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

A method of controlling rotation of a prosthetic joint comprising:

• applying an external force that causes rotation of a joint wherein the joint comprises a first and second chamber;
• transferring fluid between the first and second chambers in response to rotation of the joint;
• providing a feature to occlude or partially occlude the fluid transfer between chambers;
• providing a non-electronic mechanism for controlling the flow responsive to a position of the joint and/or a rate of change of position of the joint.

A method of controlling dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of a hydraulic prosthetic ankle joint, comprising:

• generating ground reaction forces with a hydraulic prosthetic ankle, wherein the prosthetic hydraulic ankle comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, and the ankle is connected to a prosthetic foot;
• rotating the prosthetic foot in response to the ground reaction force;
• transferring fluid between the first and second chambers in response to rotation of the foot;
• providing a feature to occlude or partially occlude the fluid transfer between chambers;
• providing a non-electronic mechanism for controlling the flow responsive to a position of the joint and/or a rate of change of position of the joint.