A high performance, low-cost passive prosthetic knee includes one or more modules to enable able-bodied gait by transfemoral amputees to improve metabolic efficiency and reduce stigma from conspicuous abnormal gaits. A stance stability module includes a latch with a virtual lock axis that automatically locks and unlocks. An early stance flexion module enables able-bodied gait during stance. Hydraulic fluid dampers ensure reliable swing phase control. A swing extension energy storage module stores and returns energy as the knee locks and unlocks, respectively. These modules may be used together, in any combination, or individually.

Artificial limbs and joints that behave like biological limbs and joints employ a synthetic actuator which consumes negligible power when exerting zero force, consumes negligible power when outputting force at constant length (isometric) and while performing dissipative, nonconservative work, is capable of independently engaging flexion and extension tendon-like, series springs, is capable of independently varying joint position and stiffness, and exploits series elasticity for mechanical power amplification.

Systems and methods for controlling a passive prosthetic knee joint with adjustable damping in the direction of flexion such that a prosthetic unit attached to the knee joint can be adapted for climbing stairs.

A prosthetic appendage for attachment to an outer extremity of an amputated limb that is composed of modular elements fabricated by three-dimensional printing. In one embodiment the prosthetic appendage is a leg. The prosthetic leg includes a foot portion and a plurality of modular and three-dimensionally printed limb elements. One of the plurality of limb elements is pivotally coupled to the foot portion and another of the limb elements is configured at one end to receive the outer extremity of the amputated leg. In another embodiment of the present invention the prosthetic appendage is a hand. The prosthetic hand includes a wrist element with one end configured to receive the outer extremity of an amputated hand, a base portion attached to the wrist element and a plurality of modular and three-dimensionally printed finger elements selectively coupled to adjacent finger elements or the base to form prosthetic fingers.

Technology is described to provide a locking device to control movement of a prosthetic limb. The technology may include a hydraulic damper having a movable damper wall in a hydraulic housing of the hydraulic damper, and the movable damper wall may form a first chamber and second chamber in the hydraulic damper. A first fluid channel may be coupled to the first chamber. In addition, a latch may be in fluid communication with the first fluid channel. A poppet valve can be configured to set the latch in an open position when pressure is reduced in the first chamber and to stop fluid movement when pressure is increased in the first chamber. A second fluid channel between the second chamber and the latch may enable fluid to flow between the second chamber and the latch.

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 coupling device, for connecting at least one first prosthetic part with at least one second prosthetic part of which at least one of the prosthetic parts is provided with, alternatively is suitable to be provided with, cosmetics. The coupling device comprises at least one first coupling part and at least one second coupling part which are suitable for connection to each other and in a connected position are temporarily locked to each other with at least one locking device. The coupling parts are disengaged from each other with at least one disengaging device. The first coupling part comprises at least one first holder for cosmetics and the second coupling part comprises at least one second holder for cosmetics. The cosmetics are attached to, alternatively integrated with, at least one of the first holder for cosmetics and the second holder for cosmetics.

A prosthetic arm apparatus comprising a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a harness mount that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.

A magnetorheological apparatus includes a flexible body formed of an elastomer material, a plurality of cell cavities defined by the flexible body, a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed within each cell cavity of the plurality of cell cavities, and a magnetic field inductor positioned adjacent to at least one of the cell cavities. Each cell cavity of the plurality of cell cavities is fluidly encapsulated within the flexible body. The magnetic field inductor is selectively operable to vary a magnetic field, and the MR fluid within the at least one cell cavity is configured to vary a stiffness of the at least one cell cavity in response to the magnetic field.

A joint for a prosthesis comprises a prosthesis part and a body part. The two parts are connected by a connection part. A first pair of engaging sets of abutments is provided on the connection part and the prosthesis part and a second pair of engaging sets of abutments is provided on the connection art and the body part. By adjusting position of the connection part, the first pair of sets are disengageable and by further adjusting the position, the second pair of sets are also disengageable. This allows for adjustment of the joint at two levels. A prosthesis includes two stripes of resilient material of which at least one has a curved part and a straight part. The joint is provided at a distal end, at the concave part of the strips. At straight parts, the strips cross and one strip extends beyond the other.