Care should be taken to conduct the following procedures and safety checks prior to each use of the system:

 

Contact Points

The SPARK is designed to contact the patient at the foot, lower leg, and around the waist. Users should avoid direct contact of the device with the skin by using the system with socks and pants. We recommend that the user wear tighter fitting, athletic apparel to avoid excess material and bulky seams which could cause skin irritation. Self adhesive tape (such as Coban) can be used under the calf cuff for individuals with sensitive skin.

 

Cleaning

The device should be wiped clean with a general cleaner and/or disinfectant between uses. The calf pads can be washed by hand or machine as needed.

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Storage

The device should be stored with the cables straight to minimize excess tension being maintained for extended periods of time. Hanging the system from the waist pack or laying flat on a bench or table are the best methods for storing the device.

 

Foot Plate Inspection

Inspect both footplates to make sure there is no damage or cracking in the carbon fiber paying special attention to the connection to the actuator and the distal end of the footplate.

 

Force Sensor Connector Inspection

Inspect the connection at the ankle assembly for broken or worn plastic and bent wires. 

 

Footplate Bolts 

The footplate bolts should be checked prior to each use of the system. Please use the supplied torque wrench to make sure the bolts are tightened to the recommended torque.

 

Cable Clips

Check to make sure the cable clips are attached and equally spaced to both Bowden sheaths and the black wire housing.

 

Cables Tension Units

Before each use be sure that the cables are properly tensioned. If needed, rotate the cable adjustment knob counterclockwise until the recommended tension is reached. Be sure all cables (front and back on both left and right legs) are seated in the cable guides at the top of the upright. Check the cable support blocks on the upright to insure they are not loose by gently trying to rotate. 

 

Calf Cuff

Check to make sure the calf cuff is secure and will not slip up or down the upright. Adjust the quick release tension to secure it if necessary.

 

Padding

Inspect the padding for excessive wear, tears, or separation from the footplate and calf cuffs. Use the supplied padding kit to replace or provide customized padding as needed.