Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh

Bionx Medical Technologies, Inc.

Weston Smith

Paul Balutis

Christopher Morse

Christopher John Morse

Paul C Balutis

Exemplary embodiments herein relate to a unique 4-bar linkage transmission provided between two adjacent links of a powered augmentation device that provides a varying mechanical advantage. Due to the kinematics of the linkage, the mechanical advantage between the actuator and the augmented joint varies with the position of the linkage. Thus, a high mechanical advantage can be provided in positions at which relatively high joint torque is required, and low mechanical advantage in positions at which relatively high joint speed is required. Consequently, the speed-torque (or velocity-force) operating area of the actuator can be consolidated by mapping the widespread output regions onto a smaller input region. This allows the actuator to be optimized for a narrower range of usage.

Four-bar linkage transmission and methods of making, using, and controlling the same

An improvement to a prosthetic device which provides a spring member between first and second structural members that are rotatably connected to one another, the spring member providing predictable resistance as it is compressed by the rotation of the first and second structural members with respect to each other. The known resistance of the spring is used as an input to a model controlling a motor control circuit to provide counter-torque as rotational torque is applied to compress the spring.

Torque measuring spring for a prosthetic drive

Torque measuring spring for a prosthetic device

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Brooklyn, NY, United States of America

Weston Smith