Method and apparatus for making prosthetic socket preforms, prosthetic sockets, and socket attachment component

A method of making a prosthetic socket for attachment to an artificial limb shaft, said method comprising:

• providing a positive cast of a patient's residual limb;
• providing a socket attachment component, said component comprising a cylindrical body having an upper surface and a side surface, said upper surface having a depression, a first cylindrical hollow extending downward from a center of said depression for receiving said sleeve attachment shaft, and a second cylindrical hollow intersecting said first cylindrical hollow and opening to the side surface of said body;
• a spring loaded pin assembly disposed in said second hollow having a first end located proximate said first hollow for selectively engaging said sleeve attachment shaft and a second end located outside said second hollow;
• and a connector integrally formed with said body for attaching said socket to said limb shaft;
• said socket attachment component being configured to be integrally molded with said socket;
• providing a plastic preform;
• preheating the positive cast;
• placing the socket attachment component atop the positive cast;
• placing the plastic preform over the positive cast and the socket attachment component;
• heating the plastic preform, the positive cast and the socket attachment component;
• and
• vacuum-forming the plastic preform over the socket attachment component and the positive cast to form a prosthetic socket.