Abstract:
A trunk supporting exoskeleton comprises: a supporting trunk; thigh links configured to move in unison with a person's thighs; and first and second torque generators located on both left and right halves of the person substantially close to the person's hip. The torque generators couple the supporting trunk to the thigh links, and generate torque between the thigh links and the supporting trunk. When the person bends forward such that a predetermined portion of the supporting trunk passes beyond a predetermined angle from vertical, a torque generator(s) imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and the thigh link(s), causing the supporting trunk to impose a force against the person's trunk, and the thigh link(s) to impose a force onto the person's thigh. When the predetermined portion does not pass beyond the predetermined angle, the torque generators impose no resisting torques between said supporting trunk and respective thigh links.
Abstract:
A hand rehabilitation device is used in rehabilitation therapies, for motility and functionality of the hands. The device has an orthosis, fitted to partially cover a patient's hand and forearm, and flexible rods for a passive and assisted active, concurrent, and/or selective bending or extension of the fingers. Movements are freely settable by an operator. Elements for sliding and supporting of the flexible rods during bending or extension of the fingers include ‘finger socks” or gloves provided with thimbles, fixed rods, or plates to stabilize the thimbles and hinged to move the flexible rods. A movement/command and control unit, integral to, or remoted located relative to, the orthosis is provided with actuators for moving the flexible rods. A tension adjusts the rods and rehabilitation device, adjusting and adapting to the hand s anatomical features.
Abstract:
A compression therapy device for vascular diseases and other therapies comprising a bladder a lever arm acting on the outer surface of the bladder such that cyclical operation of an actuator on the lever arm creates cyclical changes in pneumatic pressure in the therapeutic portion of the bladder.
Abstract:
Techniques and devices for securing a medical device to a patient-carrying device, such as a mechanical CPR device to a stretcher, are described herein. In one aspect, a medical device stabilization strap may include a first removable attachment shackle connected to a first end of a first strap. An adjustable quick release buckle may be disposed between a second end of the first strap and a proximal end of a second strap. A second removable attachment shackle may be connected to a distal end of the second strap. The first and second removable attachment shackles may each include a U-shaped bracket for removably engaging a medical device. The adjustable quick release buckle may adjust a length of the second strap, for example, to secure the medical device to the patient-carrying device.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for exerting forces on a body, including a support structure defining a space and a plurality of surface contacting units that are configured to exert force upon the body, such that the weight is distributed away from the primary weight bearing regions to non-weight bearing regions of the body, or vice versa, without exerting significant shear or frictional forces on surfaces of the body. The systems and methods may be used to exert forces to cause fluid shift in different compartments of the body. Applications include treatment of various disease conditions including pressure ulcers, heart failure, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, osteoporosis, injuries of spine and to slow microgravity-induced bone and muscle loss. The systems and methods may be used to simulate gravity, weightlessness or buoyancy, in rehabilitation medicine. The system may include a chair, bed, a wearable suit or an exoskeleton.
Abstract:
A hybrid chest compression device includes a backboard with a motor and a drive spool housed within the backboard. There is also a piston support frame secured to the backboard forming a patient channel between the piston support frame and the backboard. There is a belt operably secured to the drive spool and enclosed within the backboard and the piston support frame and a piston operably housed within the piston support frame wherein motion of the belt actuates motion of the piston. Actuation of the motor results in cyclic rotation and counter-rotation of the motor and corresponding winding and unwinding of the belt on the drive spool to effectuate cyclic extension and retraction of the piston against the patient's chest to perform mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Abstract:
The present teachings provide for an exercise device for exercising a joint and a limb. The device includes an actuator, a foot plate, a foot plate load cell, and a restrictor. The actuation member is rotatable about a rotation axis. The actuation member includes a first portion and a second portion that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The foot plate is at a distal end of the second portion of the actuation member. The foot plate load cell is mounted to the foot plate and is configured to measure force exerted on the foot plate. The restrictor is configured to restrict movement of the second portion of the actuation member and the foot plate at the distal end thereof in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis unless force exerted on the foot plate exceeds a predetermined force.
Abstract:
There is provided an apparatus for upper body movement. The apparatus comprises a H-shaped cable-driven mechanism; two motors for driving the H-shaped cable-driven mechanism; and a manipulandum coupled to the H-shaped cable-driven mechanism for independent movement along x and y axes.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are a walking assistance apparatus including a drive portion capable of adjusting tension of a fixing portion, and a method of controlling the same. The walking assistance apparatus includes a support portion which applies assist power to assist walking to a human body, a fixing portion which is arranged at one end of the support portion to enclose the human body and fixes the support portion on the human body, a drive portion including at least one motor which adjusts tension of the fixing portion, and a control portion which adjusts a driving direction of the at least one motor during rotation of the support portion in order to prevent the fixing portion from rotating by assist power applied through the support portion.
Abstract:
There is provided a method of controlling a wearable robot. The method includes measuring an electrical signal from a scalp of a wearer, estimating a current walking speed of the wearer using the measured electrical signal, and outputting assistive torque which allows the estimated current walking speed to approximate a target walking speed.