Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electromagnetic rheological (“EMR”) fluid (18) broadly includes a conducting medium (22) and a plurality of micronparticles (24) suspended in the medium (22). Each of the micronparticles (24) includes a magnetically permeable core (26), an electrically insulating coating (28) surrounding the core (26), and a conductive winding (30) at least partially wound around the core (26) so that the coating (28) is disposed between the winding (30) and the core (26). An apparatus (10) constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention broadly includes a deformable membrane (12), a pair of polar opposed plates (14 and 16) coupled to the membrane (12), the EMR fluid (18) filling the membrane (12) and being in communication with a current source (20). Current flowing through adjacent windings (30) induces magnetic fields in the corresponding micronparticles (24) that mutually draw the adjacent micronparticles (30) causing them to move together into a north pole-south pole alignment.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an articulating joint that is disengageable between two modes of operation: unidirectional movement of the joint or bi-directional movement of the joint, with features that allow the mode to be automatically switched as required. When fully locked, the joint inhibits joint flexion while allowing joint extension. When actuated, a locking mechanism is disengaged to allow both uninhibited flexion and extension of the joint.

Abstract: A neural prosthesis for providing a signal indicative of a predicted event from a cycle of events includes a signal-acquisition system for receiving a neural signal, and a fuzzy-logic inference system for receiving, from the signal acquisition system, a signal indicative of a current location within the cycle of events. The fuzzy-logic inference system is configured to predict a successive event in the cycle of events.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A body weight support device of the present invention is equipped with a body attachment part attached to a user's body, a floor contact part provided contactably on a floor, a leg link part for connecting the body attachment part to the floor contact part through a joint part, an actuator for driving the joint part, and a control unit for controlling a drive of the actuator, wherein the control unit drives the actuator so that the leg link part gives a body weight support force to the user through the body attachment part.

Abstract: A computerized prosthesis alignment system includes a transducer that can measure socket reactions in the anterior/posterior plane and the right/left planes, while canceling or reducing the transverse forces on the measurements of these socket reactions. In addition, the transducer is also capable of determining the axial load or weight experienced by the prosthesis. The computerized prosthesis alignment system is in communication with a host computer. The moment data from the transducer is interpreted by the user via a computer interface. The host computer includes memory for storing one or more applications. These applications receive data from the transducer, interpret the data with discrete algebraic or fuzzy logic algorithms, and display the output numerically and graphically. Applications may also interpret the data to provide analyses to the user for aligning the prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated speed-adaptive and patient-adaptive control scheme and system for a knee prosthesis. The control scheme and system utilizes sensory information measured local to the prosthesis to automatically adjust stance and swing phase knee resistances to a particular wearer under a wide variety of locomotory activities. Advantageously, no patient-specific information needs to be pre-programmed into the prosthetic knee by a prosthetist or the patient. The system is able to adapt to various types of disturbances once the patient leaves the prosthetist's facility because it is patient-adaptive and speed-adaptive.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and methods for relieving phantomlimb pain in amputees, and for providing an amputee with sensory feedback from a prosthetic limb. The system employs implantable multichannel, multi-chambered interface structures, namely, nerve cuffs. The implanted nerve cuffs have electrodes which transmit electrical signals generated by a signal generator to nerves, recruiting certain neurons to send sensory signals to the cerebral cortex, suggesting sensory sensations to the amputee. Such signals can arise directly from the signal generator, approximating the train of signals seen by the cortex in a normally innervated limb, or can originate from sensors in a prosthetic limb.

Abstract: A practical control device having up to eight independent channels of communication for simultaneously operating a plurality of electromechanical devices or for simultaneously performing a plurality of independent functions on an electromechanical device, such as a prosthetic hand, includes a foot-operated controller and a microprocessor. The foot-controller includes a plurality of pressure sensors mounted at selected locations on a substrate. The microprocessor converts sensor inputs from the foot-operated controller into commands for a controllable electromechanical device such as a prosthetic hand. Commands may be communicated via a radio transmitter or via hard-wiring.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for administering a fluid to a neuronal site. The device comprises a reservoir, an aperture in fluid connection to the reservoir, and electrical means for moving to the fluid to or through the aperture. The electrical means may take the form of electroosmotic force, piezoelectric movement of a diaphragm or electrolysis of a solution. The electrical means may be external to the host, implanted in the host or may be photodiodes activated by light, particularly where the neuronal site is associated with the retina.

Abstract: The method and the control system are used for determining a portion of locomotion and a phase of locomotion portion in view of controlling an actuated prosthesis in real time. Accordingly, the method comprises receiving a data signal from a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors, obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for each data signal, obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals, using a set of a first state machines to select one state among a plurality of possible states for each artificial proprioceptor with the corresponding data and derivative signals, generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors; and using a second state machine to select the portion of locomotion among a plurality of possible portions of locomotion using events associated to the data signals. It is particularly well adapted for the control of an actuated leg prosthesis for above-knee amputees.

Abstract: The method is used for controlling an actuating mechanism of a prosthesis provided on one side of the lower body of an individual, the individual having a healthy leg on the other side. Accordingly, the method comprises providing a plurality of artificial proprioceptors, at least one of the artificial proprioceptors being on the side of the healthy leg, and at least one of the artificial proprioceptors being on provided with the prosthesis, generating data signals in real time at the artificial proprioceptors, and generating control signals in real time for controlling the actuating mechanism in response to the data signals.

Abstract: A device for measuring the relative angular position of two bodies with respect to a point is provided with a first measuring element and a second measuring element, relatively movable with respect to one another and connectable to a first body and a second body, respectively; the first measuring element includes a first inclination sensor, which has a first detection axis and supplies a first inclination signal, correlated to a first angle of inclination of the first detection axis with respect to a reference axis, and the second measuring element includes a second inclination sensor, which has a second detection axis and supplies a second inclination signal, correlated to a second angle of inclination of the second detection axis with respect to the reference axis.

Abstract: There are provided an artificial joint device that can realize an artificial limb enabling twisting motion without a drive source, and when with the drive source, reduce the size and costs of the device, and a parallel linkage that can realize the device. The linkage connects a foot portion and a mounting plate spaced from each other. A fixed link has one end fixed to the plate, and the other end connected to the foot portion via a ball joint, making the angle of the fixed link relative to the foot portion changeable in any direction. Expansible links extend between the foot portion and the plate in an expansible/contractible manner and each have opposite ends connected to the plate and the foot portion via respective upper and lower ball joints, making respective angles thereof relative to the foot portion and the plate changeable in any direction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention provides microfabricated devices and methods for directing the growth of a cell process to form an artificial synapse. The devices are called artificial synapse chips. The artificial synapse comprises a nanofabricated aperture (about 50–100 nm in size) that connects the cell process to a chemical or electrical means of neuronal excitation. Such an aperture width mimics the length scales of a natural synapse and thus emphasizes the localized spatial relationship between a neuron and a stimulation source. The invention further provides devices and methods for regenerating a nerve fiber into an electrode. The invention thus provides a regeneration electrode that uses a novel neural interface for stimulation and that uses novel surface methods for directing neuronal growth making possible in vivo connection of the devices to neural circuitry in a retina and other anatomical locations.

Abstract: A prosthetic system may use a decoder to predict an intended action, such as a reach, from processed signals generated from measured neural activity. The decoder may included a cognitive state machine, which transitions between cognitive states based on transition rules.

Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.

Abstract: A prosthesis or orthosis (orthotic brace) includes at least two parts connected to each other by an artificial joint and a control device to brake or lock the joint. The prosthesis or orthosis includes a sensor which detects the position in relation to a fixed line of a part connected to the joint and which is connected to a control device arranged to influence the joint on the basis of position data given by the sensor. The prosthesis or orthosis is a lower limb prosthesis, such as a thigh prosthesis or a hip ex-articulation prosthesis, or a lower limb orthosis. The sensor is arranged to detect the position of the thigh part in relation to a vertical line. The control device is arranged to influence the movement resistance properties of the joint on the basis of data given by the sensor. The sensor is based on detecting the direction of earth's gravity.

Abstract: A device for measuring the relative angular position of two bodies with respect to a point is provided with a first measuring element and a second measuring element, relatively movable with respect to one another and connectable to a first body and a second body, respectively; the first measuring element includes a first inclination sensor, which has a first detection axis and supplies a first inclination signal, correlated to a first angle of inclination of the first detection axis with respect to a reference axis, and the second measuring element includes a second inclination sensor, which has a second detection axis and supplies a second inclination signal, correlated to a second angle of inclination of the second detection axis with respect to the reference axis.

Abstract: A leg prosthesis adapted to a thigh stump includes an adapter (2) for a knee joint (3), a knee joint (3) mounted on this adapter, and a prosthetic lower leg (4) coupled to the knee joint (3). A prosthetic foot (5) is attached to this prosthetic lower leg and can pivot into a toes-raised foot position. The knee joint (3) upon transition from the extended position to the bent position performs a combined rolling-sliding movement about a pivot axis (6). A force-transmitting element (8) moves the prosthetic foot (5) substantially from the toes-down foot position to the toes-raised foot position during bending of the knee joint (3). Each bending position of the knee joint is transformed by a converter into an unambiguous electrical signal, which is supplied to a programmable control device, which generates a signal used to control an electrically adjustable actuator, which increases or decreases the resistance of the knee joint against or for further bending according to the signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable-torque magnetorheologically actuated prosthetic knee which utilizes a plurality of interspersed and alternating rotors and stators to shear magnetorheological fluid in gaps formed therebetween. Advantageously, by operating in the “shear mode” there is substantially no or negligible fluid pressure buildup or change. Moreover, the multiple MR fluid gaps or flux interfaces desirably allow for the production of a large torque at low speed—eliminating the need for a transmission—and also for a wide dynamic torque range. One embodiment of the invention allows the rotors and/or stators to close the gaps therebetween to create a frictional torque component, thereby forming a “hybrid” braking system which provides a total torque or damping which is a combination of viscous torque and frictional torque.

Abstract: A device prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer medium disposed between first and second foot members to transfer at least some energy from the second member to the first member during use. The energy transfer medium includes a variable viscosity fluid such that the variable viscosity fluid, and thus the energy transfer medium, variably transfers energy between the first and second members to vary stiffness of the prosthetic foot device. The variable viscosity fluid can include a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity as a load or strain, or rate of loading or rate of strain, applied, or a magneto or electro rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: There is provided a leg prosthesis, comprising a thigh portion (1) and a lower leg portion (2) both being connected by a knee joint (3), said knee joint (3) comprising a damping element (6) for controlling the knee joint movement, and means (S1) for detecting the knee angle and means (S4-S7; S8, S8′, S9, S9′) for detecting the force acting on the prosthesis; and a control unit for controlling said damping element (6) as a function of the detected values of said knee angle and said force; and an adjustment device (10) adjusting the control of said damping element according to the type of gait and as a function of detected values of said knee angle and said force.

Abstract: An externally-powered prosthesis mechanism usable with persons with amputations at or proximal to the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint, as well as persons with high-level amputations. The prosthesis mechanism includes a grasping mechanism including a mechanically operable finger member and a mechanically operable thumb member kinematically linked to the finger member such that the grasping mechanism is disposed in respective opened and closed configurations when the finger member is respectively moved away from and toward the thumb member. The prosthesis mechanism further includes a drive system extending tangentially with respect to the grasping mechanism and including a motor operatively connected to drive at least one planetary gear stage, which is operatively connected to drive the grasping mechanism to the opened configuration when the motor is driven in a first direction and further drive the grasping mechanism to the closed configuration when the motor is driven in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the control and monitoring of functional devices for the disabled with energy from outside the body, comprising actuator element(s), data-processing element(s), and control element(s) connected to the actuator element(s) to the processing element(s). The system further comprises a sensor element which is connected to the control element(s) and can transmit one or more signals for the control and monitoring of functional devices for the disabled. The present invention also relates to the procedures necessary for the remote control and monitoring of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee-joint prosthesis with a hydraulic damping cylinder (1) for regulating the swing phase control and stance phase stabilization, and with an electronic control for a force field acting on the hydraulic fluid of the damping cylinder (1), the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid being able to be changed by the force field. The object of the present invention is to make available a knee-joint prosthesis whose electronic control has a high degree of safety and a minimal power consumption. According to the invention, the object is achieved by the fact that an actuating member (6, 7, 9, 12) is provided which generates a permanent force field and acts on the hydraulic fluid with an existing force field which is weakened or strengthened by the electronically controlled force field.

Abstract: A practical control device having up to eight independent channels of communication for simultaneously operating a plurality of electromechanical devices or for simultaneously performing a plurality of independent functions on an electromechanical device, such as a prosthetic hand, includes a foot-operated controller and a microprocessor. The foot-controller includes a plurality of pressure sensors mounted at selected locations on a substrate. The microprocessor converts sensor inputs from the foot-operated controller into commands for a controllable electromechanical device such as a prosthetic hand. Commands may be communicated via a radio transmitter or via hard-wiring.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis for an above-knee amputee that includes a dynamically adjustable knee movement control unit arranged to control flexion and/or extension of a knee joint of the prosthesis automatically in response to a sensed step-to-step variability of at least one kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion in order to reduce the step-to-step variability.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The method and the control system are used for determining a portion of locomotion and a phase of locomotion portion in view of controlling an actuated prosthesis in real time. Accordingly, the method comprises receiving a data signal from a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors, obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for each data signal, obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals, using a set of a first state machines to select one state among a plurality of possible states for each artificial proprioceptor with the corresponding data and derivative signals, generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors; and using a second state machine to select the portion of locomotion among a plurality of possible portions of locomotion using events associated to the data signals. It is particularly well adapted for the control of an actuated leg prosthesis for above-knee amputees.

Abstract: A system of implantable sensor/stimulation devices that is configured to communicate with a prosthetic device, e.g., an artificial limb, via a wireless communication link, preferably bidirectionally. By communicating between the implantable devices coupled to neural pathways within a man and motor/sensor interfaces in the prosthetic device, a machine, a man/machine interface is established to replace an absent limb. Systems of the present invention may extend to prosthetic devices, e.g., cranes or the like, that further extend the man/machine interface to allow a man to control a “large” remote piece of machinery directly via neural control.

Abstract: An educational prosthesis device for a wearer of an upper limb prosthesis that includes a grasping device which extends from a distal portion thereof. The device includes an interactive, computerized system for teaching how to use the prosthesis for manual activities, and a computer including a display and input buttons. A program executable by the computer displays on the display a selection of modules that may be selected by the wearer and provide different interactive education sessions. The device further includes a plurality of instruments attachable onto the grasping elements and which are configured for performing predetermined tasks displayed by the interactive computerized system. The device also may include a protective sleeve having a figurine mounted thereon and a garment sleeve having decorations.

Abstract: A muscular-force supplementing device of the present invention includes an artificial muscular-force generating section and a control section that controls the driving of the artificial muscular-force generating section. The artificial muscular-force generating section includes a pair of mounting portions worn at two positions on both sides of a wrist joint of the user, and an actuator hinged on connecting portions of the mounting portions. The actuator is a device having therein a plurality of hydraulic cylinders to be operated in a dual-stroke manner. When hydraulic oil serving as the fluid is supplied to pressure chambers, a pair of piston rods are extended, and linear actuator force is transmitted to the connecting portions of the mounting portions, thereby transmitting bending force to the joint of the user.

Abstract: A device and a method for remote maintenance of an electronically controllable prosthesis (1) are provided. The prosthesis comprises a controller in which operating and/or movement data characterizing the prosthesis are detected and are then transmitted to a remote maintenance device (20) with a storage and evaluation unit (20). Remote maintenance of the prosthesis using the detected data is possible via a remotely located remote control unit (23) that can access the storage and evaluation unit via the telephone network. Corrected operational data are transmitted from the storage and evaluation unit (20) back to the controller of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prosthesis which includes first and second members pivotally coupled together and two links which are pivotally coupled together with one link being pivotally coupled to the first member and the other link being pivotally coupled the second member. A control mechanism is provided which is pivotally coupled to the first member and the pivotal connection of the two links to move the two links and hence the second member relative to the first member. The first member may be coupled to a person to allow the prosthesis to serve in one embodiment as an arm or as a portion of an arm and in another embodiment to serve as a leg or as a portion of a leg.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg having a knee joint assembly that includes a plunger-activated, three-chamber cylinder body, a control valve, a control valve actuator, a pylon shaft and artificial foot. The knee joint assembly rotates in a single axis and provides two-stage hydraulic gait control and shock absorption relative to two spring-biased pistons. A cam linkage and actuator valve having a moveable piston and piston chamber responds to knee flexion and switches fluid flow at the control valve and cylinder between a “soft” spring and a “hard” spring to provide two levels of adjustable control to stabilize the user. Alternative microprocessor directed electronic and hydraulic controllers are also disclosed that can be adapted to a knee assembly to sense myoelectric activity and rotation, strain, and/or linear movement of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for controlling digit movement of a prosthesis based on residual forelimb volitional pressures is provided. A filter is provided for discriminating from the distributed pressures to provide reliable digit control. The extracted commands can be used to control actuators in a hand prosthesis to restore biomimetic finger control to the user. Feature extraction algorithms can be based on signal amplitudes (peak amplitude or root mean square). Training signal validation can be based on cepstral encoding. The filter is trained under user supervision.

Abstract: A drive unit for a prosthetic limb for driving a prosthetic limb with comfort for a long time. A Stirling engine is composed of a displacer unit mounted at an arbitrary portion other than prosthetic limb bodies and a power cylinder unit mounted between the prosthetic limb bodies and for bending/stretching the prosthetic limb bodies and relative to each other. A compression chamber of the displacer unit is connected to an operation chamber of the power cylinder unit via a flexible pressure conduit. A combustor for heating an expansion chamber disposed in a displacer cylinder of the displacer unit is provided around a head portion of the displacer cylinder. A fuel supply device is connected to the combustor. An actuator for arbitrarily driving a displacer piston of the displacer unit is connected to the displacer piston.

Abstract: A progressive radial correction hand device for correcting ulnar finger deviation in a rheumatoid arthritic hand is described. The device comprises four elongate, soft, flexible finger straps, each of which is least about an inch wide in finger-contacting regions. Distal end regions of the finger straps are attached together to form a finger strap assembly. Described is a flexible fabric hand pad having finger and palm supporting regions and having a padded, hand-contacting upper region. The pad has a thumb-receiving aperture and four generally parallel slits formed in the palm supporting region for receiving, from the under side of the pad, the four finger straps.

Abstract: There are provided an artificial joint device that can realize an artificial limb enabling twisting motion without a drive source, and when with the drive source, reduce the size and costs of the device, and a parallel linkage that can realize the device. The linkage connects a foot portion and a mounting plate spaced from each other. A fixed link has one end fixed to the plate, and the other end connected to the foot portion via a ball joint, making the angle of the fixed link relative to the foot portion changeable in any direction. Expansible links extend between the foot portion and the plate in an expansible/contractible manner and each have opposite ends connected to the plate and the foot portion via respective upper and lower ball joints, making respective angles thereof relative to the foot portion and the plate changeable in any direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated speed-adaptive and patient-adaptive control scheme and system for a knee prosthesis. The control scheme and system utilizes sensory information measured local to the prosthesis to automatically adjust stance and swing phase knee resistances to a particular wearer under a wide variety of locomotory activities. Advantageously, no patient-specific information needs to be pre-programmed into the prosthetic knee by a prosthetist or the patient. The system is able to adapt to various types of disturbances once the patient leaves the prosthetist's facility because it is patient-adaptive and speed-adaptive.

Abstract: A computer controlled hydraulic resistance device for apparatus such as a prosthetic knee for above knee amputees, includes a two stage pilot operated solenoid valve connected to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator which applies resistance to the prosthetic knee or other apparatus through a coupling. Hydraulic pressure is sensed on the high and low side of the actuator by a spring biased magnet and a magnetically actuated electronic sensor and is used by a micro-controller in a closed-loop manner to compensate automatically for variations in the device and in the hydraulic fluid viscosity. The device also has magnetically actuated electronic sensors which sense positions of the apparatus and feed back to the micro-controller for applying a predetermined resistance profile to the apparatus.