초록 ▼

A system for removing perspiration from a residual limb inserted in a prosthesis comprising an nonporous prosthesis socket, a porous thin sheath adjacent the socket, a nonporous liner adjacent the sheath, an osmotic membrane adjacent the liner allowing water vapor to pass from the limb but preventin

A system for removing perspiration from a residual limb inserted in a prosthesis comprising an nonporous prosthesis socket, a porous thin sheath adjacent the socket, a nonporous liner adjacent the sheath, an osmotic membrane adjacent the liner allowing water vapor to pass from the limb but preventing liquid from passing to the limb, a nonporous seal that prevents air leakage between the residual limb and the socket; and, a vacuum source to reduce the pressure in a space between the limb and socket. A method of removing perspiration from a residual limb in a prosthesis.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for removing perspiration from a residual limb inserted in a prosthesis comprising:a nonporous prosthesis socket;a porous thin sheath adjacent the socket;a nonporous liner adjacent the sheath;an osmotic membrane adjacent the liner allowing water vapor to pass from the limb but preventing

1. A system for removing perspiration from a residual limb inserted in a prosthesis comprising:a nonporous prosthesis socket;a porous thin sheath adjacent the socket;a nonporous liner adjacent the sheath;an osmotic membrane adjacent the liner allowing water vapor to pass from the limb but preventing liquid from passing to the limb;a nonporous seal that prevents air leakage between the residual limb and the socket; anda vacuum source to reduce the pressure in a space between the limb and socket.2. The system of claim 1 wherein the nonporous seal is a nonfoamed, nonporous polyurethane suspension sleeve.3. The system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum source is a vacuum pump, a regulator and a power source.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum source is a weight-actuated vacuum pump.5. The system of claim 1, where in the sheath is a porous, knitted nylon material.6. The system of claim 1, wherein the liner is nonfoamed, nonporous polyurethane.7. A method of removing perspiration from a residual limb in a prosthesis comprising the steps of:inserting the residual limb into a sleeve comprising an osmotic membrane that allows water vapor to pass from the limb but preventing liquid from passing to the limb;inserting the residual limb and osmotic membrane sleeve into a flexible, nonporous liner;inserting the residual limb, osmotic membrane sleeve and liner into a porous sheath;inserting the residual limb, osmotic membrane sleeve, liner and sheath into a prosthetic socket cavity having a volume and shape to receive the residual limb;sealing the socket cavity with a nonporous seal; andapplying a vacuum to the socket cavity in the space between the membrane and the socket to draw the residual limb and liner into firm contact with the socket and provide a reduced pressure in the socket cavity.8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of maintaining the vacuum in the socket cavity, in the presence of some air leakage into the socket cavity.9. The method of claim 7, wherein the sheath is a porous knitted nylon material.10. The method of claim 7, wherein the liner is of a nonfoamed, nonporous polyurethane.11. The method of claim 7, wherein the nonporous seal is nonfoamed, nonporous polyurethane suspension sleeve.12. The method of claim 7, wherein the vacuum source is a vacuum pump, a regulator and a power source.13. The method of claim 7, wherein the vacuum source is a weight-actuated vacuum pump.14. The method of claim 7, wherein a vacuum of at least ten inches of mercury is maintained in the socket cavity.