A method of manufacturing a microfluidic architecture having at least one channel disposed therein. Steps can include pouring an uncured polymeric material into a mould to produce a first layer; at least partially curing the first layer; and forming the at least one channel by disposing a support material on the first layer; pouring an uncured polymeric material onto the first layer to form a second layer to thereby encapsulate the support material; and at least partially curing the second layer such that the first layer and second layer together form the microfluidic architecture; wherein the support material undergoes a phase change during the process of forming the at least one channel. The phase change of the support material enables the material to be more easily disposed and/or removed after formation of the channel.

Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.

A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.

A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.

A prosthetic liner for insertion within a socket of a prosthetic limb is provided. The prosthetic liner comprises a body having inflatable bladders and pressure sensors disposed thereon, an electronic circuit, one or more actuators, and a processor. The body receives a residual limb on an interior surface and contacts the socket on an exterior surface. The processor receives a digital pressure signal indicative of a detected pressure from each pressure sensor via the electronic circuit and selectively activates the actuators to adjust a pressure in one or more of the inflatable bladders based on the digital pressure signals and the region of the body corresponding to each digital pressure signal.

A prosthetic socket casting cylinder and method for forming a prosthetic limb socket about a distal end portion of residual limb, while the residual limb is weight bearing, the prosthetic socket casting cylinder providing a height adjustable cylinder carrying an internal height adjustable distal interface socket, a pneumatic supply for pressurizing an internal chamber of the cylinder, plural weight sensors for sensing and determining downward pressure and weight exerted upon the cylinder, and a controller for vertically adjustably positioning the cylinder and distal interface, and to determine ratios of downward pressure/weight exerted upon the distal interface and cylinder.

A limb prosthesis, including an inflatable lining (16), a pump assembly (19), for inflating and deflating the inflatable lining (16), a remote control (17), in data communication with the pump assembly (19), for instructing the pump assembly to inflate or deflate the lining (16) to a desired air pressure.

This disclosure includes bubble actuator arrays and methods for making and using the same. Some bubble actuator arrays include a first flexible layer having a substantially flat first portion and a plurality of second portions that protrude away from the first portion to define chambers, a flexible second layer sealed to the first layer to define a plurality of cells in the chambers and between the layers, and where the array can be coupled to a fluid source such that the internal pressures of the cells can be varied. Some of the present methods include adjusting with a processor and fluid source the pressure in the cells of an array. Others of the present methods include placing sacrificial material into chambers of a molded first layer such that a plurality of cells is formed when a second layer is molded coincident to the first and the sacrificial material is removed.

A finger actuator, includes a plurality of fluidically interconnected inflatable chambers, wherein each chamber comprises outer walls having an embedded extensible layer selected to constrain radial expansion and freestanding inner walls; and an inextensible layer connected to the chambers at a base of the chambers, the inextensible layer comprising a flexible polymer and having an embedded inextensible layer that extends along the length of the finger actuator.

An incompressible fluid is used to adjust fit for a prosthetic device, the use of a closed loop control system and force, motion, and position measurement to aid with algorithms controlling the fit of the prosthetic device to a residual limb. Embodiments include automatic actuation, based on triggering of threshold values from sensors, a powered full release feature, use of hydraulic transducers to transfer fluid pressure to force on a limb, and customizable pressure distribution pads and embedded valves in transducers to prevent backflow and allow stabilization of the residual limb. A retrofit system may be used for existing prosthetic sockets. A triggering algorithm utilizes measured force exceeding a threshold or thresholds with a characteristic pulse signature and a triggering of release based on a combination of total motion and measured force below a threshold or thresholds.