Compact artificial hand

US4149278A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Robert A. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Frosch · La Cañada Flintridge, US
• Gordon A. Wiker · Arcadia, US
• Wolfgang Mann · Neudrossenfeld, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 27, 1977
• Grant date: Apr 17, 1979
• Expiry date: Sep 27, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2220/0025
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A compact and relatively simple artificial hand, which includes hooks pivotally mounted on a first frame to move together and apart, the first frame being rotatably mounted on a second frame to enable "turning at the wrist" movement without limitation, and the second frame being pivotally mounted on a third frame to permit "flexing at the wrist" movement. A hook-driving motor is fixed to the second frame but has a shaft that drives a speed reducer on the first frame which, in turn, drives the hooks. A second motor mounted on the second frame, turns a gear on the first frame to rotate the first frame and the hooks thereon. A third motor mounted on the third frame, turns a gear on a second frame to pivot it.