Abstract: A prosthesis includes first and second prosthetic limb components and a fastening system for fastening the first and second prosthetic limb components. The first prosthetic limb component is provided with a first coupling member and the second prosthetic limb component is provided with a second coupling member. The first coupling member includes a cylindric member having an axis, with a wall generally parallel with said axis. The second coupling member includes a circular skirt element having an axis and having corresponding external dimensions to the cylindric member whereby to permit a sliding fit therewith in an unfastened state. The fastening system includes a resilient member having an axis and is operable to expand laterally, orthogonally with respect to the axis such that, in a coupling mode of operation, the lateral expansion operates to cause the skirt to be in a state of frictional engagement with the other coupling member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and joints for same. The present invention provides hydraulic functional units whereby enabling movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in achieving realistic movement is providing a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. One important characteristic of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait corresponding with those of a stabilized knee, i.e. a knee resisting flexion when under load, is when it bears at least some of the weight of the amputee. Properties of resilient mechanical members are utilized to enable a hydro-mechanical system to be controlled so that it releases a low joint resistance mode relative to a default high resistance mode. The invention also permits alternative embodiments such as electronic, electro fluidic or electromechanical means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and to joints for the same. In particular, the present invention provides hydraulic functional units (35), generally classified as damping devices as connected between artificial limbs whereby to enable movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in attempting to achieve a realistic movement is to provide a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. Indeed, one of the more important characteristics of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait correspond with those of a so called stabilized knee, i.e. a knee which resists flexion when under load, that is when it is bearing at least some of the weight of the amputee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and joints for same. The present invention provides hydraulic functional units whereby enabling movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in achieving realistic movement is providing a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. One important characteristic of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait corresponding with those of a stabilised knee, i.e. a knee resisting flexion when under load, is when it bears at least some of the weight of the amputee. Properties of resilient mechanical members are utilized to enable a hydro-mechanical system to be controlled so that it releases a low joint resistance mode relative to a default high resistance mode. The invention also permits alternative embodiments such as electronic, electro fluidic or electromechanical means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and to joints for the same. In particular, the present invention provides hydraulic functional units (35), generally classified as damping devices as connected between artificial limbs whereby to enable movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in attempting to achieve a realistic movement is to provide a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. Indeed, one of the more important characteristics of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait correspond with those of a so called stabilised knee, i.e. a knee which resists flexion when under load, that is when it is bearing at least some of the weight of the amputee.

Abstract: A patient-weight-activated hydraulic knee joint in which flow between hydraulic chambers is controlled by a valve operated by hydraulic pressure and by a force transmission system which transmits the force of a patient's weight, such that the valve is only closed when the patient's weight acts on the knee joint. Closure of the valve locks the knee joint, so hence undesirable locking does not occur during the swing phase of the patient's gait. A damped hydraulic trip valve can also be provided to give improved operation of the knee joint.