Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrical power supply for providing electrical power to a load, the power supply comprising a plurality of energy storage elements each having a different operating characteristic and connected in an electrical circuit to the load, and a circuit element interposed between at least one of the storage elements and the load and operable to segregate the energy storage elements therefrom, the circuit element being selected to match supply of energy to the load to the characteristics of the storage elements.

Abstract: The method and the control system are used for determining a portion of locomotion and a phase of locomotion portion in view of controlling an actuated prosthesis in real time. Accordingly, the method comprises receiving a data signal from a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors, obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for each data signal, obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals, using a set of a first state machines to select one state among a plurality of possible states for each artificial proprioceptor with the corresponding data and derivative signals, generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors; and using a second state machine to select the portion of locomotion among a plurality of possible portions of locomotion using events associated to the data signals. It is particularly well adapted for the control of an actuated leg prosthesis for above-knee amputees.

Abstract: The method is used for controlling an actuating mechanism of a prosthesis provided on one side of the lower body of an individual, the individual having a healthy leg on the other side. Accordingly, the method comprises providing a plurality of artificial proprioceptors, at least one of the artificial proprioceptors being on the side of the healthy leg, and at least one of the artificial proprioceptors being on provided with the prosthesis, generating data signals in real time at the artificial proprioceptors, and generating control signals in real time for controlling the actuating mechanism in response to the data signals.

Abstract: The braking device is provided a set of shape memory alloy activators positioned, in an agonistic-antagonistic configuration on each side of a brake lever. Braking and releasing phases are dictated by the austenitic transformation of the shape memory alloy activators. During brake activation, shrinking of the braking activator brings the friction pad in contact with a rotating drum creating a braking friction torque. Once the brake has been activated, deformation of a flexible fiberglass component prevents brake releasing by applying sufficient normal force between the drum and the friction pad. Conversely, upon heating of the releasing activator, the pad looses its grip and the drum is free to rotate.

Abstract: A power supply charging method and device for charging a power supply having a predetermined number of battery cells divided into at least two battery cell groups. The method comprises the steps of, for each battery cell group, applying a voltage across the battery cell group until one condition selected from the group consisting of the voltage of a battery cell exceeding a first threshold and the current of the cell group dropping below a second threshold, is met and verifying that each of the predetermined number of battery cells has a similar voltage. When the verification of the battery cells voltage determines that at least one battery cell has a voltage departing from the voltage of the other battery cells by more than a predetermine value, the voltage of the other cells is decreased and the previous steps are repeated.

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 device and system for controlling an actuated prosthesis. The device includes a data signal input for each of the main artificial proprioceptors. Also, means for obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for at least some of the data signals, and means for obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals. A set of first state machines, and means for generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors, and a second state machine as also included. The system includes a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors as well as means for obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for at least some of the data signals, and means for obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrical power supply for providing electrical power to a load, the power supply comprising a plurality of energy storage elements each having a different operating characteristic and connected in an electrical circuit to the load, and a circuit element interposed between at least one of the storage elements and the load and operable to segregate the energy storage elements therefrom, the circuit element being selected to match supply of energy to the load to the characteristics of the storage elements.

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: 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 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 method is used for controlling an actuating mechanism of a prosthesis provided on one side of the lower body of an individual, the individual having a healthy leg on the other side. Accordingly, the method comprises providing a plurality of artificial proprioceptors, at least one of the artificial proprioceptors being on the side of the healthy leg, and at least one of the artificial proprioceptors being on provided with the prosthesis, generating data signals in real time at the artificial proprioceptors, and generating control signals in real time for controlling the actuating mechanism in response to the data signals.

Abstract: The method and the control system are used for determining a portion of locomotion and a phase of locomotion portion in view of controlling an actuated prosthesis in real time. Accordingly, the method comprises receiving a data signal from a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors, obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for each data signal, obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals, using a set of a first state machines to select one state among a plurality of possible states for each artificial proprioceptor with the corresponding data and derivative signals, generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors; and using a second state machine to select the portion of locomotion among a plurality of possible portions of locomotion using events associated to the data signals. It is particularly well adapted for the control of an actuated leg prosthesis for above-knee amputees.