Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080200994 | Detector and Stimulator for Feedback in a Prosthesis - An apparatus and method for conveying sensory information from a distal location on a prosthetic limb, to a proximal location on the body of the wearer. The apparatus comprises a detector for mounting in a prosthesis and a stimulator for engaging the skin of the prosthesis wearer. Tactile, haptic and other information including surface-normal force, shear force, vibration, and/or temperature are sensed, conveyed, processed, and displayed, such that the wearer of the prosthetic has improved sensation and awareness from distal parts of a prosthetic, such as a fingertip. | 08-21-2008 |
20080215161 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTION-CONTROLLED FOOT UNIT - A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user. | 09-04-2008 |
20080243265 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF A PROSTHETIC - A prosthetic device control apparatus is disclosed. The control apparatus includes at least one sensor worn by a user. The sensor(s) determines a user's movement. Also, a control module in communication with the sensor(s). The control module communicates movement information to a prosthetic. Also, a method for controlling a prosthetic device is disclosed. The method includes sensing a user's movement, communicating the movement through a control module to a prosthetic device; and controlling the movement of a prosthetic device. | 10-02-2008 |
20080262634 | Hand Prosthesis Comprising Two Drive Devices - The invention relates to a hand prosthesis comprising a chassis, to which at least one finger prosthesis is articulated, said finger prosthesis being movable about at least one swiveling axis by means of a drive. | 10-23-2008 |
20090054996 | Lower Limb Prosthesis and Control Unit - A self-teaching lower limb prosthesis, for an above-knee amputee, including a dynamically adjustable joint movement control unit arranged to control operation of the joint automatically. A control unit electrically stores a target relationship between a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion and walking speed. The relationship defines a number of values of the parameter associated with different walking speeds. The control unit generates monitoring signals representative of walking speed values and values of the parameter occurring at different walking speeds. An adjustment system adjusts the control unit automatically when the monitoring signals indicate deviation from the target relationship so as to bring the parameters close to that defined by the target relationship. | 02-26-2009 |
20090093890 | Precise control of orthopedic actuators - An actuator is implanted inside the body and attached to a bone. The actuator is controlled from outside the body using a changing magnetic field or creating mechanical motion of the tissue. The changing field is used to create power inside the actuator and precisely control its operation without requiring a transdermal connection. The power generated inside actuator can also be used to transmit data to the outside. | 04-09-2009 |
20090171468 | CONTROL OF A PASSIVE PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT WITH ADJUSTABLE DAMPING - The invention relates to the control of 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. | 07-02-2009 |
20090259320 | Generator for prosthesis and orthosis - A means for using body energy to generate electrical current to power the electronics, sensors, actuators and other electronic components in microprocessor-controlled prosthetic or orthotic joints. Furthermore, a means for using the generator to provide swing-phase damping is disclosed whereby the damping level can be controlled and adjusted electronically. | 10-15-2009 |
20090326677 | Joint Prosthetic Device - This invention provides a compact self-contained design of a wrist device for an electrically powered prosthesis. The wrist prosthesis, which provides user controlled motion in two directions, flexion/extension and rotation. Through the unique mounting of the one or more actuators or motors, a significant space savings is achieved. The modular terminal device distal mounting platform and prosthesis proximal mounting structure allow for this wrist device to function with many commercially available terminal devices and prosthesis designs. In a more particular embodiment related to a prosthesis the wrist device utilizes a system of gears, which achieves appropriately externally powered motion and is configured to provide wrist flexion as well as rotation. The prosthesis allows user controlled flexion/extension and rotation by providing two actuating motors and a series of gears, which provides externally powered flexion, extension, and rotation in various ranges. | 12-31-2009 |
20100010639 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR WALKING ASSISTANCE DEVICE - A control device for a walking assistance device includes a seating section on which a user is seated, a pair of left and right foot sole installation sections fitted to the foot soles of the legs of the user, a pair of left and right leg links which connect the seating section to the foot sole installation sections, actuators which drive joints of the leg links, and an acting force detection means which detects force acting on the user from the seating section. The control device controls a driving force of at least one of the actuators according to the detected value of the acting force so that the force acting on the user is maintained at a least at a predetermined lower limit of upward force. Thus, desired user motions, such as jumping can be performed while appropriate force acts on the user from the seating section. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010640 | IMPLANT SYSTEM HAVING A FUNCTIONAL IMPLANT COMPOSED OF DEGRADABLE METAL MATERIAL - An implant system comprising a functional implant ( | 01-14-2010 |
20100016990 | Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) employing wireless transmission for providing sensory signals - A medical system employs wireless transmission and provides sensory signals to a user of a prosthetic or other medical device. A series of pressure, force or strain sensors are placed upon various areas of the prosthetic device. The sensors are strategically placed according to anticipated functions of the prosthetic device and the sensors may be placed in clusters, where each cluster may include more than one sensor. The prosthetic device is normally operated by a biometric controller. The biometric controller is controlled by the handicapped user via muscles or other devices to enable the prosthetic device to perform various desired functions. During performing of such functions, the sensors will respond and produce outputs according to applied pressure or strain. These voltage outputs are transmitted by a transmitter to a remote receiver which is located on the body or person of the handicapped user. The receiver demodulates the transmitted signal to provide output signals proportional to the sensor signals as transmitted. These output signals are then directed to electrodes, probes or terminal pads imbedded in the body of the handicapped user by a physician or suitable technician. The imbedded probes or electrodes receive the sensor signals from the receiver and operate to stimulate the nerves so that a user can receive signals indicative of the force applied to given areas of the prosthetic device. In this manner the user can better control prosthetic device operation. | 01-21-2010 |
20100023133 | Semi-actuated transfemoral prosthetic knee - A semi-actuated above knee prosthetic system, which is mostly passive in nature and includes a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link attached to an above-knee remaining lower limb of an amputee, is operable in either an actuated mode or an un-actuated mode controlled by a signal processor linked to various prosthetic mounted sensors. In the actuated mode, power is delivered to a torque generator connected to the knee mechanism to cause a forced movement between the thigh and shank links. In the un-actuated mode, a control circuit operates in a non-powered manner to allow operation of the knee mechanism with modulated resistance. Power is delivered through an electric motor connected to a battery source and employed to drive a hydraulic pump which is part of an overall hydraulic power unit including the torque generator. | 01-28-2010 |
20100082115 | PROSTHETIC KNEE WITH GRAVITY-ACTIVATED LOCK - Disclosed is a prosthetic knee appliance having upper and lower leg elements with a single-axis, articulating joint therebetween controllable with an electric knee-lock mechanism. A tilt-switch located within the prosthetic knee can facilitate activation of the electric knee-lock to lock or unlock the joint when the lower leg element is in a pre-determined position. A remote control can provide external locking control of the articulating joint. A pressure switch can ensure that the free-knee is locked only when the lower leg element is sufficiently extended relative to the upper leg element. The mobility of a free-knee system combined with the stability of a straight-leg prosthesis can be advantageous for pre-ambulatory pediatric patients. | 04-01-2010 |
20100094431 | ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE - The invention relates to an orthopedic device ( | 04-15-2010 |
20100114329 | HYBRID TERRAIN-ADAPTIVE LOWER-EXTREMITY SYSTEMS - Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive. | 05-06-2010 |
20100204804 | FOREARM ROTATION MECHANISM AND ORTHESIS WHICH INCLUDES SUCH A MECHANISM - Rotation mechanism for a forearm which includes a moving stay ( | 08-12-2010 |
20100211185 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ORIENTATION CONTROL - A system for control of a device includes at least one sensor module detecting orientation of a user's body part. The at least one sensor module is in communication with a device module configured to command an associated device. The at least one sensor module detects orientation of the body part. The at least one sensor module sends output signals related to orientation of the user's body part to the device module and the device module controls the associated device based on the signals from the at least one sensor module. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211186 | ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER ACTUATION OF IMPLANTS - This invention provides methods and devices for reconstructing muscular responses in patients with paralysis. Electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators power implants attached to tissues in the patients. When the actuators are energized, the implants move the tissues appropriately to provide improved body functions to patients experiencing a paralysis or paresis. | 08-19-2010 |
20100217404 | Electro-magnet based telescoping artificial muscle actuator - The device described herein is an Electro-magnet based Telescoping Artificial Muscle Actuator. This device uses a centrally located electromagnet which acts on permanent magnets and ferrous components housed within telescoping sections of this device. This device is intended to be linked into chains of other identical devices, with those chains then linked into bundles. This arrangement allows devices of this type simulate the action and control mechanisms of natural muscle. This device is intended for use in prosthetic, robotic, and implantable applications. | 08-26-2010 |
20100228360 | CONTROL OF A PASSIVE PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT WITH ADJUSTABLE DAMPING - The invention relates to the control of 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. | 09-09-2010 |
20100234967 | ROTARY ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT - A rotary actuator comprises a motor, gearing connected for driving by the motor, an output drive member and bearings for carrying the output drive member, wherein the gearing comprises wave generator gearing and the gearing is at least partially located radially within the bearings. In addition, an artificial limb member comprises an actuator to effect movement of the limb member, wherein the actuator comprises a motor connected to wave generator gearing. | 09-16-2010 |
20100241242 | Artificial Joints Using Agonist-Antagonist Actuators - 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. | 09-23-2010 |
20100268351 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A system for control of a prosthetic device includes at least one Inertial Measurement Unit detecting orientation of a user's foot. The at least one Inertial Measurement Unit is in communication with a device module configured to command at least one actuator of a prosthetic device. The at least one Inertial Measurement unit sends output signals related to orientation of the user's foot to the device module and the device module controls the at least one actuator of the prosthetic device based on the signals from the at least one Inertial Measurement Unit. | 10-21-2010 |
20100305716 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ORTHOPEDIC JOINT - The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthopedic joint of a lower extremity in at least one degree of freedom by means of an adjustable actuator for adjusting an orthopedic apparatus to walking situations that differ from walking on a plane. Said orthopedic apparatus comprises top connecting means to a limb and an orthopedic element that is hingedly arranged distal to the connecting means. The method encompasses the following steps:—several parameters of the orthopedic apparatus are sensed by means of sensors;—the sensed parameters are compared with criteria that have been established based on several parameters and/or parameter curves and are stored in a computer unit;—a criterion is selected that is suitable on the basis of the determined parameters and/or parameter curves; and—resistances to movements, extents of movements, driving forces, and/or the progresses thereof are adjusted in accordance with the selected criterion in order to control special functions that differ from walking on a plane. | 12-02-2010 |
20100318194 | Prosthesis with chargeable electric energy accumulator - The invention relates to a prosthesis with an electric energy accumulator ( | 12-16-2010 |
20100324698 | FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROSTHETIC OR ORTHOTIC DEVICES - Methods and systems are used for monitoring a global position or location of a prosthetic or orthotic device and to provide feedback control of the device. Certain methods may employ remote transmitting devices and receivers to recognize when a prosthetic or orthotic device user is in a moving vehicle and, therefore, initiate automatic shut-off, driving mode, or relaxed mode. Other methods may employ remote transmitting devices and receivers to identify the global position of the prosthetic or orthotic device, compare the global position to a stored terrain mapped database and output feedback control instructions and/or alerts to the prosthetic or orthotic device based at least in part on the stored terrain mapping information. | 12-23-2010 |
20110004321 | Interface method between an operator and a multiarticular robotic and/or prosthetic device for moving the same - The present invention refers to an interface method between an operator and a multiarticular robotic and/or prosthetic device for moving the same that is characterised in that it comprises the steps that consist of receiving ( | 01-06-2011 |
20110082566 | IMPLEMENTING A STAND-UP SEQUENCE USING A LOWER-EXTREMITY PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS - Knee orthoses or prostheses can be used to automatically when it is appropriate to initiate a stand-up sequence based on the position of the person's knee with respect to the person's ankle while the person is in a seated position. When the knee is moved to position that is forward of the ankle, at least one actuator of the orthosis or prosthesis is actuated to help raise the person from the seated position to a standing position. | 04-07-2011 |
20110093089 | ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED PROSTHETIC SYSTEM - A prosthetic joint system for users comprising a housing having an interior cavity, a center axis in said interior cavity, and an attachment means for fixedly connecting said housing to said user; an inner cylinder disposed in said housing interior cavity wherein said inner cylinder rotates around said center axis of said housing; an appendage attached to said inner cylinder; a sensor system attached to said appendage; and a dampening system, having a power source, in communication with said sensor system, said inner cylinder, and said housing for controlling dampening of the rotation of said inner cylinder around said center axis of said housing. | 04-21-2011 |
20110106274 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTION-CONTROLLED FOOT UNIT - A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user. | 05-05-2011 |
20110118852 | PIEZOELECTRIC IMPLANT - A piezoelectric implant configured to stimulate bone growth in surrounding bone, tissues, and/or bodily fluids. Anatomical loading of the piezoelectric implant causes the piezoelectric implant or components thereof to emit a signal, such as an electric current and/or electromagnetic field that promotes and/or enhances osteoblastic activity in the surrounding bone, tissues, and/or bodily fluids, thereby enhancing bone remodeling and/or fusion. The piezoelectric implant can be configured with a variety of piezoelectric components, such as individual piezoelectric elements or piezoelectric frames, and/or conductors configured to conduct the signal between the piezoelectric components and the surrounding bone, tissues, and/or bodily fluids. | 05-19-2011 |
20110137429 | CONTROL DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN ACTUATED PROSTHESIS - A device and system for controlling an actuated prosthesis. The device includes a data signal input for each of the main artificial proprioceptors. Also, means for obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for at least some of the data signals, and means for obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals. A set of first state machines, and means for generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors, and a second state machine as also included. The system includes a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors as well as means for obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for at least some of the data signals, and means for obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals. Also, a set of first state machines, a second state machine, means for storing a lookup table, means for determining actual coefficient values from the lookup table, means for calculating at least one dynamic parameter value of the actuated prosthesis using the lookup table and at least some of the data signals, and means for converting the dynamic parameter value into an output signal to control the actuated prosthesis. | 06-09-2011 |
20110257764 | Powered ankle-foot prothesis - A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257765 | ARM PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A prosthetic arm apparatus including 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 prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices. | 10-20-2011 |
20110264238 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A control system for control of a prosthetic device having a plurality of actuators receives an orientation signal indicative of a desired movement. The control system evaluates whether the prosthetic device may move as desired with a current angle of rotation and commands at least one actuator to move the prosthetic device as desired by maintaining the current angle of rotation or by adjusting the angle of rotation if the prosthetic device cannot move as desired with the current angle. The control system may alternate between commanding a first subset of actuators and a second subset of actuators each time the orientation signal is indicative of a neutral position. The control system may include a position sensor and a compliance sensor and may command at least one actuator based on a combination of positional control using the position sensor and force control using the compliance sensor. | 10-27-2011 |
20110295384 | CONTROLLING POWER IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON PREDICTED WALKING SPEED OR SURROGATE FOR SAME - In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295385 | CONTROLLING TORQUE IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON A DEFLECTION OF SERIES ELASTIC ELEMENT - In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque. | 12-01-2011 |
20120016492 | TRANSFEMORAL PROSTHETIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING THE SAME - Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022666 | Actuator for Prosthetic Finger and Method - A prosthetic glove worn over damaged fingers or over a prosthetic hand having flexible fingers. The glove articulates the fingers with multiple shape memory alloy wires and includes a cooling system for each shape memory alloy wire. | 01-26-2012 |
20120078380 | ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FOR PROSTHETIC OR ORTHOTIC JOINT - A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, data may include information relating to a user's gait and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural ankle. The system may accommodate level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs or sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input, such as a heel height, or display output signals through an external interface. | 03-29-2012 |
20120083901 | PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - Prosthetic and/or orthotic devices (PODS), control systems for PODS and methods for controlling PODS are provided. As part of the control system, an inference layer collects data regarding a vertical and horizontal displacement of the POD, as well as an angle of the POD with respect to gravity during a gait cycle of a user of the POD. A processor analyzes the data collected to determine a locomotion activity of the user and selects one or more control parameters based on the locomotion activity. The inference layer may be situated between a reactive layer control module and a learning layer control module of the control system architecture. | 04-05-2012 |
20120123558 | PROSTHETIC APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - The invention provides a prosthetic apparatus ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120215323 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ARTIFICIAL ORTHOTIC OR PROSTHETIC JOINT - The invention relates to a method and device for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity with a resistance device to which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is changed depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. According to the invention, the inertial angle of an thigh part is measured and the resistance is reduced, when the thigh part is at least 45° to the vertical and/or the knee angle is greater than 45°. | 08-23-2012 |
20120221119 | SYSTEMS AND CONTROL METHODOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING STABILITY IN POWERED LOWER LIMB DEVICES - Systems and methods are provided for controlling a lower limb device having at least one powered joint. The method includes detecting a stumble event based on one or more sensor signals associated with an overall motion lower limb device, classifying the stumble event based on sensor signals following the sensor signals associated with the stumble event, and selecting a stumble recovery strategy for the lower limb device based on the classification of the stumble event. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221120 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AN ARTIFICIAL ORTHOTIC OR PROSTHETIC JOINT - The invention relates to a method and device for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity having a resistance device to which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is changed depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. During use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors, wherein a cyclic movement different from walking is determined and the resistance is reduced for the duration of the cyclic movement. | 08-30-2012 |
20120226364 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ORTHOTIC OR PROSTHETIC JOINT OF A LOWER EXTREMITY - The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity with a resistance device to which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is changed depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via the sensors. The sensor data are determined by at least one device for detecting at least two moments or a moment and a force. The sensor data of at least two determined values are linked by means of a mathematical operation and at least one auxiliary variable is thus calculated, on which the control of the bending and/or stretching resistance is based. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226365 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AN ARTIFICIAL ORTHOTIC OR PROSTHETIC JOINT - The invention relates to a method and device for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint with a resistance device to which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is changed depending on sensor data. According to the invention, the resistance is adjusted depending on at least one measured temperature signal. | 09-06-2012 |
20120232672 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING TERRAIN TRANSITIONS - A prosthetic or orthotic system including a sensor module and a processing module usable to determine a terrain variable, such as a terrain transition. In certain examples, the system is capable of anticipating a terrain transition prior to the user experiencing the terrain transition, which may include, for instance, a transition from level ground walking to walking on stairs or may include a change in a slope of the ground surface. In certain embodiments, the system advantageously monitors a posture and/or movement of the patient to anticipate the terrain transition. Furthermore, the system may control an actuator to appropriately adjust the prosthetic or orthotic device to encounter the anticipated terrain transition. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232673 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AN ARTIFICIAL ORTHOTIC OR PROSTHETIC JOINT - The invention relates to a device and method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity, comprising a resistance unit with which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is varied depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. According to the invention, the resistance is increased in the standing phase or while standing from a starting value depending on the ground reaction force up to a locking point of the joint. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232674 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AN ARTIFICIAL ORTHOTIC OR PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT - The invention relates to a method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity with a resistance unit to which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is changed depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out such a method. According to the invention, the bending resistance is increased or not lowered in the standing phase, when an inertial angle of a lower leg part decreasing in the direction of the vertical and a front foot under pressure at the same time are identified. | 09-13-2012 |
20120259429 | POWERED JOINT ORTHOSIS - A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint, and a controller that modulates the augmentation torque, the impedance, and a joint equilibrium according to a phase of the gait cycle to provide at least a biomimetic response. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259430 | CONTROLLING POWERED HUMAN AUGMENTATION DEVICES - In a communication system for controlling a powered human augmentation device, a parameter of the powered device is adjusted within a gait cycle by wirelessly transmitting a control signal thereto, whereby the adjusted parameter falls within a target range corresponding to that parameter. The target range is selected and the device parameters are controlled such that the powered device can normalize or augment human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain and, in effect, provides at least a biomimetic response to the wearer of the powered device. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259431 | TERRAIN ADAPTIVE POWERED JOINT ORTHOSIS - A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint. A controller estimates terrain slope and modulates the augmentation torque and the impedance according to a phase of the gait cycle and the estimated terrain slope to provide at least a biomimetic response. The controller may also modulate a joint equilibrium. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain, and can be used, for example, as a knee orthosis, prosthesis, or exoskeleton. | 10-11-2012 |
20120277883 | ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE - An orthopedic device includes two components that are configured to be movable relative to on another (e.g., longitudinally translatable, pivotable, etc.). The relative movement of the two components is transmitted as unidirectional mechanical energy by means of a transmitting mechanism which includes an energy accumulator connected to a generator. The mechanical energy is thereby converted to electric power. | 11-01-2012 |
20120283844 | IMPEDANCE SIMULATING MOTION CONTROLLER FOR ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC APPLICATIONS - An impedance simulating motion controller for orthotic and prosthetic devices includes an equilibrium trajectory generator that receives locomotion data regarding the locomotion of a user, a dynamic trajectory compensator that generates one or more control parameters based on the locomotion data and one or more physiological characteristics of the user, and a dynamic gain tuner that adjusts the one or more control parameters based on a gain scaling factor that is calculated using a measured deflection point and an expected deflection point. The adjusted control parameters are used to control movement of an actuator of an orthotic or prosthetic device. | 11-08-2012 |
20120283845 | BIOMIMETIC JOINT ACTUATORS - In a powered actuator for supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to a joint, a motor is directly coupled to a low-reduction ratio transmission, e.g., a transmission having a gear ratio less than about 80 to 1. The motor has a low dissipation constant, e.g., less than about 50 W/(Nm) | 11-08-2012 |
20120290101 | ADJUSTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ADJUSTING DEVICE - The invention relates to an adjusting device for a prosthetic device, having a drive ( | 11-15-2012 |
20120310369 | HIGH TORQUE ACTIVE MECHANISM FOR ORTHOTIC AND/OR PROSTHETIC DEVICES - A high torque active mechanism for an orthotic and/or prosthetic joint using a primary brake which can be provide by magnetorheological (MR) rotational damper incorporating and an additional friction brake mechanism driven by the braking force generated by the MR damper. This combination of MR damper and friction brake mechanism allows an increase in torque density while keeping the same level of motion control offered by the MR damper alone. The increased torque density achieved by this high torque active mechanism allows to minimize the size of the actuating system, i.e. its diameter and/or breath, while maximizing its braking torque capability. In this regard, the friction brake mechanism is advantageously positioned around the MR damper, such that the dimension of the package is minimized. | 12-06-2012 |
20120330439 | POWERED LEG PROSTHESIS AND CONTROL METHODOLOGIES FOR OBTAINING NEAR NORMAL GAIT - A powered leg prosthesis including a powered knee joint with a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint, a powered ankle joint coupled to the knee joint including an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint, a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, a plurality of sensors for measuring a real-time input, and controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input. In the powered leg prosthesis, at least one of the knee motor unit or the ankle motor unit includes at least one drive stage, where the drive stage includes a rotary element for generating torque and at least one looped element affixed around the rotary element and configured for transmitting the torque to another rotary element coupled to a joint to be actuated. | 12-27-2012 |
20130006386 | Further improvements to ankle-foot prosthesis and orthosis capable of automatic adaptation to sloped walking surfaces and methods of use - The present invention relates to an improved system for use in rehabilitation and/or physical therapy for the treatment of injury or disease to the lower limbs or extremities. The system can enable an amputee to proceed over any inclined or declined surface without overbalancing. The system is mechanically passive in that it does not utilize motors, force generating devices, batteries, or powered sources that may add undesirable weight or mass and that may require recharging. In particular the system is self-adapting to adjust the torque moment depending upon the motion, the extent of inclination, and the surface topography. An additional advantage of the improvement is that the system can be light and may also be simple to manufacture. | 01-03-2013 |
20130024006 | PROSTHESIS STRUCTURE FOR LOWER-LIMB AMPUTEES - A prosthesis for lower-limb amputees having a foot segment and a tibial segment pivotally connected to each other about an articulation axis that perform an ankle joint of a leg/foot prosthesis. The leg-foot prosthesis has a gear motor whose axis coincides with the axis of the tibia. From the gear motor a pinion gear extends below with conical toothed shape that meshes with a toothed arch present on the foot. This way, the gear motor operates the relative movement between tibia and foot and varies the relative angle θ. The gear motor can be associated with a microprocessor that is adapted to control the movement of the ankle joint. To obtain that, the microprocessor communicates with a position transducer provided at the articulation axis of the ankle that measure the rotation of the ankle, i.e. the angle θ. | 01-24-2013 |
20130035769 | ACTUATED LEG PROSTHESIS FOR ABOVE-KNEE AMPUTEES - The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration. | 02-07-2013 |
20130041476 | METHOD TO MOVE AND HOLD A PHALANX - A method for movement of at least a finger limb whereby, in order to maintain a position of the finger limb, the electric motor is supplied with a current. In order to maintain a position of the finger limb, the electric motor is supplied the with less energy than the current which is supplied to the electric motor for moving the finger limb. | 02-14-2013 |
20130110256 | Artificial Ankle-Foot System with Spring, Variable-Damping, and Series-Elastic Actuator Components | 05-02-2013 |
20130144402 | TRANSFEMORAL PROSTHETIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING THE SAME - Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second. | 06-06-2013 |
20130150980 | Powered Lower Extremity Orthotic and Method of Operation - A powered lower extremity orthotic, including a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link, is controlled by based on signals from various orthotic mounted sensors such that the artificial foot follows a predetermined trajectory defined by at least one Cartesian coordinate. | 06-13-2013 |
20130173019 | Lower Limb Prosthesis and Control Unit - A self-teaching lower limb prosthesis, for an above-knee amputee, including a dynamically adjustable joint movement control unit arranged to control operation of the joint automatically. A control unit electrically stores a target relationship between a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion and walking speed. The relationship defines a number of values of the parameter associated with different walking speeds. The control unit generates monitoring signals representative of walking speed values and values of the parameter occurring at different walking speeds. An adjustment system adjusts the control unit automatically when the monitoring signals indicate deviation from the target relationship so as to bring the parameters close to that defined by the target relationship. | 07-04-2013 |
20130226315 | ARTIFICIAL HAND COMPONENT - An artificial hand component comprising a drive motor and at least two digits coupled to be driven by the drive motor. The said at least two digits are coupled to be driven by the drive motor via the intermediary of differential gearing. | 08-29-2013 |
20130268090 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING BIOMECHANICALLY SUITABLE RUNNING GAIT IN POWERED LOWER LIMB DEVICES - Systems and methods for a running controller for a lower limb device including at least a powered knee joint are provided. The method includes collecting real-time sensor information for the lower limb device and configuring the lower limb device to a first state in a finite state model for an activity mode including the running mode. The method further includes, based on the sensor information, transitioning the lower limb device from a current state to a subsequent state in the finite state model for the detected mode when a pre-defined criteria for transitioning to the subsequent state is met, and repeating the transitioning until the activity mode changes. In the system and method, the finite state model includes at least one stance state and at least one swing state, where the at least one stance state includes at least one absorption state and at least one propulsion state. | 10-10-2013 |
20130274894 | COORDINATING OPERATION OF MULTIPLE LOWER LIMB DEVICES - Systems and methods for operating autonomous lower limb devices, including at least one adjustable joint and configured for at least supporting a body are provided. A method includes collecting real-time sensor information associated with the autonomous lower limb device. The method also includes receiving, over a communications link, remote data for at least one other lower limb device configured for supporting the body. The method further includes generating control data for transitioning the autonomous lower limb device from a current state in a current finite state model for operating the autonomous lower limb device to a different state in the current finite state model, where the different state is selected based on the real-time sensor information and the remote data. | 10-17-2013 |
20130297041 | CONTROL DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN ACTUATED PROSTHESIS - A motorized prosthetic device includes a joint member, a limb member, a pressure sensor, and a kinematic sensor. The pressure sensor indicates interaction between the motorized prosthetic device and the ground and the kinematic sensor measures torque at the joint member. A controller receives data from the pressure sensor and kinematic sensor and calculates a control signal based at least on the received data. An electrical motor receives the control signal and operates an actuator in accordance with the received control signal. | 11-07-2013 |
20130317626 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR USING ENERGY HARVESTING FOR VARIABLE SHOCK ABSORPTION IN A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - An apparatus for harvesting energy from motion of a prosthetic limb, wherein the prosthetic limb has motion in at least one degree of freedom, may include a piston configured to receive an input motion and provide an output motion when a first motion in a degree of freedom of the prosthetic limb causes pressure and motion of hydraulic fluid. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic motor for converting mechanical energy of the output motion into corresponding electrical energy delivered to an electrical load and a variable-impedance energy harvesting circuit across terminals of the motor. | 11-28-2013 |
20140025182 | Small Motor Controller - A small motor controller (SMC) system includes a motor configured to control a position of a rotor, a sensor configured to detect position information of the rotor by detecting a feature on the rotor, the sensor including a detection zone having a first side and a second side, and a motor control unit. The motor control unit is configured to determine a position of the rotor corresponding to one of the first side of the detection zone and the second side of the detection zone based on whether the feature on the rotor is detected crossing the first side or the second side, respectively. | 01-23-2014 |
20140067083 | Control System for Prosthetic Limb - A controller for a prosthetic device includes a processing section, an interface section connected to the processing section, and a power supply connected to both the processing section and the interface section. A dorsal indicator and a dorsal switch are disposed in a hand portion of the prosthetic device, and are both connected to the interface section. | 03-06-2014 |
20140088726 | ROBOTIC PROSTHESIS ALIGNMENT DEVICE AND ALIGNMENT SURROGATE DEVICE - A robotic prosthesis alignment device is disclosed that may automatically move the alignment of a prosthesis socket in relation to a prosthesis shank. The robotic prosthesis alignment device provides automatic translation in two axes. The robotic prosthesis alignment device includes angulation mechanics that automatically provide for plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion of the foot and shank with respect to the prosthesis socket. A surrogate device is also disclosed that can replicate the alignment achieved with the robotic prosthesis alignment device. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088727 | CONTROLLING POWERED HUMAN AUGMENTATION DEVICES - In a communication system for controlling a powered human augmentation device, a parameter of the powered device is adjusted within a gait cycle by wirelessly transmitting a control signal thereto, whereby the adjusted parameter falls within a target range corresponding to that parameter. The target range is selected and the device parameters are controlled such that the powered device can normalize or augment human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain and, in effect, provides at least a biomimetic response to the wearer of the powered device. | 03-27-2014 |
20140107805 | Prosthetic or Robot Part - A prosthetic or robot part, comprising a base, a proximal and a distal. The proximal is mounted on the base so as to be rotatable thereabout in a given sense. The distal is mounted on the proximal so as to be rotatable thereabout in the same sense to effect a gripping action of the prosthetic or robot part. The proximal and the distal are rotatable in the opposite sense to release the grip. One part of a drive of the part is pivoted to the base about a base pivot axis. Another part of the drive is pivoted to the distal about a distal pivot axis. The distal is also pivoted to the proximal about the said distal pivot axis. Thus the proximal, the distal and the said another part of the drive are all pivotable relative to one another about the said distal pivot axis. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114437 | CONTROLLING POWER IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON PREDICTED WALKING SPEED OR SURROGATE FOR SAME - In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque. | 04-24-2014 |
20140121782 | CONTROLLING TORQUE IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON A DEFLECTION OF SERIES ELASTIC ELEMENT - In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque. | 05-01-2014 |
20140156025 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A PROSTHETIC KNEE - A prosthetic or orthotic system including a magnetorheological (MR) damper. The MR damper may be configured to operate in shear mode. In one embodiment, the MR damper includes a rotary MR damper. A controller is configured to operate the damper. A mobile computing device may be adapted to intermittently communicate configuration parameters to the controller. A method of configuring a prosthetic or orthotic system is also disclosed. | 06-05-2014 |
20140195007 | POWERED LEG PROSTHESIS AND CONTROL METHODOLOGIES FOR OBTAINING NEAR NORMAL GAIT - A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input. | 07-10-2014 |
20140200680 | Control Systems and Methods for Gait Devices - A method of controlling a gait device includes a first sensor disposed on a first mobile body. A physical state of the first mobile body is measured using the first sensor to obtain a first physical state measurement. A second sensor is disposed on a second mobile body. A physical state of the second mobile body is measured using the second sensor to obtain a second physical state measurement. The first and second physical state measurements are conditioned by pseudo integration. A reference function is based on a gait activity. A reference function is determined by measuring a physical state of an able-bodied human and correlating an output position of the actuator to the physical state of the able-bodied human. A command is generated by inputting the first and second physical state measurements into the reference function to control an actuator of the gait device to match the output position. | 07-17-2014 |
20140257518 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL HYBRID DEVICES/STRUCTURES USING 3D PRINTING - A bioelectronic device and method of making is disclosed. The device includes a scaffold formed via 3D printing. The device also includes a biologic and an electronic device formed via 3D printing, the biologic and electronic device being interweaved with or coupled to the scaffold. The electronic component may e.g., include at least one of hard conductors, soft conductors, insulators and semiconductors. The scaffold may be formed of at least one of synthetic polymers and natural biological polymers. The biologic may include at least one of animal cells, plant cells, cellular organelles, proteins and DNA (including RNA). | 09-11-2014 |
20140257519 | Artificial Ankle-Foot System with Spring, Variable-Damping, and Series-Elastic Actuator Components - An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent. | 09-11-2014 |
20140277581 | PROSTHETIC WITH VOICE COIL VALVE - A prosthetic includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. | 09-18-2014 |
20140288664 | FINGER ASSIST DEVICE - A finger assist device is formed by rotatably connecting a plurality of units in a finger bending direction and a finger spreading direction. The unit is worn on a finger by nipping the finger with a nipping part from the pad and the back of the finger, and a drive force is controlled by detecting a first contact force between the finger pad and the nipping part and a second contact force between the finger back and the nipping part. Since the intention of the wearer of the finger assist device appears in the first contact force and the second contact force, the drive force of the finger assist device is appropriately controlled according to the wearer's intention, and thereby, bending and spreading of the finger may be appropriately assisted. | 09-25-2014 |
20140288665 | PROSTHESIS OR AN ORTHOSIS AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A PROSTHESIS OR AN ORTHOSIS - A prosthesis ( | 09-25-2014 |
20140296997 | BIOMIMETIC TRANSFEMORAL PROSTHESIS - In an artificial limb system having an actuator coupled to a joint for applying a torque characteristic thereto, a control bandwidth of a motor controller for a motor included in the actuator can be increased by augmenting a current feedback loop in the motor controller with a feed forward of estimated back electromotive force (emf) voltage associated with, the motor. Alternatively, the current loop is eliminated and replaced with a voltage loop related to joint torque. The voltage loop may also be augmented with the feed forward of estimated back emf, to improve the robustness of the motor controller. | 10-02-2014 |
20140324189 | PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS - A prosthesis ( | 10-30-2014 |
20140324190 | ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FOR PROSTHETIC OR ORTHOTIC JOINT - A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330393 | Quasi-Active Prosthetic Joint System - A prosthetic joint device includes a foot portion and a main body pivotally coupled to the foot portion at a first joint. A first compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A first clutch is coupled to the first compliant member. An actuator is coupled to the first clutch to lock and unlock the first clutch and engage and disengage the first compliant member. A control system is coupled to the actuator to control the actuator based on a gait activity. | 11-06-2014 |
20140364962 | EFFECTIVE SHAPE CONTROLLER FOR LOWER LIMB - Systems and methods for improved control of a lower limb device are disclosed. The lower limb may have one or more joints and one or more corresponding motors. In some embodiments, a center of pressure is calculated in order to enforce virtual constraints at the one or more joints of the lower limb device. The system utilizes one or more effective shapes, and each effective shape's corresponding error, in order to cause each joint motor to produce a torque that causes the joint to move according to a virtual constraint. The systems and methods result in improved control of lower limb devices. | 12-11-2014 |
20140371871 | CONTROL OF LIMB DEVICE - The invention refers to the area of control of a limb device in the form of an artificial limb for a human or a robot limb. In particular, the invention is related to a control unit for electrically controlling an electrically controllable limb device, the limb device comprising a plurality of actuators, the control unit comprising a first interface for connecting the control unit to the limb device, the control unit comprising a second interface for connecting the control unit to a data gathering device comprising one or more sensing devices, the control unit comprising a processing unit which is arranged for controlling the limb device at least based on data gathered by the data gathering device, wherein the control unit is arranged for outputting one single control action step to the actuators of the limb device calculated by the processing unit based on a first data or data combination received from the data gathering device, and the control unit is arranged for outputting a plurality of control action steps to the actuators of the limb device calculated by the processing unit based on a second data or data combination received from the data gathering device, the second data or data combination being different from the first data or data combination, the plurality of control action steps inducing a more complex automatic movement of the limb device that the one single control action step. The invention further refers to a system comprising such a control unit, a method for controlling an electrically controllable limb device and a computer program. | 12-18-2014 |
20150012110 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF A PROSTHETIC - A prosthetic device control apparatus includes at least one sensor worn by a user. The sensor(s) determines a user's movement. A control module is in communication with the sensor(s). The control module communicates movement information to a prosthetic. A method for controlling a prosthetic device includes sensing a user's movement, communicating the movement through a control module to a prosthetic device; and controlling the movement of a prosthetic device. | 01-08-2015 |
20150018970 | TORQUE LIMITING CLUTCH FOR ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC DEVICES - A torque limiting assembly for use with an actuator having a torque transfer output, the assembly comprising a brake pad, a band connected at a first extremity to a first extremity of the brake pad and a cam linking a second extremity of the band to a second extremity of the brake pad. The brake pad and the band are configured to wrap around the a torque transfer output and the positioning of the cam in a first position frictionally engages the brake pad and the band with the a torque transfer output while the positioning of the cam in a second position disengages the brake pad and the band with the a torque transfer output. | 01-15-2015 |
20150018971 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AN ARTIFICIAL ORTHOTIC OR PROSTHETIC JOINT - The invention relates to a device and method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity, comprising a resistance unit with which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is varied depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. According to the invention, the resistance is increased in the standing phase or while standing from a starting value depending on the ground reaction force up to a locking point of the joint. | 01-15-2015 |
20150032225 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA COMMUNICATION WITH A MECHATRONIC DEVICE - Embodiments include a system for controlling motion of a human limb. The system may include a plurality of mechatronic devices, each of which may be in communication with at least one other of the plurality of mechatronic devices. Each of the mechatronic devices includes one or more of a processor, an actuator, or a sensor. One or more of the mechatronic devices may be configured to generate a control state for at least one other of the plurality of mechatronic devices based on the communicated data. In one embodiment, the communicated data is used to synchronize the mechatronic devices. In one embodiment, one or more of the mechatronic devices is configured to receive executable instructions for controlling an actuator via a communications interface. | 01-29-2015 |
20150066153 | MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED PROSTHETIC ANKLE SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR AND TERRAIN ADAPTATION - A prosthetic ankle includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066154 | MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED PROSTHETIC ANKLE SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR AND TERRAIN ADAPTATION - A prosthetic ankle includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066155 | WIRELESS CHARGING FOR PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A prosthetic device including a power storage unit to power the prosthetic device and an electromagnetic receiver including a plurality of coils arranged about a portion of the prosthetic device. The electromagnetic receiver is configured to receive a magnetic field from an electromagnetic transmitter magnetically coupled with the electromagnetic receiver and to generate electric power from the magnetic field. Circuitry of the prosthetic device stores the electric power generated from the magnetic field in the power storage unit. The electromagnetic transmitter includes circuitry configured to receive power from a power supply and a plurality of coils configured to generate the magnetic field using the electric power. | 03-05-2015 |
20150081036 | MOVEMENT ASSIST DEVICE - A movement assist device includes: a motor including a stator and a rotator; two arm members connected to each of the stator and the rotator and configured to be connected to a predetermined part of a body of an equipped person; a signal acceptor configured to accept a trigger signal that triggers a driving of the motor; and a driving controller configured to drive the motor so that the two arm members expand in response to a trigger that the signal acceptor accepts a first one of the trigger signal. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081037 | PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - Prosthetic and/or orthotic devices (PODS), control systems for PODS and methods for controlling PODS are provided. As part of the control system, an inference layer collects data regarding a vertical and horizontal displacement of the POD, as well as an angle of the POD with respect to gravity during a gait cycle of a user of the POD. A processor analyzes the data collected to determine a locomotion activity of the user and selects one or more control parameters based on the locomotion activity. The inference layer may be situated between a reactive layer control module and a learning layer control module of the control system architecture. | 03-19-2015 |
20150119996 | WEARABLE ROBOT AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - Provided is a method of controlling a wearable robot, the method including: measuring a ground reaction force (GRF) exerted on a wearer's soles; calculating a time variation rate of the measured GRF; measuring the wearer's knee joint angle; and detecting a time point at which the calculated time variation rate of the GRF and the measured knee joint angle cross each other. | 04-30-2015 |
20150127117 | ACTIVE ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS - An Active Ankle Foot Orthosis (AAFO) is provided where the impedance of an orthotic joint is modulated throughout the walking cycle to treat ankle foot gait pathology, such as drop foot gait. During controlled plantar flexion, a biomimetic torsional spring control is applied where orthotic joint stiffness is actively adjusted to minimize forefoot collisions with the ground. Throughout late stance, joint impedance is minimized so as not to impede powered plantar flexion movements, and during the swing phase, a torsional spring-damper (PD) control lifts the foot to provide toe clearance. To assess the clinical effects of variable-impedance control, kinetic and kinematic gait data were collected on two drop foot participants wearing the AAFO. It has been found that actively adjusting joint impedance reduces the occurrence of slap foot, allows greater powered plantar flexion, and provides for less kinematic difference during swing when compared to normals. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127118 | PROSTHETIC, ORTHOTIC OR EXOSKELETON DEVICE - A time-dependent decay behavior is incorporated into one or more joint actuator control parameters during operation of a lower-extremity, prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeleton device. These parameters may include joint equilibrium joint impedance (e.g., stiffness, damping) and/or joint torque components (e.g., gain, exponent). The decay behavior may be exponential, linear, piecewise, or may conform to any other suitable function. Embodiments presented herein are used in a control system that emulates biological muscle-tendon reflex response providing for a natural walking experience. Further, joint impedance may depend on an angular rate of the joint. Such a relationship between angular rate and joint impedance may assist a wearer in carrying out certain activities, such as standing up and ascending a ladder. | 05-07-2015 |
20150134078 | Device and Method for Decreasing Energy Consumption of a Person by Use of a Lower Extremity Exoskeleton - A lower extremity exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes: leg supports configurable to be coupled to the person's lower limbs and designed to rest on the ground during stance phases, with each leg support having a thigh link and a shank link; two knee joints, each configured to allow flexion and extension between respective shank and thigh links; an exoskeleton trunk configurable to be coupled to the person's upper body, rotatably connectable to the thigh links of the leg supports, allowing for the flexion and extension between the leg supports and the exoskeleton trunk; two hip actuators configured to create torques between the exoskeleton trunk and the leg supports; and at least one power unit capable of providing power to the hip actuators. In use, power is supplied to the hip actuators in an amount to reduce the energy consumed by a user during a walking cycle. | 05-14-2015 |
20150289997 | ROBOTIC EXOSKELETON WITH FALL CONTROL AND ACTUATION - Method for controlling an exoskeleton ( | 10-15-2015 |
20150297368 | IMPEDANCE SIMULATING MOTION CONTROLLER FOR ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC APPLICATIONS - An impedance simulating motion controller for orthotic and prosthetic devices includes an equilibrium trajectory generator that receives locomotion data regarding the locomotion of a user, a dynamic trajectory compensator that generates one or more control parameters based on the locomotion data and one or more physiological characteristics of the user, and a dynamic gain tuner that adjusts the one or more control parameters based on a gain scaling factor that is calculated using a measured deflection point and an expected deflection point. The adjusted control parameters are used to control movement of an actuator of an orthotic or prosthetic device. | 10-22-2015 |
20150328017 | ARM PROSTHETIC DEVICE - 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. | 11-19-2015 |
20150328019 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING PROSTHETIC ARM - The present invention provides an apparatus for controlling an artificial hand, including: a head-up display interface portion; and a controller which controls the artificial hand in accordance with an input of the head-up display interface portion, the head-up display interface portion receiving the input based on movement of a user's eyes or pupil. | 11-19-2015 |
20150335450 | PROSTHETIC LIMB TEST APPARATUS AND METHOD - A prosthetic limb test fixture is configured to mimic a human stride. An electronic management system can control the test fixture to follow the position and pattern of a particular selected gait cycle during testing. A proposed prosthesis can be attached to the test fixture. Sensor data collected during testing can be evaluated to determine whether the proposed prosthesis is likely to appropriately fit an amputee patient. Iterative adjustments may be made to the prosthesis based on test data in order to maximize the likelihood of a good fit. | 11-26-2015 |
20150351939 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A control system for control of a prosthetic device having a plurality of actuators receives an orientation signal indicative of a desired movement. The control system evaluates whether the prosthetic device may move as desired with a current angle of rotation and commands at least one actuator to move the prosthetic device as desired by maintaining the current angle of rotation or by adjusting the angle of rotation if the prosthetic device cannot move as desired with the current angle. The control system may alternate between commanding a first subset of actuators and a second subset of actuators each time the orientation signal is indicative of a neutral position. The control system may include a position sensor and a compliance sensor and may command at least one actuator based on a combination of positional control using the position sensor and force control using the compliance sensor. | 12-10-2015 |
20150351991 | Interface for Adjusting the Motion of a Powered Orthotic Device through Externally Applied Forces - A lower extremity orthosis, including at least one actuator configured to control a motion of at least one joint of a person wearing the orthosis, is provided with a handle including a force sensor configured to produce a signal representing a force applied to the handle. A controller, which is in communication with the force sensor and the at least one actuator, is configured to modify the motion based on the signal from the force sensor. The system can be particularly employed to enable a physical therapist to have input in controlling and modifying the positions and/or forces prescribed by the lower extremity orthosis during rehabilitation of the person. | 12-10-2015 |
20150365738 | TELEMETRY ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - In various embodiments, a system for receiving wireless power includes a magnetic core and a plurality of layers of unbraided electrical conductors wrapped around the magnetic core. Each unbraided electrical conductor includes a first endpoint and a second endpoint; the first endpoint and the second endpoint are electrically connected to a circuit to provide power thereto, and two of the unbraided electrical conductors are electrically insulated from each other between the first endpoint and the second endpoint. The system may include a biocompatible, magnetically transparent, rigid polymer casing surrounding the magnetic core and at least a portion of the electrical conductors. | 12-17-2015 |
20150366740 | STEP COUNTER, STEP ASSIST DEVICE, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM HAVING STORED THEREON A STEP COUNT PROGRAM - When performing actuator control using weight on the bottom of the foot as a trigger, the foot of the user must appropriately touch the ground in order for the weight to be sensed. Therefore, the activation condition for starting the actuator control is limited and, for example, a rehabilitation patient who has one injured leg has difficulty training their step movement using this step assist device. Provided is a step assist device including a providing section that provides an assist force to a step movement of a user; a detecting section that detects a hip joint angle, which is an angle of aperture of a hip joint of the user; and a control section that begins controlling the providing section when the hip joint angle exceeds a predetermined threshold value, according to an assistance plan set in advance for the step movement of a single step of the user. | 12-24-2015 |
20150374513 | WALKING ASSIST DEVICE - Provided is a walking assist device independent of a deviation of a bending/stretching state between user's legs and applying a force to a user in a direction intended by the user. The walking assist device performs control so that the larger the deviation of a value of a bending/stretching state variable representing the bending/stretching state of each of a pair of right and left legs of a user P is, the larger the deviation between the assist forces Fr and Fl acting on the user P from each of the leg links | 12-31-2015 |
20160015532 | FIXING MODULE AND MOTION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - Provided are a fixing module and a motion assistance apparatus including the same, the fixing module including a base body, a plurality of side frames provided on both sides of the base body, and a height adjustment assembly provided on the base body, and on which a driving module is mounted to provide a power, wherein a distance between the plurality of side frames may be adjustable. | 01-21-2016 |
20160016309 | MOTION SYSTEM WITH PLURALITY OF STEWART PLATFORM BASED ACTUATORS - Examples of a motion system are disclosed. The motion system comprises a plurality of Stewart platform based actuators connected one to each another forming a desired modular configuration. Each of the plurality of actuators is controlled by a central controller that is configured to independently control the plurality actuators and adjust in real time their position, orientation and motion trajectory. The plurality of actuators are arranged in the desired configuration, shape and size to provide motion system that can mimic a natural motion/gait of human or animal body. | 01-21-2016 |
20160022440 | MOTION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A motion assistance apparatus may include a first fixing member to be fixed to a portion of a user, a second fixing member to be fixed to another portion of the user, a driving source provided in the first fixing member, a power transmitting member connected between the driving source and the second fixing member, a sensing portion configured to sense a fixing state of the first fixing member or the second fixing member, and a controller configured to control the driving source based on information received from the sensing portion. | 01-28-2016 |
20160030201 | Powered Orthotic System for Cooperative Overground Rehabilitation - A powered orthotic system, such as an exoskeleton, is employed for rehabilitation purposes by adapting and adjusting to real-time needs in a rehabilitation situation whereby the system can be initially controlled to perform gait functions for a wearer based on a predetermined level of assistance but the predetermined level of assistance can be varied, based on one or more rehabilitation parameters or specific needs of the wearer undergoing therapy, through the application and adjustment of appropriate variables associated with operation of the system. | 02-04-2016 |
20160030202 | Actuator Control System and Related Methods - An actuator control system includes a motorized joint having first and second members rotatable relative to one another. An actuator is coupled with the motorized joint and is configured to rotate the first member relative to the second member in response to an input including a voltage, a current, or any combination thereof. A controller is coupled with the actuator and is configured to control the input using a control algorithm. The control algorithm controls the input based upon a mathematical model of biological muscle actuation that models titin as a filament which winds around actin during muscle actuation. In implementations the mathematical model includes mathematical representations of a contractile element, a viscous damping element in parallel with the contractile element, and a spring in series with the contractile element through a pulley and simultaneously in parallel with the contractile element. | 02-04-2016 |
20160030203 | CONTROL OF A PASSIVE PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT WITH ADJUSTABLE DAMPING - The invention relates to the control of 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. | 02-04-2016 |
20160030272 | Gait Orthotic Device and Method for Protecting Gait Orthotic Device and User from Damage - A gait orthotic device, such as a powered exoskeleton, includes at least one joint; at least one actuator configured to cause movement of the device at the joint; a cushioning mechanism coupled to the device for absorbing energy or spreading a force during an impact with a surface or object; and a controller. The controller is configured to determine when a fall is occurring and direct the actuator to: orient the device so the cushioning mechanism makes contact with the surface or object during the fall; or reduce a kinetic energy of the device during the fall by performing positive joint work. The cushioning mechanism can take various forms, including an airbag, a spring, a bumper, a roll bar or a kickstand. Preferably, the cushioning mechanism is an airbag in the form of an airbag module that is detachably coupled to the device for removal and replacement. | 02-04-2016 |
20160038313 | DRIVING MODULE, MOTION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS INCLUDING THE DRIVING MODULE, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE MOTION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - Driving modules, motion assistance apparatuses including at least one of the driving modules, and methods of controlling at least one of the motion assistance apparatus may be provided. For example, a driving module including a driving source on one side of a user and configured to transmit power, an input side rotary body connected to the driving source and configured to rotate, and a first decelerator and a second decelerator configured to operate using the power received from the driving source through the input side rotary body, wherein a gear ratio from the input side rotary body to an output terminal of the first decelerator differs from a gear ratio from the input side rotary body to an output terminal of the second decelerator, may be provided. | 02-11-2016 |
20160038368 | DRIVING MODULE, MOTION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS INCLUDING THE DRIVING MODULE, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE MOTION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - Driving modules, motion assistance apparatuses including at least one of the driving modules, and methods of controlling at least one of the motion assistance apparatuses may be provided. For example, a driving module including a driving source on one side of a user and configured to transmit power, an input side rotary body coupled to the driving source and configured to rotate, first and second decelerators configured to operate using the power respectively received from the driving source through the input side rotary body, and a first stopper and a second stopper configured to selectively enable or disable a transmission of the power between the input side rotary body and respective output terminals of the first and second decelerators may be provided. | 02-11-2016 |
20160045385 | ADMITTANCE SHAPING CONTROLLER FOR EXOSKELETON ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES - The control method for lower-limb assistive exoskeletons assists human movement by producing a desired dynamic response on the human leg. Wearing the exoskeleton replaces the leg's natural admittance with the equivalent admittance of the coupled system formed by the leg and the exoskeleton. The control goal is to make the leg obey an admittance model defined by target values of natural frequency, resonant peak magnitude and zero-frequency response. The control achieves these objectives objective via positive feedback of the leg's angular position and angular acceleration. The method achieves simultaneous performance and robust stability through a constrained optimization that maximizes the system's gain margins while ensuring the desired location of its dominant poles. | 02-18-2016 |
20160045386 | Machine to Human Interfaces for Communication from a Lower Extremity Orthotic - An exoskeleton includes a control system which incorporates a feedback system used to establish and communicate orthosis operational information to a physical therapist and/or to an exoskeleton user. The feedback system can take various forms, including employing sensors to establish a feedback ready value and communicating the value through one or more light sources which can be in close proximity to joints of the exoskeleton joints. | 02-18-2016 |
20160051435 | WALKING ASSIST DEVICE - A main body frame | 02-25-2016 |
20160058582 | Minimum Jerk Swing Control for Assistive Device - We present a novel swing phase control module for powered transfemoral prostheses based on minimum jerk theory. The control module allows physiologically appropriate swing movement at any walking speed, regardless of the stance controller action. Preliminary validation in a transfemoral amputee subject demonstrates that the control module provides physiological swing timing, without speed or patient-specific tuning. | 03-03-2016 |
20160067061 | INTEGRAL ADMITTANCE SHAPING FOR AN EXOSKELETON CONTROL DESIGN FRAMEWORK - An assistive exoskeleton control system has a controller generating a positive assistance by shaping a closed loop integral admittance of a coupled human exoskeleton system to a desired assistance ratio A | 03-10-2016 |
20160074179 | DRIVING APPARATUS AND DRIVING METHOD THEREFOR - A driving apparatus includes a base member, and a first member rotatably provided on the base member. The first member is rotatable about a rotation shaft along an index finger metacarpal bone of a hand when the base member is placed on a back of the hand. | 03-17-2016 |
20160074180 | Stance Controller and Related Methods - Systems and methods are disclosed for operating a joint of a prosthesis during a phase of stance. In an embodiment, a method for such operation comprises determining a joint angle of the joint, determining a walking speed of the prosthesis, retrieving a torque value from a lookup table stored in a memory, on the basis of the joint angle and the walking speed, and initiating a signal to apply a torque to the joint of the prosthesis in an amount based on the torque value. | 03-17-2016 |
20160074272 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECOGNIZING GAIT TASK - Methods and apparatuses for recognizing a gait task, that may detect a gait pattern of a user based on sensed data, generate a gait feature of the gait pattern based on similarities between the gait pattern and similar gait data extracted from each of a plurality of databases, and estimate a gait task corresponding to the gait pattern by applying the gait feature to a desired learning model, may be provided. | 03-17-2016 |
20160101515 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A WALKING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for controlling a walking assistance apparatus are provided. The apparatus may include a detector configured to detect a first step of a user, based on measured right and left hip joint angle information, a reconstructor unit configured to reconstruct knee joint information matched to the right and left hip joint angle information based on knee joint trajectory information in response to the user's steps, and a torque generator configured to generate a first torque applied to a first leg corresponding to the first step. The torque generator may generate the first torque, based on a second torque applied to a second leg that is opposite to the first leg and that corresponds to a second step preceding the first step. | 04-14-2016 |
20160113830 | SUPPORTING MODULE, MOTION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SUPPORTING MODULE, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE MOTION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - Supporting modules, motion assistance apparatuses including the supporting module, and/or methods of controlling the motion assistance apparatus may be disclosed. The supporting module including a supporting member configured to cover at least a portion of a support object, and a sensor module configured to sense information regarding whether the support object is out of a neutral position with respect to the supporting member may be provided. | 04-28-2016 |
20160120664 | BREATH AND HEAD TILT CONTROLLED PROSTHETIC LIMB - In alternative embodiments, provided is an internally powered prosthetic limb and method for controlling same, offering hands-free control of a prosthetic limb. The internally powered prosthetic limb controlled by an input control device, comprising: a breath inlet configured to receive air pressure exerted from a user's mouth to be converted into a first electronic signal, wherein the first electronic signal is proportional to the exerted pressure; a motion sensor configured to sense tilting of the user's head and operable to convert the user's head tilting motion into a second electronic signal, wherein the second electronic signal is proportional to the user's head tilting motion; and a processor in communication with the breath inlet and the motion sensor, the processor operable to convert the exerted air pressure into the first electronic signal and further process the first electronic signal into first positional data for transmission to a plurality of digit-actuators in the prosthetic limb, the processor further operable to process the second electronic signal into second positional data for transmission to a wrist-actuator in the prosthetic limb; wherein the plurality of digit-actuators in the prosthetic limb can be controllably actuated in proportion to the air pressure exerted by the user, and the wrist-actuator can be controllably actuated to rotate in proportion to the head tilting motion of the user. | 05-05-2016 |
20160151175 | CONTROLLED CORONAL STIFFNESS PROSTHETIC ANKLE | 06-02-2016 |
20160151176 | LOWER EXTREMITY EXOSKELETON FOR GAIT RETRAINING | 06-02-2016 |
20160158029 | POWERED AND PASSIVE ASSISTIVE DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - Systems and methods for assistive devices for replacing or augmenting the limb of an individual, such devices comprising a joint and a powered system; the powered system having a first configuration in which the powered system rotates the joint by applying power to the joint, and a second configuration that allows for rotation of the joint without actuation of the powered system. | 06-09-2016 |
20160175119 | PROSTHETIC FOOT WITH PROGRAMMABLE MOVEMENT | 06-23-2016 |
20160193101 | REHABILITATION SYSTEM WITH STIFFNESS MEASUREMENT | 07-07-2016 |
20160250044 | Hand Prosthesis | 09-01-2016 |
20160250094 | Machine to Human Interfaces for Communication from a Lower Extremity Orthotic | 09-01-2016 |
20160374888 | Design and Use of a Leg Support Exoskeleton - A leg support exoskeleton is strapped on as wearable device to support its user during squatting. The exoskeleton includes a knee joint connected to a first line and a second link, which is configured to allow flexion and extension motion between the first link and the second link. A force generator has a first end that is rotatably connected to the first link. A constraining mechanism is connected to the second link and has at least two operational positions. In a first operational position, the second end of the force generator engages the constraining mechanism, where the first link and the second link flex relative to each other. In a second operational position, the second end of the force generator does not engage the constraining mechanism; the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other. | 12-29-2016 |
20180020973 | PROSTHETIC SOCKETS WITH SENSORS | 01-25-2018 |