Abstract: Embodiments for superficial tissue compliance modulation and negative pressure wound therapy for stabilization of a chronic percutaneous implant are disclosed. An external cap is coupled to a compliance gradient of progressively decreasing stiffness. Together the external cap and compliance gradient act as a stress shield that allows forces that would otherwise act on the skin at the skin-implant interface to be dissipated over a larger area. In addition, negative pressure and fluids may be applied through negative pressure and fluid adapters, respectively, to the skin-implant interface, the status of which may be further monitored through the use of one or more sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for determining a locomotion mode that can be provided to a controller of a lower prosthesis limb in order to accurately control the prosthesis. One or more prosthesis sensors are provided that break a gait cycle down into a plurality of gait phases. EMG sensors provide signals to a processor that directs them to a gait phase specific classifier that is used to determine a particular locomotion mode for the wearer. With the locomotion mode accurately known, the prosthetic device can be accurately controlled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provides myoelectric prosthesis control system that include a gel liner that has a plurality of layers and a plurality of leads at least partially positioned between the plurality of layers. In addition, a plurality of electrodes can be coupled to the leads and portions of the electrodes can also be positioned between the plurality of layers. At least some of the electrodes can include an electrode pole that is configured to contract the residual limb to detect electromyographic signals.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly for a residual limb that includes a sleeve for attachment to a distal portion of the residual limb, where the attachment member has a diametrically oriented magnetic field, and a prosthesis with a socket for receiving the sleeve, where the prosthesis socket has a distal end with an attachment member having a corresponding diametrically oriented magnetic field. The diametrically oriented magnetic fields of the sleeve and prosthetic attachment members may be oriented on the prosthesis and the residual limb to achieve a predetermined rotational orientation between the prosthesis and the residual limb and will facilitate removal of the prosthesis with a twisting action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the control of prosthetic limb rotation in amputees in which a permanent magnet is implanted into the distal end of a residual bone and the bone rotation is sensed from movement of the magnetic field of the magnet and used to effect corresponding rotation of the prosthetic limb.

Abstract: A unique flexible cover and a method are provided for creating such a flexible cover for a prosthesis, orthosis or other dynamic or flexible supporting device. One implementation of the method includes the steps of capturing an image of a target object comprising at least a portion of an existing body part of a person or another object, digitally processing and manipulating the image of the target object to form a representation, printing the representation onto a flexible cover, and applying the cover to a prosthesis, orthosis, or other object.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the functionality of a prosthesis used by an amputee in which a portion of the user's skin is reinnervated with nerves that formerly provided sensory feedback from the lost limb, providing a haptic indication from the prosthesis, and providing a corresponding haptic effect at the surface of the reinnervated skin. The reinnvervated skin provides transfer sensation that supplies the user with the psychological reassurance of sensing touch in the prosthesis while helping to meet the practical needs of enabling goal confirmation and the application and sensing of graded pressure in the prosthesis.

Abstract: A manually operable standing wheelchair includes an actuator for moving an occupant from a sitting position to a standing position. The manually operable standing wheelchair has a lifting mechanism including a ratchet, cable, pulley, and telescopic tubes, which the occupant may manually operate to shift from the sitting position to the standing position. There is also a drive system to enable the occupant to manually move himself or herself in and the wheelchair from the sitting position to the standing position, or in any position in between. The drive system may include adjustable lever drive arms with friction pads adapted for allowing the occupant to move in any position. The wheelchair is equipped with a set of spring loaded anti-tip wheels that automatically deploy when the manual wheelchair begins to lift from the sitting position to the standing position.

Abstract: A unique flexible cover and a method are provided for creating such a flexible cover for a prosthesis, orthosis or other dynamic or flexible supporting device. One implementation of the method includes the steps of capturing an image of a target object comprising at least a portion of an existing body part of a person or another object, digitally processing and manipulating the image of the target object to form a representation, printing the representation onto a flexible cover, and applying the cover to a prosthesis, orthosis, or other object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic foot that provides both energy storage capabilities and stability. The prosthetic foot of the present invention provides medial-lateral rotation as compared to the slight tilting or rocking in the medial-lateral plane of the prior art devices. Furthermore, the prosthetic foot of the present invention provides a true hinge in the ankle joint region that may be adapted so that the degree of rotation is controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic foot that provides both energy storage capabilities and stability. The prosthetic foot of the present invention provides medial-lateral rotation as compared to the slight tilting or rocking in the medial-lateral plane of the prior art devices. Furthermore, the prosthetic foot of the present invention provides a true hinge in the ankle joint region that may be adapted so that the degree of rotation is controlled.

Abstract: Described and claimed herein is a manually operable standing wheelchair that is capable of shifting an occupant from a sitting position to a standing position, and of allowing the occupant to move himself or herself in the sitting position, the standing position, or in any position in between. The manually operable standing wheelchair has a lifting mechanism, with a cable, pulley, and ratchet, which the occupant may manually operate to shift from the sitting position to the standing position. The ratchet is manually operable, and the amount of force required for manually operating the ratchet is adjustable. There is also a lever drive system, comprising adjustable lever drive arms with friction pads adapted for allowing the occupant to move in any position. The present invention optionally includes a set of spring loaded anti-tip wheels that deploy when the manual wheelchair begins to shift from the sitting position to the standing position.

Abstract: A manually operable standing wheelchair includes an actuator for moving an occupant from a sitting position to a standing position. The manually operable standing wheelchair has a lifting mechanism, including, for example, a ratchet, cable, pulley, and telescopic tubes, which the occupant may manually operate to shift from the sitting position to the standing position. There is also a drive system to enable the occupant to manually move himself or herself in and the wheelchair from the sitting position to the standing position, or in any position in between. For example, the drive system may include adjustable lever drive arms with friction pads adapted for allowing the occupant to move in any position. In an embodiment, the wheelchair is equipped with a set of spring loaded anti-tip wheels that automatically deploy when the manual wheelchair begins to lift from the sitting position to the standing position.

Abstract: Described and claimed herein is a manually operable standing wheelchair that is capable of shifting an occupant from a sitting position to a standing position, and of allowing the occupant to move himself or herself in the sitting position, the standing position, or in any position in between. The manually operable standing wheelchair has a lifting mechanism, with a cable, pulley, and ratchet, which the occupant may manually operate to shift from the sitting position to the standing position. The ratchet is manually operable, and the amount of force required for manually operating the ratchet is adjustable. There is also a lever drive system, comprising adjustable lever drive arms with friction pads adapted for allowing the occupant to move in any position. The present invention optionally includes a set of spring loaded anti-tip wheels that deploy when the manual wheelchair begins to shift from the sitting position to the standing position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic foot that provides both energy storage capabilities and stability. The prosthetic foot of the present invention provides medial-lateral rotation as compared to the slight tilting or rocking in the medial-lateral plane of the prior art devices. Furthermore, the prosthetic foot of the present invention provides a true hinge in the ankle joint region that may be adapted so that the degree of rotation is controlled.