Computer controlled hydraulic resistance device for a prosthesis and other apparatus

• Main Authors: REINKE; CHRISTIAN H, PETROFSKY; STEVEN H
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 30.03.1999
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; BLASTING; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF,TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, E.G. STENTS; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; FIRST-AID KITS; FOMENTATION; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; LIGHTING; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; PROSTHESES; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; SPRINGS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; WEAPONS

A computer controlled hydraulic resistance device for apparatus such as a prosthetic knee for above knee amputees, includes a solenoid actuated valve connected to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator which applies resistance to the prosthetic knee or other apparatus through a coupling. Hydraulic pressure is sensed on the high and low side of the actuator and is used by a micro-controller in a closed-loop manner to compensate automatically for variations in the device and in the hydraulic fluid viscosity. The device also senses the position of the apparatus and feedsback to the micro-controller for applying a predetermined resistance profile to the apparatus.