US20030113495A1 - Tubular member with continuous resin layer - Google Patents
Tubular member with continuous resin layer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030113495A1 US20030113495A1 US10/279,855 US27985502A US2003113495A1 US 20030113495 A1 US20030113495 A1 US 20030113495A1 US 27985502 A US27985502 A US 27985502A US 2003113495 A1 US2003113495 A1 US 2003113495A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tubular member
- tubular
- layer
- fabric
- uncured
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/5044—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2/5046—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/5044—Designing or manufacturing processes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/78—Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps, or stockings for the limb stump
- A61F2/7812—Interface cushioning members placed between the limb stump and the socket, e.g. bandages or stockings for the limb stump
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L27/00—Materials for grafts or prostheses or for coating grafts or prostheses
- A61L27/40—Composite materials, i.e. containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material
- A61L27/44—Composite materials, i.e. containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material having a macromolecular matrix
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/18—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/18—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C43/183—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles the preformed layer being a lining, e.g. shaped in the mould before compression moulding, or a preformed shell adapted to the shape of the mould
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/36—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/361—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles with pressing members independently movable of the parts for opening or closing the mould, e.g. movable pistons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
- B29C70/40—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied
- B29C70/42—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C70/44—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
- B29C70/40—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied
- B29C70/42—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C70/46—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs
- B29C70/467—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements during mould closing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
- B29D23/00—Producing tubular articles
- B29D23/001—Pipes; Pipe joints
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30003—Material related properties of the prosthesis or of a coating on the prosthesis
- A61F2002/3006—Properties of materials and coating materials
- A61F2002/30069—Properties of materials and coating materials elastomeric
- A61F2002/3007—Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of elastic material, e.g. of elastomer
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2002/5007—Prostheses not implantable in the body having elastic means different from springs, e.g. including an elastomeric insert
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/5044—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2/5046—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques
- A61F2002/5053—Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques using a positive or a negative model, e.g. casting model or mould
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/5044—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2002/5055—Reinforcing prostheses by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping, e.g. carbon fibre composites
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/78—Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps, or stockings for the limb stump
- A61F2/7812—Interface cushioning members placed between the limb stump and the socket, e.g. bandages or stockings for the limb stump
- A61F2002/7818—Stockings or socks for the limb stump
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/78—Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps, or stockings for the limb stump
- A61F2002/7875—Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps, or stockings for the limb stump with releasable ratchets or pegs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/78—Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps, or stockings for the limb stump
- A61F2/80—Sockets, e.g. of suction type
- A61F2002/802—Suction sockets, i.e. utilizing differential air pressure to retain the prosthesis on the stump
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/081—Specified dimensions, e.g. values or ranges
- B29C2949/082—Diameter
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
- B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
- B29D23/00—Producing tubular articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2083/00—Use of polymers having silicon, with or without sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, or carbon only, in the main chain, as moulding material
- B29K2083/005—LSR, i.e. liquid silicone rubbers, or derivatives thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/04—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped cellular or porous
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/06—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts
- B29K2105/08—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of continuous length, e.g. cords, rovings, mats, fabrics, strands or yarns
- B29K2105/0809—Fabrics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/06—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts
- B29K2105/08—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of continuous length, e.g. cords, rovings, mats, fabrics, strands or yarns
- B29K2105/0854—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of continuous length, e.g. cords, rovings, mats, fabrics, strands or yarns in the form of a non-woven mat
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/06—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts
- B29K2105/08—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of continuous length, e.g. cords, rovings, mats, fabrics, strands or yarns
- B29K2105/0872—Prepregs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/24—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped crosslinked or vulcanised
- B29K2105/246—Uncured, e.g. green
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2009/00—Layered products
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2023/00—Tubular articles
- B29L2023/005—Hoses, i.e. flexible
- B29L2023/007—Medical tubes other than catheters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/753—Medical equipment; Accessories therefor
- B29L2031/7532—Artificial members, protheses
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1352—Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
- Y10T428/1362—Textile, fabric, cloth, or pile containing [e.g., web, net, woven, knitted, mesh, nonwoven, matted, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1352—Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
- Y10T428/139—Open-ended, self-supporting conduit, cylinder, or tube-type article
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1352—Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
- Y10T428/139—Open-ended, self-supporting conduit, cylinder, or tube-type article
- Y10T428/1393—Multilayer [continuous layer]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T442/00—Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
- Y10T442/40—Knit fabric [i.e., knit strand or strip material]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T442/00—Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
- Y10T442/40—Knit fabric [i.e., knit strand or strip material]
- Y10T442/444—Strand is a monofilament composed of two or more polymeric materials in physically distinct relationship [e.g., sheath-core, side-by-side, islands-in-sea, fibrils-in-matrix, etc.] or composed of physical blend of chemically different polymeric materials or a physical blend of a polymeric material and a filler material
Definitions
- This invention relates to the process and apparatus for making prosthetic suction liners and coating tubular substrates.
- the manufacturing process for making suction liners with a fabric exterior covering adhered to one or more cured elastomer inner layers typically involves multiple injection molding procedures and possibly laminating procedures that are designed to build-up the various layers constituting the suction liner. Obtaining an intimate bond between the silicone and fabric layers is particularly important, particularly when it is necessary to maintain full elasticity of the suction liner to enable it to closely fit over and conform to a residual limb of a prosthetic user.
- Injection molding procedures are time consuming and require complex equipment to ensure accurate shapes and thicknesses of various size suction liners.
- Injection molding thick, soft elastomeric layers on the inner surfaces of suction liners also present a challenge using injection molding techniques.
- the invention relates to a process for forming a generally conical, close ended suction liner having a fabric outer covering, a thin cured silicone elastomer coating preferably provided on the interior surface of the fabric and a cured silicone elastomer lining adjacent the intermediate silicone coating.
- the prosthetic suction liner is formed with a distal end cap in which a prosthetic “umbrella” connector is embedded at the distal end of the suction liner using a process according to the invention described herein.
- the prosthetic connector is exposed in a central portion to provide access to a prosthetic pin connector in a conventional manner.
- An optional reinforcement layer may be embedded in the innermost silicone elastomer layer using the inventive process to restrict axial elongation of the distal end portion of the suction liner while permitting lateral distension of the liner material in that portion of the liner in which the reinforcement material is embedded in the silicone elastomer layer.
- One aspect of the inventive process involves providing a cylindrical tubular length of elasticized fabric that is stretchable both longitudinally and laterally relative to the axis of the tube; coating the inner surface of the fabric tube with a continuous, thin cured silicone elastomer that partially penetrates and adheres strongly to the fabric but does not extend through the full fabric thickness; optionally attaching a tubular length of reinforcement matrix material to one end of the coated tubular fabric; placing the tubular length of fabric and the optional reinforcement in a molding device; placing the umbrella prosthetic connector element in the molding device; molding and curing a silicone elastomer distal end cap over one end of the tubular length of coated fabric and the optional reinforcement matrix so as to embed the umbrella prosthetic connector in the distal end cap silicone material while bonding the distal end cap to the end of the tubular length of fabric and the optional reinforcement matrix; removing the tubular length of fabric with the molded distal end cap from the molding device and inserting a premeasured quantity of uncured silicone resin that will form an inner layer of the liner into
- Apparatus for carrying out the process includes a continuous film casting device configured to continuously cast an uncured elastomer film coating on a tubular substrate using sub-atmospheric suction to draw the film to the surface of the fabric substrate; and a heater in series with the continuous film casting apparatus arranged to cure the cast elastomer film continuously during the coating process to thereby produce a continuous tubular length of substrate coated on one surface thereof with a cured elastomer film.
- the suction applied during casting of the uncured elastomer film is adjusted so that the film partially embeds itself in the intersices or pores of the fabric while avoiding complete penetration of the elastomer throughout the fabric thickness. This leaves the opposed surface of the fabric free of elastomer while producing a continuous sealing film of elastomer on the first surface of the tubular length of fabric.
- the tension applied to the coated substrate is adjusted to produce optimum qualities for the coated length of substrate that are appropriate for the thus produced product or any subsequent use of the coated substrate in a manufacturing procedure in which the coated substrate is formed into an end product.
- the thus coated tubular length of substrate may be reversed with the cured elastomer coating on the inside of the substrate.
- the tubular coated substrate may then be cut to lengths corresponding approximately to individual lengths of products to be made with the coated lengths of substrate and a tubular matrix of reinforcement material may be attached to one end of the end of the tubular length of substrate for use, for example, in a prosthetic suction liner.
- a distal end cap may be molded to the one end of a tubular length of coated elasticized fabric substrate with a prosthetic connector fitting or umbrella embedded in the distal end cap.
- the substrate comprises a tubular elasticized fabric such as circular knit fabric that is distensible both lengthwise and widthwise and the elastomer is constituted of a silicone elastomer formulated so that it may be cast as a continuous film in its uncured condition in a temperature range that is practical.
- the coated fabric maintains its elasticity due to the elasticity of the silicone elastomer in its cured condition.
- the surface of the cured silicone film may be left in a somewhat tacky condition so as to be readily bondable to a subsequent silicone elastomer layer.
- the cold forging apparatus includes a female die that preferably includes suction devices to draw the fabric tube into intimate contact with the interior walls of the female die prior to the advancement of the male member into the female die.
- the male die member formed in accordance with a desired inner profile of the innermost silicone elastomer layer of the suction liner, is advanced into the uncured silicone elastomer previously deposited into the closed end of the fabric and distal end cap assembly so the elastomer is forced to flow longitudinally through a cavity that is formed between the female die and the male die member from the closed end of the suction liner to the proximal open end thereof.
- the procedure may be referred to as a cold forging process for convenience.
- the rate of advancement of the male die member is controlled to permit complete flow of the uncured silicone elastomer throughout the cavity provided between the male and female die members, particularly when the gap between the male and female die members varies along the length of the molding device.
- a guide pin may be inserted into the prosthetic connector element embedded in the distal end cap of the pre-formed tubular length of coated fabric, distal end cap and prosthetic connector.
- the female die includes an aperture at its distal end arranged to receive the guide pin to thereby center and locate the length of coated fabric and distal end cap in the female die before the male die member is advanced into the female die to cold forge the uncured silicone elastomer resin into the die cavity between the male and female die members.
- the male and female dies may be heated to perform a preliminary curing of the silicone elastomer of the silicone elastomer in the mold cavity before the laminated assembly of elasticized fabric, thin coating of silicone elastomer and final inner layer of silicone elastomer are removed from the die.
- FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section view of a suction liner formed in accordance with the process according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a distal end view of the suction liner shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a section view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3 to show the details of the suction liner side wall
- FIG. 5 shows a tubular sealing sleeve formed by using a coating process according to the present invention
- FIGS. 6 - 10 show the geometry of the cured silicone elastomer inner layer of a suction sleeve shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a flat section of elasticized fabric in process of being folded and stitched to form a length of tubular elasticized fabric;
- FIG. 12 schematically shows a continuous coating system for applying a cast elastomer film onto one surface of the tubular substrate in a continuous process
- FIGS. 13 and 14 show details of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12;
- FIG. 15 shows a reinforcement matrix stitched to one end of a length of elasticized fabric that has been coated with a continuous cured silicone elastomer film
- FIG. 16 shows a molding device for molding a distal end cap onto the length of tubular elasticized fabric that has been previously coated and provided with a tubular length of reinforcement matrix at one end thereof;
- FIGS. 17 - 21 schematically illustrate a procedure for molding a distal end cap onto the tubular fabric using the apparatus shown in FIG. 17;
- FIG. 22 is a detailed view showing the distal end of an assembly of elasticized tubular fabric coated with a continuous silicone elastomer film on the inner surface thereof, a reinforcement matrix, a distal end cap and an embedded prosthetic connector in the distal end cap;
- FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a procedure to dispense a predetermined quantity of uncured silicone elastomer into the closed end of the preformed assembly illustrated in FIG. 23;
- FIG. 24 shows a cold forging system utilizing a female mold cavity and a male mold element that are brought together to form a mold cavity into which previously inserted uncured silicone elastomer is cold forged to completely fill the mold cavity;
- FIG. 25 shows the die system illustrated in FIG. 24 in a closed condition
- FIG. 26 shows the detail XXVI in FIG. 25.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates in a cross-section view a prosthetic suction liner 10 that may be formed using the process and apparatus described herein.
- the liner is formed in part of a composite elastic material 12 on its interior surface and an elasticized fabric layer 14 on its exterior surface at least up to its distal end area 16 , where a distal end cap 18 having embedded therein a rigid prosthetic connector 20 formed, for example, of aluminum or other metal, or rigid plastic such as Nylon, is provided.
- the liner 10 is formed as a close ended tapered tubular element, as is conventional for such suction liners.
- the distal end cap 18 firmly joins the prosthetic connector 20 to the suction liner 10 while providing a cushioning and stabilizing surface at the distal end of the liner.
- the prosthetic connector 20 includes preferably a threaded aperture 22 for providing access to a threaded prosthetic pin connector in a manner well known in the art.
- FIG. 2 shows the suction liner in an end view as seen from the distal end of the liner.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1 and shows the composite elastic material 12 , the elasticized fabric layer 14 , and a second thin continuous coating of silicone elastomer material 24 partially embedded in the elasticized fabric layer 14 while not completely penetrating the fabric layer.
- the intermediate coating 24 is bonded on its opposite side to the composite elastic material 12 , whereby the entire assembly of composite elastic material 12 , elastomer coating 24 and elasticized fabric 14 is at least freely radially elastically distendable.
- the composite elastic material layer 12 may have embedded therein a matrix of reinforcement fibers 26 or other suitable reinforcement having properties such that the composite elastic layer 12 strongly resists longitudinal elongation while it is freely distendable radially of the suction liner for use in liner applications when axial elongation of the liner must be limited.
- a circular knit glass fiber or Nylon material is preferred.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3 and shows the composite elastic material made in accordance with the present invention in more detail as well as a wall section of suction liner 40 made with such material.
- Layer 12 may be a novel composite elastic material comprising a cured silicone elastomer containing silicone oil and hollow microspheres 28 dispersed throughout the silicone elastomer layer.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 also show the reinforcement matrix fibers 26 embedded in the silicone elastomer layer, but it should be understood that such reinforcement fibers are optional and extend over a distal portion of the liner to limit axial distension of the liner in such distal portion.
- the reinforcement fibers 26 do not constitute a portion of the basic composite elastic material described above.
- the composite elastic material layer 12 itself is regarded as a new and useful proprietary composite elastic material independently of the fibers 28 , the outer fabric 14 and the intermediate coating.
- the composite elastic material 12 is formed principally of a silicone elastomer obtainable from NuSil Technology of Carpinteria, Calif. under Product Designation CF13-2188.
- a silicone elastomer obtainable from NuSil Technology of Carpinteria, Calif. under Product Designation CF13-2188.
- thermoplastic microspheres consisting of a polymeric shell with an enclosed blowing agent.
- the specific thermoplastic microspheres utilized in this example of the invention are expanded microspheres obtained from AKZO NOBEL of Sweden under the trade name EXPANCEL®, Product No. 551DE.
- the microspheres 28 preferably have a density of 0.005 g/cm 3 to 1.25 g/cm 3 , preferably 0.05 g/cm 3 .
- EXPANCEL® microspheres For a fuller understanding of the formulation of EXPANCEL® microspheres, reference may be made to EXPANCEL® Technical Bulletin 29 and the EXPANCEL® product specification and material safety data sheets, all of which are available from AKZO NOBEL, S-850, 13 Sundsvall, Sweden.
- the silicone oil included in the composite elastic material may be obtained from GE Bayer Silicones GmbH of D 51 368 Leverkusen, Germany under Product Name Baysilone Fluid M350.
- the composite elastic layer 12 comprises 50-99.4% by weight of silicone elastomer, preferably 77.25%; 0.5-45% by weight of silicone oil, preferably 10%; and 0.1-5% by weight of microspheres, preferably 0.75%.
- the composite elastic layer 12 also may include one or more skin treatment agents blended into the silicone elastomer, for example Vaseline and aloe vera.
- one or more skin treatment agents blended into the silicone elastomer for example Vaseline and aloe vera.
- up to 20% by weight of the composite elastic layer preferably 11.9%, may be Vaseline and up to 3%, preferably 0.1%, may be a secondary skin treatment agent such as aloe vera.
- EXPANCEL® hollow microspheres as described above are preferred, it should be understood that other hollow microspheres having a density range of 0.005 g/cm 3 to 1.24 g/cm 3 , preferably 0.05 g/cm 3 , could be used.
- a preferred embodiment of the composite elastic layer will have a density of 0.5 g/cm 3 to 1.3 g/cm 3 , preferably 0.94 g/cm 3 ; a tensile strength greater than 0.1 Pa, preferably greater than 0.5 Pa; a durometer (00) of 13 to 62, preferably 22; a 100% modulus of 5 kPa to 250, preferably 20 kPa; and a compression set of 0 to 30, preferably 8.
- the composite elastic material 12 when laminated or bonded with an elasticized textile layer 14 , such layer 14 , in a preferred embodiment, may be described as a Supplex Nylon circular knit of 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex fibers using 28 needles per 2.5 cm having a weight per square yard of 6.9 ozs. and a weight per linear yard of 12 ozs.
- a Supplex Nylon is obtainable from Agmont Inc. of Montreal, Quebec, Canada under Style Name 5095.
- This material has a finished width of 60′′ (152.4 cm) and is substantially elastically distendable along its length and width in a manner appropriate for a prosthetic suction liner.
- the reinforcing fibers 26 may be a circular knit textile formed of relatively non-distendable interlocked fibers (at least within the load ranges contemplated for use in a prosthetic suction liner) wherein the knit construction is such that the layer 26 strongly resists elongation in a longitudinal direction while being freely distendable laterally in a radial direction when it is embedded in the composite elastic layer 12 .
- Any appropriate reinforcement matrix that would provide such properties could be used for layer 26 , but as a practical matter a circular knit glass fiber or Nylon material is appropriate, provided it has the anisotropic properties described above.
- the textile layer 14 is normally air permeable and is usually formed from a flat knit elasticized fabric that has been rolled into a tube and stitched along abutting side edges along the length of the tube.
- the inside surface of the fabric layer 14 facing the composite elastic layer 12 is coated with a thin layer of cured silicone elastomer 24 that is partially embedded in the fibers of the textile 14 without completely penetrating the textile 14 .
- the silicone elastomer layer 24 is cured while embedded in the textile so that it is firmly adhered to the textile and preferably renders the textile and silicone layer 24 impermeable to air.
- the thin coating of silicone elastomer 24 provides a good bonding surface for the composite elastic layer 12 described above.
- the silicone layer 24 is obtainable under Product No. CF15-2188 from NuSil Technology of Carpinteria, Calif.
- Physical properties of the combined composite elastic layer 12 , coating 24 and elasticized fabric 14 include a tensile strength greater than 1 Pa, preferably greater than 2 Pa; and a 100% modulus of 5 to 300 kPa, preferably 55 kPa.
- the distal end cap 18 may be formed of a silicone elastomer including 98% by weight silicone rubber, type MED-4950 or type MED-4050 or type CF15-2188, all available from NuSil Technology, with the balance (2%) constituted of a color mixture, for example a color powder blended from 12.5 parts Lucas color No. 2408, 12.5 parts Lucas color No. 2439 and 75 parts Lucas color No. 2510 all obtainable from Fr. Schoenfeld GmbH and Co. include: the material uses a platinum cure system; a press cure time of 50 minutes at 150° C.; durometer 45-55; tensile strength 1000 psi (6.9 Mpa); elongation 400%; and a tear strength 230 ppi (40.3 kN/M).
- a silicone elastomer including 98% by weight silicone rubber, type MED-4950 or type MED-4050 or type CF15-2188, all available from NuSil Technology, with the balance (2%) constituted of a color mixture, for example a color powder blended from
- a sealing sleeve 30 for example a sleeve capable of sealing the gap between the upper end of a prosthetic socket and a residual limb as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,208 includes an outer textile layer 32 that is an elasticized, porous or air permeable fabric on which a continuous cured silicone coating 34 has been applied and bonded thereto in the same manner as the coating 24 attached to the layer 14 of the suction sleeve material as illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 4 and described above.
- the interior surface of the sleeve 30 includes a composite elastic material 36 formed in the same manner as the composite elastic layer 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 4 and described above.
- the thickness of the composite elastic material 36 may be adjusted to fit the requirements of a sealing sleeve.
- the composite elastic layer 36 is intimately bonded and adhered to the coating 34 .
- the combined assembly of the textile 32 , coating 34 and composite elastic layer 36 is fully distendable both radially and longitudinally in accordance with the requirements of a sealing sleeve for prosthetic applications.
- the outer fabric layer 32 may be a circular rib knit fabric made of 95% Nylon and 5% Lycra, knit as a 1 ⁇ 1 rib using 220 needles per 2.5 cm for a 12 cm width tube and 264 needles per 2.5 cm for a 14 cm tube. This fabric may be obtained from RX-Textile of Monroe, N.C.
- FIGS. 6 - 10 A preferred form of the suction liner made with the composite elastic material layer 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 - 10 (the fabric is omitted in the views as being nonessential).
- the composite elastic material including the cured silicone elastomer layer with silicone oil and hollow microspheres and outer fabric is molded or formed as a tapered suction liner 40 having a closed distal end 42 of uniform thickness, an external profile 44 (see FIG. 10) that is circular with the radii of curvature of the external surface 44 centered on a first central longitudinal axis 46 extending through the suction liner 40 .
- the geometry of such suction liner is illustrated in FIGS. 6 - 10 .
- the following table 1 describes the variables shown in FIGS.
- the suction sleeve 40 includes a circular curved inside anterior wall portion 50 having first radii of curvature centered on a second longitudinal axis of anterior curvature 52 extending longitudinally through the suction sleeve towards the anterior side of the first central axis 46 and a posterior wall portion 54 having second radii of curvature centered on a third longitudinal axis 56 located in the posterior direction relative to the central axis 46 , said first, second and third longitudinal axes 46 , 52 and 56 all lying in a common longitudinally and transversely extending imaginary plane 60 (FIG.
- anterior and posterior wall portions 50 , 54 intersect each other along inner diametrically opposed transition wall portions 62 that extend tangentially relative to the adjoining anterior and posterior wall portions along the sleeve length, so that the interior wall surface of the suction liner along the transition areas 62 are free of rapid changes in thickness, curvature or cross-section profile, as seen best in FIG. 10.
- the radii of curvature of the inside surfaces of the anterior and posterior portions of the sleeve are equal to each other along their respective second and third axes, as observable in FIG. 10.
- a formula for generating the interior profile of the suction sleeve shown in FIGS. 6 - 10 is indicated at the bottom of FIG. 6, and such formula is used to control a computer assisted machine tool (e.g., lathe) used to form a male mold element that shapes the inner profile of the liner.
- a computer assisted machine tool e.g., lathe
- a flange area 66 is provided wherein the thickness of the composite elastic material progressively thins as the top edge 68 is approached.
- the inside surface of the flange portion 66 of the anterior wall 50 tapers inwardly as the top edge 68 is approached as shown at 70 and the outer surface of the proximal end of the flange portion 66 of posterior wall 54 also tapers inwardly as shown at 72 in FIG. 9.
- the top edge 68 of the sleeve is relatively thin as compared with the thickness of the remainder of the sleeve.
- the distal end 42 of the sleeve is spherical in curvature and joins the adjoining side wall of the sleeve along a tangent so as to provide a smooth interior and exterior contour as the sleeve transitions between the tapered conical upper portion and the spherically curved closed end portion 42 .
- the thickness of the end portion 42 may be the same thickness as the anterior wall 50 .
- the posterior wall 54 transitions from the same thickness as the anterior wall at the distal end of the sleeve to a thinner wall section over the length of the sleeve in which the thinner wall section is desired.
- a smooth transition area 74 is provided between the thinner posterior wall section 54 and the full thickness of the wall portion of the sleeve at the distal end of the sleeve.
- suction liner as illustrated in FIG. 1 may be made in accordance with the process described below using the apparatus also described below for carrying out the process.
- a textile layer corresponding to layer 14 is initially made as a flat strip 100 as illustrated in FIG. 11.
- the flat strip is rolled into a tubular form so that opposed side edges of the strip are abutted together and then stitched at 100 ′ along the abutting edges to form continuous lengths 101 of tubular elasticized fabric that may be utilized in the external cover of a suction liner such as suction liner 10 .
- a continuous film casting device for coating the tubes 101 includes a vertically extending rod 102 having a conduit 104 extending therethrough in communication with a suction pump 106 , the operation of which is controlled by a controller element 107 in a manner to be described in more detail below.
- a casting zone 105 along which is located continuous annular film casting device 108 through which an uncured tubular elastomeric film or layer may be expressed as a continuous, generally vertical uninterrupted film generally coaxially surrounding the rod 102 or any substrate material that may be advanced along the surface of the rod 102 through the film casting device 108 .
- a source 110 of coating material to be expressed through the film casting device 108 is connected to the latter by means of conduit 112 , pump 114 and a control system 116 for governing the operation of the pump 114 .
- the film casting device 108 may be provided with a heating and cooling system 118 , which may include a circulating system for circulating a heating or cooling medium through the film casting device 108 by means of a pump 120 governed by a control system 122 .
- a suction or sub-atmosphere chamber 124 is connected to the upper surface of the film casting device 108 to create a sub-atmospheric pressure chamber 126 when a suction is applied to the chamber 126 via conduit 128 .
- the conduit 128 may be connected to suction pump 106 via conduit 104 during operation of the film casting device to create a sub-atmospheric pressure in chamber 126 , or a separate suction line 109 may be used for this purpose.
- the lower end of the rod 102 extends through a heating or curing zone including heating furnace 130 which may contain, for example, radiant or electrical heating elements 132 that provide a source of heat for curing a film expressed through the film casting device 108 .
- Annular tension control washers 136 spaced axially along the length of rod 102 are provided to control tension of a substrate coated in the apparatus described in a manner to be explained in more detail below.
- An annular array of suction orifices 140 or the equivalent are provided on the rod 102 and which are in communication with air passages 144 which are in turn in communication with air passage 104 within rod 102 .
- Orifices 140 may be incorporated in an annular member affixed to the rod 102 at a location where apertures 144 are provided in the rod 102 enabling communication between the orifices 140 and the passage 104 . Suction applied by pump 106 can thereby be applied at orifices 140 over an area surrounding the rod 102 .
- Textile advancing drive elements 150 are provided adjacent the rod 102 above the suction housing 124 for cooperating with a relatively fixed guide element 152 affixed to rod 102 .
- the drive element 150 is rotatable by a motor 154 operable under the control of a controller 55 connected to the motor. When a substrate is inserted between the drive element 150 and the seat 152 , the substrate will be advanced along the rod 102 in accordance with the driving direction of the rotatable element 150 .
- the orifices in film casting device 108 for expressing or discharging a tubular film or coating material 155 supplied from source 110 is configured in accordance with desired properties of the film or coating to be applied by the coating system as shown. Relatively thin coatings may be expressed through a continuous annular slot provided in the film casting device 108 or relatively thick coatings may be applied in the same fashion.
- the vacuum in chamber 126 is adjusted to provide initial contact between a film 155 expressed through the film casting device 108 and the substrate advanced through the film casting device in a manner to be described below. Subsequently, when the substrate is air permeable, the suction device 140 draws the uncured film material into the substrate to a desired extent, for example only partially through the substrate thickness if it is desired to maintain uncoated substrate on the opposed surface of the substrate advanced through the film casting device. Higher suction applied at suction device 140 could be applied if it was desired to fully penetrate a porous substrate advanced through the film casting device.
- the heater 130 is regulated to fully cure a film expressed through the film casting device 108 and the time and temperature of such curing may be regulated by regulating the speed of advancement of the coated substrate through the heating device in accordance with known principles related to curing of curable films in coatings such as silicone elastomer, for example.
- a previously formed length of tubular, elasticized fabric such as porous or air permeable fabric length 101 is threaded vertically upwardly over rod 102 with a lower end of the fabric threaded over element 152 , through suction chamber 126 , through the film coating device 108 , over suction device 140 , through heater 130 and onto a take-up spool 160 that is rotatable at a controlled speed by motor 162 in accordance with signals received from controller 164 .
- Idler rollers 166 may be provided to enable the direction of the coated fabric to be turned at the lower end of rod 102 to advance the fabric to the take-up spool 160 .
- the inner edge of the film expressed through the film casting device 108 may be manually adhered to the surface of fabric 101 , whereupon the film 126 effectively closes the bottom of the suction chamber 126 so that the film is thereafter drawn inwardly by sub-atmospheric pressure communicated to the outer surface of the fabric 101 via the interstices of the fabric against the surface of the fabric uniformly over its entire periphery as the fabric is advanced through the film casting device 108 .
- the fabric is threaded through the advancing mechanism 150 , 152 by rotating the roller 150 in a direction to advance the fabric downwardly over the rod 102 .
- the positive feeding of the fabric 101 through the suction device 126 prevents undue tension from being applied to the fabric upon rotation of the take-up spool 160 . It is desirable to maintain the fabric substrate in a relatively relaxed condition to the extent possible, although a pretension may be applied to the fabric if desired as it is advanced through the film casting device 108 or through the heater 130 .
- the suction device 140 draws the uncured and pliable continuous, uninterrupted elastomeric film layer intimately into contact with and adhered to the air permeable substrate fabric 14 to the extent desired for the specific application of the coated fabric.
- the fabric with the uncured resin coating then passes through the heater 130 where the coating is cured for a desired time at a desired temperature, all dictated by the properties of the cast film to be cured, and in accordance with known principles.
- the tension on the coated fabric is controlled by the annular tension control washer elements 136 which apply a predetermined frictional drag on the fabric on its inner side as it is advanced over the rod 102 and also maintain the fabric extended radially somewhat as it passes through the heater 130 .
- the number of annular elements 136 may be adjusted in accordance with the fabric and the coating applied thereto.
- the film casting device 108 may be selectively heated or cooled by using the heating and cooling system illustrated at 118 , 120 , 122 .
- the degree of heating or cooling will depend upon the composition of the film to be cast on the surface of the fabric 101 .
- the resultant coated tubular fabric collected on spool 160 is now available to be used in a subsequent process to make a suction liner or may be available for any other application wherein a continuous cured coating applied to an elasticized tubular substrate is desired.
- the film to be cast on fabric 101 corresponds to film 24 described previously and the fabric 101 corresponds to the fabric outer layer 14 of the silicone liner described above in FIGS. 1 - 4 .
- the coated fabric is cut into lengths as shown in FIG. 15 and a length of tubular reinforcement matrix material 169 is affixed, for example by sewing, to the end of the coated fabric.
- the matrix 170 may correspond to layer 26 in the suction liner of FIG. 1.
- the reinforcement matrix comprises interlocked fibers such as a circular knit tubular fabric that strongly resist longitudinal elongation but readily distends radially.
- the coating apparatus described above may be used to form multiple continuous coatings on a tubular substrate simply by advancing a previously coated tubular substrate through the coating apparatus in the same manner as described above.
- the sealing sleeve illustrated in FIG. 5 may be formed using the coating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12 by first providing a continuous coating of silicone elastomer on one surface of a tubular elasticized fabric and then subsequently passing the thus coated fabric through the film casting device 108 while expressing a composite elastic material corresponding to layer 36 in FIG. 5 through the casting device 108 .
- the layer 36 may then be cured in the heater 130 .
- a compression molding apparatus for use in molding a distal end cap on one end of a length 101 of coated elasticized fabric with a reinforcement matrix 169 attached thereto.
- the molding apparatus includes a lower female mold cavity 170 configured to form an external shape on a distal end cap to be molded in the cavity and including a central guiding aperture 172 , heating elements 174 , preferably electrically energized, and a pressure chamber 176 that is in communication with a pneumatic pump 178 that is controllable by controller 180 in combination with a shut-off valve 182 that selectively pressurizes pressure chamber 176 .
- Pneumatic pressure orifices 184 are spaced peripherally around the support 186 for the female mold 170 .
- the support 186 is rotatably mounted on a base 187 by means of bearings 188 so that the female mold support 186 may be rotated about an axis of rotation relative to the base 187 and the upper part of the molding device to be described below.
- Vertical support members 189 are schematically illustrated extending between the base 187 and the upper part of the molding device.
- the support members 189 may be rods or pillars with open areas between them to provide access to the female mold 170 and the upper part of the molding device.
- the upper part of the molding device supported above the female mold 170 includes a male mold plug and clamping element 190 and a cooperating clamping cylinder 192 that slidably supports the male mold and clamping device 190 for reciprocal movement relative to the clamping cylinder 192 .
- the mold and clamping device 190 is supported, for example, by a rod 194 or equivalent that is connected to a pneumatic cylinder 196 that is operable to control movement of the male mold and clamping element 190 towards and away from the distal end of the clamping cylinder 192 to effectively open or close the distal or lower end of the clamping cylinder 192 .
- clamping cylinder 192 The interior of clamping cylinder 192 is provided with a suction chamber 196 that communicates with a suction pump 198 via conduit 200 and shut-off valve 202 .
- Pump 198 and shut-off valve 202 are operated under the control of a controller 204 such that a suction can be applied to suction chamber 196 by pump 198 selectively to create an inflow of air between the mold and clamping device 190 and the distal end of the clamping cylinder 192 through a gap 195 .
- the entire assembly of the clamping cylinder 192 and the mold and clamping device 190 may be reciprocally moved towards and away from the female mold 170 by a second pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 208 , the operation of which is controlled by a controller 210 and appropriate valving 212 , whereby the clamping cylinder 192 and the mold and clamping device 190 may be advanced into cooperation with the female mold 170 to create a mold cavity between the bottom surface of the mold and clamping device 190 and the surface of the female mold 170 .
- a guide rod and orifice plug 214 optionally extends centrally through the male mold and clamping device 190 for cooperation with the guide opening 172 in the female mold 170 when it is desired to maintain an aperture in a distal end cap to be molded between the male and female molds 190 , 170 . Such an aperture is desired if a prosthetic connector is to be molded into the end cap.
- the various pumps, valves and controllers, as well as the heating elements 174 all may be controlled and operated from a central control panel 220 using conventional control technology including digital computer processors.
- FIG. 17 The operation of the molding device described in FIG. 17 will now be described in conjunction with FIGS. 18 - 22 when it is desired to mold an end cap on a coated elasticized fabric with a prosthetic connector and a distension controlling reinforcement matrix as previously described.
- a length of the coated elasticized fabric 101 with a reinforcement matrix 169 attached thereto as shown in FIG. 15 is threaded over the female mold support 186 with the free end of the reinforcement matrix 170 threaded over the distal end area of the clamping cylinder 192 , as illustrated in FIG. 17.
- the mold and clamping device 190 is in the extended position thereby exposing the gap 195 between the mold and clamping device 190 and the distal end of clamping cylinder 192 .
- a suction is then applied to the suction chamber 196 by pump 106 which draws in the free end of the reinforcement matrix 170 through the gap 195 .
- the mold and clamping element 190 is then moved to its upper or closed position relative to the clamping cylinder 192 to effectively close the gap 195 and to clamp the free end of the reinforcement matrix 170 between the mold and clamping device 190 and the clamping cylinder 192 , as illustrated in FIG. 18.
- the female mold support 186 is then rotated 1 ⁇ 4 turn or so relative to the base 187 to introduce a twist constriction 218 in the tubular reinforcement matrix 170 that effectively forms a closure at the one end of the length of coated elasticized fabric 101 and leaves a free tubular length of reinforcement matrix 170 within the clamping cylinder 192 .
- the rod element 214 in this example extends through the central area of the twisted section 218 of reinforcement matrix 170 .
- a sudden pressure is then applied to pressure chamber 176 that blows the length of coated elasticized textile outwardly and upwardly over the external surface of the clamping cylinder 192 , which may be provided with suction orifices 219 to assist in this procedure as seen in FIG. 20.
- a rigid prosthetic connector “umbrella” element 224 is next primed or coated with an uncured elastomer that forms an intimate bond with the connector element and with the elastomer to be used for the distal end cap to be molded in the cavity to be provided between the male mold and clamping element 190 and the female mold 170 .
- the thus primed and coated prosthetic connector element 224 is placed in the female mold 170 so that it is spaced away from the bottom of the mold surface with a connector portion thereof 226 extending through aperture 172 .
- a premeasured portion 225 of uncured elastomer material (which may be the same as the primer) is then placed in the female mold cavity 170 on the connector element 224 and thereafter the clamping cylinder 192 and the associated mold and clamping device 190 with the coated elasticized fabric 101 and reinforcement matrix 170 is advanced towards the female mold 170 to compress and shape the uncured elastomer material in the mold cavity so that it conforms on one side to the surface of the female mold 170 and on its other side to the surface of the male mold and clamping element 190 .
- the prosthetic connector 224 becomes totally embedded in the silicone material in the mold cavity so that it is completely covered by the elastomer. This is illustrated in FIG. 21, for example.
- the heater element 174 is activated at the appropriate time to heat the female mold 170 to an appropriate curing temperature for the silicone elastomer used to form the distal end cap and the priming elastomer applied on the prosthetic connector 224 .
- the elastomer is then cured to produce a relatively firm distal end cap 230 as shown in FIG. 23, with a free length of reinforcement matrix 170 within the coated elasticized fabric 101 .
- the distal end cap 230 bonds together the twisted reinforcement matrix 218 while the male and female molding surfaces together shape the inside and outside contours of the distal end of the coated fabric 101 .
- the elastomer selected for the end cap 230 provides desired properties for the distal end cap as part of a prosthetic suction liner.
- a source of the silicone elastomer resin is provided at 236 and a precision measuring pump 238 is operated via controller 240 to dispense a precise quantity of uncured elastomer 232 into the holder 234 and within the open distal end of the length of tubular elasticized fabric 101 that has been closed by the end cap 230 .
- the partially filled pre-form is now placed in a female molding or shaping die cavity 242 as shown in FIG. 24 with the length of coated fabric 101 fully extended over the length of the female die cavity 242 .
- the female die cavity 242 is defined within a female die support structure 244 that may include suction orifices 246 to which a suction may be applied via valve 248 to draw the pre-formed coated elasticized fabric 101 and the distal end cap 230 into close conformity with the female die cavity 242 .
- the support 244 includes a heater 250 that may be energized to raise the temperature of the female die support up to the curing temperature of the elastomer deposited in the distal end of the coated fabric sleeve 14 .
- a male die element or plug 252 is reciprocally mounted relative to the female die support 244 so as to be axially movable into and out of the cavity defined by the female die 242 .
- a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder arrangement 254 may be provided to advance the male die element 252 towards and away from the female die cavity 242 under the control of a controller 256 that may be integrated with the controller for the heater 250 .
- the external contour of the male die 252 is configured to provide a defined shape to produce a die cavity that results when the male die 252 is fully advanced towards the female die cavity 242 to form a die cavity as shown in FIG. 25.
- the uncured elastomer 232 is cold forged or driven into the die cavity between the male die 252 and the inner walls of the female cavity 242 progressively from the distal end of the pre-formed coated fabric and distal end cap to the proximal open end of the tubular fabric 101 .
- the external surface of the male die 252 is contoured to define the internal shape of the elastomer material occupying the die cavity between the male die 252 and the female die cavity 242 while the female die cavity 242 is shaped to define the external contour of the fabric 101 to be joined with the elastomer in the mold cavity.
- the contour of the male die 252 also includes appropriate surface areas designed to enhance the uniform flow of uncured elastomer from the distal end of the pre-form to the proximal end thereof to ensure that the die cavity between the male and female die elements is completely and uniformly filled with the uncured elastomer material that previously was introduced into the tubular elasticized fabric 101 in a quantity sufficient to fill the die cavity.
- a guide pin 253 having a threaded proximal end may be threaded into the prosthetic connector 224 prior to insertion of the fabric length 101 into the female die cavity.
- An aperture 253 ′ is provided in the bottom of the support 244 to receive the guide pin 253 as the fabric length 101 is lowered into the female die cavity.
- a locking ring 251 may be provided at one end of the fabric sleeve 101 that cooperates with the male die 252 to limit the length of the cold forged liner formed from the uncured silicone elastomer 232 when the male and female dies are brought together.
- the heater 250 is activated at the appropriate time to cure the elastomer 232 in the die cavity for an appropriate length of time and at an appropriate temperature in accordance with the elastomer material selected to fill the mold cavity.
- Heaters 257 may be used in the male die 252 as well.
- FIG. 26 shows an enlargement of a detail of the female die cavity 242 , the heater 250 , the coated fabric 101 , the coating 155 on the fabric and the innermost layer 232 of elastomer containing an embedded reinforcement matrix and the position of the male die 252 .
- the male die 252 is withdrawn and the now fully integrated assembly of fabric 101 , elastomer coating 155 , and innermost elastomer layer 232 is removed from the female mold 242 .
- the guide pin is then removed, leaving a fully formed suction liner corresponding to suction liner 10 in FIG. 1 ready for final detailing and eventual use.
- the male and female dies may be heated to a temperature of 100° C. and the elastomer may be cured for a cure time of 6 minutes.
- the exterior contour of the male die 252 may be shaped in accordance with the inner peripheral contour of layer 12 of suction sleeve 10 as described in connection with FIGS. 6 - 10 as described previously.
- the tubular fabric 101 may be produced in various lengths with or without a longitudinal seam and instead of a reinforcement matrix 170 , any appropriate material can be utilized to form a twisting closure in the apparatus shown in FIG. 16, including the fabric 101 itself if no matrix is used.
- the coating apparatus of FIGS. 12 - 15 may be utilized to coat any tubular material, including a non-porous or non-permeable tubular material.
- the suction applied in suction chamber 126 is adjusted to ensure appropriate adhesive to the exterior surface of the moving tubular substrate and the suction orifices 140 do not need to be used.
- the tension controlling elements 136 may be adjusted to accommodate the specific tubular substrate to be coated in the apparatus.
- the premeasured quantity of uncured silicone elastomer could be directly deposited into the open tube 101 after the latter has been set into the female die cavity 242 .
Abstract
The method of making a tubular member having a continuous and uninterrupted cured elastomeric resin coating on an outer surface of the member includes forming a continuous uninterrupted tubular layer of uncured elastomeric resin and drawing the resin layer against the surface of the tubular member to be coated by applying suction between the resin layer and the surface of the tubular member so that the resin adheres to the surface of the tubular member. The elastomeric resin may then be cured to produce the final product. Apparatus for carrying out the process is disclosed and includes, in sequence, a coating zone including a sub-atmospheric chamber, a heating zone and a feed mechanism for advancing the tubular member relative to the coating and heating zones. A method is also disclosed for molding a distal end cap on an open end of a length of a preformed tubular sleeve member that may be used for prosthetic applications. A process is also disclosed for molding a sleeve member having prosthetic applications using male and female die elements used to distribute uncured elastomer resin as a layer on a tubular elasticized fabric sleeve element.
Description
- This application is a divisional of prior U.S. application No. 09/805,126 filed Mar. 14,2001, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.60/189,478 filed Mar. 15, 2000 under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1).
- This invention relates to the process and apparatus for making prosthetic suction liners and coating tubular substrates.
- Prosthetic suction liners have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,474 granted to Klasson and Kristinsson on May 8, 1990; U.S. Pat. No.5,728,168 granted Mar. 17, 1998 to Laghi et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,237 granted to Kania Nov. 3, 1998.
- The original suction liner as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,474 was formed of a silicone elastomer and was adapted to the rolled over residual limb of a prosthetic user in a manner fully described in the patent.
- The manufacturing process for making suction liners with a fabric exterior covering adhered to one or more cured elastomer inner layers typically involves multiple injection molding procedures and possibly laminating procedures that are designed to build-up the various layers constituting the suction liner. Obtaining an intimate bond between the silicone and fabric layers is particularly important, particularly when it is necessary to maintain full elasticity of the suction liner to enable it to closely fit over and conform to a residual limb of a prosthetic user.
- The process is more complicated when a distal prosthetic connector fitting must be incorporated in the distal end of the suction liner, particularly when an injection molding procedure is utilized.
- Injection molding procedures are time consuming and require complex equipment to ensure accurate shapes and thicknesses of various size suction liners. Injection molding thick, soft elastomeric layers on the inner surfaces of suction liners also present a challenge using injection molding techniques.
- Prior art procedures for continuously coating tubular substrates with a cured elastomer coating or film involve many different procedures that tend to be expensive and time consuming. It is highly desirable to continuously coat tubular substrates with an elastomer layer intimately bonded or adhered to the substrate in a convenient, low cost procedure, particularly where the substrate is an elasticized, porous fabric.
- The invention relates to a process for forming a generally conical, close ended suction liner having a fabric outer covering, a thin cured silicone elastomer coating preferably provided on the interior surface of the fabric and a cured silicone elastomer lining adjacent the intermediate silicone coating. The prosthetic suction liner is formed with a distal end cap in which a prosthetic “umbrella” connector is embedded at the distal end of the suction liner using a process according to the invention described herein. The prosthetic connector is exposed in a central portion to provide access to a prosthetic pin connector in a conventional manner. An optional reinforcement layer may be embedded in the innermost silicone elastomer layer using the inventive process to restrict axial elongation of the distal end portion of the suction liner while permitting lateral distension of the liner material in that portion of the liner in which the reinforcement material is embedded in the silicone elastomer layer.
- One aspect of the inventive process involves providing a cylindrical tubular length of elasticized fabric that is stretchable both longitudinally and laterally relative to the axis of the tube; coating the inner surface of the fabric tube with a continuous, thin cured silicone elastomer that partially penetrates and adheres strongly to the fabric but does not extend through the full fabric thickness; optionally attaching a tubular length of reinforcement matrix material to one end of the coated tubular fabric; placing the tubular length of fabric and the optional reinforcement in a molding device; placing the umbrella prosthetic connector element in the molding device; molding and curing a silicone elastomer distal end cap over one end of the tubular length of coated fabric and the optional reinforcement matrix so as to embed the umbrella prosthetic connector in the distal end cap silicone material while bonding the distal end cap to the end of the tubular length of fabric and the optional reinforcement matrix; removing the tubular length of fabric with the molded distal end cap from the molding device and inserting a premeasured quantity of uncured silicone resin that will form an inner layer of the liner into the closed end of the fabric tube and end cap; inserting the fabric tube with the premeasured quantity of uncured resin and the distal end cap into a female mold cavity having a defined peripheral contour corresponding to a desired outer peripheral contour of the prosthetic suction liner; advancing a male mold member having an external contour corresponding to the desired inner contour of the suction liner into the interior of the tubular fabric and distal end cap assembly from its open end to cold forge the uncured silicone elastomer over the full length of a cavity defined between the male and female molds to fully form the innermost silicone elastomer layer to a desired contour and thickness and carrying out a preliminary cure of the inner most silicone elastomer in the forging device; removing the formed assembly of tubular fabric and partially cured silicone elastomer layer from the forming device and fully curing the innermost silicone elastomer layer.
- Apparatus for carrying out the process includes a continuous film casting device configured to continuously cast an uncured elastomer film coating on a tubular substrate using sub-atmospheric suction to draw the film to the surface of the fabric substrate; and a heater in series with the continuous film casting apparatus arranged to cure the cast elastomer film continuously during the coating process to thereby produce a continuous tubular length of substrate coated on one surface thereof with a cured elastomer film.
- When the apparatus is used to apply an elastomer coating to a porous material such as an elasticized fabric, the suction applied during casting of the uncured elastomer film is adjusted so that the film partially embeds itself in the intersices or pores of the fabric while avoiding complete penetration of the elastomer throughout the fabric thickness. This leaves the opposed surface of the fabric free of elastomer while producing a continuous sealing film of elastomer on the first surface of the tubular length of fabric.
- During curing, the tension applied to the coated substrate is adjusted to produce optimum qualities for the coated length of substrate that are appropriate for the thus produced product or any subsequent use of the coated substrate in a manufacturing procedure in which the coated substrate is formed into an end product.
- The thus coated tubular length of substrate may be reversed with the cured elastomer coating on the inside of the substrate. The tubular coated substrate may then be cut to lengths corresponding approximately to individual lengths of products to be made with the coated lengths of substrate and a tubular matrix of reinforcement material may be attached to one end of the end of the tubular length of substrate for use, for example, in a prosthetic suction liner.
- As described previously, a distal end cap may be molded to the one end of a tubular length of coated elasticized fabric substrate with a prosthetic connector fitting or umbrella embedded in the distal end cap.
- In a specific example wherein it is desired to use such a continuous coated tubular substrate in a process for making a prosthetic suction liner, the substrate comprises a tubular elasticized fabric such as circular knit fabric that is distensible both lengthwise and widthwise and the elastomer is constituted of a silicone elastomer formulated so that it may be cast as a continuous film in its uncured condition in a temperature range that is practical. The coated fabric maintains its elasticity due to the elasticity of the silicone elastomer in its cured condition. The surface of the cured silicone film may be left in a somewhat tacky condition so as to be readily bondable to a subsequent silicone elastomer layer.
- The cold forging apparatus includes a female die that preferably includes suction devices to draw the fabric tube into intimate contact with the interior walls of the female die prior to the advancement of the male member into the female die. The male die member formed in accordance with a desired inner profile of the innermost silicone elastomer layer of the suction liner, is advanced into the uncured silicone elastomer previously deposited into the closed end of the fabric and distal end cap assembly so the elastomer is forced to flow longitudinally through a cavity that is formed between the female die and the male die member from the closed end of the suction liner to the proximal open end thereof. The procedure may be referred to as a cold forging process for convenience.
- The rate of advancement of the male die member is controlled to permit complete flow of the uncured silicone elastomer throughout the cavity provided between the male and female die members, particularly when the gap between the male and female die members varies along the length of the molding device.
- A guide pin may be inserted into the prosthetic connector element embedded in the distal end cap of the pre-formed tubular length of coated fabric, distal end cap and prosthetic connector. The female die includes an aperture at its distal end arranged to receive the guide pin to thereby center and locate the length of coated fabric and distal end cap in the female die before the male die member is advanced into the female die to cold forge the uncured silicone elastomer resin into the die cavity between the male and female die members.
- The male and female dies may be heated to perform a preliminary curing of the silicone elastomer of the silicone elastomer in the mold cavity before the laminated assembly of elasticized fabric, thin coating of silicone elastomer and final inner layer of silicone elastomer are removed from the die.
- The process and apparatus constituting the inventive subject matter will be described in more detail in the drawings and description that follow.
- FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section view of a suction liner formed in accordance with the process according to the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a distal end view of the suction liner shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a section view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3 to show the details of the suction liner side wall;
- FIG. 5 shows a tubular sealing sleeve formed by using a coating process according to the present invention;
- FIGS.6-10 show the geometry of the cured silicone elastomer inner layer of a suction sleeve shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a flat section of elasticized fabric in process of being folded and stitched to form a length of tubular elasticized fabric;
- FIG. 12 schematically shows a continuous coating system for applying a cast elastomer film onto one surface of the tubular substrate in a continuous process;
- FIGS. 13 and 14 show details of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12;
- FIG. 15 shows a reinforcement matrix stitched to one end of a length of elasticized fabric that has been coated with a continuous cured silicone elastomer film;
- FIG. 16 shows a molding device for molding a distal end cap onto the length of tubular elasticized fabric that has been previously coated and provided with a tubular length of reinforcement matrix at one end thereof;
- FIGS.17-21 schematically illustrate a procedure for molding a distal end cap onto the tubular fabric using the apparatus shown in FIG. 17;
- FIG. 22 is a detailed view showing the distal end of an assembly of elasticized tubular fabric coated with a continuous silicone elastomer film on the inner surface thereof, a reinforcement matrix, a distal end cap and an embedded prosthetic connector in the distal end cap;
- FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a procedure to dispense a predetermined quantity of uncured silicone elastomer into the closed end of the preformed assembly illustrated in FIG. 23;
- FIG. 24 shows a cold forging system utilizing a female mold cavity and a male mold element that are brought together to form a mold cavity into which previously inserted uncured silicone elastomer is cold forged to completely fill the mold cavity;
- FIG. 25 shows the die system illustrated in FIG. 24 in a closed condition; and
- FIG. 26 shows the detail XXVI in FIG. 25.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates in a cross-section view a
prosthetic suction liner 10 that may be formed using the process and apparatus described herein. The liner is formed in part of a compositeelastic material 12 on its interior surface and an elasticizedfabric layer 14 on its exterior surface at least up to itsdistal end area 16, where adistal end cap 18 having embedded therein arigid prosthetic connector 20 formed, for example, of aluminum or other metal, or rigid plastic such as Nylon, is provided. - The
liner 10 is formed as a close ended tapered tubular element, as is conventional for such suction liners. Thedistal end cap 18 firmly joins theprosthetic connector 20 to thesuction liner 10 while providing a cushioning and stabilizing surface at the distal end of the liner. Theprosthetic connector 20 includes preferably a threadedaperture 22 for providing access to a threaded prosthetic pin connector in a manner well known in the art. - FIG. 2 shows the suction liner in an end view as seen from the distal end of the liner.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1 and shows the composite
elastic material 12, theelasticized fabric layer 14, and a second thin continuous coating ofsilicone elastomer material 24 partially embedded in theelasticized fabric layer 14 while not completely penetrating the fabric layer. Theintermediate coating 24 is bonded on its opposite side to the compositeelastic material 12, whereby the entire assembly of compositeelastic material 12,elastomer coating 24 andelasticized fabric 14 is at least freely radially elastically distendable. - The composite
elastic material layer 12 may have embedded therein a matrix ofreinforcement fibers 26 or other suitable reinforcement having properties such that the compositeelastic layer 12 strongly resists longitudinal elongation while it is freely distendable radially of the suction liner for use in liner applications when axial elongation of the liner must be limited. A circular knit glass fiber or Nylon material is preferred. - FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3 and shows the composite elastic material made in accordance with the present invention in more detail as well as a wall section of
suction liner 40 made with such material.Layer 12 may be a novel composite elastic material comprising a cured silicone elastomer containing silicone oil andhollow microspheres 28 dispersed throughout the silicone elastomer layer. - The illustrations in FIGS. 3 and 4 also show the
reinforcement matrix fibers 26 embedded in the silicone elastomer layer, but it should be understood that such reinforcement fibers are optional and extend over a distal portion of the liner to limit axial distension of the liner in such distal portion. Thereinforcement fibers 26, of course, do not constitute a portion of the basic composite elastic material described above. - More specifically, the composite
elastic material layer 12 itself is regarded as a new and useful proprietary composite elastic material independently of thefibers 28, theouter fabric 14 and the intermediate coating. - In a preferred example, the composite
elastic material 12 is formed principally of a silicone elastomer obtainable from NuSil Technology of Carpinteria, Calif. under Product Designation CF13-2188. For a fuller description of the silicone material, reference may be made to pending U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,039 granted Oct. 24, 2000 owned by the assignee of the invention described herein. - Embedded within the silicone elastomer material of
layer 12 are hollow thermoplastic microspheres consisting of a polymeric shell with an enclosed blowing agent. The specific thermoplastic microspheres utilized in this example of the invention are expanded microspheres obtained from AKZO NOBEL of Sweden under the trade name EXPANCEL®, Product No. 551DE. - The
microspheres 28 preferably have a density of 0.005 g/cm3 to 1.25 g/cm3, preferably 0.05 g/cm3. - For a fuller understanding of the formulation of EXPANCEL® microspheres, reference may be made to EXPANCEL® Technical Bulletin 29 and the EXPANCEL® product specification and material safety data sheets, all of which are available from AKZO NOBEL, S-850, 13 Sundsvall, Sweden.
- The silicone oil included in the composite elastic material may be obtained from GE Bayer Silicones GmbH of D 51 368 Leverkusen, Germany under Product Name Baysilone Fluid M350.
- In a preferred form, the composite
elastic layer 12 comprises 50-99.4% by weight of silicone elastomer, preferably 77.25%; 0.5-45% by weight of silicone oil, preferably 10%; and 0.1-5% by weight of microspheres, preferably 0.75%. - The composite
elastic layer 12 also may include one or more skin treatment agents blended into the silicone elastomer, for example Vaseline and aloe vera. In a preferred example, up to 20% by weight of the composite elastic layer, preferably 11.9%, may be Vaseline and up to 3%, preferably 0.1%, may be a secondary skin treatment agent such as aloe vera. - While EXPANCEL® hollow microspheres as described above are preferred, it should be understood that other hollow microspheres having a density range of 0.005 g/cm3 to 1.24 g/cm3, preferably 0.05 g/cm3, could be used.
- When prepared as described above, a preferred embodiment of the composite elastic layer will have a density of 0.5 g/cm3 to 1.3 g/cm3, preferably 0.94 g/cm3; a tensile strength greater than 0.1 Pa, preferably greater than 0.5 Pa; a durometer (00) of 13 to 62, preferably 22; a 100% modulus of 5 kPa to 250, preferably 20 kPa; and a compression set of 0 to 30, preferably 8.
- It should be understood that different or additional skin treating agents may be utilized, depending upon the skin condition to be treated by the skin treating agent. For use as a typical suction sleeve, Vaseline and aloe vera are believed to provide good properties for the composite elastic layer that typically directly contacts or is in close proximity with the skin of a prosthetic user.
- When the composite
elastic material 12 is laminated or bonded with anelasticized textile layer 14,such layer 14, in a preferred embodiment, may be described as a Supplex Nylon circular knit of 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex fibers using 28 needles per 2.5 cm having a weight per square yard of 6.9 ozs. and a weight per linear yard of 12 ozs. Such a Supplex Nylon is obtainable from Agmont Inc. of Montreal, Quebec, Canada under Style Name 5095. This material has a finished width of 60″ (152.4 cm) and is substantially elastically distendable along its length and width in a manner appropriate for a prosthetic suction liner. - The reinforcing
fibers 26 may be a circular knit textile formed of relatively non-distendable interlocked fibers (at least within the load ranges contemplated for use in a prosthetic suction liner) wherein the knit construction is such that thelayer 26 strongly resists elongation in a longitudinal direction while being freely distendable laterally in a radial direction when it is embedded in the compositeelastic layer 12. Any appropriate reinforcement matrix that would provide such properties could be used forlayer 26, but as a practical matter a circular knit glass fiber or Nylon material is appropriate, provided it has the anisotropic properties described above. - The
textile layer 14 is normally air permeable and is usually formed from a flat knit elasticized fabric that has been rolled into a tube and stitched along abutting side edges along the length of the tube. The inside surface of thefabric layer 14 facing the compositeelastic layer 12 is coated with a thin layer of curedsilicone elastomer 24 that is partially embedded in the fibers of thetextile 14 without completely penetrating thetextile 14. Thesilicone elastomer layer 24 is cured while embedded in the textile so that it is firmly adhered to the textile and preferably renders the textile andsilicone layer 24 impermeable to air. The thin coating ofsilicone elastomer 24 provides a good bonding surface for the compositeelastic layer 12 described above. - Preferably, the
silicone layer 24 is obtainable under Product No. CF15-2188 from NuSil Technology of Carpinteria, Calif. Physical properties of the combined compositeelastic layer 12, coating 24 andelasticized fabric 14 include a tensile strength greater than 1 Pa, preferably greater than 2 Pa; and a 100% modulus of 5 to 300 kPa, preferably 55 kPa. - The
distal end cap 18 may be formed of a silicone elastomer including 98% by weight silicone rubber, type MED-4950 or type MED-4050 or type CF15-2188, all available from NuSil Technology, with the balance (2%) constituted of a color mixture, for example a color powder blended from 12.5 parts Lucas color No. 2408, 12.5 parts Lucas color No. 2439 and 75 parts Lucas color No. 2510 all obtainable from Fr. Schoenfeld GmbH and Co. include: the material uses a platinum cure system; a press cure time of 50 minutes at 150° C.; durometer 45-55; tensile strength 1000 psi (6.9 Mpa); elongation 400%; and atear strength 230 ppi (40.3 kN/M). - As illustrated in FIG. 5, a sealing
sleeve 30, for example a sleeve capable of sealing the gap between the upper end of a prosthetic socket and a residual limb as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,208 includes anouter textile layer 32 that is an elasticized, porous or air permeable fabric on which a continuous curedsilicone coating 34 has been applied and bonded thereto in the same manner as thecoating 24 attached to thelayer 14 of the suction sleeve material as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and described above. - The interior surface of the
sleeve 30 includes a compositeelastic material 36 formed in the same manner as the compositeelastic layer 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and described above. The thickness of the compositeelastic material 36 may be adjusted to fit the requirements of a sealing sleeve. The compositeelastic layer 36 is intimately bonded and adhered to thecoating 34. The combined assembly of thetextile 32, coating 34 and compositeelastic layer 36 is fully distendable both radially and longitudinally in accordance with the requirements of a sealing sleeve for prosthetic applications. - The
outer fabric layer 32, in a preferred embodiment, may be a circular rib knit fabric made of 95% Nylon and 5% Lycra, knit as a 1×1 rib using 220 needles per 2.5 cm for a 12 cm width tube and 264 needles per 2.5 cm for a 14 cm tube. This fabric may be obtained from RX-Textile of Monroe, N.C. - A preferred form of the suction liner made with the composite
elastic material layer 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-10 (the fabric is omitted in the views as being nonessential). The composite elastic material including the cured silicone elastomer layer with silicone oil and hollow microspheres and outer fabric is molded or formed as atapered suction liner 40 having a closeddistal end 42 of uniform thickness, an external profile 44 (see FIG. 10) that is circular with the radii of curvature of theexternal surface 44 centered on a first centrallongitudinal axis 46 extending through thesuction liner 40. The geometry of such suction liner is illustrated in FIGS. 6-10. Moreover, the following table 1 describes the variables shown in FIGS. 6-10 and also describes typical values of some of the variables for different size suction liners listed in the left column of the table entitled “Typical Values of Variables”.TABLE 1 VARIABLE DESCRIPTION Variable name Description Angle Angle of socket opening H_fl_prox Height of flange in proximal area HH1 Height to flange in distal area HH2 Height of flange in distal area HH3 Height of second cut HHtot Total height of socket Hst Height from radius to start of distal flange Offset Offset in lathe Rrad1 Radius on Distal end RRad2 Radius on proximal end Tha Thickness in anterior area Thp Thickness in posterior area Thtop Thickness of socket in top -
TYPICAL VALUES OF VARIABLES Size Rrad1 HH1 HH2 HH3 Hhtot RRad2 Tha Angle Hfh prox Offset Thp Hst Thtop 12 19 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 44.1 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 14 22.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 48.1 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 16 25.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 51 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 18 28.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 53.8 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 20 31.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 56.7 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 21 33.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 58.6 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 22 35.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 60.5 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 23.5 37.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 62.4 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 25 40 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 64.7 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 26.5 42.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 67.1 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 28 45 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 69.5 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 30 48 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 72.3 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 32 51 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 75.1 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 34 54 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 78 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 36 57 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 80.8 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 38 60.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 84.2 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 40 64 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 87.5 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 42.5 67.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 90.8 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 45 71.5 rrad1 + Hst 80 Hhtot-HH1-Tha 450 94.6 6 3 40 3 3 20 1 - The
suction sleeve 40 includes a circular curved insideanterior wall portion 50 having first radii of curvature centered on a second longitudinal axis ofanterior curvature 52 extending longitudinally through the suction sleeve towards the anterior side of the firstcentral axis 46 and aposterior wall portion 54 having second radii of curvature centered on a thirdlongitudinal axis 56 located in the posterior direction relative to thecentral axis 46, said first, second and thirdlongitudinal axes posterior wall portions third axes first axis 46. Thus, this arrangement produces a posterior wall that is thinner than the anterior wall as shown in FIG. 10. - The anterior and
posterior wall portions transition wall portions 62 that extend tangentially relative to the adjoining anterior and posterior wall portions along the sleeve length, so that the interior wall surface of the suction liner along thetransition areas 62 are free of rapid changes in thickness, curvature or cross-section profile, as seen best in FIG. 10. - In the example illustrated, the radii of curvature of the inside surfaces of the anterior and posterior portions of the sleeve are equal to each other along their respective second and third axes, as observable in FIG. 10. A formula for generating the interior profile of the suction sleeve shown in FIGS.6-10 is indicated at the bottom of FIG. 6, and such formula is used to control a computer assisted machine tool (e.g., lathe) used to form a male mold element that shapes the inner profile of the liner.
- At the proximal area of the suction sleeve40 (the open end of the sleeve) a
flange area 66 is provided wherein the thickness of the composite elastic material progressively thins as thetop edge 68 is approached. The inside surface of theflange portion 66 of theanterior wall 50, as seen in FIG. 9, tapers inwardly as thetop edge 68 is approached as shown at 70 and the outer surface of the proximal end of theflange portion 66 ofposterior wall 54 also tapers inwardly as shown at 72 in FIG. 9. Preferably, thetop edge 68 of the sleeve is relatively thin as compared with the thickness of the remainder of the sleeve. - The
distal end 42 of the sleeve is spherical in curvature and joins the adjoining side wall of the sleeve along a tangent so as to provide a smooth interior and exterior contour as the sleeve transitions between the tapered conical upper portion and the spherically curvedclosed end portion 42. The thickness of theend portion 42 may be the same thickness as theanterior wall 50. Theposterior wall 54 transitions from the same thickness as the anterior wall at the distal end of the sleeve to a thinner wall section over the length of the sleeve in which the thinner wall section is desired. Asmooth transition area 74 is provided between the thinnerposterior wall section 54 and the full thickness of the wall portion of the sleeve at the distal end of the sleeve. - The suction liner as illustrated in FIG. 1 may be made in accordance with the process described below using the apparatus also described below for carrying out the process.
- A textile layer corresponding to layer14 is initially made as a
flat strip 100 as illustrated in FIG. 11. The flat strip is rolled into a tubular form so that opposed side edges of the strip are abutted together and then stitched at 100′ along the abutting edges to formcontinuous lengths 101 of tubular elasticized fabric that may be utilized in the external cover of a suction liner such assuction liner 10. - A continuous film casting device for coating the
tubes 101 includes a vertically extendingrod 102 having aconduit 104 extending therethrough in communication with asuction pump 106, the operation of which is controlled by acontroller element 107 in a manner to be described in more detail below. - Along the length of the
vertical rod 102, there is provided acasting zone 105 along which is located continuous annularfilm casting device 108 through which an uncured tubular elastomeric film or layer may be expressed as a continuous, generally vertical uninterrupted film generally coaxially surrounding therod 102 or any substrate material that may be advanced along the surface of therod 102 through thefilm casting device 108. - A
source 110 of coating material to be expressed through thefilm casting device 108 is connected to the latter by means ofconduit 112, pump 114 and acontrol system 116 for governing the operation of thepump 114. - The
film casting device 108 may be provided with a heating andcooling system 118, which may include a circulating system for circulating a heating or cooling medium through thefilm casting device 108 by means of apump 120 governed by acontrol system 122. - A suction or
sub-atmosphere chamber 124 is connected to the upper surface of thefilm casting device 108 to create asub-atmospheric pressure chamber 126 when a suction is applied to thechamber 126 viaconduit 128. Theconduit 128, for example, may be connected tosuction pump 106 viaconduit 104 during operation of the film casting device to create a sub-atmospheric pressure inchamber 126, or aseparate suction line 109 may be used for this purpose. - The lower end of the
rod 102 extends through a heating or curing zone includingheating furnace 130 which may contain, for example, radiant orelectrical heating elements 132 that provide a source of heat for curing a film expressed through thefilm casting device 108. - Annular
tension control washers 136 spaced axially along the length ofrod 102 are provided to control tension of a substrate coated in the apparatus described in a manner to be explained in more detail below. - An annular array of
suction orifices 140 or the equivalent are provided on therod 102 and which are in communication withair passages 144 which are in turn in communication withair passage 104 withinrod 102.Orifices 140 may be incorporated in an annular member affixed to therod 102 at a location whereapertures 144 are provided in therod 102 enabling communication between theorifices 140 and thepassage 104. Suction applied bypump 106 can thereby be applied atorifices 140 over an area surrounding therod 102. - Textile advancing
drive elements 150 are provided adjacent therod 102 above thesuction housing 124 for cooperating with a relatively fixedguide element 152 affixed torod 102. Thedrive element 150 is rotatable by amotor 154 operable under the control of a controller 55 connected to the motor. When a substrate is inserted between thedrive element 150 and theseat 152, the substrate will be advanced along therod 102 in accordance with the driving direction of therotatable element 150. - The orifices in
film casting device 108 for expressing or discharging a tubular film orcoating material 155 supplied fromsource 110 is configured in accordance with desired properties of the film or coating to be applied by the coating system as shown. Relatively thin coatings may be expressed through a continuous annular slot provided in thefilm casting device 108 or relatively thick coatings may be applied in the same fashion. - The vacuum in
chamber 126 is adjusted to provide initial contact between afilm 155 expressed through thefilm casting device 108 and the substrate advanced through the film casting device in a manner to be described below. Subsequently, when the substrate is air permeable, thesuction device 140 draws the uncured film material into the substrate to a desired extent, for example only partially through the substrate thickness if it is desired to maintain uncoated substrate on the opposed surface of the substrate advanced through the film casting device. Higher suction applied atsuction device 140 could be applied if it was desired to fully penetrate a porous substrate advanced through the film casting device. - The
heater 130 is regulated to fully cure a film expressed through thefilm casting device 108 and the time and temperature of such curing may be regulated by regulating the speed of advancement of the coated substrate through the heating device in accordance with known principles related to curing of curable films in coatings such as silicone elastomer, for example. - The operation of the film casting system as shown in FIG. 12 will now be explained in the context of coating an elasticized tubular fabric with a cured silicone elastomer film. A previously formed length of tubular, elasticized fabric such as porous or air
permeable fabric length 101 is threaded vertically upwardly overrod 102 with a lower end of the fabric threaded overelement 152, throughsuction chamber 126, through thefilm coating device 108, oversuction device 140, throughheater 130 and onto a take-upspool 160 that is rotatable at a controlled speed bymotor 162 in accordance with signals received fromcontroller 164.Idler rollers 166 may be provided to enable the direction of the coated fabric to be turned at the lower end ofrod 102 to advance the fabric to the take-upspool 160. - With a length of
fabric 101 thus threaded overrod 102, the fabric is drawn at a controlled speed downwardly over therod 102 whilesuction chamber 106 is activated and an uncured tubular silicone elastomer resin film is expressed outwardly as a thin annular sheet of film from castingdevice 108 towards thefabric 101 that is drawn through thefilm casting device 108. Initially, the inner edge of the film expressed through thefilm casting device 108 may be manually adhered to the surface offabric 101, whereupon thefilm 126 effectively closes the bottom of thesuction chamber 126 so that the film is thereafter drawn inwardly by sub-atmospheric pressure communicated to the outer surface of thefabric 101 via the interstices of the fabric against the surface of the fabric uniformly over its entire periphery as the fabric is advanced through thefilm casting device 108. - The fabric is threaded through the advancing
mechanism roller 150 in a direction to advance the fabric downwardly over therod 102. The positive feeding of thefabric 101 through thesuction device 126 prevents undue tension from being applied to the fabric upon rotation of the take-upspool 160. It is desirable to maintain the fabric substrate in a relatively relaxed condition to the extent possible, although a pretension may be applied to the fabric if desired as it is advanced through thefilm casting device 108 or through theheater 130. - The
suction device 140, as shown in detail in FIG. 14, draws the uncured and pliable continuous, uninterrupted elastomeric film layer intimately into contact with and adhered to the airpermeable substrate fabric 14 to the extent desired for the specific application of the coated fabric. - The fabric with the uncured resin coating then passes through the
heater 130 where the coating is cured for a desired time at a desired temperature, all dictated by the properties of the cast film to be cured, and in accordance with known principles. - Within the
heater 130, the tension on the coated fabric is controlled by the annular tensioncontrol washer elements 136 which apply a predetermined frictional drag on the fabric on its inner side as it is advanced over therod 102 and also maintain the fabric extended radially somewhat as it passes through theheater 130. The number ofannular elements 136 may be adjusted in accordance with the fabric and the coating applied thereto. - The
film casting device 108 may be selectively heated or cooled by using the heating and cooling system illustrated at 118,120,122. The degree of heating or cooling will depend upon the composition of the film to be cast on the surface of thefabric 101. - The resultant coated tubular fabric collected on
spool 160 is now available to be used in a subsequent process to make a suction liner or may be available for any other application wherein a continuous cured coating applied to an elasticized tubular substrate is desired. - In this example, the film to be cast on
fabric 101 corresponds to film 24 described previously and thefabric 101 corresponds to the fabricouter layer 14 of the silicone liner described above in FIGS. 1-4. - After coating of the
elasticized fabric 101 using the apparatus described above, the coated fabric is cut into lengths as shown in FIG. 15 and a length of tubularreinforcement matrix material 169 is affixed, for example by sewing, to the end of the coated fabric. Thematrix 170 may correspond tolayer 26 in the suction liner of FIG. 1. Preferably the reinforcement matrix comprises interlocked fibers such as a circular knit tubular fabric that strongly resist longitudinal elongation but readily distends radially. - Individual lengths of the coated fabric and reinforcement matrix are then prepared to receive a distal end cap (to be described below) that will be molded to one end of the coated length of
fabric 101 to close said end and to embed a portion of thematrix 170 in the interior of the coated tubular fabric, as will become evident following a review of the description of the distal end cap molding apparatus shown in FIG. 16. - The coating apparatus described above may be used to form multiple continuous coatings on a tubular substrate simply by advancing a previously coated tubular substrate through the coating apparatus in the same manner as described above. For example, the sealing sleeve illustrated in FIG. 5 may be formed using the coating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12 by first providing a continuous coating of silicone elastomer on one surface of a tubular elasticized fabric and then subsequently passing the thus coated fabric through the
film casting device 108 while expressing a composite elastic material corresponding to layer 36 in FIG. 5 through thecasting device 108. Thelayer 36 may then be cured in theheater 130. - In FIG. 16, a compression molding apparatus is illustrated for use in molding a distal end cap on one end of a
length 101 of coated elasticized fabric with areinforcement matrix 169 attached thereto. The molding apparatus includes a lowerfemale mold cavity 170 configured to form an external shape on a distal end cap to be molded in the cavity and including acentral guiding aperture 172,heating elements 174, preferably electrically energized, and apressure chamber 176 that is in communication with apneumatic pump 178 that is controllable bycontroller 180 in combination with a shut-offvalve 182 that selectively pressurizespressure chamber 176.Pneumatic pressure orifices 184 are spaced peripherally around thesupport 186 for thefemale mold 170. - The
support 186 is rotatably mounted on abase 187 by means ofbearings 188 so that thefemale mold support 186 may be rotated about an axis of rotation relative to thebase 187 and the upper part of the molding device to be described below.Vertical support members 189 are schematically illustrated extending between the base 187 and the upper part of the molding device. Thesupport members 189 may be rods or pillars with open areas between them to provide access to thefemale mold 170 and the upper part of the molding device. - The upper part of the molding device supported above the
female mold 170 includes a male mold plug and clampingelement 190 and a cooperating clampingcylinder 192 that slidably supports the male mold and clampingdevice 190 for reciprocal movement relative to theclamping cylinder 192. The mold and clampingdevice 190 is supported, for example, by arod 194 or equivalent that is connected to apneumatic cylinder 196 that is operable to control movement of the male mold and clampingelement 190 towards and away from the distal end of theclamping cylinder 192 to effectively open or close the distal or lower end of theclamping cylinder 192. - The interior of clamping
cylinder 192 is provided with asuction chamber 196 that communicates with asuction pump 198 viaconduit 200 and shut-offvalve 202.Pump 198 and shut-offvalve 202 are operated under the control of acontroller 204 such that a suction can be applied tosuction chamber 196 bypump 198 selectively to create an inflow of air between the mold and clampingdevice 190 and the distal end of theclamping cylinder 192 through agap 195. - The entire assembly of the
clamping cylinder 192 and the mold and clampingdevice 190 may be reciprocally moved towards and away from thefemale mold 170 by a second pneumatic orhydraulic cylinder 208, the operation of which is controlled by acontroller 210 andappropriate valving 212, whereby theclamping cylinder 192 and the mold and clampingdevice 190 may be advanced into cooperation with thefemale mold 170 to create a mold cavity between the bottom surface of the mold and clampingdevice 190 and the surface of thefemale mold 170. - A guide rod and orifice plug214 optionally extends centrally through the male mold and clamping
device 190 for cooperation with the guide opening 172 in thefemale mold 170 when it is desired to maintain an aperture in a distal end cap to be molded between the male andfemale molds - The various pumps, valves and controllers, as well as the
heating elements 174 all may be controlled and operated from acentral control panel 220 using conventional control technology including digital computer processors. - The operation of the molding device described in FIG. 17 will now be described in conjunction with FIGS.18-22 when it is desired to mold an end cap on a coated elasticized fabric with a prosthetic connector and a distension controlling reinforcement matrix as previously described. Initially, a length of the
coated elasticized fabric 101 with areinforcement matrix 169 attached thereto as shown in FIG. 15 is threaded over thefemale mold support 186 with the free end of thereinforcement matrix 170 threaded over the distal end area of theclamping cylinder 192, as illustrated in FIG. 17. The mold and clampingdevice 190 is in the extended position thereby exposing thegap 195 between the mold and clampingdevice 190 and the distal end of clampingcylinder 192. A suction is then applied to thesuction chamber 196 bypump 106 which draws in the free end of thereinforcement matrix 170 through thegap 195. - The mold and clamping
element 190 is then moved to its upper or closed position relative to theclamping cylinder 192 to effectively close thegap 195 and to clamp the free end of thereinforcement matrix 170 between the mold and clampingdevice 190 and theclamping cylinder 192, as illustrated in FIG. 18. - The
female mold support 186 is then rotated ¼ turn or so relative to the base 187 to introduce a twist constriction 218 in thetubular reinforcement matrix 170 that effectively forms a closure at the one end of the length of coatedelasticized fabric 101 and leaves a free tubular length ofreinforcement matrix 170 within theclamping cylinder 192. Therod element 214 in this example extends through the central area of the twisted section 218 ofreinforcement matrix 170. - As shown in FIG. 20, a sudden pressure is then applied to
pressure chamber 176 that blows the length of coated elasticized textile outwardly and upwardly over the external surface of theclamping cylinder 192, which may be provided withsuction orifices 219 to assist in this procedure as seen in FIG. 20. - A rigid prosthetic connector “umbrella”
element 224 is next primed or coated with an uncured elastomer that forms an intimate bond with the connector element and with the elastomer to be used for the distal end cap to be molded in the cavity to be provided between the male mold and clampingelement 190 and thefemale mold 170. The thus primed and coatedprosthetic connector element 224 is placed in thefemale mold 170 so that it is spaced away from the bottom of the mold surface with a connector portion thereof 226 extending throughaperture 172. Apremeasured portion 225 of uncured elastomer material (which may be the same as the primer) is then placed in thefemale mold cavity 170 on theconnector element 224 and thereafter theclamping cylinder 192 and the associated mold and clampingdevice 190 with thecoated elasticized fabric 101 andreinforcement matrix 170 is advanced towards thefemale mold 170 to compress and shape the uncured elastomer material in the mold cavity so that it conforms on one side to the surface of thefemale mold 170 and on its other side to the surface of the male mold and clampingelement 190. In this process, theprosthetic connector 224 becomes totally embedded in the silicone material in the mold cavity so that it is completely covered by the elastomer. This is illustrated in FIG. 21, for example. - The
heater element 174 is activated at the appropriate time to heat thefemale mold 170 to an appropriate curing temperature for the silicone elastomer used to form the distal end cap and the priming elastomer applied on theprosthetic connector 224. The elastomer is then cured to produce a relatively firmdistal end cap 230 as shown in FIG. 23, with a free length ofreinforcement matrix 170 within thecoated elasticized fabric 101. Thedistal end cap 230 bonds together the twisted reinforcement matrix 218 while the male and female molding surfaces together shape the inside and outside contours of the distal end of thecoated fabric 101. The elastomer selected for theend cap 230 provides desired properties for the distal end cap as part of a prosthetic suction liner. - The pre-formed assembly of coated tubular
elasticized fabric 101,end cap 230 andreinforcement matrix 170 are then placed in aholder 234 as shown in FIG. 23 to expose the internal distal end of the length ofcoated fabric 101 and thereinforcement matrix 170 so that a pre-measured quantity of uncured elastomerliner resin material 232, for example, a silicone elastomer corresponding to the compositeelastic material 12 shown in FIG. 1, can be dispensed into the open distal end as shown in FIG. 24. A source of the silicone elastomer resin is provided at 236 and aprecision measuring pump 238 is operated viacontroller 240 to dispense a precise quantity ofuncured elastomer 232 into theholder 234 and within the open distal end of the length of tubularelasticized fabric 101 that has been closed by theend cap 230. - The partially filled pre-form is now placed in a female molding or shaping
die cavity 242 as shown in FIG. 24 with the length ofcoated fabric 101 fully extended over the length of thefemale die cavity 242. Thefemale die cavity 242 is defined within a femaledie support structure 244 that may includesuction orifices 246 to which a suction may be applied viavalve 248 to draw the pre-formed coatedelasticized fabric 101 and thedistal end cap 230 into close conformity with thefemale die cavity 242. Thesupport 244 includes aheater 250 that may be energized to raise the temperature of the female die support up to the curing temperature of the elastomer deposited in the distal end of thecoated fabric sleeve 14. - A male die element or plug252 is reciprocally mounted relative to the
female die support 244 so as to be axially movable into and out of the cavity defined by thefemale die 242. A pneumatic orhydraulic cylinder arrangement 254 may be provided to advance themale die element 252 towards and away from thefemale die cavity 242 under the control of acontroller 256 that may be integrated with the controller for theheater 250. - The external contour of the
male die 252 is configured to provide a defined shape to produce a die cavity that results when themale die 252 is fully advanced towards thefemale die cavity 242 to form a die cavity as shown in FIG. 25. As the male die 252 advances intofemale die cavity 242, theuncured elastomer 232 is cold forged or driven into the die cavity between themale die 252 and the inner walls of thefemale cavity 242 progressively from the distal end of the pre-formed coated fabric and distal end cap to the proximal open end of thetubular fabric 101. The external surface of themale die 252 is contoured to define the internal shape of the elastomer material occupying the die cavity between themale die 252 and thefemale die cavity 242 while thefemale die cavity 242 is shaped to define the external contour of thefabric 101 to be joined with the elastomer in the mold cavity. The contour of the male die 252 also includes appropriate surface areas designed to enhance the uniform flow of uncured elastomer from the distal end of the pre-form to the proximal end thereof to ensure that the die cavity between the male and female die elements is completely and uniformly filled with the uncured elastomer material that previously was introduced into thetubular elasticized fabric 101 in a quantity sufficient to fill the die cavity. - To assist in guiding the length of
coated fabric 101 into thefemale die cavity 242, aguide pin 253 having a threaded proximal end may be threaded into theprosthetic connector 224 prior to insertion of thefabric length 101 into the female die cavity. Anaperture 253′ is provided in the bottom of thesupport 244 to receive theguide pin 253 as thefabric length 101 is lowered into the female die cavity. - To assure uniform lengths of finished cold forged products, a
locking ring 251 may be provided at one end of thefabric sleeve 101 that cooperates with the male die 252 to limit the length of the cold forged liner formed from theuncured silicone elastomer 232 when the male and female dies are brought together. - The
heater 250 is activated at the appropriate time to cure theelastomer 232 in the die cavity for an appropriate length of time and at an appropriate temperature in accordance with the elastomer material selected to fill the mold cavity.Heaters 257 may be used in the male die 252 as well. - FIG. 26 shows an enlargement of a detail of the
female die cavity 242, theheater 250, thecoated fabric 101, thecoating 155 on the fabric and theinnermost layer 232 of elastomer containing an embedded reinforcement matrix and the position of themale die 252. Upon curing of the elastomer in the mold cavity, the male die 252 is withdrawn and the now fully integrated assembly offabric 101,elastomer coating 155, andinnermost elastomer layer 232 is removed from thefemale mold 242. The guide pin is then removed, leaving a fully formed suction liner corresponding tosuction liner 10 in FIG. 1 ready for final detailing and eventual use. - When the innermost layer of
elastomer 232 is constituted of the composite elastic material described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4, the male and female dies may be heated to a temperature of 100° C. and the elastomer may be cured for a cure time of 6 minutes. - The exterior contour of the male die252 may be shaped in accordance with the inner peripheral contour of
layer 12 ofsuction sleeve 10 as described in connection with FIGS. 6-10 as described previously. - While a specific embodiment of the inventive process and apparatus constituting the inventive subject matter have been described previously, it should be understood that various modifications to the process and apparatus can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
- The
tubular fabric 101 may be produced in various lengths with or without a longitudinal seam and instead of areinforcement matrix 170, any appropriate material can be utilized to form a twisting closure in the apparatus shown in FIG. 16, including thefabric 101 itself if no matrix is used. - The coating apparatus of FIGS.12-15 may be utilized to coat any tubular material, including a non-porous or non-permeable tubular material. When non-porous material is coated, the suction applied in
suction chamber 126 is adjusted to ensure appropriate adhesive to the exterior surface of the moving tubular substrate and thesuction orifices 140 do not need to be used. Likewise, thetension controlling elements 136 may be adjusted to accommodate the specific tubular substrate to be coated in the apparatus. - The premeasured quantity of uncured silicone elastomer could be directly deposited into the
open tube 101 after the latter has been set into thefemale die cavity 242. - Other various departures from the specific embodiment described above can be envisioned within the skill of the person skilled in the art and it is to be understood that the specific steps and apparatus disclosed herein are to be exemplary only.
Claims (11)
1. A tubular member having an uninterrupted cured elastomeric resin layer adhered to an inner or outer surface of the tubular member made by the process comprising:
forming a continuous vertically extending uninterrupted tubular layer of uncured elastomeric resin;
drawing the layer of resin against one of two opposed inner and outer surfaces of the tubular member by applying suction below atmospheric pressure between the resin layer and the said one surface of the tubular member to which the resin layer is to be applied while continuously moving the tubular member relative to the continuously formed resin layer with the tubular member generally vertically oriented and in generally coaxial relationship with the tubular layer of the elastomeric resin until said one surface is coated with said uncured resin layer and said layer of uncured resin is adhered to said one surface; and
continuously heating and curing said elastomeric resin while it is adhered to the one surface of the moving tubular member.
2. A tubular member as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the process includes selecting a material that is porous for forming the tubular member, and the process further comprises drawing the tubular layer of uncured elastomeric resin against the one surface to be coated by applying sub-atmospheric pressure to the surface of said tubular member opposed to the surface to be coated by the tubular layer of uncured elastomeric resin to thereby create a sub-atmospheric pressure condition across the porous material of the tubular member and between the tubular member and the uncured layer of elastomeric resin.
3. A tubular member as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the process further comprises drawing said uncured elastomeric resin layer only partly within the pores of the porous material of said tubular member during said drawing step to thereby further adhere the uncured elastomeric resin layer to the one surface of the tubular member.
4. A tubular member as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the process includes the step of selecting an elasticized fabric as the material forming said tubular member.
5. A tubular member as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the process includes the step of selecting a silicone resin as said uncured elastomeric resin layer.
6. A tubular member as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the process includes the step of selecting a silicone resin as said uncured elastomeric resin layer.
7. A tubular member as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the process includes radially distending and longitudinally tensioning the tubular member during the curing step.
8. A composite tubular member comprising a continuous length of porous tubular material coated on one side with a continuous uninterrupted cured elastomeric resin layer that extends only partly into the pores of the porous material.
9. A composite tubular member as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the resin layer is silicone.
10. A composite tubular member as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the tubular material comprises an elasticized fabric.
11. A composite tubular member as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said elasticized fabric is a tubular knit material.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/279,855 US20030113495A1 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2002-10-25 | Tubular member with continuous resin layer |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18947800P | 2000-03-15 | 2000-03-15 | |
US09/805,126 US6485776B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2001-03-14 | Apparatus and process for making prosthetic suction sleeve |
US10/279,855 US20030113495A1 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2002-10-25 | Tubular member with continuous resin layer |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/805,126 Continuation US6485776B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2001-03-14 | Apparatus and process for making prosthetic suction sleeve |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030113495A1 true US20030113495A1 (en) | 2003-06-19 |
Family
ID=28675052
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/805,126 Expired - Lifetime US6485776B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2001-03-14 | Apparatus and process for making prosthetic suction sleeve |
US10/279,814 Expired - Lifetime US7001563B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2002-10-25 | Process for making prosthetic suspension sleeve |
US10/279,820 Expired - Lifetime US6626952B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2002-10-25 | Preform for making prosthetic suspension sleeve |
US10/279,855 Abandoned US20030113495A1 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2002-10-25 | Tubular member with continuous resin layer |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/805,126 Expired - Lifetime US6485776B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2001-03-14 | Apparatus and process for making prosthetic suction sleeve |
US10/279,814 Expired - Lifetime US7001563B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2002-10-25 | Process for making prosthetic suspension sleeve |
US10/279,820 Expired - Lifetime US6626952B2 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2002-10-25 | Preform for making prosthetic suspension sleeve |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US6485776B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003526424A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20030011074A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE456340T1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2683057C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60141202D1 (en) |
IS (1) | IS6545A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2263489C2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110023988A1 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2011-02-03 | Ligia Ludwig | Flexible hose for high pressures and temperatures including a charge-air hose and a cooling-water hose |
US20110036049A1 (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2011-02-17 | Oliva Michael G | Splice System for Connecting Rebars in Concrete Assemblies |
US10724235B2 (en) * | 2015-04-23 | 2020-07-28 | Hughes General Contractors, Inc. | Joint-free concrete |
US20220039975A1 (en) * | 2018-11-26 | 2022-02-10 | Ottobock Se & Co. Kgaa | Prosthesis liner |
Families Citing this family (140)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE69736815T2 (en) | 1996-07-31 | 2007-02-22 | Ohio Willow Wood Company, Mount Sterling | GEL AND UPHOLSTERY DEVICE |
US7431738B2 (en) * | 2000-10-04 | 2008-10-07 | Dale Perkins | Attachment system for prosthesis |
US6764631B1 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2004-07-20 | Aldo A. Laghi | Method for making a thermoformable liner |
US6734457B2 (en) * | 2001-11-27 | 2004-05-11 | Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. | Light emitting device |
DK1472084T3 (en) * | 2002-02-07 | 2011-07-25 | Saint Gobain Performance Plast | Composite articles for use in cooking |
US20040064195A1 (en) | 2002-07-15 | 2004-04-01 | Hugh Herr | Variable-mechanical-impedance artificial legs |
US9603726B2 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2017-03-28 | Ossur Hf | Adjustable seal system, seal component and method for using the same |
US10322016B2 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2019-06-18 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Adjustable seal system, seal component and method for using the same |
US8034120B2 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2011-10-11 | Ossur Hf | Suspension liner system with seal |
US11523917B2 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2022-12-13 | Ossur Hf | Suspension liner system with seal |
US7304202B2 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2007-12-04 | Ossur Hf | Wound dressing |
EP1590148A4 (en) * | 2003-02-07 | 2008-03-05 | Ossur Hf | Method and kit for preparing a last for footwear |
US7181775B2 (en) | 2003-04-25 | 2007-02-27 | Ingrid Carney | Maternity garment |
US8276216B2 (en) * | 2003-04-25 | 2012-10-02 | Ingrid & Isabel, Llc | Maternity garment |
US8075633B2 (en) | 2003-09-25 | 2011-12-13 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Active ankle foot orthosis |
US20050149202A1 (en) * | 2004-01-07 | 2005-07-07 | Schaffer Stephen P. | Liner with exterior coating for use with prosthetic devices |
US9890497B2 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2018-02-13 | A T G Ceylon (Private) Limited | Anti-perspirant glove |
GB2400051B (en) * | 2004-03-31 | 2005-03-09 | John Ward Ceylon | Polymeric garment material |
CN101292916B (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2013-04-24 | 奥苏尔公司 | Prosthetic or orthotic sleeve having external surface peripheral profiles |
US8585623B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2013-11-19 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device |
US9220622B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2015-12-29 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device |
US7713225B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2010-05-11 | Ossur Hf | Knee brace and method for securing the same |
US8231560B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2012-07-31 | Ossur Hf | Orthotic device and method for securing the same |
US7597675B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2009-10-06 | össur hf | Knee brace and method for securing the same |
US7794418B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2010-09-14 | Ossur Hf | Knee brace and method for securing the same |
US7198610B2 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2007-04-03 | Ossur Hf | Knee brace and method for securing the same |
US8216170B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2012-07-10 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device |
US11278433B2 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2022-03-22 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Powered ankle-foot prosthesis |
US20060249315A1 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2006-11-09 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Artificial human limbs and joints employing actuators, springs, and variable-damper elements |
US20070162152A1 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2007-07-12 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Artificial joints using agonist-antagonist actuators |
US10307272B2 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2019-06-04 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Method for using a model-based controller for a robotic leg |
US8864846B2 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2014-10-21 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Model-based neuromechanical controller for a robotic leg |
US20070123997A1 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2007-05-31 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Exoskeletons for running and walking |
US8512415B2 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2013-08-20 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Powered ankle-foot prothesis |
US20070043449A1 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2007-02-22 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Artificial ankle-foot system with spring, variable-damping, and series-elastic actuator components |
US8500823B2 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2013-08-06 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Powered artificial knee with agonist-antagonist actuation |
US10080672B2 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2018-09-25 | Bionx Medical Technologies, Inc. | Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity systems |
US9408724B2 (en) | 2005-09-24 | 2016-08-09 | Coyote Design And Manufacturing, Inc. | Air valve for external prosthesis |
US7993413B2 (en) | 2005-09-24 | 2011-08-09 | Matt Perkins | Valve system for prosthetics |
US8343233B2 (en) * | 2005-09-24 | 2013-01-01 | Matt Perkins | Valve system for prosthetics |
US7704067B2 (en) * | 2006-02-07 | 2010-04-27 | Tiodize Company, Inc. | Method and mold for making non-metallic fiber reinforced parts |
US7438843B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2008-10-21 | Ossur Hf | Method and kit for making prosthetic socket |
US7662191B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2010-02-16 | össur hf | Liner donning and doffing device |
US7955397B2 (en) * | 2006-07-03 | 2011-06-07 | Biomotions, Llc | Socket and sleeve for attachment to a residual limb |
US7524226B2 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2009-04-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | OLED display device with adjusted filter array |
US20080188948A1 (en) * | 2007-02-05 | 2008-08-07 | Flatt Terry J | Liner system and liner for prosthetics and method for using and making |
DE202007019051U1 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2010-05-20 | Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh | Orthopedic interface |
US10842653B2 (en) | 2007-09-19 | 2020-11-24 | Ability Dynamics, Llc | Vacuum system for a prosthetic foot |
US8323353B1 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2012-12-04 | Randall D. Alley | Method for use of a compression stabilized prosthetic socket interface |
US8656918B1 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2014-02-25 | Randall D. Alley | Method, system, and tool for affixing compression stabilized prosthetic socket interface |
US9066820B2 (en) * | 2008-07-18 | 2015-06-30 | Evolution Industries, Inc. | Flexion enhancement member for prosthetic or orthotic liner or sleeve and associated methods |
US8210841B2 (en) * | 2008-08-13 | 2012-07-03 | University Of Delaware | Apparatus and method for preform relaxation and flow control in liquid composite molding processes |
US20110082566A1 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2011-04-07 | Herr Hugh M | Implementing a stand-up sequence using a lower-extremity prosthesis or orthosis |
CA2736079A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 | 2010-03-11 | Iwalk, Inc. | Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity systems |
WO2010085336A1 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2010-07-29 | Craig Mackenzie | Sealing sheath for prosthetic liner and related methods |
US8679194B2 (en) * | 2009-01-21 | 2014-03-25 | Evolution Industries, Inc. | Expulsion liner for prosthetic or orthotic devices and associated methods |
US20100196632A1 (en) * | 2009-02-02 | 2010-08-05 | Eble Raymond C | Thin Wall Plastic Container and Method for Forming Same |
US8123818B2 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2012-02-28 | Ossur Hf | Prosthetic liner with continuous distal end area |
US8808612B2 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2014-08-19 | University Of Delaware | Computer controlled flow manipulation for vacuum infusion processes |
EP2501344B1 (en) | 2009-11-17 | 2015-02-25 | Össur HF | Suspension liner having multiple component system |
US9028558B2 (en) | 2009-11-17 | 2015-05-12 | Ossur Hf | Suspension liner having multiple component system |
EP2512387B1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2015-09-30 | Össur HF | Orthopedic device |
US8317873B2 (en) * | 2010-02-23 | 2012-11-27 | The Ohio Willow Wood Company | Polymeric prosthetic liner with controlled stretch characteristics |
US20110295385A1 (en) | 2010-04-05 | 2011-12-01 | Herr Hugh M | Controlling torque in a prosthesis or orthosis based on a deflection of series elastic element |
US8562692B2 (en) | 2010-05-10 | 2013-10-22 | Coyote Design And Manufacturing, Inc. | Distal lock for a prosthetic hard socket |
US9198779B2 (en) | 2010-05-10 | 2015-12-01 | Coyote Design And Manufacturing, Inc. | Lever-actuated device for external prosthesis |
US9079367B2 (en) | 2010-08-25 | 2015-07-14 | University Of Delaware | Systems and methods for controlling permeability in vacuum infusion processes |
US9248032B2 (en) | 2010-10-14 | 2016-02-02 | Ossur Hf | Suspension liner system with distensible seal |
WO2012096956A1 (en) | 2011-01-10 | 2012-07-19 | Iwalk, Inc. | Powered joint orthosis |
WO2012097156A2 (en) | 2011-01-12 | 2012-07-19 | Iwalk, Inc. | Controlling powered human augmentation devices |
US8940057B2 (en) | 2011-01-13 | 2015-01-27 | Ossur Hf | Casting liner, and method and kit for using the same |
US9687377B2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2017-06-27 | Bionx Medical Technologies, Inc. | Terrain adaptive powered joint orthosis |
WO2012125562A1 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2012-09-20 | Iwalk, Inc. | Biomimetic joint actuators |
US9265629B2 (en) | 2011-04-01 | 2016-02-23 | The Ohio Willow Wood Company | Fabric covered polymeric prosthetic liner |
US9155636B1 (en) | 2011-06-01 | 2015-10-13 | Ray Fikes | Prosthetic socket liner |
US8956422B2 (en) | 2011-08-22 | 2015-02-17 | Ossur Hf | Suspension liner with seal component |
US9737419B2 (en) | 2011-11-02 | 2017-08-22 | Bionx Medical Technologies, Inc. | Biomimetic transfemoral prosthesis |
US8795386B2 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2014-08-05 | Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh | Below knee amputee prosthesis liner |
US9032635B2 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2015-05-19 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Physiological measurement device or wearable device interface simulator and method of use |
US9198780B2 (en) | 2012-02-14 | 2015-12-01 | Ossur Hf | Vacuum assisted suspension system |
US9364347B2 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2016-06-14 | Aldo A. Laghi | Pocketed double fabric prosthetic liner |
US9221177B2 (en) | 2012-04-18 | 2015-12-29 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Neuromuscular model-based sensing and control paradigm for a robotic leg |
WO2013165909A1 (en) | 2012-04-30 | 2013-11-07 | Ossur Hf | Prosthetic device, system and method for increasing vacuum attachment |
US8852291B2 (en) | 2012-06-12 | 2014-10-07 | Alps South, LLC | Method and apparatus of an integrated raised gel sealing liner |
CA2876187C (en) | 2012-06-12 | 2021-01-26 | Iwalk, Inc. | Prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeleton device |
US9216099B2 (en) | 2012-06-12 | 2015-12-22 | Aldo A Laghi | Method and apparatus of an integrated gel sealing liner |
US9474334B2 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2016-10-25 | Ossur Hf | Fastener member for affixation to a structure in an orthopedic device and method for securing the same |
US9358146B2 (en) | 2013-01-07 | 2016-06-07 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device and method for securing the same |
US9375341B2 (en) | 2013-01-31 | 2016-06-28 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device having detachable components for treatment stages and method for using the same |
US9364365B2 (en) | 2013-01-31 | 2016-06-14 | Ossur Hf | Progressive force strap assembly for use with an orthopedic device |
WO2014134381A1 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2014-09-04 | Ossur Hf | Vacuum suspension system |
WO2014168910A1 (en) | 2013-04-08 | 2014-10-16 | Ossur Hf | Strap attachment system for orthopedic device |
EP3016619B1 (en) | 2013-07-03 | 2018-04-04 | Ossur Iceland EHF | Prosthetic pin locking mechanism with vacuum tunnels |
EP3033052B1 (en) | 2013-08-13 | 2018-06-06 | Ossur Iceland EHF | Brim attachment with a seal element for a prosthetic socket |
EP3035896B1 (en) | 2013-08-21 | 2020-05-06 | Ossur Iceland EHF | Variable tensioned prosthetic device including continuously elasticized fabric |
USD792677S1 (en) | 2013-09-15 | 2017-07-25 | Ingrid & Isabel, Llc | Crossover maternity panel |
US20150079014A1 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2015-03-19 | Ossur Hf | Silicone-Based Prosthetic and Orthotic Liners with Antiperspirant and Methods of Forming the Same |
WO2015073793A1 (en) | 2013-11-15 | 2015-05-21 | Ossur Hf | Adjustable seal system, seal component |
US9993357B2 (en) | 2014-02-21 | 2018-06-12 | Ossur Hf | Prosthetic socket system |
US9474636B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2016-10-25 | Ossur Hf | Valve for prosthetic device |
CN103936450B (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2015-04-08 | 西北工业大学 | Preparation method for sharp leading edge |
US9763808B2 (en) | 2014-05-19 | 2017-09-19 | Ossur Hf | Adjustable prosthetic device |
EP3164100B1 (en) | 2014-07-01 | 2018-04-18 | Ossur Iceland EHF | Pump mechanism for vacuum suspension system |
US10081140B2 (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2018-09-25 | The Boeing Company | Apparatus for and method of compaction of a prepreg |
WO2016112110A1 (en) | 2015-01-06 | 2016-07-14 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Orthopedic device for treating osteoarthritis of the knee |
US10028845B2 (en) | 2015-01-08 | 2018-07-24 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Pump mechanism |
DE102015106485A1 (en) * | 2015-04-28 | 2016-11-03 | International Automotive Components Group Gmbh | Process for producing a cover material for a motor vehicle molding and covering material of a motor vehicle molding |
WO2016187608A1 (en) | 2015-05-21 | 2016-11-24 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Pump system |
US10179055B2 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2019-01-15 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Pump system for use with a prosthetic device |
EP3340943B1 (en) | 2015-08-25 | 2019-08-07 | Ossur Iceland EHF | Prosthetic system |
US10413429B2 (en) | 2015-08-27 | 2019-09-17 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Pump system |
WO2017066038A1 (en) | 2015-10-15 | 2017-04-20 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Adjustable seal system |
US10415163B2 (en) | 2015-12-10 | 2019-09-17 | Ingrid & Isabel, Llc | Seamless postpartum garment |
DE102016103960B3 (en) | 2016-03-04 | 2017-07-13 | medi prosthetics GmbH | Knitted piece in the form of a leg or arm stocking |
EP3238667B1 (en) | 2016-04-25 | 2018-10-10 | Össur Iceland EHF | Liner for coating over a limb stump |
US11850175B2 (en) | 2016-06-06 | 2023-12-26 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Orthopedic device, strap system and method for securing the same |
WO2017214091A1 (en) | 2016-06-06 | 2017-12-14 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Orthopedic device, strap system and method for securing the same |
WO2018039421A1 (en) | 2016-08-26 | 2018-03-01 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Pump system |
WO2018187115A1 (en) | 2017-04-06 | 2018-10-11 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Adjustable seal system, seal component and method for using the same |
US11116649B2 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2021-09-14 | Nettwork Manufacturing, Inc. | Socket liner interface system |
EP3691578B1 (en) | 2017-10-06 | 2023-09-13 | Ossur Iceland EHF | Orthopedic device for unloading a knee |
WO2019079143A1 (en) | 2017-10-20 | 2019-04-25 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Heat and sweat management system |
EP3703625B1 (en) | 2017-11-01 | 2021-10-13 | Össur Iceland EHF | Prosthetic socket system |
WO2019108460A1 (en) | 2017-11-28 | 2019-06-06 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Adjustable seal system, seal component and method for using the same |
EP3727213B1 (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2023-11-15 | Ossur Iceland EHF | Liner having different regions of elongation |
US11298249B2 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2022-04-12 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Prosthetic interface |
USD888258S1 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2020-06-23 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Connector assembly |
USD908458S1 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2021-01-26 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Hinge cover |
USD882803S1 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2020-04-28 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Orthopedic shell |
US11925569B1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2024-03-12 | Arrowhead Center, Inc. | Porous prosthetic sleeve liner material |
CN113453872A (en) | 2018-11-12 | 2021-09-28 | 奥索冰岛有限公司 | Additive manufacturing system, method and corresponding component for elastomeric materials |
EP3890661A1 (en) | 2018-12-05 | 2021-10-13 | Össur Iceland EHF | Prosthetic liner and method for making the same |
EP3908232B1 (en) | 2019-01-10 | 2024-01-03 | Össur Iceland EHF | Prosthetic attachment system and corresponding lock assembly |
CN114727871A (en) | 2019-11-12 | 2022-07-08 | 奥索冰岛有限公司 | Ventilated prosthetic liner |
WO2022051251A1 (en) | 2020-09-04 | 2022-03-10 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Interchangeable distal end for a prosthetic socket system |
WO2022146806A1 (en) | 2020-12-28 | 2022-07-07 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Sleeve and method for use with orthopedic device |
US20230058917A1 (en) | 2021-08-20 | 2023-02-23 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Prosthetic attachment system and corresponding lock assembly |
US20230115195A1 (en) | 2021-10-07 | 2023-04-13 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Prosthetic liner and additive manufacturing system, method, and corresponding components for making such prosthetic liner |
WO2023064323A1 (en) | 2021-10-15 | 2023-04-20 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Prosthetic assembly having an electrode interface for recording muscle activity |
CN117261186B (en) * | 2023-11-23 | 2024-02-06 | 成都欧派智能家居有限公司 | High-adaption low-loss plastic sucking device and plastic sucking method based on adjustable separation disc |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4041198A (en) * | 1975-10-01 | 1977-08-09 | General Steel Industries, Inc. | Apparatus and method for forming water stops on insulated pipe |
US4090726A (en) * | 1977-01-17 | 1978-05-23 | Mischel Howard T | Flexible coupling for conduits |
US4347204A (en) * | 1978-12-19 | 1982-08-31 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Flexible tube and method of manufacturing same |
US4403796A (en) * | 1981-07-27 | 1983-09-13 | Rm Industrial Products Company, Inc. | Expansion joints |
US4600615A (en) * | 1985-02-21 | 1986-07-15 | Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd. | Tubular lining material and a method and apparatus for manufacturing same |
US4635626A (en) * | 1984-11-16 | 1987-01-13 | Max Lerman | Prosthetic stockings |
US4698196A (en) * | 1985-12-24 | 1987-10-06 | Xerox Corporation | Method and apparatus for extruding creaseless thin walled tubes |
US4859380A (en) * | 1987-01-23 | 1989-08-22 | Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for producing fiber-reinforced rubber hose |
US4923474A (en) * | 1986-06-26 | 1990-05-08 | Ossur Hf | Sleeve-shaped article, particularly for amputation stumps |
US5359735A (en) * | 1991-03-18 | 1994-11-01 | Stockwell Gregg M | Surface coating process |
US5376129A (en) * | 1990-12-04 | 1994-12-27 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Method and apparatus for making prosthetic socket preforms, prosthetic sockets, and socket attachment component |
US5571208A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1996-11-05 | Caspers; Carl A. | Reinforced prosthetic polyurethane hypobaric sleeve |
US5728168A (en) * | 1996-10-29 | 1998-03-17 | Alps South Corporation | Elastomer reinforcement of an elastomer interface membr for residual limb of an amputee |
US5804011A (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1998-09-08 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Process of making a two-way stretchable fabric laminate and articles made from it |
US5885674A (en) * | 1995-11-09 | 1999-03-23 | Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd. | Lining material for pipelines and method for manufacturing the same |
US5899636A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1999-05-04 | Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. | Reversible lining tube for repairing an existing pipeline |
US6136039A (en) * | 1997-05-06 | 2000-10-24 | Ossur Hf | Dual durometer silicone liner for prosthesis |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3165569A (en) * | 1960-04-18 | 1965-01-12 | Air Logisties Corp | Method and apparatus for thermal expansion molding |
US4114200A (en) * | 1977-01-17 | 1978-09-19 | The Buckeye Cellulose Corporation | Liquid impervious cuff for a disposable surgical gown and method of attachment of the cuff thereto |
DE3103564A1 (en) | 1981-02-03 | 1982-08-26 | Bayer Ag, 5090 Leverkusen | GEL UPHOLSTERY, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF |
JPS57181914A (en) * | 1981-05-02 | 1982-11-09 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Heater for lubricating oil of internal combustion engine |
EP0234796A3 (en) | 1986-02-11 | 1988-01-07 | Thomas Frank Beane | Prosthetic limb member and orthopedic stockinette |
JP2721885B2 (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1998-03-04 | 芦森工業株式会社 | Pipe liner and method of manufacturing the same |
US5672305A (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 1997-09-30 | Kogure; Yamato | Method of manufacturing medical prosthetic articles |
US5507834A (en) * | 1994-05-17 | 1996-04-16 | Laghi; Aldo A. | Transparent silicone suction socket |
US5593454A (en) * | 1995-01-12 | 1997-01-14 | Helmy; Nashat N. | Artificial limb mounting apparatus |
US5830237A (en) * | 1996-03-05 | 1998-11-03 | Ohio Willow Wood Company | Gel and cushioning devices |
US5603122A (en) * | 1995-03-20 | 1997-02-18 | Kania; Bruce | Form-fit sock |
US5590820A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1997-01-07 | Plastino; Mario A. | Auto mold machine for hats |
US6117259A (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 2000-09-12 | Yates; Paul M. | Method of manufacturing a seamless gel cushion |
DE69736815T2 (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 2007-02-22 | Ohio Willow Wood Company, Mount Sterling | GEL AND UPHOLSTERY DEVICE |
US6017407A (en) * | 1997-10-22 | 2000-01-25 | Yates; Paul M. | Method of manufacturing a cushion article |
US5910059A (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 1999-06-08 | Hanson; Thomas E. | Game apparatus |
US6149690A (en) * | 1999-03-02 | 2000-11-21 | Belzidsky; Hugo | Prosthesis suspension sleeve |
US6454812B1 (en) * | 1999-05-25 | 2002-09-24 | Aldo A. Laghi | Apparatus and method for attaching a distal umbrella to a gel prosthetic liner |
US6231617B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2001-05-15 | John N. Fay | Prosthetic liner having longitudinal inelasticity |
-
2001
- 2001-03-14 KR KR1020027012040A patent/KR20030011074A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-03-14 JP JP2001566324A patent/JP2003526424A/en active Pending
- 2001-03-14 US US09/805,126 patent/US6485776B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-03-14 RU RU2002127600A patent/RU2263489C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-03-14 DE DE60141202T patent/DE60141202D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-03-14 CA CA 2683057 patent/CA2683057C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-03-14 AT AT01920135T patent/ATE456340T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-03-14 CA CA 2683085 patent/CA2683085C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2002
- 2002-09-09 IS IS6545A patent/IS6545A/en unknown
- 2002-10-25 US US10/279,814 patent/US7001563B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-10-25 US US10/279,820 patent/US6626952B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-10-25 US US10/279,855 patent/US20030113495A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4041198A (en) * | 1975-10-01 | 1977-08-09 | General Steel Industries, Inc. | Apparatus and method for forming water stops on insulated pipe |
US4090726A (en) * | 1977-01-17 | 1978-05-23 | Mischel Howard T | Flexible coupling for conduits |
US4347204A (en) * | 1978-12-19 | 1982-08-31 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Flexible tube and method of manufacturing same |
US4403796A (en) * | 1981-07-27 | 1983-09-13 | Rm Industrial Products Company, Inc. | Expansion joints |
US4635626A (en) * | 1984-11-16 | 1987-01-13 | Max Lerman | Prosthetic stockings |
US4600615A (en) * | 1985-02-21 | 1986-07-15 | Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd. | Tubular lining material and a method and apparatus for manufacturing same |
US4698196A (en) * | 1985-12-24 | 1987-10-06 | Xerox Corporation | Method and apparatus for extruding creaseless thin walled tubes |
US4923474A (en) * | 1986-06-26 | 1990-05-08 | Ossur Hf | Sleeve-shaped article, particularly for amputation stumps |
US4859380A (en) * | 1987-01-23 | 1989-08-22 | Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for producing fiber-reinforced rubber hose |
US5571208A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1996-11-05 | Caspers; Carl A. | Reinforced prosthetic polyurethane hypobaric sleeve |
US5376129A (en) * | 1990-12-04 | 1994-12-27 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Method and apparatus for making prosthetic socket preforms, prosthetic sockets, and socket attachment component |
US5359735A (en) * | 1991-03-18 | 1994-11-01 | Stockwell Gregg M | Surface coating process |
US5804011A (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1998-09-08 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Process of making a two-way stretchable fabric laminate and articles made from it |
US5885674A (en) * | 1995-11-09 | 1999-03-23 | Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd. | Lining material for pipelines and method for manufacturing the same |
US5899636A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1999-05-04 | Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. | Reversible lining tube for repairing an existing pipeline |
US5728168A (en) * | 1996-10-29 | 1998-03-17 | Alps South Corporation | Elastomer reinforcement of an elastomer interface membr for residual limb of an amputee |
US6136039A (en) * | 1997-05-06 | 2000-10-24 | Ossur Hf | Dual durometer silicone liner for prosthesis |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110023988A1 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2011-02-03 | Ligia Ludwig | Flexible hose for high pressures and temperatures including a charge-air hose and a cooling-water hose |
US8997795B2 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2015-04-07 | Contitech Mgw Gmbh | Flexible hose for high pressures and temperatures including a charge-air hose and a cooling-water hose |
US20110036049A1 (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2011-02-17 | Oliva Michael G | Splice System for Connecting Rebars in Concrete Assemblies |
US8413396B2 (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2013-04-09 | Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation | Splice system for connecting rebars in concrete assemblies |
US10724235B2 (en) * | 2015-04-23 | 2020-07-28 | Hughes General Contractors, Inc. | Joint-free concrete |
US20220039975A1 (en) * | 2018-11-26 | 2022-02-10 | Ottobock Se & Co. Kgaa | Prosthesis liner |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6485776B2 (en) | 2002-11-26 |
ATE456340T1 (en) | 2010-02-15 |
US6626952B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 |
CA2683085C (en) | 2011-07-05 |
CA2683085A1 (en) | 2001-09-20 |
CA2683057A1 (en) | 2001-09-20 |
US20030111773A1 (en) | 2003-06-19 |
US20030113494A1 (en) | 2003-06-19 |
IS6545A (en) | 2002-09-09 |
US7001563B2 (en) | 2006-02-21 |
CA2683057C (en) | 2013-01-08 |
US20020002405A1 (en) | 2002-01-03 |
DE60141202D1 (en) | 2010-03-18 |
KR20030011074A (en) | 2003-02-06 |
JP2003526424A (en) | 2003-09-09 |
RU2263489C2 (en) | 2005-11-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6485776B2 (en) | Apparatus and process for making prosthetic suction sleeve | |
CA2402715C (en) | Apparatus and process for making prosthetic suction sleeve | |
DE69738488T2 (en) | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PROSTHESIS | |
US11351338B2 (en) | Inflatable medical balloons with continuous fiber wind | |
JP4179628B2 (en) | Vacuum bag, method for manufacturing the same, and method for using the same | |
WO1995025633A1 (en) | Bent tube, method of and apparatus for manufacturing same | |
DE102004025704A1 (en) | Fiber reinforced plastic component manufacture involves compressing resin impregnated fiber composite between mold, upper films and pressurized membrane while heat transfer fluids flows between film and membrane | |
DE102005011977A1 (en) | Resin infusion system for manufacturing reinforced plastic parts using fiber preforms comprises gas impermeable thermoplastic elastomer membrane forming a closed chamber around fiber preform | |
US20010008659A1 (en) | Injection molded, rigidized bladder with varying wall thickness for for manufacturing composite shafts | |
JPH07223271A (en) | Bent pipe and method and apparatus for producing the same | |
JP2003503235A (en) | Method and apparatus for forming and curing tires for automobile wheels | |
JP2007007910A (en) | Rtm (resin transfer molding) method and resin injection device therefor | |
DE102019115447B4 (en) | Method of forming a composite structure | |
KR101812963B1 (en) | Process for the manufacture of implants or intermediate products of such implants as well as implants and intermediate products obtained by such process | |
EP3843669A1 (en) | Breast prosthesis and method for the manufacture thereof | |
DE4038077C2 (en) | ||
CN1282659A (en) | Technology for making air bag and aerated or water-filled rubber protector for ship side | |
JPH1148318A (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing hollow fiber-reinforced resin molding | |
RU2786701C2 (en) | Method for manufacture of individual sleeve for prosthesis | |
JP3674727B2 (en) | Casting artificial marble bathtub manufacturing equipment | |
WO1997044175A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for moulding elongate members and in particular golf club shafts | |
WO2022125373A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for forming a composite object | |
DE102019110828A1 (en) | Balloon for medical applications and the manufacture thereof | |
JP2007237630A (en) | Manufacturing method for tubular rubber body | |
DE3008766A1 (en) | METHOD FOR VULCANIZING A MIXTURE OF RUBBER AND / OR PLASTIC ON METAL |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |