A clamp including: a holding portion and a fixing portion, wherein the fixing portion includes: a base, a support shaft that extends from the base in a direction away from the holding portion, a lock that is provided at a leading end of the support shaft and is formed to be able to be locked to the fixed portion, a spring that is provided in a surrounding region of the support shaft between the base and the lock, and is formed so as to be extendable in a direction in which the support shaft extends, and a vibration suppressor provided between two opposing surfaces of the spring that are adjacent to each other in a direction in which the support shaft extends and face each other.

The anti-noise element (EAR) is applied to separate the end portions of each two spring blades (LM), superimposed and adjacent, of a spring bundle (FM) and comprises a metal plate (10) covered by a coating (20) in polyamide-11 thermoplastic resin and incorporating a median protrusion (12) to be fitted and retained into a corresponding hole (F) provided at the end portion of the spring blade (LM) against which the anti-noise element (EAR) is seated and retained.

The anti-noise element (EAR) is applied to separate the end portions of each two spring blades (LM), superimposed and adjacent, of a spring bundle (FM) and comprises a metal plate (10) covered by a coating (20) in polyamide-11 thermoplastic resin and incorporating a median protrusion (12) to be fitted and retained into a corresponding hole (F) provided at the end portion of the spring blade (LM) against which the anti-noise element (EAR) is seated and retained.

Composite springs, composite spring assemblies, medical devices including the same, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The composite springs may comprise alternating layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass materials. A strengthening adhesive, such as an epoxy, may be used to bind the carbon fiber and fiberglass materials. A dampening member may be attached to the composite spring, thereby at least partially defining a composite spring assembly. The dampening member may dampen elastic/spring forces of the composite spring. The composite spring assembly may be attached to an orthotic device to provide a non-linear spring response during movement of the device.

Composite springs, composite spring assemblies, medical devices including the same, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The composite springs may comprise alternating layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass materials. A strengthening adhesive, such as an epoxy, may be used to bind the carbon fiber and fiberglass materials. A dampening member may be attached to the composite spring, thereby at least partially defining a composite spring assembly. The dampening member may dampen elastic/spring forces of the composite spring. The composite spring assembly may be attached to an orthotic device to provide a non-linear spring response during movement of the device.

An improved shock isolating mounting comprising at least three substantially U-shaped leaf spring members, each leaf spring member comprising at least two leafs arranged to define a space therebetween. In one arrangement, the respective at least three substantially U-shaped leaf spring members are arranged in an array having a substantially equal angular spacing between adjacent spring members.

An improved shock isolating mounting comprising at least three substantially U-shaped leaf spring members, each leaf spring member comprising at least two leafs arranged to define a space therebetween. In one arrangement, the respective at least three substantially U-shaped leaf spring members are arranged in an array having a substantially equal angular spacing between adjacent spring members.

A clamp including: a holding portion and a fixing portion, wherein the fixing portion includes: a base, a support shaft that extends from the base in a direction away from the holding portion, a lock that is provided at a leading end of the support shaft and is formed to be able to be locked to the fixed portion, a spring that is provided in a surrounding region of the support shaft between the base and the lock, and is formed so as to be extendable in a direction in which the support shaft extends, and a vibration suppressor provided between two opposing surfaces of the spring that are adjacent to each other in a direction in which the support shaft extends and face each other.

A variable stiffness spring assembly includes first and second members made of a first material and separated by a gap along at least a portion of their lengths, and one or more layers made of a second material disposed in the gap. The variable stiffness spring assembly can be incorporated into or take the form of a limb support assembly, such as a prosthetic foot. The second material disposed between the first and second members is rate-sensitive or speed-dependent, such that the material exhibits different properties when the user of the prosthetic foot is walking at high or fast walking speeds compared to low or slow walking speeds. The prosthetic foot can exhibit high damping and energy absorption, and therefore stability, at slow speeds, and high energy return at faster speeds.

A variable stiffness spring assembly includes first and second members made of a first material and separated by a gap along at least a portion of their lengths, and one or more layers made of a second material disposed in the gap. The variable stiffness spring assembly can be incorporated into or take the form of a limb support assembly, such as a prosthetic foot. The second material disposed between the first and second members is rate-sensitive or speed-dependent, such that the material exhibits different properties when the user of the prosthetic foot is walking at high or fast walking speeds compared to low or slow walking speeds. The prosthetic foot can exhibit high damping and energy absorption, and therefore stability, at slow speeds, and high energy return at faster speeds.