Abstract: An apparatus comprising an arm band and an electromyographic (EMG) control module is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electromygraphic (EMG) control module configured to receive EMG information generated by an individual; identify a gesture class based on the EMG information, and train using the received EMG information and the gesture class. The gesture class corresponds to an intended gesture made by the individual.

Abstract: A system for physical rehabilitation is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of motors configured to be coupled to a ceiling, and a plurality of cable portions. Each cable portion is connected at a first end to a motor, among the plurality of motors, and connected at a second end to a connector element for attaching to a patient. The system also comprises a controller in operative communication with the plurality of motors to move the connector element in relation to a staircase. The controller is configured to adjust one or both of position and speed of the connector element based on tracked kinematics of the patient as the patient moves along the staircase.

Abstract: A system for utilizing wearable, wireless-connected sensors that record both IMU and EMG muscle activity for rehabilitation with kinematic monitoring is disclosed. The system runs an efficient quaternion-based complementary filter that estimates the sensor orientation while correcting for estimate drift and constraining magnetometer estimates to only influence heading. The difference in the two sensor orientations is used to estimate the joint angle, which can be further improved with joint axis estimation. Thus, successful tracking of joint angle and muscle activity in a home environment can be accomplished with the sensors and a smartphone. Further, a system utilizing these sensors may include video-capable cameras configured for capturing a video of a pose of the user, and a game framework executable by a processor in communication with the sensors and the cameras.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a compact wrist rotator and flexor mechanism for use with a prosthetic hand. The wrist rotator and flexor uses a set of motors to provide a driven mechanism having two degrees of freedom, a wrist rotation and a wrist flexion. The rotator uses a motor with an inverted shaft gearbox combined with a worm gear and a face gear transmission to generate continuous and non-backdrivable rotation. The rotator is integrated into a flexor that uses a lead screw acting as a linear actuator to provide strong non-backdrivable flexion and extension. Due to the arrangement of the drives, the resulting wrist rotator and flexor mechanism has a low and compact profile.

Abstract: A device for supporting a wheelchair includes a frame and a support system. The first end of the frame is attached to an axle of the wheelchair. The second end of the frame is attached to a wheel for allowing translation of the device over a surface. The support system is coupled to the frame and may be positioned to catch a back of the wheelchair upon reclining of the wheelchair during a wheelie. The position of the support system with respect to the frame is adjustable in order to catch the wheelchair at varying angles of reclining. As the user of a wheelchair develops skill in performing a wheelie, the position of the support system may be moved further away from the wheelchair.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices and, more particularly, modular myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods, are described. In one embodiment, a hand for a prosthetic limb may comprise a rotor-motor; a transmission, comprising a differential roller screw; a linkage coupled to the transmission; and at least one finger coupled to the linkage. In one embodiment, a component part of a wrist of a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, a planetary gear transmission, a clutch, and a cycloid transmission. In one embodiment, an elbow for a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, and a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a non-backdrivable clutch, and a screw.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the measurement of patient outcomes in a rehabilitation setting. In one exemplary method, an assessment relating to self-care is provided, an assessment relating to mobility is provided, and an assessment relating to cognition is provided, wherein the assessments have been pre-selected using item response theory.

Abstract: A system for physical rehabilitation is disclosed. The system may comprise a plurality of motors configured to be coupled to a ceiling; a plurality of cable portions, wherein each cable portion is connected at a first end to a motor and connected at a second end to a connector element; and a controller in operative communication with the plurality of motors to move the connector element in relation to a staircase.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a slip training device. The training device comprises an outer frame having two ends; a plurality of platforms disposed on the outer frame, and at least one rotatable element disposed below each platform for enabling the movement of the platform with respect to the frame. Each platform is configured to be either movable along the frame or stationary with respect to the frame. In use as a slip training device, a user steps on one end of the device and walks across the device, not knowing whether a platform is moveable or stationary. If the user steps on a moveable platform, then the user will need to use balance to prevent a fall. If the user steps on a stationary platform, then the user can walk across that platform normally. Whether a particular platform is moveable or stationary can be changed each time the user traverses the device.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and a metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP), comprising a first prosthetic digit comprising one or more first phalanges and a four-bar linkage to operatively couple the PIP joint to the MCP joint, a first engagement portion positioned on one of the first phalanges, the first engagement portion comprising a locking linkage extending along the phalange, the locking linkage being part of the four-bar linkage, and a first stopping portion comprising a stopping element configured to be positioned above the locking linkage, wherein the locking linkage is capable of engaging with the stopping element by passing the one of the first phalanges in which the locking linkage is positioned through a mechanical singularity to lock the first prosthetic digit such that each of the one or more phalanges is in a position of flexion in response to a force applied to the first prosthetic digit.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a compact wrist rotator and flexor mechanism for use with a prosthetic hand. The wrist rotator and flexor uses a set of motors to provide a driven mechanism having two degrees of freedom, a wrist rotation and a wrist flexion. The rotator uses a motor with an inverted shaft gearbox combined with a worm gear and a face gear transmission to generate continuous and non-backdrivable rotation. The rotator is integrated into a flexor that uses a lead screw acting as a linear actuator to provide strong non-backdrivable flexion and extension. Due to the arrangement of the drives, the resulting wrist rotator and flexor mechanism has a low and compact profile.

Abstract: Implementations of a quasi-passive assistive device are disclosed. Such a device may comprise a spring mechanism that increases stiffness similar to a biological ankle. In one implementation, the spring mechanism may comprise a piston, valve, springs, or other elements to match a biological stiffness profile similar to that of a biological ankle. In one implementation, an apparatus for an artificial ankle is disclosed, comprising a piston coupled to a spring and the piston connected to a valve. The spring and the piston may store energy during dorsiflexion of the ankle and the spring and the piston release energy during plantarflexion of the ankle. The piston may store and release energy through the use of the valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the diagnosis of chronic pain are disclosed. An algometer comprising a pressure sensor and electrode is disclosed. The algometer may be used to measure pressure applied by a clinician at a location on a patient's body, along with EMG signals emanating from the same location of the patient. Further, a pain trigger operable by the patient may be used in coordination with the algometer. Data from the algometer and pain trigger are transmitted to a computing device and display for rendering and analysis of patient data, leading to improved diagnosis.

Abstract: A system and method for automated detection of figure element reuse. The system can receive articles or other publications from a user input or an automated input. The system then extracts images from the articles and compares them to reference images from a historical database. The comparison and detection of matches occurs via a copy-move detection algorithm implemented by a processor of the system. The processor first locates and extracts keypoints from a submission image and finds matches between those keypoints and the keypoints from a reference image using a near neighbor algorithm. The matches are clustered and the clusters are compared for keypoint matching. Matched clusters are further compared for detectable transformations. The processor may additionally implement natural language processing to filter matches based on the context of the use of the submission image in the submission and a patch detector for removing false positive features.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powered wheelchair is disclosed. The method may comprise receiving first information from at least one user sensor coupled to a user of the wheelchair, said first information indicating the movement of the user; receiving second information from a reference sensor coupled to the wheelchair, said second information indicating the movement of the wheelchair; using the first information and the second information to prepare at least one instruction to move the wheelchair; and using the at least one instruction to move the wheelchair.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an arm band and an electromyographic (EMG) control module is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electromygraphic (EMG) control module configured to receive EMG information generated by an individual; identify a gesture class based on the EMG information, and train using the received EMG information and the gesture class. The gesture class corresponds to an intended gesture made by the individual.

Abstract: A system for utilizing wearable, wireless-connected sensors that record both IMU and EMG muscle activity for rehabilitation with kinematic monitoring is disclosed. The system runs an efficient quaternion-based complementary filter that estimates the sensor orientation while correcting for estimate drift and constraining magnetometer estimates to only influence heading. The difference in the two sensor orientations is used to estimate the joint angle, which can be further improved with joint axis estimation. Thus, successful tracking of joint angle and muscle activity in a home environment can be accomplished with the sensors and a smartphone. Further, a system utilizing these sensors may include video-capable cameras configured for capturing a video of a pose of the user, and a game framework executable by a processor in communication with the sensors and the cameras.

Abstract: A cam system for an assistive device and related methods are disclosed. The cam system may comprise a cam profile and a cam follower. The cam profile has a curved outer edge comprising a concave portion. The cam follower is positioned within the concave portion when the assistive device is in an equilibrium position. The assistive device may further comprise a spring that deflects in response to a force applied by the cam system. The assistive device may have a sliding element to adjust the stiffness of the spring in deflection. The assistive device may take the form of a prosthesis or an orthosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for operating a joint of a prosthesis during a phase of stance. In an embodiment, a method for such operation comprises determining a joint angle of the joint, determining a walking speed of the prosthesis, retrieving a torque value from a lookup table stored in a memory, on the basis of the joint angle and the walking speed, and initiating a signal to apply a torque to the joint of the prosthesis in an amount based on the torque value.