A device is provided to allow adaptation of a prosthetic or robotic foot in the medial-lateral direction, including pronation and supination of the foot using a series of articulations. Articulations are permitted in the disclosed device due to linkage systems positioned at various locations of the prosthetic foot. In particular, the device includes multiple connected linkage systems each including upper and lower portions with an articulating contact surface designed for load carriage and stability. The point of contact between the contact surfaces of each linkage system comprises the position-dependent instantaneous center of rotation of the upper portion with respect to the lower portion. The device also includes a platform coupled between the linkage systems and a base.
A device is provided to allow adaptation of a prosthetic or robotic foot in the medial-lateral direction, including pronation and supination of the foot using a series of articulations. Articulations are permitted in the disclosed device due to linkage systems positioned at various locations of the prosthetic foot. In particular, the device includes multiple connected linkage systems each including upper and lower portions with an articulating contact surface designed for load carriage and stability. The point of contact between the contact surfaces of each linkage system comprises the position-dependent instantaneous center of rotation of the upper portion with respect to the lower portion. The device also includes a platform coupled between the linkage systems and a base.
A conductive human interface has a fabric layer with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A soft coating overlies the interior surface of the fabric layer. An electrode or sensor is included to connect with a residual limb. A conductive path connects the electrode or sensor with an electrical connector which, in turn connects with a prosthetic device. The conductive path includes a conductor having a section overlying the interior surface of the fabric layer between the soft coating and the fabric layer. In some embodiments, nonconductive support thread extends through the fabric layer from the exterior surface to the interior surface, and extends further around the conductor to secure the overlying section of the conductor to the interior surface of the fabric layer.
A device is provided to allow adaptation of a prosthetic or robotic foot in the medial-lateral direction, including pronation and supination of the foot using a series of articulations. Articulations are permitted in the disclosed device due to linkage systems positioned at various locations of the prosthetic foot. In particular, the device includes multiple connected linkage systems each including upper and lower portions with an articulating contact surface designed for load carriage and stability. The point of contact between the contact surfaces of each linkage system comprises the position-dependent instantaneous center of rotation of the upper portion with respect to the lower portion. The device also includes a platform coupled between the linkage systems and a base.
A conductive human interface includes an insulating body of elastomeric material and a compliant electrode embedded in the insulating body. The electrode is formed from an electrically conductive gel including a polymeric material and conductive particles dispersed in the polymeric material. The conductive particles can be included in the gel in an amount that is not more than about 10% by weight.
A prosthetic cushion liner may include a fabric covering having an open end for introduction of a residual limb and a closed end opposite the open end. The prosthetic cushion liner may include a continuous layer of a gel composition residing on an interior surface of the fabric covering. The gel composition may include a plasticizing oil; one or more of a SEBS thermoplastic elastomer, a SEPS thermoplastic elastomer, a SEEPS thermoplastic elastomer; and a hydrogenated clock copolymer.
A61F 2/78 - Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps, or stockings for the limb stump
C08L 53/02 - Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bondsCompositions of derivatives of such polymers of vinyl aromatic monomers and conjugated dienes
B29C 70/78 - Moulding material on one side only of the preformed part
8.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTELLIGENT VACUUM SUSPENSION CONTROL
According to the embodiments provided herein, a system for intelligent vacuum control can include a prosthetic socket, an electric vacuum pump, one or more sensors, a non-transient computer readable medium, and a processor. The stiffness data can correspond to a relationship between pressure variation of the internal pressure of the prosthetic socket and the relative socket motion of the prosthetic socket. The processor can execute program instructions to automatically compare the data indicative of the relative socket motion of the prosthetic socket and the stiffness data. The processor can execute the program instructions to automatically determine a vacuum suspension range based upon the comparison of the data indicative of the relative socket motion of the prosthetic socket and the stiffness data.
Various embodiments of a system and method for sealing a prosthetic socket are disclosed. One example socket sealing system may comprise: a prosthetic socket having a proximal end, an expanded section, and an internal peripheral shoulder; a brim seal having an inner proximal end, an outer proximal end, and a distal end; a removable brim having a distal end; a liner; and a wicking sock; wherein prosthetic socket may be oriented radially outwardly of the outer proximal end of the brim seal, the outer proximal end of the brim seal may be oriented radially outwardly of the removable brim, the removable brim may be oriented radially outwardly of the inner proximal end of the brim seal, the inner proximal end of the brim seal may be oriented radially outwardly of the wicking sock, and the wicking sock may be oriented radially outwardly of the liner; and wherein the brim seal may be reflected about the distal end of the removable brim.
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.
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.
Polymeric material-based composite structures for use in various articles of manufacture, and articles of manufacture in the form of prosthetic liners, prosthetic locking liners, and prosthetic suspension sleeves, incorporating such polymeric material-based composite structures. Composite structures of the invention include a gel composition layer comprising an admixture of a hydrogenated sytrenic thermoplastic elastomer and mineral oil, and a substrate layer, such as a fabric layer. The gel composition may also include other ingredients. Prosthetic liners of the invention include a fabric covering having an open end for introduction of a residual limb and a closed end opposite said open end, with a gel composition layer present on only an interior surface of the fabric covering. The locking liner further includes a distally-located coupling element for coupling the liner to the socket of a prosthesis.
A control Iθd-stretch prosthetic liner comprising a polymeric material covered with at least a stretch-controlling fabric. Certain liner types, such as below knee (BK) liners, may also include a panel of more stretchable fabric so as to prevent any interference with knee flexion. The polymeric material of the liner may also be used to control liner stretch, such as by adding Kevlar pulp or other materials that increase the strength and reduce the elasticity of the polymeric material and/or by reducing the amount of plasticizer(s) present therein. The stretch-controlling fabric, possibly in conjunction with the polymeric material, acts to limit the longitudinal stretch of the liner while not adversely affecting the radial stretch thereof.
A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention preferably employ common communication modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.
A prosthetic device and prosthetic assembly operative to evacuate an interior of a prosthetic socket, and control systems for use therewith. The prosthetic device and prosthetic assembly employ evacuation devices for evacuating the socket. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source, and are adapted for mounting to a universal adapter that is installed to the distal end of a prosthetic socket. Associated control systems may be of various design and may employ wired or wireless communication. When wireless communication is employed, a hand held controller may be used to remotely control operation of the evacuation device.
A prosthetic leg having an electronically controlled regenerative prosthetic knee. In certain embodiments of the present invention the knee may be passive, whereby it is used only to generate electrical energy. In other embodiments, the knee may be active, whereby it can be used to assist with or completely control gait, as well as to generate electrical energy. The knee makes use of an actuator motor/generator to control gait and/or to generate electrical energy. An electronic control system is provided to control overall operation of the prosthetic leg, to distribute generated electrical energy, and to transfer excess electrical energy to one or more storage devices for later use. A prosthetic leg of the present invention having an active prosthetic knee may be especially helpful in assisting an amputee with activities that impart a high torque load to the knee joint.
Evacuation devices for evacuating the socket of a prosthetic limb, and prosthetic limb systems employing such vacuum devices. The evacuation devices each preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source. Such evacuation devices can be attached at various locations on or in a prosthetic limb. Because the electrically powered pump does not require manual manipulation to create vacuum, it is substantially easier to use than a manual pump. Due to the small size and small power source required by such an electrically powered pump, an evacuation device may be readily incorporated into a prosthesis.
