In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

A novel shoulder brace that can provide active dynamic support to an injured shoulder while providing the capability to also raise the attached arm and support the arm in an elevated position. The brace can be used both in conjunction with a rehabilitation intervention program to maintain or restore range of motion and strength and to assist in functional tasks at work and at home. The brace works by supporting a locking or ratchet mechanism connected to an arm cuff from a chest piece that, when desired, the user can move the arm connected to an injured shoulder and supported by the arm cuff from a normal side resting position to an elevated position 90 degrees from the resting position while transferring the load created by the arm and whatever the hand is holding back to the chest piece and to the torso of the user. A release mechanism can be used to release the locking or ratchet mechanism to let the user lower their arm back to a resting position.

An exoskeleton device that includes an artificial joint and a frame member extending from the artificial joint. The frame member is configured for extension over a limb of a user. The exoskeleton device also includes a self-aligning mechanism connected to the frame member. The self-aligning mechanism includes three passive degrees of freedom (pDOF) provided in a prismatic-revolute-revolute (PRR) configuration. The self-aligning mechanism also includes a limb attachment member configured for mechanically coupling to a portion of the limb of the user.

Systems and methods for controlling an orthopedic joint device of a lower extremity, the orthopedic device comprising an upper part, a lower part mounted in articulated fashion to the upper part, and a conversion device arranged between the upper and lower parts. The conversion device provides for, during pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, mechanical work from a relative movement between the upper and lower parts to be converted and stored in at least one energy store and supplied back to the joint device with a time offset in order to assist the relative movement. The stored energy is converted back and the supply of mechanical work takes place in a controlled manner during the assistance of the relative movement.

A knee movement support device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a knee movement support device that is worn on a leg of a user. The knee movement support device includes: a damper that provides resistance against a direction in which a knee joint of the leg bends; and an adjuster that is operated by a person to adjust the resistance from the damper.

Systems and methods for controlling an orthopedic joint device of a lower extremity, the orthopedic joint device comprising an upper part, a lower part mounted in articulated fashion to the upper part, and a conversion device arranged between the upper and lower parts. The conversion device provides for, during pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, mechanical work from a relative movement between the upper and lower parts to be converted and stored in at least one energy store and supplied back to the joint device with a time offset in order to assist the relative movement. The stored energy is converted back and the supply of mechanical work takes place in a controlled manner during the assistance of the relative movement.

The present invention provides an actuator-equipped knee ankle foot orthosis in which a control device calculates a thigh phase angle based on an angle-related signal detected by a thigh orientation detecting means at one sampling point, applies the thigh phase angle at that sampling point to an assisting force control data, which is stored in the control device in advance and indicates the relationship between the thigh phase angle and a size of the assisting force to be imparted to a lower leg-side brace, to obtain the size of the assisting force to be imparted to the lower leg-side brace at that sampling point, and executes operational control for an actuator unit such that the assisting force having the size is output.

In one embodiment, the orthotic device can include a powered hand portion, a switching element, and a controller. The wearer can interact with the switching element to generate input signals for adjusting an operation of the powered hand portion. The controller can receive the input signals and generate control signals to accordingly adjust the operation of the powered hand portion. In some embodiments, a powered hand portion can be comprised of a plurality of linkages and at least one powered actuator to assist with an opening and closing of the hand portion. The plurality of linkages can be operated by at least one electric motor with quick-connect elements to link onto fingers of a user. In some embodiments, an electrically-actuated clutch mechanism can be affixed to an upper arm section and a lower arm section of an orthotic device. The clutch mechanism can be configured into different positions.

A joint for an orthopedic device, the joint comprising: a first element; a spring support mounted to the first element and having at least one spring element; and a second element, the second element being pivotally mounted to the first element in a first swiveling direction counter to a first force applied by the at least one spring element and in an opposite second swiveling direction counter to a second force applied by the at least one spring element.

An orthopaedic device includes an upper exoskeleton (2, 4) and a lower exoskeleton (6), and a receiving actuator having a pivot-connection member (10). The exoskeleton is hinged with respect to one another via the pivot-connection member. A receiving transmission device (30) is designed to be able to transmit a movement to the pivot-connection member. At least a first hydraulic cylinder (20) is coupled to the receiving transmission device so as to be able to rotate said pivot-connection member. An emitting actuator has at least a first hydraulic emitting cylinder (51, 55), an emitting transmission device (60), and a motor device (70) coupled to the emitting transmission device. At least one pressurized-fluid-guiding line (42, 45) is designed to allow a hydraulic transmission of movement from the first emitting cylinder to the receiving actuator.