iLimb Pulse hand prosthesis: Switching between grip patterns
This is the new iLimb Pulse prosthetic hand. I've been using it for about four months. You can tell the hand to switch to up to four out of eight available grip modes or grip patterns with an included software. The software connects to the hand via bluetooth. I use a co-contraction for changing from the default grip mode to wrist rotation. That means that I send a simultaneous muscle signal to both electrodes. That is very useful for a lot of things, for example pouring drinks. I activate my second grip mode by sendeing two quick impulses to the opening electrode. My second grip mode is called precision pinch. It moves the Index finger in opposition to the thumb. It is very useful for picking up small objects. My next grip mode is called index point. I activate it by sendeing three quick impulses to the opening electrode: One, two, three. It is very useful for typing. My fourth grip mode is called thumb park. I activate with a open signal that lasts more than two seconds. The hand then parks the four fingers and only moves the thumb. That is very useful for donning and doffing clothing. In summary, I can tell the i-Limb to do five differnt things: Move all fingers, rotate the wrist, go to pinch mode for picking up small objects, point out the index finger for typing, and park all fingers but the thumb. Each mode is associated with its own control signal, so there is no "cycling through" modes. Any mode can be activated from any other mode. It is the most advanced <b>...</b>
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