Invacare Corporation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140260991 | GAS CONCENTRATOR - Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel containing a separation medium are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sieve bed vessel attaches to a chassis component using a press-fit configuration to lock and seal the sieve bed vessel to a chassis component. | 09-18-2014 |
20140252832 | RECLINING SEAT - A seat for a wheelchair is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the seat includes a seat back portion, a bottom portion, and a linkage coupling the bottom portion to the seat back portion such that the seat back portion is movable relative to the bottom portion. The linkage generally includes a first link and a second link. The first link is generally pivotally connected to the bottom portion and the seat back portion. The second link is generally pivotally connected to the bottom portion and the seat back portion. The first link and the second link pivot relative to the seat back portion and the bottom portion as the seat back portion is moved relative to the bottom portion. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251130 | PRODUCT GAS CONCENTRATOR AND METHOD ASSOCIATED THEREWITH - Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles. | 09-11-2014 |
20140245535 | LATCHING MOTION TRANSFER MECHANISM - Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time. | 09-04-2014 |
20140237723 | ADJUSTABLE BED - A bed is disclosed in the present application. In certain embodiments, the bed comprises a frame, a mattress support coupled to the frame and moveable between a substantially flat position and an elevated position, and an actuator coupled to the frame and the mattress support for moving the mattress support between the substantially flat position and the elevated position. The mattress support comprises a first section and a second section. The first section is pivotally connected to the frame and to the second section. The second section is pivotally connected to at least one connecting link. The connecting link is pivotally connected to the frame. | 08-28-2014 |
20140202461 | OXYGEN COMPRESSOR WITH BOOST STAGE - An oxygen concentration and compression system includes an oxygen concentrator, a boost stage, a compressor, and a portable container. The boost stage receives oxygen enriched gas at a first pressure from the oxygen concentrator. The boost stage includes a pressure increasing device that increases the pressure of the oxygen enriched gas from the first pressure to a second, controlled pressure. The compressor receives the oxygen enriched gas at the second, controlled pressure and compresses the oxygen enriched gas to a third pressure in the portable container for later use by a patient. A patient outlet provides oxygen enriched gas from the oxygen concentrator or the boost stage for use by a patient. | 07-24-2014 |
20140190348 | PRODUCT GAS CONCENTRATOR UTILIZING VACUUM SWING ADSORPTION AND METHOD ASSOCIATED THEREWITH - Systems and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes first and second sieve beds, a scavenger pump, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: separating one or more adsorbable components from a source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve beds in alternating and opposing filling and purging cycles of a vacuum swing adsorption process to form the concentrated product gas and pressurizing the concentrated gas for delivery to a user. Other embodiments include selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on a desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve beds such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding filling cycles. | 07-10-2014 |
20140067158 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING OR MODIFYING PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETER IN POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - A method and apparatus for setting or modifying a programmable operating parameter associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) operating a user interface device associated with a power driven wheelchair in a programming mode, b) selecting a programmable operating parameter associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device, c) selecting a value for the programmable operating parameter using the user interface device, and d) saving the selected value for the programmable operating parameter in a portion of a storage device associated with the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device. A method and apparatus for selecting one or more programmable parameter sets from a portable storage medium and saving the selected sets to a local storage device associated with a power driven wheelchair and vice versa is also provided. | 03-06-2014 |
20130334778 | SUSPENSION FOR WHEELED VEHICLES - A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame. | 12-19-2013 |
20130333564 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONCENTRATING GAS - Systems and methods for producing a product gas are provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of gas separation assemblies separate adsorbable components from a gas source using a plurality of micro-pumps to create gas flow through the gas separation assemblies. Various embodiments include implementation of various pressure swing adsorbtion (PSA), vacuum swing adsorbtion (VSA), and vacuum pressure swing adsorbtion (VPSA) systems utilizing the gas separation assemblies with micro-pumps. In other embodiments, micro-pumps and micro-pump assemblies are arranged in various configurations capable of providing a range of pressures and flow rates. | 12-19-2013 |
20130291300 | FRAME LATCHING ASSEMBLIES - An assembly includes a first and second frame members and a latch. A second interlocking feature of the second frame member is configured to interlock with a first interlocking feature of the first frame member when the second frame member is assembled with the first frame member and the second frame member is moved with respect to the first frame member from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. The latch is secured to the first frame member and is horizontally movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the latch engages a catch portion of the second frame member to secure the second frame member in the second vertical position. In the unlocked position, the latch disengages from the catch portion of the second frame member to permit movement of the second frame member to the first vertical position. | 11-07-2013 |
20130239330 | SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR MONITORING OF ASSEMBLY CONFIGURATIONS AND CONDITIONS - An assembly monitoring system includes a receiver, an assembly, and a processor. The assembly includes at least one trackable component including a transmitter configured to deliver component identifying data to the receiver. The processor is in electronic communication with the receiver and stores authorized assembly configuration data associated with at least one authorized component. The processor is configured to receive the component identifying data from the receiver and to compare the component identifying data with the authorized assembly configuration data. The processor is further configured to generate a first improper assembly signal when the component identifying data does not correspond to at least a portion of the authorized assembly configuration data. | 09-19-2013 |
20130209297 | PUMPING DEVICE - A pumping device compresses fluid, provides a vacuum, or both compresses fluid and provides a vacuum. A pumping device may be used to force gas through a sieve bed, draw gas out of a sieve bed, or both force gas through a sieve bed and drawing gas out of a sieve bed. A pumping device may be operated at high speed to provide a high fluid flow rate with a small pumping device. | 08-15-2013 |
20130207364 | WHEELCHAIR SUSPENSION - A wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a drive assembly pivot arm, a drive assembly, a front caster pivot arm, a front caster, and a spring and shock absorbing assembly. The drive assembly pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The drive assembly includes a drive wheel and is mounted to the drive assembly pivot arm. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the frame and coupled to the drive assembly pivot arm. The front caster is coupled to the at least one front caster pivot arm. The spring and shock absorbing assembly is pivotally connected to the drive assembly pivot arm at a first pivotal connection and pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm at a second pivotal connection. The first and second pivotal connections are positioned such that a majority of the force applied by the spring and shock absorbing assembly is applied to the drive wheel when the suspension is on a flat, horizontal support surface. | 08-15-2013 |
20130161988 | SEAT - Seats that are moveable from a seating orientation, which allows a user to sit on the seat, to a standing orientation, where the seat at least partially supports the user in a standing posture are disclosed. At least a portion of the seat is moveable away from the user's legs when the seat is in the standing position. | 06-27-2013 |
20130090779 | PROPORTIONAL AND NON PROPORTIONAL DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEM - A system and method for driving a power driven wheelchair is provided. One system embodiment may include, for example, a plurality of force sensing resistors, at least one force sensing resistor comprising a contactable surface for sensing a pressure thereon, wherein the at least one force sensing resistor generates a proportional signal in response to the sensed pressure. A controller comprising at least one input for receiving the proportional signal and having logic to receive the proportional signal and generate a control signal which is outputted to a motor controller to control the power driven wheelchair. | 04-11-2013 |
20130036550 | BED LIFT MECHANISM - A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly. | 02-14-2013 |
20130031784 | Oxygen Concentrator Having Structural Sieve Beds - Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel filled with a separation medium are disclosed. The sieve bed vessel at least partially supports one chassis component of the oxygen concentrator with respect to another chassis component. of the oxygen concentrator. | 02-07-2013 |
20120299262 | WHEELCHAIR SUSPENSION - A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are pivotally connected to the frame at a common pivot axis such that the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are pivotable relative to one another. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299260 | SUSPENSION FOR WHEELED VEHICLES - A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame. | 11-29-2012 |
20120185114 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROGRAMMING PARAMETERS OF A POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR FOR A PLURALITY OF DRIVE SETTINGS - A method of programming parameters of a power driven wheelchair for a plurality of drive modes comprises: displaying a menu image on an interactive display screen, the menu image including settings of a plurality of wheelchair parameters for a plurality of drive modes of the wheelchair; selecting a wheelchair parameter for a drive mode from the displayed menu image; and programming the setting of the selected wheelchair parameter to a desired setting. | 07-19-2012 |
20120166020 | POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - A power driven wheelchair and a method for operating same are provided. In one embodiment, the power driven wheelchair includes a system controller with a main controller, a storage device, and at least one input device, a motor assembly, and a common bus. The motor assembly may include a drive motor, a local controller, and a sensor sensing a condition associated with the drive motor and in communication with the local controller. In another embodiment, the power driven wheelchair includes the system controller, an actuator assembly, and the common bus. The actuator assembly may include an actuator mechanism, a local controller, and a sensor sensing a condition associated with the actuator mechanism and in communication with the local controller. Multiple embodiments of the method are related to controlling various arrangements of motor assemblies or actuator assemblies. | 06-28-2012 |
20120152248 | APPARATUS FOR COMPRESSING AND STORING OXYGEN ENRICHED GAS - Methods and apparatus for storing high-pressure, high-purity oxygen in a pressure vessel for use in the home health care or related fields as for ambulatory patients, persons confined to wheelchairs, and those who are bedridden. The Oxygen may be produced from air an oxygen-enriched gas and stored in a concentrator product tank. After reaching a predetermined pressure, the gas is fed to a compressor where it is compressed to a high pressure and stored in a mobile or portable high-pressure container. A patient can thus have increased mobility through use of the portable, one or more high-pressure oxygen containers. | 06-21-2012 |
20120146378 | SEAT - Seats that are moveable from a seating orientation, which allows a user to sit on the seat, to a standing orientation, where the seat at least partially supports the user in a standing posture are disclosed. At least a portion of the seat is moveable away from the user's legs when the seat is in the standing position. | 06-14-2012 |
20120143393 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING OR MODIFYING PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETER IN POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - A method and apparatus for setting or modifying a programmable operating parameter associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) operating a user interface device associated with a power driven wheelchair in a programming mode, b) selecting a programmable operating parameter associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device, c) selecting a value for the programmable operating parameter using the user interface device, and d) saving the selected value for the programmable operating parameter in a portion of a storage device associated with the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device. A method and apparatus for selecting one or more programmable parameter sets from a portable storage medium and saving the selected sets to a local storage device associated with a power driven wheelchair and vice versa is also provided. | 06-07-2012 |
20120130590 | CONTEXT-SENSITIVE HELP FOR DISPLAY DEVICE ASSOCIATED WITH POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - An apparatus and method for providing help information on a display device associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) displaying screen content displayed on the display device during operation or support of the power driven wheelchair, b) detecting selective activation of a first input device, c) in response to detection of the first input device activation, selecting help information content from a collection of help information, the selected help information content being contextually related to the screen content displayed on the display device, and d) displaying the contextually-related help information content on the display device. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a display device, a first input device, and a microcontroller in operative communication with the display device and the first input device. | 05-24-2012 |
20120112507 | RECLINING SEAT - A seat for a wheelchair is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the seat includes a seat back portion, a bottom portion, and a linkage coupling the bottom portion to the seat back portion such that the seat back portion is movable relative to the bottom portion. The linkage generally includes a first link and a second link. The first link is generally pivotally connected to the bottom portion and the seat back portion. The second link is generally pivotally connected to the bottom portion and the seat back portion. The first link and the second link pivot relative to the seat back portion and the bottom portion as the seat back portion is moved relative to the bottom portion. | 05-10-2012 |
20120064502 | CONTEXT-SENSITIVE HELP FOR DISPLAY ASSOCIATE WITH POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - An apparatus and method for providing help information on a display device associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) displaying screen content displayed on the display device during operation or support of the power driven wheelchair, b) detecting selective activation of a first input device, c) in response to detection of the first input device activation, selecting help information content from a collection of help information, the selected help information content being contextually related to the screen content displayed on the display device, and d) displaying the contextually-related help information content on the display device. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a display device, a first input device, and a microcontroller in operative communication with the display device and the first input device. | 03-15-2012 |
20120018234 | ELECTRIC MOTOR AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY - A motor and brake assembly includes a mounting member. A stator winding assembly, a brake assembly, a hub, and a rotor magnet assembly. The stator winding assembly is mounted to the mounting member. The brake assembly is operably connected to the mounting member. The hub is rotatably coupled to the mounting member. The rotor magnet assembly is mounted to an inside of a radially outer wall of the hub. The brake assembly is operable to move a component of the brake assembly between an engaged position where the component engages the inside of the radially outer hub wall and a disengaged position where the component is spaced apart from the inside of the radially outer hub wall. | 01-26-2012 |
20120016548 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING OR MODIFYING PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETERS IN POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code. | 01-19-2012 |
20110316253 | WHEELCHAIR - The present application relates generally to conveyances and, more particularly, to wheelchairs. In one embodiment, a wheelchair includes a seat assembly coupled to a chassis. The chassis includes a frame having a rear wheel support member, one or more front wheel support members extending in a forward direction from the rear wheel support member, and a seat support member. The rear wheel support member comprises a central portion and left and right portions extending downward from the central portion. The wheelchair also includes one or more drive wheels for propulsion of the wheelchair, a set of front wheels for supporting the wheelchair, and a shrouding system for at least partially covering the frame and other components of the wheelchair. | 12-29-2011 |
20110298190 | DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING A USER WITH AN INJURED LEG - The present application is directed to a device for transporting users having an injured leg across a surface and a method of adjusting the device. An embodiment of the device includes a frame, at least two wheel assemblies, and a support for supporting the knee of the injured leg of the user. The frame may have a top portion and at least two legs. The wheel assemblies may be operatively connected to the legs of the frame. The support may be at least partially supported by the top portion of the frame. The device may include an anti-rotation arrangement that increases the resistance to the rotation of a wheel of at least one of the wheel assemblies to assist alignment of the device with a forward direction when a force is applied by the non-injured leg of the user in a direction that is parallel to the forward direction. | 12-08-2011 |
20110227314 | Wheelchair Seat Assembly - A seat assembly for a conveyance, such as a wheelchair, that allows the user to set the recline angle of the seat back at a seating position, fold the seat back down to a folded position and back up to the seating position, such that the seat back is returned to the seating position at the user selected recline angle R unless the recline angle is adjusted by the user. The user selected recline angle R is not disturbed by folding the seat back from the seating position, to the folded position 106, and back to the seating position. | 09-22-2011 |
20110199179 | PROPORTIONAL JOYSTICK WITH INTEGRAL SWITCH - An input device, such as a joystick, provides proportional input signals related to a position of an actuating member along an actuation surface and also includes a switch that provides an additional signal when the actuating member is moved in a direction perpendicular to the actuation surface. | 08-18-2011 |
20110192122 | BREATHING GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM - An oxygen concentrator and compressor assembly. An oxygen concentrator is disposed in a housing having an upper end. A compressor is disposed in a housing having a lower end. The upper end of the oxygen concentrator housing and the lower end of the compressor housing are configured such that placement of the lower end of the compressor housing on the upper end of the oxygen concentrator housing sets the position of the compressor housing with respect to the oxygen concentrator housing. | 08-11-2011 |
20110083913 | WHEELCHAIR SUSPENSION - Wheeled vehicles, such as wheelchairs, that are adapted to traverse obstacles are provided. The wheeled vehicles include a frame, drive wheels, front anti-tip wheels positioned in front of the drive wheels and rear anti-tip wheels positioned behind the drive wheels. One exemplary vehicle includes front anti-tip wheels supported by rigid arms that are fixed to the frame and drive assemblies that are independently suspended from the frame. Another exemplary vehicle includes a linkage that links the front and rear anti-tip wheels, such that movement of one of the front or rear anti-tip wheel relative to the frame causes movement of the other wheel relative to the frame. | 04-14-2011 |
20110038740 | COMPRESSOR - A compressor includes a cylinder assembly in a V4 configuration. A crankshaft of the compressor has a main shaft and first and second eccentric bodies. The two eccentric bodies drive four pistons. | 02-17-2011 |
20100156065 | WHEELCHAIR - A wheelchair is provided for positioning and transporting patients. An exemplary embodiment of the wheelchair includes a tiltable seat frame portion and a base frame portion. The seat frame portion is generally configured to tilt relative to the base frame portion. An arcuate track adjustment portion generally permits pivotal adjustment of the focus about which the seat frame portion rotates. A seat frame adjustment portion generally permits pivotal adjustment of the seat frame portion relative to the base frame portion such that the seat frame portion maintains proper orientation with the base frame portion upon adjustment of the focus about which the seat frame portion rotates. | 06-24-2010 |
20100084209 | WHEELCHAIR SUSPENSION - A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are coupled to enhance the vehicle's ability to traverse obstacles. | 04-08-2010 |
20100065055 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BREATHING GAS - Systems and methods for providing a breathing gas are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes sensing a sensed parameter associated with delivery of the breathing gas, changing a control parameter associated with a flow/pressure control element in response to a difference between the sensed parameter and a first predetermined sensed parameter value during a first portion of a breathing cycle, determining a transition from the first portion to a second portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the changing control parameter, changing the control parameter to cause a first change in the sensed parameter during the second portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the determined transition, and changing the control parameter to cause a second change in the sensed parameter during a third portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the first predetermined sensed parameter value. | 03-18-2010 |
20100031439 | PATIENT LIFT WITH ADJUSTABLE KNEE PADS AND SLING HOOKS - An apparatus is provided for lifting and transporting patients. The apparatus may include a base frame, a central frame, a knee pad, and a boom configured to pivot relative to the central frame. The knee pad may have a guide and a rail configured to travel within the guide to allow positioning and adjustment of the knee pad relative to the central frame. The guide may be configured to selectively secure the rail at any location within an adjustment range of the knee pad. The boom may have at least one hook portion for attachment of a device for holding the patient during lifting. The hook portion may include a hook formed from a curved portion of a central member and a clip attached to the curved portion and movable between a closed position and an open position. | 02-11-2010 |
20100013172 | OBSTACLE TRAVERSING WHEELCHAIR - A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. Movement of the drive assembly in a first direction causes the pivot arm to substantially remain in a first position. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position. | 01-21-2010 |
20100005585 | PATIENT LIFT WITH HANGER BAR ATTACHMENT - According to one embodiment of the present invention, a patient lift apparatus is provided that includes a hanger bar attachment bumper that comprises a soft material so as to provide a soft impact surface on the patient lift apparatus, the hanger bar attachment comprising a first and second housing adapted to be selectively connected to one another. According to another embodiment of the present invention a patient lift apparatus is provided that includes a hanger bar attachment bumper that comprises a soft material so as to provide a soft impact surface on the patient lift apparatus, the hanger bar attachment bumper comprising a first and second housing adapted to be selectively connected to one another, wherein the hanger bar attachment bumper comprises a surface area and wherein the first housing makes up a larger portion of the surface area of the hanger bar attachment bumper than the second housing. | 01-14-2010 |
20100004820 | WHEELCHAIR WITH SUSPENSION - Embodiments of a suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a locking assembly. The locking assembly inhibits tipping of a frame of the vehicle when tipping of the frame is detected. | 01-07-2010 |
20090186747 | SEAT - Seats that are moveable from a seating orientation, which allows a user to sit on the seat, to a standing orientation, where the seat at least partially supports the user in a standing posture are disclosed. At least a portion of the seat is moveable away from the user's legs when the seat is in the standing position. | 07-23-2009 |
20090100598 | LATCHING MOTION TRANSFER MECHANISM - Latching motion transfer arrangements are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time. | 04-23-2009 |
20090094747 | BED LIFT MECHANISM - A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly | 04-16-2009 |
20090091092 | WHEELCHAIR SUSPENSION - A wheelchair includes a pivoting drive assembly having a drive wheel, a motor drive connected to the drive wheel, and a first pivoting linkage fixedly attached to the motor drive. The pivoting drive assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame at a first frame pivot axis such that the drive wheel, motor drive, and first pivoting linkage pivot about the first frame pivot axis as a unit. The wheelchair further includes a second pivoting linkage and a front caster assembly. The second pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the frame at a second frame pivot axis. The first pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the front caster assembly at a first front caster pivot axis and the second pivoting linkage is pivotally coupled to the front caster assembly at a second front caster pivot axis. | 04-09-2009 |
20090050154 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING DESIRED PRESSURE IN POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE DEVICES - Systems and methods for adjusting a desired pressure in a positive airway pressure (PAP) device are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) providing breathing gas under positive pressure to a patient via a PAP device based on current desired pressure, b) monitoring a characteristic of the breathing gas, patient, or PAP device indicative of respiration, c) creating a breathing cycle signal having a first level associated with inhalation and a second level associated with exhalation, the signal being based on the monitored respiration characteristic, d) performing an abnormal breathing check based on the monitored respiration characteristic and the breathing cycle signal, and e) if abnormal breathing is detected, increasing the current desired pressure until a maximum desired pressure is reached, otherwise, decreasing the current desired pressure until a minimum desired pressure is reached. Several embodiments of an apparatus associated with the method are also provided. | 02-26-2009 |
20080269959 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPROGRAMMING A PROGRAMMED CONTROLLER OF A POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - Apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair comprises: a reprogrammable, non-volatile memory programmed with a plurality of programs executable by the controller to operate the wheelchair, the non-volatile memory disposed at the wheelchair and coupled to the wheelchair controller; a general-purpose computer programmed to reprogram the non-volatile memory while disposed at the wheelchair, the programmed computer for storing main programs for use in reprogramming the non-volatile memory, the programmed computer being coupleable to the wheelchair controller for accommodating an exchange of data therebetween; and wherein the wheelchair controller being operative to communicate with the programmed computer to reprogram the non-volatile memory with the main programs while the non-volatile memory is disposed at the wheelchair. Methods for reprogramming the non-volatile memory are also disclosed. | 10-30-2008 |
20080257145 | PRODUCT GAS CONCENTRATOR AND METHOD ASSOCIATED THEREWITH - Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles. | 10-23-2008 |
20080251079 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE - An apparatus for providing a breathing gas to a user may include: a headgear unit and a control unit. The headgear unit may include: a breathing interface, an adjustable structure to fit the headgear unit to the user's head with the breathing interface disposed in relation to the user's facial area, a blower motor assembly attached to the adjustable structure, and a plenum coupled to the breathing interface and the blower motor assembly to form a breathing gas flow path. The control unit controlling operation of the blower motor assembly based on a desired pressure for the breathing gas. Operation of the blower motor assembly provides the breathing gas to a user airway at an adjustable positive pressure via the breathing gas flow path. Additional embodiments of the apparatus and various embodiments of a related method are also provided herein. | 10-16-2008 |
20080249694 | Method and Apparatus for Programming Parameters of a Power Driven
Wheelchair for a Plurality of Drive Settings - A method of programming parameters of a power driven wheelchair for a plurality of drive modes comprises: displaying a menu image on an interactive display screen, the menu image including settings of a plurality of wheelchair parameters for a plurality of drive modes of the wheelchair; selecting a wheelchair parameter for a drive mode from the displayed menu image; and programming the setting of the selected wheelchair parameter to a desired setting. | 10-09-2008 |
20080208394 | WHEELCHAIR SUSPENSION - The present invention provides a suspension for a conveyance that is capable of traversing obstacles and rough terrain. The suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly and a rear caster. The pivot arm and the drive assembly are coupled and decoupled based on movement of the drive assembly. | 08-28-2008 |