Abstract: A computer controlled hydraulic resistance device for apparatus such as a prosthetic knee for above knee amputees, includes a two stage pilot operated solenoid valve connected to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator which applies resistance to the prosthetic knee or other apparatus through a coupling. Hydraulic pressure is sensed on the high and low side of the actuator by a spring biased magnet and a magnetically actuated electronic sensor and is used by a micro-controller in a closed-loop manner to compensate automatically for variations in the device and in the hydraulic fluid viscosity. The device also has magnetically actuated electronic sensors which sense positions of the apparatus and feed back to the micro-controller for applying a predetermined resistance profile to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a therapy current to be applied for treatment for increasing circulation and allowing for rapid healing of injured tissue, tendon, or muscle areas. The apparatus applies a therapeutic current to the area of injury with little or no discomfort using three or four associated channels of electrical stimulation with a novel waveform and channel interaction.

Abstract: A computer controlled hydraulic resistance device for apparatus such as a prosthetic knee for above knee amputees, includes a solenoid actuated valve connected to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator which applies resistance to the prosthetic knee or other apparatus through a coupling. Hydraulic pressure is sensed on the high and low side of the actuator and is used by a micro-controller in a closed-loop manner to compensate automatically for variations in the device and in the hydraulic fluid viscosity. The device also senses the position of the apparatus and feedsback to the micro-controller for applying a predetermined resistance profile to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrically stimulating muscle of individuals having little or no nerve damage so the muscle can be power contracted with little pain to the individual. A therapeutic current is applied to the muscle which includes alternating desensitizing and stimulus currents. The desensitizing current is a high frequency, low amplitude current to desensitize the muscle and the stimulus current is a low frequency, high amplitude current to stimulate the muscle. The currents alternate at a point where the amplitude and slope of the two currents are substantially identical to avoid abruptions in the current. An onset failure monitor circuit is also provided to detect an increase in skim/electrode impedance indicative of possible subsequent failure of the skin-electrode connection or electrode failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrically stimulating muscle of individuals having little or no nerve damage so the muscle can be power contracted with little pain to the individual. A therapeutic current is applied to the muscle which includes alternating desensitizing and stimulus currents. The desensitizing current is a high frequency, low amplitude current to desensitize the muscle and the stimulus current is a low frequency, high amplitude current to stimulate the muscle. The currents alternate at a point where the amplitude and slope of the two currents are substantially identical to avoid abruptions in the current. An onset failure monitor circuit is also provided to detect an increase in skim/electrode impedance indicative of possible subsequent failure of the skin-electrode connection or electrode failure.

Abstract: An electrical muscle stimulator is disclosed which provides unloaded isometric exercise of a pair of antagonist muscles associated with a rotatable limb, substantially without creating torque at the rotating joint. Further, a reduced pain stimulus signal is disclosed characterized in that it is continuous, biphasic and camel-back during a fundamental period thereof.

Abstract: An exercising method and apparatus for use in the treatment of paralyzed muscles. The method and apparatus make use of a set of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed upon the skin of the subject over muscles which are to be stimulated. A computer controlled stimulator generates a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes to produce controlled muscle contraction. Muscle movement is resisted by a dynamic load, and a position sensor provides a feedback signal indicating the movement actually achieved. The computer uses the feedback signal for modifying the control signal applied to the stimulator. The exercise routine is disclosed as being conducted upon the leg of a subject seated in a specially designed exercise chair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating a human muscle to produce a controlled response against a dynamic load. Muscle stimulation is achieved through a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes. A pulse generating circuit generates the pulsed stimulating signals at a frequency of about 60 Hz across each electrode pair. A position sensor provides a feedback signal to a computer, which in turn generates a stimulation control signal. The pulse generating circuit uses the stimulation control signal for adjusting the amplitude of the stimulation pulses. The pulse width of the stimulation pulses is disclosed as being about 500 microseconds.

Abstract: An exercising method and apparatus for use in the treatment of paralyzed muscles. The method and apparatus make use of a set of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed upon the skin of the subject over muscles which are to be stimulated. A computer controlled stimulator generates a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes to produce controlled muscle contraction. Muscle movement is resisted by a dynamic load, and a position sensor provides a feedback signal indicating the movement actually achieved. The computer uses the feedback signal for modifying the control signal applied to the stimulator. The exercise routine is disclosed as being conducted upon the leg of a subject seated in a specially designed exercise chair.

Abstract: A computer controlled hydraulic resistance device for apparatus such as a prosthetic knee for above knee amputees, includes a two stage pilot operated solenoid valve connected to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator which applies resistance to the prosthetic knee or other apparatus through a coupling. Hydraulic pressure is sensed on the high and low side of the actuator by a spring biased magnet and a magnetically actuated electronic sensor and is used by a micro-controller in a closed-loop manner to compensate automatically for variations in the device and in the hydraulic fluid viscosity. The device also has magnetically actuated electronic sensors which sense positions of the apparatus and feed back to the micro-controller for applying a predetermined resistance profile to the apparatus.