Northwestern University

The United States Government As Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Ryan J Caldwell

Andrew H Hansen

Eric A Nickel

Andrew J Nelson

Bennett E Kuhar

Sean M Wood

Kevin A Yngve

Matthew J Major

Wei Chen

Regan A Radcliffe

Stefania Fatone

Prosthetic liner apparatus for improving suspension and rotation control between a residual limb and a socket of a prosthesis include a liner body having a shape configured to receive the residual limb and having an outer surface that fits within the socket. The liner body may have a plurality of raised elastomeric grips located on its outer surface and a proximal end of the outer surface of the liner body includes at least an exposed smooth elastomeric region that fits within and seals with the socket. Further disclosed is a prosthetic sock having raised elastomeric grips on its inner and outer surfaces which is for use with a liner body that is smooth or textured and that may or may not include raised elastomeric grips, and that when used together with the liner body ay form a liner apparatus.

Prosthetic liner apparatus for improved suspension

Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a diaphragm disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump, forming a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.

Vacuum pump systems for prosthetic limbs and methods of using the same

Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a compressible bladder disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump within a fluid circuit of a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.

Growing community of inventors

Long Grove, IL, United States of America

Ryan J Caldwell