Abstract: A movement assisting device including a plurality of attachments to be attached over a joint of a user; an actuator suspended between the plurality of attachments; a sensor, attached to the user, for detecting movement of a muscle; and a control unit for controlling the actuator based on the movement of the muscle detected by the sensor is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic foot device with a connection part for the lower leg, a swivel joint (5) acting as an ankle joint (7) by means of which a foot part (10) is rotatably connected in the direction of dorsiflexion and the direction of plantar flexion to the connection part, with a damping arrangement (17) influencing the rotational movement about the swivel joint (5), with a sensor arrangement for detecting action states of the orthopedic foot part, and with a control unit connected to the sensor arrangement which controls the damping arrangement (17). The object is achieved by the fact that the sensor arrangement has an ankle-angle sensor which measures the angle between the connection part and the foot part (10), an absolute-angle sensor (20) relating to the plumb line and a moments sensor (21) for determining the torque on the ankle joint (7) or a force effecting a torque on the ankle joint (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive orthopedic aid in the form of a foot prosthesis or foot orthosis, with a first part which is connected to a second part in a rotatable manner via a swivel joint, with a sensor arrangement for measuring parameters that provide indications of instantaneous operation requirements of the aid, with a control means which is connected to the control arrangement and is used to determine operation requirements and to generate corresponding control signals, with a controllable hydraulic damping arrangement with which a movement resistance acting on the rotation movement between the first part and the second part can be modified, and with a control means which converts the control signals of the processor arrangement and is used to control the damping arrangement.

Abstract: A hip joint prosthesis includes connection means for securing the hip joint prosthesis to a securing device and to an artificial leg, and a control unit for controlling an extension movement in the hip joint and for controlling the step length of the artificial leg.

Abstract: An orthotic frame has proximal and distal frame members joined by a knee joint, and a foot support joined by an ankle joint to a distal end of the distal frame. A knee actuator connected between the proximal and distal frame members has a selective stiffness allowing selection of a relatively rigid stiffness during stance and a relatively flexible stiffness during swing. The stiffness of the knee actuator is selected according to the gait cycle, either mechanically according to dorsal flexion of the ankle joint or electronically according to gait cycle phases recognized based on read sensor data. An ambulatory unit gathers data from sensors located on the orthotic frame. Sensor data may be provided to a base unit for diagnostic and biomechanical evaluation, or evaluated by the ambulatory unit to control active components of the orthotic frame according to the recognized gait cycle phases for functional compensation.

Abstract: Microbial growth on the surface of a valve of a voice prosthesis and optionally the cartridge or ring supporting the valve, is inhibited by providing antimicrobial activity at a level sufficient to retard growth of a microbial film by dispersing an inorganic antimicrobial agent such as silver oxide or an organic antimicrobial agent such as triclosan or butyl paraben dispersed in a medical grade silicone elastomer. The valve, ring or cartridge is in contact with body fluids containing microorganisms and nutrients therefor. The antimicrobial surface can interfere with or inhibit the growth of a biofilm, bacterial layer or a yeast layer. The body of the prosthesis may also contain an antimicrobial surface as long as it is non-toxic to the tissue it contacts.

Abstract: An actuator is implanted inside the body and attached to a bone. The actuator is controlled from outside the body using a changing magnetic field or creating mechanical motion of the tissue. The changing field is used to create power inside the actuator and precisely control its operation without requiring a transdermal connection. The power generated inside actuator can also be used to transmit data to the outside.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow within a host body, for example for use as an incontinence device. A constricting member is provided for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position, and for allowing fluid flow within the body canal when in an open position. In addition, there is a control mechanism for controlling movement of the constricting member between said open and closed positions. A link member links the constricting member and the control mechanism such that the constricting member and the control mechanism are implantable in different parts of the host body. A coupling for selectively transmitting axial movement to the link member may be provided between the link member and the control mechanism so that the constricting member cannot apply a damaging amount of force to the body canal.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion directions. An electronic control system coupled to the ankle joint mechanism includes at least one sensor for generating signals indicative of a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion, the mechanism and the control system being arranged such that the damping resistances effective over the range of motion of the ankle are adapted automatically in response to such signals. Single and dual piston hydraulic damping arrangements are disclosed, including arrangements allowing independent heel-height adjustment.

Abstract: An impedance shaping element (or more simply, an impedance shaper) physically alters or shapes the mechanical impedance of a drive system as it appears from an interface and facilitates use of feedback control to improve performance by altering or shaping a dynamic coupling between an interface and a control system. For example, the impedance shaper can be used to adjust a coupling value from a first value to a second different value. In one embodiment, an impedance shaper controls the compliance, damping and inertia characteristics of fluid within a fluid path.

Abstract: An hydraulic heel-height adjustment device for a lower limb prosthesis has a foot-mounting component (18) for detachably mounting a prosthetic foot and a shin component pivotally connected to the foot-mounting component allowing angular adjustment of the foot-mounting component relative to the shin component about a heel-height adjustment axis. The relative angular position is set by an hydraulic piston (42) and cylinder assembly which has a chamber (40) in the shin component containing a piston (42) arranged to execute a translational movement in the chamber when adjustment is required. A bypass passage interconnects parts of the chamber on opposite sides of the piston, this passage containing a manually operable valve which is spring-biased towards a closed position. The piston has a piston rod pivotally connected to the foot-mounting component by a pivot joint defining a medial-lateral axis parallel to and spaced from the heel-height adjustment axis.

Abstract: A connector for fluidly connecting the sealed interior of an artificial limb socket with a pressure source when the connector is mounted to the socket at a hole and an artificial limb including same. The connector includes a flexible elongated tubular section having a lumen, a flange coupled to one end of the elongated tubular section, the flange having a seal surface for sealingly abutting one of the socket wall surfaces around the hole, and a tubular portion adjacent to the flange and extending the lumen from the seal surface of the flange. Tubular portion has at least one section oversized relative to hole which provides a reasonable air-tight seal between the at least one section and an inner surface of the hole or the other of said socket wall surfaces around the hole and distant from the flange, when the tubular portion is received within the hole.

Abstract: A self-aligning prosthetic foot and ankle assembly has an ankle unit pivotally mounting a foot component. The ankle unit contains a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly having a piston which is linearly movable within a cylinder. The axis of the cylinder is coincident with a shin axis defined by a shin connection interface on the ankle unit. Bypass passages containing damping resistance control valves provide continuous hydraulic damping of dorsi and plantar ankle flexion, the unit being such that, over the major part of the range of damped movement, there is no resilient biasing in either the dorsi or the plantar direction. This confers a number of advantages, including stabilisation of standing, balance control, and improved stair-walking and ramp-walking.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic device with a vacuum system for maintaining a negative pressure seal between the socket and the residual limb. The vacuum system includes a vacuum surge chamber which maintains seal vacuum and increases battery life. The system is small, lightweight, and concealable within the prosthetic device so that it neither impedes use of the device nor detracts from a cosmetically accurate limb.

Abstract: An improved socket for a prosthesis uses a liner material providing fluid flow through a porous matrix whose local pressure is adjusted by a control system communicating with multiple valves and pressure sensors. Control of pressure in a viscoelastic material provides an improved trade-off between comfort and stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one embodiment to magnetorheological fluids utilized in prosthetic joints in general and, in particular, to magnetorheological fluids utilized in controllable braking systems for prosthetic knee joints. Preferred magnetorheological fluids of the present invention comprises polarizable iron particles, a carrier fluid, and optionally an additive. Preferred additives include, but are not limited to functionalized carrier fluids as well as derivatized fluoropolymers. Preferred carrier fluids include, but are not limited, to perfluorinated polyethers.

Abstract: A fluid transmission system adapted to provide a controlled force to a dynamic system includes a controller, a drive system coupled to the controller and to a path having a captured amount (mass) of fluid contained therein and an interface coupled to the captured fluid path.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic device having a plurality of independently movable members that operate at peak efficiency for a majority of the time that it is in the on state, thereby extending battery life, includes at least two members that are independently movable, a fluid actuator associated with each of the independently movable members for effecting movement, a fluid pump or compressor having a fluid inlet and a compressed or pressurized fluid outlet, an electrical motor coupled to the pump or compressor, a fluid conveying conduit between the pump or compressor outlet and the actuator, a fluid reservoir in communication with the conduit between the pump or compressor outlet and the actuator, and at least one valve associated with each of the independently movable members.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for quenching free radicals present in irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene comprising the steps of (a) providing a mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, wherein the mass comprises free radicals, (b) immersing at least a portion of the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in a non-polar solvent having a temperature for a time and under conditions sufficient to quench a substantial portion of the free radicals contained therein, wherein the temperature of the non-polar solvent is maintained below the melting point of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, (c) removing the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene from the non-polar solvent, and (d) removing any non-polar solvent from the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

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: An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position, and for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in an closed position. Remote telemetry can be used to operate the constricting member from a position outside the body. The constricting member can include a piston having at least two protrusions for contacting the vessel surface of the body canal. A fluid-operated member can receive fluid to reduce fluid flow within the body canal and expel fluid to allow fluid flow within the body canal. An actuating member is provided for operating the fluid-operated member between the open and closed positions. The actuating member has structure for flowing fluid into and out of the fluid-operated member. A control device is provided for operating the actuating member.

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: An artificial knee joint connects a prosthetic lower leg to a residual thigh of a prosthesis wearer, and includes a knee-extending oil passage and a knee-flexing oil passage that is provided with a throttle valve. When the lower leg is pressed against the ground by the thigh, a controlling element activates the throttle valve to close the knee flexing oil passage so as to fix the thigh relative to the lower leg. Upon fast walking of the wearer, an air valve unit activates the throttle valve to reduce flow rate of oil flowing through the knee-flexing oil passage so that the lower leg can support the thigh effectively.

Abstract: A robot system includes a plurality of segments 3, joints 4 for linking the segments together, drive units 5 for actuating the joints, and a controller 8 for controlling the drive units. Further, the robot system has bladders 2 filled with a fluid being of lower specific gravity than the outside environment. A center of buoyancy differs from a center of gravity, and the robot system has a specific gravity of greater than 1 relative the outside environment.

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: 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 robot system includes a plurality of segments 3, joints 4 for linking the segments together, drive units 5 for actuating the joints, and a controller 8 for controlling the drive units. Further, the robot system has bladders 2 filled with a fluid being of lower specific gravity than the outside environment. A center of buoyancy differs from a center of gravity, and the robot system has a specific gravity of greater than 1 relative to the outside environment.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee cage consists of a base unit formed by spaced from each other first and second side members interconnected by a connecting element, so as to form an operational channel therebetween. A platform is adapted for pivotal cooperation with the base unit. An adjustment device is provided for adjustment of pivotal movement of the platform relative to the base unit.

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: An implantable apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow within a host body, for example for use as an incontinence device. A constricting member is provided for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in a closed position, and for allowing fluid flow within the body canal when in an open position. In addition, there is a control mechanism for controlling movement of the constricting member between said open and closed positions. A link member links the constricting member and the control mechanism such that the constricting member and the control mechanism are implantable in different parts of the host body. A coupling for selectively transmitting axial movement to the link member may be provided between the link member and the control mechanism so that the constricting member cannot apply a damaging amount of force to the body canal.

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: 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 hydraulically actuated artificial muscle for use with orthetic devices, prosthetic devices or as an actuator for other applications in medical or robotic devices. Working fluid is pumped between two expandable fluid-containing cells, which are complimentary active elements of the artificial muscle. This eliminates the need for a storage reservoir, thereby providing a self-contained, force efficient device. Each of the preferred embodiments described has one or more expandable fluid-containing cell defined by at least one flexible wall. The flexible walls are configured so as to have elastic properties that are limited to predefined directions of expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A weight-actuated vacuum pump and shock absorber for an artificial limb. Ambulation causes the vacuum pump, under the influence of the wearer's body weight, to draw air out of the artificial limb socket cavity, producing a vacuum within the socket. The vacuum pulls the residual limb into firm and total contact with the socket and prevents the loss of fluids in the residual limb. A shock absorber acts in conjunction with the vacuum pump to reduce the shock of impact on the wearer caused by ambulation.

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: 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 variable resistance cell and method provides a variable resistance response to a load factor, such as a load, a load rate, a strain, a strain rate, a pressure, or a deflection. A variable viscosity fluid is displacable between first and second chambers of an enclosure though an orifice in response to the load factor. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice. The variable viscosity fluid can be a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity with an increase in a load factor applied to the shear stiffening material, a magneto rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic field, or an electro rheologic fluid responsive to an electric field. The enclosure can be compressible between first and second positions.

Abstract: A driving system using an intercalation substance as a novel mechanochemical system includes an actuator using the intercalation substance and driven by exchange of solutions or by changing concentration of a solution, and a solution supplier that supplies the actuator with the driving solution or solutions. The actuator is composed of one or more cylindrical or fiber-shaped elements each extending in the expanding and contracting direction of the intercalation substance, or one or more film-shaped or plate-shaped elements each having a major surface extending vertically of the expanding and contracting direction of the intercalation substance. The driving system is used as artificial muscle, for example.

Abstract: A two-legged body includes at least two legs, and oscillation element and connecting element for the mutual coupling of the legs and the oscillation element, wherein the legs are pivotable in relation to the connecting element and during operation undergo a reciprocating angular displacement in relation to the connecting element, depending on the oscillation element. The oscillation element includes at least two springs for the generation of antagonistic forces, which springs each are coupled at one side with a leg, and together with the mass present in the body they are able to form a vibrating mass-spring system. The spring stiffness of at least one spring is adjustable.

Abstract: An auto-adjusting prosthetic ankle apparatus includes a base portion that is pivotally fixed to an attachment portion. The base portion is structured for being fixed to a foot blade, while the attachment portion is structured for fixing the prosthetic ankle apparatus to a lower leg portion of a prosthetic limb. The prosthetic ankle includes a computer controllable damping mechanism that is functionally and mechanically coupled between the base portion and the attachment portion. The damping mechanism enables a damping level to be selectively applied to lightly damp or heavily damp a relative motion between the base portion and the attachment portion as a user is walking to provide an auto-adjusting of the prosthetic ankle to changes in a ground surface being traversed and during various stages of a walking cycle.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a joint, more particularly for a knee joint, comprising a first fixing splint (3), a second fixing splint (5) and a movement control mechanism (7 and 9) bridging over the joint and having flexible connector (8), which to the sides of the joint connects the first fixing splint (3) with the second fixing splint (5). The flexible connector (8) extends from one front side of the first fixing splint (3) on either side past the joint to a rear region of the second fixing splint (3) in order to bias the first fixing splint toward the joint and to the rear and to bias the second fixing splint (5) toward the joint and to the fore.

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 dynamic variable geometry fitting system with fluid-filled bladders and automatically regulating their volumes to provide a continuously secure fit. This system can vary volume continuously to accommodate natural variation in an amputee's residuum. It makes reliable suction retention of a prosthesis easier for the prosthetist to achieve while reducing the potential for tissue lesions. By maintaining a continuous, secure fit, the amputee's sense of confidence and willingness to use the prosthesis increases.

Abstract: A leg prosthesis having an artificial knee joint with swing phase control and recoil break comprises a damping member acting upon the knee joint, detectors for detecting force, knee angle and acceleration and a control unit for controlling the dampening degree of the damping member on the basis of the detected values. The damping characteristics of the damping member are varied in dependence on control signals produced by the control unit on the basis of a viscosity change of the magneto-rheological liquid.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes a hollow cylinder (5) in which a piston member (62) is disposed movably. The piston divides the cylinder (5) into upper and lower chambers (51, 52). The swing phase control member (8) has first and second channels (80, 81), a fulcrumed lever member (82) bridging the first and second channels (80, 81). The second channel (81) is communicated with the upper and lower chambers (51, 52). The first end of the lever member (82) extends into the first channel (80) for movement in response to an air pressure in the first channel (80). The second end of the lever member (82) has a first throttle valve unit (83) for regulating the air flow through the second channel (81) in response to a movement of the lever member (82). A pump unit (7) is associated operatively with the piston member (62) for pumping air from the ambient to the first channel (80) in response to a movement of the piston member (62).

Abstract: A joint for an orthotic apparatus is disclosed. The joint includes a main block having arc-shaped grooves formed on opposite sides and a pair of rails separated by each arc-shaped groove. The joint also includes a pair of carriers slidably mounted on the opposite sides of the main block, each carrier having a main rollers in rolling engagement with the arc-shaped groove and a plurality of side rollers adapted to roll on the rails. Attached to each carrier is an arc-shaped rack arranged concentrically with the arc-shaped groove and a base plate for connecting to a long leg supporting member. The joint further includes a pinion gear installed on a bottom part of the main block and in meshing engagement with each arc-shaped rack, and an electric motor for operating the pinion gear.

Abstract: A prosthetic component with a pneumatic device for knee articulation formed of an upper part adapted to support a socket element for a stump of a thigh, and a lower part intended to receive a tube extended by an ankle and foot. The two parts are connected to each other by an assembly of pivoted links forming a deformable prism. Movement of the two parts between two stable positions of complete extension and flexure, about the variable axis of rotation defined by these connections, is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a piston and communicating with each other by an air duct with adjustable flow. In each of the stable positions, the pressure of air in the chambers is greater than 1 bar and is preferably between 4 and 7 bar.

Abstract: An orthotic device for a human forearm and hand is provided having first and second gripping members that are interposable between the thumb and fingers of a user's hand. An actuator moves one gripping member relative to the second gripping member in response to user input. The actuator of the orthotic device can include a gas piston driven by compressed gas. A valve controlling gas flow is actuated by an electric motor.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees comprises an outer socket, a flexible, compressible inner socket within the outer socket with a cavity for receiving the residual limb, a space between the inner socket and the outer socket, a vacuum source connected to the cavity, a positive pressure source connected to the space, a regulator for controlling the vacuum source and positive pressure source, and a seal for making an airtight seal between the residual limb and the socket. Another embodiment includes a semi-compressible molding material in the space to mold to the contours of the residual limb under the influence of vacuum and/or positive pressure.