Abstract: A propulsion system for a manual wheelchair includes a mounting clamp and a propulsion drive unit having a drive wheel assembly and a support suspension. The support suspension is configured to provide linear movement of the drive wheel and drive hub assembly relative to the manual wheelchair. The support suspension includes a linear bearing and slide member assembly having at least one linear bearing and a slide member for accommodating the linear movement of the drive wheel assembly and further includes a resilient suspension member that provides a tractive effort force to the drive wheel. The drive wheel assembly is supported on a carriage that is attached to one of the at least one linear bearing or the slide member and a mounting block is attached to the other. The mounting block has a clamp interface with a locating tab that engages a corresponding mounting slot in the mounting clamp.

Abstract: A cartridge or cassette adapted to be attached to an apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid to and from a surgical handpiece. The cassette includes irrigation and aspiration fluid-flow paths and consisting of interconnected tubing having inlet and outlet port's associated with the case of the cassette that are accessible for attachment to fluid and vacuum sources. The rear cover of the case includes cutouts enabling the cassette to be releasably and registerably attached to a surgical instrument. A sensor on the instrument engages a portion of the cassette to verify that the cassette is correctly positioned and is appropriate for use with the instrument. Locking means on the instrument releasably engage the cassette in position. Irrigation fluid may be redirected into the aspiration channel of the handpiece in response to a reflux signal.

Abstract: A cartridge or cassette adapted to be attached to an apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid to and from a surgical handpiece. The cassette includes irrigation and aspiration fluid-flow paths and consisting of interconnected tubing having inlet and outlet port's associated with the case of the cassette that are accessible for attachment to fluid and vacuum sources. The rear cover of the case includes cutouts enabling the cassette to be releasably and registerably attached to a surgical instrument. A sensor on the instrument engages a portion of the cassette to verify that the cassette is correctly positioned and is appropriate for use with the instrument. Locking means on the instrument releasably engage the cassette in position. Irrigation fluid may be redirected into the aspiration channel of the handpiece in response to a reflux signal.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, and a front pivot arm pivotally mounted to the frame at a front pivot point, the front pivot arm having a caster for supporting the frame. A rear pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the frame at a rear pivot point, the rear pivot arm having a caster for supporting the frame. A ground engaging mid-wheel drive wheel is connected to the frame. A linkage connects the front and rear pivot arms to each other in a manner such that an upward or downward rotation of one of the pivot arms about its pivot point causes rotation of the other pivot arm about its pivot point in an opposite rotational direction.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a damping system to reduce the forward pitch of the wheelchair upon sudden deceleration or upon descent of a sloped surface. The damping system includes a clamp that selectively grips a shaft.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a suspension system that includes a front caster housing mounted forward of a wheelchair frame by means of a front linkage. The front caster housing supports a front caster. A drive wheel pivot arm, on which a mid-wheel-drive drive wheel is mounted, is itself mounted for pivoting with respect to the frame. A flexible tension member is connected to both the drive wheel pivot arm and the front linkage. The mounting of the flexible tension member is configured so that rotation of the drive wheel pivot arm in a downward direction applies tension to the flexible tension member, causing the upper link to rotate upward, and thereby lifting the caster housing and the front caster.

Abstract: A cartridge or cassette adapted to be attached to an apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid to and from a surgical handpiece. The cassette includes irrigation and aspiration fluid-flow paths and consisting of interconnected tubing having inlet and outlet port's associated with the case of the cassette that are accessible for attachment to fluid and vacuum sources. The rear cover of the case includes cutouts enabling the cassette to be releasably and registerably attached to a surgical instrument. A sensor on the instrument engages a portion of the cassette to verify that the cassette is correctly positioned and is appropriate for use with the instrument. Locking means on the instrument releasably engage the cassette in position. Irrigation fluid may be redirected into the aspiration channel of the handpiece in response to a reflux signal.