Patent classifications
A61F2002/5043
Single axis ankle-foot prosthesis with mechanically adjustable range of motion
An ankle prosthesis can have a base and an upper hinge component that is pivotably attached to the base about an axis. First and second biasing elements can bias the upper hinge component in first and second rotational directions, respectively. At least one selectively extendable and retractable locking element can extend from one of the base and the upper hinge component and engage the other of the base and the upper hinge component to limit the pivotable movement of the upper hinge component.
Biomedical finger assembly with ratcheting lock
This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and devices for a prosthetic digit usable with persons with amputations at or proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint. The device restores prehension in a person with missing fingers or thumb by providing opposition to forces in the extension direction via a spring-loaded pawl and locking rack ratchet mechanism, thereby allowing an individual to manipulate or stabilize objects. The digit may be spring-loaded in the extension direction by a torsion spring or other biasing member. The pawl may be automatically disengaged from the rack when the digit reaches full flexion, and the full flexion disengage stop may be adjustable. The pawl may be automatically engaged with the rack when the digit reaches full extension, and the extension stop may be adjustable. The pawl may contain a lateral feature that creates interference with the anchoring linkage under load and limits deflection of the structure.
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.
Prosthetic ankle and foot combination
A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantar-flexion and dorsi-flexion directions. An electronic control system coupled to the ankle joint mechanism includes at least one sensor for generating signals indicative of a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion, the mechanism and the control system being arranged such that the damping resistances effective over the range of motion of the ankle are adapted automatically in response to such signals. Single and dual piston hydraulic damping arrangements are disclosed, including arrangements allowing independent heel-height adjustment.
KNEE JOINT, PROSTHETIC LEG, AND ROTATIONAL RESISTANCE MODULE
A knee joint includes: a thigh connection portion that is provided on a thigh portion side; a lower leg portion that is connected to the thigh connection portion and rotatably provided around a knee shaft; a knee angle restrictor structured to restrict a relative rotation of the thigh connection portion and the lower leg portion such that a knee angle θ formed by the thigh connection portion with respect to the lower leg portion does not exceed a predetermined lock angle θ.sub.L; and an accommodation space that accommodates a rotational resistor applying resistance to the rotation around the knee shaft in a case where the knee angle θ is equal to or less than the lock angle θ.sub.L.
PROSTHETIC DIGITS AND ACTUATORS
Features for prosthetic digits and actuation systems including transmission features for a worm wheel rotation by a lead screw. A keyed member such as a central axle is spring-biased and transmits rotation from the worm wheel to the digit while allowing for manual rotation of the digit without damaging the worm wheel or other components. In some embodiments, the digit may include a link having flexibility to cause rotation of the digit segments while absorbing shock or otherwise high rotational loads. The digit may include a single-sided drive mechanism, where the opposite side provides support in case of high lateral loads. The digit may include a motor and gearbox in parallel and connected mechanically via a transfer gearbox. The digit may include a variable speed and variable torque gearbox.
Modular and lightweight myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods
Prosthetic devices and, more particularly, modular myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods, are described. In one embodiment, a hand for a prosthetic limb may comprise a rotor-motor; a transmission, comprising a differential roller screw; a linkage coupled to the transmission; and at least one finger coupled to the linkage. In one embodiment, a component part of a wrist of a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, a planetary gear transmission, a clutch, and a cycloid transmission. In one embodiment, an elbow for a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, and a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a non-backdrivable clutch, and a screw.
Prosthetic knee
A prosthetic knee for active users has a locking head generally parallel to a vertical axis of the prosthetic knee, a chassis, and a plurality of links connecting the locking head to the chassis. The knee includes a swing control mechanism having a flexion stop connected to the chassis and arranged to control the flexion angle of the knee. The flexion stop extends outwardly from the chassis and obliquely relative to the vertical axis. The knee has an audible feedback mechanism for providing the user with information about the location of the knee. The knee may also have a block lock forming a manually activated mechanism allowing load bearing in a flexed position.
Prosthetic ankle joint mechanism
A self-aligning prosthetic foot and ankle assembly has an ankle unit pivotally mounting a foot component. The ankle unit contains a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly having a piston which is linearly movable within a cylinder. The axis of the cylinder is coincident with a shin axis defined by a shin connection interface on the ankle unit. Bypass passages containing damping resistance control valves provide continuous hydraulic damping of dorsi and plantar ankle flexion, the unit being such that, over the major part of the range of damped movement, there is no resilient biasing in either the dorsi or the plantar direction. This confers a number of advantages, including stabilisation of standing, balance control, and improved stair-walking and ramp-walking.
A MECHANICAL HAND
The present application describes apparatus for supporting a mechanical hand, comprising a support member (200) pivotally coupled at a hinge axis (604) to a mounting member (700); and at least one leaf spring (707) configured to resist movement of the support member about the hinge axis. Apparatus for supporting a mechanical hand, comprising a lock arrangement (750) to lock the support member with respect to the mounting member in a rotational position about the hinge axis is also described.