Automated hands are commonly used as prosthetic hands, which may be used to grip objects, shake the hand of another person, and perform other tasks commonly carried out by human hands.

However, conventional automated hands have several disadvantages. Many of the hands are necessarily large and bulky to fit the working parts within the hand. This can result in the hand looking unnatural.

Conventional automated hands are typically unable to flex and curve around an object to grip the object reliably. This is particularly problematic where the object is curved or slippery, such as a drinking glass or bottle. The motors of known automated hands may also strain to provide an adequate grip and therefore wear quickly. Further, because these hands do not curve and flex, the hands can also feel unnatural in a handshake.

Because of the typically rigid nature of conventional automated hands, it is common for sensitive components of these hands, such as motors and electronics, to break under impact forces, particularly a lateral impact force where the side of the hand near the little finger is banged against a hard surface or where an outer edge of the thumb receives a lateral impact.

Another problem with known automated hands is that the hands themselves are not waterproof. Instead, a user must wear a waterproof glove over the hand to protect the sensitive working parts and electronic components of the hand.

Known automated hands commonly comprise complex finger actuation systems that comprise resistance springs to bias the fingers towards a particular position and absorb impact. When the motors of the hand drive the fingers to a non-biased position, the resistance from the springs causes the fingers to move more slowly than desired and may strain the drive motors and drain the battery power quickly. Some designs include one directional clutches to absorb impact forces but these do not protect against impacts in the opposite direction. Motors may also be provided within digits with a worm gear driving the digit relative to a stationary gear wheel. This arrangement increases the mass that must be moved when moving a digit, requires wiring along the digits and restricts the space available for linkages. Due to the confined space it is very difficult to accommodate clutch mechanisms.

The motors and working parts of known automated hands are also susceptible to damage when digits of the hands are subjected to too much tension or to an end impact. This is because the digits are typically directly connected to the motors and are unable to disengage from the motors when subjected to high forces.

Conventional automated hands may provide a wrist positioning system, but these systems are typically complex, large and cumbersome, which extends the palm away from the arm creating an extended, heavy, ungainly and unnatural looking wrist. In addition, there are limited ways in which the hand can move in relation to the wrist and the wrist is typically not fluid compatible.

Although it is known for automated hands to be used as training hands for new hand amputees, these hands do not provide an indication that EMG (electromyography) signals have been received by the user and/or which grip has been selected. Consequently, hand amputees may find it frustrating to become accustomed to the EMG algorithms needed to change the grip patterns of the hand, especially when they cannot tell which grip pattern has been selected or whether EMG signals are being received.

A significant disadvantage of known automated hands is that the working parts, especially the electronics, are sensitive to getting wet. Consequently, the naked hands cannot be used in a wet environment, such as in a bath, shower, or when washing dishes, without becoming damaged. It is only possible to use known hands in a wet environment by placing a waterproof glove over the hand. This can be frustrating for a user because it is difficult to place a glove over a prosthetic hand. The gloves may also wear and tear easily.

Grip surfaces on automated hands may also suffer from excessive wear if contact surfaces are formed of a material that is too soft and may not provide suitable grip if the material is hard wearing and formed of as hard material.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an automated hand that goes at least some way towards overcoming one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or that at least provides a useful alternative to existing automated hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect there is provided an automated hand comprising a palm; one or more resiliently flexible and compressible mounts attached to the palm; and one or more connectors, each having a digit extending therefrom that is moveable relative to the palm, each connector mounted to a respective mount such that each connector may rotate about the mount when a lateral force is applied to a digit.

Each connector may rotate in the plane of the palm or in a plane normal to the plane of the palm. A single integral mount may be provided or a number of separate mounts may be provided. The mounts may suitably be formed of a material having a DMTA damping factor of between 0.05 to 0.8, preferably between 0.05 to 0.5, over a temperature range of -20°C to 100°C. The material preferably has a resilience of between 20% to 60% and a Shore A hardness of between 10 to 90 (more preferably a Shore A hardness of between 30 to 60) or alternatively a Shore D hardness of between 40 to 90.A metacarpal brace comprising a number of mounts or a single mount with multiple apertures preferably has such resilience that at least two digits may be splayed apart by at least 5 degrees due to relative movement between the actuators and palm allowed by elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace, and preferably at least 10 degrees, and more preferably at least 20 degrees. The metacarpal brace preferably also provides impact absorbtion for forces applied to a digit in a direction normal to the palm such that each actuator may rotate by at least 2 degrees (preferably 5 degrees and more preferably 10 degrees) relative to the palm due to elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace. A force of between 2.5 and 20 Newtons applied laterally or normal to the tip of a digit preferably results in angular rotation with respect to the palm in the plane of the palm of at least 3 degrees, preferably at least 5 degrees, due to elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace.

The metacarpal brace may be formed of elastomers, rubber, silicone, compressible polymers or thermoplastics materials. Preferably the material is a thermoset elastomer (either hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon or silica-based), a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset rubber, an inherently soft thermoplastic. It may also be an alloy or blend or a foamed composition of any of the above polymers.

In another aspect there is provided an automated hand comprising: a palm; a resilient mount secured to the palm including a recess for receiving an actuator; and a first actuator having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end mounted within the recess and the distal end having a thumb extending therefrom in which the resilient mount permits relative angular displacement of the first actuator with respect to the palm of at least 2 degrees. The first actuator may rotate the thumb relative to the palm in a first plane of rotation, the hand including a first engagement surface mounted on the thumb and a second engagement surface mounted on the palm such that during a gripping movement of the thumb the actuator is displaced with respect to the palm so as to bring the engagement surfaces into contact to restrain movement in the first plane.

According to a further aspect there is provided an automated hand comprising: a palm; a first actuator having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end pivotally mounted to the palm and having a thumb extending therefrom, the actuator rotating the thumb relative to the palm in a first plane of rotation; and a first engagement surface mounted on the thumb and a second engagement surface mounted on the palm such that during a gripping movement of the thumb the actuator is displaced with respect to the palm so as to bring the engagement surfaces into contact to restrain movement in the first plane.

According to a further aspect there is provided an automated hand comprising: a palm; a digit extending from the palm; an actuator driving a gear wheel; and an overload protection clutch driven by the gear wheel at its input to cause the digit connected to its output to move and having bidirectional overload protection so that when the rotational force applied to the clutch exceeds a limit the clutch allows relative rotation between its input and output.

According to a further aspect there is provided an automated hand comprising: a palm; a gear wheel connected to the palm via a clutch; and a digit extending from the palm including an actuator driving a gear engaged with the gear wheel so as to cause rotation of the digit with respect to the palm, wherein the clutch is an overload protection clutch having bidirectional overload protection so that when the rotational force applied to the clutch by the gear wheel exceeds a limit the clutch allows relative rotation between the digit and the palm.

According to a further aspect there is provided an automated hand comprising: a palm; and two or more digits extending from the palm; one or more motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; and a wrist joint configured to connect the palm to an arm member, wherein the wrist joint comprises an axle having opposing ends that engage with the palm to allow the palm to rotate about the axle; and a locking mechanism located in the palm configured to lock the palm in a fixed position relative to an arm member.

According to a further aspect there is provided an automated hand comprising: a sealed palm region that is waterproof when submerged in fluid; two or more sealed knuckle joints mounted to the palm; two or more digits extending from respective sealed knuckle joints; and one or more actuators mounted within the sealed palm region which drive the sealed knuckle joints so as to cause the digits to move.

According to a further aspect the invention provides an automated hand comprising: a palm; two or more digits extending from the palm; and one or more drive motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move. Each digit is attached to the palm by a connector comprising a knuckle joint and a connecting arm. The automated hand also comprises a resiliently flexible and compressible metacarpal brace extending between two or more connectors. The metacarpal brace comprises a first end, a second end, and one or more support apertures. Each support aperture is configured to hold at least a portion of a connecting arm therein.

One or more support apertures extend between the first end and second end of the metacarpal brace.

Optionally, each support aperture is substantially cylindrical and each connecting arm is substantially cylindrical and is configured to nest within a respective support aperture.

In one form, the hand comprises an anti-rotation system configured to prevent rotation of one or more digit supports within one or more support apertures of the metacarpal brace.

In one form, at least one support aperture comprises at least one stop configured to engage with a corresponding stop of the connecting arm to prevent rotation of the connecting arm within the support aperture. Preferably, the support aperture comprises at least one recess or opening configured to engage with at least one projection to hold the projection within the recess or opening.

In one form, at least one connector comprises a connecting arm, a motor housing and a knuckle joint located between the connecting arm and motor housing. The motor housing is located within one of the digits and the connecting arm is located within the palm.

Preferably, at least one connecting arm comprises a motor housing for housing a drive motor.

Optionally, the metacarpal brace is made of one or more materials of the group consisting of the following: an elastomer, rubber, silicone, a compressible polymer.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a resiliently flexible and compressible metacarpal brace comprising a first end, a second end substantially opposite the first end, and further comprising one or more apertures extending between the first end and second end.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides an automated hand comprising: a palm; and two or more digits extending from the palm; wherein at least one digit forms a thumb mounted at or near a first side of the palm of the hand, wherein the thumb substantially opposes at least one other digit and wherein the hand comprises a compressible thumb cushion positioned in contact with a portion of the thumb. The compressible thumb cushion may be configured to dampen lateral movement of the thumb under a lateral impact and to provide grip compliance.

Preferably, the thumb is connected to a base member that extends to one side of the thumb, and the compressible thumb cushion is mounted on the base member.

Preferably, one side of the compressible thumb cushion is positioned in contact with one side of the thumb.

In one form, the thumb comprises a first motor configured to cause the thumb to curl and flex about a second axis. Preferably, the first motor is housed within the thumb.

In one form, the thumb comprises a second motor configured to cause the thumb to hinge toward and away from a second side of the palm about a first axis, the second side being substantially opposite the first side. Preferably, the second motor is housed within the base member.

The hand may also comprise a thumb support comprising a first surface, wherein the base member is configured to be located on the first surface of the thumb support. Preferably, the thumb support comprises a first surface comprising a sloping first recess configured to receive at least a portion of the base member therein and wherein the angle of the recess is inclined toward the thumb.

The first recess may comprise an opening at its deepest end.

The thumb support may further comprise a second recess and the thumb comprises a bottom surface comprising a projection extending from the bottom surface; wherein the projection is configured to be received within the second recess.

In one form, the projection and second recess are both elongate and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the base member. Preferably, the projection and recess are both semi-cylindrical.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides an automated hand comprising: a palm; two or more digits extending from the palm; one or more motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; and at least one clutch device. The clutch device is configured to engage and disengage one of the motors from driving a first digit. The clutch device is also configured to engage with the first digit. The clutch device comprises a driven element comprising a contact surface and being configured to be caused to rotate by the motor. The clutch device also comprises a clamping member comprising a first surface configured to engage with the contact surface of the driven element; and a compression member configured to cause the first surface of the clamping member to press against the contact surface of the driven element.

Preferably, the contact surface of the driven element comprises one or more male engagement members and the clamping member comprises one or more female engagement members. Each male engagement member may be configured to be at least partially received in a respective female engagement member to engage the driven element and clamping member with each other.

In one form, each of the one or more female engagement members comprises a substantially concave recess. Preferably, each of the one or more male engagement members comprises a substantially convex or spherical projection.

Preferably, the contact surface of the driven element comprises one or more apertures. Each aperture comprises a closed end and is configured to receive a male engagement member at or near the contact surface, such that the male engagement member projects from the contact surface and wherein the compression member is held within the aperture between the male engagement member and the closed end of the aperture.

Preferably, the compression member is a spring held under compression.

In one form, the male engagement member is a ball, such as a ball bearing. In another form, the male engagement member may be a nib.

Preferably, the contact surface of the driven element comprises one or more female engagement members and the clamping member comprises one or more male engagement members. Each male engagement member may be configured to be at least partially received in a respective female engagement member to engage the driven element and clamping member with each other.

Preferably, each of the one or more female engagement members comprises a substantially concave recess. More preferably, each of the one or more male engagement members comprises a substantially convex or spherical projection.

In one form, the first surface of the clamping member comprises one or more apertures, wherein each aperture comprises a closed end and is configured to receive a male engagement member at or near the first surface, and wherein the compression member is held within the aperture between the male engagement member and the closed end of the aperture.

Preferably, the compression member is a spring held under compression.

In one form, the male engagement member is a ball, such as a ball bearing. In another form, the male engagement member may be a nib.

Preferably, the clamping member comprises a second surface configured to engage with the first digit.

In one form, the clamping member comprises a first element comprising the first surface of the clamping member. The clamping member also comprises a second element comprising a second surface of the clamping member. The compression member comprises a spring washer located between the first and second surfaces.

Preferably, one or more male engagement members project from the first surface of the clamping member and are configured to engage with one or more female engagement members provided on the contact surface of the driven element.

In one form, the second surface of the clamping member is configured to engage with the body of the first digit. The body of the first digit comprises an inner surface comprising a receiving element configured to receive the second surface of the clamping member therein.

Preferably, the receiving element comprises an aperture, recess, or area defined by at least one wall bordering the area or by a plurality of projecting arms.

In one form, the contact surface of the driven element is substantially circular and the clamping member comprises a body comprising two end portions and a substantially concave inner surface comprising the first surface of the clamping member and being configured to substantially surround at least half of the contact surface of the driven element. The compression member is configured to press at least one end portion of the clamping member toward the other end portion to clamp the first surface of the clamping member against the contact surface of the driven element.

In another form, the contact surface of the driven element is substantially circular and the clamping member comprises a substantially ring shaped body comprising two end portions extending from the ring shaped body. The substantially ring shaped body comprises an inner surface comprising the first surface of the clamping member and configured to substantially surround the contact surface of the driven element. The compression member is configured to press at least one end portion of the clamping member toward the other end portion to clamp the first surface of the clamping member against the contact surface of the driven element.

Preferably, the clamping member is configured to engage with the body of the first digit.

In one form, an inner surface of the body of the first digit comprises a receiving element configured to receive at least a portion of the clamping member therein. The receiving element comprises a recess shaped to key with the clamping member.

Preferably, the driven element and clamping element are supported by a common axle passing through an axle receiving aperture formed in the driven element and clamping element.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides an automated hand comprising: a palm; and two or more digits extending from the palm; one or more motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; and a wrist joint configured to connect the palm to an arm member. The wrist joint comprises an axle having opposing ends that engage with the palm to allow the palm to rotate about the axle.

Preferably, the positioning system further comprises a positioning member that engages with the axle and a lock configured to lock the palm in a fixed position relative to the positioning member. The lock and at least a portion of the positioning member are located within the palm of the hand.

In one form, the positioning system comprises an axle located within the palm of the hand; a positioning member comprising a locking arm located with the palm; and a locking member located within the palm. The locking member is configured to engage with the positioning member to lock the palm in a neutral position, a flexion position, or an extension position.

Preferably, the locking arm comprises a plurality of openings and the locking member comprises a locking pin configured to be received within any of the openings.

Preferably, the axle is supported within the palm by a pair of substantially compressible axle mounts.

Preferably, the wrist joint further comprises a connector configured to attach to the positioning member and to attach to the arm member.

Preferably, the positioning member is configured to rotate relative to the connector.

In one form, the positioning member comprises at least one locking finger and the connector comprises a series of indexing nodules configured to engage with the locking finger(s) to lock the positioning member in position relative to the connector. The at least one locking finger is configured to disengage from the indexing nodules when the positioning member is caused to rotate relative to the connector.

Preferably, the wrist joint further comprises a watertight seal located between the positioning member and the connector.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a wrist joint for an electric terminal device, wherein the wrist joint is configured to attach to the electric terminal device and to an arm member and wherein the wrist joint comprises a body comprising a first end and a second end, the second end being configured to face toward the arm member and comprising an aperture extending into a substantially hollow region of the wrist joint body to allow a portion of a user's stump to extend through at least a portion of the wrist joint.

Preferably, the aperture extends between the first and second ends of the wrist joint.

In one form, the wrist joint further comprises an axle that is rotatably attached to the palm to allow the palm to hinge relative to the wrist joint.

Preferably, the electric terminal device comprises a powered hook.

Alternatively, the electric terminal device comprises an automated hand.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides an automated hand comprising: a palm; two or more digits extending from the palm; one or more motors configured to cause the digits to move; and a control system connected to the one or more motors and configured to receive: one or more EMG signals from a user; one or more electronic signals from a user interface; or one or more EMG signals from a user and one or more electronic signals from a user interface, and to cause the digits to assume a predetermined grip pattern depending on the signal(s) received, wherein the control system is programmable to cause the hand to assume a predetermined grip pattern based on the signals received. A selected grip pattern may be displayed on a display.

The hand may further comprise one or more indicators that a signal has been received by the control system. At least one of the indicators may be a visual indicator. In one form, the hand may comprise at least one visual indicator that a signal has been received by the control system.

The hand preferably comprises a user interface comprising one or more input members through which a user may cause the hand to assume a predetermined grip pattern.

The one or more input members may comprise one or more buttons. Preferably, the user interface comprises a panel comprising one or more input members and one or more visual indicators.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides an automated hand comprising: a palm; two or more digits extending from the palm; and one or more motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; wherein the automated hand is configured to operate when submerged in a fluid.

Preferably, the hand comprises a wrist joint configured to attach the palm to a lower arm member comprising a sleeve and also configured to form a watertight attachment to the sleeve.

Preferably, the wrist joint comprises an axle about which the palm can curl and flex and/or rotate laterally.

In one form, the wrist joint is configured to hold electrical connectors that connect electronics in the sleeve with electronics in the palm and/or digits of the hand.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an automated hand substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings, either individually or in combination with any feature, and in any configuration.

Any reference to prior art documents in this specification is not to be considered an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is further described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of one form of automated hand of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the automated hand of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of one form of automated hand of the invention;

Figure 4A is a side perspective view of one form of metacarpal brace of the invention;

Figure 4B is a front perspective view of the metaca rpal brace of Figure 4A;

Figure 4C is another side perspective view of the metacarpal brace of Figure 4A;

Figure 4D is a bottom perspective view of the metacarpal brace of Figure 4A;

Figure 5 is a partially cut away plan view of one form of automated hand of the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the automated hand of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of one form of thumb, thumb support and thumb cushion of the invention;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of one form of palm and thumb configuration of the invention; Figure 9 is an exploded view of one form of digit and clutch device of the invention;

Figure 10A is a side view of part of a digit and knuckle of the invention;

Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of one form of digit and clutch device taken along line A-A of Figure 10A;

Figure 11A is a plan view of one form of automated hand in a gripping position;

Figure 11B is a cross-sectional side view of the hand taken along line B-B of Figure 11A;

Figure 12A is a plan view of one form of automated hand of the invention in an open position;

Figure 12B is a cross-sectional side view of the hand taken along line C-C of Figure 12A;

Figure 13 is an exploded view of another form of clutch device of the invention;

Figure 14A is an exploded view of yet another form of clutch device of the invention;

Figure 14B is a side view of part of a finger bearing the clutch device of Figure 14A;

Figure 14C is a cross-sectional view through line G-G of Figure 14B;

Figure 15 is an exploded view of one form of wrist positioning system of the invention;

Figure 16 is an exploded view of the wrist positioning system of Figure 15 from another angle; Figure 17A is a partial plan view of one form of automated hand of the invention with a wrist in a neutral position;

Figure 17B is a cross-sectional side view of the hand taken along line D-D of Figure 17A;

Figure 17C is a cross-sectional side view of the hand taken along line D-D of Figure 17A but in a curled position;

Figure 17D is a cross-sectional side view of the hand taken along line D-D of Figure 17A but in a flexed position;

Figure 18 is an exploded view of the lower part of the palm and switch of one form of the invention;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of part of one form of automated hand of the invention;

Figure 20A is a plan view of one form of hand of the invention with the palm in a neutral position; Figure 20B is a cross-sectional side view of the hand taken along line E-E of Figure 20A;

Figure 20C is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 20B;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of one form of positioning member attached to one form of connector according to the invention;

Figure 22A is a side view of one form of hand with wrist joint in a neutral position;

Figure 22B is a cross-sectional end view of the wrist joint taken along line F-F of Figures 22A; Figure 23 is a perspective view of one form of automated hand comprising a wrist joint according to one form of the invention;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of another form of positioning member of the invention; and Figure 25 is a plan view of the automated hand of Figure 24 and comprising user interface for training purposes.

Figure 26 is a side perspective view of an automated hand according to a second exemplary embodiment showing thumb rotation directions;

Figure 27 is a side view of the automated hand of Figure 26 with the thumb removed;

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the thumb of the hand shown in Figure 26;

Figure 29 is a bottom view of the hand shown in Figure 26 with a thumb rotation lock engaged;

Figure 30 is a bottom view of the hand shown in Figure 26 with the thumb rotation lock disengaged;

Figure 31 is a top view of an automated hand shown in Figure 26 with cut always showing the actuators housed in the fingers and thumb;

Figure 32 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the thumb rotation lock in an engaged position;

Figure 33 is a perspective view and partial explosion of a further knuckle clutch embodiment for an automated hand;

Figure 34 is an exploded view of the knuckle clutch shown in Figure 33;

Figure 35 is a side elevation of the clutch shown in Figure 33;

Figure 36 is a sectional view along line I-I Figure 35;

Figure 37 is an end view of the clutch shown in Figure 33;

Figure 38 is a magnified view of area J in Figure 37 showing the clutch plate;

Figure 39 is a side view of the clutch plate of the clutch of Figure 33;

Figure 40 is a plan view of the clutch plate of the clutch of Figure 33;

Figure 41 is a perspective view of the clutch plate of the clutch of Figure 33;

Figure 42 is a side elevation of a clutch according to a further embodiment having a motor drive in the finger;

Figure 43 is a bottom view of a wrist mechanism according to a further embodiment in a neutral position;

Figure 44 is a sectional view along line H-H of Figure 43;

Figure 45 is a bottom view of the hand shown in Figure 43 in the flexion position;

Figure 46 is a sectional view along line H-H of Figure 45;

Figure 47 is a bottom view of the hand shown in Figure 43 in the extension position;

Figure 48 is a sectional view along line H-H of Figure 47;

Figure 49 is a perspective view of the back of the automated hand of Figure 43 without the wrist portion;

Figure 50 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 49;

Figure 51 is an exploded perspective of the wrist for the hand shown in Figure 43;

Figure 52 is an exploded view of the complete rear assembly of the hand shown in Figure 43;

Figure 53 is a perspective of the wrist shown in figure 51 ;

Figure 54 is a plan view of an automated hand indicating an alphanumeric display;

Figure 55 is a perspective of yet another wrist embodiment;

Figure 56 is an exploded perspective view of the wrist embodiment shown in Figure 55;

Figure 57 is a back elevation of a Metacarpal brace according to a further embodiment;

Figure 58 is a side elevation of the Metacarpal brace shown in Figure 57;

Figure 59 is a plan view of the Metacarpal brace shown in Figure 57;

Figure 60 is a front perspective view of the Metacarpal brace shown in Figure 57;

Figure 61 is a rear perspective view of the Metacarpal brace shown in Figure 57;

Figure 62 is a rear perspective view of a top palm;

Figure 63 is a rear perspective view of a set of digits and actuators;

Figure 64 is a rear perspective view of a bottom palm;

Figure 65 is an exploded perspective view of hand and top palm cover; and

Figure 66 is an exploded perspective view of hand and bottom palm cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to an automated hand, such as a prosthetic hand or training hand for a prosthetic. Whilst the description is given by way of example with respect to electric motors it will be appreciated that a range of suitable actuators may be employed.

First Exemplary Embodiment

The automated hand 100 of the first exemplary embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 25 and comprises a palm 200 and two or more digits 300 extending from the palm 200. Each digit may be attached to the palm by a knuckle joint. The digits are configured to move between an open, substantially flexed (extended) position, and a substantially closed, gripping position. A digit 300 may be in the form of a finger 310 or thumb 320. In one example, the hand 100 may comprise two digits 300, one being a finger 310 and the other being a substantially opposing thumb 320. In another form, the hand 100 may comprise four or more fingers 310 and a substantially opposing thumb 320. In yet another form, the hand 100 may comprise only two or more fingers 310. It is envisaged that in yet another form, the hand 100 may comprise one or more fingers 310 and two or more thumbs 320, although this is not a preferred embodiment because it is an unnatural looking hand.

The hand 100 of the invention also comprises one or more drive motors 230. Each motor 230 may be configured to drive movement of just one digit 300, or of more than one digit. For example, where the hand 100 comprises four fingers and a thumb, a single motor 230 may be used to drive movement of the thumb from one position to another. Two motors 230 may be used to drive movement of the fingers, each of the finger motors being configured to move two fingers. In another form, each digit 300 may be driven by an independent motor 230 configured to drive movement of that digit 300 only. In one form, the thumb may comprise two motors, where the first motor is configured to cause the thumb to curl and flex and the second motor is configured to cause the thumb to move from one side of the palm toward the other.

Each digit 300 comprises a body that may be formed as a single part or as two or more parts. A human finger, for example, comprises a proximal phalanx, a middle phalanx, and a distal phalanx. The automated hand 100 of the invention may also comprise one or more digits 300

comprising proximal 301, middle 302, and distal phalanges 303, as shown in the thumb of Figure 1. Alternatively, one or more digits of the hand may be configured to comprise only proximal 301 and distal phalanges 303, as shown in the fingers of Figure 1. In this configuration, the proximal 301 or distal phalanx 303 may optionally be angled or curved. In some forms, the point of the angle or curve may resemble the appearance of a joint between a middle phalanx 302 and the proximal phalanx 301 or between the middle phalanx and distal phalanx 303, as the case may be. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the distal phalanx 303 of the finger 300 is angled to resemble a jointed middle phalanx and distal phalanx in a substantially relaxed, slightly curled position. In yet another form, the digit may comprise a proximal phalanx only. Again, the digit may comprise one or more curves or angles so that the digit substantially resembles a bent/curled human finger.

In one form, the body of the digit 300 may be a substantially hollow shell, which may comprise working components within the hollow interior. The working components are configured to transfer rotational movement of the motor to the digit. In another form, the body of the finger may be substantially solid.

The automated hand 100 of the invention also comprises a power supply configured to operate the one of more drive motors 10 and other electronic components of the hand. The power supply may be a battery or other power storage device, such as a slow release capacitor. Optionally, the power supply is rechargeable.

Preferably, the hand 100 comprises an indicator that provides an indication of when the power supply is running low. For example, the indicator may be a visual indicator in the form of a flashing light or a light of a particular colour. Additionally, or alternatively, the indicator may be a sound indicator that beeps or makes a particular sound to indicate that the power supply is running low.

The hand 100 of the invention may also comprise a control system configured to control operation of the motors of the hand. The control system may also be configured to control operation of other electronic components of the hand. The control system may be programmable to suit the needs and skills of the user. The control system may optionally be reprogrammable also to suit the changing needs and skills of the user over time.

Metacarpal Brace

In one form, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the palm 200 of the hand 100 comprises a body in the form of an outer shell. The outer shell defines an interior of the palm in which working components and electronics may be held. The outer shell may be formed as one piece. In another form, the outer shell of the palm comprises a first part 210 and a second part 220 configured to be attached together. The first part of the outer shell of the palm is configured to form the upper part 210 of the hand, i.e. the back of the hand. The second part of the outer shell is configured to form the lower part 220 of the hand, i.e. the gripping part of the palm. In the interests of clarity, the first and second parts 210, 220 will now be referred to as upper and lower parts 210, 220 respectively. However, this terminology should not be interpreted so that the first part is always in an upper position and the second part is always in a lower position. As will be appreciated, the hand may rotate so that the upper part (the back of the hand) faces toward the ground and is therefore lower than the lower part of the palm.

The palm 200 of the hand 100 may also comprise a resiliently flexible and compressible metacarpal brace 250. The metacarpal brace 250 may be configured to support the knuckle joints and therefore also the digits of the hand.

In one form, one or more knuckle joints are directly or indirectly attached to a connector, which is configured to attach to the metacarpal brace. The connector 260 may comprise a knuckle joint 261 and a connecting arm 20. The knuckle joint 261 may be located at a first end of the connecting arm 20. The connecting arm 20 may be configured to attach to or at least be supported by the metacarpal brace 250. The connecting arm 20 is thus mounted to the metacarpal brace 250 in a "free floating" manner such that each connecting arm 20 may rotate about the metacarpal brace 250 when a lateral force is applied to a digit. The resilience of the metacarpal brace 250 allows the digits to splay (rotate apart in the plane of the palm) and provide impact absorbtion for forces applied to a digit in a direction normal to the palm. This avoids the need for any internal frame with the digits being attached to the palm only by the metacarpal brace secured to the top and bottom palm halves.

The metacarpal brace 250 is configured to substantially extend across the knuckle region of the hand. For example, the metacarpal brace 250 may extend between two or more connectors and may be configured to allow the connectors (and therefore the knuckle joints 261 and distal portion of the palm 200) to splay apart slightly, to squish together slightly, and to move slightly up and down relative to each other to simulate (at least in part) the natural movement of the knuckles of a human hand. The connectors 260 are configured to connect the finger(s) 300 to the palm 200. Therefore, by allowing the connectors 260 to splay, due to the resilience of the metacarpal brace, the fingers 300 are also able to move laterally and splay to some extent, such as when an article such as a brush handle is placed between fingers. The metacarpal brace preferably has such resilience that at least two digits may be splayed by at least 5 degrees (more preferably at least 10 degrees and even more preferably at least 20 degrees) due to relative movement between the connector and palm allowed by elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace. The word "splay" in this context refers to digits that are generally parallel in their neutral position and the extent to which they are "splayed" represents the angle between the centrelines of the adjacent digits. Where the digits are not parallel "splay" refers to the additional angular rotation between adjacent digits. The resilience of the metacarpal brace also provides impact absorbtion from lateral forces (i.e. forces from either side of the hand such as an impact to the little finger forcing it towards the 3rd finger) and normal forces (i.e. forces acting against a digit in a direction normal to the plane of the palm). This is due to a connector 260 being able to move with respect to the palm due to elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace 250. The metacarpal brace may provide elastic deformation such that a lateral force of between 2.5 and 20 Newtons applied to the tip of a digit results in angular rotation with respect to the palm in the plane of the palm (digit splay) of at least 3 (preferably at least 5) degrees.

The metacarpal brace preferably provides impact absorbtion for forces applied to a digit in a direction normal to the palm such that each connector may rotate by at least 2 (preferably at least 5 degrees) relative to the palm in the plane of driven movement of a digit (digit rotation) due to elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace. The metacarpal brace may provide elastic deformation such that a force of between 2.5 and 20 Newtons applied to the tip of a digit in a direction normal to the plane of the palm results in angular rotation of the digit relative to the palm of at least 3 degrees.

Similarly, by allowing the connectors 260 (and therefore the knuckle joints 261) at either side of the hand 100 to move downwardly, for example, the fingers 300 are able to more readily conform around and grip a small or round object, such as a tennis ball. The compliant nature of the automated hand means that the hand is also able to provide a more natural grip in a handshake.

Metacarpal Brace Material Properties

The material selected for use as the metacarpal brace should be capable of retaining a high degree of flexibility when exposed to the normal cold and hot ambient temperatures in end-use. The hand might be exposed to icy water (0°C) or very hot water (60°C).

Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) is a laboratory test which accurately describes the actual behaviour of a polymeric material during its end-use, such as use as a 'metacarpal brace'. This is an ASTM protocol selected from either D 2236, D 4065, D 4440, or D 5279. It incorporates 'temperature' as a parameter for material selection

The DTMA test measures the ability of a material to absorb and/or retain energy during a mechanical operation such as bending.

It describes flexibility and resilience (rebound) in terms of the ratio of absorbed energy/retained energy. This unitless ratio is called "damping coefficient" or "tangent delta" for that material, and it can be generated over a wide range of temperatures.

In analytical terminology the material used for a metacarpal brace would require a flexibility (damping factor/tangent delta) of less than 1.0, preferably between 0.05 and 0.8 when measured over a temperature range of minus 20°C to plus 100°C.

To provide the flexible, semi-compressible and resilient characteristics, the metacarpal brace may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials, including but not limited to: elastomers, rubber, silicone, compressible polymers and thermoplastics materials. Thermoset elastomers (either hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon or silica-based), thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset rubbers, inherently soft thermoplastics or foamed compositions based on any of these polymers are suitable for this application.

Some typical polymeric materials which qualify against these criteria are shown below in Table 1. These 'families' of polymers can be described as:

Crosslinked thermoset elastomers (such as ethylene/ acrylate or butyl rubber), crosslinked thermoset polyurethanes (Sorbothane8), crosslinked thermoset polysiloxanes, thermoplastic polyurethanes (Huntsman, Bayer), thermoplastic elastomers (DuPont HytreT, DSM ArnitaT copolyester, Arkema Pebax8 copolyamide ). Alloys and blends of these polymers (with other polymers as well as inorganic fillers), and foamed versions of these families of elastomeric materials would also be candidate materials. Composite materials such as carbon fibre reinforced polymers may also be used.

Table 1. Criteria for Metacarpal Brace Polymer Flexibility

Notes

* based on the methodology disclosed in USP 4,605,681

** Sorbothane®

*** based on data provided by Huntsman Advanced Materials

**** based on Army Research Lab TR 4296 data

Data in Table 1 shows that a broad range of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers meet the criteria for selection as a material from which to manufacture the metacarpal brace.

The damping factor is preferably in the range of 0.05 - 0.80 between minus 20°C and plus 100°C, and more preferably in the range 0.05 to 0.5. Resilience is preferably between 20 to 60%. Hardness is preferably between Shore A hardness 10 to 90 (more preferably 30 to 60) or Shore D hardness 40 to 90. A metacarpal brace formed of a material having a Shore A hardness of about 30 has been found to be particularly suitable.

It is to be appreciated that the required functionality of the metacarpal block may be achieved in ways other than using a solid metacarpal block as per the examples above. For example, cuts could be provided in a solid block or it may otherwise be formed so that a smaller section of material is exposed to the rotational forces applied by the digits. Foamed materials may have a different structure, for example the metacarpal brace may extend further along the actuators where the foamed materials are easily deformed.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the metacarpal brace 250 comprises a body 251 having a first end 252. The first end 252 may face substantially in the direction of the wrist. The support 250 also comprises a second end 253. The second end 253 may be positioned substantially opposite the first end and may face substantially in the direction of the finger(s) 300 of the hand 100. The metacarpal brace 250 also comprises an upper surface 254, which may be configured to form part of an upper surface 211 of the upper part 210 of the palm of the hand. Preferably, the upper surface of the metacarpal brace 250 is configured to be substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper part 210 of the palm 200. The brace 250 also comprises a substantially opposing lower surface 255, which may be configured to form part of a contact surface 221 of the palm of the hand. The contact surface is the outer surface of the lower part of the hand which typically comes into contact with an item that is gripped within the palm of the hand. The lower surface of the metacarpal brace 250 may be substantially flush with the contact surface of the lower part 220 of the palm 200.

The metacarpal brace 250 is positioned between the knuckle joints 261 and the body of the palm 200. The upper 210 and lower 220 parts of the palm 200 may be configured to connect together and to hold at least a portion of the metacarpal brace 250 between the upper and lower parts 210, 220. For example, in one form, the first end 252 of the metacarpal brace is configured to be held between the upper and lower parts 210, 220 of the palm 200 and to be substantially flush with the upper and lower surfaces of the palm so that the metacarpal brace 250 acts as an extension to the upper and lower parts 210, 220.

In one form, the palm 200, including the metacarpal brace 250, may comprise an attachment system to attach the metacarpal brace 250 to the upper 210 and lower 220 parts of the palm. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the upper part 210 of the palm comprises a first end 212 and a second end 213. The lower part 220 of the palm also comprises a first end 222 and a second end 223. The second end of both the upper and lower parts 210, 220 may comprise a lip 214 extending around all, or substantially all, of the second end, as shown in Figure 3. The first end 252 of the metacarpal brace 250 may comprise a flange 256 that substantially extends around the first side 252. A channel 257 may be located between the flange 256 and the rest of the body of the metacarpal brace 250, as shown best in Figures 3, 4c and 4d. The walls of the channel 257 are formed by an inside edge of the flange 256 and the rest of the body 251 of the metacarpal brace 250. The lip 214 of each of the upper and lower parts 210, 220 of the palm 200 may be configured to project into the channel 257 and to abut the inside edge of the flange 256. By connecting the first and second parts 210, 220 of the palm together, the lip 214 projects into the channel 257 and the flange 256 prevents the lip 214 from pulling out of the channel 257, even if the metacarpal brace is flexed or pulled away from the first and second parts of the palm 200.

It is envisaged that in other forms, the channel 257 and flange 256 may not extend around the whole, or substantially the whole, of the metacarpal brace 250 and may instead extend around a part or parts of the metacarpal brace 250. For example, the flange 256 may be formed of a series of projections provided around the first end of the metacarpal brace 250 so that a channel 257 is formed between each projection and the rest of the support 250. In another form, the flange 256 may be provided at opposing sides of the first end of the metacarpal brace 250.

It should be appreciated that this is just one form of attachment system to attach the metacarpal brace to the upper and lower parts of the palm. Any other suitable attachment system may otherwise be used. For example, the metacarpal brace and the upper and lower parts of the palm may comprise complementary male and female attachment members that mate with each other to attach the metacarpal brace to the palm. A clip connection system may be another form of attachment system that could be used. In yet another form, at least a portion of the metacarpal brace may be adhered to or integrally moulded with one of or both of the upper and lower parts of the palm.

As mentioned above, the metacarpal brace 250 is configured to support one or more connectors 260 to indirectly support the knuckles 261 and digits 300 of the hand.

In one form, the body of each connector 260 may be configured to provide a motor housing. For example, the connecting arm 20 may comprise a motor housing. In another

example, the connector may comprise a connecting arm, a motor housing, and a knuckle joint located between the connecting arm and motor housing. In this arrangement, the motor housing may be located within the body of the digit and the connecting arm may be located within the palm. The motor housing may house a drive motor and may optionally house one or more encoders and/or sensors.

The metacarpal brace may be configured to hold the connecting arm of each connector. For example, one or more support apertures 258 may extend through the metacarpal brace 250 from the first end 252 to the second end 253. In one form, as shown in Figure 2a, four support apertures 258 are provided. Each support aperture 258 is preferably configured to receive a connecting arm 20 of a connector 260 within it.

In another form, the metacarpal brace 250 may be configured to support the one or more drive motors 10 of the hand 100 so that each support aperture 258 is configured to receive a drive motor within it. In effect, each support aperture 258 may be configured to form a motor bay.

In a preferred form, each support aperture 258 is substantially cylindrical and is dimensioned to snugly hold a substantially cylindrical motor 10 or connecting arm 20. In one form, substantially the whole of the curved walls of a motor 10 or connecting arm 20 may be held within a support aperture 258. Alternatively, only a portion of the motor 10 or connecting arm 20 may be held within a support aperture 258 so that the metacarpal brace 250 suspends the motor/connecting arm in space within the palm of the hand, as indicated in Figure 3 and shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The hand 100 may be assembled so that the second end 253 of the metacarpal brace 250 abuts the knuckle joint 261 of each connector and so that the connecting arm 20 of each connector is held within a respective support aperture 258.

In one form, the hand may be configured so that a first end of each connecting arm 20 is suspended within the palm 200 of the hand. For example, a portion of a connecting arm 20 at or near a second end 23 of the connecting arm is held within a support aperture 258. The remaining portion of the connecting arm 20, near the first end 22 of the connecting arm may extend from the support aperture 258 so as to be suspended within the interior of the body of the palm 200 of the hand, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

In another form, the metacarpal brace is longer so that substantially the whole of the connecting arm(s) is/are held within the support aperture(s).

In one form, the hand 100 comprises four fingers 300 and four drive motors 10, each drive motor 10 being configured to drive movement of an individual finger 300. The metacarpal brace 250 of the hand 100 comprises four support apertures 258, each support aperture extending between the first 252 and second ends 253 of the metacarpal brace 250. The connecting arms are configured to fit snugly within a respective support aperture 258 of the metacarpal brace 250.

In one form each drive motor 10 is housed within a connecting arm 20 of a respective connector 260. Preferably, the connecting arms 20 are configured to provide watertight housings for the drive motors 10.

Typically, a first end 22 of each motor and of each motor housing comprises an electrical connector 21 that is connected to the respective motor 10 and is configured to directly or indirectly connect to the power supply and/or a control system. The control system may be configured to determine when and how quickly a motor 10 should drive movement of a finger 300 and in what direction the finger should move. The second end of each drive motor 10 is located at or near a second end 23 of the respective motor housing (if the drive motor 10 is placed within a motor housing). A second end of each motor may comprise an output shaft that is directly or indirectly connected to an actuation system for a respective finger 300 and is configured so that an output of the motor 10 directly or indirectly engages with the finger 300 to drive movement of the finger 300.

In one form, the metacarpal brace 250 and connecting arms 20 comprise an anti-rotation system in which the two parts 250, 20 engage with each other to prevent the connecting arms 20 from rotating within the support apertures 258 as the drive motors cause the digits to move. In one form, as shown in Figures 3 to 4d, one or more support apertures 258 may comprise at least one stop, which may comprise an opening 259, such as a recess or notch, configured to engage with at least one corresponding stop, such as a projection 24, formed on one or more respective connecting arms 20. In this arrangement, each connecting arm 20 is held within a support aperture 258 so that a projection 24 of the motor housing is held within a respective opening 259 formed in the metacarpal brace 250. Alternatively, the motor bays of the metacarpal brace may be provided with one or more stops in the form of projections configured to mate with one or more stops in the form of openings/recesses provided on the respective connecting arms. When the fingers are moving, any torque transferred from the fingers 310 to the connecting arms 20 is prevented from causing the connecting arms 20 to rotate within the support apertures 258. The anti-rotation system may also prevent the connecting arms 20 from rotating within the support apertures 258 when the hand 100 receives an impact force. Alternatively, rotation may be prevented by providing an aperture of non-circular cross section, such as a keyhole, with the actuator having a corresponding interengaging profile.

Optionally, one or more of the connecting arms 20 are configured to comprise one or more end stops 25 for pressing against the shell of the palm to prevent the respective fingers from bending back on the upper part of the palm and/or to prevent the finger from being pulled down too far. In other words, the end stops 25 are configured to provide maximum points of movement for the fingers in order to prevent extreme movement of the fingers 300. In one form, an end stop 25 may be provided on an upper portion of the motor housing (the upper portion being the part that faces toward the upper part of the palm). Additionally or alternatively, an end stop 25 may be provided on a lower portion of the motor housing (the lower portion being the part that faces the lower part 220 of the palm). Optionally, one or more electronics housings located on or within the connecting arm may also form end stops 25.

Typically, the metacarpal brace 250 is semi-flexible and semi-compressible to provide the palm 200 and knuckle joints 261 with sufficient structural integrity as well as the ability to flex somewhat. The amount of flexibility and compressibility provided at various areas of the metacarpal brace 250 effects the extent of movement of the hand 100 and fingers 300.

In one form, the metacarpal brace 250 may be configured to provide different compressibility and/or flexibility characteristics at different areas of the metacarpal brace 250. For example, the areas of the metacarpal brace 250 that align with gaps between the fingers 300 may be more flexible than other areas of the support 250. The greater flexibility may be achieved by making these areas of the metacarpal brace 250 thinner and/or by making these areas of the metacarpal brace 250 from a more flexible material than other areas of the support 250.

The metacarpal brace may also be substantially resilient, so that after compressing or flexing, the metacarpal brace substantially returns to its original state.

The flexible and semi-compressible nature of the metacarpal brace 250 provides significant advantages to the automated hand 100. For example, when fingers 300 of the hand 100 form a

gripping position, the metacarpal brace 250 can flex and curve to allow the fingers 300 to substantially splay around the gripped object and at least partially mould the hand 100 around the object. In this way, the movement of the metacarpal brace 250 is much like the palm of a human hand, which will curve slightly (particularly at the sides) to grip an object, such as a tennis ball. By curving slightly around an object, the hand 100 is provided with an increased number of contact points at which the hand 100 contacts the object. The more contact points that the hand 100 has, the better the grip of the hand. Typically, for a conventional automated hand to achieve a good grip, the motors of the hand drive the digits of the hand to clamp onto the surface of the object being gripped. The stronger the clamping force, the less likely the object will slip out of the hand. But this requires the motors to work hard, which strains the motors. Even when a strong clamping force is used, it can be difficult for conventional automated hands to grip some objects. For example, a slippery and curved object, such as a glass bottle, may still be difficult for a conventional hand to grip reliably. However, because an automated hand comprising a metacarpal brace of the present invention is able to substantially curve around an object to provide more contact points, the motors of the hand do not need to work as hard to achieve the required gripping force. As a result, the longevity of the motors and batteries is enhanced and a better grip is obtained.

Another advantage offered by the substantially flexible and compressible metacarpal brace is that when the automated hand of the invention receives an impact force, particularly side impacts to the little of index fingers, the hand is able to absorb some of the force to minimise damage to the working parts of the hand. In particular, the cushioning effect created by the compressible metacarpal brace helps to diffuse the impact force, which could otherwise damage sensitive components of the hand, such as the motor gearboxes. In this way, the metacarpal brace helps to improve the longevity of the motors and other components of the hand.

A hand comprising the flexible and compressible metacarpal brace of the invention may also be quieter where the drive motors are housed within the connecting arms because the metacarpal brace substantially absorbs the vibrations of the drive motors.

Another advantage provided by the metacarpal brace is that a hand comprising the support may feel more natural in a hand shake. This is due to the ability of the hand to compress slightly under pressure from the hand shake and to curve slightly to grip the other person's hand.

Furthermore, because the metacarpal brace extends across the knuckle region of the hand, the brace supports the knuckles and the fingers, which provides better control and accuracy of movement of the fingers.

Whilst the metacarpal brace is shown as an integrally formed block it is to be appreciated that a separate mount could be provided for each actuator - either individually mounted to the palm or secured together after formation.

Thumb

In one form, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the automated hand 100 of the invention comprises a digit 300 in the form of a thumb 320, configured to substantially oppose at least one finger 310 of the hand. Preferably, the automated hand 100 comprises four fingers 310 and a substantially opposing thumb 320 in an arrangement the same as or similar to that of a human hand.

The thumb 320 is mounted at or near a first side 201 of the palm 200 of the hand so that the thumb body 321, which may be configured to curl and flex, substantially opposes at least one other digit 300, such as a forefinger for example. The thumb 320 is configured to extend from the contact surface of the palm to substantially resemble a human thumb and palm arrangement.

In one form, the thumb body 321 comprises a proximal phalanx 301, a middle phalanx 302, and a distal phalanx 303, as illustrated in Figure 8. In other forms, the thumb body may comprise a proximal phalanx only or a proximal and distal phalanx, as described above in relation to the various embodiments that digits of the hand may take.

In one form, the thumb 320 is configured to be mounted on the upper part 210 of the palm 200 of the hand 100. The thumb 320 may be mounted directly on an inner surface of the shell of the upper part 210 of the palm or the thumb 320 may be mounted on an intermediate member, such as a thumb support 330, which is itself mounted on an inner surface of the upper part 210 of the palm. For example, the hand 100 may comprise a thumb support 330 configured to position the thumb 320 in a desired location and orientation with respect to the palm 200. In one form, the thumb support 330 is configured to attach to or rest within or on the upper part 210 of the palm shell.

The thumb 320 may be configured to be mounted on the thumb support 330. For example, in one form, the thumb 320 comprises a body 321 and a base member 322 that extends from

one side of the thumb body 321 to form a substantially L-shaped thumb 320. The thumb 320 is positioned on the palm 200 so that when the hand 100 is in an open position, the thumb body

321 extends from the contact surface of the palm 200 at or near a first side 201 of the palm and the base member 322 extends across the palm 200 toward the second side 202 of the palm. The second side 202 of the palm is substantially opposite to the first side 201 of the palm. In this arrangement, a distal end 322a of the base member 322 substantially faces toward the second side 202 of the palm. The thumb 320 may be configured to rotate toward and away from the distal end 322a of the base member 322, so as to rotate toward and away from the second side 202 of the palm, as described below.

In one form, the thumb support 330 comprises a first surface 321 having a sloping first recess 332. In the form illustrated, the first recess 332 slopes along the length of the thumb support 330. The angle of the first recess 332 is preferably inclined toward the thumb body 321. The first recess 332 comprises a first end 332a, which is the shallowest end of the recess 332, and a substantially opposing second end 332b, being the deepest end of the recess 332. Optionally, the first recess 332 comprises an opening. In one form, the opening may be provided at the second end 332a of the first recess 332.

The first recess 332 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the base member

322 of the thumb 320, so that the base member 322 is substantially held in position within the first recess 332. The angle of the first recess 332 not only helps the thumb 320 to be held in position on the thumb support 330, but also allows the body 321 of the thumb 320 to be located and angled on the palm 200 in a substantially natural looking position to provide a substantially natural looking hand 100.

The thumb support 330 may also comprise a second recess 333 located on the first surface 321. In the form illustrated, the second recess 333 is located near the first end 332a of the first recess 332. The second recess 333 may be configured to receive a positioning element 323 that projects from the base member 322 to help ensure that the base member 322 maintains its position on the thumb support 330 without slewing from side to side. The second recess 333 and positioning element 323 may be of any suitable complementary shape, such as a rectangular shape, a star shape, a hexagonal shape, or square shape.

In one form, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the positioning element 323 forms a hinge about which the thumb 320 may rotate toward and away from the distal end 322a of the base member

322. In this form, the projecting hinge 323 may be substantially semi-cylindrical and the second recess 333 may also be substantially semi-cylindrical so that the hinge 323 can nest within and rotate within the second recess 333. The hinge/positioning element 323 and second recess 333 may extend substantially perpendicularly to the length of the base member 322.

Optionally, the thumb support 330 comprises a compressible material, such as rubber, silicon, or an elastomer to provide impact resistance to the thumb 320.

The thumb 320 is typically assembled so that the base member 322 is located on the thumb support 330, which is itself located on an inner surface of the upper part 210 of the palm 200. Optionally, the thumb support 330 is located on and/or surrounded by a seal 340 that seals the join between the thumb support 330 and the upper part 210 of the palm 200. The upper part 210 of the palm 200 may comprise a substantially hollow housing between the thumb support 330 and the upper part 210, so that the thumb support 330 forms a lid for the housing. Electronics 240 for the hand 100 may optionally be housed within this housing 230 of the upper part 220 of the palm. For example, the control system and other electronic components may be held within the housing. Typically, the electronics housing 230 is provided at or near the base of the upper part 210 of the palm, i.e. near the join between the palm 200 and the wrist 500. By sealing the housing 230 for the electronics, the electronics 240 may be kept watertight.

When the contact surface of the palm of the hand is facing upwards, as illustrated in Figure 8, the lower part 220 of the palm 200 sits above the upper part 210, the thumb support 330, and base member 322 of the thumb. The lower part 220 of the palm comprises an opening 216 through which the body 321 of the thumb 320 projects. In this way, the base member 322 of the thumb 320 is substantially held within the interior of the shell of the palm 200 and the body 321 of the thumb projects from the contact surface 221 of the palm 200.

The thumb 320 may be configured to be a substantially stationary digit 300 projecting from the palm 200 of the hand 100 or the thumb 320 may be configured to make controlled movements.

In one form, the thumb 320 comprises a first motor that may be configured to cause the thumb body 321 to curl toward the contact surface 221 of the palm and uncurl or flex away from the contact surface. The phalanges of the thumb may curl about joints between the phalanges, such as a first joint 326 between the proximal and middle phalanges, and a second joint 327 between the middle and distal phalanges for example.

The thumb 320 may also comprise a second motor that is configured to cause the thumb body 321 to move toward and away from the distal end of the base member 322 (i.e. to move the thumb towards and away from the second side 202 of the palm, proximate to the little finger location if the hand comprises a little finger).

In effect, the thumb 320 may be configured to simultaneously hinge toward the second side 202 of the palm 200 and to curl toward the contact surface 221 of the palm 200 to grip an object. Similarly, the thumb 320 may uncurl and hinge away from the second side of the palm to release an object.

The motor(s) may be located in any suitable position on the hand 100, such as in the palm 200, in the base member 322 of the thumb, or within the body 321 of the thumb. For example, the first motor may be housed within the body 321 of the thumb. In one form, the second motor is housed within the base member 322.

Preferably, the motor(s) is/are held within a motor housing. For example, the first motor may be held within a first motor housing and the second motor may be held within a second motor housing. One or more encoders and/or sensors may also be held within the first and/or second motor housings.

The automated hand 100 optionally comprises a compressible thumb cushion 350 configured to be placed between the base member 322 and the shell of the palm 200 to help absorb impact forces and prevent damage to the thumb 320 and its components, particularly the motor(s).

In one form, the thumb cushion 350 is located between the base member 322 and the lower part 220 of the palm. In this form, the thumb cushion 350 may be attached to an inner surface of the lower part 220 of the palm; an upper surface of the base member 322 (the upper surface being that surface that faces toward the lower part of the palm); or the thumb cushion 350 may simply be sandwiched between the base member 322 and lower part 220 of the palm.

In one form the thumb cushion 350 is configured to be mounted on the base member 322, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, so as to be located between the base member 322 and the lower part 220 of the palm. The base member 322 may comprise a cushion mount 324 by which the thumb cushion 350 may be mounted on the base member 322. For example, the cushion mount 324 may be in the form of an opening, such as an aperture or recess, and the thumb cushion 350 may comprise a mounting surface having a projection configured to be received within the opening. Preferably, the projection is snugly received within the opening or the projection and opening may be keyed or otherwise configured to hold the projection of the thumb cushion within the opening so that the thumb cushion is held in place on the base member. In another form, as illustrated, the base member 322 comprises a cushion mount in the form of a projection 324 and the thumb cushion 350 is configured to fit over the projection 324 to be held in place on the base member 322.

In one form, the projecting cushion mount comprises a housing, or at least part of a housing, for the second thumb motor. For example, a first surface of the base member 322 may comprise a cushion mount in the form of a projection 324 within which the second motor is located, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. If the hand 100 is oriented so that its contact surface 221 is facing upwards, the first surface of the base member 322 is its upwardly facing surface, which also faces toward the inner surface of the lower part 220 of the palm.

The compressible thumb cushion 350 may be configured to be located at the projecting free end of the projecting motor housing/cushion mount 324 or the thumb cushion 250 may be configured to substantially surround the cushion mount 324.

In one form, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the base member 322 is configured to provide a cradle 325 in which the projecting cushion mount 324 is located. The thumb cushion 350 is configured to be positioned substantially within the cradle 325 and to substantially surround the projecting cushion mount 324.

As the thumb body 321 rotates toward and away from the second side 202 of the palm, the thumb may pivot slightly within the thumb support so that the base member 322 is caused to move up and down slightly. For example, if the thumb body 321 moves toward the second side 202 of the palm 200, the distal end 322a of the base member 322 is pushed into the first recess

332 of the thumb support 330. Conversely, if the thumb body 321 moves away from the second side 202 of the palm, the distal end 322a of the base member pushes against the inner surface of the lower part 220 of the palm 200. Therefore, if the end of the thumb 320 receives an impact force that pushes the base of the thumb body 321 toward the upper part 210 of the palm 200, the positioning element 323 of the base member 322 will be pushed against the second recess

333 of the thumb support 330 and the distal end 322a of the base member 322 will be pushed toward the lower part 220 of the palm in a see-saw arrangement. To prevent an impact force causing damage as the substantially rigid structure of the base member 322 impacts against the substantially rigid lower part 220 of the palm, the thumb cushion 350 is located between these two parts 322, 220. In this arrangement, the base member 322 presses against the compressible thumb cushion 350, which absorbs at least some of the impact. Therefore, the compressible nature of the thumb cushion 350 helps to dampen the force being transferred between the thumb 320 and the palm 200. Consequently, the thumb, thumb motor(s) and other components of the thumb are less likely to be damaged by an impact force to the end of the thumb.

In one form, the thumb cushion 350 may be configured to be mounted on the base member and to abut an inner side 320a of the thumb 320. The inner side of the thumb is that side from which the base member 322 extends. In this arrangement, the thumb cushion 350 is able to substantially dampen the lateral movement of the thumb 320 when the thumb receives an impact force from the first side 201 of the palm. The thumb and its sensitive components are therefore less likely to be damaged as a result of a lateral impact.

The thumb cushion 350 may be made from any suitable cushioning material, such as rubber, an elastomer, silicone, or the like. Preferably, the material of the thumb cushion is substantially resilient to allow the thumb cushion to substantially return to its original shape after deformation.

Independent Digit Speed, Position and/or Force

In one form, the control system of the hand 100 of the invention comprises one or more motor controllers configured to control the movement of digits 300 of the hand independently. In one form, the motor controller(s) may be configured to control the speed of one or more drive motors, which drive movement of the digits, independently. In particular, the motor controller(s) may be configured to control the motor speed and pulse width modulation of one or more of the drive motor(s). Each motor controller is directly or indirectly connected to a power supply and to one or more drive motors of the hand 100.

By controlling the movement of one or more digits independently, it is possible to independently and deliberately control the speed at which the controlled digits move; the force at which controlled digits grip an item; and the position of the controlled digits.

The hand 100 may comprise one or more drive motors, each drive motor being configured to cause movement of at least one of the digits. In one form, the hand may comprise five digits and at least five motors. For example, a first motor may be connected to a first digit, such as the forefinger, to drive movement of the first digit, a second motor may be connected to a second digit, such as the middle finger to drive movement of the second digit, and so on, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6. As described above, each motor may be held within a housing, which is preferably watertight.

The motor controller(s) may be configured to cause one or more of the digits 300 to move at any desired speed. For example, the motor controller(s) may be configured to cause two or more digits 300 to move at the same speed or a different speed, or to cause each digit 300 to move at the same speed or a different speed.

In one form, each motor controller comprises a PID controller.

One motor controller may be used to control the speed of a single digit 300, such as a finger

310. For example, each digit 300 of the hand 100 may be connected to a motor controller configured to control the speed of movement of that digit 300 only. In one form, the hand may comprise five motor controllers, five motors, and five digits. For example, a first motor controller may be connected to a first motor to control the speed of movement of a first digit, such as the forefinger; a second motor controller may be connected to a second motor to control the speed of movement of a second digit, such as the middle finger, and so on so that the speed of movement of each digit may be independently determined by the respective controller.

Alternatively, a single motor controller may be used to control the speed of two or more digits 300. For example, the hand 100 may comprise a thumb and four fingers 310 corresponding to a forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. At least one motor controller may be used to control the speed of movement of the thumb and at least one other controller may be used to control the speed of movement of the forefinger. Yet another motor controller may be used to control the speed of the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. In this arrangement, the speed of both the thumb and forefinger is controlled independently, whereas the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger move at the same speed because these fingers are governed by a single motor controller.

In one form, the thumb may comprise two drive motors: a first drive motor to cause the thumb to curl and flex toward and away from the contact surface of the palm; and a second drive motor to cause the thumb to pivot from the first side of the palm to the second side and back. The speed of each drive motor may be controlled by an independent motor controller, so that

the speed at which the thumb curls and flexes may be the same as or different to the speed at which the thumb moves between the first and second sides of the palm.

The control system may be configured to determine the speed of the digits suitable for the user. For example, if the hand comprises four fingers and will be used to grip small objects or rounded objects one or more motor controllers may be configured to cause the ring finger to move faster than the middle finger. The motor controller(s) may be configured to cause the middle finger to move at the same speed as the forefinger or faster. Additionally or alternatively, the motor controller(s) may be configured to cause the little finger (or finger closest to the outside edge of the hand if the hand does not comprise four fingers) to move at the same speed as the ring finger or faster.

In another form, the hand 100 comprises five digits 300 corresponding to a forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger, and a thumb. One or more motor controllers are configured to cause the ring finger and little finger to move at a faster speed than the forefinger and middle finger.

The motor controllers may be positioned in any suitable location on the hand. Preferably, the control system and motor controllers are located on a printed circuit board within the electronics housing in the palm of the hand.

One or more of the motor controller(s) may be pre-programmed before being built into the hand 100. Alternatively, the user or a therapist may program one or more of the motor controller(s) according to the user's needs and after manufacture of the hand. Optionally, the one or more of the motor controllers are reprogrammable.

By providing a control system for independent digit speed and/or digit position and/or digit force, precise gripping tasks can be performed. For example, the controller(s) may be programmed to define the before and after grip positions for a handshake grip, to provide a higher little finger and ring finger force compared to the other fingers of the hand, and to provide particular finger speeds in order to provide a substantially realistic, natural handshake grip.

Another advantage provided by a hand with independent digit speed is that the control system of the hand may be configured to provide a precision utensil grip.

Yet another advantage is that the force applied to grip an object can be varied between digits. For example, by causing the drive motor for the little finger to move that finger faster than an index finger, the grip force for the little finger will be stronger than the grip force for the index finger once the fingers are used to grip an object.

Yet another advantage is that the positions of the digits can be independently controlled and deliberately determined. For example, the controller(s) may be configured to cause the digits to move to a particular grip pattern, such as a handshake grip.

Clutch Device

In one form, as shown in Figures 9 to 14, the automated hand of the invention may comprise one or more clutch devices 400. Each clutch device may be configured to engage with and to disengage from a drive motor 10, so that the drive motor can be stopped from driving a digit where the digit receives an end impact force or is under a significant pulling force. For example, if a curled digit 300 lifts a heavy weight, the drive motor of that digit strains to keep the digits in a curled configuration. Too much strain on the motor can damage the motor and otherwise wear the motor over time. The clutch device 400 of the invention is configured to help avoid this damage by disengaging the digit 300 from the drive force of the drive motor 10 when the digit is overly strained by an end impact or significant pulling force.

The drive motor is configured to operate in a first direction, which causes the digit to curl toward the contact surface of the palm 200 of the hand 100 in a gripping position, and to operate in an opposing second direction, which causes the digit to uncurl to form an open position. An output shaft of the drive motor is configured to directly or indirectly engage with at least one clutch device of the invention.

The hand may comprise one or more clutch devices 400 for use with one or more digits of the hand. For example, only the forefinger and thumb may comprise a clutch device 400. In another form, as illustrated, each digit 300 of the hand, whether a finger or thumb, may comprise at least one clutch device 400. In one form, a digit may comprise two clutch devices 400, one on each side of the body of the digit. For simplicity, the configuration of a single clutch device 400 will be described in relation to a single digit, in particular, a finger. However, it should be appreciated that the clutch device 400 of the invention may otherwise be used for a thumb. Because the thumb may comprise two drive motors, the thumb may comprise one or more clutch devices to engage with each of the drive motors of the thumb. For example, in one embodiment,

if the thumb comprises two drive motors, the thumb may comprise four clutch devices (two clutch devices for each drive motor).

In one form, the clutch device may comprise a first portion configured to directly or indirectly engage with a drive motor and a second portion configured to directly or indirectly engage with a finger. For example, a first end of the clutch device may engage with a drive motor of a finger, as described above, and a second end of the clutch may be configured to engage with the finger.

The finger 310 is connected to a knuckle joint 261, which is connected to the palm 200 of the hand. The knuckle joint 261 is configured to allow the finger to hinge about the knuckle joint 261 so that the finger can curl and flex.

The finger 310 may be formed as separate, jointed parts (such as separate phalanges), or the finger may be formed as a single part (such as a proximal phalanx), as described above.

The clutch device 400 may be configured to be located within a joint between two adjoining phalanges 301, 302, 303 or within the knuckle joint 261 between the palm 200 and the digit 300. In a preferred form, the clutch device 400 is located within the knuckle joint 261 between the palm 200 and proximal phalanx 301 of the digit 300.

The knuckle joint 261 may be formed from one or more parts. In one form, the knuckle 261 is formed from two parts; a first part 261a and a second part 261b that may be joined together, as shown in Figure 9.

The knuckle joint 261 may comprise a body having at least a partially curved outer surface to resemble the curves of a human knuckle. In one form, the knuckle joint 261 forms part of a digit support member 260. The digit support member 260 may also comprise a connecting arm 20. In one form, the knuckle joint 261 is located at or near a first end of the digit support member 260 and a connecting arm 20 is located at or near a second end of the digit support member. The connecting arm 20 may be configured to extend from the knuckle joint 261, so that the knuckle joint 261 forms one end of the digit support member 260 and the connecting arm 20 forms the other end.

The drive motor of one or more fingers may be held within the connecting arm 20. Optionally, one or more encoders and/or sensors may also be held within the motor housing. The connecting arm 20 may be substantially elongate and may be configured to be located within the palm 200 of the hand 100. In one form, the connecting arm 20 and/or motor 10 may be

configured to be held within a motor bay of a metacarpal brace 250, as described above. In another form, the connecting arm 20 and/or motor 10 may be held within a digit 300, such as within the proximal phalanx for example.

The body of the knuckle joint 261 may be of any suitable shape. In one form, the body 261 comprises a substantially circular disc having opposing mounting surfaces 265a, 265b.

In one form, the clutch device comprises a driven element 410, a clamping member 420, and a compression member 430.

The driven element 410 may be directly or indirectly engaged with a drive motor 10 and is caused to rotate by the drive motor 10. For example, the driven element 410 may be a worm wheel that engages with a worm gear driven by an output shaft of the drive motor 10. In another form, the driven element 410 may be a bevelled gear wheel, or any other suitable wheel or rotating element, so that as an output shaft of the drive motor rotates, the driven element 410 is also caused to rotate.

The driven element 410 may be located within the body of the knuckle joint 261. The driven element 410 may comprise at least one contact surface 411 configured to engage with the clamping member 420. In one form, the driven element comprises substantially opposing contact surfaces 411a, 411b.

The clamping member 420 may comprise a first surface 421, configured to engage with the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410. For example, the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420 may be configured to press against the contact surface 411 of the driven element.

The compression member 430 may be configured to cause the first surface of the clamping to engage with the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410, such as by pressing against the contact surface 411. The compression member 430 may therefore be configured to cause the clamping member 420 to engage with the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410 using a compression force. In one form, the compression member 430 may also be configured to cause the first surface 421 of the clamping member to disengage with the contact surface 411 of the driven element.

Where a digit 300 comprises a single clutch device 400, the clamping member 420 and compression member 430 are located on one side of the driven element 410. However, where the digit 300 comprises two clutch devices 400, a clamping member 420 and compression member 430 will be located on each side of the driven element 410.

In one form, the clamping member(s) 420 may be located adjacent to the contact surface(s) 411a, 411b of the driven element 410.

The driven element 410 and clamping member 420 may be held in a position adjacent each other by a common axle 450 configured to extend through an axle receiving aperture 414 formed in the driven element 410 and an axle receiving aperture 425 formed in clamping element 420.

In one form, the axle receiving aperture 414 of the driven element is substantially centrally located on the contact surface 411 of the driven element. The axle receiving aperture 414 may extend through the body of the driven element from the first contact surface 411a to the second contact surface 411b.

The axle receiving aperture 425 of the clamping member 420 may be substantially centrally located on the clamping member 420. In one form, the axle receiving aperture 425 may extend through the body of the clamping member from the first surface 421 to a second surface 422 of the clamping member.

In one form, the axle may be substantially cylindrical and may extend through substantially circular axle receiving apertures of the driven element and clamping member.

In another form, the axle comprises a substantially cylindrical central region 451 and non-cylindrical ends 452. The central region 451 of the axle 450 may be configured to project through an axle receiving aperture 414 of the driven element 410 comprising a substantially circular cross-section. In this form, the driven element 410 may rotate freely about the axle 450.

The non-cylindrical ends 452 of the axle 450 may be a square shape, hexagonal shape, or any other suitable shape that is configured to key into a correspondingly shaped axle receiving aperture 425 of the clamping member 420. In this form, as the clamping member 420 rotates, the axle 450 is caused to rotate also. The driven element 410 is able to rotate freely around the axle 430 whereas the axle 430 and clamping member 420 are locked in position relative to each other.

The axle helps to ensure that the driven element and clamping member remain substantially aligned with each other.

The knuckle joint 261 may comprise a clutch receiving aperture 266 to house at least a portion of the clutch device and to help to align the driven element and clamping member. The clutch receiving aperture 266 may extend through the body of the knuckle joint from the first outer surface 265a to the second outer surface 265b. The clutch receiving aperture 266 is

preferably substantially centrally located on the outer mounting surfaces 265a, 265b of the knuckle joint 261. In one form, the clutch receiving aperture 266 has a circular cross section to form a cylindrical aperture that extends through either one of the first 261a and second 261b parts of the knuckle joint 261 or through both the first 261a and second 261b parts. The driven element 410 may be located within the clutch receiving aperture 266. In one form, at least a portion of the clamping member 420 may also be received within the clutch receiving aperture 266.

In one form, the clutch device 400 may comprise an engagement system to engage the contact surface of the driven element 410 with the first surface of the clamping member 420 so that the clamping member 420 is caused to rotate when the driven element 410 rotates. The engagement system may also be configured to disengage the clamping member 420 from the driven element 410 when the digit 300 is subjected to a significant force.

In one form, the engagement system comprises one or more male engagement members configured to engage with the one or more female engagement members. The male engagement members may comprise projections configured to engage with female engagement members comprising recesses. The male projections may be substantially convex or may be substantially spherical projections, such as projecting balls. The male projections may be integral with, attached to, or otherwise connected to the clamping member or driven element from which the projections project, as the case may be. In one embodiment, at least one female engagement member may comprise a substantially concave recess, such as a dimple. The recessed area may comprise one or more openings. For example, the recess may comprise a centrally located aperture with curved and tapered edges to form a semi-circular recess. In another form, a female engagement member may comprise a concave recess comprising a plurality of apertures within the recessed surface. The recess(es) may also be substantially shallow. In other words, the depth of the recesses may be substantially shallow or may comprise tapered edges having substantially shallow angles of taper.

The contact surface of the driven element may comprise one or more male engagement members or female engagement members configured to engage with corresponding female engagement members or male engagement members on the first surface of the clamping member. In one form, the contact surface may comprise both male and female engagement

members configured to engage with corresponding female and male engagement members on the first surface of the clamping member.

Optionally, the engagement system comprises four male engagement members configured to engage with four female engagement members. The male and female engagement members are configured to be equally spaced from and around a central point of the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410 or a central point of the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420, as the case may be.

In one form, the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410 may comprise one or more male engagement members and the clamping member may comprise one or more female engagement members. Each male engagement member may be configured to be at least partially received in a respective female engagement member to engage the driven element 410 and clamping member 420 together.

In one form, the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410 comprises one or more apertures. Each aperture comprises a closed end and an open end. The open end is located at the contact surface 421.

A compression member may be held within each aperture. A male engagement member may be located at the open end of the aperture to project, at least in part, from the contact surface. In this arrangement, the compression member is held within the aperture between the male engagement member and the closed end of the aperture. The projecting male engagement member presses against the first surface of the clamping member and against one end of the compression member. The compression member is therefore held under compression within the aperture and is configured to push the male engagement member(s) against the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420.

Optionally, the compression member is a spring, but in other forms, the compression member may be formed from any substantially compressible, resilient material that is able to compress and then spring back to its original form.

In one form, the male engagement member may comprise a ball, such as a ball bearing, which is held under compression between the clamping member 420 and driven element 410.

The compression force of the compression member 430 presses the male engagement member, such as a ball bearing, against the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420.

As described above, the female engagement members on the first surface of the clamping member 420 may comprise one or more recesses within which respective male engagement members may nest when the driven element 410 and clamping member 420 are engaged. In this arrangement, the clamping member 420 is caused to rotate when the driven element 410 rotates. Where the male engagement member(s) comprise(s) a ball bearing, the one or more recesses may be configured to allow a ball bearing to rotate somewhat within a respective recess. In this configuration, the invention provides a spring-loaded ball bearing clutch device 400 that causes the clamping member 420 to rotate as the driven element 410 rotates.

In another form, as shown in Figures 9, 10A, and 10B, the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410 comprises one or more female engagement members 413 and the clamping member 420 comprises one or more male engagement members 423. Each male engagement member 423 may be configured to be at least partially received in a respective female engagement member 413 to engage the driven element 410 and clamping member 420 with each other.

In one form, the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420 comprises one or more apertures 424. Each aperture 424 comprises a closed end and an open end. The open end is located at the first surface 421. The aperture 424 may be formed with a closed end. Alternatively, the aperture may extend between the first and second surfaces of the clamping member and a stop 440, such as a grub screw, may be placed in the aperture at the second surface to close the end of the aperture 424.

A compression member may be held within each aperture 424. A male engagement member 423 may be located at the open end of the aperture 424 to project, at least in part, from the first surface 421. In this arrangement, the compression member 430 is held within the aperture 424 between the male engagement member 423 and the closed end of the aperture 424. The projecting male engagement member 423 presses against the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410 and against the compression member 430. The compression member 430 is therefore held under compression within the aperture 424 and is configured to push the male engagement member(s) against the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410.

Optionally, the compression member 430 is a spring, but in other forms, the compression member may be formed from any substantially compressible, resilient material that is able to compress and then spring back to its original form.

In one form, the male engagement member 423 may comprise a ball, such as a ball bearing which is held under compression between the clamping member 420 and driven element 410.

The compression force of the compression member 430 presses the male engagement member, such as a ball bearing 423, against the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410.

As described above, the female engagement members 413 on the contact surface 411 of the driven element 410 may comprise one or more recesses 413 within which respective male engagement members 423 may nest when the driven element 410 and clamping member 420 are engaged. In this arrangement, the clamping member 420 is caused to rotate when the driven element 410 rotates. Where the male engagement member(s) comprise(s) a ball bearing, the one or more recesses 413 may be configured to allow a ball bearing 423 to rotate somewhat within a respective recess 413. In this configuration, the invention provides a spring-loaded ball bearing clutch device 400 that causes the clamping member 420 to rotate as the driven element 410 rotates.

The clamping member 420 also comprises a second surface 422, which may be configured to directly or indirectly engage with the finger 310. For example, the second surface 422 of the clamping member 420 may be configured to engage with a corresponding receiving element 305 formed in the body of the digit 300. In another embodiment, the distal end of the axle 450 may be configured to engage with a corresponding receiving element formed in the body of the finger. The second surface 422 of the clamping member 420 and/or the distal end of the axle 450 may form the second end of the clutch device 400. The receiving element 305 may be an opening such as an aperture, recess, or a non-recessed area defined by at least one wall that borders the non-recessed area or by a plurality of projecting arms that define the border of the non-recessed area. In one form, as illustrated, the clamping member 420 is configured to engage with the proximal phalanx 301 of a finger 310. In one form, the clamping member engages with the finger by being attached to or integral with the finger.

In one form, as shown in Figure 9, the clamping member 420 may comprise a shaft 426 that comprises the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420. A flange 427 may be located at or near one end of the shaft 426. The flange 427 may comprise the second surface 422 of the clamping member 420. The shaft 426 may be configured to be held within the clutch receiving aperture 266 of the knuckle 261. In one form, the flange 427 of the clamping member 420 is configured to abut an outer mounting surface 265 of the knuckle body 261 so that the flange 427 is located on the outer surface 265 of the knuckle joint 261. In this arrangement, the shaft 426 of the clamping member 400 extends through at least part of the knuckle 261, such as the first part 261a, toward the driven element 410. The flange 427 of the clamping member 420 may be configured to engage with the finger 310, such as with the body of the proximal phalanx 301, as described above. For example, the flange 427 may be square shaped, hexagonal shaped, or irregularly shaped to key with a corresponding receiving element 305, such as a recess, aperture, or surround of the proximal phalanx.

In this configuration, when the clamping member is engaged with the driven element and the driven element is caused to rotate by the drive motor, the finger will be caused to rotate substantially simultaneously. The drive force between the drive motor and finger may be disconnected by disengaging the clamping member and driven element, as described later in this specification.

In yet another form of clutch device, as shown in Figure 13, the clamping member 420 comprises multiple parts, comprising a first element 420a comprising the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420 and a second element 420b comprising the second surface 422 of the clamping member. The compression member 430 may comprise a spring washer or the like and is configured to be located between the first and second elements 420a, 420b.

As above, the contact surface of the driven element 410 and the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420 may comprise one or more engagement members to engage the driven element with the clamping member. Again, the engagement members may be male engagement members comprising projections and female engagement members comprising openings, such as recesses, as described above. The contact surface of the driven element may comprise one or more male engagement members, female engagement members, or both, configured to engagement with corresponding female engagement members, male engagement members, or both located on the first surface of the clamping member.

In one form, one or more male engagement members 423 may project from the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420 to engage with one or more recesses 413 formed on the contact surface of the driven element 410. In another form, the driven element 410 comprises one or more male engagement members that project from the contact surface of the driven element and that are configured to engage with one or more recesses on the first surface of the clamping member 420.

The compression member 430 is configured to press the first surface 421 of the clamping member 420 against the driven element 410. The corresponding engagement members may therefore nest together to engage the driven element and clamping member with each other.

The second element 420b of the clamping member comprises the second end of the clutch. The second element 420b may be configured to engage with the finger 310. In this arrangement, when the driven element and clamping member are engaged, the clamping member and finger will rotate as the driven element rotates.

In one form, the second element 420b comprises a first end configured to extend between the clutch receiving aperture 266 of the first part of the knuckle joint 260a and to push against the compression member 430. A second end of the second element 420b is configured to abut the mounting surface 265a of the first part of the knuckle joint 260a and to engage with the finger 310, such as the proximal phalanx of the finger. Preferably, the finger 310 comprises a receiving element 305 that is configured to key with the second element of the clamping member 420, such as with the second surface 422 of the clamping member provided on the second element. The receiving element 305 may be located on an inner surface of the body of the finger 310. The receiving element 305 may comprise an aperture, recess, or area defined by at least one wall bordering the area or by a plurality of projecting arms.

Therefore, the clamping member 420 may be configured to engage with the driven element 410 and the respective digit 300 to transfer rotational movement of the drive motor 10 to the digit 300. As the drive motor 10 causes the driven element 410 to rotate, the engagement between the clamping member 420 and the driven element 410 causes the clamping member 420 to rotate and the finger is caused to rotate (curl or flex) also.

The clutch device 400 may be disengaged under certain conditions by disengaging the clamping member 420 from the driven element 410 to disconnect the drive motor 10 from the digit 300. This can be achieved by disengaging the first surface of the clamping member from the contact surface of the driven element. In one form, the male and female engagement members of the driven element 410 and clamping member 420 may be disengaged from each other to disengage these two parts 410, 420. For example, when the digit is in a curled or slightly curled configuration and is under tension from lifting a heavy weight or when the digit receives an end impact force, as shown by arrow "A" in Figure 11B, the tension or impact force may cause the male engagement member(s) to be pulled or pushed out of the substantially shallow recesses to disengage the driven element 410 from the clamping member 420.

When disengaged, the driven element 410 may continue to rotate freely, but the disengaged clamping member 420 is no longer caused to rotate. Consequently, the finger 300 is also disengaged from the drive force of the motor 10. If the finger 300 was curled and lifting a heavy object at the time of disengagement, the finger may release its grip and extend to a substantially flexed position because the drive motor is no longer able to pull the finger into the curled position. Similarly, if the finger receives an end impact, the impact force will immediately allow the clutch to disengage so that the finger can buckle under the impact to at least partially absorb the impact force without damaging the drive motor.

The disengaged digit 300 will become slack, as shown in Figure 12A and 12B, and will need to be manipulated into an engaged position to re-engage with the drive motor 10.

The compression member continues to press the male engagement member(s) against the non-recessed area of the contact surface 411 of the driven element or the first surface of the clamping member, as the case may be.

Therefore, a user can realign the male engagement member(s) with respective female engagement member(s) by manually manipulating the digit 300 about the knuckle joint 261. The compression member 430 will automatically push the male engagement member(s) into the aligned female engagement member(s) to re-engage the clutch device 400 and finger 300 with the drive motor 10.

CLAIMS

1. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm;

b. one or more resiliently flexible and compressible mounts attached to the palm; and

c. one or more connector, each having a digit extending therefrom that is moveable relative to the palm, each connector mounted to a respective mount such that each connector may rotate about the mount when a lateral force is applied to a digit.

2. An automated hand as claimed in claim 1 wherein each connector may rotate in the plane of the palm.

3. An automated hand as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each connector may rotate in a plane normal to the plane of the palm.

4. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 including a plurality of

connectors.

5. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 including a plurality of

discrete mounts.

6. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the one or more mounts is a single integrally formed mount.

7. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein each mount has an aperture formed therein dimensioned to receive a respective connector.

8. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein each aperture is non- circular in cross-section and each connector has a non-circular cross-section to prevent rotation between the connector and the mount.

9. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein each mount is

formed of a material having a DMTA damping factor of between 0.05 to 0.8 over a temperature range of -20°C to 100°C.

10. An automated hand as claimed in claim 9 having a DMTA damping factor of between 0.05 to 0.5.

11. An automated hand as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 having a resilience of between 20% to 60%.

12. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 having a Shore A hardness of between 10 to 90.

13. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 having a Shore A hardness of between 30 to 60.

14. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 having a Shore D hardness of between 40 to 90.

15. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the mounts form a metacarpal brace having a plurality of connectors mounted thereto.

16. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the metacarpal brace has such resilience that at least two digits may be splayed apart by at least 5 degrees due to relative movement between the connector and palm allowed by elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace.

17. An automated hand as claimed in claim 16 wherein the metacarpal brace has such resilience that at least two digits may be splayed apart by at least 10 degrees due to relative movement between the connector and palm allowed by elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace.

18. An automated hand as claimed in claim 16 wherein the metacarpal brace has such resilience that at least two digits may be splayed apart by at least 20 degrees due to relative movement between the connector and palm allowed by elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace.

19. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the metacarpal brace provides impact absorbtion for forces applied to a digit in a direction normal to the palm such that each connector may rotate by at least 2 degrees relative to the palm due to elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace.

20. An automated hand as claimed in claim 19 wherein each connector may rotate by at least 5 degrees relative to the palm.

21. An automated hand as claimed in claim 19 wherein each connector may rotate by at least 10 degrees relative to the palm.

22. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the metacarpal brace is formed of a material having a Shore A hardness of about 30.

23. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein a lateral force of between 2.5 and 20 Newtons applied to the tip of a digit results in angular rotation with respect to the palm in the plane of the palm of at least 3 degrees due to elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace.

24. An automated hand as claimed in claim 23 wherein the angular rotation is at least 5 degrees.

25. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein a force of between 2.5 and 20 Newtons applied to the tip of a digit in a direction normal to the palm results in angular rotation of the digit relative to the palm of at least 3 degrees due to elastic deformation of the metacarpal brace.

26. An automated hand as claimed in claim 25 wherein the angular rotation is at least 5 degrees.

27. The automated hand of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of one or more materials of the group consisting of the following: an elastomer, rubber, silicone, a compressible polymer.

28. The automated hand of claim 27, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of a hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon or silica-based thermoset elastomer.

29. The automated hand of claim 27, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

30. The automated hand of any one of claim 27, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of a thermoset rubber.

31. The automated hand of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of a thermoplastics material.

32. The automated hand of claim 31, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of an inherently soft thermoplastics material.

33. The automated hand of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of a foamed composition based on any of these polymers.

34. The automated hand of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of an alloy or blend of such a material or a composite material.

35. A resiliently flexible and compressible metacarpal brace for an automated hand

comprising a first end, a second end substantially opposite the first end, and a plurality of apertures extending between the first end and second end dimensioned to accommodate connectors for the digits of an automated hand, wherein the brace is formed of a material having a DMTA damping factor of between 0.05 to 0.8 over a temperature range of -20°C to 100°C.

36. An automated hand as claimed in claim 35 having a DMTA damping factor of between 0.05 to 0.5.

37. An automated hand as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36 having a resilience of between 20% to 60%.

38. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37 having a Shore A hardness of between 10 to 90.

39. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37 having a Shore A hardness of between 30 to 60.

40. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37 having a Shore D hardness of between 40 to 90.

41. A metacarpal brace as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 40 wherein each aperture is non-circular in cross-section.

42. A metacarpal brace as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 41 made of one or more

materials of the group consisting of the following: an elastomer, rubber, silicone, a compressible polymer.

43. A metacarpal brace as claimed in claim 42 made of a hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon or silica-based thermoset elastomer.

44. A metacarpal brace as claimed in claim 42 made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

45. A metacarpal brace as claimed in claim 42 made of a thermoset rubber.

46. A metacarpal brace as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 41 made of a thermoplastics material.

47. A metacarpal brace as claimed in claim 46, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of an inherently soft thermoplastics material.

48. A metacarpal brace as claimed in claim any one of claims 42 to 47, wherein the

metacarpal brace is made of a foamed composition based on any of these polymers.

49. A metacarpal brace as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the metacarpal brace is made of an alloy or blend of such a material or a composite material.

50. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm;

b. two or more digits extending from the palm, wherein each digit is attached to the palm by a connector comprising a knuckle joint and a connecting arm; c. one or more drive motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; and

d. a resiliently flexible and compressible metacarpal brace extending between two or more connectors, the metacarpal brace comprising a first end and a second end, and further comprising one or more support apertures, each support aperture being configured to hold at least a portion of a connecting arm therein.

51. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm;

b. a resilient mount secured to the palm including a recess for receiving an

actuator; and

c. a first actuator having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end

mounted to the resilient mount and the distal end having a thumb extending therefrom,

d. wherein the resilient mount permits relative angular displacement of the first actuator with respect to the palm of at least 2 degrees.

52. An automated hand as claimed in claim 51 wherein the resilient mount permits relative angular displacement of the first actuator with respect to the palm of at least 5 degrees

53. An automated hand as claimed in claim 51 or 52 wherein the first actuator rotates the thumb relative to the palm in a first plane of rotation, the hand including a first engagement surface mounted on the thumb and a second engagement surface mounted on the palm such that during a gripping movement of the thumb the actuator is displaced with respect to the palm so as to bring the engagement surfaces into contact to restrain movement in the first plane.

54. An automated hand as claimed in claim 53 wherein one engagement surface is

contoured.

55. An automated hand as claimed in claim 53 wherein both engagement surfaces are contoured.

56. An automated hand as claimed in claim 54 or claim 55 wherein each contoured surface is a gear surface.

57. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 56 wherein one engagement surface is formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction.

58. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm;

b. a first actuator having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end pivotally mounted to the palm and having a thumb extending therefrom, the actuator rotating the thumb relative to the palm in a first plane of rotation; and c. a first engagement surface mounted on the thumb and a second engagement surface mounted on the palm such that during a gripping movement of the thumb the actuator is displaced with respect to the palm so as to bring the engagement surfaces into contact to restrain movement in the first plane.

59. An automated hand as claimed in claim 58 wherein the thumb is biased away from the second engagement surface.

60. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm comprising an outer shell and an interior;

b. one or more digits extending from the palm; and

c. one or more motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; and d. wherein at least one digit forms a thumb mounted at or near a first side of the palm of the hand, wherein the thumb substantially opposes at least one other digit and wherein the hand comprises a compressible thumb cushion positioned between a portion of the thumb and the outer shell of the palm.

61. The hand of claim 60, wherein the thumb comprises a thumb body, configured to project from the outer shell of the palm, and a base member that is substantially housed within the interior of the shell, extends to one side of the thumb body, and wherein the compressible thumb cushion is mounted on the base member.

62. The hand of claim 61, wherein one side of the compressible thumb cushion is positioned in contact with one side of the thumb.

63. The hand of claim 61, wherein the thumb comprises a first motor configured to cause the thumb to curl and flex about a first axis.

64. The hand of claim 63, wherein the thumb comprises a second motor configured to cause the thumb to hinge toward and away from a second side of the palm about a second axis, the second side being substantially opposite the first side.

65. The hand of claim 63 or 64, wherein the first motor is housed within the thumb.

66. The hand of claim 63 or 64, wherein the second motor is housed within the base member.

67. The hand of claim 61 and further comprising a thumb support comprising a first surface, wherein the base member is configured to be located on the first surface of the thumb support.

68. The hand of claim 67, wherein the thumb support comprises a first surface comprising a sloping first recess configured to receive at least a portion of the base member therein and wherein the angle of the recess is inclined toward the thumb.

69. The hand of claim 67 or 68, wherein the thumb support further comprises a second recess and the thumb comprises a bottom surface comprising a projection extending from the bottom surface; wherein the projection is configured to be received within the second recess.

70. The hand of claim 69, wherein the projection and second recess are both elongate and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the base member.

71. The hand of claim 70, wherein the projection and recess are both semi-cylindrical.

72. An automated hand com

a. a palm;

b. a digit extending from the palm;

c. an actuator driving a gear wheel; and

d. an overload protection clutch driven by the gear wheel at its input to cause the digit connected to its output to move and having bidirectional overload protection so that when the rotational force applied to the clutch exceeds a limit the clutch allows relative rotation between its input and output.

73. An automated hand as claimed in claim 72 wherein the clutch includes a first plate

driven by the gear wheel having an undulating surface and a second plate having a complementary undulating surface opposing and biased towards the first plate which rotates the digit relative to the palm.

74. An automated hand as claimed in claim 73 wherein the undulations are in the form of interenagaging ramps.

75. An automated hand as claimed in claim 74 wherein between 3 to 8 ramps are provided per plate.

76. An automated hand as claimed in claim 74 or 75 wherein each ramp has ramp faces inclined at about 55 degrees to the surface of each plate.

77. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 76 wherein first and second plates are provided on either side of the gear wheel.

78. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 77 wherein the first and

second plates are biased together by disc springs.

79. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 73 wherein the clutch is in the form of a ball clutch.

80. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 79 wherein the clutch is provided in a knuckle joint of the automated hand.

81. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 80 wherein the actuator is located within the palm of the automated hand.

82. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 81 wherein the actuator drives a worm gear which drives the gear wheel.

83. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm;

b. a gear wheel connected to the palm via a clutch; and

c. a digit extending from the palm including an actuator driving a gear engaged with the gear wheel so as to cause rotation of the digit with respect to the palm; d. wherein the clutch is an overload protection clutch having bidirectional overload protection so that when the rotational force applied to the clutch by the gear wheel exceeds a limit the clutch allows relative rotation between the digit and the palm.

84. An automated hand as claimed in claim 83 wherein the clutch includes a first plate

driven by the gear wheel having an undulating surface and a second plate having a complementary undulating surface opposing and biased towards the first plate mounted to the palm.

85. An automated hand as claimed in claim 84 wherein the undulations are in the form of interenagaging ramps.

86. An automated hand as claimed in claim 84 or 85 wherein first and second plates are provided on either side of the gear wheel.

87. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 84 to 86 wherein the first and second plates are biased together by disc springs.

88. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm;

b. two or more digits extending from the palm;

c. one or more motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; and d. at least one clutch device configured to engage and disengage one of the motors from driving a first digit, the clutch device comprising:

i. a driven element configured to be caused to rotate by the motor, the driven element comprising a contact surface;

ii. a clamping member comprising a first surface configured to engage with the contact surface of the driven element; and

iii. a compression member configured to cause the first surface of the clamping member to press against the contact surface of the driven element,

wherein the clutch device is also configured to engage with the first digit.

89. The automated hand of claim 88, wherein the contact surface of the driven element comprises one or more male engagement members and the clamping member comprises one or more female engagement members, each male engagement member being configured to be at least partially received in a respective female engagement member to engage the driven element and clamping member with each other.

90. The automated hand of claim 89, wherein each of the one or more female engagement members comprises a substantially concave recess.

91. The automated hand of claim 90, wherein each of the one or more male engagement members comprises a substantially convex or spherical projection.

92. The automated hand of claim 91, wherein the contact surface of the driven element comprises one or more apertures, wherein each aperture comprises a closed end and is configured to receive a male engagement member at or near the contact surface, such that the male engagement member projects from the contact surface and wherein the compression member is held within the aperture between the male engagement member and the closed end of the aperture.

93. The automated hand of claim 92, wherein the compression member is a spring held under compression.

94. The automated hand of claim 92 or 93, wherein the male engagement member

95. The automated hand of claim 88, wherein the contact surface of the driven element comprises one or more female engagement members and the clamping member comprises one or more male engagement members, each male engagement member being configured to be at least partially received in a respective female engagement member to engage the driven element and clamping member with each other.

96. The automated hand of claim 90, wherein each of the one or more female engagement members comprises a substantially concave recess.

97. The automated hand of claim 90, wherein each of the one or more male engagement members comprises a substantially convex or spherical projection.

98. The automated hand of claim 91, wherein the first surface of the clamping member comprises one or more apertures, wherein each aperture comprises a closed end and is configured to receive a male engagement member at or near the first surface, and wherein the compression member is held within the aperture between the male engagement member and the closed end of the aperture.

99. The automated hand of claim 91, wherein the compression member is a spring held under compression.

100. The automated hand of claim 92, wherein the male engagement member is a ball.

101. The automated hand of claim 88, wherein the clamping member comprises a second surface configured to engage with the first digit.

102. The automated hand of claim 88, wherein the clamping member comprises a first element comprising the first surface of the clamping member, a second element comprising a second surface of the clamping member, and wherein the compression member comprises a spring washer located between the first and second surfaces.

103. The automated hand of claim 102, wherein one or more male engagement members project from the first surface of the clamping member and are configured to engage with one or more female engagement members provided on the contact surface of the driven element.

104. The automated hand of claim 101, 102 or 103, wherein the second surface of the clamping member is configured to engage with the body of the first digit, and wherein the body of the first digit comprises an inner surface comprising a receiving element configured to receive the second surface of the clamping member therein.

105. The automated hand of claim 104, wherein the receiving element comprises an aperture, recess, or area defined by at least one wall bordering the area or by a plurality of projecting arms.

106. The automated hand of claim 88, wherein the contact surface of the driven element is substantially circular, wherein the clamping member comprises a body comprising two end portions and a substantially concave inner surface comprising the first surface of the clamping member and being configured to substantially surround at least half of the

contact surface of the driven element, and wherein the compression member is configured to press at least one end portion of the clamping member toward the other end portion to clamp the first surface of the clamping member against the contact surface of the driven element.

107. The automated hand of claim 88, wherein the contact surface of the driven element is substantially circular, wherein the clamping member comprises a substantially ring shaped body comprising two end portions extending from the ring shaped body, and wherein the substantially ring shaped body comprises an inner surface comprising the first surface of the clamping member and configured to substantially surround the contact surface of the driven element, and wherein the compression member is configured to press at least one end portion of the clamping member toward the other end portion to clamp the first surface of the clamping member against the contact surface of the driven element.

108. The automated hand of claim 105, wherein the clamping member is configured to engage with the body of the first digit.

109. The automated hand of claim 108, wherein an inner surface of the body of the first digit comprises a receiving element configured to receive at least a portion of the clamping member therein and wherein the receiving element comprises a recess shaped to key with the clamping member.

110. The automated hand of claim 88, wherein the driven element and clamping element are supported by a common axle passing through an axle receiving aperture formed in the driven element and clamping element.

111. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm; and

b. two or more digits extending from the palm;

c. one or more actuators configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; and d. a wrist joint configured to connect the palm to an arm member; e. wherein the wrist joint comprises an axle having opposing ends that engage with the palm to allow the palm to rotate about the axle; and

f. a locking mechanism located in the palm configured to lock the palm in a fixed position relative to an arm member.

112. An automated hand as claimed in claim 111 wherein the locking mechanism includes a lockable variable length linkage between the palm and the arm member.

113. An automated hand as claimed in claim 112 wherein the variable length linkage includes a rod connected to the arm member and a lock connected to the palm which may selectively engage with the rod to lock the rod with respect to the lock.

114. An automated hand as claimed in claim 113 wherein the rod has a series of steps along its length.

115. The automated hand of claim 111, wherein the locking mechanism includes a positioning member that engages with the axle and a lock configured to lock the palm in a fixed position relative to the positioning member; wherein the lock and at least a portion of the positioning member are located within the palm of the hand.

116. The automated hand of claim 111, wherein the locking mechanism includes an axle located within the palm of the hand; a positioning member comprising a locking arm located with the palm; and a locking member located within the palm, wherein the locking member is configured to engage with the positioning member to lock the palm in a neutral position, a curled position, or a flexed position.

117. The automated hand of claim 116, wherein the locking arm comprises a plurality of openings and the locking member comprises a locking pin configured to be received within any of the openings.

118. The automated hand of claim 116, wherein the axle is supported within the palm by a pair of substantially compressible axle mounts.

The automated hand of any one of claims 115 to 118, wherein the wrist joint further comprises a connector configured to attach to the positioning member and to attach to the arm member.

120. The automated hand of claim 119, wherein the positioning member is configured to rotate relative to the connector.

121. The automated hand of claim 120, wherein the positioning member comprises at least one locking finger and the connector comprises a series of indexing nodules configured to engage with the locking finger(s) to lock the positioning member in position relative to the connector; and wherein the at least one locking finger is configured to disengage from the indexing nodules when the positioning member is caused to rotate relative to the connector.

122. The automated hand of claim 119, wherein the wrist joint further comprises a watertight seal located between the positioning member and the connector.

123. A wrist joint for an electric terminal device, wherein the wrist joint is configured to attach to the electric terminal device and to an arm member and wherein the wrist joint comprises a body comprising a first end and a second end, the second end being configured to face toward the arm member and comprising an aperture extending into a substantially hollow region of the wrist joint body to allow a portion of a user's stump to extend through at least a portion of the wrist joint.

124. The wrist joint of claim 123, wherein the aperture extends between the first and second ends of the wrist joint.

125. The wrist joint of claim 123 and further comprising an axle that is rotatably attached to the palm to allow the palm to hinge relative to the wrist joint.

126. The wrist joint of claim 123, wherein the wrist joint is configured to allow the hand to rotate relative to the arm member.

127. The wrist joint of any one of claims 123 to 126, wherein the electric terminal device comprises a powered hook.

128. The wrist joint of any one of claims 123 to 126, wherein the electric terminal device comprises an automated hand.

129. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm;

b. two or more digits extending from the palm;

c. one or more actuators configured to cause at least one of the digits to move; d. a display; and

e. a control system connected to the one or more actuators and configured to receive:

i. one or more EMG signals from a user; and

ii. one or more electronic signals from a user interface located on the hand; and to cause the digits to assume a predetermined grip pattern depending on the signal(s) received and display the selected grip pattern on the display.

130. An automated hand as claimed in claim 129 wherein the display comprises a plurality of LEDs.

131. An automated hand as claimed in claim 129 wherein the display comprises an alphanumeric display.

132. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 130 to 132 wherein the control system displays an attribute of a received EMG signal.

133. An automated hand as claimed in claim 132 wherein the display indicates the strength of an EMG signal received by the control system.

134. The automated hand of any one of claims 129 to 133, wherein the hand further comprises one or more indicators that a signal has been received by the control system.

135. The automated hand of any one of claims 129 to 134, wherein the hand comprises a user interface comprising one or more input members through which a user may cause the hand to assume a predetermined grip pattern.

136. The automated hand of claim 135, wherein the one or more input members comprise one or more buttons.

137. The automated hand of claim 135, wherein the user interface comprises a panel comprising one or more input members and one or more visual indicators.

138. An automated hand comprising:

a. a sealed palm region that is waterproof when submerged in fluid;

b. two or more sealed knuckle joints mounted to the palm;

c. two or more digits extending from respective sealed knuckle joints; and one or more actuators mounted within the sealed palm region which drive the sealed knuckle joints so as to cause the digits to move.

139. An automated hand as claimed in claim 138 including a resilient metacarpal brace

forming a sealed connection with the palm and having the actuators mounted within apertures therein.

140. An automated hand comprising:

a. a palm;

b. two or more digits extending from the palm; and

c. one or more motors configured to cause at least one of the digits to move;

d. wherein the automated hand is configured to operate when submerged in a fluid.

141. The automated hand of claim 140, wherein the hand comprises a wrist joint configured to attach the palm to a lower arm member comprising a sleeve and wherein the wrist joint is configured to form a watertight attachment to the sleeve.

142. The automated hand of claim 140, wherein the wrist joint comprises an axle about which the palm can curl and flex and/or rotate laterally.

143. The automated hand of any one of claims 140 to 142, wherein the wrist joint is configured to hold electrical connectors that connect electronics in the sleeve with electronics in the palm and/or digits of the hand.

144. An automated hand including a submersible palm containing control electronics and actuators contained in a submersible assembly, a plurality of digits extending from the palm and a removable plate secured to the hand.

145. An automated hand as claimed in claim 144 wherein the plate is secured to the lower part of the palm.

146. An automated hand as claimed in claim 144 wherein the plate is secured to the upper part of the palm.

147. An automated hand as claimed in claim 144 wherein the plate is secured to a fingertip of a digit.

148. An automated hand as claimed in any one of claims 144 to 147 wherein the plate

consists of a rigid base layer and a surface layer formed of a softer material.

149. An automated hand as claimed in claim 148 wherein the surface layer has a Shore A hardness of between 15 and 90.

150. An automated hand as claimed in claim 148 wherein the surface layer has a Shore A hardness of between 50 and 90.

151. An automated hand as claimed in claim 148 wherein the surface layer has a Shore A hardness of about 60.