Patent ID: 8598815

Claim:
A transverse rotation adaptor for use with a prosthesis, to dynamically enhance performance of the prosthesis by controlling a rotational characteristic of the prosthesis in a transverse plane, comprising: a prime mover provides a rotational force that modifies the rotational characteristic of the prosthesis, the prime mover providing a first portion of a desired modification of the rotational characteristic; a speed reduction mechanism that is coupled with a drive shaft of the prime mover, to reduce a rotational speed of the drive shaft at an output of the speed reduction mechanism; an elastomeric component that is coupled with the output of the speed reduction mechanism and which is configured to couple with a member of a prosthesis that contacts a surface against which a rotational torque is developed, the elastomeric component providing a second portion of the desired modification of the rotational characteristic; at least one sensor that produces a signal indicative of at least one parameter used for controlling the transverse rotation adaptor when controlling the rotational characteristic; and a controller for automatically controlling the prime mover in response to the signal, to achieve the desired modification of the rotational characteristic of the prosthesis.