Recent Changes - Open Prosthetics Project Wiki

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2009-11-03 15:35:38

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- Add features here, and [http://openprosthetics.uservoice.com vote] for them. In fact, a voting tool for implementing a W L Gore type system of assigning value to different ideas, pages, or people would be fantastic addition. It's often surprising how frequently Half-Bakery figures in searches for prior art.	+ There are a lot of tools out there that do part of what we might want, and each does different things well, although none of them does all of the things that you might like. In order for anything like this to be successful, there has to be a gateway drug to get people to use it. Whether or not it's possible to monetize the users that you get hooked on the gateway drug is another thing entirely, as Myspace has discovered. Gateway drugs that I believe are key to the notion of facilitating academic and commercial collaboration on technical issues are several, including (1) managing and distributing references and papers, to include academic papers and patents, (2) grant information about past, current and future offerings, with electronic tools for applying (3) self promotion, including recommendations and a way to identify researchers and other players who share interests, (4) a useful way to connect with others doing the same sort of research, through basic social networking functionality, (5) content generation, remixing and discussion beyond academic publications--this includes information about commercial products, physical designs, interface documents and CAD files, computer source code and APIs, user ratings of existing products and more. + Add features here, and [http://openprosthetics.uservoice.com vote] for them. In fact, a voting tool for implementing a W L Gore type system of assigning value to different ideas, pages, or people would be fantastic addition. It's often surprising how frequently [http://www.halfbakery.com/ Half-Bakery] figures in searches for prior art. +
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- Broadcasting messages to the entire group or a subset is likely a desirable feature, albeit old-fashioned.	+ Broadcasting messages to the entire group or a subset is likely a desirable feature, albeit old-fashioned. This exists in most social nets.
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- This is I think the most successful way that we have of organizing information. Integrating it with other features, such as file sharing, commenting, social net, etc., is the real challenge.	+ This is I think the most successful way that we have of organizing information. Integrating it with other features, such as file sharing, commenting, social net, etc., is the real challenge. There is a wiki on Sourceforge and Google Code, but it is not well-integrated with other content.

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2009-11-01 14:33:24

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- People seem to like using whatever social net they use, and it would be convenient if they were integrated through the Open Social API or some such mechanism.	+ People seem to like using whatever social net they use, and it would be convenient if they were integrated through the [http://code.google.com/apis/opensocial/ Open Social] API or some such mechanism, like [http://openid.net/ Open ID].

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2009-11-01 14:10:09

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- As you may have gathered, we are using a collection of free and open tools to make this happen, including the [http://openprosthetics.wikispot.org/ wiki], the [http://www.openprosthetics.org/ main site], the [http://openprosthetics.ning.com/ social network], the [http://groups.google.com/group/openprosthetics Google Group], our Google Code page for the [http://code.google.com/p/myopen/ Myopen Project], our http://www.instructables.com/group/openprosthetics/ [Instructables page], and probably 15 more we forgot. It’s not perfect. As we said in the blog post on Ning, "if you are a master programmer and looking for a challenge, we’d love for someone to help us build a fantastic Sourceforge-type project management and collaboration tool with social networking capability, as well as the next generation of collaborative open source CAD tools to drive this and other open design projects."	+ We are using a collection of free and open tools to create content for The Project, including the [http://openprosthetics.wikispot.org/ wiki], the [http://www.openprosthetics.org/ main site], the [http://openprosthetics.ning.com/ social network], the [http://groups.google.com/group/openprosthetics Google Group], our Google Code page for the [http://code.google.com/p/myopen/ Myopen Project], our http://www.instructables.com/group/openprosthetics/ [Instructables page], and probably a couple more we've abandoned. It’s not perfect. We've made appeals before "for someone to help us build a fantastic Sourceforge-type project management and collaboration tool with social networking capability, as well as the next generation of collaborative open source CAD tools to drive this and other open design projects," but there are limits to what volunteers can do.
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- There's already stub for a page on the [http://openprosthetics.wikispot.org/Open_Source_CAD_Program CAD problem], which would be great, but is likely a much more challenging problem that is a separate issue. That said, as Mako Hill pointed out to us, perhaps an open source CAD program could make some headway if it offered a collaborative aspect in the same way that Google Docs does, causing users to overlook its limitations. I would call the availability of a free and open CAD package a near second to the problem of overall project management, organization and communication between participants.	+ The meta issue here is how to conduct collaboration on open physical design and research in general for any underserved market. Open Prosthetics is a prototype attempt at addressing this core mission of our non-profit, [http://www.shareddesign.org/ the Shared Design Alliance]. Success in effectively engaging more and a larger variety of stakeholders would increase the impact of so many of the other things we're trying to do. In order for the overall mission to succeed, and for us to facilitate efforts similar to those of Open Prosthetics on behalf of some other underserved market, we'll need to have an integrated package of tools that solves as many of our problems as possible, with one-stop project creation. Content is certainly applicable to other problems, and we would also like to easily allow cross-pollination among projects. because This cross-pollination is perhaps the greatest potential advantage of the sharing of physical designs. [https://fossbazaar.org/content/david-rowe-open-hardware-business-models This talk by David Rowe] points out several advantages of using open hardware in product development--imagine if there were an efficient way for people to make these connections between hardware projects.
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- The best tools meta issue of how collaboration on open physical design for any underserved market happens, and represents a tool for the core mission of our non-profit, [http://www.shareddesign.org/ the Shared Design Alliance]. It would also increase the impact of so many of the other things we're trying to do. In order for the overall mission to succeed, and for us to facilitate efforts similar to those of Open Prosthetics on behalf of some other underserved market, we'll need to have an integrated package of tools that solves as many of our problems as possible, with one-stop project creation. It would also be nice to try to easily allow cross-pollination among projects, because this is, I believe, the greatest potential advantage of the sharing of physical designs. - - We've talked about the kinds of things we would like in a complete toolbox, many of which are included in the Sourceforge tools, but some of which are not. We've settled on the wiki as a great tool for organizing and allowing user-contribution of content. Lacking from the [http://openprosthetics.wikispot.org/ wikispot site] we use is the capability to share files, and any kind of version control. These capabilities are present at [http://code.google.com/p/myopen/ Google Code] and [sourceforge.net/ Source Forge], but are mainly focused toward software, and not picture or CAD files. Because many CAD formats are encrypted, they don't support many of the cooler version control features, such as merging changes. This may not be a problem--concurrent editing is not a real issue with our small numbers of participants--but is one that could be solved with an open source CAD package.	+ A complete toolbox would include many of the things already in the Sourceforge tools, but some of which are not. We've settled on the wiki as a great tool for organizing and allowing user-contribution of content. Lacking from the [http://openprosthetics.wikispot.org/ wikispot site] we use is the capability to share files, and any kind of version control. These capabilities are present at [http://code.google.com/p/myopen/ Google Code] and [sourceforge.net/ Source Forge], but are mainly focused toward software, and not binary picture or CAD files. Because many CAD formats are encrypted, they don't support many of the cooler version control features, such as merging changes. This may not be a problem--concurrent editing is not a real issue with our small numbers of participants--but is one that could be solved with an open source CAD package.
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- =Desired Features=	+ =Desired Features and Examples of Existing Models and Features=
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	+ ==CAD== + There's already stub for a page on the [http://openprosthetics.wikispot.org/Open_Source_CAD_Program CAD problem], which would be great, but is likely a much more challenging problem that is a separate issue. That said, as Mako Hill pointed out to us, perhaps an open source CAD program could make some headway if it offered a collaborative aspect in the same way that Google Docs does, causing users to overlook its limitations. I would call the availability of a free and open CAD package a near second to the problem of overall project management, organization and communication between participants.

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2009-11-01 04:20:13

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- First, not much is going on towards fixing this problem. The discussion consists of vague pleas [http://openprosthetics.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1492079%3ABlogPost%3A2589 like this one] without good documentation. Let me first say that I think that solving this problem is one of the first things I'd try to solve if we had the resources to do it, because it is a solution to the meta issue of how collaboration on open physical design for any underserved market happens, and represents a tool for the core mission of our non-profit, [http://www.shareddesign.org/ the Shared Design Alliance]. It would also increase the impact of so many of the other things we're trying to do. In order for the overall mission to succeed, and for us to facilitate efforts similar to those of Open Prosthetics on behalf of some other underserved market, we'll need to have an integrated package of tools that solves as many of our problems as possible, with one-stop project creation. It would also be nice to try to easily allow cross-pollination among projects, because this is, I believe, the greatest potential advantage of the sharing of physical designs.	+ The best tools meta issue of how collaboration on open physical design for any underserved market happens, and represents a tool for the core mission of our non-profit, [http://www.shareddesign.org/ the Shared Design Alliance]. It would also increase the impact of so many of the other things we're trying to do. In order for the overall mission to succeed, and for us to facilitate efforts similar to those of Open Prosthetics on behalf of some other underserved market, we'll need to have an integrated package of tools that solves as many of our problems as possible, with one-stop project creation. It would also be nice to try to easily allow cross-pollination among projects, because this is, I believe, the greatest potential advantage of the sharing of physical designs.
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- We've talked about the kinds of things we would like in a complete toolbox, many of which are included in the Sourceforge tools, but some of which are not. We've settled on the wiki as a great tool for organizing and allowing user-contribution of content. Lacking from the [http://openprosthetics.wikispot.org/ wikispot site] we use is the capability to share files, and any kind of version control. These capabilities are present at [http://code.google.com/p/myopen/ Google Code] and Source Forge, but are mainly focused toward software, and not picture or CAD files. Because many CAD formats are encrypted, they don't support many of the cooler version control features, such as merging changes. This may not be a problem--concurrent editing is not a real issue with our small numbers of participants--but is one that could be solved with an open source CAD package.	+ We've talked about the kinds of things we would like in a complete toolbox, many of which are included in the Sourceforge tools, but some of which are not. We've settled on the wiki as a great tool for organizing and allowing user-contribution of content. Lacking from the [http://openprosthetics.wikispot.org/ wikispot site] we use is the capability to share files, and any kind of version control. These capabilities are present at [http://code.google.com/p/myopen/ Google Code] and [sourceforge.net/ Source Forge], but are mainly focused toward software, and not picture or CAD files. Because many CAD formats are encrypted, they don't support many of the cooler version control features, such as merging changes. This may not be a problem--concurrent editing is not a real issue with our small numbers of participants--but is one that could be solved with an open source CAD package.

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2009-11-01 04:04:22

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- ==Collaborative Tools== - Being able to collaboratively sketch for brainstorming would be nice, as well as archiving the results. Several online tools allow this sort of thing, including microsoft netmeeting, which sort of disappeared as I recall.	+ ==Interactive Collaborative Tools== + Being able to collaboratively sketch for brainstorming would be nice, as well as archiving the results. Microsoft netmeeting used to allow this, and [http://www.scriblink.com/ Scriblink] offers the same sort of whiteboard capability.
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- How great would it be to click a single link and get a ranking of shopping carts from parts suppliers for all of the stock parts for X number of a design from places like McMaster? Maybe with an option to order all of the parts or their equivalents from different suppliers sorted by price with shipping included? An API for vendors to suggest equivalent parts and to provide access to their inventories? [http://octopart.com/ Octopart] is actually a step in the right direction for electronic components.	+ How great would it be to click a single link and get a ranking of shopping carts from parts suppliers for all of the stock parts for X number of a design from places like McMaster? Maybe with an option to order all of the parts or their equivalents from different suppliers sorted by price with shipping included? An API for vendors to suggest equivalent parts and to provide access to their inventories? [http://octopart.com/ Octopart] is actually a step in the right direction for electronic components. [http://www.mcmaster.com McMaster Carr] has a pretty good web interface, although

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2009-11-01 03:38:16

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- Add features here, and [http://openprosthetics.uservoice.com vote] for them. In fact, a voting tool for implementing a W L Gore type system of assigning value to different ideas, pages, or people.	+ Add features here, and [http://openprosthetics.uservoice.com vote] for them. In fact, a voting tool for implementing a W L Gore type system of assigning value to different ideas, pages, or people would be fantastic addition. It's often surprising how frequently Half-Bakery figures in searches for prior art.
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- Having sub-projects with their own front pages, managers' blogs, and task assignment and tracking would be helpful. Given our small numbers of participants, dealing with hoards of volunteers is a problem we (unfortunately) haven't had to deal with.	+ Having sub-projects with their own front pages, managers' blogs, and task assignment and tracking would be helpful. Given our small numbers of participants, dealing with hoards of volunteers is a problem we (unfortunately) haven't had to deal with. Here is a good [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_project_management_software overview] of project management tools.
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- How great would it be to click a single link and get a ranking of shopping carts from parts suppliers for all of the stock parts for X number of a design from places like McMaster? Maybe with an option to order all of the parts or their equivalents from different suppliers sorted by price with shipping included? An API for vendors to suggest equivalent parts and to provide access to their inventories?	+ How great would it be to click a single link and get a ranking of shopping carts from parts suppliers for all of the stock parts for X number of a design from places like McMaster? Maybe with an option to order all of the parts or their equivalents from different suppliers sorted by price with shipping included? An API for vendors to suggest equivalent parts and to provide access to their inventories? [http://octopart.com/ Octopart] is actually a step in the right direction for electronic components.

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2009-10-30 17:31:55

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	+ Add features here, and [http://openprosthetics.uservoice.com vote] for them. In fact, a voting tool for implementing a W L Gore type system of assigning value to different ideas, pages, or people.

Reimbursement and Insurance Coverage of Prosthetics

JonKuniholm — 2009-10-20 15:18:19

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- Because of the convoluted nature of this reimbursement structure, individual manufacturers often provide lists of l-codes they suggest may be typically billed for their products (such as those for the [http://1800flo-tech.com/pdfs/LcodesTF.pdf Flo-Tech System] or the [http://www.utaharm.com/lcodes.php Utah Arm]. [http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/oandp-l.html List servs] used by prosthetic service providers are dominated as much by discussions of appropriate l-codes and other billing issues for various products as they are by discussions of unique fitting challenges. There are no regulations defining which devices may be advertised as suitable for billing or definition under particular l-codes, and there are l-codes that have been created for devices from particular manufacturers (e.g., TRS and Otto Bock, see L806 and L6875 [http://www.cripworld.com/amputee/lcodes.shtml here]).	+ Because of the convoluted nature of this reimbursement structure, individual manufacturers often provide lists of l-codes they suggest may be typically billed for their products (such as those for the [http://1800flo-tech.com/pdfs/LcodesTF.pdf Flo-Tech System] or the [http://www.utaharm.com/lcodes.php Utah Arm]. [http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/oandp-l.html List servs] used by prosthetic service providers are dominated as much by discussions of appropriate l-codes and other billing issues for various products as they are by discussions of unique fitting challenges. There are no regulations defining which devices may be advertised as suitable for billing or definition under particular L-codes, and there are L-codes that have been created for devices from particular manufacturers (e.g., TRS and Otto Bock, see L806 and L6875 [http://www.cripworld.com/amputee/lcodes.shtml here]). The [http://www.oandp.com/ O&P Edge] has a good article on L-codes as the traditional bugbear of prosthetists by Judith Philipps Otto, entitled [http://www.oandp.com/articles/2008-08_02.asp L-Codes: What's Wrong? What's Right?].

Front Page

AndreaWon — 2009-09-09 17:55:32

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- The art and science of attempting to replace a limb with a substitute has likely been around as long as limb loss or absence. The history of prosthetics has been somewhat documented, but we would like to start a group effort ["History of Prosthetics" here]. Broadly, prostheses can be divided into ["Upper Extremity"] (arms) and ["Lower Extremity"] (legs). Additional related areas include [http://www.anaplastology.org Anaplastology] and Orthotics.	+ The art and science of attempting to replace a limb with a substitute has likely been around as long as limb loss or absence. The history of prosthetics has been somewhat documented, but we would like to start a group effort ["History of Prosthetics" here]. Broadly, prostheses can be divided into ["Upper Extremity"] (arms) and ["Lower Extremity"] (legs). Additional related areas include [http://www.anaplastology.org/about-anaplastology Anaplastology] and Orthotics.

Front Page

AndreaWon — 2009-09-09 17:53:26

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- The art and science of attempting to replace a limb with a substitute has likely been around as long as limb loss or absence. The history of prosthetics has been somewhat documented, but we would like to start a group effort ["History of Prosthetics" here]. Broadly, prostheses can be divided into ["Upper Extremity"] (arms) and ["Lower Extremity"] (legs). Additional related areas include [http://www.anaplastology.org/AAAindex.php Anaplastology] and Orthotics.	+ The art and science of attempting to replace a limb with a substitute has likely been around as long as limb loss or absence. The history of prosthetics has been somewhat documented, but we would like to start a group effort ["History of Prosthetics" here]. Broadly, prostheses can be divided into ["Upper Extremity"] (arms) and ["Lower Extremity"] (legs). Additional related areas include [http://www.anaplastology.org Anaplastology] and Orthotics.

Front Page

SUPRACORTEX — 2009-08-26 16:10:19

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- - - ==Hightech Hand Project== - In this approach, a new lightweight, robust and forceful antrhopomorphic artificial hand is presented. - It is based on an anthropomorphic model of the human hand. - Due to the biomechanical design it's look and appearance turn up as naturally as possible. [http://hightech-hand.com] -

Front Page

SUPRACORTEX — 2009-08-24 16:33:09

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	+ + ==Hightech Hand Project== + In this approach, a new lightweight, robust and forceful antrhopomorphic artificial hand is presented. + It is based on an anthropomorphic model of the human hand. + Due to the biomechanical design it's look and appearance turn up as naturally as possible. [http://hightech-hand.com] + +
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	+

Open Standards for Prosthetics

adrian.poulton — 2009-08-14 13:00:21

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	+ ==LonWorks 2.0== + [[File(LonWorks 2.pdf)]] +

Open Standards for Prosthetics

adrian.poulton — 2009-08-14 12:51:41

Upload of file LonWorks 2.pdf.

fantasy arms

JonKuniholm — 2009-08-05 21:43:41

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	+ + This arm is even more a fantasy arm then either of the others, in that it is not even presented a if it's a real product. It's an entry into a Worth1000Words contest, [http://www.worth1000.com/contest.asp?contest_id=7548 Future Glimpse 6]. As the creator, fishdaddy, puts it, "When your all-in-one prosthetic arm's alert light goes on you are in a tight spot." In some sense, it's probably more realistic, because it shows a user fixing an arm that is [http://www.worth1000.com/emailthis.asp?entry=227580 displaying the blue screen of death on the heads up display].

Reimbursement and Insurance Coverage of Prosthetics

JonKuniholm — 2009-08-05 14:53:20

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- Blue Cross of Florida - Has similar limitations published -

Reimbursement and Insurance Coverage of Prosthetics

JonKuniholm — 2009-08-05 14:53:04

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- [http://www.empireblue.com/ Empire Blue], Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York - Has a similar coverage position published [http://www.empireblue.com/provider/noapplication/f2/s5/t9/pw_ad080374.pdf here], that includes non-coverage of below the wrist (including partial hand) amputations, and a limitation of coverage where wet or electrically noisy environments may be encountered.	+ Blue Cross Blue Shield + Has a similar coverage position at the state organizations that I have checked (including [http://www.empireblue.com/ Empire Blue], Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York and [http://mcgs.bcbsfl.com/?doc=Myoelectric%20Upper%20Extremity%20Prostheses Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida]) published [http://www.empireblue.com/provider/noapplication/f2/s5/t9/pw_ad080374.pdf here] and [http://mcgs.bcbsfl.com/?doc=Myoelectric%20Upper%20Extremity%20Prostheses here], that includes non-coverage of below the wrist (including partial hand) amputations, a limitation of coverage where wet or electrically noisy environments may be encountered, and, probably most difficult to deal with, where "Standard body-powered prosthetic devices cannot be used or are insufficient to meet the functional needs of the patient in performing activities of daily living (ADL)." Coupled with the statement at the beginning of their summary of the technology, that myoelectric prostheses serve to "restore normal appearance, and to partially restore the function lost," it would seem that these would be difficult conditions to meet. + + Blue Cross of Florida + Has similar limitations published

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2009-08-03 16:19:42

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- There are just over two million amputees or people with limb absence in the United States. Of these, less than five per cent or fewer than 100,000 are missing an upper extremity. This distribution is somewhat different among veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, from which, as of 2007, there were fewer than 700 amputees, of whom fewer than 150 are missing arms. This includes six bilateral upper extremity amputees. Obviously, there is some overlap, and these numbers refer to individuals, not to limbs. The dramatic difference in the numbers of upper and lower extremity amputees, along with the challenge of replacing a hand or arm as opposed to a foot or leg, conspire to make the prosthetic options for arms less appealing.	+ There are just over two million amputees or people with limb absence in the United States. Of these, less than five per cent or fewer than 100,000 are missing an upper extremity. This distribution is somewhat different among veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, from which, as of 2007, there were 862 amputees, of whom 186 are missing arms (as of February 2009). This includes six bilateral upper extremity amputees (that number may be larger by a couple as of 2009). Obviously, there is some overlap, and these numbers refer to individuals, not to limbs. The dramatic difference in the numbers of upper and lower extremity amputees, along with the challenge of replacing a hand or arm as opposed to a foot or leg, conspire to make the prosthetic options for arms less appealing.

Open Myoelectric Signal Processor

JonKuniholm — 2009-07-28 21:02:29

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	+ [[Image(Myopen Board Version 1.jpg, 600, thumbnail)]]

Open Myoelectric Signal Processor

JonKuniholm — 2009-07-28 20:58:53

Upload of image Myopen Board Version 1.jpg.

fantasy legs

JonKuniholm — 2009-07-05 22:54:23

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- This interesting was also a student project, by Tillmann Beuscher, while a graduate student at the University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt, Germany. Here is Tillman's [http://www.tillmannbeuscher.com/files/temporary_prosthetic_OT_05_2009_TILLMANN%20BEUSCHER.pdf data sheet for the leg.]	+ This interesting [http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/03/24/no-legs-but-still-can-walk-with-pride/ concept for the developing world] was also a student project, by Tillmann Beuscher, while a graduate student at the University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt, Germany. Here is Tillman's [http://www.tillmannbeuscher.com/files/temporary_prosthetic_OT_05_2009_TILLMANN%20BEUSCHER.pdf data sheet for the leg.]

fantasy legs

JonKuniholm — 2009-07-05 22:47:53

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- This interesting [http://www.tillmannbeuscher.com/files/temporary_prosthetic_OT_05_2009_TILLMANN%20BEUSCHER.pdf concept for a limb for the developing world] was also a student project, by Tillmann Beuscher, while a graduate student at the University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt, Germany.	+ This interesting was also a student project, by Tillmann Beuscher, while a graduate student at the University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt, Germany. Here is Tillman's [http://www.tillmannbeuscher.com/files/temporary_prosthetic_OT_05_2009_TILLMANN%20BEUSCHER.pdf data sheet for the leg.] + + Koo Ho Shin designed [http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_set.asp?individual_id=146138&set_id=120658 this sports-oriented leg] as a graduate student at Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, Ca.

fantasy legs

JonKuniholm — 2009-07-05 22:14:43

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	+ + This interesting [http://www.tillmannbeuscher.com/files/temporary_prosthetic_OT_05_2009_TILLMANN%20BEUSCHER.pdf concept for a limb for the developing world] was also a student project, by Tillmann Beuscher, while a graduate student at the University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt, Germany.

fantasy legs

JonKuniholm — 2009-07-04 19:28:52

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	+ + The [http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_file.asp?individual_id=193122&portfolio_id=1009146&is_featured=-1& Nike Prosthetic Leg] is also a student concept, by Colin Matsco, also at Carnegie Mellon.

fantasy legs

JonKuniholm — 2009-07-04 19:25:01

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	+ Improvements to prosthetic devices are things that many people like to imagine. People often congratulate themselves for thinking outside the box, and for challenging traditional thinking. The difficulty, however, is not always in imagining something fantastic, but in implementing it in a sustainable way--such that any patient could acquire one--is another game entirely. The legs listed below are, as far as we know, entirely concepts, and have not been implemented for a single patient. They are, however, interesting for the ways in which they challenge convention. See the similar ["fantasy arms" page on arms]. + + This [http://joannahawley.com/index.php?/id/eames-inspired-prosthetic-leg/ Eames chair-inspired leg] is a student project from Joanna Hawley, while she was at Carnegie Mellon.

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JonKuniholm — 2009-07-04 14:21:13

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- It's worth mentioning here what is NOT available. Fueled by science fiction and the fictionalization of science, prosthetic arms have been imagined as being capable of all kinds of things that they are not. Yet. We've created a round up of ["fantasy arms" arms that would be great to have, if they existed.]	+ It's worth mentioning here what is NOT available. Fueled by science fiction and the fictionalization of science, prosthetic arms have been imagined as being capable of all kinds of things that they are not. Yet. We've created a round up of ["fantasy arms" arms that would be great to have, if they existed.] There are ["fantasy legs"] as well.

Representations of Amputation and Prosthetics in Popular Culture

JonKuniholm — 2009-06-23 04:50:23

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- Amputation and prosthetics are depicted pretty frequently in pop culture, and the ways in which this is done both says a lot about how we view amputees, and explains a lot about our preconceived notions about prosthetics. Here is a list and brief discussion of some of these representations. Please add any that you know of that are missing:	+ Amputation and prosthetics are depicted pretty frequently in pop culture, and the ways in which this is done both says a lot about how we view amputees, and explains some of our preconceived notions about the capabilities of prosthetics. Recurring themes in these stories are the struggles between man and machine and good and evil, which they usually represent respectively. Of course the most obvious application of these themes to prosthetics and amputation are as a physical representation of these parallel struggles within the same person. Here is a list and brief discussion of some of these representations. Please add any that you know of that are missing, or to the discussions:
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- This is one of the best examples that I can think of. George Lucas appears to be [http://wiki.ewokpedia.com/wiki/Gratuitous_amputations obsessed with amputation], and is using it as a pretty un-subtle [http://www.overground.be/article.php?code=27&lan=en metaphor] for the various degrees of humanity in Luke and Anakin's respective struggles with good and evil and the respective portions of their humanity that they retain in the struggle. The major amputations of these characters occur in Episodes V, 2 and 3, in order of production. Also see this site for a more thorough analysis of [http://www.runleiarun.com/choppedoffhands/start.html the "Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars."]	+ This is one of the best examples that I can think of. George Lucas appears to be [http://wiki.ewokpedia.com/wiki/Gratuitous_amputations obsessed with amputation], and is using it as an un-subtle [http://www.overground.be/article.php?code=27&lan=en metaphor] for the various degrees of humanity in Luke and Anakin's respective struggles with good and evil and the respective portions of their humanity that they retain at different points in the struggle. The major amputations of these characters occur in Episodes V, 2 and 3, in order of production. Also see this site for a more thorough accounting of [http://www.runleiarun.com/choppedoffhands/start.html the "Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars."]
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- Steve Austin, the original [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Six_Million_Dollar_Man Bionic Man], was one of the first pop representations of amputation that I was aware of growing up. The show's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HofoK_QQxGc title sequence], in which the voice over claims, that Steve will be "better than he was before... better, stronger, faster," is really the sticking point for most people who know much about advanced prosthetics, and why they cringe at the use of the word "bionic" to describe what they are working on. While strictly true, in the sense that bionic [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bionics literally means "life-like,"] The Six Million Dollar Man is really the source of the notion that bionics or prosthetics could result in the augmentation of human capability, forgetting how ["Fantasy Arms" far we are] from even replacing it.	+ Steve Austin, the original [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Six_Million_Dollar_Man Bionic Man], was one of the first pop representations of amputation that Generation X was aware of growing up. The show's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HofoK_QQxGc title sequence], in which the voice over claims that Steve will be "better than he was before... better, stronger, faster," is really the sticking point for those involved about the use of the word "bionic" to describe advanced prosthetics, and why many responsible researchers cringe when the word "bionic" is used to describe what they are working on. While strictly true, in the sense that bionic [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bionics literally means "life-like,"] The Six Million Dollar Man is really the source of the notion that bionics or prosthetics could result in the augmentation of human capability, forgetting how ["Fantasy Arms" far we are] from even replacing it.
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- Fred Johnson might be the name of the "one-armed man" from "the Fugitive" [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056757/ TV series], while he is Frederick Sykes in the 1993 Harrison Ford [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106977/ movie]. There is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_(TV_series) some debate] about what the character's name actually was in the TV series, but the take away here is that he was really just the "one-armed man," as this was his defining characteristic, and the only thing that audiences or anyone else remember about him. Secondly, he was the guy responsible for all of Dr. Richard Kimble's troubles. Why? Who knows, but I'll bet it has something to do with that arm.	+ Fred Johnson might be the name of the "one-armed man" from "the Fugitive" [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056757/ TV series], while he is Frederick Sykes in the 1993 Harrison Ford [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106977/ movie]. There is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_(TV_series) some debate] about what the character's name actually was in the TV series, but the take away here is that he was really just the "one-armed man," as this was his defining characteristic, and the only thing that audiences or even the other characters remember about him. Secondly, he was the guy responsible for all of Dr. Richard Kimble's troubles. Why? Who knows, but I'll bet it has something to do with that arm.
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- This movie is unique in that the machine/man conflict is not primarily a one of good and evil within the cyborg himself, but in terms of outside perception. Indeed, the robot was conceived as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robocop Christ figure] by the director, Paul Verhoeven. Robocop is only prevented from apprehending his evil programmers by a directive not to act against them, although a sort of "/an/machine" moment occurs at the end of the movie when this protection is removed, Robocop shoots his maker, and calls himself by his original name, Murphy, for the first time.	+ This movie is unique in that the machine/man conflict is not primarily a one of good and evil within the cyborg himself, but in terms of outside perception. Indeed, the robot was conceived as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robocop Christ figure] by the director, Paul Verhoeven, and his restoration and augmentation is his resurrection. Robocop is only prevented from apprehending his evil programmers by a directive not to act against them, although a sort of "man vs. machine/good vs. evil" moment occurs at the end of the movie when this protection is removed, Robocop shoots his maker, and calls himself by his original name, Murphy, for the first time.
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- Although not an amputee movie, we are right in the thick of the conflict between man and machine here. The scene in the movie (1984) where the Terminator repairs his endoskeletal hand is at least as memorable as the similar scene in which Luke gets his prosthetic arm in "The Empire Strikes Back (1980)," and certainly informs what we think ought to be possible in prosthetic arms. Despite the fact that there is almost nothing human about the terminator, we get a full dose here of the idea that machines are evil and the antithesis of humanity and good. This gets clouded in the next few terminator movies.	+ Although not an amputee movie, we are right in the thick of the conflict between man and machine and good and evil here. The scene in the movie (1984) where the Terminator repairs his endoskeletal hand is at least as memorable as the similar scene in which Luke gets his prosthetic arm in "The Empire Strikes Back (1980)," and certainly informs what we think ought to be possible in prosthetic arms. Despite the fact that there is almost nothing human about the terminator, we get a full dose here of the idea that machines are evil and the antithesis of humanity and good. This gets clouded in the next few terminator movies.

Representations of Amputation and Prosthetics in Popular Culture

JonKuniholm — 2009-06-23 01:37:51

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- Fred Johnson might be the name of the "one-armed man" from "the Fugitive" [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056757/ TV series], while he is Frederick Sykes in the 1993 Harrison Ford [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106977/ movie]. There is actually [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_(TV_series) some debate] about what the character's name actually was in the TV series, but the take away here is that he was really just the "one-armed man," as this was his defining characteristic, and the only thing that audiences or anyone else remember about him. Secondly, he was the guy responsible for all of Dr. Richard Kimble's troubles. Why? Who knows, but I'll bet it has something to do with that arm.	+ Fred Johnson might be the name of the "one-armed man" from "the Fugitive" [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056757/ TV series], while he is Frederick Sykes in the 1993 Harrison Ford [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106977/ movie]. There is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_(TV_series) some debate] about what the character's name actually was in the TV series, but the take away here is that he was really just the "one-armed man," as this was his defining characteristic, and the only thing that audiences or anyone else remember about him. Secondly, he was the guy responsible for all of Dr. Richard Kimble's troubles. Why? Who knows, but I'll bet it has something to do with that arm.

Representations of Amputation and Prosthetics in Popular Culture

JonKuniholm — 2009-06-22 19:47:36

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	+ + =Minor Characters= + [http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zrU25yzfLys/STzOve-X7AI/AAAAAAAABOo/F-YBRmnpxtg/s1600-h/pb_hook_final.jpg Sgt. Hook]

Representations of Amputation and Prosthetics in Popular Culture

JonKuniholm — 2009-06-22 19:46:25

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	+ + =Moby Dick= + Captain Ahab, the tyrannical whaling ship captain who lost his leg because of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby-Dick Moby Dick,] is [http://www.literarytraveler.com/authors/captain_hook.aspx also obsessed with the creature who caused his limb loss]. The whale, like the crocodile in Peter Pan, apparently also swallowed a timepiece. Ahab is yet another example of a mostly evil character whose physical deformity seems to be a literary device used to make him seem more menacing and less human.

Representations of Amputation and Prosthetics in Popular Culture

JonKuniholm — 2009-06-22 19:32:58

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	+ + =The Fugitive= + Fred Johnson might be the name of the "one-armed man" from "the Fugitive" [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056757/ TV series], while he is Frederick Sykes in the 1993 Harrison Ford [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106977/ movie]. There is actually [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_(TV_series) some debate] about what the character's name actually was in the TV series, but the take away here is that he was really just the "one-armed man," as this was his defining characteristic, and the only thing that audiences or anyone else remember about him. Secondly, he was the guy responsible for all of Dr. Richard Kimble's troubles. Why? Who knows, but I'll bet it has something to do with that arm. + + =Robocop= + This movie is unique in that the machine/man conflict is not primarily a one of good and evil within the cyborg himself, but in terms of outside perception. Indeed, the robot was conceived as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robocop Christ figure] by the director, Paul Verhoeven. Robocop is only prevented from apprehending his evil programmers by a directive not to act against them, although a sort of "/an/machine" moment occurs at the end of the movie when this protection is removed, Robocop shoots his maker, and calls himself by his original name, Murphy, for the first time. + + =The Terminator= + Although not an amputee movie, we are right in the thick of the conflict between man and machine here. The scene in the movie (1984) where the Terminator repairs his endoskeletal hand is at least as memorable as the similar scene in which Luke gets his prosthetic arm in "The Empire Strikes Back (1980)," and certainly informs what we think ought to be possible in prosthetic arms. Despite the fact that there is almost nothing human about the terminator, we get a full dose here of the idea that machines are evil and the antithesis of humanity and good. This gets clouded in the next few terminator movies. + + =Peter Pan= + Captain Hook is the villain of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_and_Wendy the original play] by James M. Barrie, as well as the novel, 1953 animated movie, and other [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pan remakes] of the story. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Hook The Captain] was apparently an afterthought, but has remained an integral part of all of the stories, and is in fact the title character in the 1991 live-action film [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_(film) Hook]. As with the one-armed man in the fugitive, Captain Hook is defined by his amputation and its replacement more than anything, and his hook represents his lost humanity and his evil nature.

Representations of Amputation and Prosthetics in Popular Culture

JonKuniholm — 2009-06-22 18:37:28

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- Amputation and prosthetics are depicted pretty frequently in pop culture, and I think that the ways in which this is done both says a lot about how we view amputees, and explains a lot about our preconceived notions about prosthetics. Here is a list and brief discussion of some of these representations. Please add any that you know of that are missing:	+ Amputation and prosthetics are depicted pretty frequently in pop culture, and the ways in which this is done both says a lot about how we view amputees, and explains a lot about our preconceived notions about prosthetics. Here is a list and brief discussion of some of these representations. Please add any that you know of that are missing:
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- This is one of the best examples that I can think of. George Lucas appears to be [http://wiki.ewokpedia.com/wiki/Gratuitous_amputations obsessed with amputation], and is using it as a pretty un-subtle metaphor for the various degrees of humanity in Luke and Anakin's respective struggles with good and evil and the respective portions of their humanity that they retain in the struggle.	+ This is one of the best examples that I can think of. George Lucas appears to be [http://wiki.ewokpedia.com/wiki/Gratuitous_amputations obsessed with amputation], and is using it as a pretty un-subtle [http://www.overground.be/article.php?code=27&lan=en metaphor] for the various degrees of humanity in Luke and Anakin's respective struggles with good and evil and the respective portions of their humanity that they retain in the struggle. The major amputations of these characters occur in Episodes V, 2 and 3, in order of production. Also see this site for a more thorough analysis of [http://www.runleiarun.com/choppedoffhands/start.html the "Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars."] + + =The Six Million Dollar Man= + Steve Austin, the original [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Six_Million_Dollar_Man Bionic Man], was one of the first pop representations of amputation that I was aware of growing up. The show's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HofoK_QQxGc title sequence], in which the voice over claims, that Steve will be "better than he was before... better, stronger, faster," is really the sticking point for most people who know much about advanced prosthetics, and why they cringe at the use of the word "bionic" to describe what they are working on. While strictly true, in the sense that bionic [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bionics literally means "life-like,"] The Six Million Dollar Man is really the source of the notion that bionics or prosthetics could result in the augmentation of human capability, forgetting how ["Fantasy Arms" far we are] from even replacing it.

Representations of Amputation and Prosthetics in Popular Culture

JonKuniholm — 2009-06-22 18:13:40

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	+ Amputation and prosthetics are depicted pretty frequently in pop culture, and I think that the ways in which this is done both says a lot about how we view amputees, and explains a lot about our preconceived notions about prosthetics. Here is a list and brief discussion of some of these representations. Please add any that you know of that are missing: + + =Star Wars= + This is one of the best examples that I can think of. George Lucas appears to be [http://wiki.ewokpedia.com/wiki/Gratuitous_amputations obsessed with amputation], and is using it as a pretty un-subtle metaphor for the various degrees of humanity in Luke and Anakin's respective struggles with good and evil and the respective portions of their humanity that they retain in the struggle.

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JonKuniholm — 2009-06-22 17:59:52

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	+ + The representation of amputees and prosthetics in the media, in fiction and fantasy, is interesting and I think says a lot about how we think about amputation as a society. Take a look at this list of ["Representations of Amputation and Prosthetics in Popular Culture"].

fantasy arms

JonKuniholm — 2009-05-25 02:16:54

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- Hans Huseklepp's [http://www.oandp.com/articles/NEWS_2009-02-25_02.asp/ Immaculate Prosthetics Arm] is an industrial design concept speced in corian, with ball joints powered by... TBD.	+ Hans Huseklepp's [http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/10/immaculate-prosthetic-limb-concept-makes-combines-fun-again?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_downloadsquad Immaculate Prosthetics Arm] is an industrial design concept speced in corian, with ball joints powered by... TBD.

fantasy arms

JonKuniholm — 2009-04-22 13:45:07

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	+ + The [http://www.iarm.de/movie_high.html iArm] (not to be confused with the iHand, iLimb, or the Intelligent arm) is a video short featuring industrial design of a similar looking arm by Frank Kleemann, at the Stuttgart Media University, as part of a school project.

fantasy arms

JonKuniholm — 2009-04-22 13:35:25

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- Hans Huseklepp's ["http://www.oandp.com/articles/NEWS_2009-02-25_02.asp/" Immaculate Prosthetics Arm] is an industrial design concept speced in corian, with ball joints powered by... TBD.	+ Hans Huseklepp's [http://www.oandp.com/articles/NEWS_2009-02-25_02.asp/ Immaculate Prosthetics Arm] is an industrial design concept speced in corian, with ball joints powered by... TBD.

fantasy arms

JonKuniholm — 2009-04-22 13:34:55

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	+ This page is a collection of prosthetic arm concepts that represent what is NOT available. Fueled by science fiction and the fictionalization of science, prosthetic arms have been imagined as being capable of all kinds of things that they are not. Yet. These examples represent arms that would be great to have, if they existed. + + Hans Huseklepp's ["http://www.oandp.com/articles/NEWS_2009-02-25_02.asp/" Immaculate Prosthetics Arm] is an industrial design concept speced in corian, with ball joints powered by... TBD.

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2009-04-22 13:25:18

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	+ + It's worth mentioning here what is NOT available. Fueled by science fiction and the fictionalization of science, prosthetic arms have been imagined as being capable of all kinds of things that they are not. Yet. We've created a round up of ["fantasy arms" arms that would be great to have, if they existed.]

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2009-04-06 04:29:29

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	+ =Useful Links and Tools= + + ==A Company or Product Here== + Please use this space to help us inform users and volunteers about useful tools that might be helpful as they work on projects. These might be electronic components, general use hardware with application to prosthetics, or the like. ["You can create a page with more information"] beyond the brief description on this page. +

Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-31 20:58:10

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	+ ==Grip Spikes== + Some Trautman hooks had sharp spikes coming out of the textured grips to offer extra grabbing power (and would puncture a piece of paper). You can see the vestiges of these in the havily modified snub nose design below. Because some of the spikes in the hooks that we looked at when creating the T-Hook design had been removed by users/prosthetists, we elected to exclude this feature from the new design. The spikes certainly look like they might be useful for getting a secure grip on things that wouldn't be damaged by them, and this would be the sort of feature that would be great to be able to add/subtract from a design for mass customized production.

Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-18 22:22:53

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-18 22:22:29

Upload of image TrautmanHook4.jpg.

Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-18 22:21:41

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- A prosthetist sent in the below pictures of a Trautman Hook with a wire spring across the fingers, in addition to the rubber bands.	+ A prosthetist sent in the below pictures of a Trautman Hook with a wire spring across the fingers, in addition to the rubber bands. We had a discussion about the purpose of the spring, and I'm still not convinced of the purpose (or at least of the effectiveness). A circa 1959 roundup of hooks (also below) shows a hook with the same spring arrangement, and a description that notes, "cam operation reinforces grip at other opening widths." If you look at the first three pictures, with no rubber band installed, you can see that the hook can flex, at least part way, independently of the hook opening. Additionally, in the last picture you can see that when the hook is all the way open, that the spring doesn't even appear to close it. You can see why this might be, as the spring is about to cross one of the finger hinges. If it could open a little further and cross the hinge, the spring would actually hold the hook open.
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- We weren't really sure what the spring was for. Anyone with info please let us know.	+ Because the rubber band both resists opening and flexion of the hook (and would do so at the point of opening in which the hook is shown in the last picture, it would, as the caption says, "reinforce grip at other opening widths." Indeed, it would more than reinforce it, it would be the only thing providing it at some widths. Because the spring appeared after the rubber band (see the [http://www.google.com/patents?id=Asx5AAAAEBAJ patent], I would guess that the spring was actually added to augment the closing force of the bands. Because it doesn't seem to do this very well, it may have disappeared. The spring also crosses the fingers, potentially pushing against anything held inside. This could be either a feature or an annoyance. Any more information about when the spring appeared or disappeared, and, more importantly, whether users like or dislike it, would be appreciated.
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	+ [[Image(TrautmanHook4.jpg, 300, thumbnail)]]

Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-18 21:17:09

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- Charles King, CP, sent in the below pictures of a Trautman Hook with a wire spring across the fingers, in addition to the rubber bands.	+ A prosthetist sent in the below pictures of a Trautman Hook with a wire spring across the fingers, in addition to the rubber bands.

RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-13 20:17:28

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- The basic principle has been [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bT4If4eci4 demonstrated] at the Thakor Lab at Johns Hopkins using the Michelangelo hand from Otto Bock, which can perform two grasps, a key pinch and a palmar pinch. The video shows the hand responding to a series of object with the palmar pinch, and finally to a set of car keys with a key pinch. There are plenty more examples, and we'd like to start a discussion here about how we might create a standard for providing the most useful set of aggregated augmented RFID information for these purposes. With a database and an API for interfacing it (and potentially hardware for implementing it as well), we could lat the groundwork for products to fill in the blanks to better serve people with a variety of disabilities.	+ The basic principle has been [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bT4If4eci4 demonstrated] at the Thakor Lab at Johns Hopkins using the Michelangelo hand from Otto Bock, which can perform two grasps, a key pinch and a palmar pinch. The video shows the hand responding to a series of objects with the palmar pinch, and finally to a set of car keys with a key pinch. There are plenty more examples, and we'd like to start a discussion here about how we might create a standard for providing the most useful set of aggregated augmented RFID information for these purposes. With a database and an API for interfacing it (and potentially hardware for implementing it as well), we could lat the groundwork for products to fill in the blanks to better serve people with a variety of disabilities.

LEGO Hand

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-13 03:33:05

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	+ We have been pursuing the design of a LEGO hand that could potentially be controlled with myoelectric signals. Volunteer John Bergmann has been working on designs described in the [http://groups.google.com/group/openprosthetics/web/lego-hand group] page, which reproduces updates and downloads from our [http://www.openprosthetics.org/myoelectric original site]. Our ultimate goal is to have the kit available through the user-designed kits section at the [http://factory.lego.com/ LEGO Factory site], or even one of the commercial kits. We'd love to have someone helping John figure out how to power the hand.

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-13 03:28:57

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- Related to the Open Myo project described above, the Project has been pursuing the design of a LEGO hand that could potentially be controlled with myoelectric signals. Volunteer John Bergmann has been working on designs described in the [http://groups.google.com/group/openprosthetics/web/lego-hand group page], which reproduces updates and downloads from our original site. Our ultimate goal is to have the kit available through the user-designed kits section at the [http://factory.lego.com/ LEGO Factory] site, or even one of the commercial kits. We'd love to have someone helping John figure out how to power the hand.	+ Related to the Open Myo project described above, the Project has been pursuing the design of a LEGO hand that could potentially be controlled with myoelectric signals. Volunteer John Bergmann has been working on designs described in the [http://groups.google.com/group/openprosthetics/web/lego-hand group page], which reproduces updates and downloads from our original site. Our ultimate goal is to have the kit available through the user-designed kits section at the [http://factory.lego.com/ LEGO Factory] site, or even one of the commercial kits. We'd love to have someone helping John figure out how to power the hand. Here's a new ["LEGO Hand" project page] to help everyone get started.

RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:17:03

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- A basic question is the best way to access basic existing descriptive RFID info, and potentially augment in such a way as to provide information useful to people with a variety of disabilities without paying a prohibitive amount for a subscription to the data, and distribute it to assistive technology devices without running afoul of anyone's business interests. There are a couple of open source RFID projects that may be useful: The [http://www.fosstrak.org/ Fosstrak (formerly Accada)] project offers a set of open source tools for accessing EPCIS databases. Using some of these tools, the Penn RFID Center of Excellence has created a [http://www.behrend.psu.edu/outreach/rfid/howto/HowTo.html#Fosstrak%20(Accada) how to] on setting up an open source EPCglobal Network. The [http://www.radioactivehq.org/ RadioActive Project] claimed to be planning a complete open source suite of RFID tools, but it looks like not much has happened in several years.	+ A basic question is the best way to access basic existing descriptive RFID info, and potentially augment in such a way as to provide information useful to people with a variety of disabilities without paying a prohibitive amount for a subscription to the data, and distribute it to assistive technology devices without running afoul of anyone's business interests. There are a couple of open source RFID projects that may be useful: The [http://www.fosstrak.org/ Fosstrak (formerly Accada)] project offers a set of open source tools for accessing EPCIS databases. Using some of these tools, the Penn RFID Center of Excellence has created a [http://www.behrend.psu.edu/outreach/rfid/howto/HowTo.html#Fosstrak%20(Accada) how to] on setting up an open source EPCglobal Network. The [http://www.radioactivehq.org/ RadioActive Project] claimed to be planning a complete open source suite of RFID tools, but it looks like not much has happened in several years. Another is [http://www.rifidi.org/ Rifidi].

Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:14:56

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- There are a lot of variations on the Trautman Hook design, including differently shaped fingers and wire/cable anchors. Charles King, CP, sent in the below pictures of a Trautman Hook with a wire spring across the fingers, in addition to the rubber bands.	+ There are a lot of variations on the Trautman Hook design, including differently shaped fingers and wire/cable anchors. + + ==Extra Spring== + Charles King, CP, sent in the below pictures of a Trautman Hook with a wire spring across the fingers, in addition to the rubber bands.
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	+ ==Snub Nose==
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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:14:01

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:13:36

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:13:10

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:12:30

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:11:46

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:09:07

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- A long time Trautman User who contacted us, and gave the OPP T-Hook a try ultimately settled on repaired versions of his old hooks. He described the version that the T-Hook is based on as the "snub nose" design, versus the one below, which he calls the "duckbill."	+ A long time Trautman User who contacted us, and gave the OPP T-Hook a try ultimately settled on repaired versions of his old hooks. He described the version that the T-Hook is based on as the "snub nose" design, versus the one below, which he calls the "duckbill." It certainly looks like this version was made out of one of the others with some creative welding. You can see the holes in the fingers where the spikes that appear on some Trautman Hooks used to go through the opposite finger.

Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:05:48

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:04:49

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:04:32

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:04:04

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:03:44

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:03:26

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:03:06

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 19:02:19

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	+ + A long time Trautman User who contacted us, and gave the OPP T-Hook a try ultimately settled on repaired versions of his old hooks. He described the version that the T-Hook is based on as the "snub nose" design, versus the one below, which he calls the "duckbill." + + [[Image(TrautmanHookSnub1.jpg)]] + [[Image(TrautmanHookSnub2.jpg)]] + [[Image(TrautmanHookSnub3.jpg)]] + [[Image(TrautmanHookSnub4.jpg)]] + [[Image(TrautmanHookSnub5.jpg)]]

Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 18:56:11

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	+ We weren't really sure what the spring was for. Anyone with info please let us know. +

Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 18:55:09

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 18:54:52

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 18:54:27

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Trautman Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 18:52:57

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	+ + = Other Versions = + There are a lot of variations on the Trautman Hook design, including differently shaped fingers and wire/cable anchors. Charles King, CP, sent in the below pictures of a Trautman Hook with a wire spring across the fingers, in addition to the rubber bands. + + [[Image(TrautmanHook1.jpg)]] + [[Image(TrautmanHook2.jpg)]] + [[Image(TrautmanHook3.jpg)]]

RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 18:14:43

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- There are plenty more examples, and we'd like to start a discussion here about how we might create a standard for providing the most useful set of aggregated augmented RFID information for these purposes. With a database and an API for interfacing it (and potentially hardware for implementing it as well), we could lat the groundwork for products to fill in the blanks to better serve people with a variety of disabilities.	+ The basic principle has been [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bT4If4eci4 demonstrated] at the Thakor Lab at Johns Hopkins using the Michelangelo hand from Otto Bock, which can perform two grasps, a key pinch and a palmar pinch. The video shows the hand responding to a series of object with the palmar pinch, and finally to a set of car keys with a key pinch. There are plenty more examples, and we'd like to start a discussion here about how we might create a standard for providing the most useful set of aggregated augmented RFID information for these purposes. With a database and an API for interfacing it (and potentially hardware for implementing it as well), we could lat the groundwork for products to fill in the blanks to better serve people with a variety of disabilities.

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 18:10:10

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- It has been suggested in many places that RFID object information could be useful for augmenting an advanced hand's ability to manipulate and object in context. This could be useful for many types of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering, as well as home service and hobby robotics. We've created a ["RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control" stub page] to discuss the issues associated with aggregating the information that might be helpful to know, and of the mechanics of creating, maintaining and distributing such a database.	+ It has been suggested in many places that RFID object information could be useful for augmenting an advanced hand's ability to manipulate and object in context. This could be useful for many types of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering, as well as home service and hobby robotics. We've started a ["RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control" discussion] of the issues associated with aggregating the information that might be helpful to know, and of the mechanics of creating, maintaining and distributing such a database.

Open Standards for Prosthetics

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 18:09:10

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	+ + =RFID Tags for Prosthetic Control Information= + It makes sense that a standard for or central repository of object data exist for facilitating the augmentation of control information that a prosthetic arm can use to manipulate an object. We've started a discussion of how that might work ["RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control" here].

RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 17:21:34

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- Are there any IP barriers to my creating such a database?	+ Are there any IP barriers to creating such a database?

RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 17:21:13

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	+ We're interested in using EPC or other RFID data to inform prosthetic hand control. The more you know about an object and the context in which you want to control it, the easier it likely is to design a way for a user to interact with it. For example, armed with the information that an RFID tag might provide: "this is a 12 oz beverage can," or "this is a cordless drill," the user interface for interacting with the object can be reduced to a more manageable subset of choices: "grasp, release, do not crush, don't let slip," or "pull the trigger to operate, avoid stripping the screw, maintain grasp with non-trigger fingers." More specific information could be even more useful, or might be useful for people with different disabilities. The kind of beverage would be useful to a blind person. The location and operation of the reverse button would be useful to a prosthetic hand user. + + There are plenty more examples, and we'd like to start a discussion here about how we might create a standard for providing the most useful set of aggregated augmented RFID information for these purposes. With a database and an API for interfacing it (and potentially hardware for implementing it as well), we could lat the groundwork for products to fill in the blanks to better serve people with a variety of disabilities. + + A basic question is the best way to access basic existing descriptive RFID info, and potentially augment in such a way as to provide information useful to people with a variety of disabilities without paying a prohibitive amount for a subscription to the data, and distribute it to assistive technology devices without running afoul of anyone's business interests. There are a couple of open source RFID projects that may be useful: The [http://www.fosstrak.org/ Fosstrak (formerly Accada)] project offers a set of open source tools for accessing EPCIS databases. Using some of these tools, the Penn RFID Center of Excellence has created a [http://www.behrend.psu.edu/outreach/rfid/howto/HowTo.html#Fosstrak%20(Accada) how to] on setting up an open source EPCglobal Network. The [http://www.radioactivehq.org/ RadioActive Project] claimed to be planning a complete open source suite of RFID tools, but it looks like not much has happened in several years. + + Ideally, we would be able to create a database standard specific to assistive technology, including, for example, even xml geometry information for RFID tagged objects, and create an open repository of the information. + + Are there any IP barriers to my creating such a database?

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-12 15:47:35

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	+ + ==RFID Object Identification for Control Information== + It has been suggested in many places that RFID object information could be useful for augmenting an advanced hand's ability to manipulate and object in context. This could be useful for many types of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering, as well as home service and hobby robotics. We've created a ["RFID for Prosthetic Arm Control" stub page] to discuss the issues associated with aggregating the information that might be helpful to know, and of the mechanics of creating, maintaining and distributing such a database.

Open Standards for Prosthetics

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-09 18:38:00

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- =Some questions to consider=	+ ==Some questions to consider==
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- =Candidate Bus Standards=	+ ==Candidate Bus Standards==
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- ==Automotive==	+ ===Automotive===
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- ==Avionics==	+ ===Avionics===
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- =Connector Standards=	+ ==Connector Standards==
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- =Implementation=	+ ==Implementation==

Open Standards for Prosthetics

JonKuniholm — 2009-03-09 18:36:08

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- ==Design Requirements==	+ ==Design Requirements for Prosthetic Applications== +
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	+ + The many standards available are classified in different ways in the literature, e.g. + + Arbitration v. No arbitration + Event triggered v. Time triggered + Asynchronous v. Synchronous + Equal status nodes v. Master/Slave + Non-deterministic v. Deterministic + + Arbitration is generally needed where more two nodes can transmit at the same time and so collisions are possible, e.g. Ethernet. One solution is for both nodes to stop transmitting and then try again after a random interval. CAN uses a bitwise arbitration mechanism where if two packets arrive together one is given priority based on an identifier. + + Time triggered systems differ from event triggered systems in that all activities are triggered by a periodic clock rather than by events themselves, so state messages are transmitted rather than event messages. Advantages claimed for time triggered systems include predictable bus loading and latency. + + Applications where real time is critical tend to use time triggered protocols such as TTCAN or TTP/C. Arbitrated networks such as standard Ethernet have some advantages in office networks where real time is not of the essence; for example, new nodes can be added easily. However, the possibility of collisions and ensuing delays is a drawback in real time applications. The effect of this can be controlled if the bus loading is kept light, by running at a high bit rate so that there are relatively large gaps between the packets. This was done in the ToMPAW project, which used the arbitrated LonWorks protocol, described in [http://www.oandp.org/jpo/library/2007_01_015.asp Kyberd et al (2007)] + . But this implies a certain inefficiency in the use of the bus. + + Time triggered protocols where sequences of messages are specified in advance (e.g. TTP/A rounds) may not as flexible as arbitrated protocols for office computer networks, but this need not be a disadvantage for prosthetics. Any given prosthesis will generally have a fixed set of nodes, and there is always an initial setup process where the network is configured. So although there should be no constraint on the number of possible different types of prosthesis, once a given prosthesis is set up there is no expectation that new nodes will be added, certainly not on a ‘plug and play’ basis. + + Some buses operate on a master/slave basis, where one particular node, the master, initiates all message exchanges. While one the face of it this appears less flexible than a network where any node can initiate transactions, it need not be a serious disadvantage in the case of a prosthesis. There is usually one node where EMG signals come in and commands to move joints are sent out. Conceivably other nodes might want to communicate with each other, for example a finger and thumb in an opposed grip, but most of the traffic is likely to pass through the node that collects the EMG (or other controlling input) signals. This node would be the natural candidate for the master in a master/slave bus. + + Message or packet length could be an important parameter. Typically a prosthesis will handle short chunks of data of not more than a few bytes, with information about joint angles, forces and so on. So packets need to be short and with low overhead. Increasing the size of the overhead allows for more error protection and other functions, at the expense of extra bus loading. But if a large quantity of data needs to be delivered, it is best sent in long packets, as the overhead is then a relatively small part of the packet. This might be the case if raw EMG data is transmitted. + + Electrically, low power drivers are available, but the power consumed by the driver itself is only part of the story. Most buses have terminating resistors of around 100 ohms to match to the characteristic impedance of the line, thus avoiding problems with reflections. These resistors consume power, which increases with the square of voltage. So a low signal voltage is preferable in this respect, but a high signal voltage is better for EMC immunity. I2C is rather different as it has a passive pull-up of a few kilohms. It is mainly intended for pcb tracks, where the characteristic impedance varies from one circuit to another. However, the limited current available from the pull-up means that capacitance has to be kept very low to achieve adequate data rates. + + Reflections are a potential problem when the time to propagate a pulse along the cable is comparable to or longer than a bit period. But a prosthetics bus is likely to be quite short, which could help in this respect. + + Differential drivers are preferred to single-ended types for EMC reasons. + + =Some questions to consider= + + What bus length is needed to cater for any prosthesis? One or two metres would seem adequate for most cases, but what about connecting to external test and measurement equipment? Or do we assume that this would always be done wirelessly? It may be important not to over-specify the maximum bus length. Buses like CAN have a maximum length for a given data rate, above which the bitwise arbitration mechanism breaks down. I2C has a maximum capacitance of 400 pF, which limits its use to quite short lengths of cable. + + What voltage will be available to power the network? Probably less than the motor supply, taking into account regulation etc. (dc-dc convertors could be used, but at extra cost, complexity, and some inefficiency). + + It would be useful to have some figures for actual data rates that might be needed in practice, based on the number of possible sensors, actuators and EMG inputs, and how often these signals need to be sampled. I’m assuming that only smoothed EMG data will be sent and not raw EMG, though it is possible that some of the higher speed buses could handle raw EMG quite adequately.
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	+ =Candidate Bus Standards= + Short descriptions of a large number of buses can be found [http://www.interfacebus.com/Interface_Bus_Types.html here], including automotive buses, avionics buses and field buses. + + ==Automotive== + Automotive protocols are discussed in [http://www.aber.ac.uk/~dcswww/Research/mbsg/fmeaprojects/SoftFMEAtechreports/systems/protocols.pdf. Bell, J. (2002)]. In-vehicle networks are divided into classes A (< 10 kbit/s), B (10-125 kbit/s), C (125 kbit/s-1 Mbit/s) and D (> 1 Mbit/s). Here are some examples: + + LIN is a low cost network running at up to 19 200 baud. It is a time triggered, single master / multiple slave protocol. It uses a simple UART/SCI interface with a single-wire medium described [http://www.lin-subbus.org/ here] as being an enhanced version of ISO 9141. + + OBD-II refers to a Class B protocol for diagnostic tools for emission controls, as required by US legislation. There are various implementations of OBD-II (using J1850 and ISO 9141 standards), and different pins of the 16-pin standard connector are used to cope with the variants. + + Buses in classes A and B have been in use for many years and are well developed, but are they fast enough for prosthetics? + + The popular CAN protocol falls within class C. It is a CSMA/CD protocol with non-destructive bitwise arbitration. As such, latency is not guaranteed, but the TTCAN extension seeks to remedy this by allowing time triggered messages. + + TTP/C is a time triggered protocol for class C applications. It is a TDMA protocol with deterministic latency. TTP/A is a low cost version of TTP/C, for class A vehicle applications. There are several relevant articles at the [http://http://www.ttagroup.org/technology/articles.htm TTA-Group website]. TTP was developed at TU Wien. More recently this group has applied time triggered methods to Ethernet [http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=4700418 Kopetz, 2008]. + + [http://www.flexray.com/ FlexRay] is a high speed (up to 10 Mbit/s) protocol for safety critical automotive applications. It supports both time triggered and event triggered messaging. + + When considering a network protocol for prosthetics, it should be noted that some of the automotive standards assume a 12V nominal supply. While some prostheses may use 12V, particularly for elbows, wrists and shoulders, generally not more than 6V will be available, reducing with battery discharge. + + + ==Avionics== + MIL-STD-1553 is very well established (Apache helicopter, satellites, Space Shuttle, ISS). It has a data rate of 1 Mbit/s, which is now inadequate for many avionics applications, so alternatives have been sought, e.g. an enhanced bit rate version EBR-1553 which is capable of 10 Mbit/s. MIL-STD-1553 uses TDMA and is often implemented in a dual redundant configuration, making it highly reliable, though costly. + + NASA has done an interesting comparison of several competitors to MIL-STD-1553 in [http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20060050129_2006251309.pdf Gwaltney and Briscoe, 2006]. The comparison matrix it provides is particularly useful. They review SAFEbus (a Honeywell backplane bus used in the Boeing 777), TTP/C, FlexRay, TTCAN, IEEE-1394B (Firewire), SpaceWire (a European standard based on IEEE 1355 and LVDS), Ethernet 10/100 Base-T, Avionics Full-Duplex Switched (AFDX) Ethernet (used on the A380 passenger plane), Fibre Channel, and Gigabit Ethernet. + + Fieldbuses. There are many fieldbuses for industrial automation and building applications, but they are largely proprietary, and so are not ideal for an open prosthetics project. A notable exception is Bitbus, which is an open standard. It is built on existing RS485 and SDLC standards and runs at data rates of 62.5 kbit/s, 375 kbit/s or 1.5 Mbit/s. It has been in use for a very long time, at least at the lower data rates, and is supported by a [http://www.bitbus.org user group]. + + Note on the Axon Bus. The use of TTP/A in the Otto Bock Axon Bus is described in [http://www.vmars.tuwien.ac.at/ttpa/publications.html Obermaisser and Kanitsar, 2000]. This document only discusses progress up to August 2000, so there have probably been significant changes since then. It describes two electrical interfaces, RS-232 and ISO-K. ISO-K is used for ISO 9141 vehicle diagnostics systems. + + The [http://www.axon-cable.com/pdf/BUS-ANG.pdf AXON’ Cable company] (note the apostrophe) makes cables for MIL-STD-1553 bus networks. This is not the same as TTP/A, and does not appear to have anything to do with the Otto Bock Axon bus. Probably Axon is just an obvious word to use for this sort of thing. +

Updating the APRL Hook

HosmerDude — 2009-03-03 01:36:54

Added response to Darryl's questions

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	+ + ""3-2-09"" + + Howdy. Here are my responses: + + * "1. Are the cad drawings available for aftermarket use? If so we could take it to a high end machinist to have them make the case out of other milled materials( at owners expense) but still be able to send it back to Hosmer for maintenence?" + + Maybe yes maybe no, but why would you want to do this? + The newly improved aprl device is approximately 6 times stronger than the old version. Perhaps this may be good enough? + If you switch to steel, it will get significantly heavier and more expensive. If you switch to titanium, you will have to mortgage your home to buy it. Just to give you an idea I would guess that the aluminum part probably costs $1800 - $2800 for qty 1 and $200-$300 in qty 10. I would guess that steel would be about 25%-40% more and titanium would be about 250%-300% more. + + * "2. Can the wear surfaces on the cam and semi-circular device be redesigned to have a longer wear life?" + + The cam has a carbide insert so it does not wear at all. I suppose it is possible to make the quadrant a little harder, but I am not sure if the small benefit would be worth the cost. I have never heard you mention problems with the quadrant before. Is this an issue? I think you might be able to buy replacement quadrants from hosmer and I don't think they are expensive. I don't know how difficult it is to replace a quadrant, I've never done it before. + + *** "3. Lubed for life? Even though I have been told to lubricate it, and have tried, there is always some sort of leakage from the openings. This will make a mess of clothes." + + I have a few questions about lube: What happens if you don't lube it? Is there a noticable difference in performance? Does it wear out faster? IIRC there is an oiling sponge inside. Does this dry up over time? What happens if you plug the oiling hole to prevent debri from getting in? + + I would love to hear your thoughts. + + -Daniel

Updating the APRL Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-02-26 22:04:46

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- Darryl has made a very informative [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3HNq1tCd4E "video"] explaining the virtues and limitations of the hook, as well as some ideas for its improvement.	+ Darryl has made a very informative [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3HNq1tCd4E video] explaining the virtues and limitations of the hook, as well as some ideas for its improvement.

Updating the APRL Hook

JonKuniholm — 2009-02-26 22:04:20

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	+ + Darryl has made a very informative [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3HNq1tCd4E "video"] explaining the virtues and limitations of the hook, as well as some ideas for its improvement.

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2009-02-05 17:53:14

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- I am a student at SVA's MFAD program and I am working to form a group for people who would like to collaborate to modifying donated new and used toys (in addition to other found existing materials needed for reinforcement and functional aspects) into prosthetic arms for kids in developing nations who can't afford a prosthetic.	+ I am a student at SVA's MFAD program and I am working to form a group for people who would like to collaborate to modifying donated new and used toys (in addition to other found existing materials needed for reinforcement and functional aspects) into prosthetic arms for kids in developing nations who can't afford a prosthesis.
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- ==Swimming Prosthetic==	+ ==Swimming Prosthesis==

Open Myoelectric Signal Processor

JonKuniholm — 2009-02-05 17:51:02

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- =Related Projects We Should Be Aware Of (reuse code, be compatible with, already do what we're trying to do, etc.)=	+ =Related Projects We Should Be Aware Of/Ideas for Potential Uses (reuse code, be compatible with, already do what we're trying to do, etc.)=
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	+ + From the MFAD program at SVA that is currently working on prosthetics from a Graphic Design and 3D form approach: + It struck me when Jon Kuniholm spoke to us that there is a need to develop MyoElectric Technology further and bring down the price. I think there would be a lot of interest in this technology in the private market for other uses, that could serve to further software, hardware and cost if it was attached to the right products. Video games have obvious applications: who can forget the power glove and imagine if it was actually a glove that reacted to your muscle movement! Attached is a clip of someone who got his hands on some of the MyoElectric sensors and worked out some software to compose music. I think this is amazing: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRJqZ33_3I]. I think if this technology was opened up to a mass market we would see changes happen quickly, it may just be a matter of getting the right people interested. If anyone has questions or comments please send me an email at mattluckhurst@yahoo.com. Please feel free to examine this idea further and let me know if it is feasible or not. Thanks.

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2009-02-05 17:48:25

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- ==MyoElectric Technology== - - I am part of the MFAD program that is currently working on prosthetics from a Graphic Design and 3D form approach. It struck me when Jon Kuniholm spoke to us that there is a need to develop MyoElectric Technology further and bring down the price. I think there would be a lot of interest in this technology in the private market for other uses, that could serve to further software, hardware and cost if it was attached to the right products. Video games have obvious applications: who can forget the power glove and imagine if it was actually a glove that reacted to your muscle movement! Attached is a clip of someone who got his hands on some of the MyoElectric sensors and worked out some software to compose music. I think this is amazing: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRJqZ33_3I]. I think if this technology was opened up to a mass market we would see changes happen quickly, it may just be a matter of getting the right people interested. If anyone has questions or comments please send me an email at mattluckhurst@yahoo.com. Please feel free to examine this idea further and let me know if it is feasible or not. Thanks. -

Updating the APRL Hook

Darryl — 2009-01-16 20:09:04

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- In the initial statement about this device, it is mentioned that the APRL is a light duty hook and was designed for a certain type of amputee. For me, I wanted to control the amount of pressure applied to an item(voluntary closing) and have it lock in place, not relying on rubberbands to do the trick. I tried several VO hooks, but everytime I held onto something and reached out, the cable would tighten and release the object I was holding on to. It is now impossible for me to use a VO type hook. It is second nature for me to extend my are and roll my back to get the hook to close. I no longer think about it.	+ In the initial statement about this device, it is mentioned that the APRL is a light duty hook and was designed for a certain type of amputee. For me, I wanted to control the amount of pressure applied to an item(voluntary closing) and have it lock in place, not relying on rubberbands to do the trick. I tried several VO hooks, but everytime I held onto something and reached out, the cable would tighten and release the object I was holding on to. It is now impossible for me to use a VO type hook. It is second nature for me to extend my arm and roll my back to get the hook to close. I no longer think about it.

Updating the APRL Hook

Darryl — 2009-01-16 20:07:12

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- 1/15/09	+ '''1/15/09'''
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- 2. Can the wear surfaces on the cam and semi-circular device be redisigned to have a longer wear life?	+ 2. Can the wear surfaces on the cam and semi-circular device be redesigned to have a longer wear life?
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	+ + + '''Jan 16, 2009''' + + '''Answers to questions posed by Zach:''' + + In using this device now for 18 years, it and I have an intimate relationship. + + A. I have and currently carry 100 lbs or more,from time to time, from the fingers straight down. I have never had any failure in the fingers or the castings where the threads are during a tension type situation. + + B. Twisting force or sudden impact is where failures have occurred. For me, pushing up from a laying position, unexpected contact, or getting caught on something. + + C. Some of these hooks are many years old. Due to the high initial cost, I continually have them refurbished. After 3 or 4 years they all catastrophically fail in some way or another. + + + '''Additional suggested upgrades:''' + + + 1. Cad drawings, as mentioned before, for aftermarket milling options. And, + + + 2. Integrate the wrist threads, for prosthetic attachment, into the milling operation. I understand it may not be feasible with an aluminum milling, but if it were titanium it would seem advantageous to include it as one unit. + + + + + In the initial statement about this device, it is mentioned that the APRL is a light duty hook and was designed for a certain type of amputee. For me, I wanted to control the amount of pressure applied to an item(voluntary closing) and have it lock in place, not relying on rubberbands to do the trick. I tried several VO hooks, but everytime I held onto something and reached out, the cable would tighten and release the object I was holding on to. It is now impossible for me to use a VO type hook. It is second nature for me to extend my are and roll my back to get the hook to close. I no longer think about it. + + I believe that if the APRL is redesigned to heavy duty specifications, there would be a larger group of individuals who find that its abilities exceed those of the VO variety. Graded prehension in a hook is no different than a human hand. We need to try to exploit this technology to our best efforts and make this product suitable for all people at any level of fitness so that it can be used for all applications. + + Zach, keep us updated.

Updating the APRL Hook

Darryl — 2009-01-15 17:55:26

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	+ + 1/15/09 + + I am excited about the improvements that Daniel has helped to complete and the ones Zach is working on. + + I know you noticed grease inside of the hook, that was there from the factory. Never added by me. Dust is all mine!! Also making it water or dust resistant is a great idea. + + My big questions to the Hosmer guys: + + 1. Are the cad drawings available for aftermarket use? If so we could take it to a high end machinist to have them make the case out of other milled materials( at owners expense) but still be able to send it back to Hosmer for maintenence? + + 2. Can the wear surfaces on the cam and semi-circular device be redisigned to have a longer wear life? + + 3. Lubed for life? Even though I have been told to lubricate it, and have tried, there is always some sort of leakage from the openings. This will make a mess of clothes. + + + As a user of this device, all changes are welcomed. I cannot wait for the improvements! + Keep us updated, + Darryl

Updating the APRL Hook

Zack — 2008-12-31 15:24:02

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	+ + Some of the changes I've been considering are: + + 1. Sealed case to reduce water / particle ingress + 2. Dry-lube sleeve bearings (bushings) or sealed bearings - not very expensive, reduced maintenance. + 3. Teflon or coated replaceable substrate between moving components that have rubbing and aren't bearing surfaces to reduce friction / wear, or redesign interfaces to eliminate bearingless surfaces. + 4. Remove oiling hole. + 5. Etch 'Do Not Lubricate' on inside of cover. + + These changes should improve the life of the device, and keep the sliding surfaces lubricated and locking mechanism clean for a long time. None of these should change how the device operates, but could slightly impact cost due to more features being required in the machined components. It's entirely possible that these modifications could be made as 'after-market' changes to evaluate their effectiveness. I know a few machinists who are excellent at this kind of work; they may be willing to do it for free (or almost free) for their own satisfaction. + + Very excited.

Updating the APRL Hook

Zack — 2008-12-31 14:59:49

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- "'More updates, 12/30:"'	+ '''More updates, 12/30:'''
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- "'12/31:"'	+ '''12/31:'''
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- "Zack:	+ ''Zack:
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- If you are still interested, I think that there is further potential for improvement. If you have any ideas on improving the device we would love to hear about them."	+ If you are still interested, I think that there is further potential for improvement. If you have any ideas on improving the device we would love to hear about them.''

Updating the APRL Hook

Zack — 2008-12-31 14:58:43

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- More updates, 12/30:	+ "'More updates, 12/30:"'
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	+ + "'12/31:"' + + happy New Years Eve; got a response from an engineer at Hosmer Dorrance - + + "Zack: + + I too share your enthusiasm for making improvements to products that will help people have a better quality of life. In fact we have already made improvements the aprl hook. The new version has a case that is machined instead of cast and will be available sometime in the middle of January. Because the machined aluminum is about 6 times stronger than cast aluminum this should eliminate failures at the hook finger threads, just below the threads, and also at the base where the threads attach. Also the wall thickness at where the stud attaches is thicker to prevent the rivets from loosening. I actually worked on this in March of 2008, and it has taken this long for the new design to trickle though the production process. + + If you are still interested, I think that there is further potential for improvement. If you have any ideas on improving the device we would love to hear about them." + + Looks like the case is the source of most failures that you've experienced; I do have some more suggestions for him that I'll pass on, I really don't care if he takes my ideas and presents them as his own as long as the end product is a better device.

Updating the APRL Hook

Zack — 2008-12-30 17:18:39

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	+ + More updates, 12/30: + + Trying to get in contact with Hosmer Dorrance, MFR. of the hook for some assistance; according to their web page, "This hook is made using aluminum forgings and is generally a light duty terminal device". never seen a forging with casting injection ports... + + anyone have a contact up there I could pursue?

Updating the APRL Hook

Zack — 2008-12-16 00:19:01

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	+ + + =Project Updates= + + Got the APRL hook on 12/10/08 - ripping it down today (12/15). + + First thought: this will not cost $150 to replace. + + Immediately apparent is the fact that the housing is full of sawdust and grease; I'd have to guess that could be why the locking mechanism doesn't work so well. It looks like there is an insert of carbide or other durable material in the clamp of the locking mechanism. + + The housing is cracked at the rivet as shown in picture #2, this is probably the same housing as in the image. + + Both hook mounting lugs are broken off as well; they came off almost as mirror images of eachother. + + It looks like the internals of the hook was designed for long-term use. However, it was not designed to be water (or sawdust)! tight. The cast aluminum components will need to be either redesigned or made with another material for a longer life span. The internal wear surfaces are mainly brass; it looks like they will probably outlast the housing so I don't think I would focus on the materials too much. + One thing that could reduce internal friction would be to add shims of teflon or some other low- + + What is the heaviest item that you would ever pick up with the hook? Does anyone use the hook as just that - a hook, carrying heavy items by hanging them from the prosthetic? Does anyone have pictures of the hook in use, grabbing and holding different objects? I've never seen one used, and I'd like to get an idea of what's causing these hooks to break. Last question, any reason to ever hit or tap something with the hook? + + Anyone live in the NH area? + + Closing thought: this will not cost $150/each to improve. there is a possibility that some of the parts could be re-used from a broken hook, like the springs, lock switch, etc... I'll throw more up here soon.

Front Page

CarliPierce — 2008-12-03 15:26:25

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- ==Toy Exchange==	+ ==Mod Squad==
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- I am very interested in designing a program where people donate new and used toys and then those who like to take things apart and make new things out of them (hacker culture) take the donated toys and use them to make a prosthetic arm for a child. Then we will send them to amputee children in places where they don't have access to or can't afford a prosthetic arm.	+ I am a student at SVA's MFAD program and I am working to form a group for people who would like to collaborate to modifying donated new and used toys (in addition to other found existing materials needed for reinforcement and functional aspects) into prosthetic arms for kids in developing nations who can't afford a prosthetic.
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- I am wondering if anyone has any advice or suggestions about places to start looking for groups that know of child amputees who might benefit from this program.	+ I don't expect these to be the most advanced high functioning arms but they are better than nothing. We can help a child go from being the kid without an arm to the kid with this awesome arm made from toys! Plus we are finding a way to use existing materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
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- I am also very curious to hear from people who would enjoy working and building with toys in this way. Are there specific toys out there that would work really well? Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.	+ I have created a group on instructables, instructables.com/group/modsquad/ + It has started some really great conversations about the possibilities of this and realistic materials we could use.
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- Thank You,	+ A major issue that I am interested in exploring is cost effective ways to attach the prosthetic to the child's body. Also I am just looking for people who want to experiment with existing materials and see what we can come up with.
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- Carli	+ So if you want to help make a difference join the Mod Squad!

Front Page/Talk

JabberWokky — 2008-11-13 21:55:07

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	+ + * Reply

Front Page

ilee — 2008-11-13 21:28:45

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	+ + ==Swimming Prosthetic== + + I'm a graduate student at the School of Visual Arts Masters of Fine Art in Design program. I'm working on a project for a Product Design course to redesign a prosthetic arm. I'm interested in creating a better swimming prosthesis. + + I'm curious to find out the following: + + 1. What does the current swimming prosthesis lack? + 2. How does the swimming prosthesis affect your balance in swimming? + 3. Have you changed the way you swim prior to using the prosthesis vs. with the prosthesis? + + If you have any suggestions, comments or would like to collaborate, please contact me. + + Thank You, + Irina Lee + irinalee@gmail.com +

Front Page/Talk

ilee — 2008-11-13 21:17:55

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- This page is for discussing the contents of ["Front Page"]. - - Please insert your own comments, and respect the comments of others.	+ Message

Front Page

mattluckhurst — 2008-11-13 21:17:32

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	+ ==MyoElectric Technology== + + I am part of the MFAD program that is currently working on prosthetics from a Graphic Design and 3D form approach. It struck me when Jon Kuniholm spoke to us that there is a need to develop MyoElectric Technology further and bring down the price. I think there would be a lot of interest in this technology in the private market for other uses, that could serve to further software, hardware and cost if it was attached to the right products. Video games have obvious applications: who can forget the power glove and imagine if it was actually a glove that reacted to your muscle movement! Attached is a clip of someone who got his hands on some of the MyoElectric sensors and worked out some software to compose music. I think this is amazing: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRJqZ33_3I]. I think if this technology was opened up to a mass market we would see changes happen quickly, it may just be a matter of getting the right people interested. If anyone has questions or comments please send me an email at mattluckhurst@yahoo.com. Please feel free to examine this idea further and let me know if it is feasible or not. Thanks.

Front Page

CarliPierce — 2008-11-07 14:24:26

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- ==Insert Your Project Here== - Register and click edit, and change this page so that people can find out about the project you're interested in working on!	+ ==Toy Exchange== + + I am very interested in designing a program where people donate new and used toys and then those who like to take things apart and make new things out of them (hacker culture) take the donated toys and use them to make a prosthetic arm for a child. Then we will send them to amputee children in places where they don't have access to or can't afford a prosthetic arm. + + I am wondering if anyone has any advice or suggestions about places to start looking for groups that know of child amputees who might benefit from this program. + + I am also very curious to hear from people who would enjoy working and building with toys in this way. Are there specific toys out there that would work really well? Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated. + + Thank You, + + Carli + + carlipierce@gmail.com

Front Page

JonKuniholm — 2008-10-16 00:33:29

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	+ ==Insert Your Project Here== + Register and click edit, and change this page so that people can find out about the project you're interested in working on! +

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2008-10-09 20:36:26

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	+ ==Interface for E-Commerce== + How great would it be to click a single link and get a ranking of shopping carts from parts suppliers for all of the stock parts for X number of a design from places like McMaster? Maybe with an option to order all of the parts or their equivalents from different suppliers sorted by price with shipping included? An API for vendors to suggest equivalent parts and to provide access to their inventories?

Tools for Collaboration on Open Design

JonKuniholm — 2008-10-09 05:25:09

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	+ ==Polling and Survey Tools== + User feedback is very important to designing any product. An additional benefit to this is that survey tools can help with compliance with some ["Federal Regulation of Prostheses" regulatory issues]. The ["Amputee Preference Census"] we're working on uses [Survey Gizmo] as a tool for administering and reporting the results of the surveys. They additionally provide [http://www.surveygizmo.com/online-survey-hipaa-safe-harbor-certification/ HIPAA certification], such that a survey could be used for record-keeping and complaint tracking, as required by regulation. It may be that these last portions are best left to commercial entities that wish to profit from the manufacture of the devices.