Abstract: A hydraulic damper and an intelligent prosthetics. The hydraulic damper includes a housing, a piston, a piston rod, and a damping adjustment component; an energy storage chamber and a damping chamber loaded with hydraulic fluid are arranged inside the housing; the piston is movably provided in the damping chamber and separates the damping chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, the energy storage chamber is closer to the second chamber; the piston rod is inserted into the first chamber, one end of the piston rod is connected to the piston, another end of the piston rod penetrates through one end of the housing away from the energy storage chamber; and the damping adjustment component is connected to the first chamber, the second chamber, and the energy storage chamber, respectively, to adjust resistance of movement of the piston, thereby reducing sealing difficulty and weight of the hydraulic damper.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device in accordance with the present disclosure may generally include a series elastic actuator (SEA), a slider-crank mechanism and a four bar linkage mechanism. The SEA includes a motor and a ball screw coupled to a shaft of the motor via a shaft coupler, which transfers rotational motion of the shaft directly to the ball screw. The slider-crank mechanism includes a ball nut and a crank. As the ball screw rotates, the ball nut converts rotational motion of the ball screw into linear motion of the ball nut to drive the crank. The crank converts linear motion of the ball nut back into rotational motion at the input of the four bar linkage mechanism. The four bar linkage mechanism is coupled to an output of the crank and configured to provide a complex motion profile that emulates kinematics of a wearer's joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthotic or prosthetic joint device with an upper part and a lower part arranged in a hinged manner and fastening means for securing the joint device on a user, with at least one hydraulics unit between the upper part and the lower part, which hydraulics unit has a piston that is movable in a housing with an extension chamber and a flexion chamber and that is coupled to the upper part or the lower part, and which hydraulics unit is assigned a pressure supply device with a pump and a pressure accumulator via which the piston, controlled by a control device, is subjected to a pressure, wherein the pump can be operated in generator mode, the pressure accumulator can be coupled drivingly to the pump, and the hydraulic fluid can be conveyed by the pressure accumulator through the pump to the hydraulics unit.

Abstract: A robotic system for a robotic limb configured to recover energy for minimizing power consumption of the robotic system, comprising a first support member, a second support member, and a quasi-passive elastic actuator rotatably coupling the first and second support members to define a joint of the robotic system rotatable about an axis of rotation defining a degree of freedom. The quasi-passive elastic actuator can comprise a first vane device and a second vane device, the first vane device and second vane device being rotatable relative to each other within the housing and defining, at least in part, a compression chamber and an expansion chamber. The system can further comprise a valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising a valve device disposed through an opening of the first vane device along the axis of rotation, and a shunt circuit facilitating fluid flow between the compression and expansion chambers through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint and a method of controlling dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the hydraulic prosthetic ankle joint. The method includes generating ground reaction forces with a hydraulic prosthetic ankle, wherein the prosthetic hydraulic ankle comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, and the ankle is connected to a prosthetic foot; rotating the prosthetic foot in response to the ground reaction force; transferring fluid between the forward and rear chambers in response to rotation of the foot; providing a feature to occlude or partially occlude the fluid transfer between chambers; providing a non-electronic mechanism for controlling the flow responsive to both a position of the joint and a rate of change of position of the joint, and wherein the mechanism is arranged such that a dwell at a particular joint location or locations will occlude the flow path.

Abstract: An orthopedic joint for a prosthesis, includes an upper part, a lower part which is mounted on the upper part in a pivotal manner about a pivot axis, and a rotation hydraulic unit, which has a housing with a chamber and a pivot piston that is pivotally mounted in the chamber and divides the chamber into a flexion chamber and an extension chamber, the chambers being hydraulically connected together via at least one channel. The joint also includes a pretensioning device which supports a pivoting movement of the upper part relative to the lower part, wherein the pretensioning device is coupled directly to the pivot piston via a support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods useful in training dogs how to control the muscles involved in rotation of the tibia in order to reduce the risk of cranial cruciate rupture. The invention has further applications in training dogs to increase abduction of the hind limbs to avoid hip dysplasia, as well as abduction of the front limbs to avoid elbow dysplasia.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic knee having a controller and a hydraulic unit pivotally connected to the controller. The hydraulic includes a reserve hydraulic cylinder, a brake hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic cylinder having a lower hydraulic compartment. A flow system fluidly connects the hydraulic cylinder, the reserve hydraulic cylinder, and the brake cylinder. The flow system has first and second flow paths in communication with the lower hydraulic compartment and the reserve hydraulic cylinder. The first flow path is in communication with lower hydraulic compartment and the reserve hydraulic cylinder via the brake cylinder. The second flow path bypasses the brake hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A robotic system configured to, in response to a state transition intention input, change the robotic system from operating in a first mode with sensitivity to detecting state transitions at a first sensitivity level to operating temporarily in a second mode with sensitivity to detecting state transitions at a second sensitivity level that is more sensitive than the first sensitivity level. The state transition intention input indicates an intention to make a state transition from a first state to a second state, with the second state being possible from a plurality of possible different states.

Abstract: Disclosed are a walking assistance robot and a method of controlling the walking assistance robot. The control method includes collecting motion information by sensing or measuring a motion of at least one joint, determining a motion state of the at least one joint based on the sensed or measured motion of the at least one joint, and controlling the walking assistance robot based on the determined motion state of the at least one joint.

Abstract: A valve with an inlet, an outlet that is connected to the inlet via a fluid connection, and a valve body, which can be brought by displacing it along a displacement direction into a first position, in which the fluid connection is blocked, and a second position, in which the fluid connection is open, wherein the inlet is designed and arranged in such a way that a fluid entering through the inlet exerts a total force on the valve body that at least also acts in a force direction which is perpendicular to the displacement direction when the valve body is in the first position.

Abstract: A method of facilitating switching of a quasi-passive elastic actuator of a tunable actuator joint module of a robotic system between an inelastic state and an elastic state comprising configuring a quasi-passive elastic actuator to be operable with a primary actuator of the tunable actuator joint module to selectively apply an augmented torque to assist the primary actuator in rotation of a joint of the tunable actuator joint module. The method further comprises configuring an elastic component of the quasi-passive actuator to comprise a first vane device and second vane device rotatable relative to each other within a housing, supporting a valve assembly about the axis of rotation of the joint through the first vane device, and configuring a shunt circuit to facilitate fluid flow between compression and expansion chambers through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A knee joint that is capable of widening a moveable range, and that has good energy efficiency and is small and lightweight is described. Also described is a knee joint that is of an active type, but comparatively inexpensive. A drive section moves a driven member. An elastic member is arranged between the driven member and a linear motion member. The linear motion member elastically moves in at least one direction, in accordance with movement of the driven member, by way of the elastic member. A crank mechanism can realize bending and extension of the knee joint by converting linear motion of the linear motion member to rotational motion.

Abstract: A spring mechanism having at least two wave washers and at least one spring washer between the wave washers. The wave washers are mounted so as to be twistable relative to one another.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis comprises a knee chassis (10), a shin carrier (20) pivotally connected to the knee chassis (10) and a piston and cylinder assembly (30, 40) pivotally connected to the knee chassis (10) and the shin carrier (20). The piston and cylinder assembly (30, 40) comprises a piston assembly (40) comprising a piston (40) mounted on a piston rod (42), a cylinder body (32B) having a cavity (46) defining a cylinder within which the piston (44) is arranged to reciprocate along the piston and cylinder assembly axis, and a foot component attachment means (36) for attaching a foot component to the piston and cylinder assembly (30, 40).

Abstract: A resistive device that enables adjustable resistance in at least one direction using an attachment system and associated eddy current braking system. The resistive device can be bench-mounted, in some embodiments, used for physical therapy caused by neuromuscular diseases, such as stroke and cerebral palsy, orthopedic disorders, general disuse, or even for overall fitness.

Abstract: A high performance, low-cost passive prosthetic knee includes one or more modules to enable able-bodied gait by transfemoral amputees to improve metabolic efficiency and reduce stigma from conspicuous abnormal gaits. A stance stability module includes a latch with a virtual lock axis that automatically locks and unlocks. An early stance flexion module enables able-bodied gait during stance. Hydraulic fluid dampers ensure reliable swing phase control. A swing extension energy storage module stores and returns energy as the knee locks and unlocks, respectively. These modules may be used together, in any combination, or individually.

Abstract: A method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity with a resistance unit to which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is changed depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. A device for carrying out such a method provides bending resistance that is increased or not lowered in the standing phase, when an inertial angle of a lower leg part is decreasing relative to a vertical direction and a front foot under pressure at the same time are identified.

Abstract: A hinged connecting device comprising a damping mechanism intended to counter a predetermined resistance at least during bending of the prosthesis (1), by replacing the muscle groups usually used for this purpose. The damping mechanism (200) is capable of being switched between a first operating mode (M1), selected by default, in which the value of the resistance corresponds to a first maximum value (Vmax), and a second operating mode (M2), that can be actuated only in a hyperextension position (P0) of the prosthesis (1), in which the resistance value corresponds to a second minimum value (Vmin); and the hinged connecting device (2) moreover comprises a fully mechanical locking system (3), arranged in order to allow the second operating mode (M2) to be activated only when the inclination of the tibial part (102) exceeds a first predetermined oriented angle (X1) relative to the vertical.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic valve having a valve body with a shaft defining a flow channel fluidly connectable to an interior of a socket. One or more ports in the valve body are in fluid communication with the flow channel and a membrane is positioned in the valve body. A release button associated with the membrane controls allow air flow into the socket via the one or more ports while air can flow out of the socket via the one or more ports independent of operation of the release button. A one-way valve is connected to the valve assembly that selectively permit air flow out of the socket. A valve insert is mountable on the socket and arranged to couple the valve body to the socket. The valve insert defines an opening configured to allow the shaft to extend through the valve insert and into the socket.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving an interaction between a prosthetic and/or orthotic device (POD) and a user of the POD are described. In some cases, the POD monitors various parameters during gait and communicates the gait parameters to a remote monitoring device. The remote monitoring device can analyze the gait parameters in real-time to provide various indications of user-POD interactions including, but not limited to, symmetric weight bearing, rolling over the toe, sitting down, stair descent, and/or stair ascent. The remote monitoring device can further provide indications to improve the user-POD interactions.

Abstract: A quasi-passive elastic actuator operable within a robotic system comprising a housing comprising an output member operable to couple to a first support member of a robotic system, a first vane device supported by the housing and comprising an input member operable to couple to a second support member of the robotic system, a second vane device coupled to the housing and interfaced with the first vane device, the first vane device and second vane device being rotatable relative to each other within the housing and defining, at least in part, a compression chamber and an expansion chamber. A valve assembly is located and operable at the joint of the robotic system, and is operable to switch the quasi-passive elastic actuator between an elastic state and an inelastic state, the valve assembly comprising a valve device disposed through an opening of the first vane device along an axis of rotation of the first vane device.

Abstract: A passive artificial knee includes a knee hinge assembly defining a knee axis, a locking hinge assembly defining a locking axis, and a post linking the knee hinge assembly and the locking hinge assembly. A ground reaction force applied to the artificial knee posterior to the locking axis causes an interfering relation by compression of the locking hinge assembly and the knee hinge assembly during heel strike at early-stance gait phase of an individual wearing the artificial knee, thereby locking rotation of the post about the knee axis. Shifting of ground reaction force anterior to the locking axis during a mid-stance to late-stance gait phase of the individual causes rotation of the post about the locking axis, thereby unlocking rotation of the post about the knee axis and enabling flexion and subsequent swing phase extension of the passive artificial knee joint. The artificial knee is a passive joint that can be fabricated and maintained at low expense.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic joint which can be used as an artificial knee. Said prosthetic joint consists of a knee upper part (1), a knee lower part (2) and a fixing element (8) connecting said two lower parts. The knee upper part is rotationally arranged about the rotational axis (4) of the fixing element and rotation occurs counter to the force of an elastic element (17) which is arranged in knee lower part. Detachable fixing means (7), which are used to fix at least one rotational position, are provided between the knee upper part and the fixing element.

Abstract: The adjustable prosthetic leg, which is connected between a thigh and an artificial foot, has 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.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a prosthesis wall, at least one display carried by the prosthesis wall in spaced-apart relationship to the at least one display and interfacing with the at least one display, the control module adapted to present at least one image on the at least one display.

Abstract: A prosthetic or robot part, comprising a base, a proximal and a distal. The proximal is mounted on the base so as to be rotatable thereabout in a given sense. The distal is mounted on the proximal so as to be rotatable thereabout in the same sense to effect a gripping action of the prosthetic or robot part. The proximal and the distal are rotatable in the opposite sense to release the grip. One part of a drive of the part is pivoted to the base about a base pivot axis. Another part of the drive is pivoted to the distal about a distal pivot axis. The distal is also pivoted to the proximal about the said distal pivot axis. Thus the proximal, the distal and the said another part of the drive are all pivotable relative to one another about the said distal pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and joints for same. The present invention provides hydraulic functional units whereby enabling movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in achieving realistic movement is providing a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. One important characteristic of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait corresponding with those of a stabilized knee, i.e. a knee resisting flexion when under load, is when it bears at least some of the weight of the amputee. Properties of resilient mechanical members are utilized to enable a hydro-mechanical system to be controlled so that it releases a low joint resistance mode relative to a default high resistance mode. The invention also permits alternative embodiments such as electronic, electro fluidic or electromechanical means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing actuating a prosthetic ankle are disclosed. In one example, the system, such as an actuated prosthetic ankle joint, detects that the user has moved to a relaxed position, such as sitting, reclining, crawling, or leaning. In response, the actuated prosthetic ankle joint actively adjusts the angle between the members of the ankle to a relaxed state. The system may further detect when the user has moved to exit the relaxed position, and may actively adjust the angle between the members of the ankle to an exit state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and to joints for the same. In particular, the present invention provides hydraulic functional units (35), generally classified as damping devices as connected between artificial limbs whereby to enable movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in attempting to achieve a realistic movement is to provide a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. Indeed, one of the more important characteristics of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait correspond with those of a so called stabilized knee, i.e. a knee which resists flexion when under load, that is when it is bearing at least some of the weight of the amputee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity, comprising a resistance unit with which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is varied depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. According to the invention, the resistance is increased in the standing phase or while standing from a starting value depending on the ground reaction force up to a locking point of the joint.

Abstract: A prosthesis for a lower limb includes an element for receiving a thigh stump fitted on a support part, a leg assembled on the support part by a pivot link forming a knee joint to enable flexion or extension of the leg with respect to the element for receiving, and an absorbing system to absorb the flexion or extension efforts. The absorbing system is fitted on the one hand on the pin of the pivot link and on the other hand on a first end of a rocker pivotally mounted on the leg, and a rod is fitted on the one hand on a second end of the rocker and on the other hand on the support part.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes two components that are configured to be movable relative to on another (e.g., longitudinally translatable, pivotable, etc.). The relative movement of the two components is transmitted as unidirectional mechanical energy by means of a transmitting mechanism which includes an energy accumulator connected to a generator. The mechanical energy is thereby converted to electric power.

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.

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.

Abstract: In a lower limb prosthesis an ankle unit has a combination of an hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly providing a continuously damped range of ankle flexion and a resilient telescopic shock absorber. The damping resistance of the piston and cylinder assembly is the predominant resistance to ankle flexion and is provided by a piston which is axially moveable in a cylinder centered on the shin axis. The wall of the cylinder has a cylindrical outer bearing surface for a sleeve which is translationally displaceable relative to the piston and cylinder assembly according to the axial load, the sleeve being resiliently mounted by a compression spring which extends axially within the sleeve and has an integral end portion forming an upper bulkhead of the cylinder. The sleeve is also rotatable on the cylinder wall, the spring providing torsional resistance.

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 a hydraulic cylinder or a spring cylinder, or the like, is specified. Accordingly, the resistance produced by the hydraulic cylinder or spring cylinder in accordance with an increase of knee angle is increased, The first torque T1 at the first stage of initial period of bend of the 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.

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.

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: A knee joint prosthesis is adapted for interconnecting a prosthetic lower leg and a prosthetic thigh. The knee joint prosthesis includes a knee seat disposed under and connected to the prosthetic thigh, a connecting seat disposed above and connected to the prosthetic lower leg, a link assembly, and an adjusting unit. The link assembly includes a plurality of links each connected pivotally to the knee seat and the connecting seat in such a manner to allow the knee joint prosthesis to change between an elevated position and a flexed position. The adjusting unit is disposed in the knee seat, and is operable to cooperate with the link assembly to adjust difficulty level of changing the knee joint prosthesis between the elevated and flexed positions.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopaedic aid, in particular to a prosthesis (58) or orthosis comprising an orthopaedic fluid damper (10) with a displacement chamber (14) formed in a housing (12), with a piston (16) mounted in the displacement chamber (14), with a fluid reservoir for a fluid (20), with a return flow conduit (22) connecting the displacement chamber (14) to the fluid reservoir, with a valve (24) that can adopt an open position and a closed position, in which it at least partially closes the return flow conduit (22), and with a joint (72) that has a first branch (60) and a second branch (66), wherein the first branch (60) is connected to the housing (12) and the second branch (66) is connected to the piston (16). A device (84) is also provided for detecting a joint force (FB) acting on the joint, which device (84) is designed to bring the valve (24) to the closed position when the joint force (FB) exceeds a predefined threshold value.

Abstract: A walking assistance device providing an assistance force to a user is provided. The device compensates for an influence of an inertial force of the device itself. An actuator drives leg joints such that a total sum of supporting forces acting on the leg links from a floor side is a target total lifting force. The total sum of supporting forces acting on leg links from a floor side in reaction to a vertical inertial force generated in the device due to a motion of the device and the gravity acting on the device is estimated as a force which compensates for the self weight of the device. The total sum of a target value of a lifting force to be applied to the user and the estimated value of the force which compensates for the self weight of the device is defined as a target total lifting force.

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.

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 which may include combinations of knee angle, stance, thigh angle and shank angle sensors. 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. A signal processor selects a swing state from at least forward, combination forward and descent, combination forward and ascent, reverse, combination reverse and descent, and combination reverse and ascent swing states.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and joints for same. The present invention provides hydraulic functional units whereby enabling movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in achieving realistic movement is providing a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. One important characteristic of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait corresponding with those of a stabilised knee, i.e. a knee resisting flexion when under load, is when it bears at least some of the weight of the amputee. Properties of resilient mechanical members are utilized to enable a hydro-mechanical system to be controlled so that it releases a low joint resistance mode relative to a default high resistance mode. The invention also permits alternative embodiments such as electronic, electro fluidic or electromechanical means.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided which comprises two components that are mounted so as to be pivotable relative to one another. The relative movement of the two components is transmitted as unidirectional mechanical energy by means of a transmitting mechanism which includes an energy accumulator connected to a generator. The mechanical energy is thereby converted to electric power.

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.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes a lower joint member, an axle, a kneecap member, and a press member. The lower joint member is formed with a horizontally extending axle-receiving hole, and a clearance extending from and in spatial communication with the axle-receiving hole. The axle is received in the axle-receiving hole. The kneecap member is pivoted to the lower joint member, and is adapted to be connected to a prosthetic thigh. The press member is mounted to the kneecap member for pressing the lower joint member when the kneecap member pivots in a direction relative to the lower joint member. Therefore, the clearance and the axle-receiving hole are constricted to result in tightened connection between the lower joint member and the axle and resistance to relative rotation between the lower joint member and the axle.

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.