Arm prosthetic device

Abstract

A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compound motion assembly comprising:
 an input member; and   an output member moveably coupled to the input member;   wherein actuation of the compound motion assembly generates movement of the output member relative to the input member along a compound motion path having motion about at least two axes.   
     
     
         2 . The compound motion assembly according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising a drive arrangement for controlling movement of the output member relative to the input member. 
     
     
         3 . The compound motion assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the rate of motion about each axis varies as the drive arrangement is actuated at a constant rate. 
     
     
         4 . A compound motion assembly providing a two-axis compound motion through a pre-determined path, the compound motion assembly comprising:
 an input member;   an output member moveably coupled to the input member through at least a first joint having a first axis and a second joint having a second axis, the first and second joints being connected in series;   a path member having a fixed path profile formed therein, the path member fixedly coupled to the input member; and   a follower member coupled to the output member and engaging the fixed path profile of the path member;   wherein actuation of the compound motion assembly generates pivotal movement of the output member relative to the input member about both the first axis and the second axis along the pre-determined path.   
     
     
         5 . The compound motion assembly according to  claim 4 , additionally comprising a drive arrangement driving the compound motion assembly through one of the first or second joints to cause movement of the output member. 
     
     
         6 . A safety mechanism for a prosthetic device having at least one motorized drive and a controller for controlling actuation of the motorized drive, the safety mechanism comprising;
 an actuator electrically coupled in parallel with the controller between the motorized drive and a power source;   wherein actuation of the actuator supplies power to the motorized drive bypassing the controller and actuates the motorized drive until it reaches a safe position.   
     
     
         7 . The safety mechanism according to  claim 6 , wherein the actuator includes at least two switches that are coupled to actuate simultaneously and electrically coupled in parallel; and
 wherein actuation of only one switch of the at least two switches is sufficient to actuate the motorize drive, thereby providing redundancy.   
     
     
         8 . The safety mechanism according to  claim 6 , the actuator is electrically coupled in parallel with the controller between the power source and a plurality of motorized drives.