplastic material into the negative cast. The thermoplastic material is separated from the investment material in the shape of the desired artificial fingernail. Binding pockets are finally form on the surface of the artificial fingernail for use in attaching the artificial fingernails to the real fingernail by an adhesive.

Abstract: A reinforcement assembly to reinforce a selected site on a body, and methods of making and using such a universal reinforcement assembly. Several embodiments of reinforcement assemblies in accordance with the principles of the invention are well suited to support or reinforce laminated structures. In one embodiment, the reinforcement assembly has a reinforcement member configured to be attached to the selected site on the body and a universal attachment medium separately bonded to the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member may be a plate composed of a molding compound, a high density polymer, or another suitable high-strength material. The universal attachment medium, more specifically, may have a first section bonded to the reinforcement member and a second section extending from the reinforcement member to cover an area of the body substantially surrounding the selected site.

Abstract: A method of making a surgical simulator comprises first and second mouldings which can be assembled together to form a simulation limb. The first moulding is in the form of a replaceable cartridge on which simulation surgical operations moulding can be performed. The second moulding is mounted on a supporting base and includes a cavity within which the first moulding can be located. A housing containing a pump assembly is mounted on the supporting base and the pump assembly is arranged to pump simulation blood through a simulation vein contained within said first moulding.

Abstract: In order to make a personalised helmet liner using a rigid injection shell, a cast of the user's skull is made from a quick-setting product; the desired position of the user's head and the cast relative to a predetermined helmet reference frame is determined on an optical bench and a reference support (30) is fixed to the cast; a dummy head provided with a positioning support relative to the rigid shell is moulded in the cast by comparison with the reference support; the dummy head is placed inside the rigid shell and the dummy head and the shell are positioned relative to one another by using an indicator (31) on the support, and an expandable foam is injected into the space between the rigid shell and the dummy head.

Abstract: A method of preparing a breathable, custom-molded liner for an artificial limb socket includes the steps of providing a liner comprising an open-celled foam material impregnated with a curable resin, activating the curable resin, and deforming the foam material by positioning a residual limb on one of opposing surfaces of the liner, and positioning the artificial limb socket on a second opposing surface of the liner until curing is substantially complete to create and retain an impression of the residual limb in the foam material. A liner blank useful for preparing an artificial limb socket, comprising a foam material impregnated with a curable resin and sewn into the shape of a sock for an artificial limb, is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preforming soles which includes compressing a foot so as to push soft fat tissue masses of the foot on its underside and inner and outer lateral arches inward toward a top of the leg; making an accurate molding of the foot thus compressed by using material for making the molding which is capable of flowing into cavities which result from the compression of the foot and which is capable of filling the cavities; removing the foot from the molding; and placing a sole blank on a bottom of the molding, the blank preferably having been treated so as to be capable of being shaped by pressure from a foot on it; and pressing the foot, which is still compressed, onto the blank so as to shape it between an inner face of the foot and the bottom of the molding.

Abstract: Articles of clothing and the method of making the same which will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article but will prevent liquid water from external sources from reaching the wearer's foot. The articles made by this method of the invention include socks and gloves which are of three-ply construction with the inside and outside plies being knit and the intermediate ply being made from an elastomeric polyurethane film. The three plies are uniquely bonded together using a pliant, waterproof adhesive to form a laminated article having specific elasticity characteristics.

Abstract: A method of forming a socket for connecting a prosthesis to an amputated extremity including forming a molded cast into which an amputated extremity conforms, the molded cast having a closed distal end for positioning adjacent one end of the amputated extremity and an open proximal end for surrounding the amputated extremity, forming a vacuum assembly by connecting an attachment device for receiving a vacuum tube to the distal end of the mold cast and attaching a first end of the vacuum tube to the attachment device. Subsequently, wrapping a formable plastic layer around a portion of the vacuum tube, the attachment device and at least the distal end of the molded socket. The plastic layer is sealed around the vacuum tube and at least the distal end of the molded cast such that trapped air between the plastic layer and the vacuum assembly can be drawn through the vacuum tube, thus conforming the formal plastic layer to at least the distal end of mold cast and the attachment device.

Abstract: The breast appliance and method of making of the present invention is adaptive to a variety of situations ranging from a first embodiment where impressions of both breasts of a client are available for molding, a second embodiment where a single breast is available for molding, a third embodiment where a sensitive nipple or an augmentative breast appliance is to be formed, and a fourth embodiment where breast appliances are formed from a client having neither breast available for molding.If client's impression is made before surgery, a positive impression can be made directly from a negative mold. A molded silicone form or clay form is used to prepare a breast appliance front mold and a breast appliance back mold. Skin type nipple and breast skin silicone is first introduced into the mold before closure. After closure, a silicone gel is introduced into the cured skin silicone envelope, with removal of air and bubbles using an exit tube.

Abstract: Nasal bones are fixed in place after surgery or injury by the placement of a casting material over the outer surface of the nose, precut to conform to the dimensions of the nose. The casting material is a resin-impregnated fibrous sheet, the resin being curable to a hardened form upon exposure to atmospheric moisture. The resin-impregnated fibrous sheet is similar in chemical composition to casting tapes used for long-bone fractures where the tapes are wrapped around a limb that has been encased in a padding material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ear canal impression which includes the steps of (a) placing a covering on the tympanic membrane of a hearing-impaired person, (b) marking the junction between the bony and cartilaginous portions of the auditory canal, (c) introducing an ear canal impression material into the auditory canal, (d) and allowing the ear canal impression material to harden to form the ear canal impression whereby the ear canal impression includes an indentation on its surface corresponding to said marking is provided. The ear canal impression is then employed to fabricate an ear canal mold for a completely-in-canal hearing aid device. In this fashion, the hearing aid when placed in the auditory ear canal is assured to fit and rest snugly on the bony canal. This prevents the device from shifting away from the tympanic membrane and, therefore, reduces the opportunity for positive feedback and discomfort for the individual.

Abstract: The breast appliance and method of making of the present invention is adaptive to a variety of situations ranging from a first embodiment where impressions of both breasts of a client are available for molding, a second embodiment where a single breast is available for molding, a third embodiment where a sensitive nipple or an augmentative breast appliance is to be formed, and a fourth embodiment where breast appliances are formed from a client having neither breast available for molding.If client's impression is made before surgery, a positive impression can be made directly from a negative mold. A molded silicone form or clay form is used to prepare a breast appliance front mold and a breast appliance back mold. Skin type nipple and breast skin silicone is first introduced into the mold before closure. After closure, a silicone gel is introduced into the cured skin silicone envelope, with removal of air and bubbles using an exit tube.

Abstract: A method of making functional orthotics from a multiplicity of uniquely designed injection molds which have been constructed by studying large numbers of replicas produced from uncorrected replicas that replicate the contour of the feet of a multiplicity of patients. In one form of the method of the invention, following a careful dimensional study of the corrected replicas, they are grouped into families, the members of which exhibit lower surface contours that are substantially identical. An injection mold is then made for each of the identified families, in a manner such that the mold will produce an orthotic having an upper surface that corresponds to the lower surface of the corrected orthotic that make up the group. Companion data is then developed which correlates the corrected replicas of each identified family with the uncorrected replicas from which they were made. A study of the uncorrected replicas then provides data as to the contour of the patient's feet which they replicate.

Abstract: A method utilizes components from a kit for easily and conveniently obtaining a fingerprint impression which is subsequently used to create an accurate three-dimensional fingerprint replication. The kit, the components of which are used to practice the method comprises at least one unique finger sleeve, a base material and a catalyst for forming an amount of impression material, and instructions for using the kit to obtain the fingerprint impression using the finger sleeve and the impression material.

Abstract: A composite socket member for use with a prosthetic appliance for a residual limb which comprises an outer socket which defines an inner cavity generally conforming to the outer surface of a residual limb, an inner socket which defines an inner cavity and being adapted to receive said residual limb, with said inner socket conforming to the shape of said outer socket and when nested within the cavity of said outer socket defines an air space between the inner surface of said outer socket and the outer surface of said inner socket and an inflatable bladder being disposed between the inner surface of said outer socket and the outer surface of said inner socket. The inner socket contains at least one flex area in its side wall at a preselected weight-bearing location whereby upon inflation of said bladder, pressure is applied by said bladder against said side wall at said preselected weight-bearing location of the residual limb to control the movement and rotation stability of said prosthetic appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing and positioning the head, shoulder, and torso region of the human anatomy when in the prone position for radiographic examination or treatment. The device consists of a base board, a face support, a pair head side walls, a pair of shoulder walls, and a pair of body side walls. A foam mixture is applied to the upper surface of the base and the entire device is placed into a large flexible container or bag. A patient's head, shoulder and torso region are placed on the device in a prone position. The patient remains in a fixed position while the foam mixture expands around the patient's body and the apparatus. After a brief period of time, the foam sets or hardens and a mold or template is formed. This mold serves to immobilize the head, shoulder and torso region of the body when in a prone position during radiographic examinations and treatment as well as other procedures.

Abstract: A kit and method for easily and conveniently obtaining a fingerprint impression which is subsequently used to create an accurate three-dimensional fingerprint replication. The kit comprises at least one finger sleeve, a base material and a catalyst for forming an amount of impression material, and instructions for using the kit to obtain the fingerprint impression using the finger sleeve and the impression material. The invention also comprises a unique finger sleeve adapted for use with the kit to obtain a fingerprint impression.