Patent classifications
A61F2002/5018
Passive ankle prosthesis with energy return
An ankle prosthesis comprises a foot prosthesis. A lower ankle is pivotably secured to the foot prosthesis at an ankle joint. An upper ankle is connected to the lower ankle in a manner that permits vertical movement of the upper ankle relative to the lower ankle. A coupling spring is biased in an extended condition. The coupling spring is connected at a first end to the upper ankle. A second end of the coupling spring is movable in a first condition which is engaged to the lower ankle and in a second condition engaged to the foot prosthesis. Energy is stored in compression of the coupling spring when the coupling spring is in the first condition and energy is released from the coupling spring when the coupling spring is in the second condition.
Dynamic linear adjustable prosthetic
A prosthesis with controlled linear motion and methods for adapting the device to multiple amputation points are described. The device is designed to shorten during the swing phase to prevent striking the surface of the ground, and extend at the beginning and end of the swing to provide forward propulsion and begin to transfer bodyweight load from the opposing leg. The prosthesis includes an actuator to provide linear motion, a battery, sensors, and a controller.
Mechanical grasping device
A mechanical grasping device where each of the segments of the finger assemblies, are individually sizeable. This allows for both a proportionately scalable grasping device as well as individual customization of geometric configurations tailored to specific use patterns. The mechanical grasping device is crushable since it has flexible and pivotable connections between digits along its length and width. It has a hollow member construction that imparts a strong lightweight design. It is modular so individual parts can be replaced for quick repair. From an aesthetics point, it is visually pleasing and can be offered in different colors, and with custom digit sleeves for specific applications. Finger assemblies can be operated individually or in groups via pairs of cables which allow operation in either voluntary open or voluntary closed modes of control. The flexible construction allows gripping of irregularly shaped objects and deforms before failing giving indication of overload prior to failure.
Tunable Actuator Joint Modules Having Energy Recovering Quasi-Passive Elastic Actuators for Use within a Robotic System
A tunable actuator joint module of a robotic assembly comprises an output member and an input member, where the output member is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A primary actuator (e.g., a motor) is operable to apply a torque to rotate the output member about the axis of rotation. A quasi-passive elastic actuator (e.g., rotary or linear pneumatic actuator) comprising an elastic component is tunable to a joint stiffness value and is operable to selectively release stored energy to apply an augmented torque to assist rotation of the output member and to minimize power consumption of the primary actuator. The tunable actuator joint module comprises a control system having a valve assembly controllably operable to switch the quasi-passive elastic actuator between an elastic state and an inelastic state during respective portions of movement of the robotic assembly (e.g., a hip or knee joint of an exoskeleton). Associated systems and methods are provided.
Method of Operating A Robotic System Having One or More Tunable Actuator Joint Modules Comprising A Quasi-Passive Elastic Actuator
A tunable actuator joint module of a robotic assembly comprises an output member and an input member, where the output member is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A primary actuator (e.g., a motor) is operable to apply a torque to rotate the output member about the axis of rotation. A quasi-passive elastic actuator (e.g., rotary or linear pneumatic actuator) comprising an elastic component is tunable to a joint stiffness value and is operable to selectively release stored energy to apply an augmented torque to assist rotation of the output member and to minimize power consumption of the primary actuator. The tunable actuator joint module comprises a control system having a valve assembly controllably operable to switch the quasi-passive elastic actuator between an elastic state and an inelastic state during respective portions of movement of the robotic assembly (e.g., a hip or knee joint of an exoskeleton). Associated systems and methods are provided.
PROSTHETIC ANKLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME BASED ON ADAPTATION TO SPEED
Prosthetic devices and methods of controlling the same are provided. A prosthetic ankle device includes a foot unit and lower limb member moveable relative to one another and defining an ankle angle therebetween. The prosthetic ankle device further includes a controller to operate the device using different ankle angles depending on, for example, a user's gait speed. Methods of controlling the prosthetic ankle device include operating the device at different ankle angles depending on gait speed. For example, the prosthetic ankle device can provide for relatively more dorsiflexion at relatively slower gait speeds and relatively more plantarflexion at relatively faster gait speeds.
Method and system for a feedback controller for a handheld tool
Systems and methods for tracking unintentional muscle movements of a user and stabilizing a handheld tool while it is being used are described. The method may include measuring, with a first inertial measuring unit (IMU), at least an orientation of a housing of the handheld tool, and measuring, with a second IMU, at least an orientation or an attachment arm extending from the housing of the handheld tool. The method may also include storing the orientation of the housing and the orientation of the attachment arm in a memory. Furthermore, the method may include controlling, with a processing logic, a first motion generating mechanism and a second motion generating mechanism to move the attachment arm relative to the housing based on the measured orientation of the housing and the measured orientation of the attachment arm to stabilize motion of a user-assistive device attached to a distal end of the attachment arm.
PROSTHETIC LIMB SOCKETS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING
The present disclosure is directed to prosthetic limb sockets that couple prosthetic limbs to residual limbs. The sockets include a conical cup sized to engage and couple to the residual limb, and a base to secure the socket to the prosthetic limb. The sockets are direct heat-formable onto the residual limb, such that they can be heated and formed as they are secured to the residual limb.
MODULAR PROSTHETIC DEVICES AND PROSTHESIS SYSTEMS
An adjustable prosthesis system for a residual limb includes: an adjustable outer shell surrounding the residual limb having a plurality of overlapping flaps, a top opening along a top edge extending around the outer shell, a bottom having a bottom edge opposite the top edge and extending around the bottom, a first side, and a second side having an adjustable width, and a plurality of adjustable overlapping side ends, some of which overlap and some do not, extending from the top edge to the bottom edge; a base adjacent the bottom of the outer shell and connected to it; and a closure component attached to the outer shell to compress the residual limb. Tightening the closure component applies a pulling force to at least one of the first side and the second side, thereby causing a reduction in width of a discontinuity and increased overlap of the side ends.
Orthopaedic technical device controlled by an actuator and method for controlling same
An orthopedic technical device having a top part and a bottom part, which are connected to each other by at least one joint device so as to be pivotable about a joint axis, and at least one attachment device with which the orthopedic technical device can be fixed to a limb. The orthopedic technical device also has an actuator, which is fixed to attachment points on the top part and the bottom part and influences a pivoting of the top part relative to the bottom part, wherein the orientation of the bottom part can be adjusted relative to the limb which is fixable to the upper part.