Patents Assigned to Tensegrity Prosthetics Inc.
  • Publication number: 20110208322
    Abstract: An artificial foot device may include a talus body, a core operatively coupled with the talus body by a first joint, and a toe operatively coupled with the core by a second joint. A vertical restraint link between the toe and the core and provides a coupling for the second joint. A toe insert limits motion of the toe relative to the core. A toe bushing receives a tension member for operatively coupling the toe to the talus body. The vertical restraint link, toe insert and bushing constrains relative movement between the core and the toe at the second joint. Relative movement of the core and the talus body at the first joint is guided and constrained by pivot bearings. Constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core corresponds to a coordinated movement of a first joint and a second joint during ambulation of a natural human foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Tensegrity Prosthetics Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome R. Rifkin, Jerome Keane
  • Publication number: 20110093091
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a prosthetic, orthotic, or robotic foot having at least two joints. One joint is located in a position analogous to the human MTP joint, and the other is located in a position analogous to the human subtalar joint. Motions of these two joints are mechanically couples. Furthermore, these joints are created using “tensegrity” design principals, where connections between the compression members are made by a network of tension members. These tension members create axes of motion, and limitations on those axes of motion. Actuators or linear elastic “springs” are use to alter the torque/angular deflection response curve of these joints, so that the rollover profile of the human foot can be duplicated by this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Tensegrity Prosthetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Rifkin
  • Publication number: 20110015762
    Abstract: An artificial foot device may include a talus body, a core operatively coupled with the talus body by a first joint, and a toe operatively coupled with the core by a second joint. The first joint may provide for constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core. The second joint may provide for constrained relative movement between the core and the toe. Constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core may substantially correspond to a coordinated movement of a first natural joint and a second natural joint during ambulation of a natural human foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Tensegrity Prosthetics Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome R. Rifkin