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Alley Introduces the “Biotensegrity Bridge” for Human Device Interfacing

By Biodesigns, biomechanics, Food for thought, HiFi, Prosthetics, Socket Technology

In the March 2021 issue of the O&P Edge, Randall Alley, CEO and Head of User-Interface Technology, notes the issues with existing prosthetic socket designs and introduces a new model to consider for attachment, the Biotensegrity Bridge™, and describes how the patented and patents-pending HiFi Interface™ System creates a stable and functional “bridge” for attaching prosthetic devices.

“Since soft tissue (fascia) has a nonlinear stress/strain arrangement, traditionalists have incorrectly applied linear laws using levers and pulleys (mechanical physics) to explain the effects that the forces of gravity and tension elicit on our bodies. Biotensegrity has emerged as a new model of structural biology that is in diametric opposition to the Newtonian model of linear mechanical forces we all learned in school. Understanding the dynamic and continuous relationships between the soft tissue (fascia) and fluids within the body opens up new and exciting opportunities for better understanding the nature and role of the human-device interface,” stated Alley. “I give you what I am terming the Biotensegrity Bridge™ as a better way to approach interface integration.”

Read the full article: https://opedge.com/Articles/ViewArticle/2021-03-01/human-device-integration-introducing-the-biotensegrity-bridge

biodesigns Announces 11th Patent for Interface Technology, Expands Licensing Program

By Biodesigns, Press Release / Media, Socket Technology, Uncategorized

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Dec. 19th, 2020 – Southern California-based biodesigns, inc., the leader in non-surgical human interface development and technology, is pleased to announce another patent for their innovative High-Fidelity™ (HiFiTM) Interface technology. This latest patent, Method of Manufacturing Prosthetic Socket Interface (US10,878,137), complements their interface technology patent portfolio including Methods for Bone Stabilization, (US10,123,888, US10,702,404), Methods for Use of Compression Stabilized Prosthetic Socket Interface, (US8,323,353), Method, System, and Tools for Affixing Compression Stabilized Prosthetic Socket Interface, (US8,656,918), Adaptable Socket System, Method and Kit (US9,283,093, US10,369,027, EP2914221B1, CA2,889,918), System and Method for Engaging Target with Artificial Limb Equipment (CN106913407B), and Adjustable Pod System, Method and External Member (CN104884005B).

Randall Alley, biodesigns’ CEO, Chief Prosthetist, and Head of User-Interface Technology, has discovered a revolutionary approach for attaching items, equipment, tools and technology non-surgically to the body. The core of the patented and patents-pending HiFi™ Osseostabilizing™ Human Device Interface (HDI) technology is its ability to improve worn device performance and control by syncing the interface more effectively and efficiently to skeletal motion. By surrounding the underlying bone with an alternating array of compression, users experience improved connectivity, a heightened sense of proprioception, and a higher level of device embodiment, whether wearing a prosthesis, exoskeleton, or other wearable technologies.

“When I traveled the world for nearly 15 years fitting complex prosthetic systems, I continually witnessed poor outcomes  and high rejection rates caused by the Standard of Care (SOC) sockets being provided. Patients’ biggest complaints were discomfort and feeling disconnected from their prosthesis. It was then I decided to dedicate my career to improving the human device interface by focusing more on interface biomechanics to achieve improved comfort, increased user feedback, enhanced performance, and ultimately greater device acceptance,” stated Alley. “Today, I am pleased to see the HiFi™ interface technology expand into other industries. Our goal is simple – device embodiment so we can be one step closer to seamless human-device integration.”

To make the technology more accessible to patients globally, biodesigns licenses the HiFi™ Prosthetic Interface technology to other Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) facilities in the U.S. and abroad, including several NHS (National Health Services) facilities who are interested in improving their outcomes for upper and lower limb prosthetic wearers. Additional programs include a license to their exoskeleton interface technology as well as a license to their recreational consumer interface products, including exolimb™ which is scheduled to launch in 2021.

About biodesigns:

Southern California-based biodesigns, inc. is a technology-driven facility specializing in the most advanced patient care, research and product development in non-surgical Human Device Interfaces. In prosthetics, it is reestablishing a connection that has been lost; with the military, it is enhancing mission-critical performance and reducing injury; and in consumer wearables it is improving the way individuals interact with tech, tools, and gear. biodesigns’ mission is to create the universal interface standard in Orthotics & Prosthetics (O&P), Exoskeletons, Orthopedics, and consumer wearables. biodesigns’ intellectual property portfolio is managed by Fish IP Law LLP, a premier intellectual property law firm.

For more information visit www.biodesigns.com

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The Importance of the Prosthetic Interface and Its Impact on Patient Management

By Lower Extremity, Socket Technology, Upper Extremity

The Interface or Socket that the Prosthetist provides has a profound impact on their patient’s ability to move forward with rehab and greatly impacts their life today and in the future. Read the recent article by Tricia West and Randall Alley. We must remember to think of our patients in the hear and now but maybe, and even more importantly, in the future.

https://www.aanlcp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Fall-2020.pdf

Captain DuVal and Alley Highlighted

By Biodesigns, HiFi, Military, Prosthetics, Upper Extremity

Exciting week end of the year as biodesigns was visited by Fox11 and ABC channel 7 regarding the innovative prosthetic work we are involved in with Captain Carey DuVal, right, below elbow amputee, and BrainRobotics.

Check out some of our coverage:

https://abc7.com/technology/veteran-tests-new-technology-with-robotics-prosthetics/8702452/ 

https://www.foxla.com/news/westlake-village-prosthetics-company-tests-state-of-the-art-bionic-arm

https://sofrep.com/news/army-captain-becomes-first-soldier-with-a-prosthetic-limb-to-complete-special-forces-selection/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/12/23/innovations-bionic-hand-ai/

So glad to share this story with others. We hope it provides encouragement and inspiration.