Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a compact wrist rotator and flexor mechanism for use with a prosthetic hand. The wrist rotator and flexor uses a set of motors to provide a driven mechanism having two degrees of freedom, a wrist rotation and a wrist flexion. The rotator uses a motor with an inverted shaft gearbox combined with a worm gear and a face gear transmission to generate continuous and non-backdrivable rotation. The rotator is integrated into a flexor that uses a lead screw acting as a linear actuator to provide strong non-backdrivable flexion and extension. Due to the arrangement of the drives, the resulting wrist rotator and flexor mechanism has a low and compact profile.

Abstract: A prosthesis may include a fitted stump cover. The prosthesis may also include a socket fitted over the stump cover. The prosthesis may further include a ball attached to the socket. In addition, the prosthesis may include a shuttle locking mechanism attached in part to the ball. Further, the prosthesis may include a tool attached to the prosthesis by the shuttle locking mechanism.

Abstract: A joint configuration is proposed for a joint endoprosthesis forming a hinge joint, comprising a joint receptacle, which has a joint receptacle surface and a receptacle locking structure, and a joint body, which is receivable in the joint receptacle and has a joint body surface and a body locking structure. The joint receptacle surface and the joint body surface are movable in relation to one another into a position in which the receptacle locking structure and the body locking structure assume a locked position, in which they can be engaged for a locked state between the joint receptacle and the joint body.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a robotic arm including a plurality of links and a rope assembly. The method includes providing the rope assembly having a rope with a plurality of rope bearings threaded thereon; and attaching the plurality of rope bearings of the rope assembly to the plurality of links of the robotic arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a an attachment device for attaching a prosthesis to a bone, comprising: a base plate having an extension in an xy-plane; a first holder for holding a first abutment; a second holder for holding a second abutment; a locking plate attached to the base plate to restrict movement of the holders in a z-direction away from the base plate. The locking plate is configured to allow rotation of the first and second holder around a z-axis perpendicular to the xy-plane. The locking plate and the base plate is configured to allow movement of the first holder along the x-direction and to prevent movement the y-direction and to prevent movement of the second holder in the x- and y-direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of present invention is a segmented instrument having braking capabilities that includes an elongate body having a plurality of links and a hinge connecting a pair of adjacent links in the plurality of links. There is also brake assembly coupled to each link in the pair of adjacent links and positioned to span the distance between the pair of adjacent links. Another embodiment of the present invention is a segmented instrument having a plurality of links and at least one lockable and articulatable joint positioned to connect a pair of adjacent links in the plurality of links. In addition, the at least one lockable and articulatable joint is adapted and configured to increase the number of frictional surfaces available between the pair of adjacent links. There are also provided methods for controlling a segmented instrument.

Abstract: A wrist device for a prosthetic limb is provided. The device (1) comprises a base member (3) connectable to the wearer of the device, and a support member (13) connectable to the limb. The support member (13) is pivotably connected to the base member (3) such that the support member can pivot about a pivot axis (A) relative to the base member. A damping mechanism is located between the base (3) member and the support member (5). The damping mechanism comprises a pinion (47) connected to the support member (5) and rotatable about the pivot axis (A) relative to the base member (3). A rack (35) is engaged with the pinion (47) such that rotational motion of the pinion causes a linear motion of the rack, and at least one biasing member (41) extends between the base member (3) and the rack. The biasing member (41) biases the rack (35) and support member (13) into a neutral position. A prosthetic limb incorporating the wrist device is also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic limb with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus. The prosthetic limb includes a controller and at least one antenna in connection with the controller for transmitting and receiving signals, the at least one antenna including a housing of a segment of the prosthetic limb as a radiating element. The prosthetic limb further including a user interface incorporated therein and one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices. The user interface is integrally formed in the housing and includes a status indicator for displaying information. A flexible protective cover is disposed around a portion of the housing and covers the user interface, the flexible protective cover includes a translucent portion over the status indicator.

Abstract: A prosthetic wrist for attaching between an arm prosthesis and a prosthetic accessory includes proximal section, a central section pivotally attached to the proximal section with a first joint, and a distal section pivotally attached to the central section with a second joint. The second joint includes a second pivot axis that is substantially orthogonal to and non-intersecting with the first pivot axis. The distal section further includes at a distal end thereof a terminal device attachment mechanism. The first and second joints each include a proximal portion, a distal portion, a pivot, and a lock mechanism adapted for allowing angular selection between the proximal and distal portions and locking thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.

Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.

Abstract: A rotary actuator comprises a motor, gearing connected for driving by the motor, an output drive member and bearings for carrying the output drive member, wherein the gearing comprises wave generator gearing and the gearing is at least partially located radially within the bearings. In addition, an artificial limb member comprises an actuator to effect movement of the limb member, wherein the actuator comprises a motor connected to wave generator gearing.

Abstract: A multi-axis wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb. A cross piece, having first and second axes, can be coupled to the base plate. A prosthetic attachment can be coupled to the cross piece. The cross piece can enable a user to simultaneously flex the prosthetic attachment in two different axes. A first and second torsional spring can be coupled to the first and second axes, respectively, to enable the prosthetic attachment to be biased toward a center point.

Abstract: A wrist assisting apparatus can smoothly bend and stretch a joint even if a turning shaft of a joint and a rotation shaft of a wearing tool are deviated from each other. Also, an excessive load is not applied to a user. The wrist assisting apparatus of the present invention includes a palm support member for supporting a hand, angle changing members connected to sides of the palm support member, a front arm wearing tool disposed along the front arm, and joint members for forming a rotation shaft of the angle changing member with respect to the front arm wearing tool, wherein the angle changing members are provided on both sides of the palm support member, the joint members are provided on the angle changing members, respectively, and the joint members are located on both sides of a wrist.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a grip or grasp pattern of a prosthetic terminal device or other orthotic device using the position of the thumb or other digit as the initial determination of the grasping function. The system comprising sensors, an electronic control system and a motor drive.

Abstract: A wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb and a sliding lock plate that is slidably engaged with the base plate. Both the base plate and the sliding lock plate have openings. Also included in the invention is a semi-cylindrical rotator that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic hand. The semi-cylindrical rotator has slots configured to receive the sliding lock plate and is coupled to the base plate in a manner that allows the sliding lock plate to lock into the slots.

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.

Abstract: A wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb and a sliding lock plate that is slidably engaged with the base plate. Both the base plate and the sliding lock plate have openings. Also included in the invention is a semi-cylindrical rotator that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic hand. The semi-cylindrical rotator has slots configured to receive the sliding lock plate and is coupled to the base plate in a manner that allows the sliding lock plate to lock into the slots.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articular endoskeletal prosthesis 1 for providing a user with at least one of a mechanically operable pivoting wrist, elbow and shoulder joint. The prosthesis 1 has at least one elongate endoskeletal tube upper limb member 5 with a proximal end portion 6 having a pivotal connection 7 to a support body 9 therefor. One of said upper limb member proximal end portion 6 and said support body 9 has a fixed worm gear wheel means 19 and the other a drive motor 22 having a drive output worm 25 extending generally tangentially of said worm gear wheel means 19 for engagement with the gear teeth of said worm gear wheel means 19 so that when said drive motor 22 is operated, in use of the prosthesis 1, said upper limb member 5 moves around said worm gear wheel means 19 so as to pivot said upper limb member about its pivotal connection 7.

Abstract: A terminal device is described which is attachable to the end of a prosthesis on an arm and there serves as an attachment site for a variety of tools or implements designed to mate with the terminal device. The terminal device comprises a first main part in operable and pivotal combination with a second main part, the combined main parts providing on one end a device for attaching to the end of an arm prosthesis, and on the other a device for attaching a variety of implements, the said device for implement attachment providing articulation capabilities that allow positioning of the implements in a variety of positions relative to the position of the arm prosthesis.

Abstract: An anatomically correct, humanlike, mechanical arm and hand is provided that an operator can control to perform with the dexterity and compliance of a human hand. Being humanlike and robotic enhances the device's control and gripper dexterity. Control of the movement of the arm and hand is performed or guided by a "teachglove" worn by the operator. As he or she performs some hand manipulation, a controller stores signals from sensors on the exoskeleton. The sensors monitor the operator's finger-joint movement positions. These values are later translated into actuator control signals for servomotors, eventually duplicating the operator's movement.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for below-the-elbow amputees having a cuff, a stem, a housing, two hook-like fingers, an elastic band for holding the fingers together, and a brace. The fingers are pivotally mounted on a housing that is secured to the amputee's upper arm with the brace. The stem, which also contains a cam, is rotationally mounted within the housing and is secured to the cuff, which fits over the amputee's stump. By rotating the cammed stem between the fingers with the lower arm, the amputee can open and close the fingers.

Abstract: A derotation wrist brace providing a volar reduction force and allowing early movement of the radiocarpal joint is provided. A first pair of struts are attached to a forearm support member at their first ends. The second ends of the first struts are attached to a first rotation plate. A second pair of struts are attached to a hand support member at their first ends. The second ends of the second struts are attached to a second rotation plate. The first rotation plates and the second rotation plates are coaxially mounted on a pair of shafts.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a wrist capable of the range of motion and function of a human wrist, composed of a basic ball and socket joint, with the ball portion segmented vertically into as many flat portions as there are fingers to allow the first segment of each finger to attach to each ball segment, allowing independant up-down motion of the fingers, while retaining dependant motion of the fingers in the back-and-forth direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial hand or prosthesis with a carcase, a palm and a finger pair, a thumb and a link (20). Distinguishing for the invention is that the movement pattern of the thumb in relation to the movement of the finger pair, the pattern being provided by the palm on which the thumb is rigidly attached being pivotably connected to the carcase about a wrist turning point (B) and by the finger pair being connected to the palm via the finger joint turning point (A). A link mechanism comprising four joints (inter alia 29, A, B) controls the gripping movements of the prosthesis, and is driven by an electric motor located in the palm in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A device for moving objects about the inside of a closed container includes a grasping mechanism for grasping and releasing objects and an operating mechanism for operating the grasping mechanism and for moving the grasping mechanism about the inside of the container. The operating mechanism includes a pair of arm bodies each of which slidably move through a wall in the container along a linear pathway. As a result of the linear movement of the arm bodies, close tolerance seals can be used to seal the opening sufficiently to allow sliding movement without significantly disturbing the atomspheric and temperature conditions in the container. At least one of the arm bodies is composed of a pair of arm body portions, each portion having a surface slidable with respect to the other portion. The outer ends of the arm bodies positioned outside of the container are suitably coupled to a driver for moving the arm bodies along a linear pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated artificial wrist capable of simple repositioning of an artificial hand attached thereto. A presently preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a contractible spherical ball assembly that is normally expanded so as to tightly fit within a socket assembly. An actuating lever is provided such that, upon actuation, the lever causes contraction of the ball assembly, which allows for repositioning of the artificial hand. Release of the actuating lever secures the artificial hand in its new orientation by permitting the ball assembly to reexpand within the socket assembly. A second embodiment further provides for motorized rotation of the artificial hand independent of use of the actuating lever.