Abstract:
A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid and a gait orthotic device. The gait orthotic device has a rigid attachment mechanism configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid to the gait orthotic device. When the balance aid is coupled to the gait orthotic device, the gait orthotic device is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid is not coupled to the gait orthotic device, the user is able to use the balance aid for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism is a clamp with an over-center latch.
Abstract:
A gait orthotic device, such as a powered exoskeleton, includes at least one joint; at least one actuator configured to cause movement of the device at the joint; a cushioning mechanism coupled to the device for absorbing energy or spreading a force during an impact with a surface or object; and a controller. The controller is configured to determine when a fall is occurring and direct the actuator to: orient the device so the cushioning mechanism makes contact with the surface or object during the fall; or reduce a kinetic energy of the device during the fall by performing positive joint work. The cushioning mechanism can take various forms, including an airbag, a spring, a bumper, a roll bar or a kickstand. Preferably, the cushioning mechanism is an airbag in the form of an airbag module that is detachably coupled to the device for removal and replacement.
Abstract:
An operator supervising a wearer of an exoskeleton is verified by performing a verification routine on the operator using the exoskeleton. If the verification routine is unsuccessful, the exoskeleton is caused to follow a pre-established response routine. If the verification routine is successful, movement of the exoskeleton is allowed.
Abstract:
A mobility system includes an energy module, an exoskeleton and a mobile base. The exoskeleton has an exoskeleton energy module receptacle that can receive the energy module, and the mobile base has a mobile base energy module receptacle that can also receive the energy module. In addition, the mobile base has an exoskeleton support that can support the exoskeleton on the mobile base so that the mobile base can transport the exoskeleton across a support surface.
Abstract:
An exoskeleton includes a control system which incorporates a feedback system used to establish and communicate orthosis operational information to a physical therapist and/or to an exoskeleton user. The feedback system can take various forms, including employing sensors to establish a feedback ready value and communicating the value through one or more light sources which can be in close proximity to joints of the exoskeleton joints.
Abstract:
An exoskeleton can be reconfigured, adjusted and/or controlled on the fly utilizing devices which fall into three categories, particularly including a swappable unactuated leg, lockable transverse and coronal hip rotations, and software controlled free joints. More specifically, the first device allows for the creation of a modular joint system in which individual exoskeleton joints or limbs can be changed or swapped to optimize an exoskeleton for a particular user. The second device is concerned with mechanically controlling, such as locking and unlocking, joints thereby allowing, for example, an exoskeleton leg to pivot or not pivot in an axis that is not actuated. The third device allows an actuated exoskeleton joint to be adjusted on the fly using software to simulate a freely rotating joint. The various devices can be used either alone or in combination to enable any given exoskeleton to be appropriately reconfigured, such as when a patient advances during therapy.
Abstract:
An operator supervising a wearer of an exoskeleton is verified by performing a verification routine on the operator using the exoskeleton. If the verification routine is unsuccessful, the exoskeleton is caused to follow a pre-established response routine. If the verification routine is successful, movement of the exoskeleton is allowed.
Abstract:
A mobility system includes an energy module, an exoskeleton and a mobile base. The exoskeleton has an exoskeleton energy module receptacle that can receive the energy module, and the mobile base has a mobile base energy module receptacle that can also receive the energy module. In addition, the mobile base has an exoskeleton support that can support the exoskeleton on the mobile base so that the mobile base can transport the exoskeleton across a support surface.
Abstract:
A first exoskeleton is in communication with a central server or a peripheral device. The first exoskeleton collects first data and transmits the first data to the central server or peripheral device. The central server or peripheral device generates second data using the first data and transmits the second data to the first exoskeleton or a second exoskeleton.
Abstract:
A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid and a gait orthotic device. The gait orthotic device has a rigid attachment mechanism configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid to the gait orthotic device. When the balance aid is coupled to the gait orthotic device, the gait orthotic device is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid is not coupled to the gait orthotic device, the user is able to use the balance aid for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism is a clamp with an over-center latch.