摘要 |
<p>An orthosis or prosthesis (12) is described which has a first member (34), a second member (14) and a pivotal joint (36) therebetween. The joint (36) includes one-way clutch means based on a wrap spring clutch (42), and a servo (46) arranged to be energised to wrap or unwrap the clutch spring (42) to disengage or engage the clutch (36), the servo (46) being arranged to maintain the clutch (36) in a disengaged condition without continuing energisation of the servo. The orthosis or prosthesis can be applied to a variety of joints such as the hip, knee, ankle, elbow and wrist. Various embodiments of the invention are described.</p> |