Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis for FES to a limb segment, including: (a) a semi-rigid, self-retaining C-shaped frame, the frame configured to substantially envelop the limb segment, the frame including a first flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining element and at least a first and a second opposing flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining elements disposed on the circumferentially opposite side of the frame, the first retaining element and the first opposing retaining element forming a pair of opposing retaining elements, and (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on a surface of the limb segment, associated with, and supported by, the frame, the surface electrode for electrically associating, via the frame, with a neuroprosthetic stimulator unit, so as to provide FES, wherein the opposing retaining elements are configured to be radially spring-loaded towards a center of the frame, such that in donning the orthosis

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis for FES to a limb segment, including: (a) a semi-rigid, self-retaining C-shaped frame, the frame configured to substantially envelop the limb segment, the frame including a first flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining element and at least a first and a second opposing flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining elements disposed on the circumferentially opposite side of the frame, the first retaining element and the first opposing retaining element forming a pair of opposing retaining elements, and (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on a surface of the limb segment, associated with, and supported by, the frame, the surface electrode for electrically associating, via the frame, with a neuroprosthetic stimulator unit, so as to provide FES, wherein the opposing retaining elements are configured to be radially spring-loaded towards a center of the frame, such that in donning the orthosis

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis for FES to a limb segment, including: (a) a semi-rigid, self-retaining C-shaped frame, the frame configured to substantially envelop the limb segment, the frame including a first flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining element and at least a first and a second opposing flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining elements disposed on the circumferentially opposite side of the frame, the first retaining element and the first opposing retaining element forming a pair of opposing retaining elements, and (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on a surface of the limb segment, associated with, and supported by, the frame, the surface electrode for electrically associating, via the frame, with a neuroprosthetic stimulator unit, so as to provide FES, wherein the opposing retaining elements are configured to be radially spring-loaded towards a center of the frame, such that in donning the orthosis

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis for FES to a limb segment, including: (a) a semi-rigid, self-retaining C-shaped frame, the frame configured to substantially envelop the limb segment, the frame including a first flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining element and at least a first and a second opposing flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining elements disposed on the circumferentially opposite side of the frame, the first retaining element and the first opposing retaining element forming a pair of opposing retaining elements, and (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on a surface of the limb segment, associated with, and supported by, the frame, the surface electrode for electrically associating, via the frame, with a neuroprosthetic stimulator unit, so as to provide FES, wherein the opposing retaining elements are configured to be radially spring-loaded towards a center of the frame, such that in donning the orthosis

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis, including: a frame, an inner layer coupled to an inner surface of the frame, an electrode base, and a connector assembly. The frame is configured to substantially envelop a limb, and includes a retention portion configured to retain the frame about the limb, and a mounting portion configured to be coupled to an electrical stimulator. The electrode base is coupled to the inner layer, and is configured to couple a surface electrode to the inner layer. The frame and the inner layer are configured such that the electrode base is disposed at a predetermined position relative to the limb. The connector assembly is configured to electrically couple the stimulator to the electrode base. At least a portion of the connector assembly is disposed within a connector opening defined by the frame.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis, including: a frame, an inner layer coupled to an inner surface of the frame, an electrode base, and a connector assembly. The frame is configured to substantially envelop a limb, and includes a retention portion configured to retain the frame about the limb, and a mounting portion configured to be coupled to an electrical stimulator. The electrode base is coupled to the inner layer, and is configured to couple a surface electrode to the inner layer. The frame and the inner layer are configured such that the electrode base is disposed at a predetermined position relative to the limb. The connector assembly is configured to electrically couple the stimulator to the electrode base. At least a portion of the connector assembly is disposed within a connector opening defined by the frame.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis for FES to a limb segment, including: (a) a semi-rigid, self-retaining C-shaped frame, the frame configured to substantially envelop the limb segment, the frame including a first flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining element and at least a first and a second opposing flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining elements disposed on the circumferentially opposite side of the frame, the first retaining element and the first opposing retaining element forming a pair of opposing retaining elements, and (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on a surface of the limb segment, associated with, and supported by, the frame, the surface electrode for electrically associating, via the frame, with a neuroprosthetic stimulator unit, so as to provide FES, wherein the opposing retaining elements are configured to be radially spring-loaded towards a center of the frame, such that in donning the orthosis

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis for FES to a limb segment, including: (a) a semi-rigid, self-retaining C-shaped frame, the frame configured to substantially envelop the limb segment, the frame including a first flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining element and at least a first and a second opposing flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining elements disposed on the circumferentially opposite side of the frame, the first retaining element and the first opposing retaining element forming a pair of opposing retaining elements, and (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on a surface of the limb segment, associated with, and supported by, the frame, the surface electrode for electrically associating, via the frame, with a neuroprosthetic stimulator unit, so as to provide FES, wherein the opposing retaining elements are configured to be radially spring-loaded towards a center of the frame, such that in donning the orthosis

Abstract: A surface neuroprosthetic device for functional electrical stimulation (FES) having a locating system for locating the device on to a limb segment of a user, and a method therefor, the device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of the limb segment; (b) at least one electrical stimulation electrode operatively connected with the shell, for making electrical contact with a surface of the limb segment, so as to effect FES of at least one muscle of the limb segment; and (c) a locator, operatively connected with the shell, for determining a positioning of the shell relative to the limb segment, such that the electrode is positioned near an activating point, the locator including: (i) means for determining rotational positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment, and (ii) means for determining longitudinal positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a spatial distribution of an electrical stimulation field across a scanning electrode, by a system user, including: (a) a scanning electrode for performing functional electrical stimulation (FES) of at least one muscle of a limb, the electrode having first and second electrically conductive areas, separated by an electrically insulating region for insulating therebetween; (b) a distribution mechanism for dividing a current between the areas to produce the spatial distribution of the stimulation field across these areas, the distribution mechanism for operative connection to a muscle stimulator providing electrical stimulation to the system, and (c) a control mechanism for controlling the distribution mechanism, so as to effect a smooth and continuous adjustment of the spatial distribution of the field.

Abstract: A surface neuroprosthetic device for functional electrical stimulation (FES) having an internal cushion interface system, and a method of using the device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for covering at least a portion of a limb; (b) at least one cushion interface disposed between the shell and the limb, the cushion interface being directly attached to the shell, and (c) at least one electrical stimulation electrode associated with, and supported by, the cushion interface, wherein the cushion interface is configured to transfer pressure from the shell to the electrode, so as to provide electrical contact between the electrode and a skin surface of the limb, thereby effecting functional electrical stimulation of at least one muscle of the limb.

Abstract: A gait modulation system for improving lower-limb function of a patient having neuromuscular impairment of the lower limbs, including: (a) a sensor associated with a lower limb, for transducing a parameter related to the lower limb, so as to obtain gait information related to at least one gait event within a gait cycle; (b) a neuroprosthesis device including: (i) an electrode array operatively connected to an impaired lower limb, for performing functional electrical stimulation (FES) of at least one muscle of the impaired lower limb; (c) a muscle stimulator operatively connected to the electrode array, for supplying a muscle stimulation output to the array, and (d) a microprocessor operatively connected to the sensor, the microprocessor for processing the gait information and for controlling the muscle stimulation output via the muscle stimulator, wherein the gait modulation system has a sleep mode for autonomous reduction of the muscle stimulation output to the array, the microprocessor being designed and co

Abstract: A surface neuroprosthetic device for functional electrical stimulation (FES) having a locating system for locating the device on to a limb segment of a user, and a method therefor, the device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of the limb segment; (b) at least one electrical stimulation electrode operatively connected with the shell, for making electrical contact with a surface of the limb segment, so as to effect FES of at least one muscle of the limb segment; and (c) a locator, operatively connected with the shell, for determining a positioning of the shell relative to the limb segment, such that the electrode is positioned near an activating point, the locator including: (i) means for determining rotational positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment, and (ii) means for determining longitudinal positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment.

Abstract: A surface neuroprosthetic device for functional electrical stimulation (FES) having an internal cushion interface system, and a method of using the device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for covering at least a portion of a limb; (b) at least one cushion interface disposed between the shell and the limb, the cushion interface being directly attached to the shell, and (c) at least one electrical stimulation electrode associated with, and supported by, the cushion interface, wherein the cushion interface is configured to transfer pressure from the shell to the electrode, so as to provide electrical contact between the electrode and a skin surface of the limb, thereby effecting functional electrical stimulation of at least one muscle of the limb.

Abstract: A scanning electrode system for a neuroprosthetic device, the system enabling facile adjustment and fine-tuning of a spatial distribution of a local electrical stimulation field across a scanning electrode, by a system user, the scanning electrode system including: (a) at least one scanning electrode for the neuroprosthetic device, the scanning electrode for performing functional electrical stimulation (FES) of at least one muscle of a limb of the user; (b) a distribution mechanism for distributing a current to the at least one scanning electrode so as to produce a biased electrical stimulation field across the at least one scanning electrode, the distribution mechanism for operative connection to a muscle stimulator providing electrical stimulation to the scanning electrode system, and (c) control means for adjustment of the biased electrical stimulation field by means of the distribution mechanism, the control means designed and configured so as to be accessable to and operable by the system user.

Abstract: There is provided disposable, liquid-impregnable adhesive cloth pad for an electrode/skin interface, having a cloth pad impregnable with, and substantially retaining, an electrically conductive liquid and adapted to be mounted on selected locations on the skin of a patient, an electrically conductive electrode connectable to a stimulator for supplying stimulating impulses to the electrode, and a layer of an adhesive applied at least to a portion of the cloth pad, the layer serving to removably attach the pad to the electrode. There is also provided an electrode system, having a conductive member electrically connectable to a stimulator, an electrode in spaced-apart relationship with the conductive member, and a spring element providing an elastic, resilience-generated force ensuring an electrical contact between the conductive member and the electrode.

Abstract: A crocodile-type splint, including a first Jaw having a substantially trough-like structure at least approximately conforming to sections of the palmar side of a limb, a second jaw having a substantially trough-like structure at least approximately conforming to sections of the dorsal side of the limb, a first joint whereby the jaws are articulated to one another to the effect of permitting the trough-like jaws to include with one another a range of different angles, from an angle small enough for the jaws to clampingly surround the limb, to an angle large enough to at least permit the limb to be freely introduced between the two jaws.

Abstract: A device for generating hand function, having an S-type splint consisting a forearm portion extending along the palmar side of the forearm, a palmo-dorsal transition portion leading to a dorsal portion extending across the dorsal side of the carpal bones of the hand, and a palmar portion, at least the end of which touches the palm of the hand of the wearer of the device at least indirectly, and a plurality of electrodes, at least indirectly mounted on the splint in positions in which they can make contact with skin portions directly overlying muscles to be stimulated. The electrodes are connectable to an electronic circuit adapted to produce, upon activation, stimulation currents delivered via combinations of the electrodes in predetermined, timed sequences to preselected groups of muscles. At least one switch is actuatable by the wearer of the device, by which switch the predetermined, timed sequences can be initiated.

Abstract: A constant force generator mechanism is described, comprising a rigid first link adapted to be fixed to a support, a rigid second link mounted for pivotable movement to the first link by a first hinge joint, and a spring link hingedly mounted to the first link by a second hinge joint and hingedly mounted to the second link by a third hinge joint. The spring link is one having a linear spring rate and a zero free length whereby, upon pivotting the second link with respect to the first link, the spring link generates a force whose component parallel to the first link at any given point on the second link is constant through the entire range of pivotable movement of the second link.Also described is a chair having a seat continuously adjustable by the above constant force generator mechanism.