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Controlled-brake orthosis

  • US 5,476,441 A
  • Filed: 09/30/1993
  • Issued: 12/19/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A controlled brake orthosis for providing controlled limb movement comprising:

  • a stimulator for stimulating a muscle of a limb to cause the limb to move;

    an orthosis capable of being worn on the limb comprising a lower link rotatably coupled to an upper link by a lower rotatable joint; and

    a lower brake coupled to the lower joint for controlling the rotation of the lower joint to assist the muscle in providing controlled movement of the limb, the lower brake being a variable resistance brake;

    a sensor coupled to the lower joint for providing a signal indicative of the rotational position of the lower joint; and

    a computer responsive to the sensor signal for controlling the level of resistance provided by the lower brake throughout the rotation of the lower joint such that the lower brake is capable of guiding the movement of the limb by regulating power applied to the lower joint throughout the rotation of the lower joint, the computer also controlling the stimulator.

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