Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes – With step of making mold or mold shaping – per se – Utilizing surface to be reproduced as an impression pattern
Reexamination Certificate
2001-08-03
2004-03-23
Kuhns, Allan R. (Department: 1732)
Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes
With step of making mold or mold shaping, per se
Utilizing surface to be reproduced as an impression pattern
C264S102000, C425S002000, C425S175000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06709617
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a fabrication procedure using dilatancy devices to make an artificial limb for individuals with transtibial amputation.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Prosthetic limb production is a complicated process. Traditionally, it starts with casting a negative mold of the residual limb using Plaster-of-Paris casting bandages. The negative mold is then filled with Plaster-of-Paris to form a positive model, which is then modified according to the patient's anatomical measurements. Finally, a soft insert is fabricated over the model, followed by lamination with a polyester resin or vacuum forming with a thermoplastic, such as polypropylene, to produce the prosthetic socket. The prosthetic socket is then joined with other components and aligned.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In clinical practice, Plaster-of-Paris is still used routinely. The prosthetic system and method of the present invention makes it possible to apply the principle of dilatancy to actually produce transtibial prosthesis or other limb prosthesis as is known in the art without the need for Plaster-of-Paris, which can be difficult to obtain in some situations.
1. Use of recyclable materials, especially the dilatancy casting system, using inexpensive sand to replace Plaster-of-Paris for forming a negative mold and positive model.
2. Use low-cost, portable equipment for alignment and forming of transtibial prosthesis. The equipment can be easily transported and maintained, to reduce initial set up and maintenance cost.
3. Use a simplified alignment approach, which was previously developed for Scotchcast prosthesis, to improve accuracy and minimize technical errors. Our laboratory trial showed that the procedure could provide rapid formation of a negative mold of a patient's residual limb. The negative mold can be converted into a positive replica of the residual limb. From this positive model, a prosthetic socket can be made.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2472754 (1949-06-01), Mead
patent: 2473723 (1949-06-01), Nelson
patent: 2488922 (1949-11-01), Mead
patent: 2488923 (1949-11-01), Mead
patent: 3962395 (1976-06-01), Hagglund
patent: 5503543 (1996-04-01), Laghi
patent: 5578260 (1996-11-01), De Sena
patent: 5971729 (1999-10-01), Kristinsson et al.
patent: 5980803 (1999-11-01), Stemker et al.
Klopsteg et al., “Human Limbs and Their Substitutes,” pp. 707-711, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., The Maple Press Company, York, PA (1954).
Wu et al., “An Innovative Removable Rigid Dressing Technique for Below-the-Knee Amputation,”The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 61-A(5), 724-729 (Jul. 1979).
Wu et al., “Scotchcast® P.V.C. Interim Prosthesis for Below-Knee Amputees,”Bulletin of Prosthetics Research, 10(36), 40-45 (1981).
Wu et al., “Removable Rigid Dressing for Below-Knee Amputees,” Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics, 11 (1), 33-44 (1987).
Gardner & Carton & Douglas LLP
Kuhns Allan R.
Physicians Against Land Mines
LandOfFree
Prosthetic system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Prosthetic system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Prosthetic system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3282137