Patent classifications
A61F5/0123
Proportional joint-moment control for powered exoskeletons and prostheses
Lower-limb exoskeletons used to improve free-living mobility for individuals with neuromuscular impairment must be controlled to prescribe assistance that adapts to the diverse locomotor conditions encountered during daily life, including walking at different speeds and across varied terrain. This system employs an ankle exoskeleton control strategy that instantly and appropriately adjusts assistance to the changing biomechanical demand during variable walking. Specifically, this system utilizes a proportional joint-moment control strategy that prescribes assistance as a function of the instantaneous estimate of the ankle joint moment.
MULTI-COMPONENT FRAME FOR USE IN AN ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE
A multi-component frame includes a first component made from a rigid structural material and a second component connected to at least an end portion the first component. The first component is constructed from a metal or metal alloy, and the second component is constructed from a material different from the first component. The first and second components form at least part of a length of the multi-component frame.
ANATOMICAL BRACE FOR DYNAMICALLY STABILIZING THE PATELLA DURING KNEE ARTICULATION SO AS TO ADDRESS PATELLA TRACKING ERROR
An anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the patella during knee articulation so as to address patella tracking error, the anatomical brace being configured such that, when the anatomical brace is mounted to the knee of a patient, and when the knee thereafter moves to full extension, the anatomical brace applies a proximal/medial force to the patella of the patient, and when the knee thereafter moves to full flexion, the proximal/medial force is released.
Customizable knee brace intended for patients with osteoarthritis
A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.
Knee Distractor Apparatus and Method
An Apparatus and method for distraction (stretching and/or straightening) of injured knee joints.
Mobility assistance devices with automated assessment and adjustment control
A method of controlling a mobility device and related device including at least one actuator component that drives at least one joint component is described. The control method may include executing a control application with an electronic controller to perform: receiving a command in the control system of the mobility device for initiating an automated assessment and adjustment protocol; controlling one or more mobility device components to perform the automated assessment; electronically gathering user performance data associated with the automated assessment and determining user performance metrics; and electronically controlling one or more of the mobility device components in accordance with the performance metrics. The automated assessment includes controlling mobility device components to perform a predetermined assessment activity related to performance of the mobility device and/or user. Automatic adjustments to the device components, including adjusting tension and resistance levels of the joint components, may then be made based the performance metrics.
VERSATILE ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE
A versatile orthopedic device is arranged to convert between ligament and osteoarthritis treatment, and to accommodate a variety of leg anatomies. The orthopedic device is preferably configured as a double-upright brace indicating struts, frame component sections and associated hinges preferably intended to be along both medial and lateral sides of a wearer's leg. A strap kit with an unloading strap system may be added to the orthopedic device for conversion into an orthopedic device for osteoarthritis relief.
DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING AND MONITORING MEDICAL DEVICES
Medical devices are provided, comprising a medical device and a sensor.
JOINT DEVICE
A joint apparatus includes a first fixed ring, a second fixed ring arranged spaced apart from the first fixed ring, an extension portion comprising a bar extending from the first fixed ring in a direction toward the second fixed ring and an end portion disposed at an end portion of the bar in the direction toward the second fixed ring, a first flexure extending from the second fixed ring in a direction toward the first fixed ring and supporting the end portion, and a second flexure extending from the second fixed ring in the direction toward the first fixed ring and supporting the end portion, the second flexure being disposed at an opposite side to the first flexure with respect to the extension portion.
Lower Extremity Isolating Leg Brace
A leg brace isolates a lower extremity of a leg to which the brace is secured. The leg brace includes an upper leg cuff and a lower leg cuff. Two upper struts are attached to opposite sides of the upper leg cuff and extend along the upper leg cuff. Two lower struts are attached to opposite sides of the lower leg cuff and extend along the lower leg cuff. One hinge pivotally connects one upper strut and one lower strut and a second hinge pivotally connects the other upper strut and the other lower strut. The hinges can be configured to have a limited and/or selectable degree of rotation (e.g., flexion and/or extension). Bottom ends of the lower struts extend beyond a user's foot of the leg to which the leg brace is attached. A foot is attached to each bottom end of the lower struts.