Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a prosthetic socket using a vacuum tube assembly for vacuum sealing a layer of plastic material onto a molded cast to form a prosthetic socket. The vacuum tube assembly includes a cylindrical shaft for providing an air path for the vacuum tube assembly between the prosthetic cast and a suction device. The cylindrical shaft includes a connection device attached to one end of the cylindrical shaft, wherein the connection device is used for affixing the vacuum tube assembly to an attachment device on the prosthetic socket. The attachment device is formed within the prosthetic socket and is the component which connects the prosthetic socket to an artificial limb shaft. A reciprocating cover is also provided on one end of the cylindrical shaft for covering the connection device, so that the reciprocating cover abuts the prosthetic socket when the connection device is affixed to the attachment device.

Abstract: A modular interface connector for coupling a prosthetic limb socket assembly to a prosthetic limb upright assembly comprises a base, adapted to fit within the distal end of the socket; and an interface cushion, having a proximate end adapted to abut the wearer's residual limb, mounted on the base. The base includes interconnection components in its distal end such that the modular interface connector can be releasably mounted within the distal end of the socket and such that the upright assembly can be releasably mounted to the distal end of the base and, in turn, to the distal end of the socket. When mounted in the socket, the interface connector provides an air-tight seal between the base and the inner surface of the socket to facilitate a suction fit of the wearer's residual limb in the socket.

Abstract: A method for donning or doffing a suction suspension prosthesis is disclosed. The air pressure between a residual limb and the distal end of a suction socket is electromechanically influenced to assist the donning or doffing of the suction socket. The air pressure is decreased to draw the residual limb into the suction socket and is increased to expel the residual limb from the suction socket. The method includes the use of a modified suction socket valve body, a low pressure vacuum pump, flexible tubing, and a non-greasy hypoallergenic lubricant.

Abstract: A cyanoacrylate adhesive is applied onto surface skin areas prone to ulceration or irritation so as to inhibit irritation of the surface skin due to contact with an artificial device such as prosthetic devices, bandages, casts, etc.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use in rehabilitating a patient after a limb reduction surgery, allows the patient to begin learning to walk with a bendable knee joint that is typically used with a more permanent, later provided prosthetic. The inventive prosthetic device includes an adjustable first portion that is secured about a portion of the amputated limb and a second portion that provides axial and radial clearance between the terminal end of the amputated limb and the interior of the prosthetic sleeve. The second portion of the prosthetic sleeve also includes a radially defined opening that assists a patient or medical personnel in observing the terminal end of the amputated limb during the post-operative healing process.

Abstract: An elastomeric sleeve, for retaining and attaching a prosthesis to a stump of an amputee. Typically, the sleeve is made of polyurethane, soft elastomer reinforced with a nylon or polyurethane mesh. This reinforcement, among other things, eliminates the possibility of support failure caused by a small tear or cut. The polyurethane elastomer is selected to have a resilience, load bearing capability and energy and impact absorption similar or close to that of the enclosed limb adjacent to the sleeve to reduce pressure points. The elastomer is also selected to be able to stretch up to 700% to 1,600% an original dimension but return to within five percent or less of the original dimension. These stretch characteristics are modified by a special mesh pattern, which permits a greater amount of stretch around the limb circumferentially than along the limb.

Abstract: A post operative adjustable protective socket for a patient that has undergone a transtibial amputation. The socket is formed of a single piece of semi-rigid plastic and includes a cup shaped base, a semi-circular rear shell and a semi-circular front shell that are vertically extended from the base. The rear shell has two opposed circumferential cuffs that surround the wearer's leg above the knee. The front shell extends upwardly to a height just below the cuffs. Wide elastic bands surround the upper and lower sections of the device to press the shells into secure contact against the residual limb. A support strap also surrounds the device in the region of the wearer's patella tendon to help absorb some of the impact in the event of a fall.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by a forefoot portion incorporating an attachment section, a curvilinear ankle section, an arch section and a toe section, said ankle section being configured so that the foot may be worn by persons whose legs have been amputated at or near the wearer's ankle region. The foot further includes a heel portion secured to the forefoot portion. The foot is fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. A preferably demountable connection of the heel portion to the forefoot portion permits interchangeability of those components to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A below-knee prosthesis for immediate post-operative use includes a shrinker socket and a frame fitting and following the contours of the lower socket into which the shrinker socket can be slid and secured. The prosthesis fits most below-knee amputees when provided in a minimal number of sizes. The shrinker socket has inner and outer nesting shells, the inner shell following the contours of an amputation stump and being open anteriorly and having a cut-out with outwardly bowed sidewalls forming a guard for the popliteal area and flanking medial and lateral hamstrings. The outer shell follows the contours of the patient's amputation stump anteriorly with a cut-out for the patient's patella and a channel over the patellar tendon.

Abstract: A thigh prosthesis with a shell-type sleeve and a plurality of cheeks adjustable sleeve-inward and sleeve-outward arranged on the sleeve wall, is characterized in that such cheeks are elongated and are disposed in the dorso-lateral zone in connection to the side of the thigh bone, extending from proximal to distal, and in approximately round form in the medial distal zone. The stump zones concerned have proved especially well suited for the initiation of lateral forces and for volume reductions possibly sought or to be compensated therewith on the stump. Moreover, by abduction, the abnormal position of the thigh bone frequently encountered in thigh-amputated patients can be corrected. Preferably the cheeks are formed by inflatable cushions which, in the case of two-sleeve prostheses, are advantageously arranged between an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. A further such cushion may be disposed within the sleeve in the stump end zone.

Abstract: A flexible removable dressing for immediate post-operative application around a patient's amputation stump comprises a flexible cylindrical member enclosing a patient's amputation stump and a semi-rigid cup portion detachably connected to the bottom end of the cylindrical portion to fit upon the bottom portion of the amputation stump. Padding of a soft resilient material is positioned within the cup portion. The diameter of the cylindrical portion is adjustable in size.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic weight bearing prosthetic socket system for coupling a prosthesis to an amputated limb. A pair of magnetic fixtures are used to hold the prosthesis in spaced apart relation with the amputated limb. One of the magnetic fixtures is implanted in the remnant bone and the other magnetic fixture is embedded in the prosthetic socket. The magnetic fixtures are magnetically oriented to oppose one another and are used to transfer loads associated with typical weight-bearing surfaces through the soft tissue covering the remnant bone without having the magnetic structures physically touch one another.A second embodiment of the present invention includes repelling magnetic fixtures implanted within opposing bones in an articulating joint to hold the bones apart during relative articulating movement of the bones in the joint.

Abstract: A light-in-weight locking device laminated within a hard prosthesis socket includes a plastic base molded in gripping relation to a metallic pyramid so that the locking device is a one piece, integrally formed unit. A flange of the pyramid is embedded within the base to prevent separation of the base and pyramid. One or more recesses are formed in a central part of the pyramid and plastic positioned in those recesses prevents relative rotation between the base and the pyramid. Circumferentially extending cavities formed in the base receive parts of the prosthesis socket to prevent relative rotation between the base and the socket. The unit has a truncate longitudinal extent so that it easily fits within the socket.

Abstract: An improved air valve assembly for mounting in a prosthesis, such as an artificial leg, and a spanner-type tool for mounting and removing the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing to be mounted in the prosthesis with gaskets located on each side and secured therein by a removable retaining collar, a valve body removably mounted in the housing, and a spring-biased valve release stem mounted in the valve body, with seals positioned about the valve body and about the release stem. The spanner-type tool includes a spanner having protruding pins which are adapted to extend into holes in the valve housing and a threaded central opening into which is threaded a screw shaft which is adapted to extend through the valve housing, the screw shaft extending through a central opening in a tool body and handle and secured to a knob, and with a retainer ring mounted in a groove in the screw shaft and located intermediate the spanner and the tool body.

Abstract: An elbow fitting part for upper arm stumps includes an elbow ball connected by a hinged axle to the lower arm, configured as a hollow synthetic part, and is detainable by a latch-locking device in various bending positions, while the proximal connection to the upper arm shaft is created by a cast-in ring and an upper arm rotating joint is provided for the adjustable rotation of the lower arm. In order to make this elbow fitting part usable for all upper arm stump lengths, the upper arm rotating joint is configured as an annual bearing and the latch-locking device is a traction lock which is disposed outside the elbow ball and is integrated into a rotating connection forming a section of the hinged axle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making prosthetic socket preforms, a method for making prosthetic sockets, and a socket attachment component are disclosed. The method of making preforms of the present invention involves the blowmolding of memory plastics with a cooling step prior to parison expansion to enhance the molded-in stresses of the resulting preform. The blowmolding apparatus of the present invention comprises two mold halves having specially designed knifing sections and a modified blow pin. The method for making prosthetic sockets involves heat- and vacuum-forming memory plastic preforms over a positive cast of a residual limb after preheating of the cast to prevent heat-sinking. The socket attachment component disclosed is adapted for molding with a prosthetic socket during heat- and vacuum-forming, is configured to receive a sleeve attachment shaft, and possesses an integral male member for attaching the component and socket to an artificial limb shaft using bolts or screws.

Abstract: An improved support garment for therapeutic compression of a swollen limb. An elastic sock includes a lengthwise slit intermediate the top and bottom, an inelastic pouch bridging the slit for slidably receiving a flat compliant plastic insert, and a slide fastener for opening and closing the slit. Sufficient slack in the pouch allows the fastener to close with the insert in place.

Abstract: A visco-elastic polymer liner for use in donning over a residual limb and fitting within the socket of an artificial limb. The liner is shaped to have its cavity formed with a volume and shape less than a volume and shape of the residual limb for both tension and tissue configuration relief while the liner has an outer surface formed with a volume and shape greater than the volume and shape of the artificial limb socket for relief of certain tissue configurations and to create weight bearing, relief and compression areas on and in the liner to absorb and dissipate shock, shear and mechanical forces through the liner otherwise transmitted to the residual limb. The liner may have imbedded on its inner cavity side electrodes adjacent muscles that are sensitive to the muscle action potentials to generate signals to a power source to move an articulable artificial limb.

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 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: A liner that covers an amputation stump and which cushions the stump when it is placed into a prosthesis socket includes selectively inflatable bladders for customizing the liner to fit individual patients. In a first embodiment, the liner is made of two liner parts, one being an inner liner and the other being an outer liner. The inner liner is placed onto the amputation stump and a prosthetist determines the region or regions where bladders are needed to provide a comfortable fit. The region or regions are outlined with an adhesive and the outer liner is then brought into overlying relation to the inner liner so that the two liner parts adhere to one another along the outlined regions. Upon inflation, the inner liner conforms to the shape of the amputation stump to provide enhanced cushioning and the outer liner conforms to the shape of the interior wall of the socket and the patient receives a custom fit from a simple appliance.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composite reinforcing sheet material useful for reinforcing orthotic devices and other articles, such as a prosthetic socket or a ski boot. The composite sheet material consists of a plurality of layers. Two layers form outer opposed sides of the sheet and are made from a thermoplastic material. The core of the sheet consists of a plurality of fiber-containing layers. Each layer is impregnated with a thermoplastic resin which will bond with the outer thermoplastic layers when the final shape is vacuum thermoformed. The orientation of the fibers in the core may be varied to change the strength and rigidity of the composite thermoplastic reinforcing sheet. An orthotic device can be built using a thermoplastic host material and the disclosed thermoplastic composite reinforcing sheet material. The host material defines the overall shape of the orthotic device and is any thermoformable thermoplastic. The reinforcing sheet is used to reinforce desired sections of the final orthotic device.

Abstract: A form-fitting residual limb socket or shell comprises, at least in part, a lightweight resinous material. This form-fitting residual limb socket or shell defines a mounting end and an open end. A metal-mounting member is secured to the mounting end and adapted to receive a conventional prosthetic coupling member. A plurality of metal support anchors are secured to the mounting member and extend into the resinous material of the residual limb socket or shell.

Abstract: Method and materials for making a mold that conforms to a body part, such as the stump of an amputated limb. This is formed by two, or more, layers of knit fabric substrate, one or more of which is impregnated with a water activated foaming isocyanate polymer casting resin which is placed over the body part to be molded, and allowed to cure.

Abstract: A visco-elastic polymer liner for use in donning over a residual limb and fitting within the socket of an artificial limb. The liner is shaped to have its cavity formed with a volume and shape less than a volume and shape of the residual limb for both tension and tissue configuration relief while the liner has an outer surface formed with a volume and shape greater than the volume and shape of the artificial limb socket for relief of certain tissue configurations and to create weight bearing, relief and compression areas on and in the liner to absorb and dissipate shock, shear and mechanical forces through the liner otherwise transmitted to the residual limb. The liner may have imbedded on its inner cavity side electrodes adjacent muscles that are sensitive to the muscle action potentials to generate signals to a power source to move an articulable artificial limb.

Abstract: An above-the-knee prosthesis with an anatomically configured socket. The socket is characterized by one or more contours which correspond to pre-selected anatomical contours of the residual thigh. By slightly exaggerating the depth of the contour in the socket as compared with the corresponding contour in the thigh, the socket grips the residual thigh and maintains the femur in proper alignment and prevents rotation. Thus, discomfort and the gait abnormalities common in above-the-knee prostheses are reduced or eliminated. A system of inflatable compartments may be included for adjusting the size and fit of the prosthesis. Each of the inflatable compartments corresponds to one of the anatomical contours in the socket and is separately inflatable. In this way, the patient may adjust the dimensions of the socket and, more specifically, the depths of certain contours in the socket as needed to accommodate changes in the size of the residual thigh due to fluid shifts or swelling.

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 prosthesis for guarding a residual limb after a lower limb amputation includes an upper shell, lined with a soft material, and matching the limb residuum. A lower shell telescopes over the upper shell. Each shell has a slot in its lower end. A first high density foam pad is disposed in the lower shell such that the lower end of the upper shell rests thereon. The patient dons a stump sock having an elongate thin strap at its distal end. The strap is threaded through a second soft plastic foam pad, the slot in the lower end of the upper shell, the high density foam pad in the lower shell, and through the slot in the lower end of the second shell. Fasteners are provided for anchoring the strap to an external surface of the lower shell. The shock due to a patient falling on the residuum is absorbed by the lower shell telescoping further over the upper shell to permit the pads to compress, as well as by the compression of air between the shells.

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 device that is pivotally mounted to a socket of a prosthesis has a top part that bears against the residual limb above a bone to suspend the socket from the limb. As the knee is bent, the device pivots about its pivot point and therefore remains in contact with the limb throughout the entire range of motion of the limb so that the socket does not come off. A convexity is formed in the top part of the device, and that convexity bears against the residual limb just above the medial femoral condyle. Another curvature in the top part allows it to at least partially extend around the medial part of the residual limb. The device is substantially rigid but flexible enough to allow it to conform itself to the contour of the residual limb so that the device will fit numerous individuals having differing bone structures. Use of the device eliminates the need to form the convexity into the socket itself.

Abstract: A prosthesis for fitting a below-the-knee amputee is disclosed and includes a socket for receiving the stump of the below-the-knee amputee, a keel having a peripheral groove formed about the periphery of a bottom portion of the keel, a tubular shin member extending from the socket and surrounding lateral and medial portions of the keel and filling the peripheral grooves formed about the bottom portion of the keel leaving a substantial portion of the bottom of the keel exposed. A resilient foot member is then secured to the exposed portion of the keel with the material of the tubular shin member being formed into the grooves of the keel and maintaining such keel within the shin member. Also the method of manufacturing such prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthesis has a humeral member, rotating elbow member and forearm member. The prosthesis provides rotational and up and down vertical movement of the forearm with respect to the humeral member while being anatomically proportional with the amputee's sound arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a socket above the knee of an amputee, wherein the socket is arranged for mounting a prosthesis to a lower terminal end thereof. The sleeve includes an internal cage formed of rigid rods, including hook members imbedded within a semi-spherical sleeve support, with the cage encased in a polymeric covering. A vent is provided through the sleeve support for venting interiorly of the socket. The socket may further include pneumatic chambers for enhanced comfort in support of the socket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis for a leg amputee, comprising a thermoformed framework made of a thermoplastic material or of a laminated substance, covered with a coating material and comprising a socket (1), a leg part (2) and a prosthetic foot (3), one adjoining the other.According to the invention, the framework of the leg part (2) and the prosthetic foot (3) constitutes a monobloc assembly, produced in a single casting operation, and in that the prosthetic foot comprises, at the level of the sole, a cut having served for the extraction of the molding core and, at the level of the heel, above the sole, a cut (9) of wedge formation lending itself to a flexion of the rear of the sole relative to the leg part.

Abstract: A prosthetic appliance for residual limb is disclosed comprising a prosthesis member having a cavity defined by side walls formed of a rigid molded material. A separate removable molded socket member formed of a flexible material is nested within cavity of the prosthesis member and is adapted to receive the residual limb. Several separate, independently inflatable bladders preferably attached to the exterior of the socket member, when inflated, act against the rigid side walls of the prosthesis member to resiliently force discrete portions of the socket member side walls inwardly to grip the residual limb.

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: A prosthesis for fitting a below-the-knee amputee is disclosed and includes a socket for receiving the stump of the below-the-knee amputee, a keel having a peripheral groove formed about the periphery of a bottom portion of the keel, a tubular shin member extending from the socket and surrounding lateral and medial portions of the keel and filling the peripheral grooves formed about the bottom portion of the keel leaving a substantial portion of the bottom of the keel exposed. A resilient foot member is then secured to the exposed portion of the keel with the material of the tubular shin member being formed into the grooves of the keel and maintaining such keel within the shin member. Also the method of manufacturing such prosthesis.

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 universal modular frame for use as a component in an above-knee endoskeletal prosthesis comprises a one-piece rigid outer frame of closed configuration having an upper sleeve extending between lateral and medial sides of the frame and adapted for connection to a linkage and socket for an above knee amputation, rigid lateral and medial side arms rigidly affixed to and extending downwardly from the sleeve, the lateral and medial side arms having recessed lightening recesses therein for reducing the weight of the frame, and a lower base extending between and rigidly affixed to bottom portions of the lateral and medial side arms. The outer frame forms the perimeter of an open central region for mounting a knee motion and gait control unit. The lower base has a flat bottom face and a pattern of spaced apart holes extending through the lower base for use in receiving corresponding fastening means for rigidly but releasably affixing an upper connecting portion of a lower leg pylon to the bottom of the outer frame.

Abstract: An interface fitting module (10) for fitting the interface portion of an ischial containment socket for an above-knee amputee. The module (10) has a sleeve-like body portion (11) with proximal and distal ends (12 and 13), respectively. At least the proximal end (12) of the body portion (11) is open to receive the residual thigh (15) of an above-knee amputee. Means in the nature of a lap joint (25) are provided selectively to adjust the peripheral dimension of said body portion (11) so that it will circumscribe, and engage, the peripheral thigh (15) to the desired degree. The body portion (11) of the module (10) is sufficiently transparent to permit visual observation as to the conformity between the body portion (1) of the module (10) and the residual thigh (15) received therein.

Abstract: A sleeve member (1) for enclosing and being fixed to a body part, such as an amputation stump, has a substantially frusto-conical shape with the truncated end thereof completely closed and at least slightly rounded and is made of an airtight material. The sleeve member (1) is characterized in that it substantially is made of an elastic material, at least the distal portion thereof exhibiting such anisotropy with regard to the elasticity that it has a relatively high elasticity in a radial direction and is substantially inelastic axially.

Abstract: An interface fitting module (10) for fitting the interface portion of an ischial containment socket for an above-knee amputee. The module (10) has a sleeve-like body portion (11) with proximal and distal ends (12and 13), respectively. At least the proximal end (12) of the body portion (11) is open to receive the residual thigh (15) of an above-knee amputee. Means in the nature of a lap joint (25) are provided selectively to adjust the peripheral dimension of said body portion (11) so that it will circumscribe, and engage, the peripheral thigh (15) to the desired degree. The body portion (11) of the module (10) is sufficiently transparent to permit visual observation as to the conformity between the body portion (11) of the module (10) and the residual thigh (15) received therein.

Abstract: A fluctuating volume adjustable prosthetic socket for below-the-knee amputees comprising a generally hollow main body support of rigid plastic; a posterior popliteal section of rigid plastic generally contoured to conform to the posterior anatomy of the knees; elasticized sleeve means supported at lower portions of said posterior popliteal section; and cooperating locking means disposed on said posterior section and said main support section for adjustably joining said sections for controlled limited anterior-posterior displacement with respect to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is an external prosthesis with a magnetically transmissive/receptive layer for use with an internal prosthesis attachable to the stump of a residual limb. The external prosthesis comprises a synthetic body member having a concave socket formed at an end thereof. The socket is sized to receive the stump of a residual limb with an internal prosthesis installed. The socket has disposed on its concave external surface a magnetically transmissive/receptive layer. Magnetic attraction between the magnetically transmissive/receptive layer and the magnetically attractive internal prosthesis will ensure a secure and non-slip installation of the external prosthesis on the residual limb of the user.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a prosthesis cuff to receive an amputation stump, particularly for a lower-leg prosthesis, a positive cast of the stump is positioned in an expanded and heat shrinkable rough cuff of a plastics material, whereupon the rough cuff is caused by heating and vacuum-forming to adjust to the surface contour of the stump. The positive cast is subsequently removed. A connecting element for the prosthesis is provided on the rough cuff, for example having formation embedded in the plastics material.

Abstract: A device for attaching an artificial limb to the stump of an amputated limb. The device comprises a sleeve (1, 2) intended for receiving the stump, the sleeve being in load-transferring connection with the artificial limb. The sleeve is made of a flexible material which is non-stretchable when subjected to the loads in question. The shape and volume of the sleeve are arranged to be adapted to the stump so as to obtain substantially total contact between the surface of the stump and the inner surface of the sleeve for distribution of the forces acting on the stump over the inner surface of the sleeve. For the purpose of transferring the load between the sleeve and the artificial limb a load-transferring construction (7, 8, 10) connected with the artificial limb is attached to the proximal end of the sleeve. Means (17) are also included for fixing the position of the distal end of the sleeve (1, 2) relative to the artificial limb.

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.