Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical finger comprising, a knuckle, a proximal element, a rod, a motor, a motor driven screw and a distal element. The knuckle has a first and second pivot. The proximal element knuckle end is coupled to the first pivot. The proximal element also has a third pivot at a variable longitudinal distance from the first pivot. The rod has a near end pivotally coupled to the second pivot and a far end pivotally coupled to the third pivot. A motor is coupled to and referenced to the proximal element. A screw is driven to change the distance between the third pivot and the first pivot in response to a command from a controller to the motor. A distal element is pivotally coupled to the proximal element. The distal element rotates with respect to the proximal element in response to a change in the variable distance between the third pivot and the first pivot.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hierarchy of classifiers, including linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifiers, arranged to provide simultaneous control of multiple degrees of freedom of a prosthetic. The high accuracy of the hierarchical approach allows pattern recognition techniques to be extended to permit simultaneous control, potentially allowing amputees to produce more fluid, life-like movements, ultimately increasing their quality of life. The hierarchy may also be used to control a biological interface that allows input to computers for persons with disabilities, used as a potential video-game controller, and used as an input interface for tablets, and phones.

Abstract: 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)2. The transmission is serially connected to an elastic element that is also coupled to the joint, thereby supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to the joint while minimizing the power consumption and/or acoustic noise of the actuator.

Abstract: A gripping device that comprises a first moveable jaw and a second fixed jaw is disclosed. The gripping device has a handle operatively engaged to the first moveable jaw and a connecting link operatively engaged to the first moveable jaw. The connecting link is positioned in at least one of a first position or a second position. The change in the position of the connecting link allows the gripping device to have either a default closed position or a default open position, which can be defined by voluntarily-open or voluntary-close modes of operation, respectively. The first moveable jaw moves in either of the modes of operation. The change in the mode of operation is accomplished through use of a connecting link that is passed through a singularity during the switching process to achieve the different output positions and directions.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member and a forefoot member. An ankle member receives the heel member and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member and forefoot member to translate independently of one another.

Abstract: An abutment system for operatively coupling an implant stem to an exo-prosthesis. The abutment system includes a plurality of interlocking sleeve elements that are operatively coupled to an implant stem positioned within a prepared site of a selected bone. The interlocking sleeve elements of the abutment system are selectively removable and replaceable.

Abstract: An aid device for the motor disabled, suitable for allowing walking of transfemoral amputees, having: a lower-limb prosthesis of an amputated limb; a lower-limb orthosis suitable to be worn at a sound contralateral lower-limb; an orthotic pelvis module connecting the prosthesis to the lower-limb orthosis; and a control unit for the operational coordination of movements of the prosthesis and the lower-limb orthosis.

Abstract: A variable gain impedance controller for use in a control system for controlling a motorized prosthetic or orthotic apparatus provided with a joint The controller comprises a sensor input for receiving a signal indicative of an interaction between the apparatus and the ground, a torque sensor input for receiving a signal indicative of the torque at the joint and a variable gain scheduler in communication with the sensor input so as to receive data therefrom thereby providing a variable torque gain. The variable gain impedance controller adjusts its control on the apparatus based on the variable torque gain and the indicated torque so as to a) increase the joint resistance to motion when the signal received from the sensor input indicates an interaction between the apparatus and the ground and b) decrease the joint resistance to motion when the signal received from the sensor input indicates an absence of interaction between the apparatus and the ground.

Abstract: A prosthetic liner and liner pin alignment device has a support, and a body extending from the support. The body has a cup defining an inner wall surface defining a liner-receiving recess having a longitudinal axis and defining a liner pin-receiving guide hole to a liner pin-receiving pin guide aperture. The liner pin-receiving pin guide aperture has a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the liner-receiving recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to prosthetic knee joint comprising an upper part, which has an upper connecting means, and a lower part, which is pivotably mounted on the upper part and which has a lower connecting means. A vacuum pump with an inlet and an outlet, said pump being driven by the relative movement of the upper part to the lower part, is associated with the prosthetic knee joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee includes a housing, a chassis, and a brake member pivotally connected to the housing at a first location point and to the chassis at a second location point. A knee shaft extends through the brake member and is secured within a cavity defined by the housing. An extension assist system includes a biasing mechanism located inside of the chassis and an extension assist link. The extension assist link includes a body portion operatively connected to the biasing mechanism and a pair of arm portions situated in at least one slot defined by the knee shaft. The arm portions are pivotally connected to the knee shaft at a third location point located a distance from the first location point.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is configurable between a predetermined shape configuration and a contracted configuration. The prosthetic device includes a resilient body having the predetermined shape configuration and defining a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface and separated by a wall thickness. An adjustment device is connected to the resilient body, and at least one elongate element engages at least one of the first and second surfaces and has a first end received by the adjustment device such that the adjustment device is arranged to regulate tension in the at least one elongate element. Tensioning of the at least one elongate element by the adjustment device urges the resilient body to collapse or compress into the contracted configuration, wherein release of tension of the at least one elongate element allows the resilient body to revert to the predetermined shape configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting an arm of a user using a harness configured to be worn on a body of a user; and an arm support coupled to the harness configured to support an arm of the user, the arm support configured to accommodate movement of the arm while following the movement without substantially interfering with the movement of the user's arm. One or more compensation elements may be coupled to the arm support to apply an offset force to at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the arm as the user moves and the arm support follows the movement of the user's arm, the one or more compensation elements providing a force profile that varies the offset force based on an orientation of the arm support.

Abstract: A bone joint repair and replacement assembly. A first portion comprising a bone plate is configured to attach to a distal or proximal end of a bone proximate the joint, generally coaxially with an axis defined by the bone. A second portion comprising an articular surface is configured to attach to the first portion, generally normal with respect to the axis, and inserted into the joint. Although versions of the assembly can be configured for use with several different pivotal joints, the invention is particularly suitable for full or partial replacement of an elbow, wherein the articular surface is pivotally attached to the first portion. Another embodiment of the invention is provided to repair a fractured bone head proximate the joint, and still another embodiment of the invention is provided to repair rotator cuff-related shoulder injuries.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a prosthesis wall, at least one display carried by the prosthesis wall in spaced-apart relationship to the at least one display and interfacing with the at least one display, the control module adapted to present at least one image on the at least one display.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device includes a body configured to support at least a portion of a human limb of a user wearing the prosthetic or orthotic device. The device can also include a shock absorption member coupled to the body. The shock absorption member includes one or more magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) springs disposed between a first portion of the body and a second portion of the body. The one or more MRE springs are selectively actuatable to vary a stiffness of the shock absorption member via the application of a magnetic flux, thereby adjusting a stiffness of the body of the prosthetic or orthotic device to a level corresponding to an activity level of the user.

Abstract: Total knee replacements for hinged knee implants include a tibial member, a femoral member, a hinge assembly having a laterally extending axle configured to hingedly attach the femoral member to the tibial member, and a lock mechanism in communication with the hinge assembly. The lock mechanism is configured to (i) lock the femoral member in alignment with the tibial member for a full extension or other defined stabile walking configuration to thereby allow an arthrodesis or stiff knee gait and (ii) unlock to allow the femoral and tibial members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending when not ambulating.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for repairing soft tissues of a skeletal joint such as for example of the foot or hand are presented.

Abstract: A device for connecting a pump, having a through-hold provided in a prosthesis shaft, wherein the device comprises at least one channel having a first outlet for connecting to the through-hole in the prosthesis shaft and a second outlet which can be connected to the pump and at least one valve, wherein the valve can be switched to a first mode and to a second mode, and the valve is a one-way valve in the first mode and a two-way valve in the second mode.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a first place including a first end portion arranged for attachment to a foot member of a prosthetic foot. A second end portion is arranged to extend freely over at least a portion of the top surface of the foot member. A second plate includes a first end extending over a heel member of the prosthetic foot and a second end extending over and attached to the second end portion of the first plate. The second end portion of the first plate situated between the foot member and the second plate. A pump mechanism includes a housing secured to the second plate and a membrane operatively connected to the first place and the housing. The pump mechanism defines a fluid chamber between a bottom surface of the housing and a top surface of the membrane.