Abstract: Permanent magnets or electromagnets or a combination of such magnets are provided to retain a prosthetic device on an extremity or limb, such as an amputated arm. The prosthesis utilizes the opposing forces, which are developed by virtue of like magnetic poles being in proximity to each other, to urge the prosthesis to remain attached to the extremity. The prosthesis is prevented from rotation by virtue of a centering force that is provided by an attachment magnet in the prosthesis being placed between two implanted magnets. A removable mounting ring is placed over the prosthesis to maintain it on the extremity.

Abstract: An assembly may include a plurality of electrode contacts adapted to receive myoelectric signals from a body when placed into contact with the body. The assembly may also include a support structure adapted to support the electrode contacts. The assembly may also include a prosthetic liner, the support structure being embedded in the prosthetic liner. The electrode contacts may be positioned to be extending through openings in the prosthetic liner. The assembly may also include signal processing circuitry adapted to process the myoelectric signals from the body. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a higher-performance assist device which is safer by using a wireless charging technique. The assist device includes a detecting portion and an assist device driving portion. The detecting portion includes a sensor, a first transmitting/receiving circuit, a first data processing circuit, a first charging circuit, and a first battery. The assist device driving portion includes a driving portion, a second data processing circuit, a second transmitting/receiving circuit, a second charging circuit, and a second battery. Electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the second transmitting/receiving circuit provided in the assist device driving portion, and the first transmitting/receiving circuit provided in the detecting portion receives the electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows a glove wearer or the wearer of a prosthetic limb to operate a device having a capacitive touchscreen is disclosed. The first embodiment of the disclosed invention is a conductive finger sock that can be applied to the tip or all of a digit of a non-conductive artificial limb. The second embodiment is an adhesive element having a conductive material such as conductive thread or a conductive sponge material. The adhesive element can be attached to a glove or to a prosthetic limb or may be used as an actual bandage. The third embodiment is directed to a factory integrated conductive tip that is part of a digit of a non-conductive artificial limb. The conductive element may be attached to the wearer's skin by a conductive line or may be used without the conductive line and thus may function in isolation.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for individuals who have diminished use of their hands or reduced gripping strength due to infirmity or medical condition that provides a number of shaped spaces for seating and manipulation of various items that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to manipulate. Among the multiple shaped spaces is a space for a writing instrument and a space for an eating utensil enabling a user to write and eat without for example, directly gripping a pencil or a fork.

Abstract: A joint assembly for releasably securing a first and a second segment of an associated modular limb is provided. The joint assembly includes a male connector including a base and a load bearing blade secured to the base of the male connector protruding therefrom. The male connector is adapted to be secured to one of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A female connector is provided and includes a base and a load bearing socket secured to the base of the female connector. The socket is configured to selectively receive the blade of the male connector. The female connector is adapted to be secured to the other of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A locking member selectively retains the blade of the male connector in the socket of the female connector. The male connector, the female connector, and the locking member cooperate to form a resilient and selectively releasable modular limb joint.

Abstract: An upper extremity prosthetic device is provided that comprises three main components, namely, an arm cuff, a forearm section and a distal connector. The arm cuff is adjustable to accommodate lower arms of different sizes. The forearm section may be constructed in certain limited sizes to accommodate different sized forearm residual limbs. The distal connector is designed to connect to any of the forearm section configurations, and the distal connector enables any terminal device to be attached to the connector. The components may be mixed and matched in various combinations to fit the physical dimensions of virtually any amputee. The interchangeable parts will accommodate a wide range of residual limb geometries, overall sizes and lengths. Embodiments of the present invention minimize the need for time and resource-intensive customized fitting and create an affordable, relatively low-cost prosthetic interface.

Abstract: The artificial body part control system using ultrasonic imaging includes of an ultrasonic transducer coupled with an ultrasonic image analyzer which may be adapted to transmit a control signal to an artificial body part.

Abstract: A prosthetic interface includes an orientation assembly, a mounting plate and a load bearing assembly. The orientation assembly includes an anterior frame portion and a posterior frame portion. The anterior frame portion extends over an anterior portion of a torso of a wearer of the prosthetic interface. The posterior frame portion extends over a posterior portion of the torso. The mounting plate is disposed at an intersection of the posterior frame portion and the anterior frame portion. The mounting plate forms a structure to which a prosthetic limb is attachable. The load bearing assembly includes breathable fabric forming a load distribution matrix to distribute a load on the mounting plate over portions of the torso with which the fabric is in contact.

Abstract: Anchoring system for a cable-activated prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device comprising an activation cable and a terminal device, wherein the activation cable comprises a first end operatively coupled to the terminal device and a second end engaged with the second end of the clasp.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling jointed mechanical devices are is provided, where the device is controlled based on a topographic state (300) map having one or more motion axes (D1, D2) and defining a plurality of poses and a plurality of transitions in parallel with one of the motion axes, In the map, each motion axis is associated with complementary types of motion in the device and each of the transitions associated with at least two of the poses. A method includes the steps of receiving a control signal and determining a mechanical state of the device within the topographic state map. The method further includes identifying potential transitions associated with the mechanical state based on the topographic state map. The method also includes adjusting the mechanical state based on the control signal if the control signal is associated with a type of motion associated with one of the identified transitions.

Abstract: An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covering (10) for a prosthetic hand. The covering (10) comprises a first layer (12) in the form of a glove or mitten configured to cover a prosthetic hand, with the first layer (12) comprising an elastomer. The covering (10) also comprises a second layer (14) disposed over at least part of a surface of the first layer (12), with the second layer being unitary and comprising polyurethane. At least one part of an interior surface of the first layer (12) is uncovered by the second layer (14).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to collect neuro data from an organ, such as a brain. Spikes may be detected using raw neuro data collected from the organ. The spikes may be sorted. Underlying neuronal firing rates may be estimated using the sorted spikes. The neuronal firing rates may be transmitted outside the organ for real time decoding.

Abstract: The present invention provides an armband designed for wearing by a person who uses a hand prosthesis or a person with impaired hand function. The armband both stabilizes the attachment of the prosthesis thereby allowing pulling exercises that would otherwise be impossible and provides connection to exercise machines allowing the wearer to carry out exercises that would otherwise require the wearer to grasp an operational portion of the exercise machine. The armband is constructed from a sheet of flexible material that is sized to be wrapped around a wearer's arm enclosing substantially all of the arm and the wrist or base portion of any hand prosthesis. The wrapped armband is tightened by attached cinching straps and D-rings are provided attached to the surface of the armband for attachment of portions of exercise machines. An optional shoulder harness can be attached to the armband for additional stability.

Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices.

Abstract: Permanent magnets or electromagnets or a combination of such magnets are provided to retain a prosthetic device on an extremity or limb, such as an amputated arm. The prosthesis utilizes the opposing forces, which are developed by virtue of like magnetic poles being in proximity to each other, to urge the prosthesis to remain attached to the extremity. The prosthesis is prevented from rotation by virtue of a centering force that is provided by an attachment magnet in the prosthesis being placed between two implanted magnets. A removable mounting ring is placed over the prosthesis to maintain it on the extremity.

Abstract: A gear bearing drive provides a compact mechanism that operates as an actuator providing torque and as a joint providing support. The drive includes a gear arrangement integrating an external rotor DC motor within a sun gear. Locking surfaces maintain the components of the drive in alignment and provide support for axial loads and moments. The gear bearing drive has a variety of applications, including as a joint in robotic arms and prosthetic limbs.

Abstract: Anchoring system for a cable-activated prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device comprising an activation cable and a terminal device, wherein the activation cable comprises a first end operatively coupled to the terminal device and a second end engaged with the second end of the clasp.

Abstract: Permanent magnets or electromagnets or a combination of such magnets are provided as a method to retain a prosthetic device on an extremity, such as an arm. The prosthesis utilizes the opposing forces, which are developed by virtue of like magnetic poles being in proximity to each other, to urge the prosthesis to remain attached to the extremity. The prosthesis is prevented from rotation by virtue of a centering force that is provided by an attachment magnet in the prosthesis being placed between two implanted magnets. A removable mounting ring is placed over the prosthesis straps to maintain them in proximity to the extremity.

Abstract: A robot includes a base unit, at least two link mechanisms arranged on the base unit, drive units capable of bending and expanding the link mechanisms, and a control unit controlling the drive units. At least one drive unit has a drive force larger than those of the other drive units, and the other drive units are passively displaced by external forces larger than their own drive forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis covering (10). The prosthesis covering (10) comprises: an outer layer (20) having an exterior surface (22) that defines an outermost surface of a prosthesis when the prosthesis covering is in use on the prosthesis; and an inner layer (12) having an interior surface (30) that lies adjacent the prosthesis when the prosthesis covering is in use on the prosthesis. The outer and inner layers have generally a same form and the outer layer defines a space in which the inner layer is received such that an inwardly directed surface (24) of the outer layer (20) lies adjacent an outwardly directed surface (28) of the inner layer (12). The inwardly directed surface (24) of the outer layer (30) and the outwardly directed surface (28) of the inner layer (12) are attached to each other at a plurality of spaced apart locations (16, 18), the inwardly directed surface of the outer layer and the outwardly directed surface of the inner layer elsewhere being unattached to each other.

Abstract: A hand prosthesis includes a chassis to which a number of finger prostheses are articulated. Each of the finger prostheses are movable relative to the chassis and toward one another about at least one swiveling axis via a drive that is connected to the finger prostheses by a force transmission unit.

Abstract: An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g.,prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable an artificial prosthesis (e.g., artificial limb) to be easily and effectively attached to and removed from an interface that is secured to a residual limb on a person. In addition, a method is described herein for enabling a person to attach and remove an artificial prosthesis to and from an interface that is secured to a residual limb on the person.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb has an outer surface that is a mirror image of an intact limb. The intact limb is scanned and the surface data is manipulated to create a virtual mirror image. The end of the amputated limb is also scanned to obtain socket data. A virtual limb is designed using a computer program based upon the mirror image and end of the amputated limb data. The computer program is also used to design a removable fairing that provides color and texture to the prosthetic limb.

Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.

Abstract: Rotation mechanism for a forearm which includes a moving stay (2) which supports a wrist, which includes at least one guide track in the form of an arc of a circle, a fixed stay (4) which supports the rear end of a forearm, rods (12) that are rigid lengthwise which link the moving stay (2) and the fixed stay (4) and which allow the moving stay (2) and fixed stay (4) to rotate around a longitudinal axis (Z), by means of articulated links which can rotate (14), and a strut (6) rigidly linked at one of its ends to the fixed stay (4), and linked at its other end to a roller-bearing, whose rollers are in rolling contact with the guide track of the moving stay (2), and which cause the moving stay (2) to pivot around a longitudinal axis (Z), where the direction of said longitudinal axis (Z) passes through the centre of the arc of the circle of the guide track and through the centre of a circle defined by the ends of rods linked to the fixed stay.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling an exoskeleton actuator at a joint of a human-exoskeleton system by receiving system parameters for the human-exoskeleton system, receiving generalized coordinates for the human-exoskeleton system, and determining an equivalent joint torque for the exoskeleton actuator to compensate for a selected force. While providing partial or complete compensation of selected gravitational and external forces, one embodiment of the present invention mitigates the amount of interference between voluntary control and assist control, thereby allowing humans to quickly humans adapt to an exoskeleton system.

Abstract: A control device for a robot arm is designed such that, based on information on a transportation state database in which information on a transportation state of a person operating the arm is recorded, an impedance setting unit sets a mechanical impedance set value of the arm, and an impedance control unit controls a mechanical impedance value of the arm to the mechanical impedance set value thus set.

Abstract: A gripping assist device is removably attachable to the forearm of a user. The assist device has a sleeve with an opening sized to receive a handle or grip of an item.

Abstract: A system for assisting the motion of a body connected through joints provides a system for imparting a suitable torque to the connected body at the time of various turns including the bending of the joints. The torque imparting system has first and second measuring means, a reference work volume determining means, and an external torque determining means. The first measuring means measures the internal work volume of the around-joint leg. The second measuring means measures an external work volume around a joint imparted to the leg. The reference work volume determining means determines a reference work volume based on the internal work volume. The external torque determining means determines an external torque imparted to the leg so as to reduce the difference between the internal work volume of the leg and the reference work volume, based on the external work volume.

Abstract: An upper extremity prosthetic device is provided that comprises three main components, namely, an arm cuff, a forearm section and a distal connector. The arm cuff is adjustable to accommodate lower arms of different sizes. The forearm section may be constructed in certain limited sizes to accommodate different sized forearm residual limbs. The distal connector is designed to connect to any of the forearm section configurations, and the distal connector enables any terminal device to be attached to the connector. The components may be mixed and matched in various combinations to fit the physical dimensions of virtually any amputee. The interchangeable parts will accommodate a wide range of residual limb geometries, overall sizes and lengths. Embodiments of the present invention minimize the need for time and resource-intensive customized fitting and create an affordable, relatively low-cost prosthetic interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic product having a composite material wall moulded into the shape of a part of a body, characterized in that the wall of the prosthetic product is composed of, on one hand, an reinforcing textile including continuous length fibres, and on the other hand, a textile matrix including thermoplastic polymer fibres, preferably of continuous length.

Abstract: This invention provides a compact self-contained design of a wrist device for an electrically powered prosthesis. The wrist prosthesis, which provides user controlled motion in two directions, flexion/extension and rotation. Through the unique mounting of the one or more actuators or motors, a significant space savings is achieved. The modular terminal device distal mounting platform and prosthesis proximal mounting structure allow for this wrist device to function with many commercially available terminal devices and prosthesis designs. In a more particular embodiment related to a prosthesis the wrist device utilizes a system of gears, which achieves appropriately externally powered motion and is configured to provide wrist flexion as well as rotation. The prosthesis allows user controlled flexion/extension and rotation by providing two actuating motors and a series of gears, which provides externally powered flexion, extension, and rotation in various ranges.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable an artificial prosthesis (e.g., artificial limb) to be easily and effectively attached to and removed from an interface that is secured to a residual limb on a person. In addition, a method is described herein for enabling a person to attach and remove an artificial prosthesis to and from an interface that is secured to a residual limb on the person.

Abstract: A movement assisting device including a plurality of attachments to be attached over a joint of a user; an actuator suspended between the plurality of attachments; a sensor, attached to the user, for detecting movement of a muscle; and a control unit for controlling the actuator based on the movement of the muscle detected by the sensor is provided.

Abstract: A percutaneous biomedical device comprising a body having a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through the body, an implantable interface region disposed on the body, the implantable interface region having a plurality of radially extending conduits through the body, each of the conduits are in fluid communication with the lumen and in fluid communication with an exit port. The exit ports extrude a skin-interface composition between the subject's skin and the percutaneous biomedical device. Methods for implanting a percutaneous biomedical device includes implanting a percutaneous biomedical device percutaneously in a subject and aligning the exit ports of the implantable interface region between the epidermis and the hypodermis skin layers of the subject.

Abstract: Polymers containing polyesters and, optionally, agents for use with medical articles and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed. The medical article generally comprises an implantable substrate having a coating, and the coating contains a polymer comprising a polymeric product of a reaction comprising a polyol and a polycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A robot arm formed from one or more optionally interlinked active pivoted levers, wherein a base is fixed to the one end of a support and a pivoting piece is pivotably mounted on the second end of the support with pneumatic muscles running form the base to the pivoting piece. Individual pneumatic muscles engage on opposing sides of the pivot axis of the pivoting piece and the base of a pivoting lever is fixed to the pivoting piece of the adjacent pivoting lever interconnected thereto. The controller measures the position of the individual pivoting levers and the pressure in the individual pneumatic muscles, calculates the externally acting forces from the pressure-distance diagrams for the individual pneumatic muscles and the geometric lever mechanical ratios for all pivoting levers and limits said forces.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical devices such as stents and methods of fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings comprise a biologically absorbable poly(ester amide), which is a polymeric product of a reaction between a diol-diamine and a dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus comprising a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm.

Abstract: A system and method of grip force feedback for use with a prosthetic device is provided in the present invention. The system can include a prosthetic hand having a plurality of digits for use with the prosthetic device. A force sensor can be provided to produce a force signal and the force sensor is configured to be associated with the plurality of digits for the prosthetic hand. In addition, a force feedback controller can receive the force signal from the force sensor. A force feedback actuator is also in communication with the force feedback controller. The force feedback actuator can provide feedback vibrations to a user of the prosthetic device.

Abstract: A realistic looking hand prosthesis made preferably of an elastomeric material is formed to hold a substantially spherical ball. The ball is held in the hand securely by friction between a ball and a hand made of a rubber like material wherein the ball is slightly larger in diameter than the conformed hand. The ball may be selectively rotationally oriented in three orthogonal directions of angular freedom. The ball is provided with various attachment means for attaching implements, which attachment means may include holes of various shapes and sizes, holes with projections, magnetic attaching means and threaded or other fastening means. Providing of angular adjustment in three orthogonal directions enables the ball to be able to attach a large number of useable implements to be positioned so as to aim the axis of each implement as needed and to rotate about its axis. The ball may be utilized in connection with a natural or prosthetic hand.

Abstract: A locking shoulder joint adapted to be attached to a user's shoulder, generally comprising a rotor provided with a plurality of radially positioned pins, that rotates relative to a stator, and a cam provided with one or more plungers adapted to engage said rotor pins to releasably lock said rotor in position selected by said user, all of which act to move a humeral member in a direction corresponding to a flexion/extension direction of the shoulder joint; and a yoke coupled to an axle for moving the humeral member in a direction corresponding to an abduction/adduction direction of the shoulder joint.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a grip or grasp pattern of a prosthetic terminal device or other orthotic device using the position of the thumb or other digit as the initial determination of the grasping function. The system comprising sensors, an electronic control system and a motor drive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-positionable prosthetic hand, including one or more pre-positionable joints. Pre-positionable joints in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include a multi-axial thumb joint, a metacarpal-phalangeal joint and a wrist joint. Additionally, the present invention may include a number of pre-positionable phalanges or fingers having a segmented construction, which allows them to be placed in various positions. The present invention may be used in connection with a pentadactyl glove and may be positioned in such griping positions as: a key or lateral grip, a hook grip, a cylindrical grip, a spherical grip and a tip-pinch grip.

Abstract: A surface coating composition for providing a self-assembling monolayer, in stable form, on a material surface or at a suitable interface, as well as a method of preparing such a composition and a method of using such a composition to coat a surface, such as the surface of an implantable medical device, in order to provide the surface with desirable properties. The method provides the covalent attachment of a SAM to a surface in a manner that substantially retains or improves the characteristics and/or performance of both the SAM and the surface itself. Covalent attachment is accomplished by the use of one or more latent reactive groups, e.g., provided by either the surface and/or by the SAM-forming molecules themselves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and methods for relieving phantomlimb pain in amputees, and for providing an amputee with sensory feedback from a prosthetic limb. The system employs implantable multichannel, multi-chambered interface structures, namely, nerve cuffs. The implanted nerve cuffs have electrodes which transmit electrical signals generated by a signal generator to nerves, recruiting certain neurons to send sensory signals to the cerebral cortex, suggesting sensory sensations to the amputee. Such signals can arise directly from the signal generator, approximating the train of signals seen by the cortex in a normally innervated limb, or can originate from sensors in a prosthetic limb.