A prosthetic knee joint includes an upper part, a lower part which is arranged pivotably to the upper part, a fastening device arranged on the upper part for a proximal prosthetic element, a fastening device arranged on the lower part for a distal prosthetic element, a four-limbed joint system with four linkages articulatedly fastened to each other, which are each pivotable to each other around a pivot axis, wherein the upper part (10) is arranged on the joint system. The joint system may be mounted pivotably on the lower part from a starting position counter to a spring force during a stance phase flexion, and the action line of the spring force may be aligned such that a moment acting against an inflexion of the joint system is present.

An improvement to a prosthetic device which provides a spring member between first and second structural members that are rotatably connected to one another, the spring member providing predictable resistance as it is compressed by the rotation of the first and second structural members with respect to each other. The known resistance of the spring is used as an input to a model controlling a motor control circuit to provide counter-torque as rotational torque is applied to compress the spring.

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 lower limb modular prosthetic system that may be fabricated by a 3D printer capable of printing with composite fiber filament, nylon, or metal. The production process may include a 3D printer that is capable of routing fiber in specifically programmed patterns. The components of the prosthetic system may be designed for direct patient end-use, and may be energy returning in nature.

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.

The disclosed invention is an innovative, cost-efficient driving mechanism for the prosthetic hand industry that makes the use of only one motor to individually control each digit on a prosthetic hand separately. The use of the novel electromagnetic actuation system, locking mechanism, and spline nut and shaft configuration coupled with the single motor greatly reduces the weight, size and power usage of the prosthetic, increases functionality, minimizes noise, increases and speeds and forces, and orients the parts of the device in a manner that creates an aesthetically appealing design.

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.

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.

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.

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.