Abstract: An exoskeleton device is disclosed. The exoskeleton device comprises a Bowden cable, a shank portion comprising a strut, and a foot portion coupled to the shank portion by a rotational joint. The foot portion comprises a heel lever and a pulley attached to the heel lever, wherein the strut of the shank portion is configured to redirect the Bowden cable toward the pulley, wherein the pulley is configured to redirect the Bowden cable back toward the shank portion, and wherein the Bowden cable is configured to generate torque by pulling the pulley. The exoskeleton device further comprises a midsole, wherein the midsole is releasably coupled to the lever, and wherein the midsole is configured to transmit force to a foot of a user.

Abstract: The current document is directed to a two-way, by-passable, overrunning clutch incorporated within a mechanical prosthetic knee that provides functionality similar to a biological knee or incorporated in another articulated device, such as a robotic or orthotic articulated device or member. The currently disclosed two-way, by-passable, overrunning clutch allows for two-way free rotation when disabled, but, when enabled, prevents rotation in one direction while allowing free rotation in the other direction. In the mechanical prosthetic knee, the two-way, by-passable, overrunning clutch is enabled by application of a mechanical force and disabled by removal of the mechanical force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for accommodating quick and easy exchange of footwear for lower limb amputees. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-degree-of-freedom attitude adjustment camera apparatus, and a control method, device and medium, the apparatus includes: a fixed support; a camera adjusting module which includes an upper chassis, a lower chassis and three bolts, the upper chassis is fixed on the fixed support, the upper chassis is provided with three through holes with threaded structures, and the three bolts penetrate through the three through holes and are matched with the threaded structures on the through holes; first ends of the bolts penetrate through the through holes and then are connected with a first surface of the lower chassis; and a second surface of the lower chassis is provided with a connecting member for connecting a camera; three motors, wherein the motors are connected to second ends of the bolts; and an upper computer connected with the motors and the camera.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot has a frame, a forefoot keel, a heel keel, and an adjustable spring member. The frame couples to a prosthetic leg. The forefoot keel includes a first resilient substrate extending from the frame to the anterior end of the foot. The heel keel member includes a second resilient substrate extending from the frame to the posterior end. The first and second resilient substrates are load bearing substrates for a walking human. The adjustable spring member includes a third resilient substrate and a brake. The third resilient substrate has a first end directly or indirectly coupled to the brake, and a second end coupled to the forefoot keel proximate to the anterior end. The third resilient substrate extends through or around the first resilient member and the second resilient member. The brake provides resistance to the travel of the first end of the third resilient substrate in the superior direction.

Abstract: Upper arms are fixed to drive shafts of a pair of drive sources at or near respective left and right hip joints. The upper arms are coupled to an upper body trunk harness by first passive rotary shafts via third passive rotary shafts, and are mounted to a lower body trunk harness by a mounting device. Lower arms are fixed to drive source bodies, and are coupled to thigh harnesses by second passive rotary shafts via fourth passive rotary shafts. The first and second passive rotary shafts and third and fourth passive rotary shafts are angularly displaceable about axial lines in a lateral direction of the wearer and axial lines in an anteroposterior direction of the wearer, respectively. An acceleration/angular speed sensor fixed to the lower body trunk harness detects an acceleration of the body trunk in a vertical direction by landing of a foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic foot comprising a base body having a main spring element, an upper spring element, a heel spring element, and a front spring element. The base body is formed in one piece.

Abstract: A method for generating a representation of a three-dimensional protective device includes accessing a scan of anatomical data of a target and identifying a reference model of a closest size or proportion to a size or proportion of the target. The method further includes creating a boundary of a three-dimensional protective device using the reference model and the scan of anatomical data of the target. Additionally, the method includes generating a representation of a continuous, three-dimensional surface of the three-dimensional protective device that corresponds to the scan of anatomical data and the reference model within the boundary of the three-dimensional protective device.

Abstract: A self-aligning prosthetic foot and ankle assembly has an ankle unit pivotally mounting a foot component. The ankle unit contains a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly having a piston which is linearly movable within a cylinder. The axis of the cylinder is coincident with a shin axis defined by a shin connection interface on the ankle unit. Bypass passages containing damping resistance control valves provide continuous hydraulic damping of dorsi and plantar ankle flexion, the unit being such that, over the major part of the range of damped movement, there is no resilient biasing in either the dorsi or the plantar direction. This confers a number of advantages, including stabilisation of standing, balance control, and improved stair-walking and ramp-walking.

Abstract: An electric motor arranged for mounting to a combustion engine includes an axis of rotation, a hub, a first plate, a second plate, and a rotor. The first plate is fixed to the hub at a first radially inner diameter, the second plate is fixed to the first plate at a radially outer diameter and arranged for fixing directly to a crankshaft of the combustion engine at a second radially inner diameter, and the rotor is fixed to the hub at the first radially inner diameter. In an example embodiment, the first radially inner diameter is radially offset from the second radially inner diameter.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: An ankle prosthesis comprises a foot prosthesis. A lower ankle is pivotably secured to the foot prosthesis at an ankle joint. An upper ankle is connected to the lower ankle in a manner that permits vertical movement of the upper ankle relative to the lower ankle. A coupling spring is biased in an extended condition. The coupling spring is connected at a first end to the upper ankle. A second end of the coupling spring is movable in a first condition which is engaged to the lower ankle and in a second condition engaged to the foot prosthesis. Energy is stored in compression of the coupling spring when the coupling spring is in the first condition and energy is released from the coupling spring when the coupling spring is in the second condition.

Abstract: Catapult ankles and related methods are disclosed. An example ankle prosthesis for operation in a swing phase and in a stance phase includes a motor, wherein the motor is configured to store energy with a first spring during the swing phase and plantarflex the ankle prosthesis during a push off portion of the stance phase.

Abstract: A fastening assembly having a component flange (10), in particular of a turbomachine, having at least one bore (11) in which a sleeve (30) is placed that extends through a bolt (20) which has a head (21) that is axially secured between a rim (12) of the bore and a component flange-mounted axial limit stop (13).

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: The invention relates to an exoskeleton structure that provides force assistance to a user, comprising: a first module capable of being attached to a first portion of the body of a user, a second module capable of being attached to a second portion of the body of the user, the second module being connected to the first module by means of a joint (52, 62) allowing rotation of the second module (5, 6) with respect to the first module, an actuator (521) comprising a stator (522) and a rotor (523) capable of being driven in rotation with respect to the stator (522) to move the second module (5, 6) in rotation with respect to the first module (1, 5), and an elastic return element (524) arranged to: in a first angular range of movement (?1) of the rotor with respect to the stator (522), not exert any return force on the rotor (523) and, in a second angular range of movement (?2) of the rotor (523) with respect to the stator (522), exert a return force tending to oppose rotation of the rotor (523) with respect to

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure characterize apparatuses and/or methods as may be implemented with a variety of prosthetic components and applications. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments described herein, respective manipulators are operable and/or operate to manipulate a prosthetic foot component about respective (e.g., separate) axes. A sensor circuit senses movement characteristics of the prosthetic foot component (e.g., movement, surroundings, and/or load applied due to movement). The manipulators operate with the sensor circuit to manipulate the prosthetic foot component about the axes in response to the sensed movement characteristics indicating that the prosthetic foot component is elevated over a surface.

Abstract: The hydraulic ankle joint includes a main member having a fluid supply chamber storing a hydraulic fluid, a first pressure regulating chamber, a second pressure regulating chamber, and a space connecting the chambers. The space houses an axle element rotatably joined to the main member. The main member is rotatably mounted on a U-shaped hinge seat. An extension piece is extended radially from the circumference of the axle element. A fluid block penetrates through the main member and into the space. The extension piece and the fluid block jointly partition the space into a front chamber and a back chamber. The first and second pressure regulating chambers adjust the back and front chambers' pressure so that impact from walking may be effectively buffered. The fluid supply chamber automatically refills hydraulic fluid into the front and back chambers so as to reduce user maintenance overhead.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wearable electronic device, including: an adjustment apparatus that adjusts a spatial form of the wearable device; and a control apparatus in communication with the adjustment apparatus, wherein the control apparatus drives, responsive to detection of an adjustment parameter, the adjustment apparatus to perform a spatial form adjustment for the wearable device. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a bone includes a plate configured for positioning on a tension side of the bone. Two or more fasteners are configured to extend from an opposite side of the bone to the plate, and engage the plate after extending through the bone. The plate has an attachment mechanism operable to engage with the fasteners. In other aspects, a method of performing a surgical procedure includes positioning a plate on a tension side of a bone, and forming a hole from an opposite side of the bone to the plate. A fastener is inserted through the hole to the plate, and the plate is adjusted into position on the bone surface on the tension side of the bone. One or more additional holes are formed from the opposite side of the bone to the plate, and one or more additional fasteners are inserted.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot and ankle assembly includes a foot component and an ankle joint mounted thereto and having a fixed range of dorsi-plantar flexion. The ankle joint includes a joint mechanism in the form of a hydraulic linear piston and cylinder assembly having a pair of chambers on opposite sides of the piston to provide hydraulic damping continuously over the range of dorsi-plantar flexion. The joint mechanism further includes a valve arrangement controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the chambers. The valve arrangement includes first and second adjustable valves for independently controlling dorsi-flexion damping resistance and plantar-flexion damping resistance respectively. The joint mechanism includes a first flexion limiter that limits dorsi-flexion of the joint mechanism to a dorsi-flexion limit and a second flexion limiter that limits plantar-flexion of the joint mechanism to a plantar-flexion limit, thereby defining the fixed range of dorsi-plantar flexion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device for connecting an implant system anchored in bone with an external prosthesis component, such as a limb prosthesis, prosthetic knee elbow or finger. The connection device includes a main housing, a first attachment portion arranged for attachment to the implant system and a second attachment portion arranged for attachment to the prosthesis component. It further includes a safety mechanism to protect the implant system from high mechanical forces, including rotational forces and or bending forces. According to one aspect of the invention the safety mechanism includes a rotational force release mechanism. This includes a first component including a ring unit having an inner surface with at least one depression and a second component includes at least one plunge unit urged into contact with said the depression by said spring means.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantar-flexion and dorsi-flexion directions. The mechanism also provides for adjustment of a second piston element with respect to a shin component when a first valve is closed and a locking valve is open to adjust a reference angular position independently of the damping function that occurs during walking.

Abstract: A titanium based, ceramic reinforced alloy ingot for use in producing medical implants. An ingot is formed from an alloy having comprising from about 5 to about 35 wt. % niobium, from about 0.5 to about 3.5 wt. % silicon, and from about 61.5 to about 94.5 wt. % of titanium. The alloy has a hexagonal crystal lattice ? phase of from about 20 vol % to about 70 vol %, and a cubic body centered ? crystal lattice phase of from about 30 vol. % to about 80 vol. %. The ingot has an ultimate tensile strength of about 940 MPa or more, and a Young's modulus of about 150 GPa or less. A molten substantially uniform admixture of a niobium, silicon, and titanium alloy is formed, cast into a shape, and cooled into an ingot. The ingot may then be formed into a medical implant and optionally annealed.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.

Abstract: A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input.

Abstract: Prosthetic joint and limb components utilize a single, curved dampening cylinder to reduce component count and wear. A prosthetic foot/ankle requires only three major components; namely, a housing adapted for coupling to a foot blade, an ankle component adapted for coupling to a pylon, and a piston that moves within a curved cylinder in the housing during ambulation. The ankle component is pivotally attached to the housing at the center of curvature of the cylinder. The piston defines front and rear, variable volume chambers in the cylinder. The chambers are in fluid communication with one another via a port, such that fluid is exchanged between the chambers through one-way check valves as the ankle pivots between plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. Fluid flow is independently adjustable to establish and maintain desired levels of dampening during plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, including different levels of dampening.

Abstract: A vacuum suction structure of ankle joint and support barrel of artificial limb is connected, to the top thereof, with an artificial limb and the support barrel and is connected, to the bottom thereof, with an artificial foot. An ankle pressure cylinder forms therein an air chamber receiving therein an air chamber piston that forms therein a hydraulic fluid compartment. A hydraulic fluid supplementing cylinder and a one-way hydraulic fluid cylinder are arranged at one side of the ankle pressure cylinder and are connected via a connection piping system to the hydraulic fluid compartment. The one-way hydraulic fluid cylinder receives therein a push rod and the hydraulic fluid cylinder piston. When the structure is put into operation to allow a user to step forwards, the ankle pressure cylinder can provide both functions of hydraulic cushioning and air pressure regulation.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member having a heel member shaft extending upwardly from a heel end thereof and a forefoot member having a forefoot member shaft extending upwardly from a toe end thereof. An ankle member receives the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft to translate in a direction of a wearer's leg in response to an upward force thereon. At least one compressible member is coupled to the ankle member and is in compressible contact with the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft so as to compress in response to the translation thereof.

Abstract: Artificial limbs and joints that behave like biological limbs and joints employ a synthetic actuator which consumes negligible power when exerting zero force, consumes negligible power when outputting force at constant length (isometric) and while performing dissipative, nonconservative work, is capable of independently engaging flexion and extension tendon-like, series springs, is capable of independently varying joint position and stiffness, and exploits series elasticity for mechanical power amplification.

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

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic system including a sensor module and a processing module usable to determine a terrain variable, such as a terrain transition. In certain examples, the system is capable of anticipating a terrain transition prior to the user experiencing the terrain transition, which may include, for instance, a transition from level ground walking to walking on stairs or may include a change in a slope of the ground surface. In certain embodiments, the system advantageously monitors a posture and/or movement of the patient to anticipate the terrain transition. Furthermore, the system may control an actuator to appropriately adjust the prosthetic or orthotic device to encounter the anticipated terrain transition.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices and methods of controlling the same are provided. A prosthetic ankle device includes a foot unit and lower limb member moveable relative to one another and defining an ankle angle therebetween. The prosthetic ankle device further includes a controller to operate the device using different ankle angles depending on, for example, a user's gait speed. Methods of controlling the prosthetic ankle device include operating the device at different ankle angles depending on gait speed. For example, the prosthetic ankle device can provide for relatively more dorsiflexion at relatively slower gait speeds and relatively more plantarflexion at relatively faster gait speeds.

Abstract: The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices. A patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device using this technology is disclosed. This exemplary device is used to help stabilize the ankle-foot region, for example, in patients with impaired gait.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive orthopedic aid in the form of a foot prosthesis or foot orthosis, with a first part which is connected to a second part in a rotatable manner via a swivel joint, with a sensor arrangement for measuring parameters that provide indications of instantaneous operation requirements of the aid, with a control means which is connected to the control arrangement and is used to determine operation requirements and to generate corresponding control signals, with a controllable hydraulic damping arrangement with which a movement resistance acting on the rotation movement between the first part and the second part can be modified, and with a control means which converts the control signals of the processor arrangement and is used to control the damping arrangement.

Abstract: A combined active and passive leg prosthesis system is disclosed, and a method of performing a gait cycle by a leg prosthesis system is disclosed, for replacing a missing lower extremity of an individual to perform a gait cycle by the leg prosthesis system and/or the method. In at least one embodiment, the leg prosthesis system includes at least one movable joint, and a disconnectable active drive unit to drive the movable joint and a passive brake unit to brake the movable joint when the drive unit is disconnected.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient prosthetic/orthotic component, particularly a shank for a lower extremity prosthesis in which the shank includes multiple sections which are unbounded in one or more portions of each other, and wherein the shank sections incorporate at least one voids and inserted materials between one or more shank sections to enhance shank flexibility while reducing stresses which can cause premature failure.

Abstract: A bi-modal ankle-foot device that provides a curved effective shape appropriate for walking and a flattened effective shape for standing. The bi-modal ankle-foot device includes a foot piece and a lockable ankle joint connected to the flat foot piece, the ankle joint and foot piece cooperating to provide a curved shape for walking when the ankle joint is unlocked and to provide a flattened shape for standing when the ankle joint is locked.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot and ankle assembly includes a foot component and an ankle joint mounted thereto and having a fixed range of dorsi-plantar flexion. The ankle joint includes a joint mechanism in the form of a hydraulic linear piston and cylinder assembly having a pair of chambers on opposite sides of the piston to provide hydraulic damping continuously over the range of dorsi-plantar flexion. The joint mechanism further includes a valve arrangement controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the chambers. The valve arrangement includes first and second adjustable valves for independently controlling dorsi-flexion damping resistance and plantar-flexion damping resistance respectively. The joint mechanism includes a first flexion limiter that limits dorsi-flexion of the joint mechanism to a dorsi-flexion limit and a second flexion limiter that limits plantar-flexion of the joint mechanism to a plantar-flexion limit, thereby defining the fixed range of dorsi-plantar flexion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic foot device with a connection part for the lower leg, a swivel joint (5) acting as an ankle joint (7) by means of which a foot part (10) is rotatably connected in the direction of dorsiflexion and the direction of plantar flexion to the connection part, with a damping arrangement (17) influencing the rotational movement about the swivel joint (5), with a sensor arrangement for detecting action states of the orthopedic foot part, and with a control unit connected to the sensor arrangement which controls the damping arrangement (17). The object is achieved by the fact that the sensor arrangement has an ankle-angle sensor which measures the angle between the connection part and the foot part (10), an absolute-angle sensor (20) relating to the plumb line and a moments sensor (21) for determining the torque on the ankle joint (7) or a force effecting a torque on the ankle joint (7).

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 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, data may include information relating to a user's gait and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural ankle. The system may accommodate level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs or sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input, such as a heel height, or display output signals through an external interface.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic system including a sensor module and a processing module usable to determine a terrain variable, such as a terrain transition. In certain examples, the system is capable of anticipating a terrain transition prior to the user experiencing the terrain transition, which may include, for instance, a transition from level ground walking to walking on stairs or may include a change in a slope of the ground surface. In certain embodiments, the system advantageously monitors a posture and/or movement of the patient to anticipate the terrain transition. Furthermore, the system may control an actuator to appropriately adjust the prosthetic or orthotic device to encounter the anticipated terrain transition.

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: A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input.

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: The present invention relates to a system for use in rehabilitation and/or physical therapy for the treatment of injury or disease. The system can enable an amputee to proceed over any surface without overbalancing. In particular the system is self-adapting to adjust the torque moment depending upon the motion, the extent of inclination, and the surface topography.

Abstract: A self-aligning prosthetic foot and ankle assembly has an ankle unit pivotally mounting a foot component. The ankle unit contains a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly having a piston which is linearly movable within a cylinder. The axis of the cylinder is coincident with a shin axis defined by a shin connection interface on the ankle unit. Bypass passages containing damping resistance control valves provide continuous hydraulic damping of dorsi and plantar ankle flexion, the unit being such that, over the major part of the range of damped movement, there is no resilient biasing in either the dorsi or the plantar direction. This confers a number of advantages, including stabilisation of standing, balance control, and improved stair-walking and ramp-walking.

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 powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.