Abstract: A hand prosthesis (15) including a hand chassis (15), a thumb member (22) mounted on the hand chassis for rotation of the thumb member in relation to the hand chassis about an axis extending generally along the length of the thumb member, a motor (64) disposed on one of the hand chassis and the thumb member, the motor being operable to drive a worm (56) and a worm gear wheel (54) disposed on the other of the hand chassis and the thumb member, the worm being in engagement with the worm gear wheel such that, upon operation of the motor, the thumb member rotates in relation to the hand chassis.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive assembly including a head assembly and a cutting assembly coupled to the drive assembly. The cutting assembly includes a first blade having a first cutting surface and a first contact surface. The cutting assembly also includes a second blade pivotally coupled to the first blade. The second blade has a second cutting surface and a second contact surface. The first and second contact surfaces define a constant travel ratio.

Abstract: A robotic, prosthetic or orthotic member includes a body formed of a solidified metallic powder. At least one working fluid cylinder is formed in the body. A piston is provided in the working fluid cylinder for pressurizing a fluid in the cylinder. At least one working fluid conduit receives the pressurized fluid from the cylinder. The body, working fluid cylinder and working fluid conduit have a unitary construction. A method of making a robotic member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic terminal device includes a wrist interface portion, a passive element and an active element. The passive element includes at least two finger-like projections extending from a base in a direction substantially away from the wrist interface portion. The passive element is fixed in relation to the wrist interface portion. The active element is configured to be positioned relative to the passive element and the wrist interface portion to achieve a plurality of grasp positions of the prosthetic terminal device based on one dimension of closure control of the active element in combination with a plurality of different fixable orientation positions of the active element. Each of the different fixable orientation positions is associated with at least one grasp position and at least one of the fixable orientation positions is associated with at least two grasp positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device, comprising a proximal member (10), a medial member (20), and a distal member (30), which are each pivotably supported on each other, and comprising an actuator (80), which is coupled to a slidably supported coupling element (50), wherein the coupling element (50) is arranged between the proximal member (10) and the distal member (30) and is connected in a force-transmitting manner both to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30). According to the invention, at least one lever (40) is arranged on the coupling element (50), which lever is connected both to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30) and kinematically couples the proximal member (10) with the distal member (30).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of prosthetics, more specifically to a pinless anthropomorphic hinge or joint, and a digit comprising one or more phalanges connected by and articulating around pinless joints, whereby the joints provide compliant movement in more than one plane. This disclosure also relates to modular prosthetic systems comprising multiple digits, in particular for partial-hand replacements.

Abstract: A prosthesis (1) for providing at least one mechanically operable digit member. The prosthesis (1) has at least one digit member (3) extending generally tangentially with respect to a fixed worm gear wheel means (5) on a support member of the prosthesis and mounted for rotation about the worm gear wheel means axis (8). The digit member has a drive motor (7) operable to drive a worm means (13). The worm means (13) is in engagement with the worm gear wheel means (5) so that when the drive motor is operated, in use of the prosthesis, the digit member (3) moves around the worm gear wheel means (5), in which the worm means (13) is disposed outwith the digit member (3).

Abstract: A humanoid electric hand includes a metacarpophalangeal joint and an interphalangeal joint. The interphalangeal joint bends or extends together with a bending or extending operation of the metacarpophalangeal joint, by linking a finger motor for driving a finger to a worm deceleration mechanism, an output gear of which moves rotationally to bend or extend the metacarpophalangeal joint, and by linking the metacarpophalangeal joint to the interphalangeal joint via a link mechanism.

Abstract: A prosthetic hand system may include a plurality of prosthetic fingers and a prosthetic thumb. The prosthetic hand system may include a thumb drive mechanism that may be used to actuate the prosthetic thumb. In some examples, the thumb drive mechanism may be configured to enable the prosthetic thumb to perform a pinching or grasping motion and a release motion. The prosthetic hand system may also include a backlock that enables the prosthetic thumb to maintain pinching or gripping pressure after a motor has been disengaged. The prosthetic hand system may also include a gear lock that may be configured to lock a finger joint. The prosthetic hand system may also include an adaptive gripping joint that may be located on each prosthetic finger. In some examples, the adaptive gripping joint may be configured to passively adapt the plurality of prosthetic fingers to one or more differently shaped objects.

Abstract: A prosthetic or robot part, comprising a base, a proximal and a distal. The proximal is mounted on the base so as to be rotatable thereabout in a given sense. The distal is mounted on the proximal so as to be rotatable thereabout in the same sense to effect a gripping action of the prosthetic or robot part. The proximal and the distal are rotatable in the opposite sense to release the grip. One part of a drive of the part is pivoted to the base about a base pivot axis. Another part of the drive is pivoted to the distal about a distal pivot axis. The distal is also pivoted to the proximal about the said distal pivot axis. Thus the proximal, the distal and the said another part of the drive are all pivotable relative to one another about the said distal pivot axis.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a robot hand including a frame, a link member moving relative to the frame, a joint unit provided between the frame and the link member, a drive unit supplying power to the joint unit so as to rotate the link member, and a backlash removal unit supplying constant torque to the joint unit, even if a relative position of the link member to the frame is changed as the link member is rotated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand prosthesis comprising a chassis and coupling elements for fastening the hand prosthesis to the stump of an arm and comprising at least one joint for the flexion and extension of the hand prosthesis in relation to the coupling elements, the chassis being kept in a neutral position against a spring force.

Abstract: A gripping device that comprises a first moveable jaw and a second fixed jaw is disclosed. The gripping device has a handle operatively engaged to the first moveable jaw and a connecting link operatively engaged to the first moveable jaw. The connecting link is positioned in at least one of a first position or a second position. The change in the position of the connecting link allows the gripping device to have either a default closed position or a default open position, which can be defined by voluntarily-open or voluntary-close modes of operation, respectively. The first moveable jaw moves in either of the modes of operation. The change in the mode of operation is accomplished through use of a connecting link that is passed through a singularity during the switching process to achieve the different output positions and directions.

Abstract: An artificial hand includes a palm component having a plurality of finger sockets. A plurality of artificial fingers are received in a snap-fit engagement in the plurality of finger sockets of the palm component. At least one of the plurality of fingers has a locking slide including a plurality of locking teeth and a reverse lock including a locking cam, wherein the locking cam is engaged with the locking teeth to lock the finger in a preferred position. In a feature of the disclosed hand, the artificial finger further comprises a connector attached to the reverse lock, such that a tension applied to the connector through the palm component lifts the locking cam, disengaging the locking cam from the locking teeth of the lock slide.

Abstract: A mechanical finger comprises a plurality of phalanges coupled to a single actuator using a kinematic linkage and a differential linkage arranged in parallel. The mechanical finger is capable of exhibiting consistent predictable motion when moving in free space or when contacting an object at the fingertip, and of curling in order to conform to an object when the contact is at other locations on the finger.

Abstract: Artificial hand suitable for robotic applications or as a prosthesis, comprising a frame with a thumb and at least two fingers, and having a motor drive for adjusting the thumb and the fingers with respect to the frame, wherein the motor drive has a housing and an axle which is rotatably positioned within the housing, and wherein the housing is mounted in a first bearing supported by the frame to enable that the housing may rotate with regard to the frame, and that the thumb and fingers are drivingly connected with the housing and the axle respectively.

Abstract: A mesofluidic powered robotic and/or prosthetic finger joint includes a first finger section having at least one mesofluidic actuator in fluid communication with a first actuator, a second mesofluidic actuator in fluid communication with a second actuator and a second prosthetic finger section pivotally connected to the first finger section by a joint pivot, wherein the first actuator pivotally cooperates with the second finger to provide a first mechanical advantage relative to the joint point and wherein the second actuator pivotally cooperates with the second finger section to provide a second mechanical advantage relative to the joint point.

Abstract: A hand prosthesis includes a chassis to which at least one finger prosthesis is articulated. The finger prosthesis is swivelable about at least one swiveling axis by a drive that is connected to the finger prosthesis via a force transmission device. The force transmission device does not yield to tension and is flexible.

Abstract: A prosthetic terminal device includes a wrist interface portion, a passive element and an active element. The passive element includes at least two finger-like projections extending from a base in a direction substantially away from the wrist interface portion. The passive element is fixed in relation to the wrist interface portion. The active element is configured to be positioned relative to the passive element and the wrist interface portion to achieve a plurality of grasp positions of the prosthetic terminal device based on one dimension of closure control of the active element in combination with a plurality of different fixable orientation positions of the active element. Each of the different fixable orientation positions is associated with at least one grasp position and at least one of the fixable orientation positions is associated with at least two grasp positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finger element, comprising a carrier component (1), a first finger member (5) having a first articulated connection (2) to the carrier component, a second finger member (6) having a second articulated connection (7) to the first finger member, an actuator for the first articulated connection (2) with a motor having a drive shaft, and a worm gear having a threaded worm, and a toothed segment engaging on the threaded worm, and further comprising a coupling mechanism (8) between the first and second articulated connections. The object of the invention is to modify a finger element such that the finger element in the active and passive functions thereof and in the dimensions thereof comes very close to a natural finger. The object is achieved in that the threaded worm is positively mounted axially movably on the drive shaft and axially guided through separate guides.

Abstract: A mechanical finger comprises a plurality of phalanges coupled to a single actuator using a kinematic linkage and a differential linkage arranged in parallel. The mechanical finger is capable of exhibiting consistent predictable motion when moving in free space or when contacting an object at the fingertip, and of curling in order to conform to an object when the contact is at other locations on the finger.

Abstract: A gripping mechanism for gripping an object includes a base, a first gripping module, a second gripping module, and a driving device. The first gripping module is disposed on the base and has at least one receiving slot. The second gripping module is movably disposed in the receiving slot. The driving device is disposed on the base and connected to the first gripping module and the second gripping module. The driving device is operable to drive the first gripping module to switch between an opened state and a closed state, or drive the second gripping module to move relative to the first gripping module to enable the gripping mechanism to grip or release the object.

Abstract: A system is capable of controlling the movements of a hand so as to ensure a further stable grasp of an object. In a state wherein an object is in contact with a plurality of finger mechanisms and a palm portion by being grasped by the hand, the load to be applied to the object from each of the plurality of finger mechanisms can be adjusted. Thus, the position of the load center on the palm portion can be displaced so as to be included in a target palm area. Further, the load to be applied to the palm portion can be adjusted so as to fall within a target load range.

Abstract: A handling device for persons with a limited gripping function, in particular for gripping utensils such as pens, comprising an orthotic support adapted to be secured to a part of the body of the person; a utensil holder situated on the support, wherein the utensil holder includes gripping means; and a pneumatic, electric, or magnetic drive system or a combination thereof operative on the gripping means. Also described is a wheelchair, comprising the aforementioned handling device, thus allowing optimum carrying and operation or use of the device.

Abstract: An artificial joint with two degrees of freedom has two rotary motors that move the joint in one degree of freedom when operated in respective senses of rotation and move the joint in the other degree of freedom when one of the motors is reversed. The movement depends on balancing the operation of the motors, which are controlled by a microprocessor. Sensors on the joint are connected to the microprocessor in a closed-loop feedback. A prosthetic device includes a tendon received in one end of a slot in a movable member, whereby movement of the tendon moves the movable member. A prosthesis has two parts moveable relative to one another, an actuator, and a user control. A transducer connected to the control and the actuator provides signals indicating movement effected by the actuator. A prosthesis cover includes a silicone laminate and a reinforcing liner.

Abstract: A hand prosthesis (15) including a hand chassis (15), a thumb member (22) mounted on the hand chassis for rotation of the thumb member in relation to the hand chassis about an axis extending generally along the length of the thumb member, a motor (64) disposed on one of the hand chassis and the thumb member, the motor being operable to drive a worm (56) and a worm gear wheel (54) disposed on the other of the hand chassis and the thumb member, the worm being in engagement with the worm gear wheel such that, upon operation of the motor, the thumb member rotates in relation to the hand chassis.

Abstract: A method for movement of at least a finger limb whereby, in order to maintain a position of the finger limb, the electric motor is supplied with a current. In order to maintain a position of the finger limb, the electric motor is supplied the with less energy than the current which is supplied to the electric motor for moving the finger limb.

Abstract: The invention is a modular human hand prosthesis with modular, mechanically independent finger modules, which may be applied in prosthetics as a replacement of a single finger, a group of fingers or whole hand or arm, as well as in robotics as a gripper.

Abstract: A hand prosthesis includes a chassis and a finger prosthesis articulated to the chassis. A first drive is located in the chassis and is coupled via a force transmission unit to the finger prosthesis for moving the finger prosthesis about a first swiveling axis relative to the chassis. A second drive is located within the finger prosthesis and moves the finger prosthesis about a second swiveling axis relative to the chassis and relative to the first swiveling axis.

Abstract: A prosthetic finger that is able to provide independent natural movement to mimic a real finger. The present invention utilizes unique connections to provide users with natural movement and restore their ability to perform activities that require the full dexterity of their hands. Additionally, the present invention also allows users to interact with touch screens that normally would not work due to the insulating properties of other traditional prosthetic fingers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch module for prostheses, in particular for prosthetic grippers, arm prostheses or hand prostheses that comprise a chassis to which at least one finger prosthesis is articulated, the clutch module including a drive element, a driven element and a clutch device, which shifts between two gear stages depending on the torques applied to the driven element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a movable component of a prosthesis or orthosis. The method (100) comprises moving the component by means of a motor (102) and determining when movement of the component is arrested when the component bears against a surface (104, 106). Thereafter a plurality of driving electrical pulses are applied to the motor (110) in dependence on the determination and when movement of the component is arrested to thereby drive the motor so as to cause the component to bear against the surface with greater force.

Abstract: A mechanical finger comprises at least two phalanges. The phalanges have tubular bodies made of a semi-rigid material. One phalange is adapted to be secured to a base. Another phalange is connected to an adjacent phalange for pivoting movement with respect to the adjacent phalange. A skeleton member in the tubular bodies of the phalanges moves to actuate the pivoting motion of the phalanges with respect to one another. The skeleton member is connected to a degree of actuation to cause the pivoting motion of the phalanges with respect to one another. An assembly is also provided. The assembly comprises at least two of the mechanical finger, a palm actuator comprising a base for connection of the base phalange of each mechanical finger, and at least one degree of actuation connected to the skeleton member. The degree of actuation causes a grasping movement of the mechanical fingers.

Abstract: Artificial hand suitable for robotic applications or as a prosthesis, comprising a frame with a thumb and at least two fingers, and having a motor drive for adjusting the thumb and the fingers with respect to the frame, wherein the motor drive has a housing and an axle which is rotatably positioned within the housing, and wherein the housing is mounted in a first bearing supported by the frame to enable that the housing may rotate with regard to the frame, and that the thumb and fingers are drivingly connected with the housing and the axle respectively.

Abstract: A mechanical finger which visually and functionally resembles a human finger. The finger consists of three phalanges pivoted in their clevises. The first phalange is driven by a rod located in an arm and being connected to an actuator. The second and third phalanges are driven by tendons. The tension of the second phalange tendon is initiated by the movement of the first phalange and the tension of the third phalange tendon is initiated by the movement of the second phalange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finger element, comprising a carrier component (1), a first finger member (5) having a first articulated connection (2) to the carrier component, a second finger member (6) having a second articulated connection (7) to the first finger member, an actuator for the first articulated connection (2) with a motor having a drive shaft, and a worm gear having a threaded worm, and a toothed segment engaging on the threaded worm, and further comprising a coupling mechanism (8) between the first and second articulated connections. The object of the invention is to modify a finger element such that the finger element in the active and passive functions thereof and in the dimensions thereof comes very close to a natural finger. The object is achieved in that the threaded worm is positively mounted axially movably on the drive shaft and axially guided through separate guides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic finger (1) with a proximal member (10), a medial member (20) and a distal member (30) that are mounted pivotably on one another, and with a motor (40) which is arranged in the prosthetic finger (1) and which, via a gear mechanism, rotates the medial member (20) relative to the proximal member (10), said medial member (20) accommodating a longitudinally movable balance arm (90) which is connected via levers (91, 93) to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30).

Abstract: A voluntary opening prosthetic split hook terminal device is provided with an adjustable pinch force, functional grasping contours and illumination capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a tensioning mechanism that permits adjustment of the tension of a spring member to increase or decrease the pinching force of the device. The tensioning mechanism may be repositioned among multiple positions to vary the tension in a spring member. Movement of the tensioning mechanism utilizes principles of mechanical leverage in a way such that the force applied by the spring member does not need to be directly opposed in order to reposition the tensioning mechanism and the tensioning device will automatically lock into a selected position. Additional embodiments include digits with dual internal edges and logarithmic spiral contours for enhanced grasping of objects. Still further embodiments include illumination for functional and aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A functional prosthesis for a hand comprises an opening and closing mechanism for articulated fingers. A worm gear coupled to a DC actuator-motor provides linear movement to a displacement mobile which is coupled to articulated fingers of the artificial hand. When the actuator rotates in one direction, the displacement mobile moves in one direction, causing the fingers to open or close, depending upon the direction of rotation. Rotation of the actuator in the opposite direction will cause the fingers to move in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Presented invention provides mechanical finger which visually and functionally resembles the human one and will be primarily used in the prosthetic hands. The finger consists of three phalanges pivoted in their clevises. The first phalange is driven by the rod located in the arm and being connected to the actuator. The second and third phalanges are driven by the tendons. The tension of the second phalange tendon is initiated by the movement of the first phalange and the tension of the third phalange tendon is initiated by the movement of the second phalange. Degree of the movement of the first phalange is determined by the actuator and degree of the movement of the second phalange is determined by the amount of slack given to the first tendon by another rod located in the arm and being adjustable lengthwise or being connected to the second actuator.

Abstract: A mechanical finger comprises a plurality of phalanges coupled to a single actuator using a kinematic linkage and a differential linkage arranged in parallel. The mechanical finger is capable of exhibiting consistent predictable motion when moving in free space or when contacting an object at the fingertip, and of curling in order to conform to an object when the contact is at other locations on the finger.

Abstract: A hand prosthesis includes a chassis to which a number of finger prostheses are articulated. Each of the finger prostheses are movable relative to the chassis and toward one another about at least one swiveling axis via a drive that is connected to the finger prostheses by a force transmission unit.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system (10) for training hand movement of a user, the system comprising: a platform (24) to be attached to the hand of the user; a plurality of finger assemblies (71) operatively connected to the platform (24), each finger assembly (71) having: a motor (12), a proximal follower assembly (13) for a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint having a proximal rail guide (14) operatively connected to the motor (12), and an intermediate follower assembly (16) for a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint having an intermediate rail guide (17) operatively connected to the proximal follower assembly (13); wherein a knuckle joint indicator (22) of the proximal rail guide (14) corresponds to a first virtual center (30) and knuckle joint indicator (25) of the intermediate rail guide (17) corresponds to a second virtual center (31), the alignment of the knuckle joint indicators (22, 25) to the virtual centers (30, 31) enable motion of the finger to be controlled and maintain rotational axes of the finger about each

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 functional prosthesis for a hand comprises an opening and closing mechanism for articulated fingers. A worm gear coupled to a DC actuator-motor provides linear movement to a displacement mobile which is coupled to articulated fingers of the artificial hand. When the actuator rotates in one direction, the displacement mobile moves in one direction, causing the fingers to open or close, depending upon the direction of rotation. Rotation of the actuator in the opposite direction will cause the fingers to move in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating bladder emptying dysfunctions of a human, in which a catheter that can be inserted into the urethra is provided with a bladder emptying channel and with a balloon arrangement, which serves to seal the bladder and to hold the catheter inside the bladder lumen and which can be filled with a fluid. In addition, an automatically closing valve having an elastically held closure part is provided in a proximal end area of the catheter and is connected via a connecting channel filled with an actuating fluid to an actuating balloon placed at the distal end section of the catheter. Without the use of mechanical means, the closure part can be lead out of a sealing system solely due to a hydraulic action effected by the actuating balloon via the hydraulic pressure built up in the connecting channel at said proximal end section.

Abstract: A control device for a robot arm is designed such that, based on information on a transportation state database in which information on a transportation state of a person operating the arm is recorded, an impedance setting unit sets a mechanical impedance set value of the arm, and an impedance control unit controls a mechanical impedance value of the arm to the mechanical impedance set value thus set.

Abstract: A prosthesis (1) for providing at least one mechanically operable digit member. The prosthesis (1) has at least one digit member (3) extending generally tangentially with respect to a fixed worm gear wheel means (5) on a support member of the prosthesis and mounted for rotation about the worm gear wheel means axis (8). The digit member has a drive motor (7) operable to drive a worm means (13). The worm means (13) is in engagement with the worm gear wheel means (5) so that when the drive motor is operated, in use of the prosthesis, the digit member (3) moves around the worm gear wheel means (5), in which the worm means (13) is disposed outwith the digit member (3).

Abstract: An artificial hands having more than one articulated digit wherein the digits are biased in a closed position by springs, and digits are opened by a cord attached to the dorsal side of the digit and a lever, wherein the lever is rotatably mounted to an anchoring plate and pulled by a cable; wherein the cable is pulled manually by means of a shoulder strap, or electronically by a motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finger prosthesis comprising a base element, which is formed to receive forces and torques and can be provided with an elastic covering to achieve a natural appearance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a hand prosthesis comprising a chassis and a finger prosthesis arranged on it.