Abstract: A foot prosthesis that includes at least one spring element, an attachment member, and a heel member. The at least one spring element has a toe end portion, a heel end portion, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The attachment member is mounted to the upper surface and is configured to connect the foot prosthesis to a lower limb prosthesis component. A position of the attachment member is adjustable along a length of the at least one spring element. The heel member is mounted below the lower surface of the at least one spring element, and a position of the heel member is adjustable along the length of the at least one spring element.

Abstract: The present application describes apparatus (100) for locating an electrode unit on a prosthesis socket, comprising an electrode unit (102) locatable in a socket aperture (106) and having a first abutment surface (118) for engagement with an inner surface (120) of the socket; and a retaining element (104) locatable on the electrode unit and having a further abutment surface (126) for engagement with an outer surface (128) of the socket or the first abutment surface of the electrode unit.

Abstract: A prosthesis having a prosthetic foot with a forefoot area and a heel area, a prosthetic lower leg, and a prosthetic foot adapter for arranging the prosthetic foot on the prosthetic lower leg. The prosthetic foot adapter includes an upper part for fixing it to the prosthetic lower leg such that it is torque-proof in relation to a sagittal plane, a lower part for fixing it to the prosthetic foot such that it is torque-proof in relation to a sagittal plane, and a resistance element. The upper part can be swivelled on the lower part about a swivel axis against a restoring force exerted by the restoring element, the swivel axis extending from the heel area to the forefoot area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foot prosthesis (1, 61) comprising a heel (6, 71) and a tip (7, 62), both of which can bear on the ground, and an ankle support (2, 67), characterised in that the prosthesis also comprises at least one damping element (10, 76) designed to be at a distance from the ground.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include an attachment member, at least one first brace, at least one first flexible member, an unpowered actuator, at least one second brace, and at least one second flexible member. The attachment member can include a connector configured to connect the attachment member to a user or another prosthetic device. The at least one first brace can mount to the attachment member and the at least one first flexible member can connect to the attachment member by the at least one first brace such that a force between the ground and the attachment member can be supported by the at least one first flexible member. The unpowered actuator can mount to the attachment member and the at least one second brace can mounted to the actuator. The at least one second flexible member can connect to the attachment member by the at least one second brace such that a force between the ground and the attachment member can be supported by the at least one second flexible member.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint for a prosthetic foot attached to a base assembly. A linkage assembly provided between the base assembly and a torque bracket including an adapter unit disposed at top of the torque bracket to provide a connection to a lower tube-shaped clamp fitted over a pilon. The pilon extends upward to a second tube-shaped clamp connected to a lower portion of a socket receiving a residual limb of an amputee.

Abstract: A prosthesis, including a prosthetic foot, a prosthetic talocrural joint, a prosthetic ankle pivotally coupled to the prosthetic foot and a four-area bending beam. The four-area bending beam includes a U-shaped or other spring. One end of the spring is mechanically coupled via two of the four areas to the prosthetic foot. The other end of the spring is mechanically coupled via the other two areas to the prosthetic ankle. The spring resiliently resists pivoting of the prosthetic ankle about the prosthetic talocrural joint. The four-area bending beam exhibits an at least approximately constant moment along its length to maximize strain energy density, storing about four times as much elastic energy as a comparable cantilevered beam, thereby providing high stiffness and high range of motion to the ankle. The spring is modular, being easily replaced with another spring exhibiting a different stiffness, ex., to tailor the prosthesis to a user.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is provided including (a) an ankle component, (b) a foot component coupled to the ankle component, wherein the foot component has a longitudinal length extending at least partially along a sagittal plane of a user when the prosthetic device is in use, wherein the foot component has a thickness extending at least partially along a transverse plane of a user when the prosthetic device is in use, and (c) a coupling mechanism positioned between the foot component and the ankle component, wherein the coupling mechanism couples a rotation of the foot component with respect to the sagittal plane to a rotation of the foot component with respect to the transverse plane.

Abstract: A self-adjusting adapter for a prosthetic leg having a foot and a leg socket has a low stiffness spring having a central opening, a high stiffness spring that has a central opening and is adjacent the low stiffness spring, a shaft or a bolt passing through the central opening in the low stiffness spring and the central opening in the high stiffness spring and a spring stiffener configured and positioned to restrain movement of the high stiffness spring relative to the low stiffness spring in a direction parallel to the low-stiffness spring. A connector for attaching the adapter to a leg socket is connected to the bolt or shaft and is capable of pivoting about an axis through the bolt or shaft. The adapter can be used an add-on component for existing prosthetic legs, or it can be integrated with foot design for the ankle-foot product category.

Abstract: A jointless prosthetic foot having a leaf spring which has a distal footfall section, a connecting section and a proximal attachment section which extends in an anterior-posterior direction and to which an attachment adapter can be fixed. The attachment adapter is mounted such as to be movable along a convexly curved path in the anterior-posterior direction.

Abstract: An example system for tuning powered prosthesis impedance control parameters can include a powered prosthesis and intelligent tuner operably connected to the powered prosthesis. The powered prosthesis can include a joint, a motor that is mechanically coupled to the joint, a plurality of sensors configured to measure a plurality of gait parameters associated with a subject, and an impedance controller. The motor of the powered prosthesis can be configured to drive the joint, and the impedance controller of the powered prosthesis can be configured to output a control signal for adjusting a torque of the motor, where the torque is adjusted as a function of the measured gait parameters and a plurality of impedance control parameters. The intelligent tuner can be configured to adjust at least one of the impedance control parameters using a rule base.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot may comprise a resilient lower member, a resilient upper member and an upper bracket. The resilient lower member may comprise a front end, a middle, and a rear end. The resilient upper member may comprise a front end and a rear end. The rear end of the upper member is coupled to the rear end of the resilient lower member and the resilient upper member is positioned over the resilient lower member. The mounting bracket may comprise a front end and a rear end. The front end is coupled to the front end of the resilient upper member and the rear end is configured to attach to the residual limb of the user. The resilient lower member and resilient upper member of the prosthetic foot fit completely within a foot shell.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a prosthesis is provided. The system includes a socket configured to engage a residual limb of a subject and a shaft having a first end connected to the socket and an opposing second end. The system also includes a foot piece connected to the second end of the shaft. The foot piece includes an ankle plate and a sole piece configured to contact a surface. The system also includes at least one computer configured to detect a state of the foot piece and to transmit an indication of the state of the foot. The system further includes a motor assembly configured to receive the indication of the state of the foot and to control a position and impedance of the ankle plate based on the state of the foot.

Abstract: An ankle module for a prosthetic foot can have an adapter portion pivotally coupled to a base portion. The base portion can be coupled to the prosthetic foot. The adapter portion can have a coupling member that removably couples the prosthetic foot to a prosthetic pylon or socket. The adapter portion can also have cylinders housing pistons slidably displaceable within the cylinders. An actuator is selectively actuatable to place the cylinders in fluid communication, allowing a fluid to flow between the cylinders as an angular position of the adapter portion is adjusted relative to the base portion, thereby adjusting the dorsi-plantar position between the adapter portion and the base portion of the ankle module. The actuator can be selectively actuatable to fluidly isolate the cylinders from each other so that the angular position of the adapter portion relative to the base portion remains substantially fixed.

Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support. In another embodiment, the foot includes a gap between a lower front edge of an attachment adapter and the upper element.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a vacuum unit that can suck in the air inside the carrier shell and which can be used as ankles of prosthetic legs. The present invention aims to develop a vacuum unit which enables the suction of air trapped between the stump and the socket of the prosthesis used by the users or patients who are using lower knee or upper knee prosthesis. Another aim of the invention is to provide vacuum without the need to use electrical energy by mechanically driving the piston which enables vacuum. Another aim of the invention besides these is to ensure that there is no need for a different/special motion by means of the triggering the piston motion within the vacuum medium via the force obtained from natural walking motions.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises an attachment member and two or more flexible members. The attachment member can include a connector configured to connect the attachment member to a user or another prosthetic device. The two or more flexible members can be rotatably attached to the attachment member by rotatable joints such that the flexible members can both rotate and flex relative to the attachment member when the prosthetic foot contacts the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a size measurement within an intervertebral space by placing an expandable and contractible device into the intervertebral space, expanding the device, measuring a size characteristic of the space, contracting the device and then removing it. The measurement may be accomplished by an external x-ray or other imaging device imaging the expanded device in situ or by mechanically operated devices. An expansion and contraction mechanism such as fluid containing bladder or mechanically shifted members expands the device which later contracts in a controlled manner to the contracted size. An apparatus and method is provided for the measuring of the intervertebral space at a controlled distraction force. The apparatus includes an expandable device for providing a measurement within the intervertebral space and facilitating the measurement of the angulations of the lordotic curve of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet are described comprising a curvilinear spring element, including a rounded portion transitioning between upper and lower extensions, the upper extension including a mounting section/region between the curved portion and a distal end of the upper extension. At least one leaf spring element spans a gap between the upper and lower extension sections, and a resilient footbed is attached to the lower extension. Such feet are typically set within a cosmetic cover for and fit within a shoe for use.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member having a heel member shaft extending upwardly from a heel end thereof and a forefoot member having a forefoot member shaft extending upwardly from a toe end thereof. An ankle member receives the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft to translate in a direction of a wearer's leg in response to an upward force thereon. At least one compressible member is coupled to the ankle member and is in compressible contact with the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft so as to compress in response to the translation thereof.

Abstract: An artificial ankle joint having a universal joint and shock absorbers is provided. The artificial ankle joint enables distribution of vertically applied weight of a human body to ground, and enables an artificial foot connected to the artificial ankle joint to move in multiple axial directions.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot and ankle assembly includes a foot component and an ankle joint mounted thereto and having a fixed range of dorsi-plantar flexion. The ankle joint includes a joint mechanism in the form of a hydraulic linear piston and cylinder assembly having a pair of chambers on opposite sides of the piston to provide hydraulic damping continuously over the range of dorsi-plantar flexion. The joint mechanism further includes a valve arrangement controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the chambers. The valve arrangement includes first and second adjustable valves for independently controlling dorsi-flexion damping resistance and plantar-flexion damping resistance respectively. The joint mechanism includes a first flexion limiter that limits dorsi-flexion of the joint mechanism to a dorsi-flexion limit and a second flexion limiter that limits plantar-flexion of the joint mechanism to a plantar-flexion limit, thereby defining the fixed range of dorsi-plantar flexion.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot and ankle assembly includes a foot component and an ankle joint mounted thereto and having a fixed range of dorsi-plantar flexion. The ankle joint includes a joint mechanism in the form of a hydraulic linear piston and cylinder assembly having a pair of chambers on opposite sides of the piston to provide hydraulic damping continuously over the range of dorsi-plantar flexion. The joint mechanism further includes a valve arrangement controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the chambers. The valve arrangement includes first and second adjustable valves for independently controlling dorsi-flexion damping resistance and plantar-flexion damping resistance respectively. The joint mechanism includes a first flexion limiter that limits dorsi-flexion of the joint mechanism to a dorsi-flexion limit and a second flexion limiter that limits plantar-flexion of the joint mechanism to a plantar-flexion limit, thereby defining the fixed range of dorsi-plantar flexion.

Abstract: A self-aligning prosthetic foot and ankle assembly has an ankle unit pivotally mounting a foot component. The ankle unit contains a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly having a piston which is linearly movable within a cylinder. The axis of the cylinder is coincident with a shin axis defined by a shin connection interface on the ankle unit. Bypass passages containing damping resistance control valves provide continuous hydraulic damping of dorsi and plantar ankle flexion, the unit being such that, over the major part of the range of damped movement, there is no resilient biasing in either the dorsi or the plantar direction. This confers a number of advantages, including stabilisation of standing, balance control, and improved stair-walking and ramp-walking.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient prosthetic/orthotic component, particularly a shank for a lower extremity prosthesis in which the shank includes multiple sections which are unbounded in one or more portions of each other, and wherein the shank sections incorporate at least one voids and inserted materials between one or more shank sections to enhance shank flexibility while reducing stresses which can cause premature failure.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a pivoting ankle joint with a hydraulic system, a prosthetic foot connected to the distal side of the ankle joint, and, at the proximal side, the ankle joint includes a transducer with pyramid adaptor for attaching to a pylon. The ankle joint sensor provides data collection during the stance and optionally, the swing, phases of walking using, for example, strain gages and accelerometers. Also disclosed are methods for real-time feature extraction. Key parameters are captured to which are applied linear, fuzzy logic, neural net, or generic algorithms to determine current state (walking flat, uphill, downhill etc.) in real time and execute changes to the angle between the ankle and foot almost instantaneously based on those parameters.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb has an outer surface that is a mirror image of an intact limb or a generic limb design. The intact limb is scanned and the surface data is manipulated to create a virtual mirror image. If generic data is used, the intact leg can be measured and the generic surface can be adjusted so the prosthetic limb appears similar to the intact limb. The end of the amputated limb is also measured to obtain socket data. A knee and foot are incorporated to form a virtual prosthetic limb represented by design data. The design data for the virtual prosthetic limb is forwarded to a rapid prototyping machine that fabricates the entire leg simultaneously. Once completed, the prosthetic limb is shipped to the patient.

Abstract: Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers. The scaffolds may be used in, among other applications, the repair of central and peripheral nerves.

Abstract: An improved mobility assistance apparatus for use by a person as a walking aid, e.g. a cane, crutch, or walker, has a support capable of bearing vertical forces during use of the apparatus as a walking aid and a resilient device connected to a lower portion of the support for ground engagement. The device has a dynamic response characteristic to forces associated with ambulating using the apparatus as a walking aid which generates propulsive force to aid mobility. Two coiled springs are monolithically formed with the device at an upper end thereof. A flexible elongated member is connected to a radially inner, free end of each of the coiled springs and extends about a return at a lower portion of the device for resiliently expanding the coiled springs to store energy with force loading of the apparatus during use and to release stored energy during force unloading to generate propulsive force to aid mobility.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a keel for use in a prosthetic foot. In an embodiment, the keel comprises a forefoot portion having a toe end, wherein the forefoot portion comprises a first material. In addition, the keel comprises a mid-foot portion contiguous with the forefoot portion, wherein the mid-foot portion comprises a second material. Further, the keel comprises a heel portion contiguous with the mid-foot portion, wherein the heel portion comprises a third material. Still further, the second material and third material comprise different materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic device (30), in particular a foot prosthesis, for fitting leg amputees, with a universal joint mechanism (32), which couples a shaft (34) with a treading attachment (40, 42) through an articulation, wherein the universal joint mechanism (32) comprises a joint element (44) supported such that it is rotatable about a first rotational axis (C) and a second rotational axis (D) differing therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle having an adjustable range of articulation and a method of adjusting the range of articulation of such an ankle. A lower leg connection component extends from the receiving cavity of a prosthetic foot connection component. The remainder of the receiving cavity is substantially filled with an elastomeric material. An interchangeable external bearing resides atop a portion of the elastomeric material and includes an aperture through which a portion of the lower leg connection component passes. By exchanging an installed external bearing for an external bearing having an aperture of different size, the limits of movement of the lower leg connection component can be altered and the overall range of articulation of the ankle adjusted.

Abstract: A unique flexible cover and a method are provided for creating such a flexible cover for a prosthesis, orthosis or other dynamic or flexible supporting device. One implementation of the method includes the steps of capturing an image of a target object comprising at least a portion of an existing body part of a person or another object, digitally processing and manipulating the image of the target object to form a representation, printing the representation onto a flexible cover, and applying the cover to a prosthesis, orthosis, or other object.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a rod having a substantially spherical head and a shank extending from the head. A connector is pivotally coupled to the spherical head of the rod. The connector has a coupling configured to attach to the stump of an amputee. A wear plate is disposed on the shank of the rod adjacent the connector. The wear plate is sized and shaped to contact the connector as the connector pivots on the spherical head of the rod. A spring is removably disposed on the shank of the rod and spaced apart from the wear plate a predetermined distance. The spring is compressible by the rod when the rod is disposed in a prosthetic foot and an axial load is applied to the rod.

Abstract: An ultrasound treatment system in accordance with the present invention comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a handpiece, a probe, a sheath, a clamping member, an operation unit, an operating member, a suction base, and a perfusion base. The ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. The handpiece has the ultrasonic transducer incorporated therein and serves as an operation unit. The probe is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and serves as a vibration transmitting member for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to a distal member realizing a stationary portion that is a treatment portion for treating a living tissue. The sheath serves as a protecting member for shielding the probe. The clamping member is opposed to the distal member at the distal end of the sheath, and realizes a movable portion that is another treatment portion for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the distal member.

Abstract: A system for assisting the motion of a body connected through joints provides a system for imparting a suitable torque to the connected body at the time of various turns including the bending of the joints. The torque imparting system has first and second measuring means, a reference work volume determining means, and an external torque determining means. The first measuring means measures the internal work volume of the around-joint leg. The second measuring means measures an external work volume around a joint imparted to the leg. The reference work volume determining means determines a reference work volume based on the internal work volume. The external torque determining means determines an external torque imparted to the leg so as to reduce the difference between the internal work volume of the leg and the reference work volume, based on the external work volume.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for a prosthetic ankle comprising: a joint housing having a bottom surface, a clevis coupled to the joint housing such that the clevis can rotate about the joint housing, a prosthetic coupling structure that couples the clevis to an amputee, and an articulating joint contained in the joint housing. Additionally, a portion of the bottom surface of the joint housing can be curved allowing a substrate a preset amount of flexion when coupled thereto and flexed in a concave position.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (124) incorporates a foot keel (165) and a calf shank (126) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes an anterior facing convexly curved lower portion which is adjustably attached at a portion thereof to the foot keel by way of a releasable fastener arrangement. The upper end of the calf shank is movable longitudinally of the foot keel in response to force loading and unloading the calf shank during use of the prosthetic foot. A device (125) connected between the upper end of the calf shank and the lower portion of the prosthesis can be used to assist posterior movement of the upper end of the calf shank and control anterior movement of the upper end of the calf shank during use of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle for connection of a prosthetic lower leg to a prosthetic foot. A substantially hollow prosthetic foot connection component includes a receiving cavity for receiving a portion of a lower leg connection component. A retainer or retainer assembly is preferably installed into the receiving cavity to help retain the lower leg connection component therein. Once the necessary components are in place, the remainder of the receiving cavity is substantially filled with an elastomeric material. An external bearing may reside atop the elastomeric material and act in conjunction with the elastomeric material to control ankle flexion.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (147) has a longitudinally extending foot keel (149) and a resilient, monolithically formed calf shank (148) extending upwardly from the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot and a lower, prosthetic part of a leg above the ankle joint area for connection with a lower extremity prosthetic socket on a person's leg stump. At least the lower portion of the calf shank extending upwardly from the foot keel is anterior facing convexly curved. The shank and at least a portion of the foot keel are monolithically formed.

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: In one embodiment, an impact and torque-absorbing module for a low profile lower limb prosthesis comprises two support members telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element resists axial displacement of the two support members, and a torque resisting cuff resists rotational displacement of the two support members. Precompression of the resilient element can reduce the size of the shock module making it more compact. The resilient element can also be replaced allowing adjustment of the shock absorption.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle for connection of a prosthetic lower leg to a prosthetic foot. In one embodiment, a prosthetic foot connection component is connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component only by means of an elastomeric material, thereby allowing for multi-axis movement of the ankle without requiring direct contact between the two components. In other embodiments of the ankle, a prosthetic foot connection component may be mechanically connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component. However, the design of the mechanical connection and the use of an elastomeric material casing allows for movement of the ankle without surface-to-surface sliding contact between the two components. Compression of the elastomeric material, as well as one or more mechanical stops may be used to control and limit movement of the ankle.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. A foot and an ankle of the prosthesis are monolithically formed as a resilient member including a strut which forms an ankle joint. A hole extends through the resilient member with the periphery of the hole forming an anterior side surface of the strut. The resilient member anterior to the hole includes a gap to permit motion about the ankle joint axis while providing a stop in dorsiflexion. The hole is elongated upwardly such that the strut is upstanding and anterior convexly curved.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by an easily exchangeable auxiliary ankle member demountably attached to forefoot and sole portions, which are in turn demountably and interchangeably connected. The forefoot, heel and auxiliary ankle portions are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The easily demountable connection of the auxiliary ankle permits interchangeability thereof to match the activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot without the necessity of frequent visits to the prosthetist. A compressible member between the forefoot member and the sole member, and function blocks located between the various members provide additional adjustability. The orientation of the auxiliary ankle member and compressible member also allows for increased plantar flexion.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. An ankle pylon component attached to a foot keel of the foot allows hindfoot triplanar motion. An ankle joint and a subtalar joint provided in the hindfoot ankle pylon component permit closed kinetic chain motion of the foot. The ankle and subtalar joints are formed by respective struts of resilient material of a single piece of material of the ankle pylon component. The ankle pylon component can be used as a functional upgrade component to an existing low profile prosthetic foot, for example.

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.