Made for the Veterans Administration by Fidelity Electronics. Fidelity Electronics distributed the proportional below-elbow system originally developed at Northwestern University. This is sometimes referred to as the “VANU” hand. In this version, a mild myo-electric impulse causes a slow gentle movement of the hand, while a strong impulse creates a rapid, powerful movement of the hand. Many authorities feel this is the most physiologically natural control, and offers the greatest degree of prehension control as well. Several things are unique about this product. First,, it is a 12 volt system. Secondly, all the electronics are located in a “wrist module,” including the battery. This hand has been in storage since the early 1980’s at the Washington VA Hospital. The hands that we disassembled and tested were functional with the exception of the internal Ni-Cad batteries which are all dead and no myo-electric sensors are available. The motor and grasping force of the hand was responsive when voltage applied.

NOTICE: It is a difficult process to replace the batteries and re-setup the hand with myo- electric sensors as there is limited information available.