Hypobarically-Controlled artificial limb for amputees
OwnerCarl A. Caspersinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees comprises an outer socket, a flexible, compressible inner socket within the outer socket with a cavity for receiving the residual limb, a space between the inner socket and the outer socket, a vacuum source connected to the cavity, a positive pressure source connected to the space, a regulator for controlling the vacuum source and positive pressure source, and a seal for making an airtight seal between the residual limb and the socket. Another embodiment includes a semi-compressible molding material in the space to mold to the contours of the residual limb under the influence of vacuum and/or positive pressure.
Claims38
A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees who have a residual limb, the artificial limb comprising:
- (a) an outer socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb with a space therebetween;
- (b) a flexible inner socket with a cavity with a volume and shape for receiving a substantial portion of the residual limb and fitting in said space between said outer socket and the residual limb, said inner socket having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface adapted to oppose the residual limb, said outer surface opposing said outer socket;
- (c) a vacuum source;
- (d) a vacuum valve connected to said vacuum source and a vacuum tube connecting said vacuum valve to said cavity, thereby drawing the residual limb into firm contact with said inner surface of said inner socket;
- (e) a regulator means for controlling said vacuum source;
- (f) a power source connected to said regulator means and said vacuum source;
- and
- (g) a seal means for making an airtight seal between the residual limb and said outer socket.
A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees who have a residual limb, the artificial limb comprising:
- (a) an outer socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb with a space therebetween;
- (b) a flexible, compressible inner socket with a cavity with a volume and shape for receiving a substantial portion of the residual limb and fitting in said space between said outer socket and the residual limb, said inner socket having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface adapted to oppose the residual limb, said outer surface opposing said outer socket;
- (c) a positive air pressure source;
- (d) a positive pressure valve connecting said space to said positive air pressure source, for compressing said inner socket as the volume of the residual limb decreases;
- (e) a regulator means for controlling said positive pressure source;
- (f) a power source connected to said regulator means and said positive air pressure source;
- and
- (g) a seal means for making an airtight seal between the residual limb and said socket.
A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees who have a residual limb, the artificial limb comprising:
- (a) an outer socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb with a space therebetween;
- (b) a flexible, compressible inner socket with a cavity with a volume and shape for receiving a substantial portion of the residual limb and fitting in said space between said outer socket and the residual limb, said inner socket having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface adapted to oppose the residual limb, said outer surface opposing said outer socket;
- (c) a vacuum source;
- (d) a positive air pressure source;
- (e) a vacuum valve connected to said vacuum source and a vacuum tube connecting said vacuum valve to said cavity, thereby drawing the residual limb into firm contact with said inner surface of said inner socket;
- (f) a positive pressure valve connecting said space to said positive air pressure source, for compressing said inner socket as the volume of the residual limb decreases;
- (g) a regulator means for controlling said vacuum source and said positive pressure source;
- (h) a power source connected to said regulator means, said vacuum source, and said positive air pressure source;
- and
- (i) a seal means for making an airtight seal between the residual limb and said outer socket.
A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees who have a residual limb, the artificial limb comprising:
- (a) an outer socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb with a space therebetween;
- (b) a flexible, compressible and expandable inner socket with a cavity with a volume and shape for receiving a substantial portion of the residual limb and fitting in said outer space between said socket and the residual limb, said inner socket having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface adapted to oppose the residual limb, said outer surface opposing said outer socket;
- (c) a semi-compressible molding material disposed in said space;
- (d) a vacuum source;
- (e) a first vacuum valve connected to said vacuum source and said space;
- (f) a regulator means for controlling said vacuum source;
- (g) a power source connected to said regulator means and said vacuum source;
- and
- (h) a seal means for making an airtight seal between the residual limb and said outer socket
- whereby said molding material conforms to the shape of the residual limb under the influence of said vacuum source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.