Abstract: A jersey sheath drawing device for fitting contact prostheses, whereby an upper or lower limb amputee can easily put on his own prosthesis. The workload of hospital staff assigned to assisting amputees in specialized rehabilitation centres can also be reduced. The device comprises a bearing (10) designed to rest on the rim of the opening (2) at the end of the nest (1) of the prosthesis, a self-locking catch (12) for tightly gripping the jersey sheath (1B) across the whole or only a part of its cross-section, a pulling runner (11) sliding on a sliding frame (6) and controlling the locking catch (12). The pulling runner (11) can be moved manually by means of the handles (6A, 8) or electrically by means of an endless screw driven by a motor. The device allows both the prosthesis (1) to be guided towards the stump (1A) for fitting thereto and the sheath (1B) to be pulled tight while using only one hand, the device staying in place throughout the process.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in attaching a leg prosthesis. The purpose of this coupling device is to allow for the quick attachment or detachment of the prosthesis without removal of the bucket portion which is left connected to the wearer by suction or by a belt. The device is both self aligning and quick coupling. One plate has a plug and the other plate has a socket into which the plug fits. A threaded pin joins the two plates and forces the two plates, which are deliberately misaligned, together.

Abstract: The invented artificial limb includes a shin, ankle and foot. The shin includes a first mount, a second mount positioned below the first mount, and a plurality of rods extending between the first and second mounts, where at least one rod is a load bearing rod. The foot includes an elongate member having a toe section and a heel section. In many applications, the elongate member is arched. The shin is coupled to the foot by an ankle. The ankle allows the shin to rotate around an axis substantially perpendicular to a line between the toe and heel sections of the foot. A rotation controlling element such as an elastic band or a compression spring is connected to both the ankle and to the elongate member to restrict rotation of the shin toward the heel section of the foot. The ankle may also allow the shin to move around a second axis to simulate lateral rotation of the ankle.

Abstract: A prosthesis for attachment with an adjustable fitting clearance to an amputation stump in which optionally, the fit therebetween can be diminished by connectors threadably engaged with each other one thread at a time, or the fit totally released by correspondingly releasing the threaded engagment of the connectors.

Abstract: A one-piece continuous polymeric prosthesis is disclosed and taught. The prosthesis is intended for patients with a below-knee amputation. The one-piece socket-pylon-keel allows good energy storage and release for a superior feel during physical activities. The construction and the materials makes for a much lighter weight prosthesis than conventional types.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg is characterized by an elongated, flat pylon operatively secured at its upper end to the wearer's leg and at its lower end to a prosthetic foot. The pylon is constituted by one or more leg elements which 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 leg elements permits interchangeability of leg elements to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic leg. Deformable adjustment means is provided in juxtaposition to said leg elements whereby the flexibility of said pylon may be adjusted. To achieve or improve the desired flexure and energy-storage characteristics, the leg elements may be formed in a concavo-convex configuration.

Abstract: A device for attaching a prosthesis to an above-the-knee amputee. The device includes a frame which is vertically adjustable for different working heights. A motor is mounted on the frame, and is controlled by a switch. One end of a shaft is connected to the motor, which turns the shaft. The other end of the shaft is disposed in a bearing supported by the frame. A clip holds one end of a tubular stocking in contact with the shaft. As the shaft turns, the stocking is wrapped around the shaft, drawing the stocking toward the shaft.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis and multi-step process for making same, has an upper main member and a sole member as dual segments of the prosthesis and arrangements for removably securing the prosthesis to a stump socket. The upper member has a U-shaped shank strut and flat ankle transition zone and an anterior toe section. The sole member has a plantar toe section and heel section. The invention is specially design to accommodate construction from fiberglass composite materials although the design will accommodate construction from other composite materials or even other materials that are not of the composite type.The process for making the foot prosthesis comprises the steps of forming the two segments. Then the formed segments are bonded together using a compatible resilient elastomer material, such as a high elongation, polyurethane elastomer, a silicone adhesive, or fiber reinforced versions of such elastomers.

Abstract: A prosthetic alignment device having a shank member, an alignment body, and setscrews to adjust the angular orientation of the shank member and secure the shank member in place relative to the alignment body. The alignment body has a body cavity into which the shank member is inserted, a concave bearing surface for engaging a spherical radius of curvature of the end of the shank member, and an annular opening for inserting the end of the shank member. Angulation of the shank member inside the body cavity causes the annular opening to elastically deform and exert a hoop stress on the shank member increasing the securing force therebetween.

Abstract: A covering device for a jointed artificial limb includes a covering layer covering the artificial limb. The covering layer can be made of semirigid PU foam. The covering layer has a screen-like flexible portion adjacent to the joint of the artificial limb. The flexible portion includes a plurality of slits.

Abstract: A teaching playback swing-phase-controlled above-knee prosthesis comprises a thigh frame, a leg frame an air cylinder interconnecting the thigh and leg frames and provided with adjusting means for adjusting the degree of opening the valve of the air cylinder to a plurality of degrees respectively for a plurality of walking speeds selected during trial walking, a gait selecting switch having positions respectively for setting degrees of opening of the valve of the air cylinder in a teaching mode and for playback mode in which one of the degrees of opening is selected according to an actual walking speed, an opening detector for detecting the degree of opening of the valve of the air cylinder, an opening storage device for storing a plurality of set degrees of opening of the valve of the air cylinder, a phase detector for detecting swing phases and stance phases, walking speed detector for detecting an acutal walking speed, and control unit for adjusting the degree of opening of the valve of the air cylinder in

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: A prosthetic capture device to interconnect a sleeve which grips a stump of a limb with a prosthesis. The silicone sleeve is constructed with a threaded screw protruding down from the bottom of the sleeve. A spring loaded sliding plate with a keyhole shaped hole, operating in conjunction with a fixed plate with a circular hole, is used to capture the screw head when it is inserted into the prosthesis. An adjustment plate attached to the capture device on the prosthesis has two circular sections which fit into a base plate, and each of the circular sections has a slot into which is set a clamping screw. The base plate is connected to the body of the prosthesis. The base plate can be moved in an elliptical pattern relative to the prosthesis as the clamping screws slide in the slots.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis assembly is provided for immediate post-operative applications which includes a weight-bearing prosthetic device in conjunction with a removable, size-adjustable rigid dressing for placement around a patient's amputation stump. The weight-bearing prosthetic device includes a foot-ankle assembly attached to an adjustable endoskeletal shank having adjustment means, medial and lateral uprights extending upwardly from the endoskeletal shank, and an open ended quadrilateral thigh socket attached to and located between the medial and lateral uprights. The thigh socket includes a proximal ischial weight-bearing shelf for supporting the patient without contacting the open wound of the amputation stump. The rigid dressing includes a substantially stump-shaped rigid cast portion for placement around the stump which is open-ended at the top and shaped to enclose and secure around the stump at its bottom to apply mild compression for suppressing edema of the stump.

Abstract: An adjustment device for artificial limbs includes a hollow cylindrical member having an open upper section and an open bottom end, and a plate member disposed on and covering the open bottom end. A coupling member is received in the hollow cylindrical member and has a top plate portion to cover a central through opening of the plate member, and a downwardly extending post portion projecting from the top plate portion and having a diameter smaller than the central through opening. The post portion extends through the central through opening of the plate member. The hollow cylindrical member is laterally movable to adjust the position of the post portion in the central through opening. The post portion extends into a sleeve member. A mounting member has a cylindrical portion with an upper surface which is provided with a concave recess. The sleeve member is tiltably received in the concave recess so as to guide the post portion in an inclined position relative to a vertical axis of the mounting member.

Abstract: A device for prosthetic restoration of human limbs comprises a supporting member for the stump, shaped as a spherical bowl and connected to the prosthesis of the limb missing portion, and a fixing contrivance interconnecting the stump bone and the supporting member. The supporting member is made of a material indifferent to living tissue and its diameter corresponds to the stump outside diameter. The outer surface of the supporting member is made of a porous material which promotes implantation of living tissue therein, while its top base serves as a support for the stump bone and muscles.

Abstract: A boot for a peg leg comprises a circular sole of non-skid elastic material, connected by a watertight seam, to a tubular upper. The upper, which is also made of an elastomeric material, is shaped to receive the shaft of a peg leg, such that the boot is held in place by friction.

Abstract: An orthosis for powering the walking movement of a paralyzed wearer, comprises torso members to be firmly connected to the opposite sides of the wearer's torso. A pair of leg braces is connected to the torso members. Each leg brace comprises a thigh member pivotally mounted at a hip joint to one torso member on one side of the wearer. A shank member connected to the shank and foot of the wearer, is pivotally mounted at a knee joint to each thigh member. A four link drive mechanism which is powered by a rechargeable power unit mounted on the torso member, swings the thigh member forwardly and rearwardly about the hip joint. A knee lock keeps the knee joint locked during the rearward movement of the thigh member and during a portion of the forward movement of the thigh member. At an appropriate point during the forward movement of the thigh member, a cam operated crank unlocks the knee joint and swings the shank member rearwardly to simulate a natural forward step.

Abstract: A leg prosthesis with a tube (10), and adjusting head (11) arranged in the proximal end (4) of the tube. First means (16) allow adjustment of the angular attitude of the tube relative an imagined load line. Second means (12,13) allow translatory movement of the tube (10) relative the adjusting head (11). Fixing means fix the tube in a desired translated position relative the sleeve. The first and second means are both situated on the adjusting head at the proximal end of the tube, and both allow basic adjustment of the tube with the prosthesis in position of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis for amputation of the leg.This prosthesis comprises, in monobloc form:a socket (1) of a thermosettable resin, preferably provided with reinforcement fibers;a hollow leg element (2) rigidly integral with the socket, likewise of a thermosettable resin, preferably provided with reinforcement fibers;a hollow foot part (3) rigidly integral with the leg element (2), and in which is lodged a rigid core (26) of a foam of plastic material or similar, this foot part being likewise of a thermosettable material, preferably provided with reinforcement fibers;a sole element (4) of a thermosettable resin, preferably provided with reinforcement fibers, closing the hollow foot part at its base.

Abstract: A link between members of a prosthetic limb, such as a connector between a knee joint and an elongated artificial leg member, has a frustopyramidal four-sided boss divergingly projecting from a spherically convex base which slidably engages a correspondingly concave annular socket surrounding the boss. Two pairs of set screws set 90.degree. apart in the annular socket are tightened against the sides of the frustopyramidal boss to enable its adjustment within a swing angle in two mutually orthogonal planes defining posterior-anterior positioning and lateral-medial positioning of the component parts of the prosthetic joint. The joint includes indexing means on a portion of one part visible for comparison of its angular position relative to the other part. The indexing means indicate relative position of the component parts in a plane that sets posterior-anterior position and in a separate plane that sets the lateral-medial position of the device.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis comprising an elongate composite main member having a leg section and a toe section with one end of the leg section adapted to be connected to an amputation socket and the other end smoothly curving forwardly through an ankle section into the toe section and extending to a toe end, and a heel member extending from the toe end rearwardly generally along the toe section and then diverging from the toe section and extending to a heel tip. The main member and heel member are preferably of one piece construction with continuous fibers of the composite material extending through the main member and around the toe tip and through the heel member. A resilient material, such as rubber, is bonded between the toe section and heel member where the two are generally adjacent and the properties of the resilient material may be made adjustable by the wearer where the toe section and heel member diverge.

Abstract: A reciprocating gait orthosis or prosthesis to provide a natural and efficient method of ambulation for paraplegic patients comprises hip joints which are coupled by a single push/pull member in the form of an inner metal cable which is surrounded by two nylon tubes, the outer nylon tube being a tight fit on the inner nylon tube which, in turn, closely embraces the inner metal cable so that they all move together, the arrangement also comprising two limb members each having a respective hip joint at one end and a respective knee joint at the other end with the joints rotatably coupling the limb member to further members which are pivotally coupled to a tie rod whereby rotation of the further members relative to the limb member about the joints is coordinated by the tie rod, there also being a spring which acts to urge the arrangement into a standing position and controls movement into a sitting position.

Abstract: An improved artificial leg comprising a socket fitted to mate comfortably to an amputee's stump and having a vise-like attaching member mounted thereon, a stem portion having an attaching portion adapted for releasable mating with the attaching member of the socket and having a foot member comprising a semi-spherical ring secured to the lower end of the stem, a generally semi-spherical base member rotatably secured to the ring, a resilient sole covering the bottom of the base member and a boot formed of resilient material secured to the stem and serving to mormally urge the base member to a predetermined position with respect to the stem.

Abstract: An ankle orthosis device is described which comprises a foot receiving cup or shoe which is integrated with or to which is rigidly attached a force transmitting rib which has an inverted Y-shape. At the proximal end of the Y is slidably attached to the rib for securing the device to the lower leg near the distal end of the tibia. Inversion or eversion torque producing forces applied to the device are transmitted through the cup or shoe and rib to the tibia so that there is no tendency to produce injury causing inversion or eversion of the ankle as a result of the torque. Generally free movement in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion is permitted by the device, which allows it to be used for walking, running, sports events and the like, as well as being useful in a postoperative or other therapeutic ankle treatment program. The device can be in the form of shoe inserts, attached to the heel of a shoe or incorporated into the body of a shoe.

Abstract: A hip joint for a prosthetic leg has first and second members pivoted together by a pin through the first member. The pin includes an outer spool-like spindle roatable in a bearing in said first member and an inner spool-like spindle rotatable in a bearing in the outer spindle and carrying pivots for the second member. The inner spindle has an axis skew to the outer spindle so that firstly an angle may be set between the pivot axis of the joint and said first member by adjusting the relative angular positions of the inner and outer spindles and secondly an attitude of said pivot axis may be set by adjusting the angular position of the outer spindle relative to the first member. The hip joint may have a buffer assembly that contacts an abutment on the first member at a contact line or plane to define a rearward limit of swing of the second member.

Abstract: The invention embodies the construction and implementation of synthetic muscle elements into numerous prosthetic devices. The aforesaid synthetic muscle elements consist of piezoelectric Gels; which function to motivate artificial limbs, rotate artificial joints, institute peristaltic motion in synthetic muscle systems and perform other activities consistant with the operation of organic muscle tissue. Sensory elements and ancillary systems embodied within said synthetic muscle means are responsive to evoked potentials generated by the neurons or other impulse conducting structures of the user. The aforesaid synthetic muscle has the additional capacity to sense, measure and act in a compensatory fashion to adjust their operation to biochemicals emitted by the user including, neural humoral secretions, endocrine levels, the formation of metabolites and the tension or partial pressures of gases such as CO.sub.2, O.sub.2, or other substances.

Abstract: Reconstructive orthopedic prosthesis devices for cadavers comprised of plastic tubing, elbows and fasteners, for use by undertakers and morticians. The devices are used in cadavers whose bones have been harvested for bone banks, in order to give the cadaver a normal appearance.

Abstract: A prosthesis fabricated from filamentary laminates including a pylon having an upper extremity, a shin portion, an ankle portion and a forwardly extending foot portion, all integral with one another. A separate heel portion is secured directly to the foot portion and is provided in different modules of stiffness which serve, when secured to the foot portion, to greatly enhance the life-like movement of the foot and the entire prosthesis. The pylon is provided in different modules to match the weight and activity levels of a wide spectrum of individuals.

Abstract: A rotary joint, especially for a prosthesis, e.g. to allow a user to assume the lotus position, as a pair of relatively rotating parts including an outer part and an inner part braced at coaxial bosses by tapered rollers forming a play-eliminating tapered roller bearing. An inclined roller bearing is provided between outer peripheries of disk portions of these parts. A housing enclosing the parts contains a locking device in which a locking element is spring biased to engage the parts with teeth of the locking element engaging in teeth of the two parts. A push-button can be depressed to retract the locking element and permit relative rotation.

Abstract: An orthopedic hinge is provided for controlling the flexion and extension of an associated body part, for example, a knee or elbow. The hinge employs a housing connected to a pair of control arms which are rotatably mounted to the housing and are free to move independently of one another. The hinge also includes a first and a second adjustment means having single elements for simultaneously controlling both control arms to thereby define an arc of extension and an arc of flexion of the body part. The hinge preferably includes a single screw for blocking the extension of the joint and a single screw for setting the flexion of the joint. The hinge can be adjusted for free motion throughout a preferred 120.degree. range of motion and can be selectively locked at any point within this range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a prosthetic member (112) having personalized features of the patient, and being formed to provide an individualized fit to the patient's extremity (18). A rigid jacket (30, 32) is first formed around the uninsured foot (10) and the amputated extremity (18). The limb characteristics are impressed into an alginate (44) lining within the jackets (30, 32). A stone material poured into the alginate lining (44) forms stone models (48, 50) of the patient's limbs. A wax preliminary model (64) is scuplted in the likeness of the stone foot model (48) and used to form final stone mold halves (100, 102). The contour of the stone extremity model (50) is adjusted according to the tissue texture of the patient to provide an individualized fit. A gelatinous silicone is injected inside the final mold (100, 102) and allowed to form around the extremity model (50) to thereby provide the body of the prosthetic member (112) and the conformal sleeve (132 ).

Abstract: A walking assistance system comprising a pair of reciprocating braces and computer controlled stimulation electrodes for stimulating alternating extension of the left and right hips of an assisted person. The braces include left and right leg portions which are interconnected by cables in such a manner as to produce forward motion of either leg when the weight of the person is resting on the opposite leg and the hip of the weight bearing leg is stimulated into extension. The braces are equipped with knee locks which may be unlocked to permit assumption of a sitting position. The cables are also operatively disengaged during sitting.

Abstract: An adjustable connection for adjoining parts of an artificial limb comprises a first and a second coupling element, each of which forms part of or is intended to be fixed to a respective one of the aforementioned artificial-limb parts to be connected together. The adjustable connection includes set screws which are intended to hold the coupling elements, and therewith the artificial-limb parts releasably in desired positions relative to one another. The coupling elements have centrally located, mutually coacting support surfaces, and the set screws are arranged in an outer annular flange which depends from one coupling element and encircles the other coupling element with a clearance between the elements, and which has an unloaded annular edge.

Abstract: A fluid cushioning apparatus acting as a pivoting medium of two objects having a pivoting feature includes a sleeve, a shaft and a partitioning piece. The shaft has two radially enlarged annulations being closely and rotatably mounted in the sleeve and a dividing wall being axially and radially extended between the two annulations to closely engage with the interior wall of the sleeve. The sleeve is mounted on a first object and the shaft is mounted on a second object which is always to have a pivoting relationship with the first object. The partitioning piece is capable of being closely fitted among the sleeve, the shaft and the two annulations and is secured on the sleeve so that the space formed between the shaft and the sleeve is divided into two compartments.

Abstract: A coupling system including a male element having a first end and a second end in which the first end is integrally connected to said socket portion and said second end comprises an annular, circumferential shoulder. Also included is a hollow, pipe-like female element depending from the prosthesis to be changed, and having two longitudinal side openings each on opposite side walls of said female element. In association with the female element is a pair of cam latches which are rotatably secured within said side openings of said female element. Each cam latch comprises, in combination, a convex arc and handle element disposed, with relationship to said openings, such that the selective downward rotation of said handles will bring said convex arc of said cam latch into the interior of the female element and, thereby, within the walls thereof.

Abstract: A composite prosthetic foot and leg which allows a high degree of mobility on the part of an amputee is disclosed. The prosthetic foot and leg utilizes a resin impregnated high strength filament structure for the leg portion, the foot portion and heel portion, with all three regions being provided with substantial elastic flexibility, preferably of relatively low energy absorption characteristics so as to give the wearer high mobility with a relatively natural feel. All three portions of the prosthetic foot and leg are rigidly joined, with a flexibility of the leg portion providing flexibility of the leg in response to both torques about the ankle as well as about a vertical axis while simultaneously providing sidewise rigidity of the structure. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The device for the alignment research, the alignment and orientation of a first portion of a prosthesis with respect to second portion of said prosthesis comprises at least three elements, two of said elements having spherical contact surfaces and two of said elements having flat contact surfaces, said elements being interposed between said first and second portions of prosthesis and moved one with respect to the other to adjust the respective positioning and orientation of said two portions of prosthesis.