Shop News Column
Alvin Muilenburg *
Shop News Column
Conducted by Alvin Muilenburg
This is meant to be a practical column devoted to methods and equipment used in the actual fabrication of appliances. Every reader of the Journal is cordially invited to send in his suggestions and contributions to this column. They may be anywhere from a paragraph to a page or two in length.--The Shop Notes Committee; Al L. Muilenburg, Chairman, G. E. Snell, C.O. Anderson, Erich Hanicke, Joseph Martino.
From Richard Locke, J.E. Hanger Incorporated, Orlando, Florida: There is now available a white Micro-balloon instead of the deep maroon which is now being used in the Below Knee Schools. This particular Micro-balloon may be used without color or if desired, with the color of the leg being fabricated. We have found that this is also an excellent material to build up the shin of children's prosthesis to conform with the growth of a child. This product is available from Southern Prosthetics Supply Company.
From Thorkild Engen, Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Houston, Texas: This photograph (
Fig. 1
) shows the compact removable storage space for leather and other fabrics. The length of the dowels should not be less than 54" in order to accommodate standard width of plastic materials and fabrics. Materials used for construction are 2x4's and l 1/4" diameter dowels mounted on large casters making it easy to move about. The advantage with this arrangement is that you have an easy view over the variety of leather and plastic material you have in stock. On the bottom shelf, you can store webbing, felt and other items.
From Al Muilenburg, Houston, Texas: During a visit to our shop, Henry (Hank) Gardner dropped a pearl of wisdom that has been very helpful. This is a simple method to make a cast of a socket that we want to duplicate without damage to the socket. Grease the inside of the socket with vaseline. Cut strips of plaster paris bandage the length of the depth of the socket. Dip two or three strips at a time in water and place vertically inside the socket. Continue this until there is a wall of a least 1/8". When the plaster has set, cut vertically along the lateral wall and remove the cast. This cast can then be wrapped to obtain a negative mold which can be filled to obtain the positive mold. A plastic socket can then be readily laminated.
Kenneth Kingsley advises that you ask your lady patients to buy high-heeled shoes with flat toes. Some ladies' high-heeled shoes are made with toes that are quite flat and others that have too much toe-up. For fitting to artificial feet, shoes with flat toes are the more desirable, as greater stability is obtained.
Don Strand writes us from Mexico about the procedures they are using at the Institute of Rehabilitation there: "We do not use wax build ups for humeral or forearm extensions. I have very good luck in pouring the extension with a rigid polyurethane foam, AA 402, an American Latex product. It is very fast and easily mixed. The resultant weight is negligible; it can be sanded, sawed, shaped quite easily prior to applying the stockinet.
"I have not used this material in split-socket fabrication, but feel that with some modification of technic, it could be adopted. It is a good filler on B.K. prosthesis prior to the finish laminate, and we use it for extensions in our plastic A.K. suction socket manufacture."
The Institute of Rehabilitation where Don is assigned, was the scene of the OALMA sessions in Mexico last October, sponsored by the American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association.
Porzelt Offers Shoes Made To Order
A service of interest to readers of the Journal is offered by Robert 0. Porzelt of 3457 North Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Porzelt specializes in shoe corrections and makes custom shoes when needed. He specializes in extreme and unusual cases-also does inside extensions, cork or leather extensions. Among AOPA members for whom he has done work are: the Indiana Brace Shop of Indianapolis, DeBender & Company of Chicago and Mr. Ralph Storrs of Kankakee, Illinois.
Karchak Joins Orthopaedic Supplies Co.
Andrew Karehak, Jr., has joined the staff of the Orthopaedic Supplies Co., Inc., as Vice President in charge of engineering. The company, which is located at 9126 E. Firestone Boulevard, Downey. California, is a source of supply for artificial muscle equipment, hand splint kits and other appliances used in making up devices for the paralyzed or spastic extremity.
Mr. Karehak graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in June 1953 with a BS degree in mechanical engineering. He was formerly chief design engineer for the Don Nittinger Co. of San Francisco. At present Mr. Karehak divides his time between the orthotic research program at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital and the manufacturing activities of Orthopaedic Supplies Co., Inc.
Geo. Smith to Represent Horn Surgical C.O.
The Horn Surgical Company has named George Smith, well known Manufacturers Agent, as their representative in eleven Western States and El Paso. Texas. George Smith, a well known manufacturers" agent, has had over twenty-five years experience in the surgical belt and orthopedic appliance field, interrupted only by service in World War II at Fort Mason. California. Mr. Smith's office is located at 2611 Martinez Drive. Burlingame. California. He will welcome inquiries on "HORNSCO PRODUCTS'* from all his dealer friends and AOPA members in the above territory.
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