Abstract: A wrist device for a prosthetic limb is provided. The device (1) comprises a base member (3) connectable to the wearer of the device, and a support member (13) connectable to the limb. The support member (13) is pivotably connected to the base member (3) such that the support member can pivot about a pivot axis (A) relative to the base member. A damping mechanism is located between the base (3) member and the support member (5). The damping mechanism comprises a pinion (47) connected to the support member (5) and rotatable about the pivot axis (A) relative to the base member (3). A rack (35) is engaged with the pinion (47) such that rotational motion of the pinion causes a linear motion of the rack, and at least one biasing member (41) extends between the base member (3) and the rack. The biasing member (41) biases the rack (35) and support member (13) into a neutral position. A prosthetic limb incorporating the wrist device is also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic cover for a prosthetic support element can include a substantially cylindrical hollow body with a first end and a second end and sized to fit around a support element of a prosthesis. A first flexible end seal and a second flexible end seal can each attach with the substantially cylindrical hollow body at the first and second ends, respectively, and connect the hollow body with the support element of the prosthesis by deforming about the support element when the prosthetic cover is installed around the support element.

Abstract: An apparatus for manually impaired individuals. The apparatus includes a top element having a base and at least two pairs of arms extending outwardly from the base. The base includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The apparatus further includes a handle connecting to the top element at a distal end of the top element. The handle includes an end part. The end part includes a third aperture and a slot connected by a “V” shaped portion. The apparatus further includes a restraint having a first end securing at an interior of the handle via the first aperture of the base and a second end of the restraint exposed outside the handle.

Abstract: A socket may be for coupling a prosthetic upper extremity to a residual limb of a user. The socket may include a proximal socket portion and a distal socket portion coupled to the proximal socket portion by a polycentric joint. The polycentric joint may include a plate having a first end coupled to the proximal socket portion via a first fastener, and a second end coupled to the distal socket portion via a second fastener. The proximal socket portion may be rotatable relative to the distal socket portion about a first axis passing through the first fastener and about a second axis passing through the second fastener.

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: The invention relates to a finger prosthesis comprising a base element, which is formed to receive forces and torques and can be provided with an elastic covering to achieve a natural appearance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a hand prosthesis comprising a chassis and a finger prosthesis arranged on it.

Abstract: In a joint mechanism having at least one joint member connected to a connectable member via a joint to be rotatable in a range between an extended position and a bent position, it is configured to have a movable cover constituting a part of a joint member cover that covers the joint member and the movable cover is moved into interior of remaining portion of the joint member cover as the joint member is rotated relative to the connectable member about the joint from the extended position to the bent position. The joint mechanism can be suitably used in fingers of a hand of a humanoid robot.

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 apparatus of the invention comprises a mechanical joint that is adapted for use on a user's anatomical joint which has a proximal area, a distal area, a lateral side and a medial side. The preferred mechanical joint comprises a proximal body that is disposed adjacent to the proximal area of the user's anatomical joint and a distal race that is disposed adjacent to the distal area of the user's anatomical joint. The preferred mechanical joint also comprises a release plate, an iris, a roller bearing pin, a resilient tube and a drive pin that are substantially disposed in the proximal body. The preferred mechanical joint further comprises a pivot screw that is adapted to pivotally connect the proximal body and the distal race and a cable pull assembly that is adapted to permit the distal race and the proximal body to move relative to each other.

Abstract: Mechanical joints are provided in which the angle between a first coupled member and a second coupled member may be varied by mechanical actuators. In some embodiments the angle may be varied around a pivot axis in one plane and in some embodiments the angle may be varied around two pivot axes in two orthogonal planes. The joints typically utilize a cam assembly having two lobes with an involute surface. Actuators are configured to push against the lobes to vary the rotation angle between the first and second coupled member.

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 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: Novel gels and articles are formed from one or more multiblock copolymers having at least one block segment of poly(ethylene) and selected amounts of one or more low viscosity plasticizers, said gels having an amount of crystallinity, glassy components, selected amounts of plasticizers, with or without other additives sufficient to achieve improvements in one or more physical properties including improved crack propagation resistance, improved tea resistance, improved resistance to fatigue and resistance to catastrophic failure not obtainable in amorphous gels and exceptionally lower and/or no tack.

Abstract: A bandage which may be used for the forearm or as an upper arm triple traction bandage includes a bandage strap (3) that engages a ring (2) to form a loop. At least one elastic bandage strap (4) engages the ring (2) and encloses a cable (6) which at one end is secured to the ring (2) and has a fastening device at its other end (4a). The fastening device is formed by a strap connector (11, 12, 13) having a flat lower part (11) which is adapted to the strap width. The upper side is covered by a flat upper part (12) onto which a clamp slide (13) is pushed that engages under the lower part (11) and firmly presses the lower part and upper part together with the strap end (4a) lying between them. The strap connector (11, 12, 13) has a clamp-free cable passage (14, 15, 16) and a bracket (19) for securing the strap connector (11, 12, 13) to a prosthesis part.

Abstract: A self-adhesive prosthetic make-up and a method of using the same is disclosed. Prosthetic make-up is applied to a person's body to create an illusion or for enhancing a costume. The disclosed prosthetic make-up comprises a matrix of thermosetting polymer. The top surface of the matrix may be ornamented by way of features including structure and color to represent an anomaly on or embedded in the skin of the user. Among other anomalies, the disclosed prosthetic make-up may be used to create the illusion of a laceration, a sutured wound, a bullet wound, an eye, bite marks, or a circuit board implanted into the skin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prosthesis which includes first and second members pivotally coupled together and two links which are pivotally coupled together with one link being pivotally coupled to the first member and the other link being pivotally coupled the second member. A control mechanism is provided which is pivotally coupled to the first member and the pivotal connection of the two links to move the two links and hence the second member relative to the first member. The first member may be coupled to a person to allow the prosthesis to serve in one embodiment as an arm or as a portion of an arm and in another embodiment to serve as a leg or as a portion of a leg.

Abstract: A joint for rotatably connecting a distal part to a proximal part of a testing and training target the joint including a first member attachable to one of the distal part and the proximal part of the target, a second member attachable to the other of the distal part and the proximal part of the target with the first and second members being rotatable relative to each other and engageable with each other such that the first member may be rotated with respect to the second member between first and second positions and upon the application of a predetermined force rotated past the second position to a third position. A detent communicates with one or both of the first and second members preventing movement of the members past the second position to the third position until at least the first predetermined force is applied to one or both of the members.

Abstract: A body-powered prosthetic arm is mountable on a socket attached to the arm stump of a person. The prosthetic arm includes a base for attachment to the socket, a forearm section having a proximal end and a distal end, a terminal device such as a hook, anthropomorphic hand, etc. attached to the distal end of the forearm section for selectively opening or closing, and an elbow joint for joining the proximal end of the forearm section to the base, the elbow joint being pivotable to enable moving the forearm section upwardly or downwardly. Control straps and cables fitted on the person are responsive to body movements of the person for selectively locking the elbow joint to prevent it from pivoting while allowing the terminal device to open or close or locking the terminal device to prevent it from opening or closing while allowing the elbow joint to pivot.

Abstract: A forearm lifter for assisting in the articulation of a mating forearm part of an arm prosthesis with respect to a mating upper arm part about at least one elbow axis is disclosed. The forearm lifter includes: (i) a spring element; (ii) a mechanism having an input and an output, with the spring element directly or indirectly applying a tensile force to the input of the mechanism; and (iii) a tension element having one end acted upon by the output of the mechanism, and having another end which can be fastened at a fixed point on said mating upper arm part. The fixed point and the elbow axis define a torque lever, such that the force that is transmitted through the mechanism from the spring element applies torque to the mating upper arm part in such a manner that the curve of the torque acting at the fixed point, plotted against the angle of articulation of said forearm part, is approximately parabolic. The torque has its minimum values in both the forearm extended position and at maximum forearm bending.

Abstract: An elbow fitting part for upper arm stumps includes an elbow ball connected by a hinged axle to the lower arm, configured as a hollow synthetic part, and is detainable by a latch-locking device in various bending positions, while the proximal connection to the upper arm shaft is created by a cast-in ring and an upper arm rotating joint is provided for the adjustable rotation of the lower arm. In order to make this elbow fitting part usable for all upper arm stump lengths, the upper arm rotating joint is configured as an annual bearing and the latch-locking device is a traction lock which is disposed outside the elbow ball and is integrated into a rotating connection forming a section of the hinged axle.

Abstract: An artificial manually positionable elbow joint for use in an upper extremity, above-elbow, prosthetic which provides a locking feature that is easily controlled by the wearer. The instant elbow joint is very strong and durable to withstand the repeated heavy loadings encountered by a wearer who works in an industrial, construction, farming or similar environment. The elbow joint of the present invention comprises a turntable, a frame, a forearm and a locking assembly. The frame generally includes a housing for the locking assembly and two protruding ears. The forearm includes an elongated beam having a cup-shaped cylindrical member at one end and a locking wheel having a plurality of holes along a circular arc on its other end with a central bore for pivotal attachment to the protruding ears of the frame.

Abstract: A prosthesis has a humeral member, rotating elbow member and forearm member. The prosthesis provides rotational and up and down vertical movement of the forearm with respect to the humeral member while being anatomically proportional with the amputee's sound arm.

Abstract: Reconstructive orthopedic prosthesis devices for cadavers comprised of plastic tubing, elbows and fasteners, for use by undertakers and morticians. The devices are used in cadavers whose bones have been harvested for bone banks, in order to give the cadaver a normal appearance.

Abstract: A rotary joint, especially for a prosthesis, e.g. to allow a user to assume the lotus position, as a pair of relatively rotating parts including an outer part and an inner part braced at coaxial bosses by tapered rollers forming a play-eliminating tapered roller bearing. An inclined roller bearing is provided between outer peripheries of disk portions of these parts. A housing enclosing the parts contains a locking device in which a locking element is spring biased to engage the parts with teeth of the locking element engaging in teeth of the two parts. A push-button can be depressed to retract the locking element and permit relative rotation.

Abstract: An orthopedic hinge is provided for controlling the flexion and extension of an associated body part, for example, a knee or elbow. The hinge employs a housing connected to a pair of control arms which are rotatably mounted to the housing and are free to move independently of one another. The hinge also includes a first and a second adjustment means having single elements for simultaneously controlling both control arms to thereby define an arc of extension and an arc of flexion of the body part. The hinge preferably includes a single screw for blocking the extension of the joint and a single screw for setting the flexion of the joint. The hinge can be adjusted for free motion throughout a preferred 120.degree. range of motion and can be selectively locked at any point within this range.

Abstract: The invention concerns an elbow lock mechanism for use in artificial arms, comprising a locking bolt which is mounted for axial movement on a carriage which is movable by electric drive means between two positions, there being a spring on the carriage which urges the bolt into its locking position when the carriage is in one position and which urges the bolt into an unlocking position when the carriage is in the other position.