Abstract: A powered orthotic device for use with a limb having at least two joints includes at least two brace sub-assemblies. The first brace sub-assembly includes a first powered actuator assembly that receives a first sensor signal from a sensor selected from a group consisting of an electromyographic sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and combinations thereof. The first powered actuator assembly applies a first force for driving sections positioned with respect to a first joint to move relative to one another. The second brace sub-assembly includes a second powered actuator assembly that is configured to receive a second sensor signal from a sensor selected from a group consisting of an electromyographic sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and combinations thereof. The second powered actuator assembly applies a second force for driving sections positioned with respect to a second joint to move relative to one another.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device includes a brace, a finger engagement member, a thumb engagement member, and a hand actuator. The powered orthotic device includes a locking mechanism affixed to the brace, and a finger carrier assembly with a finger carrier to engage the fingers of the wearer, as well as an affixment member configured to be removably attached to the locking mechanism. The wearer dons the orthotic device, without assistance from another, by placing the set of fingers into the finger carrier and using a free hand of the wearer to affix the affixment member to the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device for use with a limb having at least two joints includes at least two brace sub-assemblies. The first brace sub-assembly includes a first powered actuator assembly that receives a first sensor signal from an electromyographic sensor. The first powered actuator assembly applies a first force for driving sections positioned with respect to a first joint to move relative to one another. The second brace sub-assembly includes a second powered actuator assembly that is configured to receive a second sensor signal from a sensor selected from a group consisting of an electromyographic sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and combinations thereof. The second powered actuator assembly applies a second force for driving sections positioned with respect to a second joint to move relative to one another. The second force is based on the first sensor signal or the second sensor signal.

Abstract: A powered orthotic system includes a wearable component having a brace, an EEG sensor, an electrically powered actuator assembly in communication with the EEG sensor, and a controller in communication with the actuator assembly that provides system parameters to control operation of the actuator assembly. The system also includes a control unit in communication with the wearable component. The control unit includes a processor that modifies the system parameters in the controller and a user interface, in communication with the processor, that permits user selection of the system parameters. The control unit includes an auto-calibration mode in which an initial EEG signal level is measured by the EEG sensor for one or more muscles of the user when the muscles are at-rest, and the initial EEG signal level is used to adjust an EEG signal level measured during subsequent operation of the wearable component.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device includes a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot, the first and the second sections moving about the pivot to define flexion and extension directions, such directions defining inside and outside regions of the brace respectively. The device further includes at least one set of straps that removably attach the first section and the second section to a corresponding limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment.

Abstract: A powered orthotic system includes a wearable component having a brace, an EEG sensor, an electrically powered actuator assembly in communication with the EEG sensor, and a controller in communication with the actuator assembly that provides system parameters to control operation of the actuator assembly. The system also includes a control unit in communication with the wearable component. The control unit includes a processor that modifies the system parameters in the controller and a user interface, in communication with the processor, that permits user selection of the system parameters. The control unit includes an auto-calibration mode in which an initial EEG signal level is measured by the EEG sensor for one or more muscles of the user when the muscles are at-rest, and the initial EEG signal level is used to adjust an EEG signal level measured during subsequent operation of the wearable component.

Abstract: A powered orthotic system includes a wearable component having a brace with a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are coupled to each other at a pivot. Each section is adapted to be removably attached to a corresponding first and second limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment. The first and the second sections are movable with respect to each other to define flexion and extension directions. The wearable component also includes an electromyographic sensor, an electrically powered actuator assembly in communication with the electromyographic sensor, and a controller in communication with the actuator assembly that provides system parameters to control operation of the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is coupled to the first and the second sections so as to apply a force that moves the first and the second sections in the flexion and/or extension directions and the force is based on signals from the electromyographic sensor.

Abstract: An orthotic device adapted to use one or more actuators includes a frame having a first section and a second section movably coupled to the first section in a coupling region to permit relative motion of the sections about a pivot axis. The frame is configured to receive at least one removably attachable actuator. The orthotic device also includes an actuator removably attachable to the frame. The removably attachable actuator is configured to move the sections relative to one another via a coupling in the coupling region. The removably attachable actuator may be a motorized actuator, a dynamic actuator with at least one spring, or both.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device includes a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot, the first and the second sections moving about the pivot to define flexion and extension directions, such directions defining inside and outside regions of the brace respectively. The device further includes at least one set of straps that removably attach the first section and the second section to a corresponding limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment.