Patent classifications
A61F2/68
Upper arm prosthetic apparatus and systems
Various aspects of upper arm prosthetic system for a human subject having a body and a partial arm are described. According to one aspect, the system may comprise any one or more of a force amplification apparatus, a terminal unit apparatus, and/or an adjustable elbow apparatus. Each apparatus may be body-powered and/or comprise 3D printable structures. Related upper arm prosthetic apparatus, kits, methods, and systems also are described.
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND MOTION BASED CONTROL OF UPPER LIMB PROSTHETICS
A prosthesis and control approach using electromyography (EMG) data and motion data. EMG sensors and a motion sensor provide inputs to generate control signals. The EMG sensor detects EMG signals from the user's body. The motion sensor may be one or more inertial measurement sensors (IMS) and/or a magnetic field sensor. The EMG and motion data is analyzed according to various techniques to provide control of one or more actuatable prosthetic joints of an upper limb prosthesis, such as a prosthetic elbow, wrist, hand, and/or digits.
Magnetic locking mechanism for prosthetic or orthotic joints
A magnetic locking actuator for a prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. The actuator includes a first component including one or more magnets and a second component including one or more magnets. The first and second components are coupled to separate portions of the device. The magnets allow for adjustment of a length of the actuator to adjust an angular orientation of the first and second portions of the device. When magnets in the second component are aligned with magnets in the first component having an opposite polarity, a position of the second component is fixed relative to the first component, locking the actuator. When magnets in the second component are not aligned with magnets in the first component having the opposite polarity, the position of the second component is adjustable relative to the first component, thereby allowing adjustment of the height of the actuator.
SMART KNEE JOINT FOR A HUMAN LOWER LIMB EXOSKELETON, A PROSTHESIS AND AN ORTHOSIS
The present application relates to a smart knee joint for a human lower limb exoskeleton, a prosthesis, and an orthosis. The smart knee joint reproduces part or all of the biomechanics of the knee joint of the human body by using a motor driving unit and a controllable elastic energy storage unit based on a magnetorheological damper. The motor driving unit here can be replaced with a controllable damping unit. The smart knee joint is developed for helping amputees or patients with impaired mobility regain/repair natural gaits and also reduce their burden of walking. The motor drive unit operates in a generator mode and an actuator mode. Energy harvesting technologies are exploited to reduce the power consumption of the smart knee joint then to prolong the working time. In addition, the controllable elastic energy storage unit based on the magnetorheological damper can further reduce the energy consumption of the smart knee joint, and also simplify the control of the knee joint.
SMART KNEE JOINT FOR A HUMAN LOWER LIMB EXOSKELETON, A PROSTHESIS AND AN ORTHOSIS
The present application relates to a smart knee joint for a human lower limb exoskeleton, a prosthesis, and an orthosis. The smart knee joint reproduces part or all of the biomechanics of the knee joint of the human body by using a motor driving unit and a controllable elastic energy storage unit based on a magnetorheological damper. The motor driving unit here can be replaced with a controllable damping unit. The smart knee joint is developed for helping amputees or patients with impaired mobility regain/repair natural gaits and also reduce their burden of walking. The motor drive unit operates in a generator mode and an actuator mode. Energy harvesting technologies are exploited to reduce the power consumption of the smart knee joint then to prolong the working time. In addition, the controllable elastic energy storage unit based on the magnetorheological damper can further reduce the energy consumption of the smart knee joint, and also simplify the control of the knee joint.
TRANSFEMORAL PROSTHESIS FOR WALKING, SITTING-STANDING, STAIR CLIMBING
A prosthesis or orthosis device includes a knee joint connectable with the user's leg; a swing storage spring-gear mechanism comprising a balancing spring inserted in an ankle member housing located in an ankle member, a drive gear, a driven gear, an intermediate gear and a gear rod, and a foot part comprising a dorsiflexion spring; a lower leg connecting a knee joint and a foot part to each other, in which a weight-receiving member is located; and a swing storage mechanism connected to the foot part by a second housing of the connection tube and a gear rod pin, and to the knee joint by a first housing of the connection tube and a first housing of the knee joint; and a weight-receiving mechanism comprising a weight-receiving member and a compression arm and a lock fork for activating and deactivating the weight-receiving member.
Knee joint
A knee joint that is capable of widening a moveable range, and that has good energy efficiency and is small and lightweight is described. Also described is a knee joint that is of an active type, but comparatively inexpensive. A drive section moves a driven member. An elastic member is arranged between the driven member and a linear motion member. The linear motion member elastically moves in at least one direction, in accordance with movement of the driven member, by way of the elastic member. A crank mechanism can realize bending and extension of the knee joint by converting linear motion of the linear motion member to rotational motion.
Prosthetic limbs
An outer frame for a prosthetic limb is provided. The outer frame is formed from one or more parts and has a plurality of air flow openings.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN ARTICULATING ANKLE
A hydraulic ankle assembly to be used by a user, wherein the ankle assembly includes a base configured to be attached to a spring assembly, a hydraulic cylinder rotatably attached to the base and configured to dampen rotation of the hydraulic ankle assembly, and a prosthetic adapter portion rotatably attached to the base and the hydraulic cylinder and configured to be attached to a prosthetic worn by the user. The base, the hydraulic cylinder, and the prosthetic adapter portion define a force triangle that defines an axis of rotation of the hydraulic ankle assembly. The axis of rotation is positioned in line with the center of mass of the user when the user is standing. The force triangle reduces forces on the hydraulic cylinder.
STIMULATOR SUBSTRATE DEVICE AND DEVICE FOR STIMULATING NERVE CELLS
A stimulator substrate device for stimulating nerve cells, and apparatus including same, in particular nerve cells in an extremity, includes a substrate support, in which a plurality of stimulators for emitting stimulation signals to the nerve cells are provided. The plurality of stimulators is provided in a line on the substrate support and the substrate support is tubular.