Patent classifications
A61F2002/6614
ADJUSTABLE SOCKET SYSTEM
An adjustable socket system includes first and second shell components and first and second longitudinal supports connected to a base. The socket system is movable between an open configuration to loosen the fit of the socket system, and a closed configuration to secure the fit of the socket system on residual limb received therein. A tightening system includes a tensioning unit having a handle defining a moment arm rotatable about a rotation axis, and a tensioning element operatively coupled to the handle via a movable connection point located and protected between the first shell component and the first support and to the shell components via a control point. Rotation of the handle displaces the movable connection point and the tensioning element relative to the control point to move the socket system to the closed configuration.
TEMPERATURE REGULATION OF PROSTHETIC LIMBS
The present application relates heating and cooling systems for prosthetic limbs, and to the use of such systems in prosthetic limbs. In one aspect, a system for temperature regulation of a prosthetic limb comprises a battery, an electrical connection, and at least one temperature regulation element.
APPARATUS FOR PROSTHETIC LEG VACUUM UNIT BATTERY RECHARGING
A mechanism to harvest the mechanical energy available during prosthetic leg use for the purpose of charging an electric battery operating a vacuum pump for a prosthetic leg residual limb mounting socket is disclosed. The present invention is intended to be applied with variations of leg prostheses equipped with prosthetic feet constructed with flexible heel and/or forefoot members in the sole. The present invention utilizes one or more electric generators to convert the mechanical energy occurring as bidirectional movement in the foot sole flexible members to electrical energy. The electrical energy is harvested by storage in capacitors, then subsequently used to charge the vacuum pump battery. The objective is to extend the useful operating time of the vacuum pump supporting vacuum socket mounting of the residual limb.
FOUR-BAR LINKAGE TRANSMISSION AND METHODS OF MAKING, USING, AND CONTROLLING THE SAME
Exemplary embodiments herein relate to a unique 4-bar linkage transmission provided between two adjacent links of a powered augmentation device that provides a varying mechanical advantage. Due to the kinematics of the linkage, the mechanical advantage between the actuator and the augmented joint varies with the position of the linkage. Thus, a high mechanical advantage can be provided in positions at which relatively high joint torque is required, and low mechanical advantage in positions at which relatively high joint speed is required. Consequently, the speed-torque (or velocity-force) operating area of the actuator can be consolidated by mapping the widespread output regions onto a smaller input region. This allows the actuator to be optimized for a narrower range of usage.
Prosthetic Foot Cover System
A prosthetic foot cover device is described. The prosthetic foot cover may include a lattice framework formed to resemble a human foot. The lattice framework has a plurality of lattice cells to form the lattice framework. The prosthetic foot cover may have an inner cavity formed in the lattice framework which is sized and shaped to contain a prosthetic foot, and the inner cavity has an opening to receive the prosthetic foot. The prosthetic foot may have a foot pad that is an outer membrane layer and is joined with a portion of the lattice framework to support a portion of the lattice foot framework.
Prosthetic Foot Cover System Using Pressure Chambers
A prosthetic foot cover device with a pressure chamber is described. The prosthetic foot cover may include a lattice framework formed to replace a human foot. An open cavity may be formed in the lattice framework, which is sized and shaped to contain a prosthetic foot. A pressure chamber may be disposed in the lattice framework. A first one-way check valve is provided for the pressure chamber to allow air to be expelled from the pressure chamber and to generate a negative pressure within the pressure chamber as an amputee uses the prosthetic foot and the lattice framework. A remnant limb socket may be connected to the pressure chamber. A negative pressure may be developed in the remnant limb socket as air is pulled from the remnant limb socket into the pressure chamber. A method for additive manufacture of a prosthetic foot cover device is also described.
MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED PROSTHETIC ANKLE SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR AND TERRAIN ADAPTATION
A prosthetic ankle includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another.
Vacuum system for a prosthetic foot
A prosthetic foot comprising a vacuum system configured to attach to a vacuum attachment apparatus and a residual limb. The prosthetic foot may comprise a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, and a vacuum system. The resilient bottom member may comprise a front end and a rear end. The resilient top member may comprise a front end and a rear end and the front end of the resilient top member may be connected to the front end of the resilient bottom member. The vacuum system may be coupled to an underside of the rear end of the top member. The vacuum system may comprise a compressible member, a chamber located within the compressible member, a universal valve system received within the compressible member, a passageway connecting the valve system and the chamber, and an air return coupled to the valve system and the vacuum attachment apparatus.
SPRING MECHANISM AND HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR
A spring mechanism having at least two wave washers and at least one spring washer between the wave washers. The wave washers are mounted so as to be twistable relative to one another.
Adjustable stiffness prosthetic foot
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.