Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
623039000 | Knee | 59 |
20090037000 | Prosthetic Knee and Leg Assembly for use in Athletic Activities in which the Quadriceps are Normally used for Support and Dynamic Function - The present invention provides a new prosthetic knee and lower leg device that enables an above-the-knee amputee to participate in demanding athletic activities in which the quadricep muscles are used extensively for support and dynamic function. The prosthetic device includes a thigh/knee plate that is coupled to a shin frame. An adjustable strut is coupled to both the thigh/knee plate and the shin frame. The functional length of the strut can be adjusted, as can be the lower mounting position thereof. The prosthetic device can be adjusted with regard to functional characteristics, performance settings, and “home position” angles of the knee. The extent of adjustability enables the user to adapt the device for different levels of aggressiveness, different activities and different circumstances, and also allows the device to be adapted to users of different weights and size. | 02-05-2009 |
20090043401 | Knee joint prosthesis - The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis comprising two arched guiding elements ( | 02-12-2009 |
20090043402 | Knee cosmesis - A cosmesis including a thigh component and a shin component that fit over a prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component are pivotally joined along an axis of rotation coinciding with that of the prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component can include internal contours molded into their inside walls to seat the prosthetic knee joint securely therein. The knee ball region of the thigh component can be made relatively thicker to provide a protective cushion and allow the patient to kneel. Additionally, a floating knee cap can be fit over the knee ball area. The upper end of the thigh component can be made of sufficiently thin material to permit rolling onto itself. | 02-12-2009 |
20090088867 | Swing-Phase Controller With an Artificial Joint - An artificial joint including a stance-phase control means having a flexing axis and a control axis and a swing-phase control means adapted to engage the stance-phase control means. The perpendicular distance between the flexing axis and the swing-phase control means and the perpendicular distance between the control axis and the swing-phase control means are equal when the artificial joint rotates about the flexing axis up to 65°. | 04-02-2009 |
20090143869 | ANTI-SHOCK ARTIFICIAL KNEE JOINT STRUCTURE - An anti-shock artificial knee joint includes a pivot stop block forming a first pivot hole rotatably receiving therein a first pivot for bending the knee joint and a second pivot hole rotatably receiving a second pivot. A gap extending from the first pivot hole so that when the pivot stop block is subjected to an external force induced in the process of walking, the gap is reduced to secure the first pivot from rotation whereby the pivot stop block rotates about the second pivot to cause the pivot stop block to engage spring-biased pistons to thereby absorb the external force or the impact caused by the external force. The spring-biased pistons are provided with set screws to adjust the cushioning effect provided by the spring-biased pistons. | 06-04-2009 |
20090187260 | HINGED CONNECTING APPARATUS FOR A LOWER LIMB PROSTHESIS - Hinged connecting apparatus ( | 07-23-2009 |
20100286796 | CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROSTHETIC OR ORTHOTIC DEVICES - Geomagnetic methods and systems are used for monitoring the directionality of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Certain methods may include measuring multiple data points over a particular time interval to identify orientation information with respect to a prosthetic or orthotic device and/or used in the real-time control of the prosthetic or orthotic device. In certain examples, multiple points may be further compared with stored orientation data associated with predefined unsafe gait patterns. Control instructions and/or alerts based on the geomagnetic measurements can then be generated for the prosthetic or orthotic device, such as if the orientation data information matches one of the predefined unsafe gait patterns. | 11-11-2010 |
20110130846 | ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE COMPRISING A JOINT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAID ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE - The application relates to an orthopedic device comprising a joint and to a method for controlling an orthopedic device, which has an upper part ( | 06-02-2011 |
20110202144 | NOVEL ENHANCED METHODS FOR MIMICKING HUMAN GAIT WITH PROSTHETIC KNEE DEVICES - The present invention relates to a prosthetic device including a prosthetic joint which accurately transitions between a loose mode and a stiff mode to more accurately mimic a human gait. The prosthetic joint includes a state controller which utilizes a sensor to detect prosthetic joint movement data, and compares it with prosthetic joint movement decision values to determine when a solenoid should be energized to place the prosthetic joint in the loose mode. An optimization unit connects to the prosthetic joint in a prosthetic joint system. The optimization unit generates a plurality of data files containing prosthetic joint movement data corresponding to an amputee walking without stumbling. By iteratively analyzing the prosthetic joint movement data, the optimization unit adjusts the prosthetic joint movement decision values to ensure that the prosthetic joint does not prematurely enter a stumble recovery state. | 08-18-2011 |
20120010729 | GROUND CONTACT SENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOWER-LIMB ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC DEVICES - A method of sensing ground contact with a lower limb prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. A first translational displacement between a frame and a connector can be sensed and then processed to identify an axial load caused by heel-ground contact. Additionally, a second translational displacement between the frame and the connector can be sensed and then processed to identify a torsional load caused by toe-ground contact. | 01-12-2012 |
20120022668 | PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC SYSTEMS USABLE FOR REHABILITATION - Disclosed are adjustable powered rehabilitation devices and methods for using the same to rehabilitate and/or train a user. The rehabilitation devices preferably have a plurality of selectable power settings that correspond to one or more rehabilitation-oriented actions or functions of the rehabilitation devices. For example, the power of the rehabilitation device may be selected based on a need, ability, muscle-power and/or physiological characteristics of the user. For instance, a rehabilitation device may be operated at a relatively low power setting to allow a patient to use his or her own muscle power when moving with the rehabilitation device. The rehabilitation device may also include an adjustable sensitivity level that corresponds to a user difficulty in triggering a particular rehabilitation-oriented action. The powered rehabilitation device may also temporarily be used to train a user in interacting with a passive or more conventional prosthetic device. | 01-26-2012 |
20120065742 | ROTATION STRUCTURE OF KNEE JOINT OF ARTIFICIAL LIMB - A rotation structure of knee joint of artificial limb includes a rotation head forming a rotation-head bore and having a top surface forming a rotation-head recess. The rotation-head recess has an open notch extending outside the rotation head. An arrest block is received in the rotation-head recess and has an end forming a push tab corresponding to the open notch and also forms, in a central portion thereof, an arrest-block opening. A detent is formed on an inner edge of the arrest-block opening. The arrest block is shaped to correspond to the rotation-head recess, but the rotation-head recess has a length greater than that of the arrest block. An arrest shaft forms a retention slot and has a lower end receiving through the arrest-block opening and the rotation-head bore in such a way that the detent of the arrest-block opening is engageable with the retention slot of the arrest shaft. | 03-15-2012 |
20120101599 | MOMENTUM FREE BEARING FOR USE IN PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES - A momentum free bearing assembly for use in orthotic and prosthetic devices and a prosthetic knee incorporating the same are disclosed. The bearing assembly includes an engaging ring having a swivel portion received within the engaging ring. The engaging ring is received within a bore in a mount. Retainer rings may be placed on either side of the engaging ring within the bore to retain the engaging ring within the mount. Seals having sealing members may be provided on either side of the engaging ring to seal the engaging ring within the mount. A cylindrical rod engages the swivel portion and the seal through bores provided in each of the seal and the swivel portion. The ends of the cylindrical rod can be press-fit within bores on a mount and a frame of a prosthetic knee. | 04-26-2012 |
20120330440 | KNEE JOINT PROSTHESIS - A knee joint prosthesis is adapted for interconnecting a prosthetic lower leg and a prosthetic thigh. The knee joint prosthesis includes a knee seat disposed under and connected to the prosthetic thigh, a connecting seat disposed above and connected to the prosthetic lower leg, a link assembly, and an adjusting unit. The link assembly includes a plurality of links each connected pivotally to the knee seat and the connecting seat in such a manner to allow the knee joint prosthesis to change between an elevated position and a flexed position. The adjusting unit is disposed in the knee seat, and is operable to cooperate with the link assembly to adjust difficulty level of changing the knee joint prosthesis between the elevated and flexed positions. | 12-27-2012 |
20130030549 | Leg Prosthesis - A lower limb prosthesis for a transfemoral amputee, having a shin portion, ankle portion and a forefoot part of the foot portion formed as an integral fibre-reinforced plastics leaf spring component. This integral component is adjustably mounted to a knee joint which has a knee chassis, a cradle pivotally connected to and depending from the knee chassis, and a flexion control unit in the form of a piston and cylinder assembly interconnecting the knee chassis and the cradle. The shin portion has an elongate resilient section of constant cross-section oriented substantially vertically. The connection of this resilient section to the knee joint cradle and the arrangement of the cradle is such that the vertical distance between the knee axis of rotation and the location of the connection is less than 25% of the vertical distance between the knee axis and the lowest weight-bearing surface of the foot portion. | 01-31-2013 |
20130123941 | PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT - The invention relates to prosthetic knee joint comprising an upper part ( | 05-16-2013 |
20140046455 | POWERED ARTIFICIAL KNEE WITH AGONIST-ANTAGONIST ACTUATION - A knee prosthesis comprises an agonist-antagonist arrangement of two series-elastic actuators in parallel, including a knee joint, flexion and extension actuators connected to the joint in parallel with a leg member, and a controller for independently energizing the actuators to control the movement of the knee joint and leg. The flexion actuator comprises the series combination of a flexion motor and a flexion elastic element and the extension actuator comprises the series combination of an extension motor and an extension elastic element. Sensors provide feedback to the controller. The flexion actuator and the extension actuator may be unidirectional, with the flexion and extension elastic elements being series springs. The extension actuator may alternatively be bidirectional, with the extension elastic element being a set of pre-compressed series springs. Alternatively, the flexion elastic element may be a non-linear softening spring and the extension elastic element may be a non-linear hardening spring. | 02-13-2014 |
20140081423 | NOVEL ENHANCED METHODS FOR MIMICKING HUMAN GAIT WITH PROSTHETIC KNEE DEVICES - The present invention relates to a prosthetic device including a prosthetic joint which accurately transitions between a loose mode and a stiff mode to more accurately mimic a human gait. The prosthetic joint includes a state controller which utilizes a sensor to detect prosthetic joint movement data, and compares it with prosthetic joint movement decision values to determine when a solenoid should be energized to place the prosthetic joint in the loose mode. An optimization unit connects to the prosthetic joint in a prosthetic joint system. The optimization unit generates a plurality of data files containing prosthetic joint movement data corresponding to an amputee walking without stumbling. By iteratively analyzing the prosthetic joint movement data, the optimization unit adjusts the prosthetic joint movement decision values to ensure that the prosthetic joint does not prematurely enter a stumble recovery state. | 03-20-2014 |
20140172120 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHETIC DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE LEVELS OF FUNCTIONALITY ENABLED THROUGH MULTIPLE CONTROL SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for a prosthetic device with multiple levels of functionality enabled through multiple control systems. The microprocessor-controlled prosthetic device stores a plurality of programmable control systems, such as a beginner control system, an intermediate control system, and an advanced control system. Based on a medical professional's assessment, the prosthetic device is programmed to operate under a programmable control system suitable to the capability level of the amputee. The microprocessor-controlled prosthetic device can be re-programmed to operate under another programmable control system as the capability level of the amputee changes. A new amputee should operate under a beginner control system, which provides high stability and low functionality. The high stability, low functionality combination provides high predictability, which helps the new amputee build confidence and trust in the prosthetic. As the amputee's capability progresses, increased functionality is provided in the intermediate and advanced control systems. | 06-19-2014 |
20150032228 | MULTI-ARTICULATED LINK KNEE JOINT - A multi-articulated link knee joint capable of detecting a bending angle of a knee section without causing problems of an installation space and wiring of a sensor is provided. A four-link knee joint includes a knee section of a four-link mechanism, a fluid cylinder that restrains an action of the knee section, a position detecting device that detects a position of a piston rod with respect to a cylinder tube as an extension and contraction amount of the cylinder, and a computer that acquires a bending angle of the knee section by converting the position detected by the position detecting device. | 01-29-2015 |
20160015531 | Structure of Tumble-Resistant Knee Joint - A tumble-resistant knee joint includes a knee carrier, a main base, and a coupler connected to each other. The knee carrier includes a connection piece and two connection bars to couple to an upper portion of the main base. The coupler includes coupler recesses formed in one side thereof corresponding to extensions of grips to receive push blocks therein and has two coupling bolts extending through a lower portion of the main base to allow the coupler connected to the lower portion of the main base. The main base receives therein an axle, which is provided, respectively and in sequence from a center thereof toward two opposite ends, with two bearings, two one-way bearings, two bushings, and two grips. The grips include extensions that cooperate with the push blocks to selectively grip or release the axle. The one-way bearings constrain the rotation of the axle to be in one direction. | 01-21-2016 |
623040000 | Combined knee and foot actuator | 5 |
20090265018 | POWERED LEG PROSTHESIS AND CONTROL METHODOLOGIES FOR OBTAINING NEAR NORMAL GAIT - A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input. | 10-22-2009 |
20090312844 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR WALKING ASSIST DEVICE - A control system for a walking assist device includes a ground detecting means having a plurality of force sensors equipped to each foot attachment portion. Each ground sensor selectively outputs a ground state output and non-ground state output in accordance with whether the foot attachment portion is grounded at a position immediately below the ground sensor. The control system is equipped with a means that continuously generate preference data for each of the ground detecting means, where the reference data increases and decreases in value in accordance with the change of a total number of the ground sensors generating ground state output in the ground detecting means. Also, a means that determines a mutual desired proportion of the supporting force to be applied to the both leg links from the floor side is provided. | 12-17-2009 |
20110098828 | AUTOMATIC PROSTHESIS FOR ABOVE-KNEE AMPUTEES - A above knee prosthesis (P) applied to femoral connection ( | 04-28-2011 |
20110224803 | POWERED LEG PROSTHESIS AND CONTROL METHODOLOGIES FOR OBTAINING NEAR NORMAL GAIT - A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle, joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input. | 09-15-2011 |
20170231853 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MOVEMENT ASSISTANCE | 08-17-2017 |
623043000 | Brake or latch | 22 |
20090171470 | Knee joint prosthesis - A knee joint for a leg prosthesis comprising an upper joint part ( | 07-02-2009 |
20090192630 | Prosthetic knee-joint assembly including adjustable proximal and/or distal couplings - A prosthetic knee-joint assembly includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment to form a knee joint; (c) a first coupling integral with the proximal segment that includes a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment that is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling integral with the distal segment that includes a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment that is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment. | 07-30-2009 |
20090216340 | Articulation Joint Which Can Be Locked By Means of Elastic Deformation and Knee Prosthesis Using Same - The invention relates to an articulation joint which can move in a controlled manner between two elements that can rotate in relation to one another about an axis Δ, comprising: a hub ( | 08-27-2009 |
20100049334 | PROSTHETIC LIMBS WITH MEANS CAPABLE OF REDUCING TORQUE IN THE INITIAL PERIOD OF BEND OF KNEE JOINT - A technology for making the sensation at use of prosthetic limbs utilizing a hydraulic cylinder and a spring cylinder as comfortable as at use of those utilizing a pneumatic cylinder and further for improving walk following properties. In particular, the arrangement of drag generating means, such as a hydraulic cylinder and a spring cylinder, per se is specified. Accordingly, the resistance produced by the drag generating means in accordance with an increase of knee angle is increased. The first torque T1 at the first stage of initial period of bend of knee joint is made small, while the second torque T2 at the second stage of final period of the further advanced bend of knee joint is made large, thereby satisfying a relation of T1≦T2, as different from conventional ones. | 02-25-2010 |
20110087339 | ORTHOPEDIC KNEE JOINT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ORTHOPEDIC KNEE JOINT - The invention relates to an orthopedic knee joint, comprising an upper part ( | 04-14-2011 |
20120253476 | FOUR-BAR-LINKAGE BRAKE-INCLUDED KNEE JOINT - A four-bar-linkage brake-included knee joint includes a knee carriage, first and second links rotatably coupled to the carriage, and a clamp member coupled to a joint body. The clamp member forms a through hole that receives an axle to couple the second links. A compression block is received in a rear portion of the joint body and is set in engagement with a back side of the clamp member. The clamp member forms a gap extending from the through hole of the clamp member to a bottom of the clamp member. When a heel of a prosthesis that includes the knee joint is put on the ground, a reaction force is induced in the prosthesis that causes the compression block to directly depress the clamp member thereby reducing the gap to have the clamp member tightly clamping the axle and thus preventing the axle from further rotation. | 10-04-2012 |
20120310372 | PROSTHETIC KNEE - A prosthetic knee provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee includes a housing, parallel anterior links, a posterior link, and a chassis. The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links both extend above the posterior link and substantially below the posterior link. The prosthetic knee includes a friction adjustment mechanism, a stability adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable extension assist mechanism. | 12-06-2012 |
20130006388 | ORTHOPEDIC KNEE JOINT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ORTHOPEDIC KNEE JOINT - An orthopedic knee joint having an upper part with upper connecting features, a lower part which is mounted pivotably on the upper part and has connecting features for prosthetic components, and a stop for limiting an extension movement. The stop and is coupled to an adjusting device, which is coupled to a control device that actuates the adjusting device as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop. If the knee joint is provided with an adjustable extension stop position, the extension stop can be shifted forward for walking, which results in a greater inclination at heel strike in order to flex the knee joint and, therefore, increased damping upon initiation of the stance phase. For standing, the adjusting device can be activated so that the extension stop is reversed, such that a statically more secure orthosis or prosthesis set-up can be obtained. | 01-03-2013 |
20130053983 | Safe Artificial Joint - A joint for an artificial limb including a first support pivotally connected to a second support and a braking mechanism for limiting angular displacement between the first support and the second support actuatable when a time derivative of the angular displacement exceeds a predetermined value. | 02-28-2013 |
20130085580 | Four-Link Hydraulic Buffer Knee Joint Assembly - A four-link hydraulic buffer knee joint assembly which includes a hydraulic center axle configured at a center hole of a four-link hydraulic main body and utilizes a spring force and an oil-filling piston to achieve the auto-filling of hydraulic oil. The hydraulic center axle is able to utilize adjustable knobs provided on an outer side of the center axle to adjust the bending speed and the spring-back recovery speed. The setting location of the hydraulic center axle differs from the one of conventional joint assembly such that the overall size of the knee joint assembly is reduced while the joint assembly includes the functions of adjustable hydraulic bending and stretching speeds and buffering for the hydraulic head to return to its horizontal state. The four-link hydraulic main body comprises a setting changeable controlling axle for achieving the function of the buffered safety brake against the ground. | 04-04-2013 |
20130103167 | KNEE JOINT - A knee joint includes a knee member including a movable plate connected to and pressable toward a fixed seat, and an interspace formed between the fixed seat and the movable plate. An upper connecting unit disposed atop the knee member abuts against the movable plate. A pivot shaft is inserted threadedly into the knee member and is rotatable relative thereto. Pressing the upper connection unit against the movable plate constricts the interspace so that the pivot shaft is clamped tightly between the fixed seat and the movable plate, thereby restricting a relative rotation between the knee member and the pivot shaft. The movable plate is restored to its original position when unpressed. | 04-25-2013 |
20130190896 | JOINT MECHANISM - The invention relates to a join mechanism of a knee orthosis or knee prosthesis, having a first part ( | 07-25-2013 |
20130268092 | Prosthetic Knee - A prosthetic knee for active users has a locking head generally parallel to a vertical axis of the prosthetic knee, a chassis, and a plurality of links connecting the locking head to the chassis. The knee includes a swing control mechanism having a flexion stop connected to the chassis and arranged to control the flexion angle of the knee. The flexion stop extends outwardly from the chassis and obliquely relative to the vertical axis. The knee has an audible feedback mechanism for providing the user with information about the location of the knee. The knee may also have a block lock forming a manually activated mechanism allowing load bearing in a flexed position. | 10-10-2013 |
20140222166 | KNEE ROTATIONAL ADAPTER - A prosthetic adapter including a lower connector, an upper connector rotatably coupled to the lower connector, and a locking mechanism for preventing the upper connector from rotating relative to the lower connector. The locking mechanism is arranged to generally automatically retain a locked position when the lower connector is rotated to an original, predetermined alignment. An activation member is connected to and arranged for operating the locking mechanism. | 08-07-2014 |
20140249651 | PROSTHETIC KNEE - A prosthetic knee provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee includes a housing, parallel anterior links, a posterior link, and a chassis. The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links both extend above the posterior link and substantially below the posterior link. The prosthetic knee includes a friction adjustment mechanism, a stability adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable extension assist mechanism. | 09-04-2014 |
20160038312 | ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE COMPRISING A JOINT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAID ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE - The application relates to an orthopedic device comprising a joint and to a method for controlling an orthopedic device, which has an upper part and a lower part supported pivotally thereon, wherein upper connecting means for fixation onto a limb are disposed on the upper part, and a locking device, which prevents a bending motion of the upper part relative to the lower part, wherein the locking device is configured such that it can be actively actuated by the user of the orthopedic device, wherein a control device is associated with the locking device, the control device being attached to the device with at least one sensor and automatically unlocking or locking the locking device as a function of the sensor signal. | 02-11-2016 |
623044000 | Weight or position responsive | 6 |
20100292807 | Stabilising Knee Joint for a Lower Limb Prosthesis - In a stabilising knee joint for a lower limb prosthesis, weight-activated knee stabilisation is achieved by interen-gagement of a brake disc ( | 11-18-2010 |
20110022185 | CUSHION STRUCTURE OF ARTIFICIAL KNEE JOINT - An artificial knee joint includes a joint support having upper and lower ends jointed to outside links and an upper link respectively; a brake block having upper and lower jointing holes respectively jointing a lower end of the upper link and a connector, and having an upper portion forming a positioning slot; a hydraulic cylinder arranged inside the brake block and having an upper end coupled to the joint support; a connector having a lower portion connected to a shank and an upper end portion through which a positioning axle extends; and outside links having an upper end jointed to an upper jointing hole of the joint support and a lower end jointed to a jointing hole of the connector. A cylinder barrel, a piston, a resilient element, and an adjusting bolt are arranged inside the connector and the piston is et against a lower end of the brake block. | 01-27-2011 |
20110270415 | ARTIFICIAL KNEE JOINT - An artificial knee joint includes a lower joint member, an axle, a kneecap member, and a press member. The lower joint member is formed with a horizontally extending axle-receiving hole, and a clearance extending from and in spatial communication with the axle-receiving hole. The axle is received in the axle-receiving hole. The kneecap member is pivoted to the lower joint member, and is adapted to be connected to a prosthetic thigh. The press member is mounted to the kneecap member for pressing the lower joint member when the kneecap member pivots in a direction relative to the lower joint member. Therefore, the clearance and the axle-receiving hole are constricted to result in tightened connection between the lower joint member and the axle and resistance to relative rotation between the lower joint member and the axle. | 11-03-2011 |
20120191219 | PROSTHESIS HAVING MOVEMENT LOCK - The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and joints for same. The present invention provides hydraulic functional units whereby enabling movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in achieving realistic movement is providing a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. One important characteristic of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait corresponding with those of a stabilised knee, i.e. a knee resisting flexion when under load, is when it bears at least some of the weight of the amputee. Properties of resilient mechanical members are utilized to enable a hydro-mechanical system to be controlled so that it releases a low joint resistance mode relative to a default high resistance mode. The invention also permits alternative embodiments such as electronic, electro fluidic or electromechanical means. | 07-26-2012 |
20140128993 | ADJUSTABLE BELOW-THE-KNEE PROSTHESIS LEG - An adjustable below-the-knee prosthetic leg, which is connected between a thigh and an artificial foot, comprises a controller, a connecting mechanism, a hydraulic unit, and a shell. The connecting mechanism and the hydraulic unit are pivotally connected to the controller, and the shell is pivotally connected to the hydraulic unit. The connecting mechanism extends into a hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic unit. The hydraulic cylinder is in communication with a reserve hydraulic cylinder and a brake hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic unit. The prosthetic leg allows a user to climb up or go down the stairs and walk on uneven ground easily without falling down. | 05-08-2014 |
20150366679 | PROSTHETIC KNEE - A prosthetic knee for active users has a locking head generally parallel to a vertical axis of the prosthetic knee, a chassis, and a plurality of links connecting the locking head to the chassis. The knee includes a swing control mechanism having a flexion stop connected to the chassis and arranged to control the flexion angle of the knee. The flexion stop extends outwardly from the chassis and obliquely relative to the vertical axis. The knee has an audible feedback mechanism for providing the user with information about the location of the knee. The knee may also have a block lock forming a manually activated mechanism allowing load bearing in a flexed position. | 12-24-2015 |
623046000 | Spring | 11 |
20080275571 | EXTRA-ARTICULAR IMPLANTABLE MECHANICAL ENERGY ABSORBING SYSTEMS AND IMPLANTATION METHOD - A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones. | 11-06-2008 |
20110060422 | Adjustable Absorber Designs for Implantable Device - A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device. | 03-10-2011 |
20120179273 | EXTRA-ARTICULAR IMPLANTABLE MECHANICAL ENERGY ABSORBING SYSTEMS AND IMPLANTATION METHOD - A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones. | 07-12-2012 |
20120221121 | BONE FIXATED, ARTICULATED JOINT LOAD CONTROL DEVICE - A load control device can be attached to bones on either side of an articulated joint in order to control the forces and loads experienced by the joint. The device comprises an apparatus for controlling the load on articular cartilage of a human or animal joint and includes: a first fixation assembly for attachment to a first bone; a second fixation assembly for attachment to a second bone; a link assembly coupled to the first fixation assembly by a first pivot and coupled to the second fixation assembly by a second pivot, the first and second fixation assembly thereby each being angularly displaceable relative to the link assembly. The apparatus enables a clinician to effectively control the environment of cartilage in a joint during a treatment episode. | 08-30-2012 |
20130173021 | KNEE JOINT - A knee joint includes a knee member, an upper connecting member that is disposed on top of the knee member for connection with a prosthetic upper leg, a resilient member disposed between the knee member and the upper connecting member, and a connection seat that has an upper portion pivotally connected to the knee member and that has a lower portion for connecting with a prosthetic lower leg. | 07-04-2013 |
20130268093 | ACTUATED LEG PROSTHESES FOR AMPUTEES - A prosthetic or orthotic device can include at least one device portion and a joint portion for providing for the at least one device portion to pivot between flexion and extension movements relative to another adjacent device portion or an adjacent limb segment of a user. In some embodiments, a prosthetic or orthotic device can include a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The compliant transmission assembly can include a compliant member and a pivot. The pivot can be interposed between the compliant member and the joint portion. In some embodiments, the compliant member absorbs energy when a torque is applied. | 10-10-2013 |
20140142722 | MODULARIZED KNEE JOINT CUSHIONING STRUCTURE - A modularized knee joint cushioning structure includes a top joint seat connectable to a thigh, a friction adjustment assembly including an adjustment screw and coupled, in combination with a spring assembly, to the top joint seat and a bottom joint seat, a caliper forming an axle hole having a circumference forming a gap extending to the outside and including a bearing surface formed on an outside surface thereof, a main body having a main axle connecting the caliper and the top joint seat, and a bottom joint seat having a top end forming, at one side thereof, a brake block and coupled to the main body and the spring assembly. The spring assembly may alternatively used with a fixing assembly to limit the spring force of the spring assembly. The spring assembly is replaceable by a hydraulic assembly or a pneumatic assembly to form alternative cushioning structures. | 05-22-2014 |
20140188252 | POLYCENTRIC KNEE JOINT PROSTHESIS FOR EXTREME AFFORDABILITY - An above knee prosthesis comprises an upper block, a lower block, a middle linkage pivotably coupling the middle posterior regions of the upper and lower blocks together, and at least one side linkage pivotably coupling the sides of the upper and lower blocks together. The center of rotation of the prosthesis is located above the prosthesis when it is in full extension and moves downward as the prosthesis rotates into full flexion. When the prosthesis is in use and in full extension, a majority of the weight of the patient borne by the prosthesis is directly transferred from the upper block to the lower block. A bumper disposed between the upper and lower blocks will typically be provided to absorb shock and dampen noise when the prosthesis is in extension. A leaf spring may be provided to bias the prosthesis to be in extension. | 07-03-2014 |
20150359643 | Polycentric Prosthetic Knee - In some aspects of what is described here, a prosthetic knee includes an upper core knee member and a lower core knee member that rotates with respect to the upper core knee member about an instantaneous center of rotation during flexion of the prosthetic knee. The prosthetic knee includes axles that collectively define a location of the instantaneous center of rotation. The prosthetic knee includes one or more links connected between the upper core knee member and the lower core knee member. | 12-17-2015 |
20160058580 | LIMB PROSTHESIS SYSTEM AND METHOD - A prosthesis system can have an advantageous use over conventional prostheses in certain activities, including, but not limited to certain sports activities: The system includes, elastic member(s) that can store and release energy. The storing and releasing of energy in the elastic members happens during the movements made by the user and with the application of the user's own body weight while performing an activity. Implementations can also include a variety of routing configurations for the elastic member(s), as well as a variety of mounting points to integrate the elastic member(s) into the system, and/or a variety of adjustable anti-hyperextension members, and/or a variety of interchangeable shoes used for applicable activities. | 03-03-2016 |
20160374834 | ORTHOPEDIC JOINT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME - Systems and methods for controlling an orthopedic joint device of a lower extremity, the orthopedic joint device comprising an upper part, a lower part mounted in articulated fashion to the upper part, and a conversion device arranged between the upper and lower parts. The conversion device provides for, during pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, mechanical work from a relative movement between the upper and lower parts to be converted and stored in at least one energy store and supplied back to the joint device with a time offset in order to assist the relative movement. The stored energy is converted back and the supply of mechanical work takes place in a controlled manner during the assistance of the relative movement. | 12-29-2016 |