Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second.

An artificial muscle includes a housing including an electrode region and an expandable liquid region and a dielectric liquid housed within the housing. The artificial muscle further includes an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing, the electrode pair comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the electrode pair is configured to actuate between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric liquid into the expandable liquid region, expanding the expandable liquid region. The artificial muscle also includes a composite electrical insulating layered structure in contact with at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode, wherein the composite electrical insulating layered structure that includes an electrical insulator layer surrounded by adhesive surfaces. The adhesive surfaces are located between one or more flexible electrical insulators.

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second.

The present disclosure includes joint replacement implants. The joint replacement implant allows for full articulation of the joint, while absorbing impact of the components during normal use that will reduce wear on the implant components and prolong life. The joint replacement implant may include a bone implantable component and a bearing component having an articulation surface that is sized and shaped to substantially mate with at least a portion of the bone implantable component and a damping mechanism that includes a contact member disposed at least primarily inside a cavity; a biasing member biasing the contact member toward an upper aperture of the cavity and means for capturing the contact member within the cavity.

A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.

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.

Electronic devices, such as consumer electronics devices and constrol systems in vehicles are controlled by way of a haptic operating device with a rotating unit. Selectable menu items are displayed on a display unit, and a menu item is selected by rotating the rotating unit. The rotating unit latches at a number of haptically perceptible latching points during rotation. The number and rotational position of the haptically perceptible latching points is dynamically changed in accordance with a specific menu item selected by the user.

The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and to joints for the same. In particular, the present invention provides hydraulic functional units, generally classified as damping devices as connected between artificial limbs whereby enabling movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In accordance with the invention, there is provided hydraulic damper control elements for prostheses which utilize a pressure differential due fluid flow as a direct control input for a at least one hydraulic valve. The valve can comprise a moveable element which abuts a mounted element which reduces the size of an aperture as the force increases. Further, a moveable body acts upon the valve enabling increase or decrease of flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve, whereby enabling an increase in gait by way of reduction of resistance to flow or reducing or stopping flow by way of a stumble recovery mechanism.

A prosthetic device includes an articular actuator assembly including a reduction gearbox that includes an actuating part connected to an output of the reduction gearbox and an actuated part integral with a distal portion of the prosthetic device. The actuating part and the actuated part are provided with abutment and reciprocal fitting. The abutment surfaces are provided on at least one protrusion of the actuating part and on at least one protrusion of the actuated part. In a decoupled condition the protrusion of the actuating part is positioned angularly, spaced from the protrusion of the actuated part and constitutes an end stop for the extension of the distal portion and allows free flexion of the distal portion. In a coupled condition the protrusions are in abutment with each other and actuate the relative rotation of the distal portion with respect to a proximal portion of the prosthetic device in extension.

A prosthetic or orthotic device includes a body configured to support at least a portion of a human limb of a user wearing the prosthetic or orthotic device. The device can also include a shock absorption member coupled to the body. The shock absorption member includes one or more magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) springs disposed between a first portion of the body and a second portion of the body. The one or more MRE springs are selectively actuatable to vary a stiffness of the shock absorption member via the application of a magnetic flux, thereby adjusting a stiffness of the body of the prosthetic or orthotic device to a level corresponding to an activity level of the user.