Patent ID: 6829510
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A surface neuroprosthetic system for functional electrical stimulation (FES), having an internal cushion interface, the system device comprising:a surface neuroprosthesis including: (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of a impaired limb, said exoskeleton shell including a mechanism for opening and closing said surface neuroprosthesis; (b) at least one cushion interface disposed between said shell and said limb, said cushion interface being attached to said shell, and (c) at least one electrical stimulation electrode associated with, and supported by, said cushion interface, said mechanism for providing a compressive force for holding said stimulation electrode to a surface of said limb, wherein said cushion interface of said surface neuroprosthesis is designed and configured to transfer said compressive force from said mechanism to said electrode so as to maintain a continuous electrical contract between said electrode and a skin surface of said limb, thereby providing useful muscular function to said limb, and wherein said cushion interface includes an adaptive mechanical cushion, said adaptive mechanical cushion including at least one mechanical spring, associated with said shell, for providing a pre-determined effective modulus of elasticity.