A61F2002/805

PROSTHETIC DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREASING VACUUM ATTACHMENT

A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic foot defining an upper surface and having a flexible configuration and a pump system attached to the prosthetic foot. The pump system includes a pump mechanism defining a fluid chamber having variable configuration and an actuating part. The actuating part is arranged to selectively engage with and separate a distance from the upper surface of the foot plate to move the pump mechanism between a first position in which a volume of the fluid chamber is zero or near-zero and a second position in which the volume of the fluid chamber is expanded relative to the first position. The volume of the fluid chamber increases when the actuating part moves away from the upper surface of the foot plate.

CONVECTION LINER FOR USE IN REGULATED ENVIRONMENTS FOR ARTIFICIAL LIMBS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
20170367854 · 2017-12-28 ·

The conformable convection liner is for use with a prosthetic system and configured to be donned over a residual limb of an amputee. The conformable convection liner includes a tubular body formed from an elastomeric limb-conforming material and including an outer surface and inner surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A seal area is defined at the proximal end of the tubular body on the inner surface thereof. An outlet port is positioned at the distal end of the tubular body between the inner and outer surfaces thereof. An inner regulated environment is defined between the inner surface of the tubular body and the residual limb, the inner regulated environment extending between the proximal end of the tubular body with the seal area and the distal end of the tubular body with the outlet port. One or more internal convection guides are formed in the elastomeric limb-conforming material on the internal surface of the tubular body below the seal area and configured to promote the flow of fluid within the inner regulated environment towards the outlet port at the distal end of the tubular body.

Pump mechanism

A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic foot with a foot member defining a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion defining a curvature and extending between the first and second end portions. A pump mechanism is coupled to the foot member. The pump mechanism includes a housing defining a cavity, and a membrane situated in the cavity. The pump mechanism is movable between an original configuration and an expanded configuration. A movable member includes a first portion coupled to the membrane and a second portion arranged to slidably engage the foot member. Relative movement between the first and second end portions moves the first portion of the movable member relative to the housing and slides the second portion along a length of the foot member to shift the pump mechanism between the original and expanded configurations.

VALVE FOR A PROSTHESIS SOCKET
20170333226 · 2017-11-23 · ·

Valve for a prosthesis socket, the socket delineating an open cavity to receive a stump of an amputated limb and delineating a pass-through hole opening into the cavity and designed to receive the valve, the valve including a support in which a pass-through channel is formed and an element movable between an outlet position in which the element allow an air flow out of the channel in an outlet direction and a sealing position in which the element prevent any air flow inside the channel in an opposite direction to the outlet direction, the support including a thread configured to mount the support in removable manner inside the pass-through hole, and to enable disassembly of the support in an opposite direction to the outlet direction.

PROSTHESIS CARRING BARREL SUCTION-ATTACHING JOINT WITH LOCKING FUNCTION
20170333225 · 2017-11-23 ·

A prosthesis carrying barrel suction-attaching joint with locking function, particularly a joint specifically for suction-attachment to a carrying barrel, includes a positioning mechanism, which forms, in a center thereof, a positioning pin hole for receiving a positioning pin to dispose therein. The positioning mechanism is provided, in a lateral direction, with a penetration passage and a vacuum release passage in communication with the positioning pin hole. The penetration passage has two ends on opposite sides of the positioning pin hole. One of the ends is provided with a regulation assembly and another one provided with a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a constraint block for retaining the positioning pin so that a chamber for vacuum regulation is formed in the site where the regulation assembly is arranged. Pressing down the locking assembly allows external air to flow through the vacuum release passage into the chamber to release the vacuum.

Vacuum suspension system
09820873 · 2017-11-21 · ·

A vacuum suspension system includes a rigid socket defining a socket wall having exterior and interior surfaces. The socket defines an aperture extending between the exterior and interior surfaces, and has a closed distal end and an open proximal end with an interior cavity defined by the interior surface. A fluid regulator is provided at the aperture and operatively engages the fluid regulator. A pump system includes a pump and a covering for securing over the exterior surface of the socket and carrying the pump. The pump is configured for placement proximate to the fluid regulator and arranged for drawing air from the socket through the aperture. A chamber having a variable volume is formed by a space defined between the exterior surface and an inner surface of the covering proximate to the pump.

FLEXIBLE MEDICAL APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH AN APPLIANCE
20230165694 · 2023-06-01 ·

A flexible medical appliance intended to be placed on a part of a patient's body and to match its shape comprises a rigid structure having a contour, as well as at least one deformable layer. The appliance further comprises a bonding fabric engaging at least one peripheral portion of the rigid structure extending along its contour, the rest of the bonding fabric forming an exposed portion for receiving the deformable layer. The rigid structure and the deformable layer are assembled edge to edge, the deformable layer completing the rigid structure to form the medical appliance. The present disclosure also proposes a method for manufacturing such an appliance.

PROSTHETIC SOCKET SEALING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Prosthetic socket sealing systems and methods of use. Embodiments of the present invention include various combinations of sealing elements that are associated with a rigid prosthetic socket and act to seal the socket interior against air intrusion or escape via the open proximal end thereof. The socket interior may thus be evacuated for purposes of vacuum suspension or otherwise.

Lower limb prosthesis comprising a hydraulic damping and a vacuum generating mechanism

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.

Air Control System for Enhancing a Connection Between a Limb Liner and a Limb Prosthesis

A system for joining a limb liner to a prosthesis. The prosthesis has a socket that is joined to the remainder of the prosthesis using a hub assembly. The hub assembly includes a first hub and a second hub. The first hub is disposed within the interior of the socket. The second hub is disposed outside the interior of the socket. An air conduit extends through the hub assembly that enables air to be drawn into the socket and/or vented from the socket. An inflatable interface is disposed within the socket. The inflatable interface receives air through the air conduit in the hub assembly. The inflatable interface is capable of filling any gaps that may exist between a limb liner being worn by an amputee and the socket.