Prosthetic knee: US Pat. No. 7,655,050

U.S. Patent No. 7,655,050, issued on February 2, 2010 to Freedom Innovations, LLC of Irvine, CA, discloses a prosthetic knee device that is computer-controlled. 

The patent explains that previous prosthetic knees with computer-controlled actuators were complex and heavy, and that the prosthetic knee disclosed in the patent provides the gait speed adaptability and safety of a computer-controlled knee while being relatively lightweight and simple in design.

Freedom Innovations markets the Plié™ MPC Knee, which is described as a microprocessor-controlled knee that utilizes a proprietary technology to provide a smooth, secure, and natural gait — at any speed, angle, or incline. 

According to their website, the company has 13 U.S. patents and uses their innovative technologies to provide “top-quality, high performance prothetic devices for individuals with lower limb amputations.”  Their website also includes an admirable  mission statement and a set of values that would be well adopted by all businesses.