Method and apparatus for controlling an externally powered prosthesis
US5888213A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2220/0025
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to improved controllers for externally powered prosthetic limb devices or similar extension devices such as orthotic devices or a sensor probe device. The improved controller operates a highly-efficient, compact, reliable and low-maintenance tactile force feedback system for translating a sensed pressure force from a prosthesis contacting an object or surface into a tactile sensory feedback pressure force to the user. The tactile force feedback system comprises at least one contact-responsive transducer which translates a sensed contact pressure from a portion of an extension device which contacts an object or surface into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is received by a microprocessor and processed into a proportional output voltage for producing a proportional torque from a motor. The motor is connected to a backdrivable planetary gearbox having a rotatable shaft connected to one end of a lever such that the gearbox output causes the lever to move in an arc segment. The opposite end of the lever has an attached tip member positioned to contact, and slightly depress, the user's skin when the shaft is forwardly rotated. The con…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.