| 摘要 |
A valve system may attach to the distal area of a prosthetic hard socket without leaks, in spite of the high amount of curvature of the distal area. The valve stem/member of the valve system slides to, or rests in, a closed position that seals against a valve housing surface. The valve is adapted for a low “crack” or “pop” pressure, for example, when the pressure inside the distal region of the socket well is 1-3 psi above the air pressure outside the hard socket. An elastomeric valve member is preferably used that exhibits a very accurate and reproducible response at the low crack pressure, and, in addition, sound dampening and/or filtration pads may be used to further reduce sound and fouling of the preferred elastomeric valve member. The preferred valve gives repeated, consistent, and quiet performance, which helps prevent uncomfortable and/or high-noise-producing swings in the pressure inside the socket well. Preferably no portion of the valve system extends so far through the wall of the socket that it resides inside the socket well, and no part of the valve needs to be installed from inside the socket. The valve may be installed even on thin-walled sockets, as the broad base of the valve is adhesively attached to the outside of the socket, and optionally a rearward protrusion extends into the hole in the socket without protruding into the socket well.
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