Abstract: A prosthesis (1) for providing at least one mechanically operable digit member. The prosthesis (1) has at least one digit member (3) extending generally tangentially with respect to a fixed worm gear wheel means (5) on a support member of the prosthesis and mounted for rotation about the worm gear wheel means axis (8). The digit member has a drive motor (7) operable to drive a worm means (13). The worm means (13) is in engagement with the worm gear wheel means (5) so that when the drive motor is operated, in use of the prosthesis, the digit member (3) moves around the worm gear wheel means (5), in which the worm means (13) is disposed outwith the digit member (3).

Abstract: A prosthesis (1) for providing at least one mechanically operable digit member. The prosthesis (1) has at least one digit member (3) extending generally tangentially with respect to a fixed worm gear wheel means (5) on a support member of the prosthesis and mounted for rotation about the worm gear wheel means axis (8). The digit member has a drive motor (7) operable to drive a worm means (13). The worm means (13) is in engagement with the worm gear wheel means (5) so that when the drive motor is operated, in use of the prosthesis, the digit member (3) moves around the worm gear wheel means (5), in which the worm means (13) is disposed outwith the digit member (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides an articular endoskeletal prosthesis 1 for providing a user with at least one of a mechanically operable pivoting wrist, elbow and shoulder joint. The prosthesis 1 has at least one elongate endoskeletal tube upper limb member 5 with a proximal end portion 6 having a pivotal connection 7 to a support body 9 therefor. One of said upper limb member proximal end portion 6 and said support body 9 has a fixed worm gear wheel means 19 and the other a drive motor 22 having a drive output worm 25 extending generally tangentially of said worm gear wheel means 19 for engagement with the gear teeth of said worm gear wheel means 19 so that when said drive motor 22 is operated, in use of the prosthesis 1, said upper limb member 5 moves around said worm gear wheel means 19 so as to pivot said upper limb member about its pivotal connection 7.

Abstract: A motor drive system and linkage arrangement for a hand prosthesis, wherein the prosthesis has at least one finger member extending generally tangentially with respect to a worm gear wheel secured to the prosthesis and driven by a drive motor and a worm gear located longitudinally within the finger to engage the teeth of the tangential worm gear wheel. When the drive motor runs the worm gear, the finger moves around the worm gear wheel toward or away from another finger member and/or a natural finger to open and close the prosthesis hand's grip. In an alternate embodiment, the drive motor and worm gear arrangement contained in one finger is connected by a linkage to the root portion of at least one other motorless finger mounted for pivotal movement on the prosthetic hand.