Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Prosthetic socket sealing systems and methods of use. Embodiments of the present invention include various combinations of sealing elements that are associated with a rigid prosthetic socket and act to seal the socket interior against air intrusion or escape via the open proximal end thereof. The socket interior may thus be evacuated for purposes of vacuum suspension or otherwise.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises an attachment member and two or more flexible members. The attachment member can include a connector configured to connect the attachment member to a user or another prosthetic device. The two or more flexible members can be rotatably attached to the attachment member by rotatable joints such that the flexible members can both rotate and flex relative to the attachment member when the prosthetic foot contacts the ground.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of forming a stump socket is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a stump casting, obtaining a socket adaptor, positioning the socket adaptor on a distal end of the stump casting, and applying a binder material to encapsulate the socket adaptor. A socket adaptor may have a main body and multiple flanges. Each of the flanges may have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may pivotably connect to the main body. Accordingly, pivoting of the flanges with respect to the main body may enable the socket adaptor to better and more easily conform to the stump casting.

Abstract: A prosthesis or an orthosis and method of operating the same. The prosthesis or orthosis comprising a moveable component, a motor operable to move the component, wherein the motor has at least one operating parameter, the application of which to the motor results in the component having at least one operating condition; and an electronic device operable to: determine at least one operating parameter of the motor and determine at least one instantaneous operating condition of the component from a predetermined operating profile of the motor and component and the determined at least one operating parameter of the motor, the predetermined operating profile of the motor and component being based on one or more operating parameter inputs to the motor and one or more resulting operating condition outputs of the component.

Abstract: An osseointegrated fixture of a percutaneous osseointegrated prosthesis (POPs) anchors directly into a bone of a residual limb within an amputation stump. By anchoring directly into the bone, the POPs provides improved mobility, comfort, and function for an amputee, but an interface between an opening in the skin and the osseointegrated fixture, which allows the anchoring directly into the bone, is prone to infection by microbes. An anti-microbial device can be attached to and/or embedded within an extracorporeal portion of the osseointegrated fixture to irradiate at least a portion on the interface with at least one wavelength of light selected for its antimicrobial effects.

Abstract: An adjustable socket system includes a socket frame having a proximal area, a distal area opposite the proximal area, a first component arranged along a first side of the socket system, and a second component arranged along a second side of the socket system. The first component is connected to the second component. A tubular insert is arranged on an interior of at least the proximal area of the socket frame. The tubular insert forms an interior surface of the socket system. At least one tensioning element operatively connects the tubular insert to the first and/or second components. At least one tensioner is attached to the at least one tensioning element that selectively tensions the tensioning element to adjust a circumference of at least one area of the socket system.

Abstract: A method of controlling a prosthetic hand having at least one motorized component is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing the hand with a first wireless transceiver and a controller in communication with one another, storing at least one manipulation instruction relating to the at least one component, and assigning a code relating to the at least one manipulation instruction to at least one second wireless transceiver. The at least one second transceiver is placed in a location at which the at least one manipulation instruction is to be given, and the controller manipulates the at least one component in accordance with the at least one manipulation instruction when the first transceiver communicates to the controller that the at least one second transceiver is within a predetermined distance of the first transceiver. Related methods and systems for controlling a prosthetic hand are also provided.

Abstract: Features for a prosthetic wrist and associated methods are described. The wrist couples with a prosthetic socket and a prosthetic hand. The wrist may rotate the hand. The wrist includes features to prevent or mitigate undesirable separation of the wrist from the socket. The wrist may have an expanding coupling, such as an expanding ring, to better secure the wrist with the socket. An actuator may cause the coupling to expand outward to prevent or mitigate undesirable separation of the wrist from the socket. Alternatively or in addition, the wrist may include torque control features to prevent undesirable or premature separation of the hand from the wrist, for example when using a “quick wrist disconnect” (QWD) apparatus. A torque control method may tailor or limit multiple torques to be applied by the wrist to the hand based on operational requirements and phases, such as anticipated torque loads and operational timing.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a lower limb device having at least a powered joint are provided. A method includes configuring the device to a first state in a finite state model for a current activity mode including a stair ascent mode or a stair descent mode. The method also includes, based on real-time sensor information, transitioning the device between different states in the finite state model when pre-defined criteria for transitioning among the different states are met. In the method, the finite state model for stair ascent includes lifting and swing phases, where the lifting phase includes a powered knee extension and a powered ankle push-off. The finite state model for stair descent includes yielding and swing states, where the swing states include providing a powered plantarflexion of the powered ankle joint and the yielding states include providing a resistive and passive plantarflexion of the powered ankle joint.

Abstract: An orthotic device is provided which includes a first structural element; a second structural element which is rotatably attached to the first structural element across a joint; a first rotary actuator which imparts rotational motion to the first structural element relative to the second structural element about a first axis; and a second rotary actuator which imparts rotational motion to the first structural element relative to the second structural element about a second axis. Each of the first and second rotary actuators is selected from the group consisting of parallel eccentric actuators and rotary actuators.

Abstract: A hollow tubulous composite structure and method for prosthetic limbs is described.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic foot defining an upper surface and having a flexible configuration and a pump system attached to the prosthetic foot. The pump system includes a pump mechanism defining a fluid chamber having variable configuration and an actuating part. The actuating part is arranged to selectively engage with and separate a distance from the upper surface of the foot plate to move the pump mechanism between a first position in which a volume of the fluid chamber is zero or near-zero and a second position in which the volume of the fluid chamber is expanded relative to the first position. The volume of the fluid chamber increases when the actuating part moves away from the upper surface of the foot plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic and exoskeleton hands are provided. An exoskeleton hand can include a flexible actuator having a cavity and a reinforcement band. The cavity can be filled with a fluid from a pressure source, forcing the actuator to deform, bend or extend. The fluid that fills the cavity as a driving force can be a gas or liquid, which can be recyclable or disposable.

Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.

Abstract: An orthotic or prosthetic joint device with an upper part and a lower part arranged in a hinged manner on the latter, and a fastening member for securing the joint device on a user. The device includes at least one hydraulics unit positioned between the upper part and the lower part, which hydraulics unit has a piston that is movable in a housing with an extension chamber and a flexion chamber and that is coupled to the upper part or the lower part. The hydraulics unit is assigned a pressure supply device with a pump and a pressure accumulator via which the piston, controlled by a control device, is subjected to a pressure. The pump can be operated in generator mode, the pressure accumulator can be coupled drivingly to the pump, and the hydraulic fluid can be conveyed by the pressure accumulator through the pump to the hydraulics unit.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic valve having a valve body with a shaft defining a flow channel fluidly connectable to an interior of a socket. One or more ports in the valve body are in fluid communication with the flow channel and a membrane is positioned in the valve body. A release button associated with the membrane controls allow air flow into the socket via the one or more ports while air can flow out of the socket via the one or more ports independent of operation of the release button. A one-way valve is connected to the valve assembly that selectively permit air flow out of the socket. A valve insert is mountable on the socket and arranged to couple the valve body to the socket. The valve insert defines an opening configured to allow the shaft to extend through the valve insert and into the socket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting an arm of a user that includes a harness configured to be worn by the user, and an arm support coupled to the harness and including an arm rest to support an arm of the user. The arm support is configured to accommodate and follow movement of the arm without substantially interfering in such movement. The arm support may 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. For example, the arm support may transfer at least a portion of the weight of the user's arm to the torso or other region of the user's body and/or may apply an opposing force to at least partially offset the gravitational force acting on the arm.