Abstract: A modular exoskeleton structure provides force assistance to a user. The structure includes a base module including a lumbar belt capable of surrounding the waist of the user, a battery and a control unit attached to the lumber belt, a first attachment part attached to the belt and capable of cooperating with a second complementary attachment part of a hip module to attach the hip module to the base module by snapping the second attachment part into the first attachment part, and a third attachment part attached to the belt and capable of cooperating with a complementary fourth attachment part of a back module for attaching the back module to the base module.

Abstract: A load bearing assistance apparatus for transferring load from a lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device to the ground. The load bearing assistance apparatus includes a lateral and a medial spring-loaded members and a linking mechanism for connecting the load bearing assistance apparatus to the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device. The linking mechanism also connects the lateral and medial spring-loaded members in a spaced apart configuration so as to position them adjacent the lateral and medial portions, respectively, of the foot of the user of the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device and such that a portion of the lateral and medial spring-loaded members enters in contact with the ground during locomotion.

Abstract: A multi-segment supportive belt assembly for reducing displacement of one or more orthotic devices on the lower extremities of a user. The supportive belt comprises a first group of segments including a plurality of linking segments linking the supportive belt assembly to the anatomical structure of the user, and a second group of segments including, for each lower extremity, at least one lateral segment connecting adjacent linking segments, the at least one lateral segment being longitudinally aligned with the user's hips, at least one of the lateral segments being adapted to be connected to the one or more orthotic devices.

Abstract: A modular exoskeleton structure provides force assistance to a user. The structure includes a base module including a lumbar belt capable of surrounding the waist of the user, a battery and a control unit attached to the lumber belt, a first attachment part attached to the belt and capable of cooperating with a second complementary attachment part of a hip module to attach the hip module to the base module by snapping the second attachment part into the first attachment part, and a third attachment part attached to the belt and capable of cooperating with a complementary fourth attachment part of a back module for attaching the back module to the base module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular exoskeleton structure that provides force assistance to a user comprising a base module (1), the base module (1) comprising a lumbar belt (11) capable of surrounding the waist of the user, a battery (12) and a control unit (13) attached to the lumber belt (11), a first attachment part attached to the belt (11) and capable of cooperating with a second complementary attachment part of a hip module (5) to attach the hip module (5) to the base module (1) by snapping the second attachment part into the first attachment part, and a third attachment part attached to the belt (11) and capable of cooperating with a complementary fourth attachment part of a back module for attaching the back module to the base module (1).

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) geolocation system for providing the 3D coordinates of a moving person in the absence of a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal. The 3D geolocation system uses two inertial sensors configured to be positioned at the left and right foot-ankle structure and a series of sensors to measure the spatial orientation of each segment of the lower limbs (shanks, thighs, trunk) of the user. In one example, the 3D geolocation system uses two additional inertial sensors at the left and right leg-knee or thigh-hip structure as well as sensors providing information indicative of the angular positions of the left and right knee and thigh, which may be provided by an exoskeleton or orthotic devices worn by the user. This determination of the 3D coordinates of the user is performed using biomechanics information about the user from the inertial sensors combined with the knee and hip angles.

Abstract: A load bearing assistance apparatus for transferring load from a lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device to the ground. The load bearing assistance apparatus includes a lateral and a medial spring-loaded members and a linking mechanism for connecting the load bearing assistance apparatus to the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device. The linking mechanism also connects the lateral and medial spring-loaded members in a spaced apart configuration so as to position them adjacent the lateral and medial portions, respectively, of the foot of the user of the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device and such that a portion of the lateral and medial spring-loaded members enters in contact with the ground during locomotion.

Abstract: A motorized prosthetic device includes a joint member, a limb member, a pressure sensor, and a kinematic sensor. The pressure sensor indicates interaction between the motorized prosthetic device and the ground and the kinematic sensor measures torque at the joint member. A controller receives data from the pressure sensor and kinematic sensor and calculates a control signal based at least on the received data. An electrical motor receives the control signal and operates an actuator in accordance with the received control signal.

Abstract: A high density actuator, comprising a housing assembly composed of a first housing element containing a motor stator and a second housing element containing a gear reduction mechanism, a rotational core positioned at the center of the housing assembly, the rotational core being composed of a motor rotor and a transmission input operatively connected to the motor rotor, a transmission output positioned between the transmission input and the housing assembly, the transmission output forming an actuator output, a torque transfer output operatively connected to the actuator output and a center shaft connected to the torque transfer output in its center and in rotational contact with the first housing element, the center shaft passing through the transmission output, rotational core and second housing element to ensure proper radial and axial alignment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.

Abstract: A waist belt for load bearing applications, comprising a downward facing conically shaped sacral plane fitter segment having a first and second ends, the sacral plane fitter segment being configured so as to rest on the sacral region of the lower back of a wearer, a first sub-iliac crest segment issuing from the first end of the sacral plane fitter segment and a second sub-iliac crest segment issuing from the second end of the sacral plane fitter segment the first and second sub-iliac crest segments being configured so as to rest on the sub-iliac regions of the pelvic bone and a first abdominal relief cut segment issuing from the first sub-iliac crest segment and a second abdominal relief cut segment issuing from the second sub-iliac crest segment, the first and second abdominal relief cut segments being configured so as to curl under the abdomen.

Abstract: A load distribution device that transfers the musculo-skeletal stress at a joint to associated body segments of a given joint-segments body structure. The device includes a proximal support element adapted to be positioned onto a proximal body segment, a distal support element adapted to be positioned onto a distal body segment, a compensating joint movably connecting the proximal and distal support elements, a control system operatively connected to the compensating joint and a power source supplying power to the control system and the compensating joint. During user executed movements, the compensating joint generates or dissipates, under the directions of the control system a preset level of biomechanical energy corresponding to a user desired musculo-skeletal stress reduction at the joint-segments structure in order to compensate the movements of the user, the biomechanical energy being redistributed onto the proximal and distal body segments via the corresponding proximal and distal support elements.

Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.

Abstract: A high density actuator, comprising a housing assembly composed of a first housing element containing a motor stator and a second housing element containing a gear reduction mechanism, a rotational core positioned at the center of the housing assembly, the rotational core being composed of a motor rotor and a transmission input operatively connected to the motor rotor, a transmission output positioned between the transmission input and the housing assembly, the transmission output forming an actuator output, a torque transfer output operatively connected to the actuator output and a center shaft connected to the torque transfer output in its center and in rotational contact with the first housing element, the center shaft passing through the transmission output, rotational core and second housing element to ensure proper radial and axial alignment.

Abstract: A multi-segment supportive belt assembly for reducing displacement of one or more orthotic devices on the lower extremities of a user. The supportive belt comprises a first group of segments including a plurality of linking segments linking the supportive belt assembly to the anatomical structure of the user, and a second group of segments including, for each lower extremity, at least one lateral segment connecting adjacent linking segments, the at least one lateral segment being longitudinally aligned with the user's hips, at least one of the lateral segments being adapted to be connected to the one or more orthotic devices.

Abstract: A motorized prosthetic device includes a joint member, a limb member, a pressure sensor, and a kinematic sensor. The pressure sensor indicates interaction between the motorized prosthetic device and the ground and the kinematic sensor measures torque at the joint member. A controller receives data from the pressure sensor and kinematic sensor and calculates a control signal based at least on the received data. An electrical motor receives the control signal and operates an actuator in accordance with the received control signal.

Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.

Abstract: A load distribution device that transfers the musculo-skeletal stress at a joint to associated body segments of a given joint-segments body structure. The device comprises a proximal support element adapted to be positioned onto a proximal body segment, a distal support element adapted to be positioned onto a distal body segment, a compensating joint movably connecting the proximal and distal support elements, a control system operatively connected to the compensating joint and a power source supplying power to the control system and the compensating joint. During user executed movements, the compensating joint generates or dissipates, under the directions of the control system a preset level of biomechanical energy corresponding to a user desired musculo-skeletal stress reduction at the joint-segments structure in order to compensate the movements of the user, the biomechanical energy being redistributed onto the proximal and distal body segments via the corresponding proximal and distal support elements.