Abstract: An adjustable prosthetic device and a fitting tool for positing the prosthetic device on a limb are described. The prosthetic device comprises two or more adjustable paddles that are movably coupled with an adapter via connectors. The connectors allow the paddles to be repositioned relative to a user's limb. The paddles are sized and dimensioned to capture lost motion between the limb and the prosthetic device through skeletal compression and tissue displacement. The fitting tool comprises two or more compression bars that removably couple with the two or more paddles of the prosthetic device. The fitting tool also comprises two or more linear actuators that control the positions of the compression bars and the paddles relative to the limb.

Abstract: A polycentric knee joint including an adjustment-free multi-stage prosthesis air cylinder. The air cylinder has an air cylinder body, a piston assembly slidably mounted on the air cylinder body, a first check valve mounted in the piston, and a multi-stage air pressure valve mounted inside a lower air way of the air cylinder body. The multi-stage air pressure valve automatically cushions movements of the piston assembly without being adjusted whenever a user of the prosthesis joint walks slowly or quickly, for improved comfort.

Abstract: A prosthesis system can have an advantageous use over conventional prostheses in certain activities, including, but not limited to certain sports activities: The system includes, elastic member(s) that can store and release energy. The storing and releasing of energy in the elastic members happens during the movements made by the user and with the application of the user's own body weight while performing an activity. Implementations can also include a variety of routing configurations for the elastic member(s), as well as a variety of mounting points to integrate the elastic member(s) into the system, and/or a variety of adjustable anti-hyperextension members, and/or a variety of interchangeable shoes used for applicable activities.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a phalanges portion, a metatarsals portion that is movably coupled to the phalanges portion, an ankle portion that is movably coupled to the metatarsals portion, and a calcaneus portion that is movably coupled to the ankle portion.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint with buffering and braking effects has an upper connecting base, a linking assembly, a braking assembly, and a lower connecting base. The upper connecting base has two extending arms and an accommodating recess. The linking assembly has two linking arms respectively and pivotally connected to the upper connecting base. The braking assembly has a braking arm protruding into the accommodating recess of the upper connecting base and pivotally connected to the two extending arms. The lower connecting base is connected to the linking assembly and the braking assembly. The upper connecting base, the linking assembly, the braking assembly and the lower connecting base form a four-bar linkage. A cushion between an abutting element and a main body provides a buffering effect during walking. Thus, the prosthetic knee joint has simplified structure and reduced cost and is convenient in assembly and use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic socket for a residual limb of the lower extremity or upper extremity of an individual person. The residual limb has particular dimensions and anatomical contours; the prosthetic socket has dimensions and contours that fit the dimensions and contours of the residual limb. The prosthetic socket may also fit in a manner that is biomechanically particularly appropriate for the individual. The prosthetic socket is an assembly of components from groups of components that include (a) struts arranged longitudinally with respect to the residual limb, (b) proximal brim members arranged proximally to the struts and connected thereto; and (c) distal socket members disposed at the distal base of the prosthetic socket. The socket components within these groups may be modular in that they can vary with respect to dimensions and/or contours, and yet have common connecting features that permit assembly of the components together to form the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: An above knee prosthesis comprises an upper block, a lower block, a middle linkage pivotably coupling the middle posterior regions of the upper and lower blocks together, and at least one side linkage pivotably coupling the sides of the upper and lower blocks together. The center of rotation of the prosthesis is located above the prosthesis when it is in full extension and moves downward as the prosthesis rotates into full flexion. When the prosthesis is in use and in full extension, a majority of the weight of the patient borne by the prosthesis is directly transferred from the upper block to the lower block. A bumper disposed between the upper and lower blocks will typically be provided to absorb shock and dampen noise when the prosthesis is in extension. A leaf spring may be provided to bias the prosthesis to be in extension.

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 modularized knee joint cushioning structure includes a top joint seat connectable to a thigh, a friction adjustment assembly including an adjustment screw and coupled, in combination with a spring assembly, to the top joint seat and a bottom joint seat, a caliper forming an axle hole having a circumference forming a gap extending to the outside and including a bearing surface formed on an outside surface thereof, a main body having a main axle connecting the caliper and the top joint seat, and a bottom joint seat having a top end forming, at one side thereof, a brake block and coupled to the main body and the spring assembly. The spring assembly may alternatively used with a fixing assembly to limit the spring force of the spring assembly. The spring assembly is replaceable by a hydraulic assembly or a pneumatic assembly to form alternative cushioning structures.

Abstract: Torsional loads can impart painful and potentially injurious shear stresses upon residual limb soft tissues in lower limb amputees. To protect the soft tissues, a controllable transverse rotation adapter (TRA) has been developed that permits rotation of the prosthetic socket relative to the prosthetic foot, relieving some of the rotational loads experienced by the residual limb, and controlling either the stiffness resisting the transverse rotational torque, or the torque. This TRA uses series elastic actuator (SEA) technology and includes a prime mover, a speed reduction device, and a torsion spring mounted in series. By measuring a displacement of the spring (e.g., using a strain gauge), motor current, and the motor shaft position, the load torque and position can be used to calculate actual stiffness or applied torque. The motor position is then adjusted relative to the load, to control the effective stiffness or torque.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device can include at least one device portion and a joint portion for providing for the at least one device portion to pivot between flexion and extension movements relative to another adjacent device portion or an adjacent limb segment of a user. In some embodiments, a prosthetic or orthotic device can include a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The compliant transmission assembly can include a compliant member and a pivot. The pivot can be interposed between the compliant member and the joint portion. In some embodiments, the compliant member absorbs energy when a torque is applied.

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 includes a knee member, an upper connecting member that is disposed on top of the knee member for connection with a prosthetic upper leg, a resilient member disposed between the knee member and the upper connecting member, and a connection seat that has an upper portion pivotally connected to the knee member and that has a lower portion for connecting with a prosthetic lower leg.

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 load control device can be attached to bones on either side of an articulated joint in order to control the forces and loads experienced by the joint. The device comprises an apparatus for controlling the load on articular cartilage of a human or animal joint and includes: a first fixation assembly for attachment to a first bone; a second fixation assembly for attachment to a second bone; a link assembly coupled to the first fixation assembly by a first pivot and coupled to the second fixation assembly by a second pivot, the first and second fixation assembly thereby each being angularly displaceable relative to the link assembly. The apparatus enables a clinician to effectively control the environment of cartilage in a joint during a treatment episode.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

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.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A prosthesis system can have an advantageous use over conventional prostheses in certain activities, including, but not limited to certain sports activities: The system includes, elastic member(s) that can store and release energy. The storing and releasing of energy in the elastic members happens during the movements made by the user and with the application of the user's own body weight while performing an activity. Implementations can also include a variety of routing configurations for the elastic member(s), as well as a variety of mounting points to integrate the elastic member(s) into the system, and/or a variety of adjustable anti-hyperextension members, and/or a variety of interchangeable shoes used for applicable activities.

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: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

Abstract: An energy returning prosthetic joint arranged for use as a knee joint in prosthetic limbs includes a biasing or spring member connected to upper and lower attachment members. The spring member includes a composite material having an energy returning property. A cushion may be provided within the range of curvature of the spring member, or be connected to frame members in order to limit motion of the spring member.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A quadriceps control device comprises an elongated, elastic member having a first end affixed at an anterior position above the knee and a second end affixed at an anterior position below the knee of the user. The quadriceps control device may be utilized with a prosthetic or orthotic leg assembly. The quadriceps control device mimics to some degree the quadriceps muscle group in human anatomy, to thereby enhance the ability of a user of a prosthetic or orthotic leg assembly to control knee extension and flexion.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint structure is provided herein. The knee join mainly contains an upper member for connecting to a prosthetic thigh, a lower member for connecting to prosthetic shin and foot, a linking device for connecting the upper and lower members, a cushion element, and a resilient device. During walking, the resilient device prevents the shin from dangling and the knee joint from sudden bending and kneeling-down. The cushion element absorbs the shock when the prosthetic leg is walking on a flat ground or slope.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic knee joint utilizes a rotary hydraulic chamber with internal flow control and positioned with hydraulic chamber opposite the upper joint section. A polycentric knee joint is provided with a forward flexion bumper and a cable extension assist for improved gait performance.

Abstract: A positioning and buffering device of a knee joint for artificial limb is disclosed. The device comprises a knee cap head, an interlinking device including two arch plates, a buffering device including an interlinking rod, an interlinking support and a hydraulic cylinder; a spring device having a spring and a spring support; and a knee cap body module. The knee cap body is used to connect to the thigh and the lower edge of the knee cap body is for connection to the shank and the leg bottom portion. By means of the interlinking rod and the linking support, when the leg is stretched or is standing, a pressure exerted changes the angle between the interlinking rod and the interlinking support such that the knee joint is at a fixed position, the shank will not bent or knee down and the buffering device will produce a buffering and shock absorbing effect.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes a joint seat, a support frame, a hydraulic device, a push rod, and a biasing member. The joint seat has a joint body and a rotatable member connected pivotally to the joint body and connected fixedly to a residual thigh. The support frame is connected rotatably to the joint body, and is connected fixedly to a prosthetic lower leg. The push rod is movable relative to the joint body between an extended position, where a free end of the rotatable member is spaced apart from the joint body to align the lower leg with the thigh, and a retracted position, where the free end of the rotatable member abuts against the joint body. The biasing member biases the push rod to the extended position.

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

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.

Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg having a knee joint assembly that includes a plunger-activated, three-chamber cylinder body, a control valve, a control valve actuator, a pylon shaft and artificial foot. The knee joint assembly rotates in a single axis and provides two-stage hydraulic gait control and shock absorption relative to two spring-biased pistons. A cam linkage and actuator valve having a moveable piston and piston chamber responds to knee flexion and switches fluid flow at the control valve and cylinder between a “soft” spring and a “hard” spring to provide two levels of adjustable control to stabilize the user. Alternative microprocessor directed electronic and hydraulic controllers are also disclosed that can be adapted to a knee assembly to sense myoelectric activity and rotation, strain, and/or linear movement of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torsion device of an exoprosthesis system, with a proximal part (1) which, counter to the action of a resilient torsion element, can be turned in positive and negative directions of rotation (5, 6) in relation to a distal part (2). To increase the functional range, it is proposed that the torsion element (4), in the positive direction of rotation (5), has a torsion characteristic different than that in the negative direction of rotation (6).

Abstract: A knee joint structure has a five-joint link structure in which there are an upper link 1 to which a thigh support part of an artificial limb 10 is fixed; a lower link 4 with which a foot part 11 of the artificial limb is linked; a rear link 5 for linking the upper and lower links 1 and 4 with each other; a main frontal link 2 linked with the frontal of the upper link 1; and an auxiliary frontal link 3 for linking the main frontal link 2 and the lower link 4 with each other. In addition, there is provided an elastic element 8 acting to increase an angle formed by the auxiliary frontal link 3 and the lower link 4.

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 structure has a five-joint link structure in which there are an upper link 1 to which a thigh support part of an artificial limb 10 is fixed; a lower link 4 with which a foot part 11 of the artificial limb is linked; a rear link 5 for linking the upper and lower links 1 and 4 with each other; a main frontal link 2 linked with the frontal of the upper link 1; and an auxiliary frontal link 3 for linking the main frontal link 2 and the lower link 4 with each other. In addition, there is provided an elastic element 8 acting to increase an angle formed by the auxiliary frontal link 3 and the lower link 4.

Abstract: An orthesis joint, in particular a knee joint for part of a leg, comprising a joint upper part (1) and a joint lower part (2), pivotably connected to the latter by means of a joint screw (3), as well as comprising a manually releasable wedge block (9, 10, 11, 12), the blocking wedge (9) of which, displaceably guided in the joint upper part (1), engages in its blocking position in an approximately radial direction--in relation to the joint screw (3)--into a blocking groove (10), provided on the joint lower part (2), and can be displaced out of this blocking position against the action of a spring (11) into an unlocking position, characterized in that the joint upper part (1) is divided in two in its plane perpendicular to the joint screw (3), into a basic body (4) and a cover (5) covering the latter at least partially, and in that the blocking wedge (9) is guided in mutually corresponding groove-shaped milled recesses (7, 8) in the mutually facing inner sides of the basic body (4) and cover (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device producing a stance flexion. This goal is achieved according to the invention by virtue of the fact that in the initial position of the multi-element joint system one element (joint element) can execute two movements with respect to the other elements (joint elements) connected to it, with at least one movement, after its initiation, at least predominantly blocking the other possible movement.

Abstract: A knee mechanism for a lower limb prosthesis which maintains knee stability over an initial range of flexion and includes an upper member for connection to or forming part of the thigh component of a prosthesis, a lower member for connection to or forming part of the shin component of a prosthesis, and a slider and a crank connecting the upper member to the lower member. The locus of the instantaneous center of rotation of the mechanism is a curve which commences above the knee and posterior to the load line and which, over an initial range of flexion of the mechanism, moves continuously downwards and to the posterior, the curve being convex towards the posterior. The lower member, the slider and the crank preferably constitute a slider crank mechanism with the crank pivotally connected to the upper and lower members and the slider pivotally connected to the lower member and slidably connected to the upper member.

Abstract: A stance phase flexion device for a prosthesis comprises a composite C-shaped spring member formed from a plurality of thermoset synthetic resin-impregnated high strength carbon filament sheets molded together in a compression mold. The spring member includes a standard hole pattern located in an upper leg of the spring and a standard hole pattern on the lower leg of the spring, for connecting the spring between adjacent prosthetic components for simulating normal flexion between the adjacent components. The C-shaped member is normally rigid in a rest position maintaining its C-shaped configuration. The C-shaped member has spaced apart upper and lower legs that elastically flex with energy absorbing compliance under a load tending to move the upper and lower legs together. The C-shaped member essentially resists elastic flexion in lateral directions and resists torsion loads.

Abstract: A swing phase control for an artificial knee joint is provided with a cylinder (1) having one end closed by a head member (2) and the other end closed by a base member (3), a piston reciprocally movable within the cylinder in axial direction thereof and having a piston rod (6) passing outwards through a bore provided in the head member (2) for connection with the thigh part of a prosthesis. The head member (2) comprises a channel (12) with a check valve (13) providing a communication of the ambient with a head side first chamber (9) defined by the piston (7). The first chamber (9) communicates through a throttle passage with the base side second chamber (10) defined by the piston (7). The base member (3) comprises a vent bore (23) connecting the second chamber (10) with the ambient and a first spring (22) biasing the piston (7) towards the head member (2). Thus the swing phase control has good damping properties for movement of different speed.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes a shank formed with a pair of upwardly extending first lugs and a pair of radially extending second lugs, and a thigh support formed with a pair of downwardly extending third lugs which are connected pivotally to the first lugs. A connector has a first portion which extends between and which is mounted pivotally to the third lugs, a second portion which extends from the first portion and which extends between the first lugs, and a connecting portion formed at a junction of the first and second portions. A biasing unit on the shank biases the second portion of the connector upwardly. The connecting portion of the connector extends between and is connected pivotally to a spaced pair of pivot blocks on an upper end of an actuating member. The actuating member further has a lower end which extends between and which is connected pivotally to the second lugs.

Abstract: A brake-action knee joint for a leg prosthesis includes a closed displacer chamber which concentrically surrounds the joint pin over its circumference, at least partially, is preferably filled with hydraulic oil, and is arranged in the associated end of the central part of the joint. The joint pin is designed as a rotary piston and is connected in torsionally rigid fashion to the upper part of the joint. The joint pin divides the closed displacer chamber into an extension chamber and a flexion chamber, which are connected to one another by way of an oil line which can be completely or partially closed by a valve plunger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device producing a stance flexion. This goal is achieved according to the invention by virtue of the fact that in the initial position of the multi-element joint system one element (joint element) can execute two movements with respect to the other elements (joint elements) connected to it, with at least one movement, after its initiation, at least predominantly blocking the other possible movement.

Abstract: A swing phase control device for an artificial knee joint which is provided with different first and second throttle controls to permit more natural flexing and stretching of the knee joint.

Abstract: An artificial knee having a dual flexion action during locomotion is disclosed. The knee comprises a femur part and a tibia part capable of rolling over each other in two different ways depending on whether or not the artificial leg is loaded. Pressure exerted on a cam surface of the femur part flattens the curvature of the cam surface, limiting the angle of rotation of the artificial knee when the knee is loaded. The parts are connected by elastic ties which are fixedly connected to the femur part and movably connected to the tibia part. When the knee is loaded, depending arms from the femur part contact the movable tibia connection and increase the elongation of the elastic ties, thereby additionally resisting rotation.

Abstract: An artificial leg includes a knee mechanism having means for restricting knee flexing movement during the stance phase of the walking cycle. The restricting means includes a piston and cylinder assembly so coupled in the mechanism that the piston is movable in the cylinder with knee flexion and extension. The knee mechanism includes two chassis parts arranged to move relatively to each other when an axial load is applied to the limb. One end of the piston and cylinder assembly is connected to one of the chassis parts while the other chassis part engages a control member coupled to a valve inside the piston and cylinder assembly so that the valve is operated in response to relative load-dependent movements of the chassis parts in order to restrict the flow of fluid and thereby create resistance to knee flexion during the stance phase. The chassis parts are connected together by an anterior pivot joint and are resiliently moveable relative to each other according to applied load.

Abstract: An orthesis joint comprises a first support plate, a thigh attachment part hingedly connected to the first support plate through a first bearing bush, a lower leg attachment part hingedly connected to the first support plate through a second bearing bush, a connecting member hingedly connected with both attachment parts through a third and fourth bearing bush, respectively, and means for limiting the movement of the joint. It is desired to achieve a simple design for the limit means. To this end one of the attachment parts comes into engagement with the connecting member by a first and a second stop, respectively, and at least one of the stops is adjustable.

Abstract: An orthopaedic or prosthetic joint comprising a linkage having a number of fixed-length links and a spring link of variable length, wherein there are five fixed-length links which are pivotally connected together in a geometric pattern such that the spring link acts to hold the joint in any one of a number of angles of flexion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel connection between two parts of an orthopedic technical aid, for example a prosthesis or orthotic device, with an adjustable, inherent articulation stability, consisting of a plane kinematic articulation chain with at least four articulation members and a polycentric swiveling characteristic composed of translatory and rotatory components, the swiveling of at least one articulation member being limited in at least one swivel direction by a first swivel stop. For improving the function, it is proposed that at least one articulation member should be designed in such a way that its length can be altered under the action of an external force.