Ultraflex Systems, Inc.

Mark DeHarde

Kenneth A Patchel

Thomas Watters

Yevgeniy Vinshtok

A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.

Bi-directional dampening and assisting unit

A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Ambulating knee joint

A hinge or joint assembly includes a first member movably connected to a second member to allow angular displacement of the first member relative to the second member in each of extension and flexion (clockwise and counterclockwise) directions, where one elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement in a flexion position, and another elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement in an extension position. In each direction, the angular movement is dampened through compression of the respective elastomeric spring. After dampening the movement in either direction, returning movement is assisted through decompression of the respective elastomeric spring. Alternatively, one or more elastomeric springs are arranged to both dampen through compression and assist through decompression angular movement in each of the flexion and extension directions. The elastomeric spring can provide a pre-determined force deflection curve in compression and an independent rate of return hysteresis in decompression. The elastomeric springs could be urethane.

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Pottstown, PA, United States of America

Mark DeHarde