Airflow regulation system for artificial limb and associated methods
OwnerCharles Kinginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The airflow regulation system is to be attached to a residual limb of an amputee. The device includes an airflow liner to define a regulated environment between the residual limb and the airflow liner. The liner has a plurality of airflow passageways defining inflow air channels and an outflow air channel in fluid communication with the defined regulated environment. An airflow control system is connected inline with the outflow and inflow air channels. The airflow control system includes an airflow regulation device, such as a vacuum pump, and an airflow initiating device, such as a solenoid.
Claims24
An airflow regulation system configured to be attached to a residual limb of an amputee, the system comprising:
- an elastomeric airflow liner configured to be donned over the residual limb;
- a textile layer, including a proximal airflow seal, configured to surround at least a portion of the residual limb and define a regulated environment between the liner and the residual limb;
- the liner having a plurality of airflow passageways therethrough and defining inflow air channels and at least one outflow air channel in fluid communication with the regulated environment;
- an airflow control system including an airflow regulation device coupled to the at least one outflow air channel, and an airflow initiating device connected to the inflow air channels.
A method of regulating airflow to a residual limb with an attached artificial limb, the method comprising:
- providing an elastomeric airflow liner configured to be donned over the residual limb;
- providing a textile layer, including a proximal airflow seal, configured to surround at least a portion of the residual limb and define a regulated environment between the liner and the residual limb;
- forming a plurality of airflow passageways through the liner to define inflow air channels and at least one outflow air channel in fluid communication with the regulated environment;
- and
- providing an airflow control system including an airflow regulation device coupled to the at least one outflow air channel, and an airflow initiating device coupled to the inflow air channels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.