An antagonistically actuated shape memory alloy (SMA) manipulator utilizes a pair of SMA actuators. The SMA actuators are configured, such that one actuator is trained to have a substantially linear or extended shape in its austenite phase, while the other actuator is trained to have a curved or flexed shape in its austenite phase. As such, the manipulator is operated, such that when one SMA actuator is heated and takes on its “trained” shape in the austenite phase, the other SMA actuator is permitted to cool and allowed to return to its original “untrained” shape in the martensite phase, and vice versa. This antagonistic operation of the SMA actuators allows the manipulator to achieve rapid flexion and extension movements.

A prosthetic limb including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic limb with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus. The prosthetic limb includes a controller and at least one antenna in connection with the controller for transmitting and receiving signals, the at least one antenna including a housing of a segment of the prosthetic limb as a radiating element. The prosthetic limb further including a user interface incorporated therein and one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices. The user interface is integrally formed in the housing and includes a status indicator for displaying information. A flexible protective cover is disposed around a portion of the housing and covers the user interface, the flexible protective cover includes a translucent portion over the status indicator.

A method of controlling a prosthetic hand having at least one motorized component is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing the hand with a first wireless transceiver and a controller in communication with one another, storing at least one manipulation instruction relating to the at least one component, and assigning a code relating to the at least one manipulation instruction to at least one second wireless transceiver. The at least one second transceiver is placed in a location at which the at least one manipulation instruction is to be given, and the controller manipulates the at least one component in accordance with the at least one manipulation instruction when the first transceiver communicates to the controller that the at least one second transceiver is within a predetermined distance of the first transceiver. Related methods and systems for controlling a prosthetic hand are also provided.

A prosthetic device having a proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and a metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP), comprising a first prosthetic digit comprising one or more first phalanges and a four-bar linkage to operatively couple the PIP joint to the MCP joint, a first engagement portion positioned on one of the first phalanges, the first engagement portion comprising a locking linkage extending along the phalange, the locking linkage being part of the four-bar linkage, and a first stopping portion comprising a stopping element configured to be positioned above the locking linkage, wherein the locking linkage is capable of engaging with the stopping element by passing the one of the first phalanges in which the locking linkage is positioned through a mechanical singularity to lock the first prosthetic digit such that each of the one or more phalanges is in a position of flexion in response to a force applied to the first prosthetic digit.

The invention relates to a gripping device, such as an automated hand, comprising a plurality of metacarpal members, each metacarpal member having a first end attached to a support frame via a universal joint and having a second end attached to a gripping member, wherein the metacarpal members are able to pivot upwardly, downwardly and laterally. Where adjacent metacarpal members together form a palm of the hand, the ability of the metacarpal members to move up, down and laterally helps the palm to grip an object and also helps the palm to withstand at least some forces from above, below and from the side.

A body-powered articulated prosthetic hand where each of the segments of the digits, the palmer plate, the thumb pivot plate and the wrist are individually sizeable. This allows for both a proportionately scalable hand as well as individual customization of geometric configurations tailored to specific use patterns. The hand is crushable since it has flexible and pivotable connections between digits along the length and width of the hand. 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. Fingers 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.

An adjustable counterbalance mechanism for a prosthetic elbow includes a torsional spring disposed in a housing structure coaxially to an axis of rotation of a forearm portion and a cord and pulley arrangement which includes a first pulley, a second pulley and a link member attached to a fixed member structure. The first pulley is attached to a second portion of the spring and connected to the second pulley by a first cord. The second pulley is pivotally attached to the housing structure and connected to the link member by a second cord. The cord and pulley arrangement is configured to transfer a moment of force due to spring force to the forearm portion to counteract the torque of a forearm due to gravity as the angle of the forearm portion changes relative to the upper arm portion.

A prosthetic device. The prosthetic device may include a flexure cut and/or a sensor to detect movement in accordance with a degree of movement. In an embodiment, the sensor may be disposed within the flexure cut. Other embodiments include at least one wire configured to connect a sensor located in a distal portion to a proximal portion, while annularly traversing a joint.

The present invention provides a prosthetic socket (10) having a longitudinal axis X for attachment to a limb of a patient having first and second sides (A, B) which comprises a first portion (20) having a first edge (22), a second edge (24) a first end (26) and a second end (28) and second portion (30) having a first edge (32) a second edge (34) a first end (36) and a second edge (38). A hinge (40) is connecting the first edge (22) of the first portion (20) to the first edge (32) of the second portion (30) and a clasp (50) is provided between the second edge (24) of the first portion (20) and the second edge (34) of the second portion (30). Such an arrangement allows for a prosthetic socket (10) to be more easily attached and removed to a patients limb.

An artificial arm in which a finger is bent is proposed. The artificial arm includes an insertion portion inserted into a tip of the finger, a tendon wire which is connected to a lower portion of the insertion portion and allows the insertion portion to perform a joint movement, an adjustment unit which is located on a back of a hand and adjusts tension of the tendon wire, and a connection unit which is made of an elastic material and having one end which is connected to the tendon wire so that an end of the tendon wire faces the adjustment unit and having the other end which is connected to the adjustment unit.