Abstract:
A prosthetic foot having a base spring having a toe end portion and a heel end portion, and a top spring assembly. The top spring assembly includes a first spring member having a distal end and a proximal end, a second spring member spaced apart from the first spring member along substantially an entire length of the first spring member, the second spring member having a distal end and a proximal end, a first bond connection provided between the distal ends of the first and second spring members, a second bond connection provided between the distal end of the second spring member and a top surface of the base spring in a forefoot portion of the base spring, and a spring connector extending through at least a first hole formed in the base spring, the second bond connection and the second spring member.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for securing a prosthesis to the residuum of a limb of an amputee and for providing pressure therapy to the residuum so as to manage fluid within the residuum. The apparatus includes a socket (504) shaped to receive a residuum of a limb (502) of an amputee and configured to connect to a prosthetic limb. The socket (504) forming a chamber (505) between the socket (504) and the residuum (502) when the socket receives the residuum. The apparatus also includes a pressure control device (520) operably connected to the chamber (505) and capable of creating a positive pressure and a negative pressure within the chamber to provide pressure therapy to the residuum, as well as provide securement of the socket to the residuum. The apparatus may also include a liner surrounding at least a portion of the residuum. The control device adjust pressure within the chamber based on manual and automatic inputs.
Abstract:
A prosthetic device and related methods having height adjustment features. A prosthetic foot includes an elongate support member comprising fiber reinforced material and having a support surface configured to rest upon a ground surface prior to use, an adapter mounted to the support member and configured to secure the prosthetic foot to another prosthetic device, and a height adjustable feature configured to adjust a height of the adapter relative to the support surface.
Abstract:
A prosthetic device includes an elongate support member of carbon filament material having a first surface, and an adapter. The adapter includes a compressible member, a base portion having a contact surface arranged to contact the first surface of the support member, a cavity sized to receive the compressible member, and a connector portion extending from the base portion and configured to releasably secure the prosthetic foot to a prosthesis, wherein application of a force to the connector portion compresses the compressible member to dampen movement of the base portion relative to the support member until the contact surface contacts the first surface.
Abstract:
A hybrid seating cushion (200) made up of a cushion base (202) and a cushion insert (220). The cushion base (202) has a seating surface (204) in which a void (214) in or extending through the cushion base (202) is formed. A cushion insert (220) such as an air bladder or fluid sack is positioned within the void (214). A lip (218) or upper surface around an opening (212) in the void (214) overhangs at least a portion of the cushion insert (220), thereby minimizing the size and corresponding negative effects of a transition area where the base (202) and the insert (220) overlap.
Abstract:
A simple, wide ranging multi-axial foot (10) with energy return and/or storage. An upper member (30) and a spaced apart lower member (20) are joined through a post (24) connected to the lower member (20) and a ball joint (29) connected to the upper member (30). One buffer (40, 42) is located anterior to the ball joint-post (29, 24), one buffer (40, 42) is located posterior to the ball joint-post (29, 24). A heel member and heel buffer provide additional energy storage and return.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for providing positive and negative pressure to a portion of a body for the purpose of improving blood flow in that portion of the body. The apparatus including a pressure chamber (12) configured to generally conform to and surround a portion of the body, with the chamber adapted to receive the portion of the body within an opening in the chamber. The chamber also including a flexible liner (24) adapted to surround the portion. The liner is configured to extend beyond the chamber when the portion covered by the liner is placed within the chamber with the chamber sealing to the liner. Additionally including a pressure control device (18) having sources of positive and negative pressure. The device being operably connected to the chamber to provide positive and negative pressure to the portion within the chamber in a predetermined, controlled manner. A pressure patch is also described.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are disclosed relating to a mechanical vacuum socket pump (100) used to establish a vacuum in a socket of an artificial limb. In one case, the pump includes a housing (102) within which two pistons (104, 106) coaxially reciprocate. A surface of each of the pistons is linked hydraulically, such that driving one piston causes movement of the other piston through a hydraulic chamber. One piston is also linked to a pneumatic chamber such that movement of that piston draws air from a limb socket or expels air to the atmosphere upon movement of the piston's pneumatic surface. The surface area of the hydraulic surface of this piston is significantly less than the surface area of the pneumatic surface, so a small volumetric displacement of hydraulic fluid may cause a large displacement of air. Thus, the pump efficiently pumps air with minimal compression and extension of the pump as a whole.