Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a semi-automated canister distribution system comprising a cabinet system including a cabinet having at least one compartment having a door, and a system controller in communication with the cabinet system and having computer processor(s) executing instructions that cause the computer processors to: receive inventory data indicative of a number of canisters in the cabinet system; receive a data element indicative of details of a purchase transaction; determine that the purchase transaction can be satisfied based on the details of the purchase transaction and the inventory data; transmit, after determining that purchase transaction can be satisfied, signals to the cabinet system indicative of instructions to change the door between a locked and unlocked state; and receive signals from the cabinet system indicative of a number of substantially full propane canisters removed and/or a number of empty propane canisters placed in the cabinet.

Abstract: A curb-climbing vehicle with a pair of front wheels has a lifting device attached to each wheel, which engages the curb edge, and raises the wheel so that it can engage and roll up over the curb. A wheelchair embodiment incorporates user support elements that are adjustably secured to central ‘spine’ elements, enabling the chair structure to be adjusted to the person of the individual user, including possible asymmetric adjustments. The chair running gear includes larger driving wheels, centrally located, and fore and aft independently suspended castoring wheels.

Abstract: A micropump capable of delivering very small, predetermined quantities of liquid, e.g. 0.1-100 microliters per stroke, is provided. The pump has a flexible, resilient diaphragm which operates as a movable resilient wall of a pumping chamber, under electromagnetic actuation of a plunger, to cause the pumping action. Other locations of the same resilient diaphragm, in co-operation with curved surfaces on the body structure, act as valves for the inlet and outlet conduits of the pump. The overall size of the pump need be no greater than about 4 cubic cm. Many of the liquid flow conduits therein are formed by co-operating channels or grooves cut in individual co-operating parts of the pump body. The pump may be surgically implanted into a patient's body, to deliver to the desired body location a very small, measured amount of pharmaceutical from an internal or external reservoir thereof, as and when desired.