Torso Supported And Actuated Patents (Class 623/58)
  • Patent number: 11931274
    Abstract: A prosthesis device having a tension element, fastened to a tensile force brace, which drives a movable component of a prosthesis device upon applying a tension force, wherein a sensor device is allocated to the tension element which detects the actuation of the tension element and activates a motor allocated to the movable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventors: Janos Kalmar, Roland Pawlik, Florian Fuchs
  • Patent number: 11219538
    Abstract: A prosthesis socket retaining device and a system for securing a prosthesis socket to an upper extremity, comprising a securing part that can be guided along the torso below the axilla of the contralateral, unprovided side of a patient, and a coupling element which can be secured to the prosthesis socket and connected to the securing part, wherein the coupling element is displaceably mounted on the securing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventors: Sonja Wagner, Alice Frey, Walter Lunzer
  • Patent number: 11083600
    Abstract: A digit for a prosthetic hand is provided. The digit has a base member (12) attachable to the hand and at least one digit member (18) pivotably connected to the base member. The at least one digit member (18) has a digit tip (22) remote from the base member (12), and the digit member is at least partially covered with at least one conductive substance (26,40) which defines a conductive path which leads from the digit tip towards the base member. A method of manufacturing such a digit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Touch Bionics Limited
    Inventor: Hugh Gill
  • Patent number: 10925685
    Abstract: Provided is a medical observation device including an imaging unit configured to capture an image of an object to be observed, and output a video signal, and a support unit configured with a plurality of arm units rotatably connected to each other via joint units, and configured to support the imaging unit. An actuator that applies driving force with respect to rotation about a rotational axis of at least one joint unit that defines an attitude of the imaging unit, among a plurality of the joint units that form the support unit, is provided. The at least one joint unit and the actuator are arranged separated from each other, and are connected together via a power transmission mechanism that transmits rotary movement between two rotational axes that are substantially orthogonal to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kamata, Motoaki Kobayashi, Shigeru Tamura, Kenji Hirose
  • Patent number: 10653908
    Abstract: A thermal trigger assembly for remote mechanical actuation of another fire protection system component includes an activation component having a base and a movable member. A bias member biases the movable member from a preactivation to an activated position with respect to the base. A thermally responsive element retains the movable member in the preactivation position until a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached, when the thermally responsive element loses structural integrity. A flexible connector includes a flexible hollow outer cable housing with one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the base. A flexible cable is inside the outer cable housing for sliding movement therein and has one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the movable member. The flexible cable is moved with respect to the outer cable housing by movement of the movable member upon loss of structural integrity by the thermally responsive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Meyer, Yoram Ringer, Thomas Edwin Archibald
  • Patent number: 10646736
    Abstract: A thermal trigger assembly for remote mechanical actuation of another fire protection system component includes an activation component having a base and a movable member. A bias member biases the movable member from a preactivation to an activated position with respect to the base. A thermally responsive element retains the movable member in the preactivation position until a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached, when the thermally responsive element loses structural integrity. A flexible connector includes a flexible hollow outer cable housing with one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the base. A flexible cable is inside the outer cable housing for sliding movement therein and has one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the movable member. The flexible cable is moved with respect to the outer cable housing by movement of the movable member upon loss of structural integrity by the thermally responsive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Meyer, Yoram Ringer, Thomas Edwin Archibald
  • Patent number: 10279917
    Abstract: A cable actuating mechanism that actuates through a central pivot axis of a pivoting mechanism including two articulating cable actuators that contact opposing ends of a floating pin that passes through the center of the pivot. One actuator is affixed to a stationary assembly of the pivot device and the other actuator is affixed to a rotating body of the device. A first cable pulled at one end of the device pulls a second cable at an opposing end of the device through the articulating cable actuators. The cable actuating mechanism can be used to unlock a seat recline lock device in an aircraft seat equipped with a pivoting armrest, among other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Wilkey, Alexander N. Pozzi, Francis Xavier L. Garing
  • Patent number: 10278885
    Abstract: System and method for providing both powered and free swing operation in a powered orthotic exoskeleton joint. The joint includes a processor controllable ratchet wheel and pawl type clutch, configured to engage or disengage upon receiving force from a servo actuator. When the processor determines that the clutch should be engages, it directs the powered actuator to couple the pawls to the ratchet wheel, allowing torque to be transferred from the joint's powered motor, through the clutch, to the gearing that subsequently controls the motion of the joint. Conversely, the processor can direct the powered actuator to decouple the pawls from the ratchet wheel. This in turn decouples the ratchet wheel from the motor, thus allowing the remainder of the joint and any associated joint gearing to engage in relatively free swing motion, without any interference from the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: LEONIS MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathon A. Smith, Kern Bhugra
  • Patent number: 9037293
    Abstract: A robot includes a base, first and second arms, first and second drive sources, first and second inertia sensors, and first and second angle sensors. A rotation axis of the first arm and a rotation axis of the second arm are orthogonal to each other. The first inertia sensor is installed at the first arm, and the second inertia sensor is installed at the second arm. The first angle sensor is installed at the first drive source, and the second angle sensor is installed at the second drive source. Angular velocities obtained from the first inertia sensor and the first angle sensor are fed back to a first drive source control unit. Angular velocities obtained from the second inertia sensor and the second angle sensor are fed back to a second drive source control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Gomi, Akio Niu, Masaki Motoyoshi
  • Publication number: 20140343693
    Abstract: Anchoring system including a fastener and a clasp. The fastener includes a substantially planar base, a first clasp-engaging member protruding from a portion of the base and having an outwardly-extending flange, the fastener further including an adhesive suitable to secure the base directly to the skin of a wearer. The clasp includes a first end configured to engage and rotate about the first clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage a cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device, the adhesive having a sufficient strength to support manual operation of the prosthetic or orthotic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Debra Ann Latour
  • Patent number: 8882852
    Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Patent number: 8870970
    Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Patent number: 8840681
    Abstract: A prosthetic interface includes an orientation assembly, a mounting plate and a load bearing assembly. The orientation assembly includes an anterior frame portion and a posterior frame portion. The anterior frame portion extends over an anterior portion of a torso of a wearer of the prosthetic interface. The posterior frame portion extends over a posterior portion of the torso. The mounting plate is disposed at an intersection of the posterior frame portion and the anterior frame portion. The mounting plate forms a structure to which a prosthetic limb is attachable. The load bearing assembly includes breathable fabric forming a load distribution matrix to distribute a load on the mounting plate over portions of the torso with which the fabric is in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jay Martin, Paul J. Biermann
  • Patent number: 8821588
    Abstract: Anchoring system for a prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device, as well as a method of securing a prosthetic or orthotic device on a wearer using the anchoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shriners Hospitals for Children
    Inventor: Debra Ann Latour
  • Patent number: 8696763
    Abstract: The invention provides a prosthetic apparatus (10) and method of operating the same. The prosthetic apparatus (10) includes an upper limb prosthesis (12) comprising at least one mechanically operable digit (14) and at least one sensor configured to be disposed on the user. The at least one sensor being operative to sense a path described by the sensor during movement thereof by the user and to provide a sensed path output in dependence upon the path. The apparatus (10) also includes a processor (24) operative to provide for actuation of the at least one digit (14) in dependence on the sensed path output having a predetermined characteristic and such that the at least one digit (14) moves in a predetermined fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Touch EMAS Ltd.
    Inventor: Hugh Gill
  • Patent number: 8641782
    Abstract: A compact exoskeleton arm support device compensates for gravity. The compact exoskeleton arm support device compensating for gravity may include at least five joints. Among the at least five joints, two joints may be driven by actuators, and the remaining joints may be driven by user force. The compact exoskeleton arm support device compensating for gravity effectively uses the actuators, thereby increasing operating efficiency and reducing production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong Hun Kim, Young Bo Shim, Soo Sang Yang, Yong Jae Kim, Kwang Jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20130090743
    Abstract: Anchoring system for a prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device, as well as a method of securing a prosthetic or orthotic device on a wearer using the anchoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Shriners Hospital For Children
    Inventor: Shriners Hospital For Children
  • Patent number: 8323355
    Abstract: Anchoring system for a cable-activated prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device comprising an activation cable and a terminal device, wherein the activation cable comprises a first end operatively coupled to the terminal device and a second end engaged with the second end of the clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Shriners Hospitals For Children
    Inventor: Debra Ann Latour
  • Patent number: 7922773
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventor: Todd A. Kuiken
  • Patent number: 7713217
    Abstract: A system for assisting the motion of a body connected through joints provides a system for imparting a suitable torque to the connected body at the time of various turns including the bending of the joints. The torque imparting system has first and second measuring means, a reference work volume determining means, and an external torque determining means. The first measuring means measures the internal work volume of the around-joint leg. The second measuring means measures an external work volume around a joint imparted to the leg. The reference work volume determining means determines a reference work volume based on the internal work volume. The external torque determining means determines an external torque imparted to the leg so as to reduce the difference between the internal work volume of the leg and the reference work volume, based on the external work volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Ikeuchi, Hisashi Katoh, Takashi Hirata
  • Patent number: 7416468
    Abstract: An apparatus for a moving a toy appendage includes a moveable device within a toy appendage that is attached to a body of a toy and an actuator connected to the moveable device. The actuator is configured to rotate the moveable device about a drive axis that is fixed relative to the body of the toy. The actuator is configured to rotate at least a first portion of the moveable device relative to at least a second portion of the moveable device about a device axis that is fixed relative to the moveable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Felice, Richard Maddocks
  • Patent number: 6773327
    Abstract: An apparatus for a moving a toy appendage includes a moveable device within a toy appendage that is attached to a body of a toy and an actuator connected to the moveable device. The actuator is configured to rotate the moveable device about a drive axis that is fixed relative to the body of the toy. The actuator is configured to rotate at least a first portion of the moveable device relative to at least a second portion of the moveable device about a device axis that is fixed relative to the moveable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Felice, Richard Maddocks
  • Patent number: 6736855
    Abstract: A bandage which may be used for the forearm or as an upper arm triple traction bandage includes a bandage strap (3) that engages a ring (2) to form a loop. At least one elastic bandage strap (4) engages the ring (2) and encloses a cable (6) which at one end is secured to the ring (2) and has a fastening device at its other end (4a). The fastening device is formed by a strap connector (11, 12, 13) having a flat lower part (11) which is adapted to the strap width. The upper side is covered by a flat upper part (12) onto which a clamp slide (13) is pushed that engages under the lower part (11) and firmly presses the lower part and upper part together with the strap end (4a) lying between them. The strap connector (11, 12, 13) has a clamp-free cable passage (14, 15, 16) and a bracket (19) for securing the strap connector (11, 12, 13) to a prosthesis part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Bertels
  • Patent number: 6424886
    Abstract: A movable prosthetic limb includes a drive linkage which is configured to move the prosthetic limb. An ultrasonic drive motor is coupled to the drive linkage and powers the drive linkage. The ultrasonic motor is non-backdrivable and has high torque at low speeds. Specifically, a prosthetic limb uses an ultrasonic motor to drive an elbow joint or prosthetic fingers. A movable prosthetic wrist includes a base configured to be coupled to an amputee. An ultrasonic drive motor is attached to the base, and a hand piece is attached to the ultrasonic drive motor to form a wrist joint. In this configuration, the ultrasonic drive motor directly moves the wrist joint. A harmonic drive can also be used for gear reduction in the wrist joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin K. Iversen, James R. Linder, Harold H. Sears
  • Patent number: 5888235
    Abstract: A body-powered prosthetic arm is mountable on a socket attached to the arm stump of a person. The prosthetic arm includes a base for attachment to the socket, a forearm section having a proximal end and a distal end, a terminal device such as a hook, anthropomorphic hand, etc. attached to the distal end of the forearm section for selectively opening or closing, and an elbow joint for joining the proximal end of the forearm section to the base, the elbow joint being pivotable to enable moving the forearm section upwardly or downwardly. Control straps and cables fitted on the person are responsive to body movements of the person for selectively locking the elbow joint to prevent it from pivoting while allowing the terminal device to open or close or locking the terminal device to prevent it from opening or closing while allowing the elbow joint to pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sarcos, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David F. Knutti
  • Patent number: 5480454
    Abstract: A control system and method for prosthetic devices is provided. The control system comprises a transducer for receiving movement from a body part for generating a sensing signal associated with that movement. The sensing signal is processed by a linearizer for linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part. The linearized sensing signal is normalized to be a function of the entire range of body part movement from the no-shrug position of the moveable body part through the full-shrug position of the moveable body part. The normalized signal is divided into a plurality of discrete command signals. The discrete command signals are used by typical converter devices which are in operational association with the prosthetic device. The converter device uses the discrete command signals for driving the moveable portions of the prosthetic device and its sub-prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Richard J. Bozeman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5458655
    Abstract: A control system and method for prosthetic devices is provided. The control system comprises a transducer for receiving movement from a body part for generating a sensing signal associated with that movement. The sensing signal is processed by a linearizer for linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part. The linearized sensing signal is normalized to be a function of the entire range of body part movement from the no-shrug position of the moveable body part through the full-shrug position of the moveable body part. The normalized signal is divided into a plurality of discrete command signals. The discrete command signals are used by typical converter devices which are in operational association with the prosthetic device. The converter device uses the discrete command signals for driving the moveable portions of the prosthetic device and its sub-prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Richard J. Bozeman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5376128
    Abstract: A control system and method for prosthetic devices is provided. The control system comprises a transducer for receiving movement from a body part for generating a sensing signal associated with that movement. The sensing signal is processed by a linearizer for linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part. The linearized sensing signal is normalized to be a function of the entire range of body part movement from the no-shrug position of the moveable body part through the full-shrug position of the moveable body part. The normalized signal is divided into a plurality of discrete command signals. The discrete command signals are used by typical converter devices which are in operational association with the prosthetic device. The converter device uses the discrete command signals for driving the moveable portions of the prosthetic device and its sub-prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Richard J. Bozeman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4547912
    Abstract: Amputation apparatus for use with an internal prosthesis attachable to the end of a stump having an outwardly extending bone. The amputation apparatus includes a cap having an internal cavity for insertion over the bone and an opposed outwardly extending boss. A plate having an internal cavity is mountable over the outwardly extending boss of the cap. The plate has a radial extent substantially greater than the radial extent of the cap to define an equal weight distribution surface for internal and external forces over the entire bottom surface of the stump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventor: Carole J. Sherva-Parker