Abstract: A probe bar remover (10) for loosening and removing probe bars from the ground includes an elongated member (12) with an engagement end and a handling end. The elongated member (12) also includes a foot plate (18) along the elongated member (12) oriented toward the handling end. A bar engagement member (20) is coupled to the elongated member (12) at the engagement end and can include an engagement gap (22) for engaging a probe bar (15). A fulcrum (24) can be oriented along the elongated member (12), which contacts a ground surface, and a handlebar (26) is removably coupled to the handling end of the elongated member. To remove probe bars from a ground surface, the probe bar remover (10) can be engaged with an exposed portion of a probe bar (15) and a downward force is exerted on the foot plate (18) so as to at least loosen the probe bar (15) from the ground.

Abstract: A wheelchair propulsion and braking system (10) includes at least one clutch engagement disk rotatably couplable to a wheelchair frame (14). The clutch engagement disk (32) includes a gear (38) that is rotatable with the clutch engagement disk (32), and a drive chain (40) disposed around the gear (38). A drive wheel (50) is rotatably attachable to a wheel (22) of the wheelchair (12), and operatively attachable to the drive chain (40). The system also includes at least one lever arm (60) that is rotatably couplable to the wheelchair frame (14). The at least one lever arm (60) includes a handle (62) operatively coupled to an upper end (64) of the lever arm (60). The handle (62) is oriented in an accessible position during use. A pair of calipers (70) is operatively coupled to each lever arm (60), and engageable with the at least one clutch engagement disk (32). An actuator (80) is operatively coupled to the handle (62) to actuate the calipers (70), and to engage the clutch engagement disk (32).

Abstract: A probe bar remover (10) for loosening and removing probe bars from the ground includes an elongated member (12) with an engagement end and a handling end. The elongated member (12) also includes a foot plate (18) along the elongated member (12) oriented toward the handling end. A bar engagement member (20) is coupled to the elongated member (12) at the engagement end and can include an engagement gap (22) for engaging a probe bar (15). A fulcrum (24) can be oriented along the elongated member (12), which contacts a ground surface, and a handlebar (26) is removably coupled to the handling end of the elongated member. To remove probe bars from a ground surface, the probe bar remover (10) can be engaged with an exposed portion of a probe bar (15) and a downward force is exerted on the foot plate (18) so as to at least loosen the probe bar (15) from the ground.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat that pivots forward to assist the user in exiting and entering the chair. The seat is biased toward its forward or up-right position by mechanical springs having force adjustments for user adjustment of the seat-lift force. One embodiment includes a cam mechanism for varying this seat-lift force as the seat is being raised. A closed-loop hydraulic cylinder and piston actuator system is provided to (1) damp the spring action as the seat is raised and lowered, (2) control the rate of seat ascent and descent, and (3) permit the user to stop and lock the seat in any position between the horizontal and up-right positions. This closed-loop hydraulic system includes a manual control valve for user-control of the seat raising and lowering, and a user-adjustable flow rate control valve for limiting seat ascent and descent speeds.