Surface neuroprosthetic device having a locating system

A surface neuroprosthetic device for functional electrical stimulation (FES) having a locating system for locating the device on to a limb segment of a user, the device comprising:

• (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of the limb segment;
• (b) a surface electrode array fixed in position within said shell, said electrode array for making electrical contact with a surface of the limb segment, so as to effect functional electrical stimulation of the limb segment;
• and
• (c) a locating system, operatively connected with said shell, for identifying the orientation of the device, determining a positioning of said shell relative to the limb segment, and facilitating donning of the device at a correct position and orientation on to the limb segment, said locating system including:
• (i) means for determining rotational positioning of said exoskeleton shell on the limb segment, and
• (ii) means for determining longitudinal positioning of said exoskeleton shell on the limb segment,
• said locating system being adjusted and attached to the device during an initial device set-up session to fit the limb segment of the user.

A method of locating a neuroprosthetic device on a limb segment of a user, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a neuroprosthetic device including:
• (i) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of the limb segment;
• (ii) at least one electrical stimulation electrode operatively connected with said shell, said electrode for making electrical contact with a surface of the limb segment, so as to effect functional electrical stimulation (FES) of at least one muscle of the limb segment;
• and
• (iii) a locating system for positioning said shell relative to the limb segment, said locating system including:
• (A) means for determining rotational positioning of said exoskeleton shell on the limb segment, and
• (B) means for determining longitudinal positioning of said exoskeleton shell on the limb segment;
• (b) donning said neuroprosthetic device on the limb segment;
• (c) applying said means for determining rotational positioning such that said neuroprosthetic device is rotationally positioned near an activating point on the limb segment, and
• (d) applying said means for determining longitudinal positioning such that said neuroprosthetic device is longitudinally positioned near said activating point on the limb segment.

A method of locating a neuroprosthetic device on a limb segment of a user, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a neuroprosthetic device including:
• (i) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of the limb segment;
• (ii) a surface electrode array fixed in position within said shell, said electrode array for making electrical contact with a surface of the limb segment, so as to effect functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the limb segment, and
• (iii) a locating system, operatively connected with said shell, said locating system including:
• (A) means for determining rotational positioning of said exoskeleton shell on the limb segment;
• (b) adjusting and attaching said locating system to the device during an initial device set-up session, so as to position said neuroprosthetic device to activate effectively the limb segment of the user;
• (c) subsequently donning said neuroprosthetic device on the limb segment, and
• (d) applying said means for determining rotational positioning such that said exoskeleton shell and fixed electrode array is rotationally positioned to activate effectively the limb segment of the user.