Abstract: A first exoskeleton is in communication with a central server or a peripheral device. The first exoskeleton collects first data and transmits the first data to the central server or peripheral device. The central server or peripheral device generates second data using the first data and transmits the second data to the first exoskeleton or a second exoskeleton.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes first and second support structures configured to be coupled to a wearer of the exoskeleton. A joint connects the first and second support structures, the joint enabling relative movement between the first and second structures. First and second cord loops connect the first and second support structures. At least one motor twists and thereby shortens the first and second cord loops, wherein shortening of the first cord loop causes relative movement of the first and second support structures about the joint in a first direction, and shortening of the second cord loop causes relative movement of the first and second support structures about the joint in a second, opposite direction. A brake mechanism prevents relative movement of the first and second support structures about the joint in at least one of the first and second directions if one of the first and second cord loops breaks.

Abstract: Use of an exoskeleton by a wearer of the exoskeleton is improved through several features. In a first feature, the exoskeleton enters a gait therapy preparation mode to prepare the wearer for subsequent gait therapy. In a second feature, the exoskeleton enters a balance training mode to help the wearer learn to balance while wearing the exoskeleton. In a third feature, the exoskeleton prompts the wearer to shift weight and/or automatically shifts the wearer's weight in a center of pressure control mode. In a fourth feature, an element of variability is introduced into trajectory cycles performed by the exoskeleton in a trajectory cycle mode. Overall, the various disclosed operating modes can be used individually or in various combinations to enhance the rehabilitation or training of the wearer.

Abstract: A system and method by which movements desired by a user of a lower extremity orthotic is determined and a control system automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components to enable the user, having mobility disorders, to walk, as well as perform other common mobility tasks which involve leg movements, perhaps with the use of a gait aid.

Abstract: An exoskeleton comprises at least one load-bearing element including a flexible hose, sleeve or cable having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion is engageable with a load and is configured to transfer a weight of the load to the hose, sleeve or cable. The hose, sleeve or cable is configured to transfer the weight of the load from the first end portion to the second end portion, and the second end portion is configured to transfer the weight of the load to a support surface upon which the exoskeleton is supported.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device provides for selectively adjusting an exoskeleton hip pivot/pivot position in the sagittal plane relative to the position of the hip pivot of a wearer of the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton hip pivots/pivot positions can be shifted forward or rearward relative to the hip pivots of the wearer and can either be automatically actuated by an exoskeleton control system or manually adjusted by the exoskeleton wearer. The invention particularly allows for differential hip placement in order to compensate for changing load or actuation conditions.

Abstract: An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a user includes a plurality of interconnected support elements constituted by rigid compression members interconnected through a tensegrity joint. The joint includes a tensile member having a first end and a second end coupled to first and second ones of the support elements respectively.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes first and second supports coupled to an exoskeleton wearer, a joint connecting the first support to the second support and an actuator. The actuator includes a ball screw, a ball nut assembly coupled to the ball screw and first and second tensile members. The ball nut assembly has first and second cord reactors. The first tensile member is routed through the first cord reactor, and the second tensile member is routed through the second cord reactor. Movement of the ball nut assembly along the ball screw in a first direction causes the second support to move relative to the first support in a first rotational direction about the joint. Movement of the ball nut assembly along the ball screw in a second direction causes the second support to move relative to the first support in a second rotational direction about the joint.

Abstract: A system and method by which movements desired by a user of a lower extremity orthotic is determined and a control system automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components to enable the user, having mobility disorders, to walk, as well as perform other common mobility tasks which involve leg movements, perhaps with the use of a gait aid.

Abstract: An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a user includes a plurality of interconnected support elements constituted by rigid compression members interconnected through a tensegrity joint. The joint includes a tensile member having a first end and a second end coupled to first and second ones of the support elements respectively.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device includes a first brace coupled to a first portion of a wearer of the exoskeleton device and a second brace coupled to a second portion of the wearer. A first joint connects the first and second braces and allows relative movement between the first and second braces. A first brake is controllable between an unactuated state and a plurality of actuated states, and the first brake impedes relative movement between the first and second braces at the first joint while the first brake is in one of the plurality of actuated states. A manual actuator is selectively used by the wearer during relative movement between the first and second braces. Use of the actuator causes the first brake to enter one of the plurality of actuated states such that relative movement between the first and second braces is impeded at the first joint.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes first and second compression members configured to be coupled to a wearer of the exoskeleton. A tensegrity joint connects the first compression member to the second compression member, the joint including a tensile member having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the first compression member on a first side of the joint, and the second end is coupled to the first compression member on a second side of the joint opposite the first side.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes a first link that pivots in a transverse plane about a first vertical axis and a second link that pivots in a transverse plane about a second vertical axis. The second link is coupled to the first link. An arm support assembly is coupled to the second link and pivots about a horizontal axis. The arm support assembly includes a spring that generates an assistive torque that counteracts gravity. The arm support assembly provides the assistive torque to an arm of a wearer to support the arm of the wearer. The arm support assembly further includes a cam profile and a cam follower. Contact between the spring, cam follower and cam profile determines an amount of the assistive force provided by the arm support assembly. A cuff is coupled to the arm support assembly and the arm of the wearer.

Abstract: An orthotic system includes a controller, a joint and a fail-safe system for the joint. In a preferred embodiment, the orthotic system is an exoskeleton, the joint is a knee joint and the fail-safe system is a normally engaged brake that is controlled by the controller. The brake is engaged when the controller fails or the exoskeleton is powered off. The exoskeleton also includes an electrical or mechanical brake disengagement mechanism, separate from the controller, so that an exoskeleton user can disengage the brake when desired. The exoskeleton can also include an override mechanism that prevents the brake disengagement mechanism from functioning when the exoskeleton is powered on and the controller has not failed. Additionally, the exoskeleton can include a user interface at one location, with the brake disengagement mechanism located at a different, limited access location, so that the user cannot accidentally activate the brake disengagement mechanism.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes strapping for coupling the exoskeleton to a wearer. The exoskeleton also includes a hip structure, a thigh link rotatably connected to the hip structure and a shank link rotatably connected to the thigh link. The weight of the exoskeleton is transferred to a surface on which the exoskeleton is standing through the hip structure, the thigh link and the shank link. An arm brace supports an arm of the wearer, and a telescopic link is rotatably connected to the arm brace. An energy storage device delivers power to a tool through a conduit, and a conduit-energy storage device coupling connects the conduit to the energy storage device.

Abstract: A lower extremity exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes: leg supports configurable to be coupled to the person's lower limbs and designed to rest on the ground during stance phases, with each leg support having a thigh link and a shank link; two knee joints, each configured to allow flexion and extension between respective shank and thigh links; an exoskeleton trunk configurable to be coupled to the person's upper body, rotatably connectable to the thigh links of the leg supports, allowing for the flexion and extension between the leg supports and the exoskeleton trunk; two hip actuators configured to create torques between the exoskeleton trunk and the leg supports; and at least one power unit capable of providing power to the hip actuators. In use, power is supplied to the hip actuators in an amount to reduce the energy consumed by a user during a walking cycle.

Abstract: An exoskeleton comprises a torso brace, configured to be coupled to a torso of a user, and a leg support, configured to be coupled to a leg of the user. A plurality of links couples the torso brace to the leg support. The plurality of links includes a first link, coupled to the torso brace at a first pivot point, and a second link, coupled to the leg support at a second pivot point. The first link is coupled to the second link through a third pivot point located between the first and second pivot points. The first pivot point enables adduction of the leg support, and the third pivot point enables abduction of the leg support.

Abstract: An ambulatory exoskeleton can be selectively operated in at least two different modes, with one mode constituting an unworn propulsion mode, used when the exoskeleton is not worn by a user, and another mode constituting a default or worn propulsion mode, used when the exoskeleton is worn by a user. With this arrangement, a physical therapist, or other operator, wishing to move an unworn exoskeleton, can balance the unworn exoskeleton, while simultaneously utilizing a control system and actuators of the exoskeleton to propel the unworn exoskeleton. Therefore, the exoskeleton walks by taking steps forward, as commanded by the operator using any of a plurality of input arrangements, while the operator balances and steers the exoskeleton by physically guiding the exoskeleton using a handle or other interaction surface of the exoskeleton.

Abstract: An exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes an exoskeleton trunk connected to first and second leg supports at respective hip joints, which allow for flexion and extension about respective hip axes. A counterweight device including an auxiliary mass is connected to the exoskeleton trunk through an actuator such that the auxiliary mass extends in a position behind the exoskeleton trunk. A front load is supported by the exoskeleton through a load bearing device including a load shifting device for selectively operating powered reel mechanisms to raise or lower the front load with respect to the exoskeleton trunk. The auxiliary mass can be selectively shifted with respect to the exoskeleton trunk to balance the moment created about the hip axes by the auxiliary mass and the moment created by a downward force of the load on the load bearing device.

Abstract: A lower extremity orthosis is configured to be coupled to across at least one joint of a person for gait assistance and can incorporate knee, thigh, hip and ankle/foot assistive orthotic devices which can be used in various combinations to aid in the rehabilitation and restoration of muscular function in patients with impaired muscular function or control.