Suspender Or Attachment From Natural Leg Patents (Class 623/32)
  • Patent number: 8512416
    Abstract: A transdermal intraosseous device includes a transdermal adapter for an external prosthetic device for a bone of a patient and a bone fixator including a distal portion coupled to the transdermal adapter and a proximal portion for anchoring into the bone. The transdermal adapter includes a dome-shaped portion for transcutaneous implantation and an external shaft extending from the dome-shaped portion. A dermal transition structure is configured to include a controlled roughness gradient from the external shaft to the dome-shaped portion and configured for use in infection control at a dermis layer of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Porter, Troy W. Hershberger
  • Patent number: 8491667
    Abstract: A modular prosthesis system that can be inexpensively manufactured using modern technology and advanced polymer materials. The modular prosthesis system will be immediately fit on the residual limb and aligned for optimal gait without specialized tools or labs, alleviating the many steps involved with conventional labor-intensive and costly prosthesis construction. The modular prosthesis system also accommodates the changing in size and shape of the limb, eliminating the need for multiple prostheses and adjustments to an existing prosthesis during the lifetime of an amputee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy R Dillingham
  • Patent number: 8444701
    Abstract: An antimicrobial containment cap is provided for use in a bone anchored prosthesis mounting system of the type having an externally protruding fixator pin carried by all implanted bone anchored mounting post, wherein the fixator pin accommodates removable attachment to an exoskeletal prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like for an amputee. The containment cap, when mounted onto the fixator pin, is interposed between the prosthesis and soft tissue covering the end or stump of an amputated residual limb or the like. The containment cap carries and supports a selected antimicrobial or antibacterial agent in substantial contact with the soft stump tissue in a position closely overlying and substantially circumscribing the tissue interface with the externally protruding fixator pin to safeguard against infection. The containment cap is adapted for quick and easy periodic removal for cleaning and/or replenishment of the antimicrobial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Roy D. Bloebaum, Kent N. Bachus, Raymond E. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8435308
    Abstract: A locking device for a prosthesis comprising a locking mechanism that may be disengaged from the locking pin using a single hand, and that remains in the open position until the pin is removed. The locking mechanism of the present invention thus provides a secure connection that may be more easily removed than current devices. The current invention comprises a self-holding release mechanism that makes it possible to use both hands for pulling the amputation stump out of the prosthetic sleeve. The release mechanism is held in an open position by an interior locking mechanism. When the locking pin has come out of the locking mechanism, the inner locking mechanism will let the release device return and the lock will reset, and again be ready for use when the locking pin is inserted once more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Atteras Invent AS
    Inventors: Kjetil Atteraas, Gunnar Moen
  • Patent number: 8414658
    Abstract: An upper extremity prosthetic device is provided that comprises three main components, namely, an arm cuff, a forearm section and a distal connector. The arm cuff is adjustable to accommodate lower arms of different sizes. The forearm section may be constructed in certain limited sizes to accommodate different sized forearm residual limbs. The distal connector is designed to connect to any of the forearm section configurations, and the distal connector enables any terminal device to be attached to the connector. The components may be mixed and matched in various combinations to fit the physical dimensions of virtually any amputee. The interchangeable parts will accommodate a wide range of residual limb geometries, overall sizes and lengths. Embodiments of the present invention minimize the need for time and resource-intensive customized fitting and create an affordable, relatively low-cost prosthetic interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Invisible Hand Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Alwyn P. Johnson, Bradley D. Veatch, Norman J. Haberkorn, Ronald Krenzel
  • Patent number: 8394150
    Abstract: A prosthesis suspension assembly comprising: a prosthetic socket having an open proximal end and a closed distal end and an interior surface complementally configured to a residual limb of an amputee, an interface or liner for receiving the residual limb and fittingly received in the socket, a distal outer surface of the liner comprises a porous or continuously cavitated, compressible material such as fabric and a proximal outer surface comprising an elastomeric material, a suspension sleeve which seals against the proximal outer surface of the liner and a proximal outer surface of the socket, and a locking pin connected to a distal end of the liner and lockingly retained in a hole in the distal end of the socket and including an air passage therethrough with a one-way valve therein for permitting the exit of air from an interstitial volume occupied buy said compressible material to atmosphere upon ambulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ALPS Intellectual Property Management, LLC
    Inventor: Aldo A. Laghi
  • Patent number: 8357206
    Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthesis suspension assembly, the assembly comprising: a prosthetic liner comprising a distal outer surface comprising a porous or continuously cavitated, compressible material and a proximal surface comprising an elastomeric material; and a suspension sleeve which seals against the proximal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: ALPS Intellectual Property Management, LLC
    Inventor: Aldo A. Laghi
  • Publication number: 20120323340
    Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable end pad. The end pad includes a bone attachment portion having a recess configured to receive an amputated bone of a residual limb. The end pad further includes an end portion having a contour corresponding to at least a portion of a socket of an artificial limb such that the end pad can be at least partially received in the socket of the residual limb. Further disclosed is a method wherein the end pad is implanted into a residual limb by way of a surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Gordon Maniere
  • Publication number: 20120316657
    Abstract: A releasable attachment system is provided for use with a bone anchored post and related external prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like, wherein the attachment system includes a safety release mechanism designed to release or break away when encountering an excess mechanical load. The bone anchored mounting post is implanted for direct affixation to patient bone, and carries or is connected to a fixator structure protruding through soft skin tissue and the like at the end or stump of an amputated limb for mechanical connection to the external prosthesis. The safety release mechanism accommodates substantially normal patient movement throughout a corresponding range of substantially normal mechanical loads, but releases in the presence of an excess load to prevent undesirable fracture failures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Kent N. Bachus, Jeremy D. Borchert
  • Publication number: 20120310371
    Abstract: Releasable prosthetic connectors are provided for use with prosthetic limbs and prosthetic mounting systems. The prosthetic connectors provide a secure, rigid connection between the prosthetic limb and the prosthetic mounting system under normal service loads. The prosthetic connectors provide safety release mechanisms which permit relative movement within the prosthetic connector when an excess load is experienced. The safety release mechanisms may be adjustable, and may include a warning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: The University of Utah Research Foundation (UURF)
    Inventors: Kent Bachus, Daniel J. Triplett, Trevor K. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20120290102
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards providing a knee crutch system. Embodiments of a knee crutch system provide support to a user's injured lower leg, safely positioning it such that it bears no weight other than its own, while enabling the user to remain mobile. Moreover, a user of a knee crutch system may enjoy mobility without obligating the use of his arms or hands to stabilize the ambulatory motion or otherwise support body weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ormonde M. Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20120245707
    Abstract: The object of providing a device which renders it possible to allow an artificial knee joint at least temporarily a further degree of freedom so as to enable a natural course of movement is solved by the locking device according to the invention for use in a prosthesis, which consists of an inner ring element comprising at least one depression for receiving a locking element, wherein the inner ring element is mounted in an outer ring element comprising at least one recess for receiving the locking element, and wherein the locking element is retained in the recess such that it projects into the depression and hence prevents twisting of the inner ring element relative to the outer ring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: STREIFENEDER ORTHO.PRODUCTION GMBH
    Inventors: Rudolf Osgyan, Helmut Tischler, Dieter Birkner, Thomas Krafczyke
  • Patent number: 8268011
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (1) for attaching a prosthetic limb to the bone of a patient, the apparatus comprising a proximal component (2) to mount to a bone implant, a distal component (3) to mount to a prosthetic limb, and a coupling body (4, 5) coupling together the proximal and distal components (2,3) with freedom to articulate when, in use, a bending and/or torsional force is applied to the prosthetic limb, only when the force exceeds a threshold level, whereby the force may be accommodated by articulation within the attachment apparatus (1). The attachment apparatus (1) thus functions as a fail-safe articulation mechanism protecting the bone of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: University College London
    Inventors: Lindsay K. Newcombe, Michael E. Dewar
  • Patent number: 8257435
    Abstract: A skin integrated device for implantation with an improved device-skin interface for the ingrowths of skin cells and tissues throughout the pores, having a solid frame, which may also be permeable. The characteristics of pore size, porosity and size of the compressed and sintered particles constitute a long-term skin integrated device for transfer of vital and therapeutic substances, and necessary forces and moments from the outer delivery and prosthetics devices to the human body. The ingrowth of the skin along with the intermittent layer of fine silver provides a barrier for infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Pitkin, Grigory Raykhtsaum
  • Patent number: 8246693
    Abstract: A releasable attachment system is provided for use with a bone anchored post and related external prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like, wherein the attachment system includes a safety release mechanism designed to release or break away when encountering an excess mechanical load. The bone anchored mounting post is implanted for direct affixation to patient bone, and carries or is connected to a fixator structure protruding through soft skin tissue and the like at the end or stump of an amputated limb for mechanical connection to the external prosthesis. The safety release mechanism accommodates substantially normal patient movement throughout a corresponding range of substantially normal mechanical loads, but releases in the presence of an excess load to prevent undesirable fracture failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kent N. Bachus, Jeremy D. Borchert
  • Patent number: 8226731
    Abstract: A connection adapter between a rigid transcutaneous implant can be anchored intracorporeally in a femoral stump, and a part of an extracorporeal orthopaedic knee joint. The connection adapter comprises a first coupling part for connection to the transcutaneous implant and a second coupling part for connection to the knee joint. The second coupling can be connected releasably to the first coupling part. A safety coupling is arranged in the interior of the second coupling part and transfers a torsional moment between the first coupling part and the second coupling part and slips through when an adjustable maximum value of the torsional moment is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Orthodynamics GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Grundei
  • Patent number: 8182546
    Abstract: A secure anchoring strap over a prosthetic socket for securing a sleeve. The anchoring strap generally comprises a first strap attached at one end to one side of a closed loop buckle. The first strap laden with hook-attachments comprises a woven inner outer material fabric or loop material. A second strap Is attached at one end to another side of the closed loop buckle, the second strap comprising a laden with hook-attachments and a woven Inner outer material fabric or loop material. A user simply wraps the attachment strap around a margin of their sleeve overlying their prosthetic socket, and passes the free end of the first strap back through the closed loop buckle. They pull the opposing free ends of the straps taught, and secure the inner hook-material of the respective straps to the opposing woven fabric beneath, thereby securing the strap tightly in a flush configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: H. Lee Mantelmacher
  • Patent number: 8080065
    Abstract: A prosthetic sleeve and socket system, the sleeve including dual flaps or skirts concentrically arranged about the sleeve and configured to form a sealed chamber between the sleeve and socket when the sleeve is inserted into the socket. An air permeable material is interposed between one of the skirts and the sleeve to maintain a continuous interconnected air layer therebetween. An expulsion valve is provided to allow air contained within the sealed chamber to be forced out of the chamber ahead of the sleeve when it is inserted into the socket, and a powered vacuum pump maintains the vacuum thereafter, if needed. The system allows for a substantial reduction in size of known sockets and permits, in some instances, the disposal of bulky suspension straps currently in use to force the socket against a residual limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Scussel SBJ Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Rick C. Scussel, David Wiley Alford
  • Publication number: 20110190906
    Abstract: A connection adapter between a rigid transcutaneous implant can be anchored intracorporeally in a femoral stump, and a part of an extracorporeal orthopedic knee joint. The connection adapter comprises a first coupling part for connection to the transcutaneous implant and a second coupling part for connection to the knee joint. The second coupling can be connected releasably to the first coupling part. A safety coupling is arranged in the interior of the second coupling part and transfers a torsional moment between the first coupling part and the second coupling part and slips through when an adjustable maximum value of the torsional moment is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Hans Grundei
  • Publication number: 20110190907
    Abstract: A transdermal intraosseous device includes a transdermal adapter for an external prosthetic device for a bone of a patient and a bone fixator including a distal portion coupled to the transdermal adapter and a proximal portion for anchoring into the bone. The transdermal adapter includes a dome-shaped portion for transcutaneous implantation and an external shaft extending from the dome-shaped portion. A dermal transition structure is configured to include a controlled roughness gradient from the external shaft to the dome-shaped portion and configured for use in infection control at a dermis layer of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Joshua R. Porter, Troy W. Hershberger
  • Publication number: 20110130684
    Abstract: A computerized prosthesis alignment system includes a transducer that can measure socket reactions in the anterior/posterior plane and the right/left planes, while canceling or reducing the transverse forces on the measurements of these socket reactions. In addition, the transducer is also capable of determining the axial load or weight experienced by the prosthesis. The computerized prosthesis alignment system is in communication with a host computer. The moment data from the transducer is interpreted by the user via a computer interface. The host computer includes memory for storing one or more applications. These applications receive data from the transducer, interpret the data with discrete algebraic or fuzzy logic algorithms, and display the output numerically and graphically. Applications may also interpret the data to provide analyses to the user for aligning the prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: ORTHOCARE INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ben Gilbert Macomber, David Alan Boone, James Christian Beck
  • Patent number: 7927378
    Abstract: A prosthetic sleeve and socket system, the sleeve including a flap or skirt concentrically arranged about the sleeve and configured to form a sealed chamber between the sleeve and socket when the sleeve is inserted into the socket. An air permeable material is interposed between the skirt and the sleeve to maintain a continuous interconnected air layer therebetween. An expulsion valve is provided to allow air contained within the sealed chamber to be forced out of the chamber ahead of the sleeve when it is inserted into the socket. A powered vacuum pump is also provided for producing and maintaining a partial vacuum in the sealed chamber for keeping the socket and sleeve joined. The system allows for a substantial reduction in size of known sockets and permits, in some instances, the disposal of bulky suspension straps currently in use to force the socket against a residual limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Scussel SBJ Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Rick C. Scussel
  • Patent number: 7909883
    Abstract: A percutaneous implant device is biologically attached to bone and soft tissue of a broken limb or amputated limb without longitudinal or lateral movement. Bone and soft tissue in-growth are promoted. The percutaneous implant device has a bio-compatible metal alloy stem member, having an integral tapered fluted section designed to fit into a taper reamed bone canal. A precisely dimensioned cylindrical central core cooperates with a suture ring and an external extension member, facilitating attachment of the percutaneous implant device to a hand or foot prosthesis. A porous metal outer body having a female taper at one end and the capacity to promote growth of bone and soft tissue, is press fitted on the central core contacting suture ring. The assembled implant is inserted into a taper reamed bone cavity until the male taper-reamed bone free end contacts the female taper. Soft skin is extended over the outer surface of the porous metal outer body and the surrounding suture ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher G. Sidebotham
  • Publication number: 20110066255
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting clement (5) between two orthopedic components, in particular prosthesis or orthosis components, which are rigidly coupled to one another and comprise a top part (2) and a bottom part (8). The connecting element (5) has a laminar structure, and at least one sensor (20) is arranged in the connecting element (5) in order to determine an effective moment or an effective force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jeff Friesen, Roland Auberger
  • Patent number: 7883546
    Abstract: A power generating leg, configurable to be coupled to a person's lower limb, comprising a thigh link, a shank link, a knee mechanism, a torque generator, and a power unit. The knee mechanism is connected to said thigh link and said shank link, and configured to allow flexion and extension movements of said thigh link and said shank link relative to each other. The torque generator is configured to generate torque between said shank link and said thigh link. The power unit is coupled to said torque generator, and configured to cause said torque generator to generate torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Adam Zoss, Nathan H. Harding, Russdon Angold
  • Publication number: 20110015761
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthetic adapter that allows for rotation of a prosthetic about central axis. In one embodiment, the invention is a prosthetic adapter comprising: a first component adapted to be coupled to a residual limb; a second component adapted to be coupled to a prosthesis; the first component or the second component comprising a collar forming a central cavity formed about a first central axis; the other one of the first component or the second component comprising a hub extending along a second central axis, the hub positioned in the central cavity so that the first and second central axes are substantially coaxial; wherein when the hub is positioned within the central cavity of the collar, the hub has only two degrees of freedom, rotation about the first central axis and translation along the first central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Dogan Celebi, Hadiye Pinar Celebi
  • Publication number: 20110009981
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a technology of a manual lock mechanism for manually switching over the oscillating motion of an upper member and a lower member at a knee joint between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. More particularly, the disclosure aims at a simple structure of the manual lock mechanism and a size reduction of the knee joint or an artificial leg including the manual lock mechanism. For these purposes, one of oscillating shafts for swingingly coupling the upper and lower members is regulated. Therefore, the manual lock mechanism includes an oscillating shaft including an irregular part and a lock member for regulating the movement of the oscillating shaft. The lock member can be switched over between a locked condition where the lock member is in contact with the irregular part of the oscillating shaft and the unlocked condition where it is separate from the irregular part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Okuda, Yoshiaki Nakaya
  • Patent number: 7867286
    Abstract: A prosthesis system including a ventilated shell, and a substantially compliant, ventilated spacer element that defines a first surface having a frictional feature. The spacer element is arranged to secure to an internal surface of the shell. The prosthesis system also includes a connector that is secured to a distal end of the shell, and a retainer supported by the connector so as to extend into a cavity formed by the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventor: Palmi Einarsson
  • Publication number: 20100211187
    Abstract: A secure anchoring strap over a prosthetic socket for securing a sleeve. The anchoring strap generally comprises a first strap attached at one end to one side of a closed loop buckle. The first strap laden with hook-attachments comprises a woven inner outer material fabnic or loop material. A second strap Is attached at one end to another side of the closed loop buckle, the second strap comprising a laden with hook-attachments and a woven Inner outer material fabric or loop material. A user simply wraps the attachment strap around a margin of their sleeve overlying their prosthetic socket, and passes the free end of the first strap back through the closed loop buckle. They pull the opposing free ends of the straps taught, and secure the inner hook-material of the respective straps to the opposing woven fabric beneath, thereby securing the strap tightly in a flush configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Lee H. Mantelmacher
  • Publication number: 20100174384
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: iWalk, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Rick Casler
  • Patent number: 7722678
    Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device and associated method. The intramedullary fixation device includes a first intramedullary component having a first bone-attachment end and a first elongated member, a second intramedullary component having a second bone-attachment end and a second elongated member, and a compliant member coupling the first and second intramedullary components for applying bone-compressing stress. The second intramedullary component defines a sleeve such that the first elongated member can pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: David R Brown, John R White, Mark A Bollinger, Brian M May
  • Patent number: 7662191
    Abstract: A device and method to aid in the donning and doffing of prosthetic liners. A vacuum is created between the device and the prosthetic liner in order to expand the prosthetic liner. The device and the liner can then be placed in position on a residual limb and the vacuum released to aid in donning the liner. To doff a liner, the device is placed in position over a residual limb carrying a prosthetic liner. A vacuum is created between the device and the liner to expand the liner in order to aid doffing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventor: Sigurdur Asgeirsson
  • Publication number: 20100030341
    Abstract: The invention relates to a myoelectrical electrode unit for a prosthetic device, which includes a liner positioned between an amputation stump and the prosthetic device and a myoelectrical electrode unit for detecting and transmitting myoelectrical signals to control the prosthetic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Dietl, Horst Willburger, Hermann Lanmuller
  • Publication number: 20100010641
    Abstract: A walking assist device, which is to be worn on a person's leg, includes a shank link, a thigh member, and a knee mechanism. The thigh member is in contact with the person's thigh when the device is worn on the person's leg. The knee mechanism rotatably connects the shank link to the thigh member. When the shank link is in contact with the ground, the knee mechanism is configured to resist the rotation of the shank link relative to the thigh member to prevent the person's foot from contacting the ground and reduces ground reaction forces entering the person's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Sara M. Haislip, Jonathan Ames, Esha Datta
  • Patent number: 7641625
    Abstract: A post amputation limb protection to be applied to newly or recently amputated transtibial, transradial or transfemoral residual limbs comprises an inner soft liner for placement on and around the limb above the end of the stump, an end pad for placement over the stump, a shell for placement over the end pad and inner soft liner, medial and lateral struts for placement along the length of the limb over the inner soft liner, attachment structures on the various components and strap closures for securing the components to the limb, and a waist belt and suspensor, for attachment to the assembly to keep the assembly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph W. Nobbe
  • Publication number: 20090281636
    Abstract: Provided is a walking assist device including a load transmit portion, a ground contacting portion capable of using a commercially available shoe, and a leg link disposed therebetween. The ground contacting portion is composed of a footboard for supporting the shoe thereon. The footboard is provided with a connection member connected to the leg link and a front holding member and a rear holding member for stably holding a front vamp portion and a rear vamp portion, respectively, of the shoe in an anteroposterior direction. When a pressure sensor for detecting a stepping force from a user is provided in the footboard, the front holding member is located ahead of the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kudoh
  • Patent number: 7594935
    Abstract: A method for recording information regarding a balance orientation of a limb-receiving member covering a residual limb of an amputee by applying force to a movable alignment device, transmitting light onto the limb-receiving member to define a first balance plane through the limb-receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffery W. Warila
  • Publication number: 20090062928
    Abstract: An in-bone implantable shaft for prosthetic joints or for direct skeletal attachment of external limb prostheses, comprised of a central body fitted in the zone of the bone's medullary cavity conventionally prepared for implantation, and of side elements attached to the central body and fitted in the slots specially made in the bone's walls surrounding said medullary canal; said side elements have spaces between them, arranged to be filled by bone cells to provide a natural and safe osseolocking of the shaft. A method of preparing the bone for implantation of a prosthetic shaft, comprising the steps of: placing a cylindrical guide with slots made in the longitudinal direction of said guide inside said bone's canal which is conventionally prepared for implantation; cutting said bone's walls by progressing a saw along the edges of the slots of said guide; removing the guide; fitting the shaft in the bone's canal, provided that the side elements are fitted to the slots in the bone's walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Pitkin
  • Patent number: 7488349
    Abstract: A prosthesis system including a ventilated shell, and a substantially compliant, ventilated spacer element that defines a first surface having a frictional feature. The spacer element is arranged to secure to an internal surface of the shell. The prosthesis system also includes a connector that is secured to a distal end of the shell, and a retainer supported by the connector so as to extend into a cavity formed by the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ossur hf
    Inventor: Palmi Einarsson
  • Publication number: 20080221705
    Abstract: A prosthetic sleeve and socket system, the sleeve including a flap or skirt concentrically arranged about the sleeve and configured to form a sealed chamber between the sleeve and socket when the sleeve is inserted into the socket. An air permeable material is interposed between the skirt and the sleeve to maintain a continuous interconnected air layer therebetween. An expulsion valve is provided to allow air contained within the sealed chamber to be forced out of the chamber ahead of the sleeve when it is inserted into the socket. A powered vacuum pump is also provided for producing and maintaining a partial vacuum in the sealed chamber for keeping the socket and sleeve joined. The system allows for a substantial reduction in size of known sockets and permits, in some instances, the disposal of bulky suspension straps currently in use to force the socket against a residual limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Scussel SBJ Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Rick C. Scussel
  • Publication number: 20080221706
    Abstract: A prosthetic sleeve and socket system, the sleeve including dual flaps or skirts concentrically arranged about the sleeve and configured to form a sealed chamber between the sleeve and socket when the sleeve is inserted into the socket. An air permeable material is interposed between one of the skirts and the sleeve to maintain a continuous interconnected air layer therebetween. An expulsion valve is provided to allow air contained within the sealed chamber to be forced out of the chamber ahead of the sleeve when it is inserted into the socket, and a powered vacuum pump maintains the vacuum thereafter, if needed. The system allows for a substantial reduction in size of known sockets and permits, in some instances, the disposal of bulky suspension straps currently in use to force the socket against a residual limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Scussel S.B.J. Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Rick C. Scussel, David Wiley Alford
  • Publication number: 20080200995
    Abstract: A percutaneous implant device is biologically attached to bone and soft tissue of a broken limb or amputated limb without longitudinal or lateral movement. Bone and soft tissue in-growth are promoted. The percutaneous implant device has a bio-compatible metal alloy stem member, having an integral tapered fluted section designed to fit into a taper reamed bone canal. A precisely dimensioned cylindrical central core cooperates with a suture ring and an external extension member, facilitating attachment of the percutaneous implant device to a hand or foot prosthesis. A porous metal outer body having a female taper at one end and the capacity to promote growth of bone and soft tissue, is press fitted on the central core contacting suture ring. The assembled implant is inserted into a taper reamed bone cavity until the male taper-reamed bone free end contacts the female taper. Soft skin is extended over the outer surface of the porous metal outer body and the surrounding suture ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher G. Sidebotham
  • Publication number: 20080147204
    Abstract: An improved socket for a prosthesis uses a liner material providing fluid flow through a porous matrix whose local pressure is adjusted by a control system communicating with multiple valves and pressure sensors. Control of pressure in a viscoelastic material provides an improved trade-off between comfort and stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Bertram Ezenwa
  • Patent number: 7374577
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implant device for osseointegration to endure weight. This implant device includes an insert-type implant inserted into an amputated end of a thighbone or a lower leg bone of a leg of a patient; a load dispersing adaptor having a cap shape, encompassing both the implant and the amputated end of the leg simultaneously at a lower end of the implant; a load support plate having a plate shape, coupled with the lower surface of the adaptor, whose diameter is widened, on which a plurality of muscle fixing holes are dispersedly formed; and a coupling screw, which couples the load dispersing adaptor with the insert-type implant at a bottom of the load dispersing plate through screw-coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Workers Accident Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Ki Kim, Moo Sung Moon, Jae Yong Ahn
  • Publication number: 20080058957
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (1) for attaching a prosthetic limb to the bone of a patient, the apparatus comprising a proximal component (2) to mount to a bone implant, a distal component (3) to mount to a prosthetic limb, and a coupling body (4, 5) coupling together the proximal and distal components (2,3) with freedom to articulate when, in use, a bending and/or torsional force is applied to the prosthetic limb, only when the force exceeds a threshold level, whereby the force may be accommodated by articulation within the attachment apparatus (1). The attachment apparatus (1) thus functions as a fail-safe articulation mechanism protecting the bone of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Lindsay K. Newcombe, Michael E. Dewar
  • Patent number: 7288118
    Abstract: A quadriceps control device comprises an elongated, elastic member having a first end affixed at an anterior position above the knee and a second end affixed at an anterior position below the knee of the user. The quadriceps control device may be utilized with a prosthetic or orthotic leg assembly. The quadriceps control device mimics to some degree the quadriceps muscle group in human anatomy, to thereby enhance the ability of a user of a prosthetic or orthotic leg assembly to control knee extension and flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bionix Prosthetic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Verner M. Swanson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7223293
    Abstract: Prosthesis set (1) for persons with amputated limbs/stumps (10) where the prosthesis set consists of an anchoring part (2) arranged internally in a remaining marrow bone (11) and an external prosthesis (7). The anchoring part (2) has a bolt-like design with a stem (3) and an expanded head (4) in one end, wherein the stem (3) can be inserted and anchored in the remaining marrow bone (11). The expanded head (4) forms a subcutaneous termination of the marrow bone (11) and a local expansion (12) at the end (10) of the amputated limb. The external prosthesis (7) has an internal design (8) adapted to the local expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare Products GmbH
    Inventor: Tomm Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7141073
    Abstract: A fixation device and method for attaching an external prosthesis to a bone. The fixation device includes a main body having a compliant portion operable to be expanded and contracted. The main body has a first end fixedly retained in the bone and a second end coupled to an extension for receiving the external prosthesis. The main body and the extension define respectively first and second engagement surfaces for constraining a bone graft therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Biomet, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M May, John R White, Richard J O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7118602
    Abstract: A close-ended residual limb suspension liner includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a center portion extending between the distal and proximal portions. An outer surface of the liner includes at least one peripheral profile portion having an undulating wall thickness comprising a plurality of projections arranged in a pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Ossur hf
    Inventor: Asmundur Bergmann Bjarnason
  • Patent number: 7018420
    Abstract: A subcutaneous, intramuscular bearing (1) for a rigid transcutaneous implant (2) is provided, for anchoring intracorporally in a bone stump and having an intermediate piece (3) between the implant (2) and an extracorporal coupling for coupling on the implant. A rigid bushing (5) is tightly connected to the intermediate piece (3), such that between the wall of the bushing (5) and the intermediate piece (3) an annular space (6) is formed, which is closed in the intracorporal direction, for receiving and setting the extracorporal coupling. The outer wall of the bushing (5) has an open-meshed, three-dimensional lattice structure (8) and a lattice-free distal region having a width B. A spring ring (9) is set in the annular space (6) from the distal end, moved with a telescoping motion, and locked under exertion of its spring effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: ESKA Implants GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Grundei