Abstract:
An exoskeleton for a limb of a user wherein the limb has an upper portion that is pivotally mounted to another part of the exoskeleton about a pivot axis and the upper portion is drivingly connected to the exoskeleton by a force applied via a drive force transmission axis that is vertically offset from the pivot axis.
Abstract:
Embodiments may include a traction system, for example a cervical traction system for a neck of a user. Systems may include a housing assembly, plate assembly, handle assembly, and cable assembly. The housing assembly may include a drive assembly. The plate assembly may be operatively connected to the drive assembly. The handle assembly may be operatively connected to the drive assembly. The handle assembly may be configured to actuate movement of the plate assembly relative to the housing assembly. Embodiments may be configured to apply traction to the neck thereby providing a distraction distance or force to a portion of the cervical spine.
Abstract:
Some embodiments provide a system for treating diminished muscle function that includes an electrical member that delivers electrical energy to a portion of a mammalian body having a dysfunctional muscle; a joint motion assembly that couples to the body and provides joint motion to a joint to which the dysfunctional muscle ordinarily provides motion; and a control unit that controls a timing of electrical energy delivery by the member and an amount of electrical energy delivered by the member; the timing of electrical energy delivery is controlled to occur while the joint is positioned near an inflection point between the opposing joint movements in the cycle, and while motion is being provided to the joint by the joint motion assembly. The amount of electrical energy delivered is effective to result in a depolarization of at least one of the dysfunctional muscle and a nerve that innervates the dysfunctional muscle.
Abstract:
An operating status of a motor in a drive unit is analyzed to extend the life of the motor. A wearable motion assistive device 1 includes a shoulder joint mechanism 5 and an elbow joint mechanism 6 for aiding a movement of the shoulder joint and the elbow joint, and a control unit 100 having a control circuit for controlling drive units 11 for the shoulder and elbow joint mechanisms 5 and 6. The control unit 100 controls the drive units 11 based on a physical quantity and a biosignal detected by an angle sensor, a torque sensor, and a biosignal detecting sensor. A controller in the drive unit 11 includes a motor monitoring unit for monitoring an operational status of the motor, and a motor control unit for limiting a drive signal supplied to the motor based on a monitoring result provided by the motor monitoring unit, in order to prevent an overload state of the motor.
Abstract:
Weakened and restricted limb movement is aided by powered orthosis having one or more independent dimensions of controlled movement and a control system.
Abstract:
A stretching and exercise device has a first strap member having a pair of end portions, a second strap member having a pair of end portions, and a pair of resistance members connected between respective end portions of the first and second strap members. A third strap member has a pair of end portions attached to respective first and second surface portions of the second strap member. A fourth strap member is attached to a third surface portion of the second strap member different from the first and second surface portions thereof.
Abstract:
A device and method for assisting a user to articulate a limb. The device has an upper section, a lower section, and at least one joint between the upper and lower section. The device comprises an exoskeleton with a first cuff coupled to the lower section of the user's limb, a second cuff coupled to the upper section of the user's limb and a third cuff coupled to a portion of the user's body above the upper section of the limb. At least one cable is attached to the first cuff and at least one cable is attached to the second cuff. A series of drivers located remotely from the exoskeleton are attached to cables and are connected to a processor. The processor transmits signals to the drivers to vary the lengths of the cables to guide articulation of the user's limb.
Abstract:
A multipurpose exercise cane having a top end that is similar in construction to that of a typical crutch and the bottom end includes a detachable foot. However, it further incorporates an improved hand grip on the top end for ease of use while walking. More importantly, the exercise cane also includes optional features of choice. Such as additional hand grips distanced apart and/or a centralized resistive twisting assembly, a water bottle, a microchip, an outwardly extending feeler, etc. Furthermore, the novel cane is of a unique shape that is substantially flat as opposed to most standard canes that are round or circular in shape.
Abstract:
An orthotic device adapted to use one or more actuators includes a frame having a first section and a second section movably coupled to the first section in a coupling region to permit relative motion of the sections about a pivot axis. The frame is configured to receive at least one removably attachable actuator. The orthotic device also includes an actuator removably attachable to the frame. The removably attachable actuator is configured to move the sections relative to one another via a coupling in the coupling region. The removably attachable actuator may be a motorized actuator, a dynamic actuator with at least one spring, or both.
Abstract:
Rotation mechanism for a forearm which includes a moving stay (2) which supports a wrist, which includes at least one guide track in the form of an arc of a circle, a fixed stay (4) which supports the rear end of a forearm, rods (12) that are rigid lengthwise which link the moving stay (2) and the fixed stay (4) and which allow the moving stay (2) and fixed stay (4) to rotate around a longitudinal axis (Z), by means of articulated links which can rotate (14), and a strut (6) rigidly linked at one of its ends to the fixed stay (4), and linked at its other end to a roller-bearing, whose rollers are in rolling contact with the guide track of the moving stay (2), and which cause the moving stay (2) to pivot around a longitudinal axis (Z), where the direction of said longitudinal axis (Z) passes through the centre of the arc of the circle of the guide track and through the centre of a circle defined by the ends of rods linked to the fixed stay.