Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for prosthetic devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first section attachable to an abutment screw of a percutaneous implant; a second section attachable to a prosthetic limb; a latch for coupling the first section with the second section, the latch releasable in response to an overload on the prosthetic limb. A compliance component may be positioned between the first section and the second section, such that when the latch releases in response to the overload, the compliance component provides a tension between the first section and the second section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for prosthetic devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first section attachable to an abutment screw of a percutaneous implant; a second section attachable to a prosthetic limb; a latch for coupling the first section with the second section, the latch releasable in response to an overload on the prosthetic limb. A compliance component may be positioned between the first section and the second section, such that when the latch releases in response to the overload, the compliance component provides a tension between the first section and the second section.

Abstract: A haptic device provides indirect haptic feedback and includes a substrate having a touch surface, a position sensor and a friction modulator associated with the substrate, wherein a coefficient of friction of the touch surface is modulated in response to a sensed position of relative to the touch surface and/or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: A haptic device is provided having a substrate with a touch surface and one or more actuators for vibrating the substrate in a multiplicity of higher resonant modes, each of which has a high enough frequency to be inaudible and high enough amplitude to create a friction reduction effect at a plurality of vibrating regions on the substrate touch surface.

Abstract: A haptic device includes a substrate that is subjected to lateral motion such as lateral oscillation with one or more degrees of freedom together with modulation of a friction reducing oscillation in a manner that can create a shear force on the user's finger or on an object on the device.

Abstract: A haptic device provides indirect haptic feedback and virtual texture sensations to a user by modulation of friction of a touch surface of the device in response to one or more sensed parameters and/or time. The sensed parameters can include, but are not limited to, sensed position of the user's finger, derivatives of sensed finger position such as velocity and/or acceleration, sensed finger pressure, and/or sensed direction of motion of the finger. The touch surface is adapted to be touched by a user's bare finger, thumb or other appendage and/or by an instrument such as a stylus held by the user.

Abstract: A touch interface device includes a touch surface configured to be engaged by an object, first and second actuator assemblies operably connected to the touch surface, and a controller operably connected with the first and second actuator assemblies. The first actuator assembly displaces the touch surface in one or more lateral directions along the touch surface at a first frequency. The second actuator assembly displaces the touch surface in an angled direction that is one of at least obliquely or perpendicularly angled to the touch surface at a second frequency. The controller operates the first and second actuator assemblies so that the touch surface varies in engagement with the object to impart a force on the object that is along the touch surface.

Abstract: A transmission or actuator offering multiple rotational outputs proportionate in speed to that of a common rotational input, each output according to its own ratio. The ratios are continuously variable between positive and negative values, including zero, and may be varied by electromechanical actuators under computer control. The transmission relates the output speeds one to another under computer control, and thus makes possible the establishment of virtual surfaces and other haptic effects in a multidimensional workspace to which the transmission outputs are kinematically linked. An example of such a workspace is that of a robotic or prosthetic hand.

Abstract: A haptic device capable of providing a force on a finger or object in contact with a substrate surface includes a substrate having a touch surface, includes a substrate having a touch surface, at least one first actuator for subjecting the substrate to out-of-plane ultrasonic oscillations controlled to provide relatively low and high friction states of the touch surface and at least one second actuator for subjecting the substrate to lateral oscillations while the substrate is alternated between the low and high friction states in a manner to generate a force felt by a user's finger on the touch surface. A control device provides signals to the at least one first actuator to establish relatively low and high friction states of the touch surface. An electrical damping circuit between the control device and the at least one first actuator is implemented for reducing the transition time between the low and high friction states.

Abstract: A pelvic support unit is coupled to a base by a powered vertical force actuator mechanism. A torso support unit, which is affixed to the patient independently of the pelvic support unit, is connected to the base by one or more powered articulations which are actuable around respective axes of motion. Sensors sense the linear and angular displacement of the pelvic support unit and the torso support unit. A control unit is coupled to these sensors and, responsive to signals from them, selectively control the displacement actuator and articulation(s).

Abstract: A haptic device includes a substrate that is subjected to lateral motion such as lateral oscillation with one or more degrees of freedom together with modulation of a friction reducing oscillation in a manner that can create a shear force on the user's finger or on an object on the device.

Abstract: A haptic device is provided having a substrate with a touch surface and one or more actuators for vibrating the substrate in a multiplicity of higher resonant modes, each of which has a high enough frequency to be inaudible and high enough amplitude to create a friction reduction effect at a plurality of vibrating regions on the substrate touch surface.

Abstract: A pelvic support unit is coupled to a base by a powered vertical force actuator mechanism. A torso support unit, which is affixed to the patient independently of the pelvic support unit, is connected to the base by one or more powered articulations which are actuable around respective axes of motion. Sensors sense the linear and angular displacement of the pelvic support unit and the torso support unit. A control unit is coupled to these sensors and, responsive to signals from them, selectively control the displacement actuator and articulation(s).

Abstract: A pelvic support unit is coupled to a base by a powered vertical force actuator mechanism. A torso support unit, which is affixed to the patient independently of the pelvic support unit, is connected to the base by one or more powered articulations which are actuable around respective axes of motion. Sensors sense the linear and angular displacement of the pelvic support unit and the torso support unit. A control unit is coupled to these sensors and, responsive to signals from them, selectively control the displacement actuator and articulation(s). Wheel modules are independently powered to both rotate and steer, and, responsive to the control unit, are capable of rolling the exercise device in a direction of travel intended by the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying sensory information from a distal location on a prosthetic limb, to a proximal location on the body of the wearer. The apparatus comprises a detector for mounting in a prosthesis and a stimulator for engaging the skin of the prosthesis wearer. Tactile, haptic and other information including surface-normal force, shear force, vibration, and/or temperature are sensed, conveyed, processed, and displayed, such that the wearer of the prosthetic has improved sensation and awareness from distal parts of a prosthetic, such as a fingertip.

Abstract: A transmission or actuator offering multiple rotational outputs proportionate in speed to that of a common rotational input, each output according to its own ratio. The ratios are continuously variable between positive and negative values, including zero, and may be varied by electromechanical actuators under computer control. The transmission relates the output speeds one to another under computer control, and thus makes possible the establishment of virtual surfaces and other haptic effects in a multidimensional workspace to which the transmission outputs are kinematically linked. An example of such a workspace is that of a robotic or prosthetic hand.

Abstract: An electrical damping system provides damping over a wide range of frequencies including high frequencies. The system includes a resistance in parallel with an electric motor or series connected resistance and capacitance in parallel with the electric motor. In another embodiment, an electrical damping system is provided for a motor having a delta or wye motor winding configuration.

Abstract: A cable driven actuator and actuator method involve a movable link that is movable about a path by a cable connected to the link, and a movable support member having a cable routing element. The support member is movable in a manner to change a moment arm of the cable acting on the link to control torque applied to the joint.

Abstract: A haptic device provides indirect haptic feedback and virtual texture sensations to a user by modulation of friction of a touch surface of the device in response to one or more sensed parameters and/or time. The sensed parameters can include, but are not limited to, sensed position of the user's finger, derivatives of sensed finger position such as velocity and/or acceleration, sensed finger pressure, and/or sensed direction of motion of the finger. The touch surface is adapted to be touched by a user's bare finger, thumb or other appendage and/or by an instrument such as a stylus held by the user.

Abstract: An electrical damping system provides damping over a wide range of frequencies including high frequencies. The system includes a resistance in parallel with an electric motor or series connected resistance and capacitance in parallel with the electric motor. In another embodiment, an electrical damping system is provided for a motor having a delta or wye motor winding configuration.