A scanning apparatus (5) for scanning a body part (40) comprises a container (10) configured to receive the body part and capable of holding a pressurised liquid. By such provision, in circumstances where it may be advantageous to use a pressurised liquid, rather than a pressurised gas, the apparatus (5) may be capable of scanning the body part under pressure using a pressurised liquid. In another embodiment a scanning apparatus (10) for scanning a body part comprises a container (70) configured to receive the body part and to receive a flow of fluid, wherein the container (70) comprises a longitudinal axis along which the cross-section of the container changes. In another embodiment a scanning apparatus (10) for scanning a body part comprises a collapsible container (80) configurable to receive the body part and to receive a first fluid.

A system and method for creation and function of an advanced prosthetic hand includes: a base palm, comprising the primary body of the prosthetic hand; a set of actuating digits, wherein each actuating digit is connected to the palm; a sleeve, connected to the palm, providing an interface; a sensor system, comprising sensors integrated on a subset of the set of actuating digits; and a feedback system, connected to the sensor system enabling sensory feedback from the sensor system. In preferred variations, the base palm comprises, at least partially, a carbon-fiber shell. The system may further include a set of water sealing elements integrated into the prosthetic hand. The system functions as a hand prosthesis with actuating digit and hand components.

The invention is directed to a light source device comprising a light emitting element for emitting a blue light having a wavelength ranging from 435 to 500 nm, the light source device being configured to provide the blue light to at least one cell at a transmitted fluence ranging from 0.01 to 18. J/cm.sup.2 to promote or induce growth and proliferation of the cell and wherein the light emitting element has a power density ranging from 0.05 to 30 mW/cm.sup.2. The invention is also directed to a light source assembly comprising a product adapted to be in contact with the skin or a wound and a light source device connected to the product for providing blue light to at least one skin cell, preferably of the wound.

A method for manufacturing a customized sleeve for a prosthesis, comprises the following steps: (a) providing a mold of an end of a limb of an individual who is intended to receive said prosthesis; (b) providing a preform made of an elastomer material, said preform comprising an open proximal end and a closed distal end; (c) positioning said preform on the mold; (d) positioning on said preform at least one element from: a polymer reinforcement, a layer of an elongation-preventing fabric, a distal cup and an air discharge sheath; (e) positioning a vacuum cover around the preform; (f) creating a vacuum and injecting a polymer cross-linkable at room temperature into said vacuum cover so as to form a coating having a uniform thickness over the preform and each element which is positioned on said preform.

A system and method for producing a customized prosthetic socket based on a digital representation of a residual limb that is used to form a digital model of a prosthetic socket. The digital model is customized to alter its internal structure to produce differing areas of flexibility and support while maintaining the overall geometry of the model and without having to use different materials. The digital model is converted for use with a three-dimensional printing or manufacturing device and then used to print the customized socket.

A prosthetic appendage for attachment to an outer extremity of an amputated limb that is composed of modular elements fabricated by three-dimensional printing. In one embodiment the prosthetic appendage is a leg. The prosthetic leg includes a foot portion and a plurality of modular and three-dimensionally printed limb elements. One of the plurality of limb elements is pivotally coupled to the foot portion and another of the limb elements is configured at one end to receive the outer extremity of the amputated leg. In another embodiment of the present invention the prosthetic appendage is a hand. The prosthetic hand includes a wrist element with one end configured to receive the outer extremity of an amputated hand, a base portion attached to the wrist element and a plurality of modular and three-dimensionally printed finger elements selectively coupled to adjacent finger elements or the base to form prosthetic fingers.

A method for manufacturing a customized sleeve for a prosthesis, comprises the following steps: (a) providing a mold of an end of a limb of an individual who is intended to receive said prosthesis; (b) providing a preform made of an elastomer material, said preform comprising an open proximal end and a closed distal end; (c) positioning said preform on the mold; (d) positioning on said preform at least one element from: a polymer reinforcement, a layer of an elongation-preventing fabric, a distal cup and an air discharge sheath; (e) positioning a vacuum cover around the preform; (f) creating a vacuum and injecting a polymer cross-linkable at room temperature into said vacuum cover so as to form a coating having a uniform thickness over the preform and each element which is positioned on said preform.

A suspension liner is adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The suspension liner defines an interior surface and an exterior surface forming a liner profile between a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The suspension liner defines a liner body portion formed from an elastomeric material and at least one seal protruding circumferentially about and radially outward a distance from the liner profile, which is defined at areas outside the at least one seal. The at least one seal has a distal root extending from the liner profile, a distal section projecting from the distal root and terminating at a peak defined as the outermost portion of the at least one seal, and a proximal section extending from the peak to a proximal free end arranged for deflection relative to the liner profile.

A suspended sleeve assembly includes a suspension stand and a compression sleeve. An upper portion of the compression sleeve is attached onto the suspension stand, but a lower portion of the compression sleeve is unattached from the suspension stand. The suspended sleeve assembly can also include a support stand. The suspended sleeve assembly can be used to shape a prosthetic socket. The compression sleeve applies a circumferential pressure onto the prosthetic socket as the prosthetic socket is being inserted into the compression sleeve as a patient steps into the compression sleeve and applies at least a portion of body weight to the compression sleeve. The prosthetic socket can be heated and shaped by hand, so that it fits the residual limb of the patient. The suspended sleeve assembly can also be used to shape other prosthetic components, such as a negative plaster cast.

A method for reducing motion of a skeletal structure in a limb towards a wall of an interface is described. The interface comprises a plurality of compression areas that are longitudinally-shaped and oriented longitudinally along the length of limb. The method comprises selecting, during a process of creating the interface, a compression level for the compression areas that compresses soft tissue against the skeletal structure. The method also comprises donning the interface over the limb to apply a plurality of compressive forces that is sufficient to aid in suspension of the interface on the limb and reduce motion of the skeletal structure toward a wall of the interface.