A61F2002/5024

Microfluidic-based artificial muscles and method of formation

Artificial muscles comprising a body of dielectric elastomer, wherein the body contains a pair of microfluidic networks are presented. Each microfluidic network includes a plurality of channels fluidically coupled via a manifold. The channels of the microfluidic networks are interdigitated and filled with conductive fluid such that each set of adjacent channels functions as the electrodes of an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator. By using the manifolds as compliant wiring to energize the electrodes, artificial muscles in accordance with the present disclosure mitigate some or all of the reliability problems associated with prior-art artificial muscles.

OVERMOULD ATTACHMENTS FOR PROSTHETIC FOOT

An attachment for a prosthetic foot comprising an attachment surface that couples to the edges of a foot plate of a prosthetic foot and an outer surface that functionally or cosmetically alters the foot plate of the prosthetic foot in order to adapt the prosthetic foot to the needs of the user. In another embodiment, a toe attachment for a prosthetic foot comprising a cavity that can receive the toe end of an elongate foot element of a prosthetic foot, the toe attachment that can functionally or cosmetically alter the elongate foot element in order to adapt the prosthetic foot to the needs of the user. In yet another embodiment, a seal cover that can removably engage a prosthetic foot and a cosmetic cover for a prosthetic foot, resulting in a substantially watertight connection between the seal cover and the prosthesis and the seal cover and the cosmesis.

METHOD OF FITTING A PROSTHETIC INTERFACE SYSTEM USING COMPLIANT MEMBERS
20220062014 · 2022-03-03 ·

A prosthetic or orthotic device using at least one of measurements of residual limb length or circumference to define a prosthetic socket assembly configuration, comprising modular socket components fitted to the individual user's residual limb having a mounting point for an attachment, at least one compliant member attached to at least one stabilizing unit, and at least one second compliant member attached to at least one stabilizing unit wherein the first compliant member and the second compliant member work in cooperation with the stabilizing unit(s) to control bone position and support the limb within the interface.

Microfluidic-based artificial muscles and method of formation

Artificial muscles comprising a body of dielectric elastomer, wherein the body contains a pair of microfluidic networks are presented. Each microfluidic network includes a plurality of channels fluidically coupled via a manifold. The channels of the microfluidic networks are interdigitated and filled with conductive fluid such that each set of adjacent channels functions as the electrodes of an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator. By using the manifolds as compliant wiring to energize the electrodes, artificial muscles in accordance with the present disclosure mitigate some or all of the reliability problems associated with prior-art artificial muscles.

Overmould attachments for prosthetic foot

An attachment for a prosthetic foot comprising an attachment surface that couples to the edges of a foot plate of a prosthetic foot and an outer surface that functionally or cosmetically alters the foot plate of the prosthetic foot in order to adapt the prosthetic foot to the needs of the user. In another embodiment, a toe attachment for a prosthetic foot comprising a cavity that can receive the toe end of an elongate foot element of a prosthetic foot, the toe attachment that can functionally or cosmetically alter the elongate foot element in order to adapt the prosthetic foot to the needs of the user. In yet another embodiment, a seal cover that can removably engage a prosthetic foot and a cosmetic cover for a prosthetic foot, resulting in a substantially watertight connection between the seal cover and the prosthesis and the seal cover and the cosmesis.

Lower leg prosthetic systems and devices

Systems and devices for use as lower leg prosthetic devices that include a foot portion having anterior and posterior ends and a first surface having a protrusion that protrudes therefrom adjacent the posterior end of the foot portion, has a semispherical or hemispherical surface with a passage therethrough extending laterally relative to the foot portion. The systems and devices further include a toe portion pivotally coupled to the anterior end of the foot portion, and a plate portion configured to couple to an attachment device and thereby be functionally secured to a user. The plate portion has a recess configured to couple with the protrusion of the foot portion. A cylindrical rod is located within the lateral passage of the protrusion and has ends protruding therefrom on oppositely-disposed of the protrusion. The plate portion is pivotally coupled to the ends of the rod on oppositely-disposed lateral sides of the protrusion.

INFLATABLE LIMB PROSTHESIS
20200330247 · 2020-10-22 ·

A limb prosthesis, including an inflatable lining (16), a pump assembly (19), for inflating and deflating the inflatable lining (16), a remote control (17), in data communication with the pump assembly (19), for instructing the pump assembly to inflate or deflate the lining (16) to a desired air pressure.

METHOD OF FITTING A PROSTHETIC INTERFACE SYSTEM USING COMPLIANT MEMBERS
20200163783 · 2020-05-28 ·

A prosthetic or orthotic device using at least one of measurements of residual limb length or circumference to define a prosthetic socket assembly configuration, comprising modular socket components fitted to the individual user's residual limb having a mounting point for an attachment, at least one compliant member attached to at least one stabilizing unit, and at least one second compliant member attached to at least one stabilizing unit wherein the first compliant member and the second compliant member work in cooperation with the stabilizing unit(s) to control bone position and support the limb within the interface.

PROSTHETIC SPORT FEET

Various features for improving the performance of prosthetic sport feet are provided. A fairing for a prosthetic sport foot can include foam components that are coupled to the foot and an elastane cover. The fairing is configured to alter the cross-sectional profile of the foot to produce a more aerodynamic shape. A prosthetic sport foot can include a hollow foot member that can be lighter weight and provide improved performance. A prosthetic sport foot can include an adjustable tension strap extending between and coupled to two portions of the foot member. A prosthetic sport foot, such as a prosthetic running foot or prosthetic cycling foot, can include an aerodynamic fairing and a cover. A prosthetic sport foot can have a varying-width profile such that a mid-section of the foot is narrower and a toe portion flares outward.

System and Method for Load Dampening for Prosthetic Limbs
20190046339 · 2019-02-14 ·

Methods and systems for cushioning a residual limb in a prosthetic generally comprise prosthetic limb devices, sockets, bladders, and valve stems. In a preferred embodiment, the residual limb/stump is configured and arranged within the socket and rests on the bladder. The valve stem coupled to the bladder is configured and arranged through the bottom of the socket to allow quick and easy inflation of the bladder. In some embodiments, the present invention also includes upper thigh attachments which may include ball bearings, axles, and thigh straps. In another preferred embodiment, the upper thigh attachment allows the user to securely and adjustably attach the prosthetic limb device to the user's upper thigh.