Abstract: The present invention provides a curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.

Abstract: A power wheelchair with front anti-tip wheels for substantially eliminating partial tips of the wheelchair is described. The anti-tip wheels are attached to the end of an extension arm which is attached to the frame of the wheelchair. A spring connects the anti-tip wheels with the frame at a second point. The spring tends to hold the anti-tip wheels in a neutral position at a predetermined height above the ground. A lowering mechanism is provided which positions the anti-tip wheels in a position engaged with or just above the ground. A retaining system holds the anti-tip wheels on or near the ground until the user or a release trigger device releases the retaining system, at which time the anti-tip wheels return to the neutral position. While the retaining system is disengaged, the wheels are free to rise in response to an upward force in order to climb over an obstacle in the wheelchair's path of travel.

Abstract: A bar handle 5 is provided to extend from the rear parts of right and left side frames 3 and to form a gate shape in a double member structure made up of a fixed member 32 attached to the rear parts of the right and left side frames 3 and a movable member 33 disposed along at least upper side portion of the fixed member 33. A displacement detecting means 42 is interposed between the fixed member 32 and the movable member 33 to detect displacement of the movable member 33 relative to the fixed member 32. A control means is provided to control a driving motor so as to produce assisting power commensurate with the detected displacement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheelchair for transporting a patient. The wheelchair comprises a support frame having a front, a rear, and opposing sides with the front and rear facing in respective forward and aft directions and the opposing sides facing in opposing lateral directions. The wheelchair further comprises at least two main wheels mounted on the support frame and a seat base disposed upon the support frame between the main wheels. The seat base is configured for selectively raising and lowering the patient between a first level and a second level with the aid of at least one security beam disposed adjacent one of the main wheels. The security beam may have a substantially vertical orientation and may be configured as a hand hold for steadying the patient when transferring onto and off of the seat base.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a main frame, and a rear frame detachably mounted on the main frame. The main frame includes a transverse bar and an upright bar. The rear frame includes a crossbar detachably mounted on the transverse bar of the main frame, and a shock-absorber detachably mounted on the upright bar of the main frame. Thus, the rear frame is mounted on and detached from the main frame easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user assembling and dismantling the rear frame.

Abstract: A drive unit (54) for an electric motor-operated vehicle is provided with a planetary gear mechanism (58) having; a sun gear (58a) rotating together with a motor output shaft (57a), a planetary gear (58b) meshing the sun gear (58a), and a ring gear (58c) meshing the planetary gear (58b); and constituted that an arm plate (58d) supporting the planetary gear (58b) is rotated with the rotation of the motor (57) at a specified speed reduction ratio. The ring gear (58c) is supported for rotation relative to a housing and a switching mechanism (65) is provided to hold or release the relative rotation of the ring gear (58c).

Abstract: Motorized wheels in a wheelchair or other light vehicle are each mounted on an axle for limited rotation relative to a secondary connection to the frame of the vehicle which incorporates a sensor providing feedback which controls the motor according to torque sensed through the secondary connection. The motor and associated gearing and control circuitry are housed within a wheel hub of which a drum supporting a wheel rim is supported at its inner surface on multiple bearings spaced around its periphery.

Abstract: A carrier to transport a person in sitting position along with luggage, miscellaneous small articles and, when needed a gas cylinder and a holder to drip feed a patient. The carrier with a manually operable fail safe brake and foot rests that are tilted up and foldable whereby one being transported cannot stand on the foot rests and tip the unit but folds the foot rests to allow standing on the floor. The carrier may be stored in a normal cart space and is suitable for use in hospitals, airports etc.

Abstract: A shock absorber is installed in a power wheelchair to absorb shocks transmitted from rear wheels of the power wheelchair. The shock absorber includes a bracket, a seat and a suspension device. The suspension device is installed between the bracket and the seat and includes two suspension springs. Each suspension spring has a different spring stiffness. The seat is pivotally connected to the bracket at a pivot point between the two suspension springs. Consequently, the suspension springs will balance absorbing shocks caused by bumps while the power wheelchair is moving.

Abstract: An electric-powered vehicle includes electric-powered drivers for driving wheels, a controller for controlling the electric-powered drivers to generate an assisting driving force in accordance with a vehicle operating force by an operator, and a brake-operation unit for applying braking forces on the wheels. The vehicle also includes a brake-operation detector for detecting a brake operation performed by the brake-operation unit. When the brake-operation detector detects the brake operation, the controller controls the drivers to reduce the assisting driving force. This structure solves a problem caused by simultaneous generation of the braking forces and the assisting driving force.

Abstract: An electrical scooter includes a chassis having front and rear ends to which front and rear wheels are mounted. A seat is mounted on the chassis for supporting a rider thereon. A steering shaft is rotatably mounted to the front end of the chassis in an upright manner and has a lower end attached to the front wheel for swiveling the front wheel. A control device is mounted to an upper end of the steering shaft. An electrical motor is mounted to one side of the front wheel and coupled to the front wheel for driving the front wheel under the control of the control device. Since the motor is mounted to one side of the front wheel, the weight of the motor induces a torque to the steering shaft and thus yawing the front wheel and making directional offset of the scooter in the moving thereof. An offset compensating device is provided to overcome the directional offset of the electrical scooter.

Abstract: A collision damage prevention system is disclosed which may be installed on many standard powered mobility vehicles for handicapped persons. The system includes an array of one or more sensors placed around the periphery of the powered mobility vehicle, a switch for each sensor, and a central control module which receives input from the switches, turns the vehicle off and/or applies braking power to prevent damage from a collision. The system then prompts the operator to acknowledge the collision and guides the operator into the appropriate direction to move the vehicle's controls in order to move away from the object collided with.

Abstract: A method of setting values of a multiplicity of performance parameters of a power driven wheelchair into a controller thereof for use by the controller in the operation of the wheelchair by a user comprises the steps of: grouping the multiplicity of performance parameters of the wheelchair into at least two groups, each group including more than one performance parameter; for each group, (a) establishing a corresponding relationship between a selected performance parameter of the group and each of the other performance parameters of the group; and (b) presetting the established relationships into the controller of the wheelchair; determining a value for the selected performance parameter of each group based on the user's capabilities of operating the wheelchair; entering the determined value for the selected performance parameter of each group into the controller; deriving automatically by the controller for each group a value for each of the other performance parameters of the group based on the entered valu

Abstract: A wheelchair motorizing apparatus employs an articulated tread drive in combination with front support wheels and rear drive wheels. The tread drive is used to provide traction during the ascent or descent of stairs or the traversing of obstacles, the front support wheels are used to raise and lower the front of the wheelchair, and the rear drive wheels are used to raise and lower the rear of the wheelchair in addition to providing drive traction and steering. A positioning mechanism integral with the tread drive acts to keep the treads in contact with the terrain or stairs.

Abstract: A suspension system for mounting a pair of wheels to a wheelchair is disclosed. The system includes a crossbar pivotally mounted to the wheelchair so as to pivot about a longitudinal axis. At least one spring assembly is located between the crossbar and the wheelchair frame for controlling the pivoting of the crossbar. A hinge assembly is mounted on each lateral end of the crossbar. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge component attached to the crossbar so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, and a second hinge component resiliently connected to the first hinge component. The resilient connection biases the second hinge connection against rotation with respect to the first hinge component. A wheel and yoke assembly are mounted to the second hinge component.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a multi-wheel drive vehicle is provided. The invention is preferably applicable to the steering of such a vehicle and determines the individual velocities for each wheel drive. In this regard, the invention includes two general steps. The first step includes determining the distance of each wheel drive and a vehicle velocity reference point from a turning reference point. The second step includes ratioing each wheel drive's distance from the turning reference point with the vehicle velocity reference point's distance from the turning reference point. The ratios are then applied to a vehicle velocity associated with the vehicle velocity reference point to determine the velocity of each respective wheel drive. Once determined, the velocities are output to each wheel drive.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for a reclinable wheelchair connects anti-tip members to the wheelchair seat such that pivoting of the seat causes pivoting of the anti-tip members. In one embodiment, the stabilizing system includes cables connected at opposite ends to the seat and to the anti-tip members. The cables may be connected to the seat bottom or, alternately, to the seat back. The anti-tip members may incorporate a pivoting suspension member that includes a drive motor for the wheelchair. Pivot control mechanisms connected to the cables can be used to permit a predetermined amount of seat pivot without corresponding pivot of the anti-tip members. The stabilizing system alternatively includes axially compressible link members connecting the seat back to the anti-tip members to provide controlled pivoting of the anti-tip members based on pivoting of the seat.

Abstract: A battery compartment for a motorized wheel chair includes a first securing bracket adapted to be securely connected to a side bracket of the motorized wheel chair, and a second securing bracket adapted to be securely connected to the side bracket of the motorized wheel chair and being opposite to the first securing bracket. A U-shaped first frame is pivotally connected to the first securing bracket. A U-shaped second frame is pivotally connected to the second securing bracket and to the first frame.

Abstract: A supplementary wheel support for a motorized wheelchair to provide a supplementary support, includes a chassis, rockers, wheel supports, buffers, springs, auxiliary wheels and tilt-proof wheels; both side rods of the chassis being respectively pivoted with one end of the rocker; another end of the rocker being pivoted to the wheel support; a buffer being fixed between the chassis and the rocker; the wheel support being bend for its both ends a bending portion to define a triangle; both ends of the wheel support being respectively pivoted to the auxiliary wheel and the tilt-proof wheel; the bending portion of the wheel support being pivoted to another end of the rocker; both ends of the spring being respectively provided on the rocker and the wheel support; and the wheel support being driven by the auxiliary wheel to rise for the tilt-proof wheel to descend and grab the ground.

Abstract: A detachable transmission mechanism for a wheel chair includes a control unit, two support frames, a suspension frame and a driving device. The channel clamps of the two support frames can be connected to two lower transverse rods of an existing wheel chair and the joining tubes at two sides of the battery unit is connected to the joining pipe so that the battery unit can be fixed beneath a seat of the wheel chair; furthermore, the control unit is positioned on one side of one of armrest of the wheel chair so that in case of the handle being rotated, the vertical shaft, rotary plate and the connecting rod can move relatively and in turn rotate the suspension frame as well as the driving device; and when a control switch is turned on, the driving wheel can be rotated in either forward or reversed direction and thus move the wheel chair forward or backward.

Abstract: An electrical wheelchair includes a chassis to which a frame is pivotally mounted. Two casters are rotatably mounted to the frame. At least a resilient member is arranged between the frame and the chassis for supporting the relative position of the frame with respect to the chassis. The resilient member can be deformed to change the relative position of the frame with respect to the chassis to allow the wheelchair to climb over raised surfaces of different heights. The deformation of the resilient member also stores energy therein which may be released when the wheelchair is about to reach the raised surface for enhancing the wheelchair to move over the raised surface. Further, the resilient member also functions to absorb shock caused by the wheelchair moving down a step-like raised surface.

Abstract: The electrical wheelchair with spliced front wheel drive and rear wheel drive of the invention comprises a wheel frame and a chair. The wheel frame has a hollow column with a locating ring on its top and a plurality of locating chute on the ring rim. A semi-circular protrusion is placed on the surface of the locating ring. The wheel frame provides a power rod for controlling the moving direction of the wheelchair. There are two foldable footplates erected, one in the front side and the rear side and the footplate is folded when not in use. Beneath the chair, there is rotary shaft inserted in the hollow column. Along the side of the rotary shaft, there install two locating seats, a control stick passing through the holes of the locating seats. The control stick is operated to engage or disengage the locating ping from the locating chute. On the correspondent opposite position of the locating ring, there installs a micro switch.

Abstract: A detachable transmission mechanism for a wheel chair includes a control unit, an engaging unit, a battery unit and a transmission device. The original front wheels of the wheel chair can be detached and the hub and the pivot part are mounted to both the upper and lower frames of the wheel chair. The battery unit can be fixed to the wheel chair under the seat thereof. When a control switch is turned on, the driving wheel can rotate in a forward or a reversed direction with the wheel chair being capable of moving forward or backward. By turning the handle, a follower wheel at the bottom of the wheel chair can be rotated to allow the wheel chair making a turn.

Abstract: A build-up light motor driven car includes a car body, which is composed of a car frame and an outer shell enclosing the car frame, and a seat part. The car body is provided with a guide groove at two lateral sides thereof respectively, the guide groove having an engaging part, the outer shell having a shell chamber behind the respective guide groove. The seat part has two seat frames corresponding to the two guide grooves, the seat frames at upper parts thereof being attached with a seat cushion and at lower parts thereof connecting with a horizontal level respectively for locating a battery and the respective horizontal level at an end thereof having an engaging part. The horizontal levels is inserted into the guide grooves such that the engaging parts can be inserted into the joining parts so as to fixed to each other, and the batteries can enter the shell chambers to constitute connection of a circuit such that seat part can be joined to or detached from the car fast.

Abstract: A all-terrain vehicle for allowing users with limited physical capabilities to participate in off-road activities. The all-terrain vehicle includes a housing having a bottom wall, a back wall, and a pair of side walls. A front panel extends between a lower portion of each of the side walls. A floor panel is positioned above the bottom wall. Brackets are attached to the back and side walls. A door is hingably coupled to the top edge of the front panel. Linkage members are attached to the housing and the door. A front drive system and a rear drive system for the purpose of propulsion are fixedly coupled to the bottom wall and positioned adjacent front and rear sections of the bottom wall respectively. A seat is releasably attachable to the floor. A cover member is selectively couplable to the upper rear portion of the housing. Plates are fixedly coupled to a lower section of the cover member for coupling to the bracket members.

Abstract: An improved footrest system and an improved electrical switching device are disclosed for a personal mobility vehicle having a rotatable chair. The improved footrest system comprises a first and a second footrest plate pivotably mounted to a first and a second end of the personal mobility vehicle. A first and a second spring resiliently biases the first and a second footrest plate into an inoperative position. Each of the first and second footrest plates is pivotable into an operative position by the feet of an operator for providing a footrest for the operator for a first and a second rotational station of the chair. The improved electrical switching device comprises a first switch for providing a front wheel drive operation and a second switch for providing a rear wheel drive operation. In one embodiment the first and second switches are actuated by the rotation of a chair into the operative position.

Abstract: A wheelchair navigation system having motorized wheelchair which is powered by at least one onboard battery, and a battery charger. The navigation system also has a filter-based estimator with interface software running that is operated on an onboard laptop computer. Dual cameras, proximity sensors, microphones, and rotation sensors for the wheels are mounted to the wheelchair. Small markers are placed on the walls of a location or room. The navigation system uses the proximity sensors, rotation sensors and cameras in conjunction with the specialized software to determine where objects or impediments are located in the room and thereby redirect the path of the wheelchair so as to avoid such objects. The wheelchair is walked through the marked location thereby ‘teaching’ various paths which are recorded in the computer and recalled later when the wheelchair is in use.

Abstract: An invalid mobile cart with enclosure (10) having a cart (12) which has a cart top (12T), cart bottom (12A), cart left (12L), cart right (12R), cart front (12F), cart back (12B), at least one cart front wheel, cart rear right wheel (12DRR) and cart rear left wheel (not shown) rotatably and extending downwardly from the cart bottom (12A). At least one wheel is connected to a motor (not shown). A transparent or translucent enclosure (14) is securely mounted on the cart top (12T). The enclosure (14) has an enclosure housing (14A) having a enclosure left door (14L) and enclosure right door (14R) hingeably connected thereto. A steering/control (16) means is positioned on the cart top (12T) at the cart front (12F). The steering/control (16) has a steering/control wheel (16A) connected to a steering/control column (16B) which is connected to the at least one cart front wheel and the motor. A support (18) positioned on the cart top (12T) at the cart back (12B).

Abstract: A frame of an electric cart includes a front part, and a rear part. A head tube, a seat support, a securing combination, and front wheels are disposed at the front part. Rear wheels are disposed the rear ends of the rear part. Shock absorbers are connected to the rear part at lower ends. The rear part is connected to the front part with the front ends being pivoted to pivotal members formed at intermediate portions of the lateral sides of the base, and with upper ends of the shock absorbers being connected to the securing combination. The pivotal members are arranged nearer the front of the front part than the seat support so that distance from the rear wheels to the pivotal members is increased, thus helping reduce a range within which the rear part will vibrate when the cart moves along an uneven surface.

Abstract: A mid-wheel drive power wheelchair is provide having a pair of drive wheels on the support frame below the seat. Castor wheels are positioned behind the drive wheels and rearward of the seat. A pair of anti-tip idler wheels are positioned forward of the drive wheels on opposite sides of the frame. The anti-tip wheels are normally positioned off the ground when the drive wheels and the castor wheels are in their normal ground-engaging position. The anti-tip wheels have a resilient mounting comprising a support arm attached at a rear end to the frame. The forward positioned anti-tip wheels are movable upwardly about the attachment of the support arm, with the suspension resiliently resisting such movement, in response to the engagement with a curb or obstruction or in response to a forward pitching of the chair about the drive wheels.

Abstract: An electric wheelchair simultaneous gear change structure, comprising a structure that includes two separate oscillating plates, oscillating plate one and oscillating plate two, as well as hinge connectors placed on either end of the central connecting shaft connecting oscillating plate one and oscillating plate two. One end of oscillating plate one is a hinge connection connecting to an outer connecting rod, and the other end of the outer connecting rod is connected by a hinge connector to the gearshifts, so that when a pulling motion is made on the gearshifts it acts to pull on the oscillating plate on the outer connecting rod, so that oscillating rod two on the central connecting rod is made to move simultaneously, and in this way two engine boxes are acted on simultaneously.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair is advantageously provided with a rate-of-turn feedback sensor and with forward/reverse motion, lateral motion, and vertical motion acceleration feedback sensors that are integrated into a closed-loop wheelchair servo control system to differentially control the rotational speed of wheelchair opposed motor-driven wheels and thereby obtain improved wheelchair motion stability through reduction/elimination of likely wheelchair spin-out and wheelchair tipping during wheelchair operation.

Abstract: A battery powered, all-terrain vehicle for the physically challenged comprises a battery powered transportation unit that allows a handicapped person to travel on otherwise inaccessible terrain.

Abstract: A mid-wheel drive wheelchair can have various suspensions for the drive wheel such as a rigid connection to the wheelchair frame or a resilient connection thereto. The wheelchair has at least one anti-tip front wheel stabilizer, which is rigidly, i.e. non-resiliently, connected to the frame and accordingly the wheelchair frame moves up and down with the anti-tip wheel upon encountering a bump, hill, etc. The height of the anti-tip wheel above the travel surface is adjustable and accordingly the wheel can be set to a specific height.

Abstract: An invalid mobile cart with enclosure (10) having a cart (12) which has a cart top (12T), cart bottom (12A), cart left (12L), cart right (12R), cart front (12F), cart back (12B), at least one cart front wheel, cart rear right wheel (12DRR) and cart rear left wheel (not shown) rotatably and extending downwardly from the cart bottom (12A). At least one wheel is connected to a motor (not shown). A transparent or translucent enclosure (14) is securely mounted on the cart top (12T). The enclosure (14) has an enclosure housing (14A) having a enclosure left door (14L) and enclosure right door (14R) hingeably connected thereto. A steering/control (16) means is positioned on the cart top (12T) at the cart front (12F). The steering/control (16) has a steering/control wheel (16A) connected to a steering/control column (16B) which is connected to the at least one cart front wheel and the motor. A support (18) positioned on the cart top (12T) at the cart back (12B).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the systems and methods allow for the control of a human transport device such that the human transport device remains in an upright position regardless of the surface being traversed. The systems and methods may include a plurality of operational modes where each mode has different characteristics. Additionally, systems and method for locating a center of gravity of a device are disclosed.

Abstract: A walker has a frame with laterally spaced front vertical post members and laterally spaced rear vertical post members, with handle members extending between them. Wheels are mounted on the front vertical post members and gear motors, supported by the front vertical post members are connected to drive the wheels. At least one control mounted on or adjacent the handle members within reach of a person grasping the handles is connected to energize the motors when the control is actuated by the person. A motor-actuated tray assembly is mounted between the front vertical post members for pivotal movement between an orientation substantially vertical and an orientation substantially parallel to the surface on which the walker is resting. A lead screw assembly with a motor in at least one of the vertical post members is adapted to raise and lower the height of the handle members.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an electric vehicle which improves the operability of an electric wheelchair on slopes is provided. The control apparatus includes a control unit which, when it determines that a rotational direction corresponding to a direction of an operation force is opposite to a rotational direction in which a driving wheel is actually rotated, sets an operation mode of the motor for driving the wheel to an electrical braking mode. Thus, the electric wheelchair is decelerated and the load on the operator is reduced. The control unit may control the motor such that the motor does not generate an electrical braking force until the driving wheel is rotated by a predetermined amount. In such a case, even when the driving wheel temporarily rotates in the reverse direction while it climbs up an upward slope, an unnecessary electrical braking force is not generated.

Abstract: A curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.

Abstract: A transmission for a wheelchair capable of selecting a manually operated manner and a motor-driven manner.

Abstract: A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle is disclosed comprising a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. A front wheel is pivotably mounted relative to the front wheel assembly for controlling the direction of movement of the personal mobility vehicle. Plural drive wheels are mounted relative to the rear wheel assembly for driving the personal mobility vehicle. A seat is connected to the rear wheel assembly for supporting an operator. A variable wheelbase mechanism varies the distance between the front wheel and the plural drive wheels.

Abstract: A power-assist vehicle such as a wheelchair senses driving torque/force applied by a user through a transmission. The detected force/torque is utilized in a control system with a control map defining a desired dynamic of the vehicle and programmed with the desired mass and drag parameter.

Abstract: Motorized wheels in a wheelchair or other light vehicle are each mounted on an axle for limited rotation relative to a secondary connection to the frame of the vehicle which incorporates a sensor providing feedback which controls the motor according to torque sensed through the secondary connection. The motor and associated gearing and control circuitry are housed within a wheel hub of which a drum supporting a wheel rim is supported at its inner surface on multiple bearings spaced around its periphery.

Abstract: An anti-tip mechanism for use with a wheelchair is provided. The anti-tip mechanism has a support frame being adapted to be coupled to the wheelchair. A first and a second wheel support arm extend outwardly from the support frame and are pivotally coupled thereto. A wheel is rotatably connected to each of the support arms. An adjusting mechanism is coupled between the frame and the support arms. The adjusting mechanism is adapted to change the position of the support arms relative to the frame. In this manner, the adjusting mechanism is adapted to raise and lower the wheels. The anti-tip wheels of the wheelchair are thus adjustable to different fixed positions relative to the support frame by operation of the adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a plurality of central wheels which can be either power or manually driven, at least one rear caster wheel, and at least one resiliently biased ground engaging front wheel having a multiple suspension assembly. The wheelchair has improved tracking since the front wheel is maintained on the ground even on undulating, bumpy, or irregular surfaces. The wheelchair also has improved stability since the front ground engaging wheel also acts as a resiliently biased anti-tip wheel.

Abstract: A power-assist vehicle such as a wheelchair senses driving torque/force applied by a user through a transmission. The detected force/torque is utilized in a control system with a control map defining a desired dynamic of the vehicle and programmed with the desired mass and drag parameter.

Abstract: A chassis apparatus for an electric cart is provided. The chassis apparatus includes a front chassis, a middle chassis, and a rear chassis coupled together. The front chassis includes a pair of longitudinally extended support rods, a fixed rod extending between the support rods, a connect rod extending vertically upward from the fixed rod, and a combining plate having a substantially U-shaped sectional contour projecting from an upper end portion of the connect rod. The middle chassis includes a laterally extended middle rod, a combine rod extending vertically upward from the middle rod to engage the connect rod and combining plate of the front chassis, a support plate extending along the middle rod to define a channel that receives at least a portion of the front chassis fix rod, and a laterally extended middle strip disposed in longitudinally offset manner relative to the middle rod.

Abstract: A drive unit 54 for an electric motor-operated vehicle is provided with a planetary gear mechanism 58 having; a sun gear 58a rotating together with a motor output shaft 57a, a planetary gear 58b meshing the sun gear 58a, and a ring gear 58c meshing the planetary gear 58b; and constituted that an arm plate 58d supporting the planetary gear 58b is rotated with the rotation of the motor 57 at a specified speed reduction ratio. The ring gear 58c is supported for rotation relative to a housing and a switching mechanism 65 is provided to hold or release the relative rotation of the ring gear 58c.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting an individual on a wheel chair over land. The vehicle including a support platform with a first end, a second end, a mid-section and generally parallel sides; a first access platform attached to the first end of the support platform, a second access platform attached to the second end of the support platform. A mechanism, such as a pair of endless tracks at fixed location relative to the support platform will preferably be used for propelling the vehicle over land. A movable steering mechanism, such as a joy stick will be moveably attached to the support platform at approximately mid-section of the support platform, so that the vehicle is steerable by the individual on a wheel chair while facing either the first end of the support platform or the second end of the support platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving electrically a hand-operated wheelchair includes two driving devices, a power supply device, and a control device. Each driving device includes a motor unit provided with a motor shaft and a transmission unit that is adapted to be mounted removably on a respective one of the wheels of the wheelchair so as to transfer rotation of the motor shaft to the respective one of the wheels in such a manner that each of the wheels rotates at a speed smaller than that of the respective motor shaft. The power supply device is adapted to be disposed on a chair frame for supplying electrical power to the motor units. The control device controls speed ratios of the motor shafts of the motor units so as to be adapted to steer the wheelchair.