Abstract: A GPS-tracked wireless-networked wheelchair system includes a wheelchair framework for carrying a passenger, and having a set of wheels adapted to rotate. A device-level machine-readable code is displayed on a surface associated with the wheelchair system. A brake assembly is arranged with the set of wheels and has a locked position, and an unlocked position. A wireless control module is operably connected to a wireless communication network. When a web-enabled mobile phone is used to (i) scan the device-level machine-readable code displayed on the wheelchair system, (ii) complete a wheelchair rental transaction over the wireless communication network, and (iii) obtain access control over the rented wheelchair system, then the wireless wheel locking control module unlocks the brake assembly, and the wheelchair framework is allowed to move relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A wireless-networked stroller access control system includes a plurality of wireless-networked strollers, each having stroller framework for carrying a passenger, and having a set of wheels mounted on an axle. A device-level machine-readable code is displayed on a surface associated with the stroller system. A wheel brake assembly is arranged with the set of wheels and has a locked position, and an unlocked position. A manually-actuated control bar assembly is mounted on the stroller framework, arranged with respect to the wheel brake assembly, and has a locked state of operation and an unlocked state of operation. A wireless wheel-axle locking control module is arranged in wireless communication with a wireless communication infrastructure, and configured with the manually-actuated control bar assembly to control the state of operation of the manually-actuated control bar assembly and also the wheel brake assembly.

Abstract: A method of contact-less access control to a device available for rental, access and use in an environment, by scanning multi-level machine-readable codes displayed in the environment using web-enabled mobile phones wirelessly connected to a wireless access control network. To practice a facility-level, site-level access and/or device-level access control method, a web-enabled mobile phone is used to scan facility-level, site-level and/or device-level machine-readable codes in the environment, and in response, rental transaction identifiers are stored within the cache on the web-enabled mobile phone scanning the machine-readable code. Each rental transaction identifier identifies the web-enabled mobile phone that is linked to a specific device rental transaction. After renting the selected device at either a facility-level, site-level or device-level location in the environment, the web-enabled mobile phone is used to scan the device-level machine-readable code on the rented device.

Abstract: A GPS-tracked wireless-networked electric convenience vehicle (ECV) includes a body portion adapted for supporting the body of passenger; a GPS system for providing GPS-location services to the GPS-tracked wireless-networked ECV; a transport system with wheels and a drive mechanism, for supporting and transporting the body portion; and a wireless electronic control module being integrated with the transport system, and in wireless communication with a wireless communication infrastructure, for controlling said wheels and/or the drive mechanism. When a web-enabled mobile phone is used to (i) scan a device-level machine-readable code displayed on the GPS-tracked wireless-networked ECV, (ii) complete an ECV rental transaction over the wireless communication infrastructure, and (iii) obtain access control over the rented GPS-tracked wireless-networked ECV, then the wireless electronic control module enables the GPS-tracked wireless-networked ECV to be operated on a ground surface.

Abstract: A wireless network, mobile systems and methods for controlling access to lockers, strollers, wheel chairs and electronic convenience vehicles and other networked devices provided with machine-readable codes that are scanned by mobile phones and computing devices.

Abstract: A wireless network, systems and methods, wherein each passenger-carrying rideable vehicle deployed in the system includes: a modular construction consisting of a lightweight body driven by an electric-battery driven motor, and specially adapted for receiving a customizable ornamental body having the appearance and personality of a particular or an inanimate object; motorized and/or animated elements disposed beneath the animal character skin covering for enabling animal behaviors and/or expressions that promote a fun and entertaining ride experience; an audio-transducers mounted within the animal character body for playing music from smartphone applications and animated animal character body portions to provide a sense of realism and excitement as the electric entertainment vehicle is ridden through an amusement facility.

Abstract: One embodiment of an electric convenience vehicle (ECV) may include a frame, a plurality of wheels configured to support and move the frame, a user support member supported by the frame, a steering mechanism disposed toward a front portion of the ECV, a motor configured to cause at least one wheel to be propelled forward, propelled backward, or to remain in a fixed position, a throttle, when activated in a first position, may cause the motor to propel the wheel(s) in a forward direction, when activated in a second position, may cause the motor to propel the wheel(s) in a reverse direction, and a control and communications unit (CCU) disposed in front of the user support member, and configured to control operations of the motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self service vending of electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are disclosed. Various embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein allow convenient rental of ECVs to visitors of large venues without requiring dedicated service personnel. In one embodiment, a self service vending system may include a charging station configured to charge an ECV, a locking mechanism configured to lock the ECV, and a terminal configured to process a reservation of the ECV and to provide a code for operating the ECV based on the reservation. In some embodiments, a self service vending system may include a docking station. Embodiments may further include a reservation management system. Computer systems implementing methods of self service vending of ECVs are also disclosed.