Abstract: A trunk-supporting exoskeleton for reducing muscle forces in a wearer's back during forward lumbar flexion comprises a supporting trunk, a first thigh link, a second thigh link, and an actuator, which includes an actuator first element and an actuator second element. When the wearer is in a forward-bent position, the actuator generates a first torque on the actuator first element and a second actuator torque on the actuator second element to generate extension torques between the first and second thigh links and the supporting trunk, thereby resisting bending motion of the supporting trunk in the forward-bent position. When the wearer is not in the forward-bent position, the actuator generates a substantially small first torque and second torque, resulting in small resistance to the movement of the thigh links relative to the supporting trunk during walking.

Abstract: An exoskeleton leg is wearable by a person. The exoskeleton includes a thigh link configured to move in unison with the thigh of the person, a shank link rotatably coupled to the thigh link and comprising at least one tooth, and a locking block coupled to the thigh link and comprising a locking face. Moreover, when the at least one tooth of the shank link contacts with the locking face, the shank link is prevented from flexion motion relative to the thigh link, but is allowed to extend relative to the thigh link.

Abstract: A leg support exoskeleton is strapped on as a wearable device to support its user during squatting. The exoskeleton includes a knee joint connected to a first link and a second link, which is configured to allow flexion and extension motion between the first link and the second link. A force generator has a first end that is rotatably connected to the first link. A constraining mechanism is connected to the second link and has at least two operational positions. In a first operational position, the second end of the force generator engages the constraining mechanism, where the first link and the second link flex relative to each other. In a second operational position, the second end of the force generator does not engage the constraining mechanism; the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other.

Abstract: A remote center joint 1 is configured to rotate segment 7 relative to segment 2 along axis 15. Remote center joint 1 comprises a segment 3 coupled to base segment 2 along axis 16. Segment 4 is coupled to segment 3 about axis 17 intersecting axis 16 at first point 22. Segment 4 is coupled to segment 7 about axis 18 intersecting first point 22. Segment 5 is coupled to segment 2 about axis 19 parallel to axis 16. Segment 5 is geared to segment 3. Segment 6 is coupled to segment 5 about axis 20 intersecting axis 19 at second point 23. Segment 6 is coupled to segment 7 along axis 21 intersecting second point 23. Segment 6 is geared to segment 4. Axis 15 of rotation of terminal segment 7 relative to segment 2 connects first point 22 and second point 23.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes two torque generators, thigh links, and a supporting trunk rotatably coupled to the thigh links. When a wearer bends forward in the sagittal plane such that the supporting trunk extends beyond a predetermined angle A with respect to vertical, at least one of the torque generators imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and a corresponding thigh link, thus imposing a force onto a wearer's trunk and thighs to aid in supporting the wearer in a bent position. The torque generators may be active or passive torque generators. When the supporting trunk does not extend beyond the predetermined angle A, the torque generators do not impose resisting torques between the supporting trunk and thigh links during the entire range of motion of the thigh links, thus enabling a wearer to walk, run, and sit without constraint while in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A neck supporting exoskeleton is configured to be worn by a person to support the person's head during backward extension motions of the person's neck. The neck supporting exoskeleton may comprise a torso frame configured to be coupled to the person's torso, a head pillow configured to contact the rear portion of the person's head during backward extension motions of the person's neck, a linkage allowing for relative motion between the head pillow and the torso frame in the sagittal plane of the person, and an actuator configured to impose a supporting force onto the head pillow. When the person's neck extension angle increases beyond an engagement angle, the actuator causes the linkage to impose a supporting force onto the head pillow resisting the backward extension motion of the head pillow and the person's head relative to the torso frame thereby providing a support for the person's head.

Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person’s lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person’s lower back, and the person’s lower back allowing said person to carry said load.

Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.