A method of operating an exoskeleton device includes: receiving sensor information; connecting a clutch system to a pulley system in; determining whether to engage a drive train gear to the clutch system based on the sensor information; engaging the drive train gear through the clutch system when determined to engage the drive train gear; and powering a first motor to drive the drive train gear for controlling a joint or segment of exoskeleton device.

Devices and methods for CPR chest compression with active decompression.

System and method for providing both powered and free swing operation in a powered orthotic exoskeleton joint. The joint comprises a processor controllable ratchet wheel and pawl type clutch, configured to engage or disengage upon receiving force from a servo actuator. When the processor determines that the clutch should be engaged, it directs the powered actuator to couple the pawls to the ratchet wheel, allowing torque to be transferred from the joint's powered motor, through the clutch, to the gearing that subsequently controls the motion of the joint. Conversely, the processor can direct the powered actuator to decouple the pawls from the ratchet wheel. This in turn decouples the ratchet wheel from the motor, thus allowing the remainder of the joint and any associated joint gearing to engage in relatively free swing motion, without any interference from the motor.

A wearable apparatus for the treatment or prevention of osteopenia or osteoporosis, stimulating bone growth, preserving or improving bone mineral density, and inhibiting adipogenesis is disclosed where the apparatus may generally comprise one or more vibrating elements configured for imparting repeated mechanical loads to the hip, femur, and/or spine of an individual at a frequency and acceleration sufficient for therapeutic effect. These vibrating elements may be secured to the upper body of an individual via one or more respective securing mechanisms, where the securing mechanisms are configured to position the one or more vibrating elements in a direction lateral to the individual, and the position, tension, and efficacy of these vibrating elements may be monitored and/or regulated by one or more accelerometers.

A device for compressing the chest of a cardiac arrest victim.

In various embodiments, provided herein are systems, methods, processes, and devices for providing locomotive rehabilitation to a subject via one or more gait motions that substantially accurately mimic motions performed in healthy, natural gait cycles. The system may mimic natural gait motions via footplates and handles, and one or more linkage systems. In particular embodiments, the system may further include a motor unit and/or clutch for providing controlled forces assisting or resisting motions of a linkage system. Further, the system may include a tower for operating in a standing or seated position. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a body weight support system that provides offloading forces to a subject.

System and method for providing both powered and free swing operation in a powered orthotic exoskeleton joint. The joint includes a processor controllable ratchet wheel and pawl type clutch, configured to engage or disengage upon receiving force from a servo actuator. When the processor determines that the clutch should be engaged, it directs the powered actuator to couple the pawls to the ratchet wheel, allowing torque to be transferred from the joint's powered motor, through the clutch, to the gearing that subsequently controls the motion of the joint. Conversely, the processor can direct the powered actuator to decouple the pawls from the ratchet wheel. This in turn decouples the ratchet wheel from the motor, thus allowing the remainder of the joint and any associated joint gearing to engage in relatively free swing motion, without any interference from the motor.

Wearable assistance devices and methods of operating and using the same are provided. A wearable assistance device includes a first body interface and a second body interface. The assistance device also includes one or more elastic members operatively coupling the first body interface to the second body interface and extending along a body segment (e.g., back, elbow, knee, etc.) of the user so as to provide an assistive force to or assistive torque about the body segment or another body segment. The assistance device further includes a clutch mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the one or more elastic members, the clutch mechanism configured to selectively adjust the assistive force or assistive torque provided by the one or more elastic members to/about the body segment or the another body segment.

A wearable apparatus for the treatment or prevention of osteopenia or osteoporosis, stimulating bone growth, preserving or improving bone mineral density, and inhibiting adipogenesis is disclosed where the apparatus may generally comprise one or more vibrating elements configured for imparting repeated mechanical loads to the hip, femur, and/or spine of an individual at a frequency and acceleration sufficient for therapeutic effect. These vibrating elements may be secured to the upper body of an individual via one or more respective securing mechanisms, where the securing mechanisms are configured to position the one or more vibrating elements in a direction lateral to the individual, and the position, tension, and efficacy of these vibrating elements may be monitored and/or regulated by one or more accelerometers.

A method of operating an exoskeleton device includes: receiving sensor information; connecting a clutch system to a pulley system in; determining whether to engage a drive train gear to the clutch system based on the sensor information; engaging the drive train gear through the clutch system when determined to engage the drive train gear; and powering a first motor to drive the drive train gear for controlling a joint or segment of exoskeleton device.