WO2010070614A1 - Artificial limb to body link system - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention includes a system for linking a prosthesis and an amputee having magnetic configurations interacting with the amputees remnant bone whilst transferring load through the bone to the above joint. One magnetic configuration is contained within an implant in the remnant bone, a second magnetic configuration is attached externally stabilising and transferring lateral and vertical loads through the bone via the implant whilst creating clearance for the stump flesh. A third magnetic configuration transfers vertical loads to the bone whilst creating clearance for the stump flesh. A link is made to the skeleton of an amputee via loads being produced and recorded. This information is used to create new artificial limb function and control. Transferring loads internally reinstating the endoskeleton of an amputee creates a more usable artificial limb.

Description

TITLE: ARTIFICIAL LIMB TO BODY LINK SYSTEM

CROSS REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application: 573810 filed December 19- 2008 by the present inventor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to artificial limbs and connections therefore, and in particular, but not exclusively to a Prosthetic Stable Internal Load Bearing Link System (or Load Link System) for prosthetic legs and arms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some of the challenges of coupling a machine to a body, for example an artificial limb coupled to an amputee are controlling the artificial limb and comfort. These challenges affect both arm and leg amputees.

Artificial limbs are used to replace limbs, or parts of limbs, that are not fully formed or which are lost as a result of trauma or disease. In the case of artificial legs, the ability to load bear internally through the amputated bone is lost and an artificial leg load bears externally through a hard socket in the groin or under the knee cap making it difficult to control and painful. This has been a long felt problem which most significant advance has been changing to a suction socket, which are now very common, instead of a belt for attachment. A suction socket is made up of two parts a soft flexible liner fitted with a valve to expel air which is encased in a hard carbon fibre container. The flexible liner is secured to the carbon fibre container using Velcro. The socket then extends either into the groin or under the knee cap where load is still born externally. When an artificial limb is used for walking, jogging or running, there is an additional requirement to absorb shock loads, pressure and perform different functions. This being more so than the loading, pressure and function of standing and sitting but which also exists.

In the case of an above knee prosthetic, the artificial leg is typically connected and controlled by a full length socket, which in turn is attachable to the exterior of the femoral stump. The socket is an external apparatus with no direct link to the residual amputated bone of the wearer. The stability of the prosthetic is almost completely dependent on the fit of the socket. When in use, the prosthetic leg weight bears through this socket which is attached to and contains the femoral stump. The prosthetic socket typically extends into the groin area cupping the sitting bones (ischium and tuburosity) of the pelvis. Weight, pressure and loads of the body are transferred between the pelvis and the custom fitting upper lip of the socket. During extended use however, this can cause altered mechanics, abnormal gait, loss of location, control difficulties, chafing and pain as the load is transferred externally via the skin, flesh and sitting bones of the pelvis at the interface not internally through the natural hip joint via the amputated bone.

Loads cannot be directly transferred between the amputated residual femur bone end and the socket without pain and damage being caused to the flesh and skin covering the femur bone end. When load is applied to the femur bone the end stabs into the flesh and skin from the inside causing such problems as but not only, haematoma and complete penetration of the flesh. The bone is simply used in conjunction with the stump as a lever to swing the artificial limb.

In growing amputees particularly children, if a bone is not bearing enough weight it will not grow with sufficient density making it weak and vulnerable. A child then has the added problem of trying to swing a larger and larger artificial limb as they grow into adulthood. With insufficient residual bone density, handling the pressures of swinging an adult size artificial limb, childhood amputees experience additional and more extreme difficulties.

In recent times, advances have been made in the ability to redirect load bearing internally by connecting an artificial limb directly to the bone within a leg stump. This improves the load bearing capabilities of the coupling between the artificial limb and the body of the wearer. However, the direct connection protrudes from the flesh and brings with it various problems in relation to infection and rejection.

Reference - ITap: www.abc.net.au/science/slab/leg/default.htm

The technology for artificial attachments to sockets such as knees and feet has moved on considerably and can achieve new function through but not only computer chips, electronics, gyroscopes and the ability to create a gait based on the movement of the other leg. New technologies are still limited however by pain caused by the socket and do not utilise the load bearing capabilities of the residual bone.

Reference- Rheo knee: www.ossur.com/?PageID= 12702

With ref to prior art "Magnetic prosthetic system" which uses vertical repulsion. Line 22 to 26 of ref below, almost touch on a major problem: Sleeve 14 extends from socket 18 to cover appendage, and by being sized to closely fit over the appendage, prevents second magnetic fixture 26 from moving laterally to escape the repelling magnetic field of first magnetic fixture

22. The problem is: magnetic fixture 22 implanted in the bone also moves laterally, under load that could penetrate the flesh. A closely fitting socket would not stop the lateral instability created by two opposing magnets powerful enough to repel the loads of a moving human.

The problem is created by using two magnetic configurations one implanted in the bone of a leg amputation, the other magnetic configuration adjacent and held within an artificial limb, due to the nature of repelling magnets which create frictionless slippage, as load goes on the magnets move laterally at speed to escape each other, which is dangerous and unstable for the flesh that surrounds the internal magnet. The externally magnet is easier to secure as it can be contained within an external socket by what ever means necessary.

This prior art was not pursued and if followed could cause serious injury as the internal magnet fixtures lateral movement problems have not been anticipated.

Reference- "Magnetic prosthetic system" Patent no: 5,879,386, march 9 1999.

There is other reference to using magnets internally for various orthopaedic problems however these magnetic configurations are either completely contained internally or use the attracting nature of magnets for attachment purposes.

Reference- "Magnetically mounted artificial joint" Patent no: WO2009/060007 "Strapless prosthetic arm" European patent no: EP1743602 and US 20060293762 "System, device and methods for replacing the intervertebral disc" Patent WO2006/119124

Dentistry and hearing implants are other areas where magnets are utilised. These use magnetic attraction as a form of attachment not repulsion as this invention suggests. However it does demonstrate the use of magnetic fields close vital organs such as the brain being of no harm and are already in common use. None of the above patents and prior art anticipate the Prosthetic stable internal load bearing system (or Load Link System).

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a prosthetic stable internal load bearing link system or Load Link system, which is capable of overcoming the long felt problems fore mentioned. Recreating internal load bearing and converting it into additional prosthetic function and control, which can also be applied proactively in the set up of amputee prosthetics and the diagnosis of set up problems, will transform the lives of many.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides the prosthetic stable internal load bearing link system having a first magnetic configuration, which can be implanted into a remnant bone, a second opposed magnetic configuration, which can be secured to a prosthetic socket, and a third stabilising magnetic configuration secured to the socket which is then connectable to a stump. Each magnetic configuration comprises of one or more of magnets. Wherein in use each magnetic configuration creates a magnetic field, the nature of which assists in stabilisation and transferring loads from the socket to the remnant bone without crushing the stump flesh whilst the socket assists in holding the prosthetic on the stump. An additional feature is a device for recording loads, movement and dynamics. The device reads the interactions between the magnetic configurations and can transform this information into direct function using existing technologies. The device is attached independently to the artificial limb. The inventive step is the use of magnetic fields within the socket and stump to effectively create a stable internal "magnetic cushion" which provides information to an artificial limb which can be transformed into direct function. The addition of the third stabilising magnetic configuration, as well as increasing the horizontal stability of the first two magnetic configurations unexpectedly increased the vertical repulsion force experienced by the first implanted magnet, a welcome advantage. The third stabilising magnet can also be used to gather further information to aid direct function.

The system is located at the amputated end to prevent crushing of the stump flesh under axial compressive loads in a similar manner to kneeling on a cushion. The stump flesh is relieved of most or all of the axial compressive loads at the amputated end. The bone via the implant then transfers these loads as is natural and preferred to the above joint.

The interaction of the magnets can be recorded and utilised to increase function of the artificial limb. The attachment of the socket to the stump and the connection between the socket and the artificial limb are designed to handle the expected tensile forces.

The magnetic fields are more important than the means by which they are created. The example refers to permanent magnets however other ways of creating magnetic fields such as one or more electro magnets or using inductive power transfer to power components within or on the body may be used.

Preferably the magnetic fields provide both an axial repulsion for load bearing and also lateral stability or self centring to assist in holding the bone in place relative to the stump. Preferably the interactions between the magnets as they perform required tasks are measured by the device independently attached to the artificial limb and the information is transformed into additional artificial limb functions either directly or indirectly using but not exclusively electronics, computer chips and/or software, strain gages, micro switches and micro processor. In the examples I have described the implementation of this invention is to an above the knee amputation but the Load Link System of this invention is applicable to other limbs and other types of bone geometry or other types of amputations.

One aspect of the invention provides an artificial limb having a socket containing a magnetic configuration adapted to co-operate with one or more magnets embedded in the user's body (preferably embedded in a residual stump bone).

In another aspect the invention provides a method of securing a prosthetic to a user's body by embedding or attaching first magnetic means directly or indirectly to a part of the user's skeleton, attaching a socket to soft tissue adjacent the first magnetic means by, but not exclusively suction to accommodate expected tensile forces, and wherein the socket contains a second magnetic means capable of providing a desired magnetic field and capable of resisting axial compressive loads between the prosthetic and the skeleton which can be measured and transformed into additional artificial limb function whilst leaving the residual flesh unharmed.

Preferably the first magnetic means is surgically implanted.

Preferably the first magnetic means is sealed within a biocompatible material connected to the skeleton which is removable and comfortable. More preferably it is removably connected to a knee revision implant, by but not exclusively being screwed or unscrewed, which is implanted in and connected to the bone. More preferably the magnetic s hermetically sealed within the bio compatible cover.

In a further aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a Load Link System having a first magnetic configuration, which can be implanted into a remnant bone and a second opposed magnetic configuration which can be secured to a prosthetic and a third magnetic configuration which can be secured to the prosthetic socket. The third magnetic configuration creates a magnetic field which stabilises and transfers loads from the socket to the first magnetic configuration without crushing the stump flesh, the interactions of which can be read and utilised to perform artificial limb function. Wherein in use these magnetic configurations allow the loads to be transferred through the femur bone into the hip joint as is natural and preferred. The loads can be produced and recorded via bone movement creating magnetic interaction and utilised to perform new artificial limb functions and help to identify problems, such as alignment issues and ill fit and or used directly to tune a wearers artificial limb set up. The bone end is now accessible from the outside and the loads it experiences can be recorded and interpreted.

The magnetic field can be obtained by more than one magnetic configuration. Whether permanent magnets are used or not, it is also possible to design magnetic fields that can be adjusted or turned off when required. For example when the prosthetic is removed it may be preferable to reduce, shield or turn off the magnetic field of the magnetic configuration embedded within the stump.

A further aspect includes, but not exclusively, said strain gage, micro switches and micro processor used to read and record the interactions between the magnetic configurations and translates them into direct action through but not exclusively computer soft ware and robotics. Secured externally either independently or attached to the artificial limb socket, this device reads and records the interactions between the magnetic configurations both externally and/or internally. This information is used to direct the artificial limb either, but not exclusively, electronically or physically as in robotics. The wearer can then perform a learned and or certain and or sequence of movements that has the artificial limb respond by performing the desired action such as but not only straightening and bending a knee independently to walk the wearer up or down stairs. The artificial limb can be programmed to follow the natural movement of a wearers gait without the wearer having to think about making specific moves.

Other embodiments may utilise further magnetic configurations (garters) attached externally to create magnetic fields, by either repelling or attracting the internal magnetic configuration/s, electromagnets, inductive power transfer, telemetry and other related magnetic options that create this required magnetic field to, stably transfer load internally through the femur into the hip joint as is natural and preferred or measure magnetic interactions, pressure or movement to utilise the information to add additional functions to an artificial limb and identify issues of an artificial limb set up.

Preferably the Load Link System can vary the strength of the magnetic field of one or all of the magnetic configurations by but not exclusively, manually, or use of a spring, or use of a further magnetic configuration, setting the distance of the magnets further apart or closer together, electronically and shielding depending on desired fields strength. Two or more external magnetic configurations in repulsion mode, stacked vertically within the socket acting as a magnetic spring or shock absorber, where in the top one repels the internal magnetic configuration vertically may also be useful in creating further but not only field strength, cushioning, stability and information.

Preferably the first magnetic configurations are sealed within biocompatible material creating a comfortable shape over the flat surfaces and edges of the magnetic configurations. Even more preferably this shape aids the amputation or revision procedure. Biocompatible material is material suitable for implantation in a body which material may not be rejected by the body which may include but is not limited to titanium, surgical steel, non ferrous alloys, and polyethylene.

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGURE 1 is a first preferred embodiment of the Prosthetic Stable Internal Load Bearing Link System (or Load Link System) which provides information which relates to but not only, an above knee artificial prosthetic leg with an above knee amputation.

FIGURE Ia is a view in detail of a cross sectional 3 dimensional elevation, not to scale of one possible magnetic configuration for the Load Link System according to the present embodiment in Figure 1.

FIGURE 2 is a cross section of another possible magnetic configuration in relation to the Load Link System.

FIGURE 3 is an anatomical view showing another variation of main components used to form the Load Link System and connection to the stump

FIGURE 4 is a partial perspective not to scale, showing a possible configuration of the second magnetic configuration of the Load Link System and connection to the stump.

FIGURE 5 is a partial perspective view showing the integration of sensors, to gather information for transforming into direct function for Load Link System.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view showing a further example of the Load Link System which shows space for sensors, electronics, Inductive power transfer and telemetry capabilities.

EXAMPLE l :

This example illustrates the principle of the Stable Prosthetic Internal Load Bearing Load Link System or Load Link System applied to an above knee prosthetic. It makes use of magnetic fields both opposing and attracting to create in effect a stable "magnetic cushion" which interactions can be measured, recorded and transformed via electrodes to direct function of the prosthetic leg. This allows some of, or the entire load of the person to be transmitted from the hip joint to the femur and from the femur to the prosthetic leg via the magnetic fields which repel one another at least at the region where the load is transmitted to the internal magnetic configuration and create a comfortable clearance for the flesh.

In Figure 1, for the purposes of illustration only as dimensions are not exact, the Load Link system is incorporated into an above knee prosthetic 110. In this illustration, a femur remnant bone 130 is shown with an empty bone canal 112 that preferably has a compatible femoral implant 120 implanted in the distal end and preferably connected to the bone so as to be secured in place. Preferably a removable magnetic configuration 122 is held by the femoral implant 120 to create a first magnetic field. Preferably the magnetic configuration 122 comprises one or more permanent magnets and more preferably these are neodymium magnets. Preferably the magnetic configuration 122 will already be sealed within a bio compatible covering 136 shaped to spread load, whereby but not exclusively sharp edges are smoothed and softened, before it is implanted or attached to compatible femoral implant 120.

As above implant 120 may vary in length and creates stable support and contains or attaches the first magnetic configuration 122.

If the base of the magnetic configuration 122 is a north pole then the adjacent portion of the magnetic configuration 118 should also be a north pole to repel the adjacent portion of magnetic configuration 122. The same applies if using the south poles. A third magnetic configuration is preferably a magnetised ring 134 with sufficient magnetic mass for magnet 122's horizontal force to be negative as is required for horizontal stability. Magnetised ring 134 surrounds the stump. The magnetised ring 134 is magnetised inwards to be in repulsion with the pole at the top of magnet 122. Magnetised ring 134 also increases the vertical repulsion force experienced by magnet 122. If magnet 122 is horizontally perturbed it will move back to the centre and as it does the movement will slow until it is at rest in the centre. The stump flesh 132 is not limited to but is stretched and surgically stapled or pined around the end of the bone 130 and over cover 136 based on standard amputation or revision procedure after the implant made up of 122, 136 and 120 is implanted.

The stump flesh 132 is contained and attached within an inner soft liner 116. Preferably this inner liner 116 is attached to the stump by suction but other attachment means may be used.

This inner liner 116 is contained within a hard outer container 114 which gives leverage and protection to the stump.

Secured to the outer container 114 is one possibility of the second magnetic configuration 118 which creates the magnetic field repelling the remnant bone 130 via magnetic configuration 122, transferring weight, loads and pressure through the stump flesh 132 covering the end of the remnant bone 130 and into the bone 130 itself without having the magnetic configurations 118 and 122 touch each other. Magnetic configurations 118 and 122 are repelling either north to north or south to south, thus protecting the stump flesh 132 and redirecting load up through the remnant bone 130.

At the base of the outer container 114 an attaching alignment adjusting component 124 is secured. Component 124 attaches and aligns the rest of the limb components to suit the angulation of the remnant bone 130. Component 124 may also self adjust based on readings recorded see fig 5. An artificial knee 126 is then attached to this followed by a pylon 128.

The inner liner 116 and/or outer container 114 can vary in length as unlike a conventional socket 116 and 114 no longer need to bear as much load if any through the upper rim.

Figure Ia is a basic view of the magnetic configurations making up one possible embodiment of the Load Link System. The magnetised ring 134 has a north pole internally and a south pole externally. The ring 134 stabilises the magnetic configuration 122, which has its north pole up and south pole down, by surrounding its north pole. Magnetic configuration 118 has its south pole up and north pole down so repels magnetic configuration 122 vertically. Figure 2 comprises the first and one possible magnet configuration 122 which creates part of the magnetic field and one possibility of the second magnetic configuration 212 which creates part of the magnetic field. This is one combination of magnetic configurations that are orientated to stably transfer weight, loads and pressure without having the magnetic configurations touch each other which create a magnetic field clearance 210 between. This clearance 210 can vary in depth from amputee to amputee; the size of load bearing cover 136 will also vary the clearance.

The second magnetic configuration 212 is configured to have a high rising magnetic field so that it can at least partially surround the first magnetic configuration 122. In this way, even though the first magnetic configuration 122 is repelled by the second magnetic configuration 212, while the two are being pushed apart, the high rising field of 212 reduces horizontal slippage and increases stability. This reduces the number of magnetic configurations need to create the link system.

The stabilising magnetic field supports at least a part of the weight of the person and the magnetic configuration 122 within the stump flesh 132 will be held in a relatively stable location reducing stress on the surrounding the stump flesh 132. In addition, the magnetic field clearance 210 will readily redirect load, weight, and pressure from the external prosthetic leg 1 into the internal remnant bone 130 which is natural and preferred whilst clearance 210 allows the stump flesh 132 to reside comfortably.

Figure 3, for the purposes of illustration only the dimensions are not exact, the Load Link

System is incorporated into an above knee prosthetic 110 attached to a partial anatomical view.

In this instance the first magnetic configuration 122 is connectable to the remnant bone 130 within the stump flesh 132 using a bio compatible hollow femoral implant 310 containing a magnetic configuration 312.

Magnet 312 may be used to further interact with magnetic configurations 122, 118, 134 and or 212 (see fig 2) to, but not exclusively transfer load up into the hip joint via the remnant bone 130 and cover 136, stabilise and or vertically repel or attract and further create recordable information. Additional magnetic garters 314 and 320 may also be added externally to interact with magnet 312, 122, 118, 134 and or 212 (see fig 2). For the purpose of the illustration a magnetised ring has been added to represent the magnetised garter 314 and 320; however other magnetic shapes and configurations may be used to create the garter added to perform such tasks but not exclusively, stabilisation, vertical attraction and or repulsion and or gain further information and/ or create direct function.

Configurations 118, 134, 314, 320 and 212 (see fig 2) can be attached to the outside or contained, but not exclusively, within the outer container 114, or the liner 116 or sandwiched between the 114 and 116 inside or outside the recording device 318 as a separate entity

Figure 4 is a partial cross section elevation of an alternative construction of the external magnetic configuration. While it is envisaged part 410 of the external magnetic configuration be constructed from a single piece of magnetic material, in this figure a construction comprising multiple magnetic pieces 410 is shown. The multiple magnetic pieces 410 preferably contain tapered S bends as shown and are fixed into position so a hole 412 is formed at the bottom. The hole 412 acts as a dip in the magnetic field that creates stability as the internal magnetic configuration 122 tends to fall into it. Magnetic configuration 410 further contains a magnetic shield 414 to shield the unwanted pole on the edge areas if need be as the curve drags the pole under. The magnetic configuration 416 increases vertical repulsion and is but not exclusively fixed immovably into the container 114.

In another aspect magnet 416 may move vertically up and down within a cylinder 420 against the repulsion of the internal magnet 122 and the repulsion of the second magnetic configuration 418. Magnetic configuration 418 is fixed within the cylinder 420 and acts as a shock absorber using magnetic repulsion. The top of the cylinder 420 has a cover 422 to stop magnet 416 coming out. The magnetic aspect shown in figure 4 may work in conjunction with the magnetised ring 134 and additional magnetic garters 314 and 320 or additional garters as required. Figure 5 shows a partial three dimensional view not to scale of one possible configuration of the recording device. The recording device 318 can be incorporated either but not only into its own sleeve 510 or into the existing flexible liner 116. The device 318 is made up of but not exclusively electrodes, strain gages, micro switches and sensors 512. Sleeve 510 can be warn either next to the flesh 132 with or without suction valve capabilities 518, over top of inner liner 116, or over top of the container 114 or one over top of each simultaneously or just covering a chosen two. The sensors 512 are shown attached internally on sleeve 510 in fig 5 but could be external or both and as many as necessary to pick up the data required.

The recording device 318 utilises but not exclusively existing technologies such as robotics, electrodes, telemetry, electronics, inductive power transfer, electromagnets, strain gages, micro switches and sensors 512 The sensors are located at specific points to pick up the interactions, pressures and movements between the magnetic configurations. Other information may be recorded such as but not limited to muscle vibration, nerve current, blood pressure and temperature. The device 318 provides the recorded data for a microprocessor 514 via, but not limited to, wires 516 located on or within the prosthetic leg. Wireless capabilities may also be utilised. Programmable software may be incorporated with the microprocessor 514 to interpret, but not exclusively, magnetic pressure, muscle vibration, electrical impulses, pressure or movement sequences requesting certain artificial limb function either produced automatically or by predetermined programmed sequencing of movement, to then transfert this interpreted data, but not exclusively, to a robotic limb or smart limb technology. A power pack could be charged via walking action, movement, solar or mains power.

Figure 6 shows a further variation of the Load Link System in which the second magnetic configuration, a tubular or cylindrical magnetic extension 610 extends further up the sides of the stump flesh 132 in a much more vertical configuration. The stump flesh 132 is contained by the liner 116. The cylindrical magnetic extension 610 creates stability and slows lateral and/ or vertical movements of the first magnetic configuration 122 and 312 which are repelled by magnetic configuration 118. A magnetic garter 314 utilises the top of the magnetic configuration 312 to create further stability. Garter 314 can be attached to the outside or contained, but not exclusively, within the container 114, or the liner 116 or sandwiched between 114 and 116 as a separate entity.

In this variation space 612 is created to house the various parts that may be used to obtain and transform information required to create direct artificial limb function such as but not limited to smart limbs, electromagnetic capabilities, telemetry, pressure gauges micro processors and power pack. The magnetic shield cover 614 is used to shield or weaken the magnetic field projected externally from the Load Link System. The artificial components 616 are preferably but not limited to, an intelligent prosthetic knee containing a computer chip to receive and implement information and data obtained.

EXAMPLE 2:

The same principles of the Load Link System can be used for artificial arms. The socket attachment holds the arm in place in a similar fashion to the socket described above or working with traditional methods of attachment. The magnetic fields provide a cushioning effect and allow loads to be transferred to the prosthetic via said magnet(s) embedded within the bone of the remaining arm stump and said external magnets within the socket. These loads are recorded through said device, this data is then transformed into hand and limb function. A below elbow would have the advantage of two bones in the forearm that could both be implanted with magnetic configurations that when interacting with each other and the external prosthetic magnet/s, would supply a vast amount of workable information. This information would allow more movement in a prosthetic hand, where in the more information the hand receives the more functions the hand can perform thus the more capable the hand can be. VARIATIONS

The magnetic fields can be obtained by more than one magnetic configuration and without using permanent magnets at all - using one or more permanent magnets, or electro-magnets or a combination of permanent and electromagnets or inductive power transfer.

Although I have described the use of neodymium magnets other types of permanent magnets can be used.

Preferably the magnetic configurations are covered with bio compatible material so as to be compatible with the other materials they may come in contact with including soft tissue both internally and externally and the materials which create the socket.

Other embodiments may utilise electromagnets, inductive power transfer, telemetry and other related magnetic options that create the required magnetic field to measure pressure or movement to utilise the information to aid in walking.

Preferably the Load Link System includes means to remove or vary the strength of the magnetic field in any of the magnetic configurations in response to but not only external elements being attracted to the Load Link System and surgery or scans.

By allowing the internally based magnetic configuration to be removable it is possible to change the strength of the internal magnet if needed (especially if the weight of the user changes over time, for example an implant in a growing child).

An artificial knee 126 is then attached to alignment adjusting component 124 followed by a pylon 128 but not limited to these components as any artificial limb components on the market can be attached to the Load Link System by altering the attaching alignment adjusting component 124 to suit.

Another variation of magnetic configuration 410 where in the hole 412 need not be created and the pieces or solid piece draws right into the centre of the configuration. Cover 416 may or may not be magnetised and may or may not cover the cylinder 420 completely

The magnetic configuration created by magnets 416 and 418 may also be used in conjunction with the other aspects disclosed in this document, particularly but not exclusively replacing magnetic configuration 118.

In another variation the cylinder 610 may be used with the first magnetic configuration 122 without 312.

Combinations of the various magnetic configurations may be used depending but not only on the amputee.

Other attachment means may be used such as Iceros pin system and belts to attach the artificial limb.

While the fundamental novel features of the invention have been described, it should be understood that various substitutions, modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly all such modifications and variations are included in the scope of this invention defined by the following claims.

DEFINITIONS

Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. In this specification the word "holds" as for example in the phrase "a magnetic field that holds the remnant bone 130 and transfers weight, loads, and pressure". It is to be understood that this is a reference to the primary effect of the magnetic feild to create the" magnetic stabilisation" meaning held stable.

ADVANTAGES

Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred embodiments of the invention provides a Load Link System, which is capable of solving the long felt problem of external load bearing by redirecting load internally as is natural and preferred whilst converting said load into additional prosthetic function and control creating comfort and natural load bearing.

The Load Link System is a link between man and machine that not only performs with the natural movement of the wearer but gives the user the abilities to teach their limb how to perform required function as well. Much like a child learning to use their limbs to walk or pick up a spoon an amputee can learn certain sequential movement of the remnant limb that has their artificial limb perform the desired task.

The Load Link System accesses information wasted by load bearing externally. By redirecting load internally the Load Link System can record the interactions of the magnetic configurations that make this redirection possible. Once the interactions are recorded the data can be interpreted and transformed into direct function of an artificial limb.

The Load Link System as a stable internal load bearing mechanism only, without the recording device, restores the use of an amputees residual skeleton thus their ability to transfer load through bones and joints as is natural and preferred freeing them of the compounding difficulties of living with an exoskeleton and bearing loads in a painful unnatural way. The hard rim of the socket may be removed from the groin or knee cap or even altogether relieving the limiting pain they cause thus enhancing artificial limb components attached to the Load Link System whereby their full potential can be exploited.

The Load Link System offers children the ability to grow strong dense bones that will serve them well as adults.

The magnetised stabilising ring by adding unexpected vertical repulsion as well as lateral stability, gives the added advantage of allowing the internal magnetic configurations to be made smaller.

The Load Link System redirecting load, weight and pressure back through the remnant bone and into the above joint which is preferred and natural, reduces pain, inflammation, altered mechanics and injury.

The Load Link System serves as well to identify various problems such as but not only, poor circulation, ill fit and alignment issues or be used proactively in the set up of an amputee's prosthetic.

The Load Link System prevents slippage.

An amputee can learn certain "moves" to send a message to their limb to have it perform the desired function such as walking up stairs.

The Load Link System is another way of gathering precious information that will perform well alongside technology already in existence gathering information in various other ways to create smarter limb technology in both artificial arms and legs.

Standard amputation procedure may alter wherein the shape of the implant may be utilised to contain and attach muscles to aid in stump function and spreading load. Drawings Reference Numerals Worksheet

110 Basic above knee prosthesis 410 Multi piece magnetic

112 Bone canal construction 114 Hard outer container 412 Hole

116 Inner liner 414 magnetic shield

118 magnetic configuration 35 416 magnetic configuration

120 Femoral implant 418 magnetic configuration

122 magnetic configuration 420 cylinder 124 Alignment adjustment component 422 cylinder cover

126 Artificial knee

128 pylon 40

130 remnant bone 510 Flexible sleeve

132 Stump flesh including skin 512 Sensors 134 Magnetised ring 514 Microprocessor

136 Bio compatible cover 516 wires

45

610 cylindrical magnetic extension

210 clearance 612 space 212 magnetic configuration 614 magnetic shield

616 artificial limb component

310 Hollow femoral implant 312 Magnetic configuration 314 Additional external magnetic configuration 316 Hip Joint 318 Recording device

320 Additional external magnetic configuration

Claims

SEARCH CLAIMS

1. A means of linking animal and machine, comprising:

a) a device for recording interactions between said machine and an implant controlled by and implanted within said animal

b) a means of transforming recorded data into desired mechanical function

whereby downloaded recorded data of, animal, implant and machine interaction by said device is transformed by said means into machine function.

2. A method of transferring external loads internally comprising:

a) a first magnetic configuration implanted into remnant bone

b) a second magnetic configuration housed externally stabilising lateral movement of first magnetic configuration whilst aiding vertical repulsion.

c) a third magnetic configuration housed externally repelling the first magnetic configuration vertically.

whereby the remnant bone is able to take up the loads internally and the residual limb flesh resides within a magnetic field unharmed.

3. A Prosthetic Stable Internal Load Bearing Link System for linking a body to an artificial limb comprising:

a) a first magnetic configuration implanted into remnant bone b) a second magnetic configuration housed externally stabilising and adding vertical repulsion to first magnetic configuration..

c) a third magnetic configuration housed externally repelling the first magnetic configuration.

d) a device for recording and downloading data

e) a means for transforming data into mechanical function

whereby the load bearing capabilities of the remnant bone are reinstated by said magnetic configurations the interactions of which are recorded by said device and transformed via said means into artificial limb function

4. A method for improving transferring load through a residual limb comprising:

a) the method of claim 2

b) a fourth magnetic configuration housed externally repelling the third magnetic configuration vertically.

c) further magnetic configurations housed externally creating the desired magnetic field in relation to said first magnetic configuration.

whereby the added magnetic configurations, strengthen, stabilise and cushion the magnetic fields to assist in transferring load back through said remnant bone.

5. A method for stabilising an internal magnetic configuration, comprising

a) A first magnetic configuration implanted into bone b) A second magnetic configuration set externally wherein a desired magnetic force is exerted on the first magnetic configuration

c) The second magnetic configuration being a magnetised ring surrounding said first magnetic configuration

d) Both magnetic configurations creating desired magnetic field surrounding said implanted magnet

whereby the magnetic ring stabilises the implanted magnet and increases vertical lift.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the said magnetic configurations act in repulsion

8. The method of claim 5 wherein the said magnetic configurations act in attraction

9. The method of claim 5 wherein the said magnetic configurations act in both repulsion and attraction

10. An implant to spread load from remnant bone, comprising

a) an implant with a desired surface area shaped to spread load and accommodate stump flesh

b) said implant implanted within said remnant bone whereby load from the remnant bone pressuring the stump flesh can be spread over a surface area decreasing said load on said stump flesh.

11. The implant of claim 10 comprising a) a magnet contained and sealed within b) a shock absorbent bio compatible cover whereby further load bearing capabilities are made available.