Patents by Inventor Christophe Lecomte
Christophe Lecomte has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20130060349Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device includes a body configured to support at least a portion of a human limb of a user wearing the prosthetic or orthotic device. The device can also include a shock absorption member coupled to the body. The shock absorption member includes one or more magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) springs disposed between a first portion of the body and a second portion of the body. The one or more MRE springs are selectively actuatable to vary a stiffness of the shock absorption member via the application of a magnetic flux, thereby adjusting a stiffness of the body of the prosthetic or orthotic device to a level corresponding to an activity level of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Ossur hfInventors: Freygardur Thorsteinsson, Ivar Gudmundsson, Christophe Lecomte
-
Publication number: 20120165958Abstract: A cover for a foot prosthesis comprises an opening at a top end of the cover, which extends into a cavity formed within the cover, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired rollover from heel-to-toe in a lateral-to-medial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Ossur hfInventors: Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Erla Sigridur Gestsdottir, Christophe Lecomte, Heidrun Gigja Ragnarsdottir, Hjordis Thorhallsdottir
-
Publication number: 20120078380Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, data may include information relating to a user's gait and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural ankle. The system may accommodate level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs or sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input, such as a heel height, or display output signals through an external interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: OSSUR HFInventors: Helgi Jónsson, Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Gudni Ingimarsson, Christophe Lecomte, Larus Sigfusson, Heiörún Gigja Ragnarsdóttir
-
Patent number: 8048172Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Helgi Jónsson, Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Gudni Ingimarsson, Christophe Lecomte, Larus Sigfusson, Heiôrún Gígja Ragnarsdóttir
-
Publication number: 20100004757Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: Ossur hfInventors: Arinbjorm Viggo Clausen, Grimur Jonsson, Christophe Lecomte
-
Patent number: 7347877Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen, Heidrun Gigja Ragnarsdottir, Christophe Lecomte, Hjordis Thorhallsdottir
-
Publication number: 20070156252Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2005Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: Ossur hfInventors: Helgi Jonsson, Arinbjorn Clausen, Gudni Ingimarsson, Christophe Lecomte
-
Publication number: 20070106395Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2004Publication date: May 10, 2007Inventors: Arinbjorn Clausen, Heidrun Ragnarsdottir, Christophe Lecomte, Hjordis Thorhallsdottir
-
Publication number: 20070050045Abstract: A system and method for sensing movement of a device associated with a limb. In one example, a prosthetic or orthotic system includes a sensor assembly configured to measure movement of a component of the system in a single direction while substantially isolating negative effects of forces and/or loads in other directions. For instance, the sensor assembly may be advantageously coupled to a pivot assembly configured to substantially mimic a natural ankle joint. The sensor assembly may monitor rotation of a foot unit about an axis of a pivot pin of the pivot assembly and disregard other movements and/or forces. For example, the sensor assembly may include a potentiometer that detects rotation of an associated elongated bellow portion about the axis, wherein the bellow portion includes a plurality of ridges configured to substantially eliminate effects of radial and/or axial forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2005Publication date: March 1, 2007Inventors: Arinbjorn Clausen, Christophe Lecomte, Larus Sigfusson
-
Publication number: 20070027557Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: February 1, 2007Inventors: Orn Jonsson, Christophe Lecomte, Arinbjorn Clausen, Heidrun Ragnarsdottir
-
Publication number: 20070021842Abstract: An energy returning prosthetic joint arranged for use as a knee joint in prosthetic limbs includes a biasing or spring member connected to upper and lower attachment members. The spring member includes a composite material having an energy returning property. A cushion may be provided within the range of curvature of the spring member, or be connected to frame members in order to limit motion of the spring member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: January 25, 2007Inventors: Magnus Oddsson, Vilhjalmur Jonsson, Christophe Lecomte
-
Publication number: 20060015192Abstract: A cover for a foot prosthesis comprises an opening at a top end of the cover, which extends into a cavity formed within the cover, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired rollover from heel-to-toe in a lateral-to-medial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2005Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventors: Arinbjorn Clausen, Erla Gestsdottir, Christophe Lecomte, Heidrun Ragnarsdottir, Hjordis Thorhallsdottir
-
Publication number: 20060004467Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact and torque-absorbing module for a low profile lower limb prosthesis comprises two support members telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element resists axial displacement of the two support members, and a torque resisting cuff resists rotational displacement of the two support members. Precompression of the resilient element can reduce the size of the shock module making it more compact. The resilient element can also be replaced allowing adjustment of the shock absorption.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2005Publication date: January 5, 2006Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Heidrun Ragnarsdottir
-
Publication number: 20050267603Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support. In another embodiment, the foot includes a gap between a lower front edge of an attachment adapter and the upper element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2004Publication date: December 1, 2005Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Hjordis Thorhallsdottir, Heidrun Ragnarsdottir
-
Publication number: 20050267602Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2004Publication date: December 1, 2005Inventors: Arinbjorn Clausen, Heidrun Ragnarsdottir, Christophe Lecomte, Hjordis Thorhallsdottir
-
Publication number: 20050071017Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact and torque-absorbing module for a low profile lower limb prosthesis comprises two support members telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element resists axial displacement of the two support members, and a torque resisting cuff resists rotational displacement of the two support members. Precompression of the resilient element can reduce the size of the shock module making it more compact. The resilient element can also be replaced allowing adjustment of the shock absorption.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: March 31, 2005Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Heidrun Ragnarsdottir
-
Publication number: 20050038524Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2003Publication date: February 17, 2005Inventors: Orn Jonsson, Christophe Lecomte, Arinbjorn Clausen, Heidrun Ragnarsdottir