College Park Industries, Inc.

Michael G Leydet

Richard H Harrington

Christopher L Johnson

David A Dunlap

Aaron Taszreak

Lars Chrisman

Michael Link

Frank J Fedel

Joshua J Street

A multicapacitor sensor system facilitates the measurement of applied shear and moment forces. In one disclosed configuration, moments may be detectable in x, y and z directions, resulting in a full, 3-axis load cell with 6 degrees of freedom. The system may further include electrical circuitry to generate electrical drive pulses, sense amplify and buffer the voltages induced on the sense plates, and compute applied forces. An array of multicapacitor sensors that can be addressed individually without cross-talk and globally produce a map of forces and moments applied to the whole array. A MEMS implementation enables in vivo application.

Multicapacitor force/moment sensor arrays

Systems and methods are disclosed for sensing forces, moments, temperature, inclination, acceleration and other parameters associated with prosthetic limbs. The system is capable of measuring forces in three designated axes, and moments about the same designated axes, for a total of six possible degrees of freedom. The system can be readily fitted onto a conventional prosthetic limb with no, or relatively minor, modification thereto. A plurality of sensor arrays are disposed on a support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb. Electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges is operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb.

Prosthetic sensing systems and methods

A prosthetic foot having an adjustable height heel includes a frame portion with an ankle link pivotally supported on the frame portion at a first pivot axis. A detent rod is pivotally connected to the ankle at a second pivot axis, and a detent member is pivotally affixed to the frame portion at a third pivot axis. The detent member is selectively operable to receive and releasably retain a length of the detent rod therein so that the length of the detent rod extending between the second and third pivot axes may be selectably adjusted. When the length of the rod is so adjusted, the angular relationship of the frame portion and the ankle link is changed thereby changing the heel height of the foot. The detent mechanism may be activated by various means including fluidic means, mechanical means, electromechanical means, and the like.

Prosthetic foot with adjustable heel height

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St. Clair Shores, MI, United States of America

Michael G Leydet