An orthopedic device has first and second struts connected to one another by a hinge system, and includes a dynamic control system and a counterforce system. The dynamic control system includes first and second dynamic components arranged on a first side of the orthopedic device to exert first and second dynamic forces according to a flexion angle of the hinge system. A counterforce system is located on a second side of the orthopedic device to counteract the first and second dynamic forces with at least one counterforce.

Systems, methods, and apparatus provide artificial knees. Artificial knees include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, a shank link configured to be rotatably coupled to said thigh link, and a compression spring rotatably coupled to the thigh link and coupled to a second end of shank link with a second end of the compression spring. During a first range of motion, the compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link causing said artificial knee to resist flexion. After said first range of motion, the compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link encouraging said artificial knee to flex resulting in toe clearance during the swing phase. During the swing phase, the compression spring provides no torque between the thigh link and the shank link.

A prosthesis or orthosis having a movement controlling mechanism (MCM) including a first MCM part, a second MCM part and one or more intermediate elements and biasing mechanism which, in a contacting mode of operation of the MCM, bias the intermediate elements against a MCM part. When a relative torque or force is applied in a blocking sense (U) transmission of torque is allowed and, on the other hand, when a torque or force is applied in the opposite sense (V) non-blocking relative movement is allowed.

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.

An orthopedic device has first and second struts connected to one another by a hinge system, and includes a dynamic control system and a counterforce system. The dynamic control system includes first and second dynamic components arranged on a first side of the orthopedic device to exert first and second dynamic forces according to a flexion angle of the hinge system. A counterforce system is located on a second side of the orthopedic device to counteract the first and second dynamic forces with at least one counterforce.

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.

Robotic mobility assistant exoskeleton with frame members, which are attached adjacent to biological joints, supplements relative movement between skeletal members. Mechanical joint defines a center of relative rotation of frame members about three mutually perpendicular axes with the center of relative rotation of frame members being displaced from the outer surfaces of skeletal members to correspond in position with the center of biological joint. Actuation devices including powered cable springs rotate frame members. Control system executes calibrated user specific posture sequences and activates power. Mechanical joint exhibits cylindrical guide surfaces defining a slidable or rotatable connection of frame members and has a radius intersecting the center of the biological joint. Node control network distributes computing load and reduces communications overhead. Map unit has object recognition system for monitoring environment. Standard posture data derived from rules of ambulation and posture provide positioning control, optimized by energy-timed margins for balance maintenance.

In one embodiment, a torque-compensating assistive wrist brace includes a hand member adapted to be provided on a user's hand, a forearm member adapted to be provided on the user's forearm, and an assistive linkage that connects the hand and forearm members together, the assistive linkage being configured to apply a balancing torque to a wrist of the user that counteracts intrinsic stiffness within the wrist and assists the user in rotating the wrist in both the flexion and extension directions.

Artificial limbs and joints that behave like biological limbs and joints employ a synthetic actuator which consumes negligible power when exerting zero force, consumes negligible power when outputting force at constant length (isometric) and while performing dissipative, nonconservative work, is capable of independently engaging flexion and extension tendon-like, series springs, is capable of independently varying joint position and stiffness, and exploits series elasticity for mechanical power amplification.

Systems, methods, and apparatus provide an artificial knee. Such artificial knees may include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, a shank link configured to be rotatably coupled to the thigh link, and a compression spring rotatably coupled to the thigh link at a first end and coupled to the shank link at a second end. The compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a first range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other. The compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a second range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other.