Brake Or Latch Patents (Class 623/43)
  • Patent number: 11857394
    Abstract: A thigh prosthetic component for connecting to a thigh shaft. The component includes a pivotable knee joint and an upper part and a lower part connected by ventral and dorsal arms. The ventral arm is articulated to the upper part and to the lower part via distinct axes. The dorsal arm is articulated to the upper part and to the lower part via distinct axes. The component further includes an ankle pivotably connecting a foot part to a lower leg unit connected to the knee joint. The lower leg unit has ventral and dorsal connecting elements transmitting thrust and traction. The ventral connecting element is pivoted to the foot part and to the lower part. The dorsal connecting element is articulated to the foot part and to the upper part and the dorsal articulated arm such that an adjustment of the knee joint from stance to swing positions causes a dorsal extension of the foot part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Johannes Klopf, Matthias Klopf
  • Patent number: 11369503
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus provide artificial knees. Artificial knees include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, a shank link configured to be rotatably coupled to the thigh link, and a compression spring rotatably coupled to the thigh link and coupled to a second end of shank link with a second end of the compression spring. During a first range of motion, the compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link causing the artificial knee to resist flexion. After the first range of motion, the compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link encouraging the artificial knee to flex resulting in toe clearance during the swing phase. During the swing phase, the compression spring provides no torque between the thigh link and the shank link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shang-Li Wu, Homayoon Kazerooni
  • Patent number: 11312446
    Abstract: A damper device for a bicycle having a housing extending in the axial direction and disposed therein, a chamber which forms a chamber volume that is sealed outwardly. The chamber volume extends in the axial direction from a first end to a second end. In the axial direction, at least one adjustment member is rotatably disposed between the ends of the chamber volume. The adjustment member is configured as an annular member and is rotatably received at the housing and surrounds at least part of the housing. By way of movement of the adjustment member, at least one operational setting of the damper device is changeable by means of a mechanical transmitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: DT SWISS INC.
    Inventors: Martin Walthert, Jerome Hoffmann, Martin Fischer
  • Patent number: 11241326
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic correction splint (1) with two splint parts (5, 6) connected to each other via a joint (2). Spring bases (25, 26) of a spring device (27) are each coupled to a splint part (5, 6) in such a way that pivoting the splint parts (5, 6) leads to an altered biasing of the spring device (27). The spring device (27) exerts a correction moment onto the splint parts (5, 6) acting in the direction of a correction position of the splint parts (5, 6). The spring device (27) is configured and coupled to the splint parts (5, 6) in such a way that the absolute value of the correction moment increases as the correction position of the splint parts (5, 6) is approached. It is possible that a switching mechanism (40) is present. The switching mechanism (40) is actuated in a motion-controlled way by the pivoting of the splint parts (5, 6) and at its actuation changes the coupling of the splint parts (5, 6) with the spring device (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Helmut Wagner
  • Patent number: 10959862
    Abstract: A device includes a first member and a second member disposed in series along a longitudinal axis. The device also includes links coupling first joints of the first member to second joints of the second member. The first and second members and the links arranged to define a planar parallelogram linkage. The devices also include a resilient element disposed between the first member and the second member, the first member and the second member preloaded against the resilient element. The first member and the second member are preloaded to provide an arrangement of the first and the second joints in which a motion of the first joints with respect to the second joints is constrained to a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The devices further include a sensor for generating a signal indicating a separation between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, Jason Mitchell, Huseyin Atakan Varol, Brian Lawson, Don Truex
  • Patent number: 9161847
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventors: Philipp Kampas, Roland Pawlik
  • Patent number: 9060882
    Abstract: The invention relates to a join mechanism of a knee orthosis or knee prosthesis, having a first part (14), a second part (15), which is pivotable relative to the latter, and attachment means (2) for securing the joint mechanism (1) to a user of the knee orthosis or knee prosthesis, and having a locking mechanism (4, 40) with which a pivoting of the two parts (14, 15) relative to each other in a flexion direction is prevented by a form-fit element (4) which is arranged movably on the second part (15) and which, in the locking state, engages with a form fit in a recess (40) assigned to the first part (14), wherein the form-fit element (4) is mounted rotatably on the second part (15) and has a contour which, in the locked position, protrudes into the recess (40) and, in the released position, allows the first part (14) to pivot past the bearing of the form-fit element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz Bröckl, Hans Dietl
  • Patent number: 9050199
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a prosthesis includes an upper portion adapted to interface with a user's leg, a lower portion adapted to interface with a floor or ground surface, and a knee joint that pivotally connects the lower portion to the upper portion, wherein the knee joint is physically displaced from the user's natural knee line along the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Kyle B. Reed, John R. Sushko, Craig A. Honeycutt
  • Patent number: 8986290
    Abstract: Devices to perform femtolaser ablation and phacoemulsification are physically and/or operationally combined. In some embodiments the femtolaser ablation and phacoemulsification are housed together, and in other embodiments they are housed separately, but operated through a common display screen. At least some software can be shared by the femtolaser ablation and phacoemulsification functionalities. A non-transitory computer-readable memory can provide data that can be used to operate each of at least one femtolaser ablation functionality and at least one phacoemulsification functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Patton
  • Patent number: 8974543
    Abstract: A above knee prosthesis (P) applied to femoral connection (100) of an amputee that comprises a upper hinge (1) connected to femoral connection of the patient, an articulation axis (2) with the function of reproducing the knee movements, a tibia-calf muscle unit (3) pivotally connected to the femoral•segment and a damper (5) that reproduces some functions of the calf muscle and ensures to the prosthesis to brake and to allow the sequential swing and stance phases typical of the gait. The damper comprises a cylinder (5c) wherein a piston (10) and a stem (9) act connected to each other and adapted to carry out a damping reaction of said damper responsive to the forces loaded on the prosthesis. In particular, a force transducer is provided in the damper arranged, in particular, in the stem with a microprocessor that receives a force signal from the transducer and operates means for adjusting the reaction of the damper responsive to the detected force signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rizzoli Ortopedia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Balboni, Leonardo Balli, Denis Mattia De Micheli, Gabriele Donati, Nicola Ferrini
  • Publication number: 20140249651
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee includes a housing, parallel anterior links, a posterior link, and a chassis. The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links both extend above the posterior link and substantially below the posterior link. The prosthetic knee includes a friction adjustment mechanism, a stability adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable extension assist mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Bjorn OMARSSON, Sigurdur Gisli KARLSSON, Sigurdur OLAFSSON, Gudlaugur OLAFSSON, David LANDRY
  • Patent number: 8814948
    Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic knee joint, comprising an upper part (2), on which upper connecting means (20) are disposed, a lower part (3) pivotally supported on the upper part (2), connecting means for orthopedic components (4), and a stop ( ) for delimiting an extension movement, wherein the stop (7) is configured displaceably and coupled to an adjusting device (64), which is coupled to a control device (6), which actuates the adjusting device (64) as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Pusch, Philipp Kampas
  • Publication number: 20140222166
    Abstract: A prosthetic adapter including a lower connector, an upper connector rotatably coupled to the lower connector, and a locking mechanism for preventing the upper connector from rotating relative to the lower connector. The locking mechanism is arranged to generally automatically retain a locked position when the lower connector is rotated to an original, predetermined alignment. An activation member is connected to and arranged for operating the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: OSSUR hf
    Inventors: Sigurdur OLAFSSON, Gudni INGIMARSSON, David LANDRY
  • Patent number: 8721736
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventor: Finn Gramnäs
  • Publication number: 20140128993
    Abstract: An adjustable below-the-knee prosthetic leg, which is connected between a thigh and an artificial foot, comprises a controller, a connecting mechanism, a hydraulic unit, and a shell. The connecting mechanism and the hydraulic unit are pivotally connected to the controller, and the shell is pivotally connected to the hydraulic unit. The connecting mechanism extends into a hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic unit. The hydraulic cylinder is in communication with a reserve hydraulic cylinder and a brake hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic unit. The prosthetic leg allows a user to climb up or go down the stairs and walk on uneven ground easily without falling down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: medi GmbH & Co. KG, PRO LIMB International Corp.
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa SHEN
  • Patent number: 8715367
    Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises a mechanical joint that is adapted for use on a user's anatomical joint which has a proximal area, a distal area, a lateral side and a medial side. The preferred mechanical joint comprises a proximal body that is disposed adjacent to the proximal area of the user's anatomical joint and a distal race that is disposed adjacent to the distal area of the user's anatomical joint. The preferred mechanical joint also comprises a release plate, an iris, a roller bearing pin, a resilient tube and a drive pin that are substantially disposed in the proximal body. The preferred mechanical joint further comprises a pivot screw that is adapted to pivotally connect the proximal body and the distal race and a cable pull assembly that is adapted to permit the distal race and the proximal body to move relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Fillauer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Pansiera, David Lee Stubbers
  • Publication number: 20130268092
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee for active users has a locking head generally parallel to a vertical axis of the prosthetic knee, a chassis, and a plurality of links connecting the locking head to the chassis. The knee includes a swing control mechanism having a flexion stop connected to the chassis and arranged to control the flexion angle of the knee. The flexion stop extends outwardly from the chassis and obliquely relative to the vertical axis. The knee has an audible feedback mechanism for providing the user with information about the location of the knee. The knee may also have a block lock forming a manually activated mechanism allowing load bearing in a flexed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Sigurdur Gisli Karlsson, Sigurdur Hannesson, Sigurdur Olafsson
  • Patent number: 8500823
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Ernesto C. Martinez-Villalpando, Jeff Anthony Weber
  • Publication number: 20130190896
    Abstract: The invention relates to a join mechanism of a knee orthosis or knee prosthesis, having a first part (14), a second part (15), which is pivotable relative to the latter, and attachment means (2) for securing the joint mechanism (1) to a user of the knee orthosis or knee prosthesis, and having a locking mechanism (4, 40) with which a pivoting of the two parts (14, 15) relative to each other in a flexion direction is prevented by a form-fit element 94) which is arranged movably on the second part (15) and which, in the locking state, engages with a form lit in a recess (40) assigned to the first part (14), wherein the form-fit element (4) is mounted rotatably on the second part (15) and has a contour which, in the locked position, protrudes into the recess (40) and, in the released position, allows the first part (14) to pivot past the bearing of the form-fit element (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz Bröckl, Hans Dietl
  • Patent number: 8444704
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Freedom Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Palmer, Charles R. Bisbee, III
  • Publication number: 20130103167
    Abstract: A knee joint includes a knee member including a movable plate connected to and pressable toward a fixed seat, and an interspace formed between the fixed seat and the movable plate. An upper connecting unit disposed atop the knee member abuts against the movable plate. A pivot shaft is inserted threadedly into the knee member and is rotatable relative thereto. Pressing the upper connection unit against the movable plate constricts the interspace so that the pivot shaft is clamped tightly between the fixed seat and the movable plate, thereby restricting a relative rotation between the knee member and the pivot shaft. The movable plate is restored to its original position when unpressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Chien-Wen Chen, Chien-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20130085580
    Abstract: A four-link hydraulic buffer knee joint assembly which includes a hydraulic center axle configured at a center hole of a four-link hydraulic main body and utilizes a spring force and an oil-filling piston to achieve the auto-filling of hydraulic oil. The hydraulic center axle is able to utilize adjustable knobs provided on an outer side of the center axle to adjust the bending speed and the spring-back recovery speed. The setting location of the hydraulic center axle differs from the one of conventional joint assembly such that the overall size of the knee joint assembly is reduced while the joint assembly includes the functions of adjustable hydraulic bending and stretching speeds and buffering for the hydraulic head to return to its horizontal state. The four-link hydraulic main body comprises a setting changeable controlling axle for achieving the function of the buffered safety brake against the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Fu-Kuo Wu, Hsiang-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 8403997
    Abstract: A self-teaching lower limb prosthesis, for an above-knee amputee, including a dynamically adjustable joint movement control unit arranged to control operation of the joint automatically. A control unit electrically stores a target relationship between a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion and walking speed. The relationship defines a number of values of the parameter associated with different walking speeds. The control unit generates monitoring signals representative of walking speed values and values of the parameter occurring at different walking speeds. An adjustment system adjusts the control unit automatically when the monitoring signals indicate deviation from the target relationship so as to bring the parameters close to that defined by the target relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Blatchford Products Limited
    Inventors: Andrew John Sykes, Mir Saeed Zahedi, David Moser
  • Publication number: 20130053983
    Abstract: A joint for an artificial limb including a first support pivotally connected to a second support and a braking mechanism for limiting angular displacement between the first support and the second support actuatable when a time derivative of the angular displacement exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Roee Lifshitz
  • Publication number: 20130006388
    Abstract: An orthopedic knee joint having an upper part with upper connecting features, a lower part which is mounted pivotably on the upper part and has connecting features for prosthetic components, and a stop for limiting an extension movement. The stop and is coupled to an adjusting device, which is coupled to a control device that actuates the adjusting device as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop. If the knee joint is provided with an adjustable extension stop position, the extension stop can be shifted forward for walking, which results in a greater inclination at heel strike in order to flex the knee joint and, therefore, increased damping upon initiation of the stance phase. For standing, the adjusting device can be activated so that the extension stop is reversed, such that a statically more secure orthosis or prosthesis set-up can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin PUSCH, Philipp KAMPAS
  • Publication number: 20120310372
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee includes a housing, parallel anterior links, a posterior link, and a chassis. The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links both extend above the posterior link and substantially below the posterior link. The prosthetic knee includes a friction adjustment mechanism, a stability adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable extension assist mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Bjorn OMARSSON, Sigurdur Gisli KARLSSON, Sigurdur OLAFSSON, Gudlaugur OLAFSSON, David LANDRY
  • Patent number: 8313534
    Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes a four-bar linkage, an extension bar having a first end pivotally connected to the four-bar linkage, and a restoring device connected to a bottom of the four-bar linkage and comprising a transmission rod having a first end pivotally connected to and retractably moving a second end of the extension bar. The four-bar linkage includes a first, second, third, and fourth connecting bar, any two adjacent connecting bars of which are connected together by their respective pivot axles. When the four-bar linkage is moved to a locked state, a specific included angle is defined between any two adjacent straight lines joining adjacent pivot axles of the four-bar linkage. While walking, an artificial leg of an artificial limb using the artificial knee joint does not produce unexpected wobbles in the swing phase, and the artificial limb can provide enough support in the stance phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Chang-Yu Mechanical System Ltd.
    Inventors: Shen-Yi Chen, Chun-Sen Han
  • Publication number: 20120253476
    Abstract: A four-bar-linkage brake-included knee joint includes a knee carriage, first and second links rotatably coupled to the carriage, and a clamp member coupled to a joint body. The clamp member forms a through hole that receives an axle to couple the second links. A compression block is received in a rear portion of the joint body and is set in engagement with a back side of the clamp member. The clamp member forms a gap extending from the through hole of the clamp member to a bottom of the clamp member. When a heel of a prosthesis that includes the knee joint is put on the ground, a reaction force is induced in the prosthesis that causes the compression block to directly depress the clamp member thereby reducing the gap to have the clamp member tightly clamping the axle and thus preventing the axle from further rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: CHIA-PAO CHENG, Fu-Kuo Wu
  • Patent number: 8211042
    Abstract: A high torque active mechanism for an orthotic and/or prosthetic joint using a primary brake which can be provide by magnetorheological (MR) rotational damper incorporating and an additional friction brake mechanism driven by the braking force generated by the MR damper. This combination of MR damper and friction brake mechanism allows an increase in torque density while keeping the same level of motion control offered by the MR damper alone. The increased torque density achieved by this high torque active mechanism allows to minimize the size of the actuating system, i.e. its diameter and/or breath, while maximizing its braking torque capability. In this regard, the friction brake mechanism is advantageously positioned around the MR damper, such that the dimension of the package is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Victom Human Bionics Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Gilbert, David Landry
  • Patent number: 8048172
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: Helgi Jónsson, Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Gudni Ingimarsson, Christophe Lecomte, Larus Sigfusson, Heiôrún Gígja Ragnarsdóttir
  • Patent number: 7963998
    Abstract: A hip joint prosthesis includes connection means for securing the hip joint prosthesis to a securing device and to an artificial leg, and a control unit for controlling an extension movement in the hip joint and for controlling the step length of the artificial leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Herman Boiten
  • Patent number: 7935152
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: S & S Sarl
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Steiner, Clement Schneider
  • Patent number: 7935153
    Abstract: A joint device for an orthoses or prostheses includes an upper part, a lower part mounted on the upper part in such a way as to turn about a pivot axis, and braking means that brakes or blocks a pivoting movement of the lower part relative to the upper part. The braking means includes a spiral spring arranged between two contact surfaces and is mounted such that it can be braced in the direction of the contact surfaces about a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare IP GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Roland Auberger
  • Publication number: 20110087339
    Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic knee joint, comprising an upper part (2), on which upper connecting means (20) are disposed, a lower part (3) pivotally supported on the upper part (2), connecting means for orthopedic components (4), and a stop ( ) for delimiting an extension movement, wherein the stop (7) is configured displaceably and coupled to an adjusting device (64), which is coupled to a control device (6), which actuates the adjusting device (64) as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Pusch, Philipp Kampas
  • Patent number: 7918898
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Bloorview Kids Rehab
    Inventor: Jan Andrysek
  • Patent number: 7909885
    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°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jan Andrysek
  • Publication number: 20110009981
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a technology of a manual lock mechanism for manually switching over the oscillating motion of an upper member and a lower member at a knee joint between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. More particularly, the disclosure aims at a simple structure of the manual lock mechanism and a size reduction of the knee joint or an artificial leg including the manual lock mechanism. For these purposes, one of oscillating shafts for swingingly coupling the upper and lower members is regulated. Therefore, the manual lock mechanism includes an oscillating shaft including an irregular part and a lock member for regulating the movement of the oscillating shaft. The lock member can be switched over between a locked condition where the lock member is in contact with the irregular part of the oscillating shaft and the unlocked condition where it is separate from the irregular part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Okuda, Yoshiaki Nakaya
  • Publication number: 20100292807
    Abstract: In a stabilising knee joint for a lower limb prosthesis, weight-activated knee stabilisation is achieved by interen-gagement of a brake disc (32) associated with an upper knee chassis (10) and a brake member (34) associated with a shin carrier (18). The knee chassis is mounted on a posterior end portion (14P) of a resiliency biased activation arm (14) which pivots on the carrier (18). To provide a mechanical advantage in the brake action, a circumferential portion of the brake disc (32) is tapered, and the brake member (34) has a correspondingly tapered channel which receives the circumferential disc portion. The arrangement of the brake members (32, 34) and their mounting on the shin carrier (18) is such that substantial release of frictional engagement of the brake members can be substantially achieved even when a knee flexion moment is applied to the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Juan Jose Ochoa Velez, Mir Saeed Zahedi
  • Publication number: 20100160844
    Abstract: A high torque active mechanism for an orthotic and/or prosthetic joint using a primary brake which can be provide by magnetorheological (MR) rotational damper incorporating and an additional friction brake mechanism driven by the braking force generated by the MR damper. This combination of MR damper and friction brake mechanism allows an increase in torque density while keeping the same level of motion control offered by the MR damper alone. The increased torque density achieved by this high torque active mechanism allows to minimize the size of the actuating system, i.e. its diameter and/or breath, while maximizing its braking torque capability. In this regard, the friction brake mechanism is advantageously positioned around the MR damper, such that the dimension of the package is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Benoit Gilbert, David Landry
  • Patent number: 7731759
    Abstract: The invention relates to the control of a passive prosthetic knee joint with adjustable damping in the direction of flexion such that a prosthetic unit attached to the knee joint can be adapted for climbing stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Pusch, Sven Zarling, Herman Boiten
  • Publication number: 20100100197
    Abstract: A trouble-free safety prosthesis joint, which has a below-knee connector device with a main body, a base, a drive element and a restoring unit. The restoring unit is provided in a receiving space located in the interior of the main body and is connected to the drive element. The base extending downward from the main body serves for connection to the below-knee prosthesis. A thigh connector device is arranged on the below-knee connector device. One end of the brake element is connected to the restoring unit and the other end is connected pivotably to the thigh connector device. A brake element and a brake stirrup are also located in the receiving space of the below-knee connector device, which is connected to the thigh connector device and the brake stirrup is connected to the brake element. The brake stirrup engages the brake journal and is connected to the below-knee connector device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: MEDI GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dirk KREMSER, Hsin Fa SHEN
  • Patent number: 7691154
    Abstract: The invention in some embodiments relates to systems and methods of controlling pressure within a prosthetic knee. The knee in one embodiment comprises a flexible diaphragm that substantially prevents or mitigates undesirable pressure build-up in a sealed chamber of the knee. The knee in another embodiment comprises a compressible gas in the chamber that substantially prevents or mitigates undesirable pressure build-up in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: Sigurdur Asgeir Asgeirsson, Charles R. Bisbee, III, Henry H. Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100082115
    Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthetic knee appliance having upper and lower leg elements with a single-axis, articulating joint therebetween controllable with an electric knee-lock mechanism. A tilt-switch located within the prosthetic knee can facilitate activation of the electric knee-lock to lock or unlock the joint when the lower leg element is in a pre-determined position. A remote control can provide external locking control of the articulating joint. A pressure switch can ensure that the free-knee is locked only when the lower leg element is sufficiently extended relative to the upper leg element. The mobility of a free-knee system combined with the stability of a straight-leg prosthesis can be advantageous for pre-ambulatory pediatric patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Kapelke
  • Publication number: 20100049334
    Abstract: A technology for making the sensation at use of prosthetic limbs utilizing a hydraulic cylinder and a spring cylinder as comfortable as at use of those utilizing a pneumatic cylinder and further for improving walk following properties. In particular, the arrangement of drag generating means, such as a hydraulic cylinder and a spring cylinder, per se is specified. Accordingly, the resistance produced by the drag generating means in accordance with an increase of knee angle is increased. The first torque T1 at the first stage of initial period of bend of knee joint is made small, while the second torque T2 at the second stage of final period of the further advanced bend of knee joint is made large, thereby satisfying a relation of T1?T2, as different from conventional ones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Masahiko Okuda, Yoshiaki Nakaya
  • Patent number: 7582119
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Sen-Jung Chen
  • Publication number: 20090216340
    Abstract: The invention relates to an articulation joint which can move in a controlled manner between two elements that can rotate in relation to one another about an axis ?, comprising: a hub (6) which is equipped with a cylindrical bore (7) having a ? axis and which is intended to be fixed to the first element; and a shaft (10) which is engaged in the bore in the hub (6), such that it can move in relation to the hub in rotation about axis ?, and which is intended to be fixed to the second element. The invention is characterised in that the hub (6) and the shaft (10) are elastic and can deform under a stress (F3, F4) which is perpendicular to the ? axis and which is greater than a given value, in order to lock or brake the ? axis rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Pierre Martin
  • Publication number: 20090192630
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Tracy C. Slemker, Scott R. Schall, Steve Steinbarger
  • Publication number: 20090171470
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Hardy Bisinger, Gisela Fitzlaff, Volker Marek, Bernhard Holtkamp, Gerhard Fitzlaff
  • Patent number: 7544214
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventor: Finn Gramnäs
  • Patent number: 7416538
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Katoh, Taiji Koyama