Abstract: A differential air pressure system has a pressure bag with windows and preferred folding configuration such that when the bag is folded no window is folded. The pressure bag is supported by a lift support that is proximal to a user control panel and adjacent to or nearly adjacent to the user who is coupled to the pressure bag. A treadmill base for use with differential air pressure equipment is provided. There are various improvements provided to adapt the operations of the DAP system via the use of separate pressure volume and non-pressure volume portions of the treadmill base. Various improvements to serviceability and repairs are provided by placement of components outside of the pressure volume portion or by providing one or more pressure volume access points.

Abstract: An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.

Abstract: A differential air pressure system has a pressure bag with windows and preferred folding configuration such that when the bag is folded no window is folded. The pressure bag is supported by a lift support that is proximal to a user control panel and adjacent to or nearly adjacent to the user who is coupled to the pressure bag. A treadmill base for use with differential air pressure equipment is provided. There are various improvements provided to adapt the operations of the DAP system via the use of separate pressure volume and non-pressure volume portions of the treadmill base. Various improvements to serviceability and repairs are provided by placement of components outside of the pressure volume portion or by providing one or more pressure volume access points.

Abstract: A circuit for converting DC to AC power or AC to DC power comprises a storage capacitor, boost and buck inductors and switching elements. The switches are controlled to steer current to and from the storage capacitor to cancel DC input ripple or to provide near unity power factor AC input. The capacitor is alternately charged to high positive or negative voltages with an average DC bias near zero. The circuit is configured to deliver high-efficiency power in applications including industrial equipment, home appliances, mobility devices and electric vehicle applications.

Abstract: A circuit for converting DC to AC power or AC to DC power comprises a storage capacitor, boost and buck inductors and switching elements. The switches are controlled to steer current to and from the storage capacitor to cancel DC input ripple or to provide near unity power factor AC input. The capacitor is alternately charged to high positive or negative voltages with an average DC bias near zero. The circuit is configured to deliver high-efficiency power in applications including industrial equipment, home appliances, mobility devices and electric vehicle applications.

Abstract: An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of methods for extending a subject-controllable range of joint motion, and for increasing subject control of joint movement within a range of motion. Embodiments include fastening a powered device around a joint so as to be able to control the joint, allowing the subject to move the joint within a range of volitional motion, and then engaging the powered device to support movement of the joint into an expanded, rehabilitative range. In some embodiments, the device supports joint movement by substantially providing the force to move the joint beyond the volitional boundary. In other embodiments, supporting movement includes the subject substantially providing the force, and the device allowing movement only in a desired direction. The invention further relates to a system for increasing the functional capability of a joint by implementing embodiments of the method.

Abstract: A circuit for converting DC to AC power or AC to DC power comprises a storage capacitor, boost and buck inductors and switching elements. The switches are controlled to steer current to and from the storage capacitor to cancel DC input ripple or to provide near unity power factor AC input. The capacitor is alternately charged to high positive or negative voltages with an average DC bias near zero. The circuit is configured to deliver high-efficiency power in applications including industrial equipment, home appliances, mobility devices and electric vehicle applications.

Abstract: A circuit for converting DC to AC power or AC to DC power comprises a storage capacitor, boost and buck inductors and switching elements. The switches are controlled to steer current to and from the storage capacitor to cancel DC input ripple or to provide near unity power factor AC input. The capacitor is alternately charged to high positive or negative voltages with an average DC bias near zero. The circuit is configured to deliver high-efficiency power in applications including industrial equipment, home appliances, mobility devices and electric vehicle applications.

Abstract: An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.

Abstract: A circuit for converting DC to AC power or AC to DC power comprises a storage capacitor, boost and buck inductors and switching elements. The switches are controlled to steer current to and from the storage capacitor to cancel DC input ripple or to provide near unity power factor AC input. The capacitor is alternately charged to high positive or negative voltages with an average DC bias near zero. The circuit is configured to deliver high-efficiency power in applications including industrial equipment, home appliances, mobility devices and electric vehicle applications.

Abstract: Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation.

Abstract: Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation.

Abstract: A differential air pressure system has a pressure bag with windows and preferred folding configuration such that when the bag is folded no window is folded. The pressure bag is supported by a lift support that is proximal to a user control panel and adjacent to or nearly adjacent to the user who is coupled to the pressure bag. A treadmill base for use with differential air pressure equipment is provided. There are various improvements provided to adapt the operations of the DAP system via the use of separate pressure volume and non-pressure volume portions of the treadmill base. Various improvements to serviceability and repairs are provided by placement of components outside of the pressure volume portion or by providing one or more pressure volume access points.

Abstract: Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation.

Abstract: A general-purpose force sensor, which can be used with an orthotic device, is provided utilizing both resistive and capacitive techniques for improved accuracy and reliability compared to either type of sensor alone. The system can detect internal fault conditions and continues to operate correctly despite the failure of one of the sensors. The sensor can be self-calibrating to give accurate readings despite changes in the physical properties of the sensing elements over time.

Abstract: An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.

Abstract: A foot pad device includes a foot pad, force sensors that provide force data, sensor electronics coupled to the force sensors, and a processor. The foot pad includes a ball region configured to be located under a ball of the foot of the user or a heel region configured to be located under a heel of the foot of the user. At least a portion of the force sensors is located in the ball region or the heel region of the foot pad. The sensor electronics include a flexible circuit with force sensor connection paths adapted to transmit force data from the force sensors and are configured to condition the force data to be within a conditioned force data range. The processor is configured to calculate a weight value based on the conditioned force data, a gain value, and an offset value.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement using an active powered device including an actuator, joint position sensor, muscle stress sensor, and control system. The device provides primarily muscle support although it is capable of additionally providing joint support (hence the name “active muscle assistance device”). The device is designed for operation in several modes to provide either assistance or resistance to a muscle for the purpose of enhancing mobility, preventing injury, or building muscle strength. The device is designed to operate autonomously or coupled with other like device(s) to provide simultaneous assistance or resistance to multiple muscles.

Abstract: A foot pad device includes a foot pad, force sensors that provide force data, sensor electronics coupled to the force sensors, and a processor. The foot pad includes a ball region configured to be located under a ball of the foot of the user or a heel region configured to be located under a heel of the foot of the user. At least a portion of the force sensors is located in the ball region or the heel region of the foot pad. The sensor electronics include a flexible circuit with force sensor connection paths adapted to transmit force data from the force sensors and are configured to condition the force data to be within a conditioned force data range. The processor is configured to calculate a weight value based on the conditioned force data, a gain value, and an offset value.