Prosthetic Elbow with a Motor-driven Release Mechanism

Reference#: P00155

The invention concerns a releasing means for a prosthetic elbow locking mechanism. When an elbow unlocking cable is tensed by the amputee, a switch is closed, triggering a one-shot circuit. The one-shot circuit emits a single pulse, which drives the motor of the prosthetic elbow, turning the motor a few degrees and lifting the arm such that any frictional engagement between an elbow locking pawl and an elbow gear is relaxed. The locking pawl is readily withdrawn from engagement with the gear, once the motor is pulsed, upon continued application of further tension to the elbow unlocking cable.

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