Vacuum attachment system
AssigneeOrthocare Innovations LLC
InventorJames Jay Martin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vacuum socket system pertaining to the field of prosthetics wherein an enhanced suspension mechanism is provided by incorporating a vacuum source, circuitry, and a power source. A virtually air-tight seal between residual limb and prosthesis allows a vacuum fit to be generated via a vacuum source. The vacuum source is in constant interaction with circuitry and software for a means of vacuum pressure control, data recordation, and other means. A sound dampening method is employed to lessen both the sound and vibration generated from the vacuum source.
Claims12
A prosthetic vacuum system comprising:
- a socket;
- and
- an electric vacuum pump in fluid communication with the socket, the electric vacuum pump comprising:
- a housing;
- a piston within the housing;
- a first one-way valve coupled to the piston;
- an end cap attached to a first end of the housing;
- and
- a second one-way valve in the end cap.
A prosthetic vacuum system for a socket of a prosthetic device, the vacuum system comprising:
- a housing;
- a piston within the housing;
- an electric actuator coupled to the piston;
- a first one-way valve coupled to the piston;
- an end cap attached to a first end of the housing;
- a second one-way valve in the end cap;
- a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure in the socket;
- and
- a controller in signal communication with the pressure sensor and the electric actuator,
- wherein the controller is configured to dynamically activate the electric actuator based on the sensed pressure.
A method of operating a prosthetic vacuum system, the method comprising:
- sensing a pressure level in a prosthetic socket;
- sending a signal to a controller based on the sensed pressure level;
- generating an activation signal based on the sensed pressure level;
- sending the activation signal to an electric vacuum pump;
- and
- moving a piston in a housing based on the activation signal, wherein moving the piston generates an air exchange through a first one-way valve coupled to the piston and also generates an air exchange through a second one-way valve located in an end cap attached to a first end of the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.