Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a movable joint defining at least one gap, and at least one spacer unit positionable in the at least one gap. The at least one spacer unit includes a resilient element that is controllably deformable to vary a thickness of the at least one spacer unit to fill the at least one gap, and to reduce the likelihood of the at least one spacer unit interfering with relative movement between components of the movable joint. The at least one material forming the resilient element is compressible in a first direction with little or no expansion in a second direction normal to the first direction.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis comprises a foot component and an ankle unit pivotally mounted to the foot component. The ankle unit comprises an ankle joint mechanism comprising a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly for providing hydraulic damping whenever the ankle joint flexes, and a vacuum mechanism comprising a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly for generating a vacuum. The hydraulic and pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies are arranged such that the vacuum mechanism generates a vacuum during plantar-flexion of the ankle unit.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing twisting structure includes a first seat and a second seat. The first seat includes an elastic member. A stop member is arranged at one side of the first seat. The second seat is formed with a receiving chamber that is fit over the first seat, such that the elastic member is set in elastic engagement with and is supported between the first seat and the second seat. A main axle penetrates through the second seat and is received in the first seat to set the second seat in a rotatable condition. An elastic unit is arranged at each of two sides of the receiving chamber and the stop member.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a shock and torsion absorber that includes a base member having an accommodation space and an exhaust opening, a cushion member joined to a bottom end of the base member, a limit member including a positioning element and a seal element, and a joint member having an intake element, a trough, and a axial channel. A piston is housed in the joint member. The axial channel allows a shaft to thread through via the positioning element and to join with the shaft limit element. A bottom end of the positioning element is connected to the cushion member. The piston is connected to a top end of the positioning element. An upper vacuum chamber is formed above the seal element in the joint member. A lower vacuum chamber is formed beneath the piston and the seal element.

Abstract: A prosthesis system can have an advantageous use over conventional prostheses in certain activities, including, but not limited to certain sports activities: The system includes, elastic member(s) that can store and release energy. The storing and releasing of energy in the elastic members happens during the movements made by the user and with the application of the user's own body weight while performing an activity. Implementations can also include a variety of routing configurations for the elastic member(s), as well as a variety of mounting points to integrate the elastic member(s) into the system, and/or a variety of adjustable anti-hyperextension members, and/or a variety of interchangeable shoes used for applicable activities.

Abstract: An adjustable seal system, seal component for use in the system, and method are provided for forming a sealing interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The seal component is selectively placed over the outer surface of a suspension liner including a plurality of seal bands, which the seal component may removably and securely engage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for attaching a prosthetic limb to a user's lower torso includes a socket shaped to receive therein a leg amputation site of the user. The system also includes a flexible garment assembly configured to be worn around the user's waist. The system additionally includes an anchor coupled to the flexible garment assembly at a plurality of attachment points, the anchor having a higher rigidity than the flexible garment assembly. The system additionally includes a first strap secured to the anchor and configured to selectively couple the socket to the flexible garment assembly via the anchor wherein the anchor is configured to transfer to a distributed area of the flexible garment assembly a force applied to the anchor by the socket.

Abstract: A damping device (1) for a prosthesis, comprising a first member (2) for connection to a first component, a second member (3) for connection to another component, and a means (4) for coupling together the first member and the second member and for relative displacement of the first member and the second member. A damping element (5) is arranged to counteract a relative displacement between the first member (2) and the second member (3) when loading the damping device (1). The coupling means 4 comprises at least two linkage arms (6, 7), both being pivotally arranged in relation to the first member (2) and the second member (3).

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.

Abstract: Evacuation devices for evacuating the socket of a prosthetic limb, and prosthetic limb systems employing such vacuum devices. The evacuation devices each preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source. Such evacuation devices can be attached at various locations on or in a prosthetic limb. Because the electrically powered pump does not require manual manipulation to create vacuum, it is substantially easier to use than a manual pump. Due to the small size and small power source required by such an electrically powered pump, an evacuation device may be readily incorporated into a prosthesis.

Abstract: A suspension liner system adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket, the liner sleeve including an elongate generally conical liner sleeve including proximal and distal end areas, and a sealing member arranged to removably fit onto the distal end area of the liner sleeve. The sealing member has proximal and distal end areas, and defines a resilient seal element located at the proximal end area and a receiving portion formed from the distal end area. The seal element outwardly protrudes relative to the receiving portion of the liner sleeve and is arranged for deflection against the liner sleeve.

Abstract: A vacuum pump having shock absorption and controlled rotation for use in an artificial limb. The pump includes a housing having a first chamber, and a shaft configured to be received by and to reciprocate within the first chamber, the housing and shaft forming a pump chamber. A piston may be coupled to the shaft and positioned within the pump chamber, and intake and exhaust ports are fluidly coupled to the pump chamber. Rotational structure is mounted with respect to the pump to provide controlled rotation of the shaft relative to the housing, and shock absorption structure is included within the pump to provide shock absorption for the shaft. Both a pneumatic spring and a mechanical spring element may be provided for the shock absorption structure. An optional adapter couples the shaft to the pylon of an integral pylon prosthetic foot.

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.

Abstract: Provided is a prosthesis system for indirectly coupling a prosthesis to the skeletal structure of a person. The system includes a plurality of individual magnets and magnet sets attached to a prosthetic socket of a prosthetic device. The magnets may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. A second plurality of magnets is embedded within a residual limb of a person, mounted to or within a sub-dermal strut. In operation, the magnetic fields generated by the magnets of the prosthetic socket, which may be dynamic magnetic fields, interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets anchored beneath the skin of the person, to hold the prosthetic device in position during use. A power supply provides current to any electromagnets, and a controller alters any required magnetic fields based on input received from both load and position sensors in the sub-dermal strut.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket is fitted at a distance from its distal end with an annular chamber. This annular chamber is closed by a contour-conforming sealing wall facing the inner side of the prosthetic socket, said wall being designed to hermetically rest against the outer side of a residual limb. The space between the contour-conforming wall and the hard prosthetic socket is vented to atmosphere, whereby self-enhancing compression by the sealing wall against a residual limb arises when a partial vacuum arises in the distal prosthetic socket between the wall and the distal end. A liner having a sealing wall also is disclosed.

Abstract: A vibration-absorbing device for an artificial lower limb includes a knee-connecting tube attached to a prosthetic knee unit, an ankle-connecting member attached to a prosthetic foot and ankle unit, and an upright connecting rod having an upper end disposed movably within the tube, and a lower end connected fixedly to the ankle-connecting member. A coiled compression spring is sleeved on the connecting rod between the knee unit and the foot and ankle unit so as to bias the connecting rod to move downwardly relative to the tube to a predetermined position, thereby retarding movement of the connecting rod in an axial direction of the tube. A cushion member is made of a resilient material, is sleeved on the ankle-connecting member, and is disposed within the tube so as to retard movement of the connecting rod in a transverse direction of the tube.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torsion device of an exoprosthesis system, with a proximal part (1) which, counter to the action of a resilient torsion element, can be turned in positive and negative directions of rotation (5, 6) in relation to a distal part (2). To increase the functional range, it is proposed that the torsion element (4), in the positive direction of rotation (5), has a torsion characteristic different than that in the negative direction of rotation (6).

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: A weight-actuated vacuum pump for a hypobarically-controlled artificial limb having a socket with a cavity to receive a residual limb. A dual-action pump has a housing fixedly attached to the socket of the artificial limb, a cylinder reciprocating within the housing and attached to the pylon of the artificial limb, a first chamber within the cylinder, a piston reciprocating within the first chamber, a second chamber between the cylinder and the housing, and valve means for connecting the first chamber and second chamber to the cavity and to atmosphere. A single-action pump has a housing fixedly attached to the pylon of the artificial limb with a first chamber therein, a piston reciprocating in the first chamber with a seal, forming a second chamber between the piston and the housing, an intake/exhaust port connected to the second chamber, and one-way valves connecting the second chamber to the cavity and to atmosphere.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, preferably a spring-fluid combination, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons maintained in a colinear alignment via a guide pin attached to the lower pylon. A resilient element provides shock absorption, and a torque-resisting cuff provides torsion-resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial motion therebetween. The pylons also have a polygonal interface to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.

Abstract: Prosthetic apparatus includes a pyramid adaptor and a pylon connected together by an outer sleeve, which may be an elastomeric element. The sleeve or element is clamped to both the pyramid adaptor and to the pylon to provide shock absorbing characteristics and to allow relative axial rotation between the pyramid adaptor and the pylon. Different configurations or embodiments of sleeves are illustrated, and the use of a third clamp is also illustrated.

Abstract: A weight-actuated vacuum pump and shock absorber for an artificial limb. Ambulation causes the vacuum pump, under the influence of the wearer's body weight, to draw air out of the artificial limb socket cavity, producing a vacuum within the socket. The vacuum pulls the residual limb into firm and total contact with the socket and prevents the loss of fluids in the residual limb. A shock absorber acts in conjunction with the vacuum pump to reduce the shock of impact on the wearer caused by ambulation.

Abstract: A weight-actuated vacuum pump and shock absorber for an artificial limb. Ambulation causes the vacuum pump, under the influence of the wearer's body weight, to draw air out of the artificial limb socket cavity, producing a vacuum within the socket. The vacuum pulls the residual limb into firm and total contact with the socket and prevents the loss of fluids in the residual limb. A shock absorber acts in conjunction with the vacuum pump to reduce the shock of impact on the wearer caused by ambulation.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: A weight-actuated vacuum pump for a hypobarically-controlled artificial limb having a socket with a cavity to receive a residual limb. A dual-action pump has a housing fixedly attached to the socket of the artificial limb, a cylinder reciprocating within the housing and attached to the pylon of the artificial limb, a first chamber within the cylinder, a piston reciprocating within the first chamber, a second chamber between the cylinder and the housing, and valves for connecting the first chamber and second chamber to the cavity and to atmosphere. A single-action pump has a housing fixedly attached to the pylon of the artificial limb with a first chamber therein, a piston reciprocating in the first chamber with a seal, forming a second chamber between the piston and the housing, an intake/exhaust port connected to the second chamber, and one-way valves connecting the second chamber to the cavity and to atmosphere.

Abstract: An interconnection component or an adaptor bracket for use in coupling a distal end of a prosthetic limb socket to a proximal end of an endoskeletal component of a prosthetic limb, where the interconnection component is specifically adapted to compensate for a patient's flexion contracture.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

Abstract: A pylon includes a first end portion connected to a patient's leg stump and a second end portion connected to a prosthetic foot. The second end portion includes a piston, and the first end portion includes a piston chamber receiving the piston. The second end portion is thus rotatable and axially movable relative to the first end portion about and along a longitudinal axis of the pylon, respectively. The piston chamber encloses a compressible volume of fluid through which substantially all of the patient's weight applied through the patient's leg stump is supported. The compressible volume of fluid is sealed so that it can be pressurized. Also, a torsional spring couples the piston and piston chamber and resists relative rotation between the piston and piston chamber without supporting any substantial portion of the patient's weight applied through the patient's leg stump to the piston. The present invention thus advantageously provides a pylon which is more cushioned and resilient than conventional pylons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torsion device of an exoprosthesis system, with a proximal part (1) which, counter to the action of a resilient torsion element, can be turned in positive and negative directions of rotation (5, 6) in relation to a distal part (2). To increase the functional range, it is proposed that the torsion element (4), in the positive direction of rotation (5), has a torsion characteristic different than that in the negative direction of rotation (6).

Abstract: A jointless leg prosthesis includes a reciprocating pylon and a coil spring. A pin affixes a lower flange fitting to one pylon member which passes through a slot formed in the other pylon member and an low-friction insert within the other pylon member. At the bottom end, the pylon terminates in an adapter which rotates freely within a heel pedestal. At the top end, the pylon attaches to a stump socket by conventional means.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, preferably a spring-fluid combination, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons maintained in a colinear alignment via a guide pin attached to the lower pylon. A resilient element provides shock absorption, and a torque-resisting cuff provides torsion-resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial motion therebetween. The pylons also have a polygonal interface to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: Prosthetic apparatus includes a pyramid adaptor and a pylon connected together by an outer sleeve, which may be an elastomeric element. The sleeve or element is clamped to both the pyramid adaptor and to the pylon to provide shock absorbing characteristics and to allow relative axial rotation between the pyramid adaptor and the pylon. Different configurations of sleeves are illustrated, and the use of a third clamp is also illustrated.

Abstract: Prosthetic apparatus includes a pyramid adaptor and a pylon connected together by an outer sleeve, which may be an elastomeric element. The sleeve or element is clamped to both the pyramid adaptor and to the pylon to provide shock absorbing characteristics and to allow relative axial rotation between the pyramid adaptor and the pylon. Different configurations of sleeves are illustrated, and the use of a third clamp is also illustrated.

Abstract: Prosthetic apparatus includes a pyramid adaptor and a pylon connected together by an outer sleeve, which may be an elastomeric element. The sleeve or element is clamped to both the pyramid adaptor and to the pylon to provide shock absorbing characteristics and to allow relative axial rotation between the pyramid adaptor and the pylon. Different configurations or embodiments of sleeves are illustrated, and the use of a third clamp is also illustrated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, preferably a spring-fluid combination, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons maintained in a colinear alignment via a guide pin attached to the lower pylon. A resilient element provides shock absorption, and a torque-resisting cuff provides torsion-resistance. In another embodiment, a shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial motion therebetween. The pylons also have a polygonal interface to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A golf prosthesis assisting an upper extremity amputee to swing a golf club. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises first and second prosthetic sockets in which the amputee's limbs are received. An extension pylon extends from the first prosthetic socket towards the golf club. The second prosthetic socket is attached to the extension pylon, thereby assisting the amputee in keeping shoulders, back and hips in proper alignment during back swing and return swing. There is also a more complete transfer of energy into the swing from the shoulders, back and legs. A wrist terminal device connects the extension pylon to the golf club. The wrist terminal device emulates cocking and release of the wrists during a conventional golf swing. The wrist terminal device provides a club holder firmly holding the golf club, and a rotary joint advantageously restrained from rotation in all but a preselected plane.

Abstract: A weight-actuated vacuum pump for a hypobarically-controlled artificial limb having a socket with a cavity to receive a residual limb. A dual-action pump has a housing fixedly attached to the socket of the artificial limb, a cylinder reciprocating within the housing and attached to the pylon of the artificial limb, a first chamber within the cylinder, a piston reciprocating within the first chamber, a second chamber between the cylinder and the housing, and valve means for connecting the first chamber and second chamber to the cavity and to atmosphere. A single-action pump has a housing fixedly attached to the pylon of the artificial limb with a first chamber therein, a piston reciprocating in the first chamber with a seal, forming a second chamber between the piston and the housing, an intake/exhaust port connected to the second chamber, and one-way valves connecting the second chamber to the cavity and to atmosphere.

Abstract: A pylon includes a first end portion connected to a patient's leg stump and a second end portion connected to a prosthetic foot. The second end portion includes a piston, and the first end portion includes a piston chamber receiving the piston. The second end portion is thus rotatable and axially movable relative to the first end portion about and along a longitudinal axis of the pylon, respectively. The piston chamber encloses a compressible volume of fluid through which substantially all of the patient's weight applied through the patient's leg stump is supported. The compressible volume of fluid is sealed so that it can be pressurized. Also, a torsional spring couples the piston and piston chamber and resists relative rotation between the piston and piston chamber without supporting any substantial portion of the patient's weight applied through the patient's leg stump to the piston.

Abstract: A prosthetic suspension unit for cushioning shocks in amputees is provided. The prosthetic suspension unit has a first member adapted to be secured to a first prosthetic member and a stop located in the first member. An attachment member is adapted to be secured to a second prosthetic member. A bearing member is operative between the attachment member and the first member such that the attachment member may slide freely in an axial direction relative to the first member. An elastomeric energy storage element is positioned within the first member and includes a first portion abutting the stop. A second portion abuts a face axially moveable with the attachment member to compress the storage member upon application of load by the user.

Abstract: Shock absorber apparatus for a prosthetic leg and foot includes an elastomeric element secured to a pair of sleeves. The elastomeric element is secured to the sleeves through end retainers which are secured to the elastomeric element. The elastomeric element provides both shock absorber and torsional resistance functions. A cable, or a plurality of cables, is/are disposed about the elastomeric element and the end retainers to provide additional torsional resistance for the shock absorber apparatus. The shock absorber apparatus is appropriately secured to a prosthetic foot and to a user's leg or knee by conventional elements.

Abstract: A pylon includes a first end portion connected to a patient's leg stump and a second end portion connected to a prosthetic foot. The second end portion includes a piston, and the first end portion includes a piston chamber receiving the piston. The second end portion is thus rotatable and axially movable relative to the first end portion about and along a longitudinal axis of the pylon, respectively. The piston chamber encloses a compressible volume of fluid through which substantially all of the patient's weight applied through the patient's leg stump is supported. The compressible volume of fluid is sealed so that it can be pressurized. Also, a torsional spring couples the piston and piston chamber and resists relative rotation between the piston and piston chamber without supporting any substantial portion of the patient's weight applied through the patient's leg stump to the piston. The present invention thus advantageously provides a pylon which is more cushioned and resilient than conventional pylons.

Abstract: A pylon assembly for a leg prosthesis including an upper pylon, a lower pylon and a spring. A portion of both the upper pylon and the lower pylon are tubular. The spring is disposed between the upper pylon and the lower pylon inside the tubular portions. Upon assembly, the tubular portion of the lower pylon extends at least partially inside the tubular portion of the upper pylon with the spring extending from a plug inserted in the tubular portion of the lower pylon to a plug inserted in the tubular portion of the upper pylon. The spring biases the lower pylon away from the upper pylon. Compression and extension of the spring allows the lower pylon to reciprocate within the tubular portion of the upper pylon. This reciprocation allows the leg prosthesis to simulate the stride and cadence of a natural leg. In addition, a key may be inserted through the tubular portion of the upper pylon and extending into a key channel cut in the external circumference of the lower pylon.

Abstract: An improvement to a protective item capable of supporting a load bearing appendage, said item comprising a space having an opening, said space being configured to snugly receive the appendage, said improvement comprising a fluid pathway communicating between the exterior of the item and the inner end of the space, said improvement further comprising a flow control valve located in said fluid pathway enabling a uni-directional flow of air from the exterior to the space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis comprising first and second prosthesis parts connected for mutual movement which are characterized by a locking element for locking respectively releasing the prosthesis parts relative to each other. The parts are preferably connected for mutual movement by an artificial joint comprising a first and a second joint part. The locking element is spring biased and co-acts in a locked position with a recess in one of the joint parts, whereby tilting of the locking element is bounded, and which in the released position is substantially freely tiltable. The prosthesis can be further provided with a pin for actively placing the locking element out of the active reach of the recess. One of the two prosthesis parts connected for mutual movement is formed with a cup so that the prosthesis can be fixed to the remaining part of an amputated extremity.

Abstract: A prosthetic apparatus and method facilitate the selection of a prosthetic leg having compression and expansion characteristics which are uniquely adapted to provide comfort for a particular handicapped individual. The prosthetic apparatus and method enable the compression and expansion characteristics of the apparatus to be readily adjusted without requiring the utilization of a coil spring, of compressed air, or of a hydraulic system.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket for connecting a prosthesis to an amputated extremity. A molded cast having a distal end and a proximal end which conforms to the amputated extremity. A prosthetic socket component is affixed to the distal end of the molded cast for detachably connecting the molded cast to an artificial limb wherein the component is recessed within a plastic layer. The plastic layer is formed around a portion of the component and the distal end of the molded cast wherein the component is retained in position by the plastic layer.

Abstract: An impact reducing prosthetic pylon has a distal component which can be attached to a prosthetic foot and includes a housing within which the proximal component can slidably fit. A resilient bumper-like member formed of a foam is positioned within the housing and is compressed by the proximal component when the prosthesis is under a load. Relative rotation of the proximal and distal components is prevented, but a limited, resiliently damped rotation may be permitted.

Abstract: A stance phase flexion device for a prosthesis comprises a composite C-shaped spring member formed from a plurality of thermoset synthetic resin-impregnated high strength carbon filament sheets molded together in a compression mold. The spring member includes a standard hole pattern located in an upper leg of the spring and a standard hole pattern on the lower leg of the spring, for connecting the spring between adjacent prosthetic components for simulating normal flexion between the adjacent components. The C-shaped member is normally rigid in a rest position maintaining its C-shaped configuration. The C-shaped member has spaced apart upper and lower legs that elastically flex with energy absorbing compliance under a load tending to move the upper and lower legs together. The C-shaped member essentially resists elastic flexion in lateral directions and resists torsion loads.