Patent ID: 7485152

Claim:
A prosthetic leg having a regenerative knee, comprising: a frame; a knee joint; a damping device connected between said frame and said knee joint, said damping device operative to adjust the gait of a user; an actuator/generator associated with said knee joint; at least one electrical energy storage device in communication with said actuator/generator; at least one sensor for monitoring and reporting at least one condition of said prosthetic leg; and an electronic control system in communication with said damping device, said actuator/generator, said at least one electrical energy storage device, and said at least one sensor; wherein bending of the knee joint during ambulation of a user causes a forced movement of said actuator/generator and the subsequent generation of electrical energy; wherein said electronic control system adjusts said damping device as needed to regulate the gait of said user; and wherein said electronic control system is operative to distribute electrical energy to one or more electrical energy consuming devices associated with said prosthetic leg and transfers excess electrical energy produced by said actuator/generator to said at least one electrical energy storage device for later use.