A prosthetic knee joint includes a thigh connection part to be positioned near a thigh part, a lower leg part rotatibly coupled to the thigh connection part, and a power generating, part for generating power using a resistance resulting from rotation of the lower leg part relative to the thigh connection part.

A prosthetic knee includes a hydraulic resistance system with an extension hydraulic circuit and a flexion hydraulic circuit. The flexion hydraulic circuit includes a switchable resistance assembly with a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch has an engaged position and a released position. The switchable resistance assembly provides a first level of hydraulic resistance when the mechanical switch is in the released position and a second level of hydraulic resistance when the mechanical switch is in the engaged position, the second level being less than the first level. The mechanical switch moves to the engaged position when the hydraulic resistance element reaches a predetermined extension position and moves back to the released position when fluid flow falls below a predetermined threshold.

A prosthetic ankle device is disclosed herein. The prosthetic ankle device includes a hydraulic cylinder with a first chamber, a second chamber, and a piston separating the first chamber and the second chamber. The chambers are filled with hydraulic fluid. During plantarflexion, the hydraulic fluid flows between the first chamber and the second chamber via a first passage and a first check valve. During dorsiflexion, the hydraulic fluid flows between the first chamber and the second chamber via a second passage and a second check valve.

Technology is described to provide a foot/ankle prosthesis for individuals with transfemoral limb loss. This technology is able to store and release energy and thus individuals or patients who are using the foot/ankle prosthesis are able to expend less energy when walking or running. The device or system can include a prosthetic foot/ankle system with a linear or rotary hydraulic damper such that the hydraulic damper is attached to dynamic energy storing spring elements. The axis of rotation of the system can be near to that of an intact human ankle. The system can utilize spring elements based on the vertical displacement of the center of pressure of an intact normal foot. The system can also provide user adjustable heel height.

Technology is described to provide a foot and ankle prosthesis for individuals with lower limb loss. This technology is able to store and release energy and individuals or patients who are using the foot/ankle prosthesis may be able to expend less energy when walking. The system includes a hydraulic damper attached to dynamic energy storing spring elements. The axis of rotation of the system can be near to that of an intact human ankle, providing biomimetic function. The system can utilize spring elements based on the vertical displacement of the center of pressure of an intact normal foot. A hydraulic system can provide user adjustable heel height and adaptation to inclines. The dorsiflexion and plantar flexion resistances can be independently adjusted manually or electrically. In addition, the system can be automatically locked in dorsiflexion when loaded and unlock when unloaded.

A valve with an inlet, an outlet that is connected to the inlet via a fluid connection, and a valve body which can be brought by displacing it along a displacement direction into a first position, in which the fluid connection is blocked, and a second position, in which the fluid connection is open, wherein the inlet is designed and arranged in such a way that a fluid entering through the inlet exerts a total force on the valve body that at least also acts in a force direction which is perpendicular to the displacement direction when the valve body is in the first position.

The invention relates to an orthopedic device with an energy storage device 2 that comprises at least one cylinder 4, in which a first cylinder chamber 6, a second cylinder chamber 8, which is fluidically connected to the first cylinder chamber 6 by at least one fluid line 14, and a piston 10 are located, wherein the piston 10 is arranged relative to the cylinder 4 such that it can be displaced in such a way that by displacing the piston 4, an operating medium, which is a fluid, is conveyed through the at least one fluid line 14 from one cylinder chamber 6, 8 into the other cylinder chamber 8, 6, wherein the energy storage device 2 has at least one compensation volume 24, which is fluidically connected to the fluid line 14 via a fluid connection 22, and a first controllable valve 26, by means of which the fluid connection 22 can be opened and closed.

A valve an inlet, an outlet that is connected to the inlet via a fluid connection, and a valve body which can be brought by displacing it along a displacement direction into a first position, in which the fluid connection is blocked, and a second position, in which the fluid connection is open, wherein the inlet is designed and arranged in such a way that a fluid entering through the inlet exerts a total force on the valve body that at least also acts in a force direction which is perpendicular to the displacement direction when the valve body is in the first position.

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.

A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.