The system includes an instrument for determining the anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological properties of a body segment that includes one or more force sensitive probes is provided. A human operator actuates one or more force sensitive probes, wherein the force sensitive probes are positioned at the surface of the body segment. The operator pushes on the force sensitive probes with varying force applied on the body segment to measure tissue deflection forces. The instrument may include one or more of gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers capable of measuring changes in tissue deflection caused by the force sensitive probes relative to a grounded reference frame in 3-D space, wherein the tissue deflection force data and the change in tissue deflection data are used to compute segment tissue viscoelastic properties. The instrument may also be untethered or wireless.

A prosthetic device for engaging a residual limb includes a plurality of elongate counters configured to receive at least a portion of the residual limb within a volume defined by the plurality of elongate counters. Each respective elongate counter is configured to counteract forces applied to the residual limb via the prosthetic device. The prosthetic device also includes a socket and a selective adjustment system, and may include an independent counter engaged with the socket. The socket is configured to engage with the residual limb, and may include a lower textile socket coupled to the plurality of elongate counters and an upper textile socket coupled to the lower textile socket. The selective adjustment system is configured to secure the prosthetic device to the residual limb and to provide selective adjustment of compression of the socket and the plurality of elongate counters around the residual limb.

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 method for making a mould of an amputation stump, in which the amputation stump is inserted into a liner of a moulding aid, the liner having a longitudinal direction and a circumference, and the liner having an expansion coupling such that when the liner is extended in the longitudinal direction, this necessarily results in a reduction of the circumference.

A method for making a mould of an amputation stump, in which the amputation stump is inserted into a liner of a moulding aid, the liner having a longitudinal direction and a circumference, and the liner having an expansion coupling such that when the liner is extended in the longitudinal direction, this necessarily results in a reduction of the circumference.

An actuator device and method of manufacturing the same that includes at least two or more panels disposed in a frame is disclosed. Each of the two or more panels include a first rotationally-actuating artificial muscle fiber section between a first contact point of the frame and a tether point located on the panel and a second rotationally-actuating artificial muscle fiber section between the tether point and a second contact point on the frame. The tether point is approximately halfway across the length of the panel. A first and second muscle support is disposed on the panel between the tether point and the first contact point. The actuator device also includes a synchronization rod attached to the at least two or more panels.

An actuator device and method of manufacturing the same that includes at least two or more panels disposed in a frame is disclosed. Each of the two or more panels include a first rotationally-actuating artificial muscle fiber section between a first contact point of the frame and a tether point located on the panel and a second rotationally-actuating artificial muscle fiber section between the tether point and a second contact point on the frame. The tether point is approximately halfway across the length of the panel. A first and second muscle support is disposed on the panel between the tether point and the first contact point. The actuator device also includes a synchronization rod attached to the at least two or more panels.

An apparatus for adjusting an expandable prosthetic device includes: an elongated main support having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and being adapted to connect to an outer or inner side of an adjustable socket having a distal end; an adjustable cup adapted to connect to the distal end of the elongated main support and having an expandable base and at least one side adapted to move laterally toward or laterally away from the longitudinal axis of the elongated main support; and at least a portion of a suspension system disposed in the adjustable cup and having a top adapted to connect to the distal end of the adjustable socket and a bottom adapted to slidably connect to the expandable base of the adjustable cup.

An artificial knee is configured to be worn by a person. Artificial knees include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, and a shank link configured to be coupled to the thigh link. Artificial knees include a compression spring coupled to the thigh link at a first end of the compression spring, the compression spring configured to be coupled to the shank link at a second end of the compression spring. 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.