A gait disorder support apparatus and gait disorder support method capable of detecting an onset sign of a gait disorder associated with motor symptoms in advance and performing motion assist are proposed. The onset sign of the gait disorder associated with the motor symptoms of a wearer is detected based on the correlation between a gait cycle and a reduction ratio of the gait cycle as compared to immediately preceding gait; and when the onset sign of the gait disorder is detected, a drive unit is controlled so that the drive unit applies assist power to a knee joint of the wearer; and on the other hand, when the onset sign of the gait disorder is not detected, the drive unit is controlled so that driving torque by the drive unit does not hinder the wearer's gait motion.

A prosthetic limb is made from a portable kit that is of relatively low cost and easy to assemble and custom fit to a person in need so that the person can wear the prosthetic immediately, without having to wait for the prosthetic to be manufactured off-site. The embodiments include a below the knee device and an above the knee device that includes an artificial knee. The improved prosthetic is suited for replacing a missing leg but can also be adapted to replace another body part such as an arm, hand or foot.

A prosthetic limb is made from a portable kit that is of relatively low cost and easy to assemble and custom fit to a person in need so that the person can wear the prosthetic immediately, without having to wait for the prosthetic to be manufactured off-site. The embodiments include a below the knee device and an above the knee device that includes an artificial knee. The improved prosthetic is suited for replacing a missing leg but can also be adapted to replace another body part such as an arm, hand or foot.

Systems, methods and apparatuses including an insert having a body with a plurality of bladders therein, a proximal surface and a distal surface. Two or more of the plurality of bladders are in fluid communication with one another. The plurality of bladders are expandable and contractible in volume. The proximal surface shapable by a change in the volume of one or more of the plurality of bladders. The proximal surface is configured to interface with a first arthroplasty implant of the patient. The distal surface is spaced from the proximal surface by the body and is configured to interface with a second arthroplasty implant of the patient.

Systems, methods and apparatuses including an insert having a body with a plurality of bladders therein, a proximal surface and a distal surface. Two or more of the plurality of bladders are in fluid communication with one another. The plurality of bladders are expandable and contractible in volume. The proximal surface shapable by a change in the volume of one or more of the plurality of bladders. The proximal surface is configured to interface with a first arthroplasty implant of the patient. The distal surface is spaced from the proximal surface by the body and is configured to interface with a second arthroplasty implant of the patient.

A robotic joint comprises a first link, a middle link, a torque generator, a second link, and a locking mechanism. Different ends of the middle link are rotatably coupled to the first link and the second link. The torque generator is coupled to the first link and the middle link and is configured to produce a torque between these links. The locking mechanism is switchable between a locking state and an unlocking state. In the unlocking state, the locking mechanism allows free rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first and second rotation directions. In the locking state, the locking mechanism is configured to impede rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first rotation direction and to allow rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the second rotation direction opposite of the first rotation direction.

A robotic joint comprises a first link, a middle link, a torque generator, a second link, and a locking mechanism. Different ends of the middle link are rotatably coupled to the first link and the second link. The torque generator is coupled to the first link and the middle link and is configured to produce a torque between these links. The locking mechanism is switchable between a locking state and an unlocking state. In the unlocking state, the locking mechanism allows free rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first and second rotation directions. In the locking state, the locking mechanism is configured to impede rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first rotation direction and to allow rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the second rotation direction opposite of the first rotation direction.

A prosthetic or orthotic device has an elongate frame that houses electronics and an actuator rotatably mounted to the frame. The actuator can rotate in an anterior-posterior direction about a medial-lateral axis and includes magnetorheological (MR) fluid and a coil operable to selectively apply a magnetic field to the MR fluid to vary its viscosity and thereby vary a torsional resistance of the actuator about the medial-lateral axis. The device contains a layered control system that makes use of data collected by the embedded sensors in a prosthetic device for intent recognition, management, and actuator control. The layered control system uses a Luenberger observer for estimating joint velocity and a heuristic torque-setpoint component to control the function of a MR actuated knee prosthesis.

An orthopedic knee joint having an upper part with upper connecting features, a lower part which is mounted pivotably on the upper part and has connecting features for prosthetic components, and a stop for limiting an extension movement. The stop is coupled to an adjusting device, which is coupled to a control device that actuates the adjusting device as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop. If the knee joint is provided with an adjustable extension stop position, the extension stop can be shifted forward for walking which results in a greater inclination at heel strike in order to flex the knee joint and, therefore, increased damping upon initiation of the stance phase. For standing, the adjusting device can be activated so that the extension stop is reversed, such that a statically more secure orthosis or prosthesis set-up can be obtained.

An orthopedic knee joint having an upper part with upper connecting features, a lower part which is mounted pivotably on the upper part and has connecting features for prosthetic components, and a stop for limiting an extension movement. The stop is coupled to an adjusting device, which is coupled to a control device that actuates the adjusting device as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop. If the knee joint is provided with an adjustable extension stop position, the extension stop can be shifted forward for walking which results in a greater inclination at heel strike in order to flex the knee joint and, therefore, increased damping upon initiation of the stance phase. For standing, the adjusting device can be activated so that the extension stop is reversed, such that a statically more secure orthosis or prosthesis set-up can be obtained.