Abstract: Drive-control systems for personal-transportation vehicles can function as active driving aids that enable autonomous and semi-autonomous cooperative navigation of electric-powered wheelchairs (EPWs) and other vehicles both indoors, and in dynamic, outdoor environments. The systems can help to compensate for the loss of cognitive, perceptive, or motor function in the driver by interpreting the driver's intent and seeing out into the environment on the driver's behalf. The systems can incorporate intelligent sensing and drive-control means that work in concert with the driver to aid in negotiating changing terrain, avoiding obstacles/collisions, maintaining a straight trajectory, etc. In addition, the systems can be configured to facilitate higher-level path planning, and execution of non-linear routes of travel in a safe and efficient manner.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for automatically transferring a personal-transportation vehicle, such as a power chair, between a first and a second position proximate a motor vehicle such as a minivan is provided. The system can be used to transfer the personal-transportation vehicle between a first position on a lift and carrier assembly mounted on the motor vehicle, and a second position proximate a door of the motor vehicle, so that the user can transfer to and from the personal-transportation vehicle with minimal physical effort and movement. The system can generate guidance information for the personal-transportation vehicle based on position information generated by sensors located on one or both of the personal-transportation vehicle and the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of seating systems for motor vehicles facilitate two-dimensional movement of a seat in a horizontal plane. The seating systems can also facilitate vertical movement of the seat. The seating systems are motorized, and can be automatically controlled so that minimal movement and effort are required on the part of the user to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices for securing a personal-transport vehicle to a mounting surface can include features that (i) permit the personal-transport vehicle to be released from the device by manually depressing a pushbutton on the device; (ii) facilitate adjustment of the position of the device in relation to the mounting surface; and/or (iii) prevent the personal-transport vehicle from being released in an unsafe manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of seating systems for motor vehicles facilitate two-dimensional movement of a seat in a horizontal plane. The seating systems can also facilitate vertical movement of the seat. The seating systems are motorized, and can be automatically controlled so that minimal movement and effort are required on the part of the user to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a first column, a second column telescopically disposed within the first column, a platform assembly pivotally coupled to the second column for supporting the personal-transportation vehicle, and a motor mounted on the first column and coupled to the second column so that the motor can lift the second column and the platform assembly, and a latch. The latch is movable between a first position, and a second position wherein the latch engages a pin mounted on the second column when the second column and the platform assembly are in a second position thereby securing the second column and the platform assembly in the second position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for automatically transferring a personal-transportation vehicle, such as a power chair, between a first and a second position proximate a motor vehicle such as a minivan is provided. The system can be used to transfer the personal-transportation vehicle between a first position on a lift and carrier assembly mounted on the motor vehicle, and a second position proximate a door of the motor vehicle, so that the user can transfer to and from the personal-transportation vehicle with minimal physical effort and movement. The system can generate guidance information for the personal-transportation vehicle based on position information generated by sensors located on one or both of the personal-transportation vehicle and the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lifting device for a personal-transportation vehicle includes an arm for lifting the personal transportation vehicle, a column for supporting the arm, and a base for supporting and stabilizing the column. The base includes a bar pivotally coupled to the column and capable of being secured to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a first column, a second column telescopically disposed within the first column, a platform assembly pivotally coupled to the second column for supporting the personal-transportation vehicle, and a motor mounted on the first column and coupled to the second column so that the motor can lift the second column and the platform assembly, and a latch. The latch is movable between a first position, and a second position wherein the latch engages a pin mounted on the second column when the second column and the platform assembly are in a second position thereby securing the second column and the platform assembly in the second position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for securing a personal-transport vehicle to a mounting surface includes one of a plow bracket and a bracket member for mounting on one of the personal-transport vehicle and the mounting surface, and a receptacle for mounting on the other of the personal transport vehicle and the mounting surface and for mating with and receiving the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member. The receptacle includes a panel and a docking lever pivotally coupled to the panel and movable between a first position wherein docking lever retains the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member so that the receptacle and the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member remain in a mated condition, and a second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of seating systems for motor vehicles facilitate two-dimensional movement of a seat in a horizontal plane. The seating systems can also facilitate vertical movement of the seat. The seating systems are motorized, and can be automatically controlled so that minimal movement and effort are required on the part of the user to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a deck frame, a platform, and a trolley assembly mounted on the deck frame. The trolley assembly includes a drive nut, a motor for rotating the drive nut, and a drive screw threadably coupled to the drive nut so that rotation of the drive nut causes the platform and the drive motor to translate linearly in relation to the deck frame. The lift and carrier assembly also includes an arm assembly mounted on the trolley system and comprising a first and a second arm member, and an actuator pivotally coupled to the first and second arm members for moving the first and second arm members so that first and second arm members move the platform between an upper and a lower position in relation to the deck frame.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lifting device includes a mounting column having a first major portion extending in a first direction, and a second major portion fixedly coupled to the first major portion and extending in a second direction. The lifting device also comprises a lifting arm rotatably mounted on the second major portion of the mounting column and having a first hole formed therein for receiving a pin, a bracket fixedly coupled to the second portion of the mounting column and having a second hole formed therein for receiving the pin so that the pin restrains the lifting arm from substantial rotation about the second major portion of the mounting column, and a retaining member secured to the second major portion of the mounting column so that the bracket and the retaining member restrain the lifting arm from substantial movement in the second direction.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a roller assembly for a lifting device for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a shaft member for mounting on a lifting arm assembly of the lifting device and having an outer surface, and a roller member for supporting a lifting strap of the lifting device. The roller member has an inner surface defining a central passage for receiving the shaft and contacting the outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces have complementary profiles that permit a relative orientation of the roller member and the shaft member to change so that a weight vector acting through the lifting strap can remain substantially perpendicular to an axial centerline of the roller member.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for securing a personal-transport vehicle to a mounting surface includes one of a plow bracket and a bracket member for mounting on one of the personal-transport vehicle and the mounting surface, and a receptacle for mounting on the other of the personal transport vehicle and the mounting surface and for mating with and receiving the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member. The receptacle includes a panel and a docking lever pivotally coupled to the panel and movable between a first position wherein docking lever retains the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member so that the receptacle and the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member remain in a mated condition, and a second position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for securing a personal-transport vehicle to a mounting surface includes one of a plow bracket and a bracket member for mounting on one of the personal-transport vehicle and the mounting surface, and a receptacle for mounting on the other of the personal transport vehicle and the mounting surface and for mating with and receiving the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member. The receptacle includes a panel and a docking lever pivotally coupled to the panel and movable between a first position wherein docking lever retains the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member so that the receptacle and the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member remain in a mated condition, and a second position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lifting device includes a mounting column having a first major portion extending in a first direction, and a second major portion fixedly coupled to the first major portion and extending in a second direction. The lifting device also comprises a lifting arm rotatably mounted on the second major portion of the mounting column and having a first hole formed therein for receiving a pin, a bracket fixedly coupled to the second portion of the mounting column and having a second hole formed therein for receiving the pin so that the pin restrains the lifting arm from substantial rotation about the second major portion of the mounting column, and a retaining member secured to the second major portion of the mounting column so that the bracket and the retaining member restrain the lifting arm from substantial movement in the second direction.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a roller assembly for a lifting device for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a shaft member for mounting on a lifting arm assembly of the lifting device and having an outer surface, and a roller member for supporting a lifting strap of the lifting device. The roller member has an inner surface defining a central passage for receiving the shaft and contacting the outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces have complementary profiles that permit a relative orientation of the roller member and the shaft member to change so that a weight vector acting through the lifting strap can remain substantially perpendicular to an axial centerline of the roller member.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for securing a personal-transport vehicle to a mounting surface includes one of a plow bracket and a bracket member for mounting on one of the personal-transport vehicle and the mounting surface, and a receptacle for mounting on the other of the personal transport vehicle and the mounting surface and for mating with and receiving the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member. The receptacle includes a panel and a docking lever pivotally coupled to the panel and movable between a first position wherein docking lever retains the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member so that the receptacle and the one of a plow bracket and a bracket member remain in a mated condition, and a second position.

Abstract: A presently-preferred device for securing a personal-transport vehicle to a platform comprises a trunnion member adapted to be fixedly coupled to the personal-transport device and comprising a first and a second trunnion. The presently-preferred device also comprises a receptacle comprising a yoke arm adapted to be fixedly coupled to the platform and comprising two side panels each having a slot formed therein. The receptacle further comprises two hook levers pivotally coupled to the respective side panels. The hook levers are pivotally biased so that the hook levers contact respective trunnions and interfere with movement thereof toward open ends of the slots when the platform is in an upper position, whereby the trunnion member is secured to the receptacle.