Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee includes a housing, parallel anterior links, a posterior link, and a chassis. The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links both extend above the posterior link and substantially below the posterior link. The prosthetic knee includes a locking mechanism arranged to arrest movement of the posterior link. The knee including a locking mechanism connected to the housing and arranged to block rotation of the posterior link.

Abstract: An ankle module for a prosthetic foot can have an adapter portion pivotally coupled to a base portion. The base portion can be coupled to the prosthetic foot. The adapter portion can have a coupling member that removably couples the prosthetic foot to a prosthetic pylon or socket. The adapter portion can also have cylinders housing pistons slidably displaceable within the cylinders. An actuator is selectively actuatable to place the cylinders in fluid communication, allowing a fluid to flow between the cylinders as an angular position of the adapter portion is adjusted relative to the base portion, thereby adjusting the dorsi-plantar position between the adapter portion and the base portion of the ankle module. The actuator can be selectively actuatable to fluidly isolate the cylinders from each other so that the angular position of the adapter portion relative to the base portion remains substantially fixed.

Abstract: A prosthetic adapter including a lower connector, an upper connector rotatably coupled to the lower connector, and a locking mechanism for preventing the upper connector from rotating relative to the lower connector. The locking mechanism is arranged to generally automatically retain a locked position when the lower connector is rotated to an original, predetermined alignment. An activation member is connected to and arranged for operating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A prosthetic adapter including a lower connector, an upper connector rotatably coupled to the lower connector, and a locking mechanism for preventing the upper connector from rotating relative to the lower connector. The locking mechanism is arranged to generally automatically retain a locked position when the lower connector is rotated to an original, predetermined alignment. An activation member is connected to and arranged for operating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device can include at least one device portion and a joint portion for providing for the at least one device portion to pivot between flexion and extension movements relative to another adjacent device portion or an adjacent limb segment of a user. In some embodiments, a prosthetic or orthotic device can include a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The compliant transmission assembly can include a compliant member and a pivot. The pivot can be interposed between the compliant member and the joint portion. In some embodiments, the compliant member absorbs energy when a torque is applied.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device can include at least one device portion and a joint portion for providing for the at least one device portion to pivot between flexion and extension movements relative to another adjacent device portion or an adjacent limb segment of a user. In some embodiments, a prosthetic or orthotic device can include a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The compliant transmission assembly can include a compliant member and a pivot. The pivot can be interposed between the compliant member and the joint portion. In some embodiments, the compliant member absorbs energy when a torque is applied.

Abstract: An ankle module for a prosthetic foot can have an adapter portion pivotally coupled to a base portion. The base portion can be coupled to the prosthetic foot. The adapter portion can have a coupling member that removably couples the prosthetic foot to a prosthetic pylon or socket. The adapter portion can also have cylinders housing pistons slidably displaceable within the cylinders. An actuator is selectively actuatable to place the cylinders in fluid communication, allowing a fluid to flow between the cylinders as an angular position of the adapter portion is adjusted relative to the base portion, thereby adjusting the dorsi-plantar position between the adapter portion and the base portion of the ankle module. The actuator can be selectively actuatable to fluidly isolate the cylinders from each other so that the angular position of the adapter portion relative to the base portion remains substantially fixed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An ankle module for a prosthetic foot can have an adapter portion pivotally coupled to a base portion. The base portion can be coupled to the prosthetic foot. The adapter portion can have a coupling member that removably couples the prosthetic foot to a prosthetic pylon or socket. The adapter portion can also have cylinders housing pistons slidably displaceable within the cylinders. An actuator is selectively actuatable to place the cylinders in fluid communication, allowing a fluid to flow between the cylinders as an angular position of the adapter portion is adjusted relative to the base portion, thereby adjusting the dorsi-plantar position between the adapter portion and the base portion of the ankle module. The actuator can be selectively actuatable to fluidly isolate the cylinders from each other so that the angular position of the adapter portion relative to the base portion remains substantially fixed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Linear actuators that allow for improved self-locking properties without sacrificing axial response are provided. A linear actuator can have two screws extending from opposite ends of the actuator. The screws are joined by and threadably coupled to an elongate rotating nut. An elongate magnet is disposed around and coupled to the nut, and a stator including coils surrounds the magnet and nut. The magnet and nut are not axially fixed with respect to the stator. Rotation of the nut causes axial displacement of both screws, causing the screws to move closer together or farther apart. A pitch of the screw threads can be selected to enhance self-locking properties.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee includes a housing, parallel anterior links, a posterior link, and a chassis. The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links both extend above the posterior link and substantially below the posterior link. The prosthetic knee includes a friction adjustment mechanism, a stability adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable extension assist mechanism.

Abstract: A prosthetic adapter including a lower connector, an upper connector rotatably coupled to the lower connector, and a locking mechanism for preventing the upper connector from rotating relative to the lower connector. The locking mechanism is arranged to generally automatically retain a locked position when the lower connector is rotated to an original, predetermined alignment. An activation member is connected to and arranged for operating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An umbrella system that provides stability to an umbrella to prevent it from inversion or damage in strong wind conditions. The umbrella includes guidelines that may be stored in the umbrella handle, and may include a spring stored in the handle for retracting a dispensed length of the guidelines. The guidelines may be secured to the canopy of the umbrella or to the ribs of the umbrella. When the umbrella is in an open position, the guidelines may be extended from the handle to the perimeter of the canopy. The guidelines provide a downward force to the umbrella canopy such that when there are strong winds, the umbrella does not invert due to the guidelines pulling down on the canopy. The guidelines may also be stored within the ribs of the umbrella. Clips may also be used to secure one end of the guidelines to the canopy.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee includes a housing, parallel anterior links, a posterior link, and a chassis. The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links both extend above the posterior link and substantially below the posterior link. The prosthetic knee includes a friction adjustment mechanism, a stability adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable extension assist mechanism.

Abstract: A method of sensing ground contact with a lower limb prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. A first translational displacement between a frame and a connector can be sensed and then processed to identify an axial load caused by heel-ground contact. Additionally, a second translational displacement between the frame and the connector can be sensed and then processed to identify a torsional load caused by toe-ground contact.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device can include at least one device portion and a joint portion for providing for the at least one device portion to pivot between flexion and extension movements relative to another adjacent device portion or an adjacent limb segment of a user. In some embodiments, a prosthetic or orthotic device can include a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The compliant transmission assembly can include a compliant member and a pivot. The pivot can be interposed between the compliant member and the joint portion. In some embodiments, the compliant member absorbs energy when a torque is applied.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.