Abstract: An artificial knee is configured to be worn by a person. Artificial knees include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, and a shank link configured to be coupled to the thigh link. Artificial knees include a compression spring coupled to the thigh link at a first end of the compression spring, the compression spring configured to be coupled to the shank link at a second end of the compression spring. The compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a first range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other. The compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a second range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for modular prosthetic devices and their use. In one example, a device includes a chassis assembly including a joint portion; and an interchangeable module that can be removably attached to the chassis assembly. The interchangeable modules can be configured for use in a wide variety of applications. The interchangeable modules can be quickly exchanged for different activities.

Abstract: An energy-storing prosthetic knee includes an upper leg structure and a lower leg structure hingedly connected to the upper leg structure. The lower and upper leg structures move pivotally relative to one another. A fluid actuator is operatively connected to the upper and lower leg structures such that relative pivotal movement of the upper and lower leg structures causes a fluid to flow in a predetermined manner within the fluid actuator. At least two controllable variable fluid flow resisting devices, an accumulator, and a control system are also provided. The control system is actuable to cause storage of the fluid energy for a predetermined length of time and release of the fluid energy at a predetermined time during the gait cycle. Both the storage and release of the fluid energy are variable by action of the control system without physical modification of other components of the prosthetic knee.

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: A trial head and shell for use in trial reduction of hip implants, and particularly bipolar implants, having locking features that prevent the head from dissociating from the shell during trialing, yet which allow the head and shell to be readily assembled and disassembled in the operating room. A cut-out region is formed in an outer bearing surface of the head. The cut-out region allows the head to pass through a trial shell opening and into the shell, yet is oriented such that when the head is associated with a femoral neck, the head cannot disassociate from the shell. Orientation indicators can be provided for use in assembly and disassembly. The trial head and associated shells can be provided in the form of a surgical kit including hip implants. Methods of use are provided.

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: 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.

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.

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: 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 residual thigh attachment plate that is pivotally coupled to a shin frame. An adjustable suspension strut is coupled to both the residual thigh attachment 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 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 prosthetic leg having an electronically controlled regenerative prosthetic knee. In certain embodiments of the present invention the knee may be passive, whereby it is used only to generate electrical energy. In other embodiments, the knee may be active, whereby it can be used to assist with or completely control gait, as well as to generate electrical energy. The knee makes use of an actuator motor/generator to control gait and/or to generate electrical energy. An electronic control system is provided to control overall operation of the prosthetic leg, to distribute generated electrical energy, and to transfer excess electrical energy to one or more storage devices for later use. A prosthetic leg of the present invention having an active prosthetic knee may be especially helpful in assisting an amputee with activities that impart a high torque load to the knee joint.

Abstract: The invention in some embodiments relates to a dynamic seal for a prosthetic knee. The dynamic seal in one embodiment is utilized to seal a magnetorheological fluid comprising a liquid and solid particles within a chamber of the knee. The dynamic seal embodiments are specially configured with a pre-loaded tensioned garter spring which has a coil spacing that is at least as large as the size of the particles or maximum size of the particles in the magnetorheological fluid. Desirably, this allows the magnetorheological fluid particles to flow in and out of the dynamic seal without clogging the seal and advantageously provides for a reliable dynamic seal.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an articulating joint that is disengageable between two modes of operation: unidirectional movement of the joint or bi-directional movement of the joint, with features that allow the mode to be automatically switched as required. When fully locked, the joint inhibits joint flexion while allowing joint extension. When actuated, a locking mechanism is disengaged to allow both uninhibited flexion and extension of the joint.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes an upper seat, a lower seat adapted to be connected fixedly to a prosthetic lower leg, and a driving device. The upper seat includes a seat body connected to the lower seat by the driving device, and a movable member connected pivotally to the seat body and adapted to be connected fixedly to a residual thigh. The driving device includes a rotating shaft journalled within the seat body. When a downward force and an upward force are applied respectively to the movable member and the seat body, a gripping member presses against the rotating shaft so as to prevent rotation of the rotating shaft and thus relative movement of the lower seat and the seat body of the upper seat.

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 leg prosthesis adapted to a thigh stump includes an adapter (2) for a knee joint (3), a knee joint (3) mounted on this adapter, and a prosthetic lower leg (4) coupled to the knee joint (3). A prosthetic foot (5) is attached to this prosthetic lower leg and can pivot into a toes-raised foot position. The knee joint (3) upon transition from the extended position to the bent position performs a combined rolling-sliding movement about a pivot axis (6). A force-transmitting element (8) moves the prosthetic foot (5) substantially from the toes-down foot position to the toes-raised foot position during bending of the knee joint (3). Each bending position of the knee joint is transformed by a converter into an unambiguous electrical signal, which is supplied to a programmable control device, which generates a signal used to control an electrically adjustable actuator, which increases or decreases the resistance of the knee joint against or for further bending according to the signal.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee device having a hydraulic cylinder with a piston and a gas cylinder. A connecting element extends outwardly from the piston and passing through a gas cylinder. A bottom portion of the gas cylinder is adapted for slidable engagement with the hydraulic cylinder. A plunger is fixedly connected to the hydraulic cylinder. An outer periphery of a plunger is adapted for slidable engagement with the interior surface of the gas cylinder, so as to form an operational chamber within the gas cylinder between the bottom portion thereof and the plunger. The operational chamber is responsive to the movement of the prosthetic knee device.

Abstract: An above-knee prosthesis that allows the user to control the resistance of knee flexion or extension, and to voluntary lock and release the knee joint, at any and all bending angles, comprising a thigh frame assembly that receives a thigh stump; a leg frame assembly with foot attached; a hinge interconnecting the thigh frame and leg frame assemblies to form an artificial knee joint; a closed hydraulic system further interconnecting the thigh frame and leg frame assemblies to provide resistance to the bending of said artificial knee joint, a means to vary the resistance provided by said closed hydraulic system, and a means to translate the AP movement of said thigh stump into the degree of resistance provided by said closed hydraulic system. In its preferred embodiments, the AP movement of the thigh stump is communicated by means of a linkage, sliding or screw assembly, to a flow rate control valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee-joint prosthesis with a hydraulic damping cylinder (1) for regulating the swing phase control and stance phase stabilization, and with an electronic control for a force field acting on the hydraulic fluid of the damping cylinder (1), the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid being able to be changed by the force field. The object of the present invention is to make available a knee-joint prosthesis whose electronic control has a high degree of safety and a minimal power consumption. According to the invention, the object is achieved by the fact that an actuating member (6, 7, 9, 12) is provided which generates a permanent force field and acts on the hydraulic fluid with an existing force field which is weakened or strengthened by the electronically controlled force field.

Abstract: A prosthesis or orthosis (orthotic brace) comprises at least two parts (1, 2) connected to each other by means of an artificial joint (K), and a control device for the joint, to brake or lock the joint. The prosthesis or orthosis comprises a sensor (5) which detects the position in relation to a fixed line (L) of a part connected to the joint (K) and which is connected to a control device (4) arranged to influence the joint (K) on the basis of position data given by the sensor (5). The prosthesis or orthosis is a lower limb prosthesis, such as a thigh prosthesis or a hip ex-articulation prosthesis, or a lower limb orthosis. The sensor (5) is arranged to detect the position of the thigh part (1) in relation to a vertical line (L). The control device (4) is arranged to influence the movement resistance properties of the joint (K) on the basis of data given by the sensor (5). The sensor (5) is based on detecting the direction of earth's gravity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved structure of a knee joint stressing device, which comprises a main body and a turning shaft. The main body is screwed to the turning shaft through an inner thread. The root of the thread is used as a lubricant storing space so that lubricant can exist on the contact surface more easily. Moreover, the thread surface is used to increase the contact area, hence reducing abrasion between components, extending lifetime, saving unnecessary components, and lowering the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis for an above-knee amputee has an adaptive control system which includes a knee flexion control device arranged to resist flexion at the knee joint both hydraulically and pneumatically by means of a dual piston and cylinder assembly. Sensors arranged to sense knee bending moments and knee flexion angle provide electrical signals which are fed to a processing circuit for automatically adjusting the hydraulic and pneumatic resistance to flexion according to the activity mode of the amputee and, when walking, according to the speed of the cylinder containing hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic resistance to flexion predominates during the stance phase and pneumatic resistance predominates during the swing phase. Provision is made for programmable resistance during level walking, walking on an incline, descending stairs and during a stumble.

Abstract: A clutch including an output hub on an output frame, an input shaft on an input frame, wherein the input shaft rotates within a bore in the output hub. An input hub is attached on an end of the input shaft, and a spring engages the input hub and the output hub. A locking spring clamp attaches the spring to the input hub. The input frame and the output frame are adjacent to one another on a side of the clutch opposite the input hub. An electronic control system for the clutch is also described that makes possible the use of the apparatus for electromechanical joint control in an orthotic or prosthetic device.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes an upper joint member, a lower joint member, a linking assembly disposed between and pivoted to the upper and lower joint members, and a joint friction member that includes a first friction piece adjustably secured to the lower joint member and having a top curved face, and a second friction piece connected to the linking assembly and having a bottom curved face which conforms to and which is slidable on the top curved face of the first friction piece so as to provide a frictional force against movement of the upper joint member relative to the lower joint member.

Abstract: A knee joint utilizes a shaft to dispose a rotating portion inside a body portion thereby enabling the body portion to rotate with respect to the shaft, the rotating portion being provided with a one-way bearing which enables the rotating portion to return rapidly to original position thereof in counterclockwise direction and utilizes a cushioning device and larger friction to cause the rotating portion to bend slowly in clockwise direction, thereby enabling people with disability to control and operate artificial limbs conveniently and easily.

Abstract: A device for damping of the turning movement of a joint such as an artificial knee joint is built into a bearing bridge of a joint. The joint can be a seven pivot point joint with a shaft of one of the pivot points being provided with a gear-wheel. The damping device includes a hydraulic cylinder with a piston connected to the gear-wheel. Channels with chokes and back valves connect the two sides of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder whereby adjustable damping in several steps can be achieved. A compact design for a joint and damping cylinder is achieved.

Abstract: A prosthetic brake joint includes an upper joint portion, a lower joint portion, and a joint shaft which pivotably connects the two joint portions together. The joint shaft, designed as a brake shaft, is connected to the lower joint portion for fixed rotation with the lower joint portion. A brake bushing surrounds and rotates about the joint shaft and operates as a bearing. The brake bushing is connected to a clamping or support portion for fixed rotation with the clamping or support portion. The upper joint portion is mounted to the clamping or support portion in an articulated manner via a pivot axle. Under loading, the upper joint portion impacts the clamping or support portion and thus the brake bushing, and thereby exerts a braking force on the joint shaft. The brake bushing is surrounded by an annular brake chamber which is filled with an incompressible medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge joint or swivel coupling in orthopaedic sthesis and ortheses, with an upper joint component (1), a lower joint component (2) and, if applicable, interposed control arms (9, 10) (hereinafter designated collectively as "hinge joint members") and a control element (4), that effectively engages both sides of a hinge joint member (1; 1, 2) (hereinafter "articulated joint member") each via one hinge point (7, 8) distanced from a pivot (3; 20, 21; 25, 26). To effect an improvement, the invention proposes that at least one of the above-mentioned hinge points (7, 8) is kinematically connected to at least one other hinge joint member (2; 9, 10; 9) via a mechanical geared coupling (11, 12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17; 18, 24; 30, 31) and is arranged in such a way that it can change position in relation to its articulated joint member (1; 1, 2). FIG. 17.