Abstract: A prosthetic liner includes a flexible elongate, generally conical body portion formed from an elastomeric material. The body portion defines an inner surface, an outer surface forming a liner profile between a distal end and a proximal end, and an axis extending between the distal and proximal ends. At least one seal element extends circumferentially about the axis and protrudes radially outward a distance from the liner profile. The at least one seal element has a seal height defined between the liner profile and a radially outward end of the at least one seal element. The seal height varies circumferentially about the axis between a first seal height and a second seal height.

Abstract: Battery operated prostheses and systems having increased energy efficiency are disclosed. A prosthesis includes a first and second limb member coupled to an actuator to form a joint. The prosthesis further includes a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the actuator. The actuator uses energy received from the rechargeable battery to actuate the first limb member relative to the second limb member. During at least a portion of a gait cycle of a wearer of the prosthesis, the actuator converts kinetic energy into first electrical energy that is greater than second electrical energy supplied to the actuator from the rechargeable battery. The prosthesis further includes a recharging circuit. The recharging circuit can receive at least a portion of the first electrical energy from the electric actuator and can supply some of the at least a portion of the first electrical energy to the rechargeable battery to recharge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthopedic joint of a lower extremity in at least one degree of freedom by an adjustable actuator for adjusting an orthopedic apparatus to walking situations that differ from walking on a plane. The orthopedic apparatus includes a top connector connected to a limb and an orthopedic element that is arranged in a hinged manner distal to the top connector.

Abstract: The disclosure provides example apparatus and methods for automatically adjusting a socket size of a prosthesis. The apparatus includes (a) the prosthesis having a socket configured to receive a limb, (b) a first opening in a socket wall, (c) a first panel aligned with the first opening, (d) a first actuator coupled to the first panel and to the prosthesis, the first actuator is configured to advance and retract the first panel, (e) a first sensor coupled to the socket wall and configured to obtain limb-to-socket gap data, and (f) a processor coupled to the first actuator and the first sensor, wherein the processor is configured (i) to receive the limb-to-socket gap data, (ii) to determine a socket-size adjustment based on the limb-to-socket gap data and a predetermined socket-fit value, (iii) to generate and (iv) to send a command with the socket-size adjustment to the first actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated hand, such as a prosthetic hand. In one form, the automated hand may be fluid compatible. In one form, the automated hand may comprise features to reduce the risk of harm to motors and/or other sensitive components of the hand when subject to an impact. In one form, the hand may comprise a wrist joint configured to allow the hand to curl and flex and/or to rotate. In one form, one or more digits of the hand may be individually controlled. In one form the hand may include a thumb rotation locking mechanism. In one form the hand may be provided with removable grip plates. In one form, the hand may be configured for use as a training hand.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes transmission systems for use in artificial joints of assistive devices, such as assistive prostheses, orthoses, and powered exoskeletons. A variable transmission is configured to automatically or manually adapt the torque profile to the demand of different locomotion tasks, such as a relatively high torque and low speed profile for a task such as standing up or ascending stairs, or a relatively low torque and high speed profile for a task such as walking.

Abstract: An implant assembly for a long bone is adapted to support an exo-prosthesis. The assembly includes a stem, a subdermal component and a percutaneous post. The stem has a proximal end that is adapted to be received in a surgically prepared medullary canal of the long bone, and a distal end having a surface that is adapted to promote bone ingrowth. The subdermal component includes a proximal portion that is adapted for attachment to the distal end of the stem, and a fixation surface that is adapted to promote soft tissue fixation. The percutaneous post has a proximal end that is adapted to be attached to the subdermal component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand motion control system and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to a hand motion control system for a myoelectric hand, and to a control method thereof. The system enables not only grasping motions for grasping an object, but also the expression of hand gestures expressing emotions or intent, based on a limited myoelectric signal transmitted via two myoelectric sensors provided on the myoelectric hand. Furthermore, the system enables a wide variety of hand postures and grasp types that are determined by the position of a thumb, which can be changed by a user, thus easily expanding the range of applications of the myoelectric hand.

Abstract: A prosthetic interface includes a body portion having an open proximal end and a closed distal end including a distal cup. The body portion includes a membrane component having a flexible configuration defining an internal flow space extending along a length of the membrane component between an inner side arranged to face a skin surface of a residual limb and an outer side arranged to face away from the skin surface. At least one material coating is selectively applied to the membrane component that interacts with at least one of the membrane component and the distal cup to define at least one breathable region along the inner side that allows fluid flow between the internal flow space and the residual limb, and at least one impermeable region along the outer side that allows for vacuum suspension between the prosthetic interface and a prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: A method for performing a cranioplasty includes the steps of prefabricating a sonolucent craniofacial implant based upon information generated by preoperative scans, creating a cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect, and attaching the craniofacial implant to the cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect. The craniofacial implant is composed of a material that is sonolucent and exhibits attenuation of less than 6 dB/cm.

Abstract: A method for performing a cranioplasty includes the steps of prefabricating a sonolucent craniofacial implant based upon information generated by preoperative scans, creating a cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect, and attaching the craniofacial implant to the cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect. The craniofacial implant is composed of a material that is sonolucent and exhibits attenuation of less than 6 dB/cm.

Abstract: Protein-based subretinal implants offer a new approach to restoring vision for patients blinded by conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The present invention relates to bacteriorhodopsin-based (BR-based) retinal implants that can be implanted in a subretinal position to replace degenerated photoreceptor cells.

Abstract: An assistive exoskeleton glove system for a hand of an individual is described. In one example, the system includes a brace mount and a finger brace including a seat platform mechanically coupled to the brace mount. The finger brace can include a plurality of brace links, a plurality of constraint links, and an actuation lever. The system can also include an actuator mechanically coupled to the actuation lever and configured to articulate the finger brace over a predetermined range of motion. The range of motion can be tailored for different purposes. The system can also include finger abduction and adduction mechanisms, a thumb brace, a thumb flexion actuator, and a control system. The control system can be configured to detect a relative difference in feedback signals provided from target and offset encoders on the finger brace, as an input to control the actuator, and real-time grasping forces among other inputs.

Abstract: The improved endoprosthetic device surface treatment encourages soft tissue attachment thereto. A porous mesh surface treatment creates on an outer surface of the endoprosthetic device a three-dimensional surface structure similar to cancellous bone. Suture attachment features are provided at various locations around the treated surface structure to initially affix a vascularized soft tissue to the treated surface. As the patient heals the soft tissue grows and infiltrates the porous mesh surface to achieve an attachment strength substantially equal to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A dynamic reversible electromagnetic locking element for locking the shoulder joint of a patient, in particular, in the form of a shoulder orthosis or a shoulder prosthesis, and methods for implementing the same. The dynamic reversible electromagnetic locking element has a ball and socket configuration to assist in operation of a glenohumeral joint (GHJ) in the patient.

Abstract: An enveloping body for at least partly enveloping a limb, comprising an enclosed volume and a connection for supplying fluid to the volume and discharging it from the volume, wherein the enveloping body defines an inner circumference and an outer circumference, wherein the inner circumference of the enveloping body increases as the pressure of the volume increases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic socket (10) having a longitudinal axis X for attachment to a limb of a patient having first and second sides (A, B) which comprises a first portion (20) having a first edge (22), a second edge (24) a first end (26) and a second end (28) and second portion (30) having a first edge (32) a second edge (34) a first end (36) and a second edge (38). A hinge (40) is connecting the first edge (22) of the first portion (20) to the first edge (32) of the second portion (30) and a clasp (50) is provided between the second edge (24) of the first portion (20) and the second edge (34) of the second portion (30). Such an arrangement allows for a prosthetic socket (10) to be more easily attached and removed to a patients limb.

Abstract: A system and method for a prosthetic assembly that includes a first prosthetic component, comprising a prosthetic hand base; a set of second prosthetic components, comprising a set of prosthetic fingers, and a set of actuating systems, wherein one actuating system connects a pair of distinct prosthetic components, enabling actuation of one prosthetic component with respect to the other. Each actuating system, from the set of actuating systems, includes a linkage and a sensored brushless motor; wherein the sensored brushless motor comprises a brushless motor, a field oriented control system, a rotary encoder, and a gearbox.

Abstract: A prosthesis or orthosis for a joint, such as an ankle, which includes a first body, a second body, and an articulated joint between the first and second bodies, the articulated joint allowing the rotation of the first and second bodies with respect to one another around a joint rotation axis. It further includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the rotation between the first and second bodies in one direction, when it is in a locked configuration, and a transmission mechanism such that a rotation of the joint rotation axis generates a movement of a lockable part of the locking mechanism. The axis of the movement of the lockable part is shifted relative to the joint rotation axis and the transmission mechanism includes a reducer configured to reduce effort to lock the rotation of the first body with respect to the second body.