Tibion Corporation

Alterg, Inc.

Richard R Marcus

Robert W Horst

An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.

Orthotic device drive system and method

An actuator system for assisting extension of a biological joint is provided with a motor assembly, a rotary-to-linear mechanism, and an extension stop. The rotary-to-linear mechanism includes a screw that accepts rotational output of the motor assembly, and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut. The extension stop is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction to cause extension of the biological joint. The motor assembly, the rotary-to-linear mechanism and the extension stop cooperate to allow unpowered flexion of the joint. The system is configured without a flexion stop, and is configured such that the nut cannot drive the joint in a flexion direction. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Actuator system and method for extending a joint

A technique for deflecting an actuator belt includes applying a variable deflection force to the actuator belt. The technique may be used to construct actuators for active orthotics, robotics or other applications. Versions with passive clutches may also be used to construct variable-ratio motor gearheads, or may be scaled up to build continuously variable transmissions for automobiles, bicycles, or other vehicles.

Deflector assembly

A technique for providing a variable-ratio coupling between output shaft and input motor involves driving an output shaft with drivers that are out of phase with each other. Advantageously, the technique provides a gear reduction via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output torque is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices.

Rotary actuator

A motor that delivers high force linear motion or high torque rotary motion to a moving element. The motor may include a driving brake, a driver, a holding brake and a flexible moving element. Operation of the motor may involve activating the holding brake, activating the driver to flex the moving element, activating the holding brake to maintain the position of a portion of the moving element, releasing the driving brake, and restoring the moving element to an unflexed position. The elements are arranged to provide linear motion, belt-driven rotary motion, or directly-coupled rotary motion using brakes and drivers arranged in linear or circular fashion. Drivers may be linear or rotary actuators or motors based on electrostatic, piezoelectric, magnetic, or electrostrictive properties. The brakes may be applied through electrostatic forces, magnetic forces, or mechanical gears engaged with a linear or rotary driving mechanism.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Richard R Marcus