Virgil W Faulkner

US Patent:

55396496, Jul 23, 1996

Filed:

Jan 17, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/373866

Inventors:

Nicolas Walsh - San Antonio TX
Virgil Faulkner - San Antonio TX
Keith S. Pickens - San Antonio TX
Mark V. Muller - San Antonio TX
Henry L. Grothues - Bulverde TX

Assignee:

Southwest Research Institute - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

G06F 1900

US Classification:

36447405

Abstract:

The system for automated design and construction of artificial limb sockets for amputees consists of an array of ultrasound transducers especially constructed to insonify the residual limb of an amputee. The time-of-flight information recovered from this procedure is then stored in a computer, where it can be processed to provide dimensional information with regard to the relative location of the limb, skin, and bone surfaces in space. This three dimensional information is then used to produce an image of the limb with a computer aided design system for customized prosthetic design and manufacture.

US Patent:

53761294, Dec 27, 1994

Filed:

Dec 4, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/621992

Inventors:

Virgil W. Faulkner - San Antonio TX
Nicolas E. Walsh - San Antonio TX

Assignee:

Board of Regents, The University of Texas System - Austin TX

International Classification:

A61F 260
A61F 278
A61F 268
A61F 280

US Classification:

623 33

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for making prosthetic socket preforms, a method for making prosthetic sockets, and a socket attachment component are disclosed. The method of making preforms of the present invention involves the blowmolding of memory plastics with a cooling step prior to parison expansion to enhance the molded-in stresses of the resulting preform. The blowmolding apparatus of the present invention comprises two mold halves having specially designed knifing sections and a modified blow pin. The method for making prosthetic sockets involves heat- and vacuum-forming memory plastic preforms over a positive cast of a residual limb after preheating of the cast to prevent heat-sinking. The socket attachment component disclosed is adapted for molding with a prosthetic socket during heat- and vacuum-forming, is configured to receive a sleeve attachment shaft, and possesses an integral male member for attaching the component and socket to an artificial limb shaft using bolts or screws.