A trunk supporting exoskeleton comprises: a supporting trunk; thigh links configured to move in unison with a wearer's thighs; and first and second torque generators located on both left and right halves of the wearer substantially close to the wearer's hip. The torque generators couple the supporting trunk to the thigh links, and generate torque between the thigh links and the supporting trunk. When the wearer bends forward such that a predetermined portion of the supporting trunk passes beyond a predetermined angle from vertical, a torque generator(s) imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and the thigh link(s), causing the supporting trunk to impose a force against the wearer's trunk, and the thigh link(s) to impose a force onto the wearer's thigh. When the predetermined portion does not pass beyond the predetermined angle, the torque generators impose no resisting torques between said supporting trunk and respective thigh links.

A trunk exoskeleton is provided including a flexible corset configured to wrap around a user's torso in the lumbar spine region. The flexible corset includes a plurality of vertical pockets formed around its perimeter. A plurality of flexor columns are included, each of which positioned in one of the plurality of vertical pockets. The flexor columns generate a flexor righting torque when bent from a vertical orientation. The multiple flexor righting torques from each of the plurality of flexor columns combine to generate a combined flexor righting torque. The combined flexor righting torque comprises a portion of a user trunk torque when the user's torso is angled from vertical.

A spring mechanism having at least two wave washers and at least one spring washer between the wave washers. The wave washers are mounted so as to be twistable relative to one another.

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.

An optical scanning microscope includes an illumination system having a light source portion emanating from a light source, first and second polarizing beam splitters, and first and second optical channels disposed between the beam splitters. The light source portion is configured to emit a first illumination light beam comprising light of a first main polarization direction and of a second main polarization direction. The first beam splitter is configured to guide the light primarily into the first and channels, respectively. The second beam splitter is configured to form a second illumination light beam from light of the first and second main polarization directions from the first channel and second channels, respectively. The first and second channels are configured to emit the light of the first and second main polarization directions from the first and second channels, respectively, so as to have different types of convergence.

A hinge for a brace comprises a tensioning element such as an inelastic cord for applying a restorative force to the hinge. A tensioning mechanism, preferably a hydraulic spring, tensions the cord as the hinge is moved from a rest position to a loaded condition. A tensioning member having a peripheral cam surface applies a tensioning force to the cord as the hinge is moved out of the rest position. The tensioning block and the anchoring block may be operatively geared together along an arc of motion so as to provide a generally symmetrical motion of the tensioning and anchoring portions relative to the gusset. When an external force is applied to move the hinge from the rest position the tension on the cord loads the spring, and when the external force is removed the spring applies a restorative force to move the hinge back to the rest position. Optionally the tensioning member may be configured to be disengaged and reengaged by an external actuator.

An orthotic support comprises a shoulder section for encapsulating a first shoulder of a wearer, a glove section for conforming to at least a portion of the wearer's hand, and a sleeve section for conforming to the wearer's arm, the sleeve section connecting the shoulder section to the glove section. A resilient reinforcement extends from the glove section to the shoulder section, and at least a portion of the reinforcement extends in a spiral around the sleeve section, so that the reinforcement is configured to apply a rotational force to the wearer's arm, when worn, to urge a portion of the wearer's arm to rotate in a predetermined direction. The orthotic support may be usable to treat or prevent shoulder dislocation or subluxation, arm over-pronation or over-supination, wrist flexion or elbow flexion. An orthotic support may comprise a reinforcement with a first branch extending over an anterior portion of the sleeve section, and a second branch extending over a posterior portion of the sleeve section, so that the reinforcement is configured to urge the wearer's upper arm towards a rest position.

The present disclosure provides an assistive equipment and a supporting device of the same. The supporting device includes a housing, a first positioning element, a second positioning element and an elastic element. The first positioning element and the second positioning element are respectively disposed at two ends of the housing. The elastic element is disposed between the first positioning element and the second positioning element. When the second positioning element positions an end of the elastic element, a rotation of the second positioning element at a first pivot produce a deformation to the elastic element.

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.

In combination with a knee brace, the variable radius spring assembly of the present invention provides a full range knee orthotic with support to the leg muscles without compromising the range of motion and the patient's normal walk/gate. The assembly comprises upper and lower hinge pieces attached to upper and lower sections of the brace, a spring bracket, and an elongated spring element that extends downward from the upper hinge piece past a catch on the lower hinge piece. Two such assemblies are attached to a knee brace, one on the inner side and one on the outer side. As the lower leg, and the lower hinge piece, move rearward, the catch forces the spring element rearward and slides downward along the spring element. Consequently, the spring element has a non-linear response requiring approximately the same about of force to deflect the spring element throughout its range of rearward travel.