An autonomous wearable leg device employs an array of sensors embedded along a support area, whereby a controller can generate a controlling command and send a controlling command to a prosthetic, orthotic, exoskeletal or wearable component to thereby control the prosthetic, orthotic, exoskeletal or wearable component. A method for controlling autonomous wearable device collects kinetic signals from an array of sensors embedded in a prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeletal component, wherein all values are extracted from at least one feature of the collected kinetic signals, which are applied to a controller that generates a controlling command that is sent to the prosthetic, orthotic exoskeletal component to thereby control the prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeletal component during a portion of a gait cycle.

A miniturized laminar gear box possessing high torque densities and methods of manufacturing the same. The high torque density is possible by directing the output shaft of the planetary stages through the sun gear and behind the input shaft. This allows the input shafts of the planetary stages to face towards the interior of the gearbox and provides a rotary shaft for the spur stages housed in between the planetary stages.

A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus 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 that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.

A passive artificial knee includes a knee hinge assembly defining a knee axis, a locking hinge assembly defining a locking axis, and a post linking the knee hinge assembly and the locking hinge assembly. A ground reaction force applied to the artificial knee posterior to the locking axis causes an interfering relation by compression of the locking hinge assembly and the knee hinge assembly during heel strike at early-stance gait phase of an individual wearing the artificial knee, thereby locking rotation of the post about the knee axis. Shifting of ground reaction force anterior to the locking axis during a mid-stance to late-stance gait phase of the individual causes rotation of the post about the locking axis, thereby unlocking rotation of the post about the knee axis and enabling flexion and subsequent swing phase extension of the passive artificial knee joint. The artificial knee is a passive joint that can be fabricated and maintained at low expense.

A magnetorheological transmission device and a method for influencing the coupling intensity of two components, which can be coupled and whose coupling intensity can be influenced. To influence the coupling intensity, a channel is provided, which contains a magnetorheological medium with magnetically polarizable particles. A magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field in the channel in order to influence the magnetorheological medium in the channel. An outer component encloses an inner component. At least one of the two components is mounted via a separate bearing. A distance between the outer and inner components is at least 10 times as great as a typical mean diameter of the magnetically polarizable particles in the magnetorheological medium. The magnetic field of the magnetic field generating unit can be applied to the channel in order to selectively chain together the particles and/or release them.

Prosthetic devices and, more particularly, modular myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods, are described. In one embodiment, a hand for a prosthetic limb may comprise a rotor-motor; a transmission, comprising a differential roller screw; a linkage coupled to the transmission; and at least one finger coupled to the linkage. In one embodiment, a component part of a wrist of a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, a planetary gear transmission, a clutch, and a cycloid transmission. In one embodiment, an elbow for a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, and a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a non-backdrivable clutch, and a screw.

The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthopaedic joint device of a lower extremity. The joint device has an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) mounted in a hinged manner on the latter. Arranged between the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) is an energy converter (5) by which, during walking, kinetic energy from the relative movement between the lower part (3) and the upper part (2) is converted or stored and supplied again to the joint in order to support the relative movement, wherein kinetic energy within one movement cycle is converted and/or stored and, within the same movement cycle, is supplied again as kinetic energy to the joint device (1) in a controlled manner and staggered in time.

Systems and methods for assistive devices for replacing or augmenting the limb of an individual, such devices comprising a joint and a powered system; the powered system having a first configuration in which the powered system rotates the joint by applying power to the joint, and a second configuration that allows for rotation of the joint without actuation of the powered system.

A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus 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 that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices.