| abstract |
A vacuum-assist artificial limb assembly ( 10 ) is provided having a socket ( 22 ) for receiving a residual limb ( 20 ). The assembly ( 10 ) includes an on-board vacuum pump and control assembly ( 18 ) with a selectively operable vacuum pump ( 72 ) controlled by a microprocessor ( 44 ). The microprocessor ( 44 ) is also connected with an on-off switch ( 48 ), pressure adjust buttons ( 68 ), a pressure read-out ( 66 ), and an alarm ( 70 ). In use, a pressure transducer ( 74 ) in communication with the interior of socket ( 22 ) and coupled with microprocessor ( 44 ) monitors negative pressure conditions within the socket, and the microprocessor ( 44 ) operates pump ( 72 ) in response to transducer pressure signals. In this manner, the vacuum-assist operation of assembly ( 10 ) is essentially automatic. |