Abstract:
Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
Abstract:
A prosthetic foot comprises a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, wherein the anterior top end is connected to the anterior bottom end of the resilient bottom member, and wherein the resilient top member is positioned over the resilient bottom member, and an elastomeric bumper member comprising a tapered surface configured to contact the resilient bottom member and attached to an underside of the posterior of the resilient top member. The prosthetic foot can further comprise a toe pad having a spacer coupled to, and creating space between, the bottom member and the top member, and an adhesive bonding one of the bottom member and one end of the top member, where the adhesive is commingled with the spacer between the first bottom end and the first top end.
Abstract:
A prosthetic foot comprises a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, wherein the anterior top end is connected to the anterior bottom end of the resilient bottom member, and wherein the resilient top member is positioned over the resilient bottom member, and an elastomeric bumper member comprising a tapered surface configured to contact the resilient bottom member and attached to an underside of the posterior of the resilient top member. The prosthetic foot can further comprise a toe pad having a spacer coupled to, and creating space between, the bottom member and the top member, and an adhesive bonding one of the bottom member and one end of the top member, where the adhesive is commingled with the spacer between the first bottom end and the first top end.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a swing phase control device for an artificial knee joint with a piston/cylinder unit. The piston/cylinder unit comprises: a first chamber on one side of the piston; a second chamber on the opposite side of the piston; a first throttle that restricts the discharge of a fluid from the first chamber; a first device that is designed so that it closes the first throttle when a predetermined pressure is reached or exceeded inside the first chamber; a second throttle that restricts the discharge of the fluid from the second chamber, and; a second device that is designed so that it closes the second throttle when a predetermined pressure is reached or exceeded inside the second chamber.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for assistive devices for replacing or augmenting the limb of an individual, such devices comprising a joint and a powered system; the powered system having a first configuration in which the powered system rotates the joint by applying power to the joint, and a second configuration that allows for rotation of the joint without actuation of the powered system.
Abstract:
An articulating connection or joint for a limb support device having a first support member and a second support member pivotably couples together the first support member and the second support member. The articulating connection can include one or more first articulating connection member, or load-bearing pin, and one or more second articulating connection member, or bushing, disposed about the first and second support members. The load- bearing pin is coupled to one of the support members and the bushing is coupled to another of the support members. The bushing is configured to rotatingly receive the load-bearing pin and interacts with an actuation member configured to apply a force on the load-bearing pin to eccentrically align the load-bearing pin relative to the bushing so that the load-bearing pin continuously follows and contacts a bearing surface of the bushing during use of the limb support device, thereby inhibiting noise generation from the interaction of the bushing and load- bearing pin.