The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a biomechanical finger brace assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip, a proximal ring configured to concentrically receive a user's finger, a distal ring configured to concentrically receive the finger, and a rocker formed in an H-shape. The distal ring and the rocker are pivotally suspended between a proximal coordinated pivot point anchored on the proximal ring and a distal coordinated pivot point anchored on the coupling tip, such that movements of the finger within the proximal ring articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to articulate the coupling tip. The coupling tip may include an open end or an enclosed recess to accept a minimally-amputated or non-amputated finger. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

A wearer is made to judge, based on a detection result by a signal detection unit, either one of an opposition movement, an adduction movement, a flexion movement, and an extension movement of a thumb; and a linear member drive unit is controlled to pull or relax each linear member corresponding to the judged movement in order to cause the thumb's intrinsic muscles and/or extrinsic muscles, which are required for the judged movement, to generate an assist force.

In a joint movement device (100) for selective flexion and extension of a joint (20), a tendon (120) is disposed adjacent to the first and second joint members. A tendon securing device (112) is secured to the second joint member (12), the tendon (120) being secured to the tendon securing device (112). At least one phalange ring (110) is secured to a joint member and includes a tending routing mechanism (113) configured to route the tendon through the phalange ring (110). An actuator (140) is coupled to the tendon (120) and pulls the tendon (120) inwardly to cause the joint (20) to flex. An elastic member (130) is coupled to the phalange ring (110) and tendon securing device (112) and applies an extension force thereto, thereby causing the joint (20) to extend when the actuator (140) releases the tendon (120).

The invention relates to a hand prosthesis that can be adapted at the forearm or wrist. The prosthesis including a mechanical design with a smaller number of parts than the prior art, thus facilitating the assembly, maintenance and production thereof. Likewise, the prosthesis includes a plurality of motion transmission systems in a housing similar to the volume of a biological hand and provides sufficient grip strength to reincorporate the user into everyday activities. The invention includes an adult hand prosthesis, a child hand prosthesis and a wrist that allows the user to hold heavy loads while moving around.

Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to prosthetic partial finger designs that can mimic the last two joints of the finger. Some embodiments include a proximal phalange, a distal phalange coupled to the proximal phalange, and a knuckle track (e.g., formed in an arc). The knuckle track can be moveably coupled to the proximal phalange an may include multiple teeth formed on which the proximal phalange slides along. A ratcheting mechanism can contact the multiple teeth to allow sliding in only a first direction while the ratcheting mechanism is engaged. Some embodiments include a release mechanism (e.g., a button) configured to disengage the ratcheting mechanism from the multiple teeth to allow the distal phalange to slide in a second direction. In some embodiments, the device may include a spring-back capability that automatically extends the finger after reaching full finger flexion, enabling one-handed use.

Low-cost prosthetic apparatus, methods, kits, and systems with improved force transfer elements are disclosed. For example, the prosthetic apparatus may comprise: a plurality of first components manufactured from a first material to define 3D shapes with exterior surfaces resembling digits of a human hand; and a plurality of second components manufactured from a second material to define 2D shapes that are rotatably engageable with the 3D shapes to define force transfer elements operable to close the digits around an object responsive to a pull force applied to the force transfer elements, wherein the first material is different from the second material. Methods for manufacturing and assembling prosthetic apparatus also are disclosed along with related kits and systems.

A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.

A prosthetic arm apparatus comprising 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 harness mount 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 universal digit is formed to be attachable to the residual digit of a patient, and to have a lockable joint, so as to provide considerable utility and flexibility. The structure of the joint member allows the universal digit to be easily adjusted and manipulated so that the extension portion can be locked into multiple positions by easily manipulating adjustment buttons. The extension is rotatable about a first longitudinal axis, and is further rotatable about a transverse axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The joint structure thus has three dimensions of movement and provides a significant number of diverse options for positioning of the extension. Unique locking mechanisms within the various structures allow the universal digit to be rigidly held in the desired position, thereby increasing the utility for a patient/user.

The present invention generally relates to a system and method for fine motor control of fingers on a prosthetic hand. In particular, the present disclosure describes a system and method for controlling the flexion or extension of one or more fingers of a prosthetic hand to reproduce a natural stroke such as for, e.g., writing, painting, brushing teeth, or eating. The systems and methods described herein use electromyographic (EMG) signals and, more particularly, combinations of electromyographic signals, from muscles in the forearm to activate one or more motors of the prosthetic hand that control the motion of the prosthetic fingers. The electromyographic signals may be used to cause fingers of a prosthetic hand to, for example, imitate a writing stroke while the fingers of the prosthetic hand hold a writing utensil. Additionally, the present invention describes electrode placement locations that maximize peak signal detected while maintaining a low base-line signal.