Wearable material handling system

US8968222B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Homayoon Kazerooni · Berkeley, US
• Nathan Harding · Oakland, US
• Russdon Angold · American Canyon, US
• Kurt Amundson · Berkeley, US
• Jon Burns · Richmond, US
• Adam Zoss · Berkeley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 17, 2009
• Grant date: Mar 3, 2015
• Expiry date: Apr 25, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J9/0006
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a person includes an exoskeleton trunk and leg supports adapted to contact the ground. Hip torque generators extend between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports. A load holding mechanism is rotatably coupled to the exoskeleton trunk, preferably via over-shoulder members configured to support a load in front of the person. In use, hip torque generators create torque between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports in the stance phase, wherein at least one torque generator is configured to create a first torque between the exoskeleton trunk and one of the first and second leg supports in the stance phase opposing a second torque generated on the exoskeleton by a weight of the load. Load bearing sensors may be utilized to determine the torque generated by the load and communicate with a controller to control power to the torque generators.