Systems and methods for controlling a passive prosthetic knee joint with adjustable damping in the direction of flexion such that a prosthetic unit attached to the knee joint can be adapted for climbing stairs.

Features for prosthetic digits are described. The digits mimic natural fingers by having multiple articulating segments, for example three, that can rotate varying amounts. Actuation systems for the prosthetic digits may include a compact actuator that expands linearly to rotate the digit. Each digit may have its own actuator, which may be housed in the digit and/or the palm. A motor may rotate a leadscrew. The leadscrew may engage and move axially a housing or other member. Axial movement of the housing or member causes the proximal digit segment to pivot and thus the digit to articulate. In some embodiments, the leadscrew may rotate a wheel to actuate a tendon. An actuation tendon may cause a closing rotation of the digit segments, and a return tendon may cause an opening rotation.

Features for prosthetic digits and actuation systems including transmission features for a worm wheel rotation by a lead screw. A keyed member such as a central axle is spring-biased and transmits rotation from the worm wheel to the digit while allowing for manual rotation of the digit without damaging the worm wheel or other components. In some embodiments, the digit may include a link having flexibility to cause rotation of the digit segments while absorbing shock or otherwise high rotational loads. The digit may include a single-sided drive mechanism, where the opposite side provides support in case of high lateral loads. The digit may include a motor and gearbox in parallel and connected mechanically via a transfer gearbox. The digit may include a variable speed and variable torque gearbox.

Technology is described to provide a foot and ankle prosthesis for individuals with lower limb loss. This technology is able to store and release energy and individuals or patients who are using the foot/ankle prosthesis may be able to expend less energy when walking. The system includes a hydraulic damper attached to dynamic energy storing spring elements. The axis of rotation of the system can be near to that of an intact human ankle, providing biomimetic function. The system can utilize spring elements based on the vertical displacement of the center of pressure of an intact normal foot. A hydraulic system can provide user adjustable heel height and adaptation to inclines. The dorsiflexion and plantar flexion resistances can be independently adjusted manually or electrically. In addition, the system can be automatically locked in dorsiflexion when loaded and unlock when unloaded.

An orthopedic device has a base and a pivot element which is mounted in an articulated manner on the base. The pivot element is displaceable via a force transmission element connected to a drive from a starting position into a pivoting position that is pivoted in relation to the starting position. The force transmission element permits passive pivoting of the pivot element in the direction of the pivoting position without activation of the drive. A spring element designed for counteracting passive pivoting of the pivot element into the pivoting position is assigned to the pivot element. The spring element is formed separately from the force transmission element, and the force transmission element blocks deformation of the spring element during pivoting by the drive into the respective pivoting position.

Prosthetic devices and, more particularly, modular myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods, are described. In one embodiment, a hand for a prosthetic limb may comprise a rotor-motor; a transmission, comprising a differential roller screw; a linkage coupled to the transmission; and at least one finger coupled to the linkage. In one embodiment, a component part of a wrist of a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, a planetary gear transmission, a clutch, and a cycloid transmission. In one embodiment, an elbow for a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, and a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a non-backdrivable clutch, and a screw.

The invention relates to prosthetic foot assembly comprising a prosthetic foot and a series elastic pneumatic actuator connected to the prosthetic foot, the series elastic pneumatic actuator being configurable between a first configuration in which the prosthetic foot is displaced to a first, rest position and a second configuration in which the prosthetic foot is displaced to a second position.

A prosthetic attachment system includes an insert arranged for connection to a prosthetic liner, and an attachment unit arranged for connection to a distal end of a prosthetic socket. The attachment unit comprises a body defining an axis and a central opening for selectively receiving the insert. The body carries a plurality of locking elements that are distributed circumferentially about the axis and radially repositionable relative to the axis. A release mechanism is slidably positioned on an outer surface of the body to move the prosthetic attachment system between a locked configuration in which the locking elements are radially repositioned to lock the insert in the central opening of the body and an unlocked configuration in which the insert is released from the central opening.

A prosthetic attachment system includes an insert arranged for connection to a prosthetic liner, and an attachment unit arranged for connection to a distal end of a prosthetic socket. The attachment unit comprises a body defining an axis and a central opening for selectively receiving the insert. The body carries a plurality of locking elements that are distributed circumferentially about the axis and radially repositionable relative to the axis. A release mechanism is slidably positioned on an outer surface of the body to move the prosthetic attachment system between a locked configuration in which the locking elements are radially repositioned to lock the insert in the central opening of the body and an unlocked configuration in which the insert is released from the central opening.

A prosthetic joint and a method of controlling dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the hydraulic prosthetic ankle joint. The method includes generating ground reaction forces with a hydraulic prosthetic ankle, wherein the prosthetic hydraulic ankle comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, and the ankle is connected to a prosthetic foot; rotating the prosthetic foot in response to the ground reaction force; transferring fluid between the forward and rear chambers in response to rotation of the foot; providing a feature to occlude or partially occlude the fluid transfer between chambers; providing a non-electronic mechanism for controlling the flow responsive to both a position of the joint and a rate of change of position of the joint, and wherein the mechanism is arranged such that a dwell at a particular joint location or locations will occlude the flow path.