Abstract: A suspension device for balancing a weight, especially a suspension device allowing a patient or a limb of a patient to be at least partially supported in a predetermined direction, includes a frame, a direction guide for the supportive movement, a lever for pivotal connection between the direction guide and the frame around a first axis and at least one spring assembly connecting the lever with the frame. The lever has a second pivotal axis in a distance from the connection between the first pivotal axis and the attachment of the direction guide. The at least one spring assembly is pivotally attached between that second pivotal axis and a fourth pivotal axis connected with the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for locomotion therapy is provided which includes a base (11), a first table portion (15) and a tilting mechanism (12, 13) to tilt said first table portion (15) between a horizontal position, an inclined or a vertical position. A foot mechanism (16) is mounted to the first table portion (15). Furthermore, the position of a second table portion (17) is adjustable with respect to the first table portion (15) to adapt the apparatus to patients of different heights.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for gait training has a movable base (200) comprising at least one drive unit (210) for moving the movable base, an arm arrangement (300) extending from the movable base, a weight support system (400) to enable a person to be at least partially suspended from above via said arm arrangement, a movement detector to detect a movement of the person and a control unit adapted to control said drive unit(s) in response to a movement of the person detected by the movement detector such that the movable base follows the person in a predetermined distance range and in a predetermined angular range with respect to a movement direction of the person.

Abstract: A method for an assessment of a movement of a limb-related point in a predetermined 3D space effected by a user displacing the limb in the 3D space is provided. The method includes the steps of providing display surfaces in the 3D space around the user, providing a limb position point connected to a portion of the user's limb associated to the limb-related point, and providing sensors to detect the limb position point in the 3D space in relation to the joint. A computer program calculates a direction defined by a straight line between the joint and the limb-related point and provides a representation of the position of the limb-related point in the 3D space as a function of a distance between the joint and the limb-related point on one of the display surfaces on the line.

Abstract: An apparatus for gait training, comprising: a movable base (11) comprising a drive unit (13) for moving the movable base (11), an arm arrangement (15, 16, 18) extending from the movable base (11) to enable a person (113) to be at least partially suspended from above, a movement detector (14, 115; 20; 21) to detect a movement of the person (113), and a control unit (119) configured to control said drive unit (13) in response to movement of the person detected by the movement detector (14, 115; 20; 21) such that the movable base (11) follows the person (113) in a predetermined distance range and in a predetermined angular range with respect to a movement direction of the person (113). The apparatus may comprise a projector (112) configured to project a path to be taken by the person (113) and a securing mechanism (21) to secure the suspension of the person (113) in response to a fall or stumbling being detected by a fall detector (21).

Abstract: An apparatus for automated walking training includes a frame or treadmill having a driven treadmill belt and a pelvis attachment to support a position and weight of a user. The pelvis attachment includes a displacement unit for allowing a movement of the user's pelvis held by attachment elements transverse to and/or rotating about a perpendicular axis to the walking direction of the treadmill to provide a more natural and physiological gait during training. A weight suspension unit having a cable guided over a guide roller positioned above and attached to the pelvis attachment may include a displacement unit adapted to move the guide roller perpendicular to the diverted section of the cable to influence the transverse position of an upper body of the user as well as to prevent a pendulum effect of the trunk of his body.

Abstract: Apparatus for locomotion therapy is provided which comprises a base (11), a first table portion (15) and a tilting mechanism (12, 13) to tilt said first table portion (15) between a horizontal position, an inclined or a vertical position. A foot mechanism (16) is mounted to the first table portion (15). Furthermore, the position of a second table portion (17) is adjustable with respect to the first table portion (15) to adapt the apparatus to patients of different heights.

Abstract: An apparatus for gait training, comprising: a movable base (11) comprising a drive unit (13) for moving the movable base (11), an arm arrangement (15, 16, 18) extending from the movable base (11) to enable a person (113) to be at least partially suspended from above, a movement detector (14, 115; 20; 21) to detect a movement of the person (113), and a control unit (119) configured to control said drive unit (13) in response to movement of the person detected by the movement detector (14, 115; 20; 21) such that the movable base (11) follows the person (113) in a predetermined distance range and in a predetermined angular range with respect to a movement direction of the person (113). The apparatus may comprise a projector (112) configured to project a path to be taken by the person (113) and a securing mechanism (21) to secure the suspension of the person (113) in response to a fall or stumbling being detected by a fall detector (21).

Abstract: A method to control a robot device that includes at least one manipulator which is moveable in an operating space, at least one actuator which actuates the manipulator, a sensor arrangement having at least one position sensor to determine the actual position of the manipulator and a controller which controls the actuator. The manipulator moves along an actual trajectory by means of an external force provided by an operator. The actuator provides compensation forces onto the manipulator influencing the torques or forces exchanged between operator and manipulator. The controller includes a conservative force field module having a conservative force field. The controller provides control signals for the actuator which provides the compensation force based on the control signals. The control signals are based on the conservative force field and on the actual position of the manipulator.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system for neurological disorders, especially for the rehabilitation of patients being in a vegetative state or minimal conscious state, comprises at least two sensors adapted to measure two different physiological values of the patient and a stimulation generator. Initially predefined target signals determined and based on parameters relating to the injury are generated and, during a rehabilitation session, compared with the measurement signals to drive the stimulation generators delivering sensory stimulation to the patient as feedback. The controlling processor is adapted to change the predefined target signals during a rehabilitation session based on the development or changes of the measurement signals of the different physiological values, to enable a faster and better improvement of the alertness of the patient.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the prestress of an elastic means around a predetermined tension or position can especially be used to adjust the height of and the relief force acting on a weight. A mechanic adjustment unit is connected in parallel to the elastic means to preadjust the value of the predetermined tension comprising a movable portion engaging the connection portion between elastic means and adjustment unit and a force exerting element being attached at said movable portion. The mechanic adjustment unit is in an unstable equilibrium position at said predetermined tension or position, the movement of the movable portion being such that the force exerting element adds an adjustment or compensation force upon deviation of the predetermined tension or position of the elastic means.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the prestress of an elastic means around a predetermined tension or position can especially be used to adjust the height of and the relief force acting on a weight. A mechanic adjustment unit is connected in parallel to the elastic means to preadjust the value of the predetermined tension comprising a movable portion engaging the connection portion between elastic means and adjustment unit and a force exerting element being attached at said movable portion. The mechanic adjustment unit is in an instable equilibrium position at said predetermined tension or position, the movement of the movable portion being such that the force exerting element adds an adjustment or compensation force upon deviation of the predetermined tension or position of the elastic means.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system for neurological disorders, especially for the rehabilitation of patients being in a vegetative state or minimal conscious state, comprises at least two sensors adapted to measure two different physiological values of the patient and a stimulation generator. Initially predefined target signals determined and based on parameters relating to the injury are generated and, during a rehabilitation session, compared with the measurement signals to drive the stimulation generators delivering sensory stimulation to the patient as feedback. The controlling processor is adapted to change the predefined target signals during a rehabilitation session based on the development or changes of the measurement signals of the different physiological values, to enable a faster and better improvement of the alertness of the patient.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the height of and relief force acting on a weight is especially provided to be used for walking therapy of paraparetic or hemiparetic patients within a locomotion training means. Said weight of the patient is supported by a cable. A first cable length adjustment means provides an adjustment of the length of the cable to define the height of said suspended weight. A second cable length adjustment means provides an adjustment of the length of the cable to define the relief force acting on the suspended weight. This allows a quick and reliable determination and adjustment of the height for different patients and of the relief force within the training program of every patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic machine, which is used in treadmill therapy (walking therapy) of parapetic and hemiparetic patients. The machine automatically guides the patient's legs on the treadmill. The machine includes a driven and controlled orthotic device, which guides the legs in a physiological pattern of movement, a treadmill and a relief mechanism. Knee and hip joints of the orthotic device each include a drive. The orthotic device is stabilized on a treadmill with stabilizing means in such a manner that the patient does not have to keep his/her equilibrium. The othotic device can be adjusted in height and can be adapted to different patients.