Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting muscle activity for the control of technical equipment. When in use the arrangement covers a region of the skin surface of a user, to provide a signal indicative of muscle activity in a limited region for subsequent processing. The arrangement has at least one double-differential myoelectric sensor, together with at least one near-infrared sensor. These are for simultaneous or time-delayed derivation of (a) myoelectric activity and (b) the value of a parameter of the blood (for example the blood oxygen content or the relative quantity of haemoglobin) respectively, in the muscle, the muscles or the tissue under the arrangement.

Abstract: An artificial joint with two degrees of freedom has two rotary motors that move the joint in one degree of freedom when operated in respective senses of rotation and move the joint in the other degree of freedom when one of the motors is reversed. The movement depends on balancing the operation of the motors, which are controlled by a microprocessor. Sensors on the joint are connected to the microprocessor in a closed-loop feedback. A prosthetic device includes a tendon received in one end of a slot in a movable member, whereby movement of the tendon moves the movable member. A prosthesis has two parts moveable relative to one another, an actuator, and a user control. A transducer connected to the control and the actuator provides signals indicating movement effected by the actuator. A prosthesis cover includes a silicone laminate and a reinforcing liner.