Foot Patents (Class 623/53)
  • Patent number: 11931309
    Abstract: An actuator unit of the present invention includes upper and lower frames respectively connectable to a thigh frame and a lower leg frame, an actuator-side rotational connecting part connecting both frames in a rotatable manner around a pivot axis, a driver producing driving force for rotating the lower frame around the pivot axis, upper and lower connecting bodies respectively connecting the upper frame to the thigh frame and the lower frame to the lower leg frame, and an intermediate connecting body connecting the vicinity of the actuator-side rotational connecting part to the vicinity of a brace-side rotational connecting part, the intermediate connecting body having a ball stud and an accommodation depression respectively provided on one and the other of the knee-ankle-foot orthosis and the actuator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignees: Suncall Corporation, Kyoto University
    Inventors: Yasushi Fujita, Yuusuke Adachi, Tadao Tsuboyama, Noriaki Ichihashi, Koji Ohata
  • Patent number: 11844667
    Abstract: The invention provides for an improved disarticulated compression socket configured to secure a residual limb. The disarticulated compression socket may include a rigid socket frame, and preferably a 3-D printed socket having one or more surface channels that may secure a compression cord optionally positioned within a cord cylinder. Such compression cord may be responsive to a compression actuator and one or more disarticulated compression inserts such that activation of the compression actuator causes the retraction of the compression cord initiating the coordinated inward compression of each of said disarticulated compression inserts securing the residual limb within said socket frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventor: Joe Johnson
  • Patent number: 11833066
    Abstract: Provided herein is a convertible prosthetic running blade having an adjustable, shiftable heel that can be stowed when running and deployed when walking. The shifting can be performed manually and easily by the wearer without the use of tools. The prosthetic running blade generally comprises a foot body having a toe end and an opposing heel end, and a heel attachment adjacent the heel end, which is shiftable from a running position to a walking position. The foot body is generally in the form of an elongated running blade design, which may have similar shape and construction as traditional c-shape or j-shape running blades, although other shapes and constructions may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Monarch Assistive Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Cooper D. Mangels, Jacob Overbay
  • Patent number: 11826269
    Abstract: A prosthetic ankle includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Proteor USA, LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Palmer, Matt McFadden, Hugo Quintero
  • Patent number: 11759336
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprising an internal keel (1) and an encapsulation material (2). The keel (1) is made of two parts (3,4), namely an elastic ankle (3) and an elastic blade (4), to ensure a behaviour of the prosthesis as close as possible to the biomechanics of a sound human foot (plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion). The materials and design used for the keel (1) allow storing and releasing strain energy at the right phases of the gait cycle. Elastomeric foams act as safety features in specific areas to prevent keel overloading. The keel (1) is preferably encapsulated into two types of foam to fill internal space and as cosmetic feature as it has a human foot shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Comité International de la Croix-Rouge (CICR)
    Inventors: Grégory Huot, Mathieu Janier, Rajasundar Chandran, Mathieu Falbriard, Thierry Patrick Barras, Michael Rechsteiner, Marc Zlot
  • Patent number: 11564858
    Abstract: Provided is a walking assistance method and apparatus for providing an assistance torque to an ankle of a user. To provide an assistance torque to an ankle of a user, a first pressure value and a second pressure value are received from a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, a ratio between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is calculated, a gain value is determined based on the ratio, an assistance torque value is calculated based on the ratio and the gain value, and a driver is controlled to output the assistance torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youngjin Park, Seungyong Hyung, Hyun Do Choi, Jusuk Lee
  • Patent number: 11439521
    Abstract: A prosthesis device has a rotary damper and a displacing device with a magnetorheological fluid in a damper volume of a housing. Two partition units divide the damper volume into two or more variable chambers. The partition units include a partition wall connected with the housing and a partition wall connected with a damper shaft. Radial gaps are formed in the radial direction between the partition wall on the housing and the damper shaft, and between the partition wall on the damper shaft and the housing. An axial gap is formed in the axial direction between the partition unit, the damper shaft and the housing. The magnetic field of the magnetic field source passes through at least two of the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: INVENTUS Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Battlogg
  • Patent number: 11020054
    Abstract: Splints for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes are disclosed. In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a splint system for diagnostic and/or therapeutic functions for a patient with a vascular impairment. In one embodiment, the splint system includes a splint having: a leg supporting portion and a foot supporting portion, that are configured to support and secure the leg and foot of the patient; a locally and/or remotely controllable portion for setting a dorsiflexion angle of the foot of the patient, including electrical and/or mechanical controls and one or more actuators for setting of the dorsiflexion angle, for providing treatment to improve vascular function; and a plurality of physiological parameter sensors for measuring physiological parameters of the leg and/or foot of the patient, wherein the physiological parameters are associated with vascular function in the leg and/or foot of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Pritchard, Mina-Michael Barsoum, Judy Delp, Josh Maraj, Kazuki Hotta
  • Patent number: 10881533
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot with a structural component having a proximal attachment member for fastening the prosthetic foot to a below-knee tube, a below-knee shaft or a prosthetic knee joint, with a forefoot portion secured or formed on the structural component, and with a heel-side spring-damper system which is assigned to the structural component and which is compressed at a heel strike and bears on a sole-side guide element. The structural component is designed as a leaf spring which extends in a posterior direction from the proximal attachment means, and forms an arch and is guided in an anterior and distal direction, wherein the arch protrudes posteriorly beyond the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: OTTOBOCK SE & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Martin Pusch, Jens Noerthemann, Darshan Rane, Carsten Moenicke, Nathan Aaron Williams
  • Patent number: 10874529
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot cover for a prosthetic foot having a sagittal plane and a plantar surface including a first cover component having a first internal cavity and being adapted to receive and cover a first portion of the prosthetic foot, a second cover component having a second internal cavity and being adapted to receive and cover a second portion of the prosthetic foot, and a means for detachably attaching the first cover component and the second cover component to the prosthetic foot. The first internal cavity has a first internal cavity contacting surface that directly contacts the first portion of the prosthetic foot, and the second internal cavity has a second internal cavity contacting surface that directly contacts the second portion of the prosthetic foot. A method for installing the prosthetic foot cover on the prosthetic foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Fillauer Composites LLC
    Inventors: Eric Rubie, Phillip Thompson
  • Patent number: 10582746
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cane end having attachment means and force absorbing means. In some embodiments, the force absorbing means is a blade capable of deflecting, compressing, and/or flexing under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: John Moore
  • Patent number: 10485669
    Abstract: The improved endoprosthetic device surface treatment encourages soft tissue attachment thereto. A porous mesh surface treatment creates on an outer surface of the endoprosthetic device a three-dimensional surface structure similar to cancellous bone. Suture attachment features are provided at various locations around the treated surface structure to initially affix a vascularized soft tissue to the treated surface. As the patient heals the soft tissue grows and infiltrates the porous mesh surface to achieve an attachment strength substantially equal to the surrounding tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Gerhard E. Maale
  • Patent number: 10357355
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a ligament graft for a ligament reconstruction procedure are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a graft preparation system having a holder and a delivery suture assembly removably coupled thereto. The delivery suture assembly can include a spine coupled with an anchor suture configured to form a self-tightening knot used to position the assembly around a graft and a plurality of suture windings configured to be affixed to the graft when the assembly is deployed. The assembly is delivered to the graft using the holder and the sutures can be affixed to the graft without penetrating therethrough. The spine helps to evenly distribute the load among the windings compressing the graft which are thus are capable of withstanding increased loads. Thus, an improved, simplified, and time- and labor-saving approach to preparing ligament grafts is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Scott A. Woodruff, Mehmet Z. Sengun, Brian D. Busconi, Dean C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9993332
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a ligament graft for a ligament reconstruction procedure are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a graft preparation system having a holder and a delivery suture assembly removably coupled thereto. The delivery suture assembly can include a spine coupled with an anchor suture configured to form a self-tightening knot used to position the assembly around a graft and a plurality of suture windings configured to be affixed to the graft when the assembly is deployed. The assembly is delivered to the graft using the holder and the sutures can be affixed to the graft without penetrating therethrough. The spine helps to evenly distribute the load among the windings compressing the graft which are thus are capable of withstanding increased loads. Thus, an improved, simplified, and time- and labor-saving approach to preparing ligament grafts is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Scott A. Woodruff, Mehmet Z. Sengun, Brian D. Busconi, Dean C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9907677
    Abstract: A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Ohio Willow Wood Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Doddroe, Charles R. Flora, Lonnie L. Nolt, James M. Colvin
  • Patent number: 9820871
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a pivoting ankle joint with a hydraulic system, a prosthetic foot connected to the distal side of the ankle joint, and, at the proximal side, the ankle joint includes a transducer with pyramid adaptor for attaching to a pylon. The ankle joint sensor provides data collection during the stance and optionally, the swing, phases of walking using, for example, strain gages and accelerometers. Also disclosed are methods for real-time feature extraction. Key parameters are captured to which are applied linear, fuzzy logic, neural net, or generic algorithms to determine current state (walking flat, uphill, downhill etc.) in real time and execute changes to the angle between the ankle and foot almost instantaneously based on those parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Adam Arabian, David Alan Boone, Ben Gilbert Macomber, Tyler Butel, Robert Dustin Lane
  • Patent number: 9452066
    Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis which includes a first component shaped for implantation into a bone, a second component intended for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells, and a third component intended for location exterior to the skin surface having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: University College London
    Inventors: Gordon Blunn, Justin Cobb, Allen Goodship, Paul Unwin
  • Patent number: 9161846
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot with a base spring with a forefoot area and a heel area, a connecting means arranged above the base spring and used to fasten the prosthetic foot to a prosthesis, and a frontal support, at the upper end of which the connecting means is arranged and which, at its lower end, is secured on a torsion element that can twist about the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic foot. The torsion element is designed as a leaf spring arrangement secured to the base spring at one end in the heel area or in the forefoot area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventor: Lüder Mosler
  • Patent number: 9149371
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee for active users has a locking head generally parallel to a vertical axis of the prosthetic knee, a chassis, and a plurality of links connecting the locking head to the chassis. The knee includes a swing control mechanism having a flexion stop connected to the chassis and arranged to control the flexion angle of the knee. The flexion stop extends outwardly from the chassis and obliquely relative to the vertical axis. The knee has an audible feedback mechanism for providing the user with information about the location of the knee. The knee may also have a block lock forming a manually activated mechanism allowing load bearing in a flexed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Sigurdur Gisli Karlsson, Sigurdur Hannesson, Sigurdur Olafsson
  • Patent number: 9017421
    Abstract: Prosthetic feet having improved vertical suspension are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a foot member having a change in curvature near a toe section so that the toe section is downwardly vertically offset from the remainder of the foot member. A prosthetic foot can have upper and lower foot members that extend parallel to each other and are separated by a gap. The lower foot member can extend beyond a distal end of the upper foot member to form a toe section. An adapter for coupling a prosthetic foot to another prosthetic component is also provided. The adapter includes a cavity for receiving the proximal end of a prosthetic foot. The prosthetic foot is secured to the adapter with a curable material such as epoxy to provide a more lightweight system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Vilhjalmur Freyr Jónsson, Maria Gudrun Sveinbjornsdottir, Benedikt Skulason
  • Patent number: 8986397
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephane Bedard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
  • Patent number: 8961618
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a resilient heel member that can be removably coupled to the bottom of a plate-like foot member of the prosthetic foot. The heel member can be made of a resilient material, such as foam. The heel member can have a shape that corresponds to a foot cover and allows the prosthetic foot to fit within a foot cover. A lip may be provided to engage with a corresponding portion of the foot cover to secure the heel member within the foot cover. A rib can be located on the bottom of the heel member to create horizontal or vertical displacement of the foot at heel strike. A recess can be created in the heel member to removably receive an insert, which can alter the stiffness of the heel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Marta Bjornsdottir, Larus Gunnsteinsson
  • Patent number: 8876913
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tai Lore Made, LLC
    Inventors: Leslie D. Kramer, William Stanley Patterson
  • Patent number: 8858648
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventor: Kim De Roy
  • Patent number: 8852292
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Heiôrún Gigja Ragnarsdóttir, Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen
  • Patent number: 8838263
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation, Northeastern University, Technest Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Sivak, Richard G. Ranky, Joseph A. DiPisa, Alyssa Leigh Caddle, Kara Lyn Gilhooly, Lauren Chiara Govoni, Seth John Sivak, Michael Lancia, Paolo Bonato, Constantinos Mavroidis
  • Patent number: 8828095
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH
    Inventors: Luder Mosler, Roland Pawlik, Joachim Schorg, Sven Kaltenborn, Sven Zarling, Greg Schneider
  • Patent number: 8821589
    Abstract: An artificial foot device may include a core, a talus body operatively coupled with the core by a first joint, and a toe operatively coupled with the core by a second joint. The first joint may provides for constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core. The second joint may provide for constrained relative movement between the core and the toe. In some embodiments, the core may include a core assembly including a core body, an Achilles sheave coupled with the core body and a toe bracket coupled with the core body. The toe bracket may be operatively coupled with the toe, and the Achilles sheave may be operatively coupled with the talus body. Constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core may substantially correspond to a coordinated movement of a first natural joint and a second natural joint during ambulation of a natural human foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jerome R. Rifkin
  • Publication number: 20140228974
    Abstract: An attachment for a prosthetic foot comprising an attachment surface that couples to the edges of a foot plate of a prosthetic foot and an outer surface that functionally or cosmetically alters the foot plate of the prosthetic foot in order to adapt the prosthetic foot to the needs of the user. In another embodiment, a toe attachment for a prosthetic foot comprising a cavity that can receive the toe end of an elongate foot element of a prosthetic foot, the toe attachment that can functionally or cosmetically alter the elongate foot element in order to adapt the prosthetic foot to the needs of the user. In yet another embodiment, a seal cover that can removably engage a prosthetic foot and a cosmetic cover for a prosthetic foot, resulting in a substantially watertight connection between the seal cover and the prosthesis and the seal cover and the cosmesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Össur hf
    Inventors: Christophe Guy Lecomte, María Guõrún Sveinbjörnsdóttir, Ragnar Örn Gunnarsson
  • Patent number: 8740991
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Blatchford Products Limited
    Inventors: David Moser, Fadi Abimosleh, Mir Saeed Zahedi, Graham Harris, Stephen Terry Lang, Andrew John Sykes
  • Patent number: 8728171
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Kaltenborn, Felix Reuss, Sven Zarling, Bernhard Bischof, Thomas Kraus
  • Patent number: 8702811
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: Heidrun Gigja Ragnarsdottir, Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen
  • Patent number: 8696764
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for use in rehabilitation and/or physical therapy for the treatment of injury or disease to the lower limbs or extremities. The system can enable an amputee to proceed over any inclined or declined surface without overbalancing. The system is mechanically passive in that it does not utilize motors, force generating devices, batteries, or powered sources that may add undesirable weight or mass and that may require recharging. In particular the system is self-adapting to adjust the torque moment depending upon the motion, the extent of inclination, and the surface topography. An additional advantage of the improvement is that the system can be light and may also be simple to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
  • Patent number: 8685108
    Abstract: A modular prosthetic foot includes an ankle component; a forefoot component having a circular part with a rounded top surface and at least one flat side surface, the circular part being connected to a rear part of the forefoot component; a forefoot cushion bumper positioned around the circular part; and a heel component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Joseph A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8641780
    Abstract: An hydraulic heel-height adjustment device for a lower limb prosthesis has a foot-mounting component (18) for detachably mounting a prosthetic foot and a shin component pivotally connected to the foot-mounting component allowing angular adjustment of the foot-mounting component relative to the shin component about a heel-height adjustment axis. The relative angular position is set by an hydraulic piston (42) and cylinder assembly which has a chamber (40) in the shin component containing a piston (42) arranged to execute a translational movement in the chamber when adjustment is required. A bypass passage interconnects parts of the chamber on opposite sides of the piston, this passage containing a manually operable valve which is spring-biased towards a closed position. The piston has a piston rod pivotally connected to the foot-mounting component by a pivot joint defining a medial-lateral axis parallel to and spaced from the heel-height adjustment axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Blatchford Products Limited
    Inventors: Fadi Abimosleh, Graham Harris, Stephen Terry Lang, Mir Saeed Zahedi
  • Publication number: 20140012396
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot has a plate-like foot member with a core section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a first material fiber, an upper section disposed above the core section, the upper section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a second material fiber, and a lower section disposed below the core section, the lower section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a third material fiber, where the upper, lower and core sections together define a total thickness of the plate-like elongate foot member. An idealized ratio of the cross sectional area of each section can be determined such that under an applied load provided to the hybrid layup, the ratio of maximum stress of a given section over the flexural strength of that given section is approximately equal for all sections of the hybrid layup. The hybrid layup arrangement can be configured to have a greater strength, but generally the same stiffness, as a similar foot member made of carbon fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Ragnar Orn Gunnarssonn, Christophe G. Lecomte, Benedikt Skulason
  • Publication number: 20140005801
    Abstract: An alignment adapter for prosthetic sport feet, such as running feet, includes a male pyramid plate having a male pyramid, a female connector plate having a female connector, and a back plate. For use during alignment of a prosthetic running foot, the male pyramid plate is coupled to the back of a user's socket and the female connector plate and back plate are clamped about the foot. The male pyramid and female connector are coupled and adjusted relative to one another to achieve a desired alignment. The socket and foot are locked in an alignment fixture to maintain the alignment and the male pyramid, female connector, and back plates are removed. A laminated plate is coupled to the socket to maintain alignment during normal use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Francois Van der Watt, Christophe Lecomte
  • Patent number: 8597369
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: Northwestern University, The Department of Veteran Affairs, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Steven A. Gard, Dudley S. Childress, Brian Ruhe, Ryan Williams
  • Patent number: 8574313
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Lárus Gunnsteinsson
  • Patent number: 8535390
    Abstract: A traction device for a prosthetic running foot having a curved profile and mechanisms for attaching the traction device to the prosthetic running foot are provided. The traction device includes a sole portion for traction and a midsole for improved rollover. The traction device has fasteners (e.g., clamps) that attach to the top of the prosthetic running foot or a cavity that removably receives the toe of the prosthetic running foot. The traction device also has a strap that removably couples to a clip permanently or removably attached to the top surface of the prosthetic running foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Sindri P. Sigurdsson, Larus Gunnsteinsson, Michael R. Friton, Tobie D. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20130218297
    Abstract: An easily removable/rapidly replaceable foot shell device for a prosthetic leg, and method for using the device. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of foot shell devices, often with at least differing heel heights adjusted for barefoot walking, or for use with shoes with different heel heights, will be provided. The devices are designed to allow an average adult to remove a foot shell and replace a foot shell within a short span of time, such as under two minutes. Such a plurality of devices can help a prosthetic leg user avoid prosthetic leg mal-adjustment problems such as hyperextended knee pressure or prosthetic posterior lean. The devices can also adjust the height of the prosthetic foot to compensate for the missing elevation caused by a missing shoe when walking barefoot. The device may be further configured with one or more fasteners to facilitate rapid application and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Elwin Isaac Nordman, JR., Gary M. Berke
  • Patent number: 8512415
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Samuel K. Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
  • Publication number: 20130204397
    Abstract: A covering for a prosthetic leg. The prosthetic leg is nominally adjusted for optimal performance while the user is wearing shoes. The covering is configured to cosmetically resemble skin, and to shield some or all of the prosthetic leg mechanical components from outside view, thus making the prosthetic leg resemble a natural leg. The covering is designed to enable a prosthetic leg wearer to walk without shoes in a manner that makes it look as if the wearer is walking barefoot. To avoid prosthetic leg misadjustment problems such as hyperextended knee or prosthetic posterior lean, the covering is further configured with one or more internal inserts designed to adjust the height of the prosthetic foot to compensate for the missing elevation caused by the missing shoe. The device may be further configured with one or more fasteners to facilitate rapid application and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Elwin Isaac Nordman, JR.
  • Patent number: 8500668
    Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation brace responsive to various positions of an intended wearer's foot. The device includes a plurality of sensors positioned at different locations under the intended wearer's foot to detect the current position of the foot. Outputs from the sensors are fed to a controller that uses logic to activate an electrical stimulation unit that stimulates the peroneal muscles of a patient at the appropriate times during the patient's gait. The device may also employ mechanical stabilization of the ankle in addition to the functional electrical stimulation by means of an ankle foot orthosis with a variable resistance hinge. The electrodes are embedded in fixed locations in the brace upper portion so that optimal location of the electrodes relative to the peroneal muscles is maintained every time the device is applied. Also provided is a method for assistance and rehabilitation for a patient by electrical stimulation of the peroneal muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Sorin Siegler, Brett W. Hraban, Elizabeth La Montagne, Joshua Meles, Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 8486156
    Abstract: Prosthetic feet having a split feature are described. The prosthetic feet can include a plate-like upper element and a plate-like lower element connected to the upper element. The plate-like upper element can include a split that separates the upper element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. A portion of the split can curve in a medial or lateral direction. Portions of the split can also be straight, but askew, from a longitudinal axis of the upper element. The plate-like lower element can also include a similar curved split that separates the lower element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. These features, among others, are designed to provide multi-axial movement capabilities of a natural human foot and enhance roll-over properties while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventor: Vilhjalmur Freyr Jónsson
  • Publication number: 20130144403
    Abstract: Prosthetic feet having improved vertical suspension are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a foot member having a change in curvature near a toe section so that the toe section is downwardly vertically offset from the remainder of the foot member. A prosthetic foot can have upper and lower foot members that extend parallel to each other and are separated by a gap. The lower foot member can extend beyond a distal end of the upper foot member to form a toe section. An adapter for coupling a prosthetic foot to another prosthetic component is also provided. The adapter includes a cavity for receiving the proximal end of a prosthetic foot. The prosthetic foot is secured to the adapter with a curable material such as epoxy to provide a more lightweight system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Ossur hf
    Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Vilhjalmur Freyr Jónsson, Maria Gudrun Sveinbjornsdottir
  • Publication number: 20130123942
    Abstract: A prosthesis foot includes: a connecting unit including a flexible first plate and a leg-connecting member that is connected to the first plate; a buffer unit including a flexible second plate that has a front portion connected to and disposed under a front portion of the first plate, and an elastic wedge member that is clamped between the first and second plates to form an acute angle between the first and second plates; and a support unit including a flexible third plate that has a rear portion connected to and disposed under a rear portion of the second plate, and an elastic support member that is interposed between the second and third plates to form an acute angle between the second and third plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Chien-Wen CHEN, Chien-Cheng CHEN
  • Patent number: 8366789
    Abstract: A prosthetic limb has an outer surface that is a mirror image of an intact limb or a generic limb design. The intact limb is scanned and the surface data is manipulated to create a virtual mirror image. If generic data is used, the intact leg can be measured and the generic surface can be adjusted so the prosthetic limb appears similar to the intact limb. The end of the amputated limb is also measured to obtain socket data. A knee and foot are incorporated to form a virtual prosthetic limb represented by design data. The design data for the virtual prosthetic limb is forwarded to a rapid prototyping machine that fabricates the entire leg simultaneously. Once completed, the prosthetic limb is shipped to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Summit
  • Publication number: 20130024007
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventor: Otto Bock Healthcare GmbH
  • Publication number: 20120303135
    Abstract: Prosthetic devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using prosthetic devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Ha Van Vo