A61F2002/5007

A FLEXIBLE MULTI USE POST OPERATIVE PROSTHETIC SOCKET SYSTEM
20200121480 · 2020-04-23 ·

A prosthetic apparatus and system for a trans-tibial amputee consisting of a post-operative interface socket that can be adjusted to accommodate the size of an amputated limb and changes in size of the limb. The prosthetic apparatus includes a lower socket into which the post-operative socket can be inserted, the lower socket being adjustable for changes in size of the post-operative interface socket. The post-operative socket also has a removable upper back shell that immobilizes movement of the knee during an initial recovery phase but can be removed to allow the knee of the amputee to flex.

Prosthetic system for sweat management
10624767 · 2020-04-21 · ·

A prosthetic system includes a liner adapted to receive a residual limb and including an outer surface defining an outlet, and a socket including an interior surface and including an aperture extending from the interior surface to an external atmosphere. A first sealed volume is defined between a first portion of the outer surface of the liner and a first portion of the interior surface of the socket. A second sealed volume is defined between a second portion of the outer surface of the liner and a second portion of the interior surface of the socket. The first sealed volume is fluidly connected to the outer of the liner, fluidly separated from the second sealed volume by a seal element, and is independent from the second sealed volume throughout use of the system.

Magnetic electrical connector for assistive devices

A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.

Joint assembly and motion assistance apparatus including the same

A joint assembly may include a first rolling cam that includes a first cam portion, and a first extension extending from the first cam portion, and a second rolling cam that includes a second cam portion to be in contact with the first cam portion, and a second extension extending from the second cam portion.

CONTROLLING TORQUE IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON A DEFLECTION OF SERIES ELASTIC ELEMENT

In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque.

ARTIFICIAL LIMB
20200069439 · 2020-03-05 ·

An artificial limb. The artificial includes a finger part and a drive unit for the finger part. The drive unit includes: a drive output part, a movable part and a drive rope. The movable part is configured to be connected with the drive output part and is capable of moving under a drive of the drive output part. The drive rope is configured to be disposed in the finger part and connected with the movable part and is capable of converting a movement of the movable part into a motion of the finger part.

Prosthetic Liner With External Fabric Seal
20200069443 · 2020-03-05 ·

A prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic socket that has a thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) layer that is in contact with the amputee's residual limb. The TPE layer is not uniform in thickness but has ridges to extend circumferentially around the TPE layer. A fabric exterior layer covers the outer surface of the TPE layer conforming to the ridges and is used as a substrate to form a mechanical bond to an elastomeric material. Impregnating the elastomeric material within the fabric exterior occurs by applying an uncured material to the fabric exterior layer and onto at least the apex surfaces located within the sealing regions thereby creating an air tight boundary layer when inserted into a socket. When a vacuum is applied the air is evacuated from the volume below the seal layer.

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity systems

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

Non-snag prosthetic foot and leg
10568750 · 2020-02-25 · ·

The present disclosure illustrates a prosthetic foot that may reduce snagging on external obstacles. In some embodiments, a prosthetic foot includes a symmetric wear member that is rotatable to allow a user to alter an orientation of the symmetric wear member for even wear. A cuff may couple to the symmetric wear member, and include the proximal end comprising a receptacle with an opening having an adjustable diameter. The receptacle may be sized and shaped to receive and selectively retain the prosthesis pylon by adjusting the diameter of the opening. The prosthetic foot may further include a vertical adjustment mechanism that selectively alters a depth of the receptacle of the cuff to vertically displace the prosthesis pylon.

Ventilated prosthetic liner

A prosthetic liner has a ventilated structure communicating with an interior volume to an exterior of the prosthetic liner, thereby permitting a transfer of air and moisture therebetween. The prosthetic liner includes a facing layer defining a periphery of at least part of the interior volume of the liner, and forming a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. A cushion layer is juxtaposed to the facing layer and forms a lattice structure including a plurality of interstices in communication with the apertures of the facing layer.