In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

A shank outer link moves away from a thigh outer link in the longitudinal direction of the shank outer link and the shank outer link is drawn forward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shank outer link relative to the thigh outer link as a knee joint of a user is extended. A shank inner link moves away from a thigh inner link in the longitudinal direction of the shank inner link and the shank inner link is drawn forward in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shank inner link relative to the thigh inner link as the knee joint of the user is extended.

A joint for an orthopedic device which has a first articulated arm and a second articulated arm, which are mounted about a swivel axis such that they can be swiveled relative to one another, and a blocking device which can be moved into a release position and a blocking position. The blocking device, when in the blocking position, blocks the swiveling of the first articulated arm relative to the second articulated arm in the first swivel direction, independently of a swivel angle between the first articulated arm and the second articulated arm, insofar as the swivel angle is in a predetermined range, and allows the swiveling in the first swivel direction, insofar as the swivel angle is outside of the predetermined range.

A lower-leg exoskeleton that includes an actuator configured to be worn about a portion a leg of a user that is below the knee of the user; and a foot structure coupled to a first actuator end of the actuator, the foot structure configured to surround a portion of the foot of the user. The foot structure includes one or more sidewalls configured to extend around the foot of the user and including one or more sidewall attachment points for connecting to a base portion, and a base portion configured to reside at a base of the foot of the user and including one or more base attachment points coupling with the one or more sidewall attachment points.

A gait motion assisting apparatus of the present invention includes a casing attachable to right and left knee ankle foot orthoses, an electric motor, a drive arm having a proximal end driven around a drive-side pivot axis by driving force from the electric motor and a distal end operatively connected to a lower leg frame of the orthosis, a rotation sensor detecting a swinging position of the drive arm around the drive-side pivot axis, a gait motion state detection sensor and a control device. The control device recognizes as a reference value a detection signal from the rotation sensor when the lower leg is fully extended, and judges right or left of leg to which the orthosis is mounted based on a detection signal other than the reference value to select right or left of assisting force control data used when calculating assisting force to be output from the electric motor.

An elbow brace is retrofitted to provide a motor-hinged orthotic elbow brace that stabilizes the elbow of a user and provides assisted motion to prevent or reduce buildup of scar tissue and maintain the range of motion of the elbow. A user interface is coupled to the brace for tracking exercises and the angle of the elbow brace. The orthotic elbow brace can also assist the patient in moving the arm at one or more predetermined angles according to physician instructions.

An orthopedic device for supporting a lower back of a user includes a mechanical energy store, a pelvic element, an upper body element with a first force transmission element and an upper leg element with a second force transmission element The upper leg element is arranged on the pelvic element such that it can be swivelled about a first swivel axis, the upper body element is movably arranged relative to the pelvic ele-ment, the first force transmission element can be engaged and disengaged with the second force transmission element by moving the upper body element relative to the pelvic element, and the mechanical energy store can be charged and discharged by swiv-elling the upper leg element relative to the upper body element when the first force transmission element is engaged with the second force transmission element.

The present invention relates to a non-automated apparatus for manipulating and reducing closed fractures of the ulna and radius at the level of the wrist in children and adults, which consists of a bar (1) designed to be able to position the fractured limb on the bar, the other nine parts of the apparatus being custom assembled according to the measurement of the forearm or writ to be manipulated, enabling a single person to reduce the fracture using three phases or movements of the device. The design and materials from which the apparatus is made allow the mentioned fractures to be reduced and safety stops are provided to prevent any harm to the patient. The manipulation or reduction of the fractures on which the present apparatus is used must preferably be handled by a doctor specialised in traumatology and orthopaedics.

A wearable neck brace uses, for example, only three actuators but provides natural motion of the head and neck. This is achieved despite the fact that the head has six degrees of freedom including 3 translation and 3 rotation. In embodiments, a wearable neck brace actively controls the head of the wearer responsively to commands from a user interface such as an eye tracking input device. In further embodiments, a force-field is generated by actuators to provide assistance and/or training for weak muscles. Spring compensation may be provided for a passive support with flexibility. Encoders may be provided to generate treatment logs to support analysis of a patient's condition or progress or to provide therapy-facilitating (or athletic training-facilitating) feedback to the user.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.