Patents Assigned to Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.
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Patent number: 9066817Abstract: A high torque active mechanism for an orthotic and/or prosthetic joint using a primary brake which can be provide by magnetorheological (MR) rotational damper incorporating and an additional friction brake mechanism driven by the braking force generated by the MR damper. This combination of MR damper and friction brake mechanism allows an increase in torque density while keeping the same level of motion control offered by the MR damper alone. The increased torque density achieved by this high torque active mechanism allows to minimize the size of the actuating system, i.e. its diameter and/or breath, while maximizing its braking torque capability. In this regard, the friction brake mechanism is advantageously positioned around the MR damper, such that the dimension of the package is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventors: Benoit Gilbert, David Landry
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Patent number: 9060884Abstract: An impedance simulating motion controller for orthotic and prosthetic devices includes an equilibrium trajectory generator that receives locomotion data regarding the locomotion of a user, a dynamic trajectory compensator that generates one or more control parameters based on the locomotion data and one or more physiological characteristics of the user, and a dynamic gain tuner that adjusts the one or more control parameters based on a gain scaling factor that is calculated using a measured deflection point and an expected deflection point. The adjusted control parameters are used to control movement of an actuator of an orthotic or prosthetic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventor: David Langlois
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Patent number: 8986397Abstract: The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Stephane Bedard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Publication number: 20130035769Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: VICTHOM HUMAN BIONICS, INC.Inventors: Stéphane Bédard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Patent number: 8323354Abstract: The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventors: Stephane Bedard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Patent number: 8231687Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Stéphane Bédard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Patent number: 8087498Abstract: The braking device is provided a set of shape memory alloy activators positioned, in an agonistic-antagonistic configuration on each side of a brake lever. Braking and releasing phases are dictated by the austenitic transformation of the shape memory alloy activators. During brake activation, shrinking of the braking activator brings the friction pad in contact with a rotating drum creating a braking friction torque. Once the brake has been activated, deformation of a flexible fiberglass component prevents brake releasing by applying sufficient normal force between the drum and the friction pad. Conversely, upon heating of the releasing activator, the pad looses its grip and the drum is free to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventors: Daniel Dupuis, Stephane Bedard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Publication number: 20110137429Abstract: A device and system for controlling an actuated prosthesis. The device includes a data signal input for each of the main artificial proprioceptors. Also, means for obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for at least some of the data signals, and means for obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals. A set of first state machines, and means for generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors, and a second state machine as also included. The system includes a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors as well as means for obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for at least some of the data signals, and means for obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.Inventor: Stéphane Bédard
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Patent number: 7955398Abstract: An instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Stephane Bedard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Patent number: 7867284Abstract: A method and a control system are used for determining a portion of locomotion and a phase of locomotion portion in view of controlling an actuated prosthesis in real time. The method comprises receiving a data signal from a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors, obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for each data signal, obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals, using a set of first state machines to select one state among a plurality of possible states for each artificial proprioceptor with the corresponding data and derivative signals, generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors; and using a second state machine to select the portion of locomotion among a plurality of possible portions of locomotion using events associated to the data signals. It is particularly well adapted for an actuated, above-knee leg prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventor: Stéphane Bédard
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Patent number: 7815689Abstract: The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventors: Stéphane Bédard, Pierre-Ollvier Roy
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Publication number: 20100262260Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: VICTHOM HUMAN BIONICS, INC.Inventors: Stéphane Bédard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Patent number: 7786699Abstract: A power supply charger for charging battery cells divided into at least two battery cell groups, each battery cell group having an associated protector circuit module. The power supply charger comprises, for each battery cell group, a power converter, a constant-current and constant-voltage device connected to the power converter for selectively applying a voltage from the power converter across the battery cell group and a current sensing circuit. The power supply charger further comprises, for each battery cell of a battery cell group, a voltage sensing circuit and a balancer circuit. Finally, the power supply charger comprises a micro-controller operatively connected to the various components and is so configured as to, for each battery cell group, selectively apply a voltage across the battery cell group or decrease the voltage of individual battery cells in the battery cell group in response to sensed battery cell voltage and battery cell group current.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Remi Demers, Stephane Bedard, Michael Poulin
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Publication number: 20100198289Abstract: A method and system for circumventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) by monitoring a plurality of indicators related to the likelihood of SUDEP, processing and monitoring these indicators for conditions predisposing to SUDEP, selecting a preconfigured treatment to treat the existing set of high-risk conditions, and delivering or triggering apnea and/or seizure treatment of a preventive or therapeutic nature to prevent SUDEP.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Nader Kameli, Willard Wilson
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Patent number: 7736394Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventors: Stephane Bedard, Pierre Olivier Roy
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Publication number: 20100016749Abstract: A method and system for sensing the vagus nerve in order to monitor respiratory activity, treating breathing disorders, such as, for example, sleep apnea and a generic bio-interfacing platform that may be adapted for either open-loop or closed-loop applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: VICTHOM HUMAN BIONICS, INC.Inventors: Willem Atsma, Nader Kameli
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Publication number: 20090299480Abstract: Disclosed herein a prosthetic or orthotic device having a joint portion and a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The device restores the normal capabilities and natural dynamics of a healthy joint for common activities. The compliant transmission assembly includes a compliant element. The compliant transmission assembly absorbs energy when a torque is applied. between a prosthetic or orthotic device portion and another adjacent device portion or the adjacent limb segment, of the user. The compliant element of the invention absorbs energy during flexion of a joint for the dampening thereof and releases this energy during extension of the joint for assistance thereof. Also disclosed herein is an actuator assembly, a torque sensor and an actuator locking device as well as a method for determining the torque of such prosthetic and orthotic devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventors: Benoit Gilbert, David Landry
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Patent number: 7597017Abstract: The present invention discloses locomotion simulator comprising a base having a surface movable along a base axis, a post mounted to the base a pelvic structure and a hip-thigh mechanism wherein coordinated displacement of the pelvic structure and pivoting of the thigh segment assembly simulates patterns of locomotion. The pelvic structure includes a first support movably mounted to the post, the first support allowing a displacement of the pelvic structure along a first pelvic axis generally perpendicular to the base axis and a second support movably mounted to the first support, the second support allowing a displacement of the pelvic structure along a second pelvic axis generally parallel to the base axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Stephane Bedard, Pierre Fecteau, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Patent number: 7314490Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventors: Stéphane Bédard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
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Patent number: 7230352Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrical power supply for providing electrical power to a load, the power supply comprising a plurality of energy storage elements each having a different operating characteristic and connected in an electrical circuit to the load, and a circuit element interposed between at least one of the storage elements and the load and operable to segregate the energy storage elements therefrom, the circuit element being selected to match supply of energy to the load to the characteristics of the storage elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics Inc.Inventors: Stéphane Bédard, Sylvain Gagné