Prosthetic joint with a mechanical response system to position and rate of change

A prosthetic joint, comprising:

• a first connector, a second connector, and a pivot device that allows the first and second connectors to rotate with respect to each other;
• a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first and second chambers are connected via a bi-directional flow path;
• a valve positioned in the bi-directional flow path and configured to restrict fluid flow between the first and second chambers;
• a non-electronic mechanism for controlling the fluid flow responsive to a rate of change of position of the joint, wherein an external force applied to the prosthetic joint causes the valve to open and to permit fluid flow between the first and second chambers;
• and
• an occlusion configured to restrict fluid flow between the first and second chambers within the bi-directional flow path, wherein the occlusion is connected to a damping element that opposes movement of the occlusion when the occlusion moves to restrict fluid flow between the first and second chambers within the bi-directional flow path, wherein the joint further comprises a cam driving a follower;
• and wherein the follower position drives closure of the occlusion through a compliant element.

A prosthetic joint, comprising:

• a first connector, a second connector, and a pivot device that allows the first and second connectors to rotate with respect to each other;
• a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first and second chambers are connected via a bi-directional flow path and a one-way connection;
• an occlusion positioned in the bi-directional flow path and configured to restrict fluid flow between the first and second chambers;
• a valve positioned in the one-way connection and configured to restrict fluid flow between the first and second chambers;
• and
• a non-electronic mechanism for controlling the fluid flow responsive to a rate of change of position of the joint,
• wherein a first external force applied to the prosthetic joint causes the valve to open and to permit fluid flow between the first and second chambers, wherein the first external force may be applied to the prosthetic joint by transferring weight to a heel of the user.