Abstract: A method of sensing ground contact with a lower limb prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. A first translational displacement between a frame and a connector can be sensed and then processed to identify an axial load caused by heel-ground contact. Additionally, a second translational displacement between the frame and the connector can be sensed and then processed to identify a torsional load caused by toe-ground contact.

Abstract: A traction device for a prosthetic running foot having a curved profile and mechanisms for attaching the traction device to the prosthetic running foot are provided. The traction device includes a sole portion for traction and a midsole for improved rollover. The traction device has fasteners (e.g., clamps) that attach to the top of the prosthetic running foot or a cavity that removably receives the toe of the prosthetic running foot. The traction device also has a strap that removably couples to a clip permanently or removably attached to the top surface of the prosthetic running foot.

Abstract: An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted suspension system is used to increase or maintain negative pressure or vacuum in a sealed socket cavity as a socket and prosthetic limb attachment mechanism. The system includes a vacuum pump having a housing that defines an enclosed space to receive a fluid. At least one wall of the housing and at least one movable wall define a fluid compartment. The system includes a compression transfer element connected to the at least one movable wall and connected to a prosthetic foot. The compression transfer element causes the at least one movable wall of the fluid compartment to move and increase the volume of the fluid compartment in response to a compressive force on the prosthetic foot to draw in fluid from the prosthetic socket. In the absence of a compressive force, the volume of the fluid compartment decreases thereby expelling fluid out of the fluid compartment.

Abstract: A strap tightener assembly has a base, a tightening device mounted on the base and movable relative thereto, and a strap assembly coupled to the tightening device. The tightening device provides incremental movement of the strap assembly relative to the base at a plurality of predefined settings. A cover extends over the strap assembly and connects to the base so that the base and the cover form a channel permitting movement of the strap assembly therethrough. The cover defines an elongate slot extending along a portion of a length of the cover, and the strap assembly has an indicator identifying the relative location of the strap assembly to the cover. A strap is securable to the strap assembly.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet having a split feature are described. The prosthetic feet can include a plate-like upper element and a plate-like lower element connected to the upper element. The plate-like upper element can include a split that separates the upper element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. A portion of the split can curve in a medial or lateral direction. Portions of the split can also be straight, but askew, from a longitudinal axis of the upper element. The plate-like lower element can also include a similar curved split that separates the lower element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. These features, among others, are designed to provide multi-axial movement capabilities of a natural human foot and enhance roll-over properties while in use.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second.

Abstract: An orthopedic component for use in orthopedic device includes a rigid frame and a flexible subshell connected to and extending flexibly outwardly from the rigid frame. The subshell may have a shell body and a perimeter edge portion defining a lip extending outwardly from a surface of a shell body and defining a clearance between the shell body and the lip. The subshell may include a plurality of slots and ventilated padding is used in combination with the slots. A tightenable fastener may be adjustably secured to the rigid frame and extend through an opening on the subshell, wherein the first side portion of the subshell is adjustable in location relative to the rigid frame.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged for dynamically treating the knee. The device includes a hinge assembly, a frame having an upper cuff and a lower cuff spaced apart from and connected by the hinge assembly, and a dynamic shell connected to the frame and extending along the first side of the brace. An adjustment system is connected to the dynamic shell and includes a tensioning element operatively engaging the shell and the hinge assembly. The adjustment system is arranged to increase and decrease tension in the tensioning element. The dynamic shell is arranged to be drawn toward the frontal plane as the orthopedic device goes from an extension orientation to a flexion orientation.

Abstract: An articulating connection or joint for a limb support device having a first support member and a second support member pivotably couples together the first support member and the second support member. The articulating connection can include one or more first articulating connection member, or load-bearing pin, and one or more second articulating connection member, or bushing, disposed about the first and second support members. The load-bearing pin is coupled to one of the support members and the bushing is coupled to another of the support members. The bushing is configured to rotatingly receive the load-bearing pin and interacts with an actuation member configured to apply a force on the load-bearing pin to eccentrically align the load-bearing pin relative to the bushing so that the load-bearing pin continuously follows and contacts a bearing surface of the bushing during use of the limb support device, thereby inhibiting noise generation from the interaction of the bushing and load-bearing pin.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: An adapter assembly allows mechanical coupling of prosthetic components such that a distal end of a socket adapter (160) extends below a top surface of a prosthetic (100). The adapter assembly may include sets of external threads (314, 324) to operatively engage internally threaded surfaces (170, 110) of the prosthetic and the socket adapter.

Abstract: A device for attaching to a limb comprises multiple layers of shapeable material having a curved configuration, said multiple layers together defining a first and second surface of said device, and a film having at least one mirror-printed image thereon adhered to at least one of said first and second surfaces of the device.

Abstract: A cover for a foot prosthesis comprises an opening at a top end of the cover, which extends into a cavity formed within the cover, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired rollover from heel-to-toe in a lateral-to-medial direction.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second.

Abstract: A method of sensing ground contact with a lower limb prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. A first translational displacement between a frame and a connector can be sensed and then processed to identify an axial load caused by heel-ground contact. Additionally, a second translational displacement between the frame and the connector can be sensed and then processed to identify a torsional load caused by toe-ground contact.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second.

Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface.