Abstract: A prosthetic device having a housing, an axle, at least three housing vanes, a flow medium and a valve. The axle is disposed within the housing and moveable independently of the housing. The axle has an axle reservoir and at least three axle vanes extending from the axle to contact the chamber wall. The three housing vanes extend from a chamber wall and contact the axle. A first opening and a second opening are formed in each axle vane. The flow medium is contained entirely within the chamber and the axle reservoir. The valve is disposed in the axle and operable in response to movement of the axle in a first direction relative to the housing to allow the flow medium to enter the axle reservoir from the chamber for storage under pressure.

Abstract: A momentum free bearing assembly for use in orthotic and prosthetic devices and a prosthetic knee incorporating the same are disclosed. The bearing assembly includes an engaging ring having a swivel portion received within the engaging ring. The engaging ring is received within a bore in a mount. Retainer rings may be placed on either side of the engaging ring within the bore to retain the engaging ring within the mount. Seals having sealing members may be provided on either side of the engaging ring to seal the engaging ring within the mount. A cylindrical rod engages the swivel portion and the seal through bores provided in each of the seal and the swivel portion. The ends of the cylindrical rod can be press-fit within bores on a mount and a frame of a prosthetic knee.

Abstract: A rotation structure of knee joint of artificial limb includes a rotation head forming a rotation-head bore and having a top surface forming a rotation-head recess. The rotation-head recess has an open notch extending outside the rotation head. An arrest block is received in the rotation-head recess and has an end forming a push tab corresponding to the open notch and also forms, in a central portion thereof, an arrest-block opening. A detent is formed on an inner edge of the arrest-block opening. The arrest block is shaped to correspond to the rotation-head recess, but the rotation-head recess has a length greater than that of the arrest block. An arrest shaft forms a retention slot and has a lower end receiving through the arrest-block opening and the rotation-head bore in such a way that the detent of the arrest-block opening is engageable with the retention slot of the arrest shaft.

Abstract: A momentum free bearing assembly for use in orthotic and prosthetic devices and a prosthetic knee incorporating the same are disclosed. The bearing assembly includes an engaging ring having a swivel portion received within the engaging ring. The engaging ring is received within a bore in a mount. Retainer rings may be placed on either side of the engaging ring within the bore to retain the engaging ring within the mount. Seals having sealing members may be provided on either side of the engaging ring to seal the engaging ring within the mount. A cylindrical rod engages the swivel portion and the seal through bores provided in each of the seal and the swivel portion. The ends of the cylindrical rod can be press-fit within bores on a mount and a frame of a prosthetic knee.

Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable powered rehabilitation devices and methods for using the same to rehabilitate and/or train a user. The rehabilitation devices preferably have a plurality of selectable power settings that correspond to one or more rehabilitation-oriented actions or functions of the rehabilitation devices. For example, the power of the rehabilitation device may be selected based on a need, ability, muscle-power and/or physiological characteristics of the user. For instance, a rehabilitation device may be operated at a relatively low power setting to allow a patient to use his or her own muscle power when moving with the rehabilitation device. The rehabilitation device may also include an adjustable sensitivity level that corresponds to a user difficulty in triggering a particular rehabilitation-oriented action. The powered rehabilitation device may also temporarily be used to train a user in interacting with a passive or more conventional prosthetic device.

Abstract: A method of sensing ground contact with a lower limb prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. A first translational displacement between a frame and a connector can be sensed and then processed to identify an axial load caused by heel-ground contact. Additionally, a second translational displacement between the frame and the connector can be sensed and then processed to identify a torsional load caused by toe-ground contact.

Abstract: A method is provided for verifying the adjustment of a leg prosthesis. The leg prosthesis includes a prosthetic knee joint pivotally connected to an upper connection and a lower leg shaft. The upper connection fixes the leg prosthesis on a user of the leg prosthesis and the lower leg shaft fastens to a prosthetic foot. The upper connection is displaceable in relation to a joint axis of the prosthetic knee joint. The method includes measuring a knee moment and an axial force by means of sensors when leg prosthesis is being used; calculating a resultant force vector using the knee moment and the axial force; calculating a normal distance relative to the joint axis and the position of the resultant force vector in relation to the joint axis; and verifying a position of the resultant force vector relative to the joint axis in the sagittal plane.

Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface.

Abstract: Biomimetic Hybrid Actuators employed in biologically-inspired musculoskeletal architectures employ an electric motor for supplying positive energy to and storing negative energy from an artificial joint or limb, as well as elastic elements such as springs, and controllable variable damper components, for passively storing and releasing energy and providing adaptive stiffness to accommodate level ground walking as well as movement on stairs and surfaces having different slopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic device including a prosthetic joint which accurately transitions between a loose mode and a stiff mode to more accurately mimic a human gait. The prosthetic joint includes a state controller which utilizes a sensor to detect prosthetic joint movement data, and compares it with prosthetic joint movement decision values to determine when a solenoid should be energized to place the prosthetic joint in the loose mode. An optimization unit connects to the prosthetic joint in a prosthetic joint system. The optimization unit generates a plurality of data files containing prosthetic joint movement data corresponding to an amputee walking without stumbling. By iteratively analyzing the prosthetic joint movement data, the optimization unit adjusts the prosthetic joint movement decision values to ensure that the prosthetic joint does not prematurely enter a stumble recovery state.

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 application relates to an orthopedic device comprising a joint and to a method for controlling an orthopedic device, which has an upper part (1) and a lower part (2) supported pivotally thereon, wherein upper connecting means for fixation onto a limb are disposed on the upper part (1), and a locking device (3), which prevents a bending motion of the upper part (1) relative to the lower part (2), wherein the locking device (3) is configured such that it can be actively actuated by the user of the orthopedic device, wherein a control device (9) is associated with the locking device (3), the control device being attached to the device with at least one sensor (6, 7, 8) and automatically unlocking or locking the locking device (3) as a function of the sensor signal.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprises an agonist-antagonist arrangement of two series-elastic actuators in parallel, including a knee joint, flexion and extension actuators connected to the joint in parallel with a leg member, and a controller for independently energizing the actuators to control the movement of the knee joint and leg. The flexion actuator comprises the series combination of a flexion motor and a flexion elastic element and the extension actuator comprises the series combination of an extension motor and an extension elastic element. Sensors provide feedback to the controller. The flexion actuator and the extension actuator may be unidirectional, with the flexion and extension elastic elements being series springs. The extension actuator may alternatively be bidirectional, with the extension elastic element being a set of pre-compressed series springs. Alternatively, the flexion elastic element may be a non-linear softening spring and the extension elastic element may be a non-linear hardening spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic knee joint with four pivot pins for connecting four joint members, said joint members each being supported at each of their ends in a pivot pin, wherein two opposite, transversely extending joint members are connectable at one end to a prosthetic stem and at the other end to a prosthetic foot, wherein the other two joint members as longitudinal joint members, in both the standing position and the bending position, are adapted to pivot essentially out of an angled position approximate to the parallel position into a relatively more greatly inclined position with respect to each other. At least one of the pivot pins of the joint member connected to the prosthetic foot is in the form of a rotatable, lockable eccentric, wherein, upon rotation of said eccentric, the distance between the two pivot pins on said joint member changes.

Abstract: A cosmesis including a thigh component and a shin component that fit over a prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component are pivotally joined along an axis of rotation coinciding with that of the prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component can include internal contours molded into their inside walls to seat the prosthetic knee joint securely therein. The knee ball region of the thigh component can be made relatively thicker to provide a protective cushion and allow the patient to kneel. Additionally, a floating knee cap can be fit over the knee ball area. The upper end of the thigh component can be made of sufficiently thin material to permit rolling onto itself.

Abstract: Geomagnetic methods and systems are used for monitoring the directionality of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Certain methods may include measuring multiple data points over a particular time interval to identify orientation information with respect to a prosthetic or orthotic device and/or used in the real-time control of the prosthetic or orthotic device. In certain examples, multiple points may be further compared with stored orientation data associated with predefined unsafe gait patterns. Control instructions and/or alerts based on the geomagnetic measurements can then be generated for the prosthetic or orthotic device, such as if the orientation data information matches one of the predefined unsafe gait patterns.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee provides a single axis of rotation and includes a hydraulic damping cylinder, a microprocessor, and sensors. Based on input from the sensors, the microprocessor selects a flow path within the hydraulic cylinder in order to provide the proper amount of knee resistance to bending for a given situation. The resistance of each flow path within the hydraulic cylinder is manually preset. Changes in gait speed are accommodated by employing a hydraulic damper with intelligently designed position sensitive damping. Moreover, the knee need not be un-weighted to transition from the stance phase to the swing phase of gait. As a result, the knee safely provides a natural, energy efficient gait over a range of terrains and gait speeds and is simpler, less costly, and lighter weight than the prior art.

Abstract: A system for assisting the motion of a body connected through joints provides a system for imparting a suitable torque to the connected body at the time of various turns including the bending of the joints. The torque imparting system has first and second measuring means, a reference work volume determining means, and an external torque determining means. The first measuring means measures the internal work volume of the around-joint leg. The second measuring means measures an external work volume around a joint imparted to the leg. The reference work volume determining means determines a reference work volume based on the internal work volume. The external torque determining means determines an external torque imparted to the leg so as to reduce the difference between the internal work volume of the leg and the reference work volume, based on the external work volume.

Abstract: A semi-actuated above knee prosthetic system, which is mostly passive in nature and includes a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link attached to an above-knee remaining lower limb of an amputee, is operable in either an actuated mode or an un-actuated mode controlled by a signal processor linked to various prosthetic mounted sensors. In the actuated mode, power is delivered to a torque generator connected to the knee mechanism to cause a forced movement between the thigh and shank links. In the un-actuated mode, a control circuit operates in a non-powered manner to allow operation of the knee mechanism with modulated resistance. Power is delivered through an electric motor connected to a battery source and employed to drive a hydraulic pump which is part of an overall hydraulic power unit including the torque generator.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb has an outer surface that is a mirror image of an intact limb or a generic limb design. The intact limb is scanned and the surface data is manipulated to create a virtual mirror image. If generic data is used, the intact leg can be measured and the generic surface can be adjusted so the prosthetic limb appears similar to the intact limb. The end of the amputated limb is also measured to obtain socket data. A knee and foot are incorporated to form a virtual prosthetic limb represented by design data. The design data for the virtual prosthetic limb is forwarded to a rapid prototyping machine that fabricates the entire leg simultaneously. Once completed, the prosthetic limb is shipped to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis comprising two arched guiding elements (3, 4) with a variable curvature in a first body (1) associated with the thigh, bolts (6, 7), or the like, of a second body (2) associated with the lower leg engaging in said guiding elements. The points XP(?), YP(?) of one guiding element (3) and the points XQ(?) and YQ(?) of the other guiding element (4) correspond approximately to the following equations: XP(?)=A1×?5+B1×?4+C1×?3+D1×?2+E1×??F1; YP(?)=A2×?5+B2×?4+C2×?3+D2×?2+E2×??F2; XQ(?)=A3×?5+B3×?4+C3×?3+D3×?2+E3×??F3; YQ(?)=A4×?5+B4×?4+C4×?3+D4×?2+E4×??F3, the deflection angle f of the knee joint being indicated in radians. The inventive knee joint prosthesis enables a significant adaptation to the natural movement.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee-joint assembly includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment to form a knee joint; (c) a first coupling integral with the proximal segment that includes a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment that is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling integral with the distal segment that includes a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment that is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint includes a knee seat having a slant screw hole, a movable member disposed pivotally in a bottom portion of the knee seat and having a lower mounting portion and an upper pushing portion, two shafts disposed respectively within shaft holes in the lower mounting portion, two C-shaped elastic sleeves sleeved respectively on the shafts and abutting against the upper pushing portion, a linkage connected to the shafts, a weight-buffering device having a rubber cushion disposed directly under the slant screw hole, a buffer adjustment device having a buffer cushion that protrudes outwardly of the movable member to abut against a projection of the knee seat and that is removable from the projection, and a restoring device operable so as to move a free end of the upper pushing portion relative to the lower mounting portion.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee-joint assembly includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment to form a knee joint; (c) a first coupling integral with the proximal segment that includes a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment that is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling integral with the distal segment that includes a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment that is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment.

Abstract: Hinged connecting apparatus (1) for a lower limb prosthesis (2), the hinged connecting apparatus (1) comprising a first device (1000) intended to oppose a predetermined resistance during flexion of the prosthesis (2), this resistance being switched by said first device (1000) between two values which are a predetermined minimal value and a predetermined maximal value.

Abstract: A knee joint for a leg prosthesis comprising an upper joint part (2) and a lower joint part (3) which can be rotated about a joint axis (5) relative to the upper part of the joint (2), and an upper brake device (14, 15, 20, 21). The brake device comprises a first force transmission element 14, upon which the force triggering the brake effect acts, and which transfers the force at a given transmission ratio to a second force transmission element (15), which, in relation to the joint axis, transfers the displaced force in a substantially parallel direction towards a brake disc (20, 21).

Abstract: An artificial multi-axis knee joint comprising an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion pivotally connected to each other by a front link for pivoting the front link and the upper leg portion relative to each other around a first geometrical pivot axis, and for pivoting the front link and the lower leg portion relative to each other around a second geometrical pivot axis. A rear link is pivotally connected to the upper leg portion for pivoting the rear link and the upper leg portion relative to each other around a third geometrical pivot axis, and pivotally connected at the other end thereof to the lower leg portion for pivoting the rear link and the lower leg portion relative to each other around a fourth geometrical pivot axis. The knee joint further comprises a further means which is integrated in the front link and the rear link.

Abstract: An anti-shock artificial knee joint includes a pivot stop block forming a first pivot hole rotatably receiving therein a first pivot for bending the knee joint and a second pivot hole rotatably receiving a second pivot. A gap extending from the first pivot hole so that when the pivot stop block is subjected to an external force induced in the process of walking, the gap is reduced to secure the first pivot from rotation whereby the pivot stop block rotates about the second pivot to cause the pivot stop block to engage spring-biased pistons to thereby absorb the external force or the impact caused by the external force. The spring-biased pistons are provided with set screws to adjust the cushioning effect provided by the spring-biased pistons.

Abstract: An artificial joint including a stance-phase control means having a flexing axis and a control axis and a swing-phase control means adapted to engage the stance-phase control means. The perpendicular distance between the flexing axis and the swing-phase control means and the perpendicular distance between the control axis and the swing-phase control means are equal when the artificial joint rotates about the flexing axis up to 65°.

Abstract: A walking assistance device (1) has a receiving portion (2) which receives a part of the weight of a user (A) applied from above and a pair of left and right leg links (3R, 3L) connected to the receiving portion (2) through first joints (10R, 10L), with foot attachment portions (15R, 15L) at lower ends of the leg links (3R, 3L) attached to the feet of the legs of the user (A), respectively. The leg links (3R, 3L) are connected to the receiving portion (2) in such a way that, when each leg of the user (A) is a standing leg, a line of action of a supporting force transmitted from a third joint (14R, 14L) of the leg link (3R, 3L) to a crus frame (13R, 13L) out of the supporting force acting on the leg link (3R, 3L) from the floor side passes through a specific point (P) located upper than the receiving portion (2) within an anteroposterior width of a contact surface between the receiving portion (2) and the user (A) from the third joint (14R, 14L), viewed in the sagittal plane.

Abstract: A cosmesis including a thigh component and a shin component that fit over a prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component are pivotally joined along an axis of rotation coinciding with that of the prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component can include internal contours molded into their inside walls to seat the prosthetic knee joint securely therein. The knee ball region of the thigh component can be made relatively thicker to provide a protective cushion and allow the patient to kneel. Additionally, a floating knee cap can be fit over the knee ball area. The upper end of the thigh component can be made of sufficiently thin material to permit rolling onto itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis comprising two arched guiding elements (3, 4) with a variable curvature in a first body (1) associated with the thigh, bolts (6, 7), or the like, of a second body (2) associated with the lower leg engaging in said guiding elements. The points XP(?), YP(?) of one guiding element (3) and the points XQ(?) and YQ(?) of the other guiding element (4) correspond approximately to the following equations: XP(?)=A1×?5+b1×?4+C1×?3+D1×?2+E1×??F1; YP(?)=A2×?5+B2×?4+C2×?3+D2×?2+E2×??F2; XQ(?)=A3×?5+B3×?4+C3×?3+D3×?2+E3×??F3; YQ(?)=A4×?5+B4×?4+C4×?3+D4×?2+E4×??F3, the deflection angle f of the knee joint being indicated in radians. The inventive knee joint prosthesis enables a significant adaptation to the natural movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new prosthetic knee and lower leg device that enables an above-the-knee amputee to participate in demanding athletic activities in which the quadricep muscles are used extensively for support and dynamic function. The prosthetic device includes a thigh/knee plate that is coupled to a shin frame. An adjustable strut is coupled to both the thigh/knee plate and the shin frame. The functional length of the strut can be adjusted, as can be the lower mounting position thereof. The prosthetic device can be adjusted with regard to functional characteristics, performance settings, and “home position” angles of the knee. The extent of adjustability enables the user to adapt the device for different levels of aggressiveness, different activities and different circumstances, and also allows the device to be adapted to users of different weights and size.

Abstract: A cosmesis includes a thigh component and a shin component that fit over a prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component are pivotally joined along an axis of rotation coinciding with that of the prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component can include internal contours molded into their inside walls to seat the prosthetic knee joint securely therein. The knee ball region of the thigh component can be made relatively thicker to provide a protective cushion and allow the patient to kneel. Additionally, a floating knee cap can be fit over the knee ball area. The upper end of the thigh component can be made of sufficiently thin material to permit rolling onto itself.

Abstract: There is provided a walking assistance device equipped with an assisting force generator disposed on a side of each of a hip joint and a knee joint, comprising: a hip support member (1) having an attachment means (hip drive source mount 9) capable of repeatedly attaching and detaching a hip joint assisting force generator (hip joint actuator 10); a lower leg support member (2) having an attachment means (knee drive source mount 27) capable of repeatedly attaching and detaching a knee joint assisting force generator (knee joint actuator 26); and a drive unit (3) formed by integrally joining the hip joint assisting force generator and the knee joint assisting force generator via a link bar (25), wherein after the hip support member and the lower leg support member are fitted on a user's body, the assisting force generators of the drive unit are connected to the corresponding attachment means.

Abstract: A damping device (1) for a prosthesis, comprising a first member (2) for connection to a first component, a second member (3) for connection to another component, and a means (4) for coupling together the first member and the second member and for relative displacement of the first member and the second member. A damping element (5) is arranged to counteract a relative displacement between the first member (2) and the second member (3) when loading the damping device (1). The coupling means 4 comprises at least two linkage arms (6, 7), both being pivotally arranged in relation to the first member (2) and the second member (3).

Abstract: An artificial joint including a main body and a lower portion adapted to pivotally engage the main body about a control axis while having a locking means that is integral with the lower portion. An upper portion adapted to pivotally engage the main body about a flexing axis and has an engagement means adapted to engage and disengage the locking means upon the pivoting rotation of the upper portion relative the main body. A biasing means is adapted to engage both the main body and the lower portion thereby biasing the locking means to engage the engagement means, and at least one stopping surface adapted to limit motion between the main body and the lower portion. The locking means is activated when a load is imposed on the artificial joint and passes through a line posterior to the control axis, and is de-activated when the load passes through a line anterior to the control axis.

Abstract: A momentum free bearing assembly for use in orthotic and prosthetic devices and a prosthetic knee incorporating the same are disclosed. The bearing assembly includes an engaging ring having a swivel portion received within the engaging ring. The engaging ring is received within a bore in a mount. Retainer rings may be placed on either side of the engaging ring within the bore to retain the engaging ring within the mount. Seals having sealing members may be provided on either side of the engaging ring to seal the engaging ring within the mount. A cylindrical rod engages the swivel portion and the seal through bores provided in each of the seal and the swivel portion. The ends of the cylindrical rod can be press-fit within bores on a mount and a frame of a prosthetic knee.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint includes a knee seat having a slant screw hole, a movable member disposed pivotally in a bottom portion of the knee seat and having a lower mounting portion and an upper pushing portion, two shafts disposed respectively within shaft holes in the lower mounting portion, two C-shaped elastic sleeves sleeved respectively on the shafts and abutting against the upper pushing portion, a linkage connected to the shafts, a weight-buffering device having a rubber cushion disposed directly under the slant screw hole, a buffer adjustment device having a buffer cushion that protrudes outwardly of the movable member to abut against a projection of the knee seat and that is removable from the projection, and a restoring device operable so as to move a free end of the upper pushing portion relative to the lower mounting portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knee joint including a joint top, a connection device, a cushion device, a resilient device, and a pneumatics joint body. The joint top and joint body are respectively joined to a thigh and a shank. With the cushion components including a connector and a connector, in the operation of kicking and swinging of leg in walking, standing, sitting, and kneeling, the angle between the connector and the connector support is changed to allow the knee joint to stay in a stable position and further preventing the shank from falling and/or kneeling during a walking operation and further effecting shock absorption by the cushion device at the time when the knee joint bends in walking along a slope, or setting the bending position of the knee joint with change of pressure applied to protect the user from the risk of abrupt kneeling.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one embodiment to magnetorheological fluids utilized in prosthetic joints in general and, in particular, to magnetorheological fluids utilized in controllable braking systems for prosthetic knee joints. Preferred magnetorheological fluids of the present invention comprises polarizable iron particles, a carrier fluid, and optionally an additive. Preferred additives include, but are not limited to functionalized carrier fluids as well as derivatized fluoropolymers. Preferred carrier fluids include, but are not limited, to perfluorinated polyethers.

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 invention relates to an automated speed-adaptive and patient-adaptive control scheme and system for a knee prosthesis. The control scheme and system utilizes sensory information measured local to the prosthesis to automatically adjust stance and swing phase knee resistances to a particular wearer under a wide variety of locomotory activities. Advantageously, no patient-specific information needs to be pre-programmed into the prosthetic knee by a prosthetist or the patient. The system is able to adapt to various types of disturbances once the patient leaves the prosthetist's facility because it is patient-adaptive and speed-adaptive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pivotably connecting parts of an orthopaedic device, such as in particular a prosthetic knee for leg amputees, which device comprises a kinematic multibar mechanism with at least four bars, which bar mechanism allows a movement in the walking direction (L), in which device—a first bar can be connected to a first part of the orthopaedic device, such as a thigh socket,—a second bar can be rigidly connected to a second part of the orthopaedic device, such as a lower-leg part,—a third bar, which is arranged at the front as seen in the walking direction (L), is pivotably connected to the first bar and is pivotably connected to the second bar,—a fourth bar, which is arranged behind the third bar as seen in the walking direction, is pivotably connected to the first bar and is pivotably connected to the second bar, in such a manner that the connection between the second bar and the fourth bar can be displaced along an imposed path, and—a centre part of the fourth bar, lying betwe

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint mechanism has an hydraulic load-activated knee-stabilising device for resisting joint flexion. A rotary piston connected to one part of the mechanism is rotatable within a fluid-filled fluid displacement chamber associated with another part of the mechanism to drive fluid through a fluid passage which contains a main valve which restricts or allows joint flexion according to the position of a valve member within the valve. The valve member is movable towards an open position in response to fluid pressure in the fluid passage upstream of the valve member caused by application of a flexion torque to the knee joint mechanism, movement of the valve member in the direction of the open position being at least resisted by a valve control arrangement actuated by application of the wearer's weight. The weight-responsive valve control arrangement is preferably a weight-responsive pilot valve for hydraulically resisting movement of the valve member of the main valve.

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 relates to a variable-torque magnetorheologically actuated prosthetic knee which utilizes a plurality of interspersed and alternating rotors and stators to shear magnetorheological fluid in gaps formed therebetween. Advantageously, by operating in the “shear mode” there is substantially no or negligible fluid pressure buildup or change. Moreover, the multiple MR fluid gaps or flux interfaces desirably allow for the production of a large torque at low speed—eliminating the need for a transmission—and also for a wide dynamic torque range. One embodiment of the invention allows the rotors and/or stators to close the gaps therebetween to create a frictional torque component, thereby forming a “hybrid” braking system which provides a total torque or damping which is a combination of viscous torque and frictional torque.

Abstract: A lower platform and an upper platform are connected first and second levers having different lengths, each lever being articulated about a first axis on said lower platform and a second axis on said upper platform. The upper platform can be swiveled from a rest position to a position of maximum excursion relative to the lower platform so that the distance between platforms is immediately reduced upon swiveling from the rest position. At least one axis is provided with a brake which slows down rotational movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pivotably connecting parts of an orthopaedic device, such as in particular a prosthetic knee for leg amputees, which device comprises a kinematic multibar mechanism with at least four bars, which bar mechanism allows a movement in the walking direction (L), in which device—a first bar can be connected to a first part of the orthopaedic device, such as a thigh socket,—a second bar can be rigidly connected to a second part of the orthopaedic device, such as a lower-leg part,—a third bar, which is arranged at the front as seen in the walking direction (L), is pivobably connected to the first bar and is pivotably connected to the second bar,—a fourth bar, which is arranged behind the third bar as seen in the walking direction, is pivotably connected to the first bar and is pivotably connected to the second bar, in such a manner that the connection between the second bar and the fourth bar can be displaced along an imposed path, and—a centre part

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable-torque magnetorheologically actuated prosthetic knee which utilizes a plurality of interspersed and alternating rotors and stators to shear magnetorheological fluid in gaps formed therebetween. Advantageously, by operating in the “shear mode” there is substantially no or negligible fluid pressure buildup or change. Moreover, the multiple MR fluid gaps or flux interfaces desirably allow for the production of a large torque at low speed—eliminating the need for a transmission—and also for a wide dynamic torque range. One embodiment of the invention allows the rotors and/or stators to close the gaps therebetween to create a frictional torque component, thereby forming a “hybrid” braking system which provides a total torque or damping which is a combination of viscous torque and frictional torque.