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.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | Нет комментариев »

A portable load lifting assist system (100) includes a movable support structure including an exoskeleton torso (160) including an exoskeleton trunk (109) that is configured to be coupled to a person’s upper body, and a load lifting mechanism (221) secured to the movable support structure including a winch (229) having a motor driven reel mechanism for reeling first and second lifting straps or cables (222) that are secured to first and second end effectors (223). First and second handles (224) are attached to an outside surface of the first and second end effectors, wherein the lifting straps or cables when driven by the winch lift a load contacted by the first and second end effectors. A lower extremity exoskeleton (120) is configured to be coupled to a person’s lower limbs. The exoskeleton trunk couples to the person’s upper body through an upper body interface device (150) that is coupled to the lower extremity exoskeleton.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | Нет комментариев »

Provided is a walking motion assisting device capable of assisting a leg of an agent in walking motion to alleviate an assisting burden or eliminate an assisting necessity by a caregiver. According to the walking motion assisting device (1), the value of a persistent energy input term (ζ0) contained in a simultaneous differential equation denoting a second model configured to generate a second motion oscillator (φ1) is adjusted so as to limit a landing position (x) of a leg of the agent in a specified range [x1, x2]. Further, the motion state of the leg is recognized on the basis of a variation mode of a second oscillator (ξ2), and on the basis of the recognition result, the relative motion between the thigh and crus of the leg around the knee joint is assisted.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | Нет комментариев »

A portable load lifting assist system (100) includes a movable support structure including an exoskeleton torso (160) including an exoskeleton trunk (109) that is configured to be coupled to a person’s upper body, and a load lifting mechanism (221) secured to the movable support structure including a winch (229) having a motor driven reel mechanism for reeling first and second lifting straps or cables (222) that are secured to first and second end effectors (223). First and second handles (224) are attached to an outside surface of the first and second end effectors, wherein the lifting straps or cables when driven by the winch lift a load contacted by the first and second end effectors. A lower extremity exoskeleton (120) is configured to be coupled to a person’s lower limbs. The exoskeleton trunk couples to the person’s upper body through an upper body interface device (150(a)) that is coupled to the lower extremity exoskeleton.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | Нет комментариев »

A method of configuring a biomimetic mechanical joint for the efficient movement of a support member about a pivot device. The method includes providing a first fractional actuator and a second fractional actuator being operable with the support member and the pivot device, sizing the first fractional actuator for rated operation at a first boundary condition, and sizing the second fractional actuator so that the first and second fractional actuators, when recruited in combination, are rated for operation at a second boundary condition.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | 9 комментариев »