Abstract: A securement device uses a pedestal secured to a support structure and comprising an outer casing with securing brackets. A receiving area is proximate one end, A mid-brace is secured at both ends to the interior. A release bar is pivotally affixed at one end with the other end extending through the casing. A vertical sleeve is secured between the mid-brace and the partially open top and contains a receiving area and an open channel. A spring is placed within the vertical sleeve and a capture rod, having a wedged receiving area, retained within the sleeve, resting on the spring. A draw rod is permanently secured to the capture rod at one end and slideably connected to the release bar at the other end. A locking member has a locking rod pivotally connected to the mid-brace and a locking bar affixed at a right angle. A release rod is affixed to the locking bar and extends into the partially open first end. A spring bar maintains pressure on the locking rod.

Abstract: A steering linkage in which a pair of steering arms rotatably mounted on the vehicle frame are jointed by a tie rod to form, in combination, a parallelogram. For each wheel, a steering arm slidably engages a crank arm secured to a king pin that rotatably mounts the wheel to the frame. The pivot point of each steering arm is arranged so that a given angular rotation of both steering arms produces a differential angular wheel rotation that maintains the point of intersection of the steered wheel axes proximate the axis of the fixed wheels or more generally, the rotational axis of all wheels proximate a fixed point.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for guiding a cutting element along a predetermined path, the apparatus including a frame for guiding the cutting element along the predetermined path; and an adjustable clamp assembly, connected to the frame, for clamping a bone such that an intramedullary canal of the clamped bone is disposed along the predetermined path.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and holding an individual in a prescription posture followed by a determination of the surface contour of the posterior trunk. The positioning utilizes an array of adjustable pads arranged in rows. The shape sensing is accomplished by tracing a transverse cross-section of the posterior half of the trunk, at serial increments along the vertical axis of the trunk. The tracing is based on angular orientation, linear displacement and vertical elevation of a sensor mounted on a radial arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring and providing a two-dimensional representation of the contour of a person's thighs and buttocks or the dorsal and lateral surfaces of a person's trunk facilitates the fabrication of custom contoured seat cushions such as for use by wheelchair users. The apparatus includes a frame having a rectangular matrix of compressible, resilient support elements with a generally flat upper surface. Attached to the upper surface of each support element is one end of a flexible, incompressible cable which is inserted through a conduit with a 90.degree. bend for directing the cable toward and beyond a side of the frame. Second end portions of the cable and conduit combinations are in parallel, planar alignment. The cable is free to move within and along the length of the conduit such that downward displacement of the upper surface of a support element and first end of a cable coupled thereto causes the cable's second end to be moved outward from the frame.

Abstract: A caster wheel which enhances critical shimmy velocity so as to minimize shimmy effects in operation. Two tread surface for contact with a ground surface and a pivot assembly for pivoting the wheel about a first vertical axis displaced from a second vertical axis extending through the center point of the wheel are provided such that the separation between the two tread surfaces strategically relate via a mathematical equation to said displacement in a manner for achieving a desired critical shimmy velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a wheeled vehicle which has a hand-manipulated lever that is connected to a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly has a drum that is rotatably connected to the vehicle and brake bands that are pivotably connected to the lower end of the lever. An actuator rod connected to the lever causes inward movement of the bands to engage the clutch. Once engaged the vehicle can be propelled in which ever direction the lever is being rotated.

Abstract: A center of gravity wheelchair with an articulated chassis front and rear caster wheels, in which the main wheels and front and rear caster wheels are arranged in a diamond pattern, and the main wheels and rear caster wheel are carried by a subframe to form a bogie system, with the seat and front caster wheel carried by a seat frame assembly articulated with respect to the subframe through a pivoted link arrangement, whereby the seat may be moved forward relative to the main wheels, with a spring and damper connected between the subframe and seat frame assembly to minimize the tendancy for the front caster wheel to lift off the ground when the main wheels are strongly propelled and to provide a shock absorbing structure for traversing rough ground. The diamond pattern provided by the wheels prevents lateral drift of the wheel chair when traversing sloping surfaces, and the articulated frame permits easier curb climbing.