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Actuator assembly for prosthetic or orthotic joint

  • US 9,351,854 B2
  • Filed: 04/28/2014
  • Issued: 05/31/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/01/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A device configured to be attached to a limb, comprising:

  • a first portion;

    a second portion, the first and second portions pivotable relative to each other to mimic a natural human joint; and

    an actuator comprising;

    a motor comprising stator windings,at least one magnet,a first threaded member that extends along a longitudinal axis of the actuator and operatively connects to the first portion, the first threaded member having a first threaded portion and configured to move along the longitudinal axis relative to the motor, anda second threaded member that extends along the longitudinal axis of the actuator and operatively connects to the second portion, the second threaded member having a second threaded portion and configured to move along the longitudinal axis relative to the motor, the first and second threaded members extending from opposite sides of the motor and configured to move relative to each other,wherein the motor is disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the magnet and the magnet is disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the first and second threaded members, the motor configured to axially displace outer ends of one or both of the first and second threaded members to adjust an angle between the first portion and the second portion, wherein a pitch of the threads of one or both of the first and second threaded members is configured to resist a change in an axial length of the actuator when an axial load is applied to at least one of the first and second threaded members, and wherein the first and second threaded portions threadingly engage and a locking force is generated between the threads of the first and second threaded portions.

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