Abstract:
An exoskeleton (105) comprises a torso brace (120), configured to be coupled to a torso of a user (100), and a leg support (155), configured to be coupled to a leg (165) of the user (100). A plurality of links couples the torso brace (120) to the leg support (155). The plurality of links includes a first link (125), coupled to the torso brace (120) at a first pivot point (130), and a second link (145), coupled to the leg support (155) at a second pivot point (160). The first link (125) is coupled to the second link (145) through a third pivot point (150) located between the first (130) and second pivot points (160). The first pivot point (130) enables adduction of the leg support (155), and the third pivot point (150) enables abduction of the leg support (155).
Abstract:
An exoskeleton device (103; 113; 302; 402) provides for selectively adjusting an exoskeleton hip pivot/pivot position (109; 119; 306; 407; 408; 410) in the sagittal plane relative to the position of the hip pivot (133) of a wearer (101; 111; 301; 401) of the exoskeleton (103; 113; 302; 402). The exoskeleton hip pivots/pivot positions (109; 119; 306; 407; 408; 410) can be shifted forward or rearward relative to the hip pivots (133) of the wearer (101; 111; 301; 401) and can either be automatically actuated by an exoskeleton control system or manually adjusted by the exoskeleton wearer (101; 111; 301; 401). The invention particularly allows for differential hip placement in order to compensate for changing load or actuation conditions.
Abstract:
A positionable tool support device (200; 300; 500; 600; 610; 700; 710; 800) is mounted near a work surface for supporting a tool (21 1; 31 1; 321; 341; 406; 412; 452; 462; 492; 574; 605; 635; 705) for a user. The tool support device includes a surface mount to secure the tool support device to a support surface. A gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly (201; 305; 325; 414; 502; 602; 702; 802) is coupled to and extends from the surface mount. The gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly (201; 301; 325; 414; 502; 602; 702; 802) is selectively adjustable about both vertical and horizontal axes. A rigid support extension (202; 302; 324; 340; 413; 418; 459; 469; 501; 603; 633; 703; 713; 803) is coupled to the gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly for selective rotation relative to the gravity-balancing articulated arm assembly. A flexible tensile member (208; 258; 308; 315; 330; 400; 450; 460; 470; 604; 634; 704; 714; 814; 815; 832) is coupled to and extends, in a relaxed state, vertically downward from the rigid support extension. The tensile member is coupled to the tool.
Abstract:
An exoskeleton (305; 405) includes first and second compression members (105; 105'; 110; 110') configured to be coupled to a wearer (205) of the exoskeleton (305; 405). A tensegrity joint (100; 170; 171; 200; 300; 400) connects the first compression member (105; 105') to the second compression member (110; 110'), the joint (100; 170; 171; 200; 300; 400) including a tensile member (140; 235; 330; 445) having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the first compression member (105; 105') on a first side of the joint (100; 170; 171; 200; 300; 400), and the second end is coupled to the first compression member (105; 105') on a second side of the joint (100; 170; 171; 200; 300; 400) opposite the first side.
Abstract:
A lower extremity orthosis is configured to be coupled to across at least one joint of a person for gait assistance and can incorporate knee (261), thigh (301; 401), hip (601; 701) and ankle/foot (801; 821) assistive orthotic devices which can be used in various combinations to aid in the rehabilitation and restoration of muscular function in patients with impaired muscular function or control.
Abstract:
A gait orthotic device, such as a powered exoskeleton (100), includes at least one joint; at least one actuator (125, 130; 135, 140) 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 (300) or object; and a controller (105). The controller (105) is configured to determine when a fall is occurring and direct the actuator (125, 130; 135, 140) to: orient the device so the cushioning mechanism makes contact with the surface (300) or object during the fall; or reduce a kinetic energy of the device during the fall by performing positive joint work.
Abstract:
A first exoskeleton is in communication with a central server (210) or a peripheral device (705, 706). The first exoskeleton collects first data and transmits the first data to the central server (210) or peripheral device (705, 706). The central server (210) or peripheral device (705, 706) generates second data using the first data and transmits the second data to the first exoskeleton or a second exoskeleton.
Abstract:
A first exoskeleton is in communication with a central server (210) or a peripheral device (705, 706). The first exoskeleton collects first data and transmits the first data to the central server (210) or peripheral device (705, 706). The central server (210) or peripheral device (705, 706) generates second data using the first data and transmits the second data to the first exoskeleton or a second exoskeleton.
Abstract:
An exoskeleton (105; 205; 305; 405; 505) configured to be coupled to a user (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) includes a plurality of interconnected support elements (141, 150; 340, 341, 342, 350; 420, 450, 420', 450'; 515, 520, 535) constituted by rigid compression members interconnected through a tensegrity joint (155; 255; 355; 430, 430'; 570). The joint includes a tensile member (165; 360, 361, 362; 440, 440'; 530, 531; 545, 546) having a first end and a second end coupled to first and second ones of the support elements (141, 150; 340, 341, 342, 350; 420, 450, 420', 450'; 515, 520, 535) respectively.