Injection molded prosthetic limb systems and related methods are disclosed. Example prosthetic hands include a plurality of segments, wherein each segment is comprised of an injection molded plastic.

The present invention is a switchable gripping terminal device that can be switched from a voluntary open prehension mode to a voluntary closed prehension mode, at will by the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device may comprise a movable digit attached to a fixed digit, whereby the user can actuate the movable digit, such that the movable digit rotates relative to the fixed digit. The terminal device may comprise a lever, which enables the user to switch from a first mode, voluntary open (VO), to a second mode, voluntary closed (VC). This switchable biasing means, allows the user to decide the prehension mode, and easily switch the mode at will, according to the circumstances.

A steerable member is disclosed generally having a steerable member for a medical apparatus, including a continuous, elongated body having a proximal section, a distal section, and a middle section between the proximal and distal sections, where the proximal section of the elongated body is less flexible than the distal section. At least one pull wire sheath extends through the proximal section and the middle section, but not through the distal section, and has a channel therethrough. A pull wire is disposed in the channel of the sheath and extends through the proximal section, middle section and distal section of the elongated body, the pull wire having a distal end affixed to a distal end of the elongated body, so that the distal section of the elongated body bends in response to a force applied to the proximal end of the pull wire.

A method and apparatus for enhancing the operation of leg prothesis is provided. The apparatus includes a cable configured to be attached to the leg prosthesis worn by a subject to move through a plurality of gait phases. The apparatus also includes a module configured to be mounted to the leg prosthesis. The module includes a tension spring configured to engage the cable to maintain tension in the cable. The module also includes a locking mechanism configured to lock a position of the tension spring and maintain a length of the cable defined between the module and the leg prosthesis during a first gait phase of the plurality of gait phases. The locking mechanism is further configured to unlock the position of the tension spring to permit variation of the length of the cable during a second gait phase of the plurality of gait phases.

The present invention is a switchable gripping terminal device that can be switched from a voluntary open prehension mode to a voluntary closed prehension mode, at will by the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device may comprise a movable digit attached to a fixed digit, whereby the user can actuate the movable digit, such that the movable digit rotates relative to the fixed digit. The terminal device may comprise a lever, which enables the user to switch from a first mode, voluntary open (VO), to a second mode, voluntary closed (VC). This switchable biasing means, allows the user to decide the prehension mode, and easily switch the mode at will, according to the circumstances.

The present invention is a switchable gripping terminal device that can be switched from a voluntary open prehension mode to a voluntary closed prehension mode, at will by the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device may comprise a movable digit attached to a fixed digit, whereby the user can actuate the movable digit, such that the movable digit rotates relative to the fixed digit. The terminal device may comprise a lever, which enables the user to switch from a first mode, voluntary open (VO), to a second mode, voluntary closed (VC). This switchable biasing means, allows the user to decide the prehension mode, and easily switch the mode at will, according to the circumstances.

A prosthesis system can have an advantageous use over conventional prostheses in certain activities, including, but not limited to certain sports activities: The system includes, elastic member(s) that can store and release energy. The storing and releasing of energy in the elastic members happens during the movements made by the user and with the application of the user's own body weight while performing an activity. Implementations can also include a variety of routing configurations for the elastic member(s), as well as a variety of mounting points to integrate the elastic member(s) into the system, and/or a variety of adjustable anti-hyperextension members, and/or a variety of interchangeable shoes used for applicable activities.

A Hannes-type hand prosthesis (1) has fingers (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) provided with phalanges (31, 32) controlled in flexion and extension by a system of sliding cables (5, 5a, 5b) and pulleys (64, 65). A stopping device (100, 101, 103, 104, 105) acts upon a slider (62) supporting the pulleys (64, 65) for selectively stopping the movements of the fingers (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), so that, when the user commands the actuation of some of them, the other fingers will remain locked in the flexed or extended position, and vice versa.

An apparatus for use in actuating a wearable terminal device includes a housing coupled to a harness system, a control unit, a movable actuating element having its one end in the housing and the other end connected through coupling means to the terminal device, and a conduit which contains the actuating element. The actuating element is a body-powered cable, an artificial tendon coupled to an actuator device installed in the housing, or an actuator wire made of smart material.

Finger parts flex and extend about joint sections. A wire is arranged along each finger part through the joint sections. A motor winds the wires to pull the wires in the flexing direction and cause the finger parts to flex. A polymer actuator arranged to correspond to a part of each wire is formed in an elongated shape of a polymer material and elastically deforms in response to an application of voltage and performs extension and contraction in the axial direction by being restored to the original shape in response to stoppage of the voltage application. A lock mechanism restricts relative movement between the wire and the motor after the wire has been wound up by the motor. The polymer actuator performs extension and contraction while relative movement is restricted by the lock mechanism, thereby pulling the wire in the flexing direction.