Abstract: An integrated ambulator and wheelchair is provided to enable a paraplegic stand on the ambulator and be separated from the wheelchair for maneuvering in confined spaces. The ambulator has power operated articulated linkage for raising the paraplegic out of and free of the wheelchair to the standing position on the ambulator; the compact base of the ambulator containing a drive mechanism for moving the ambulator in any desired direction through controls conveniently located on an arm rest.

Abstract: An improved step-climbing wheel chair with integral retractable ramps for ascending or descending a step, curb or the like. The conveyance is provided with a two-speed transmission capable of driving the wheel chair on level terrain at conventional speeds or selecting a low speed high torque capability for driving the conveyance up an inclined ramp.The invention further contains a self-leveling chair seat which automatically maintains the occupant in a level seated position regardless of the inclined position assumed by the wheel chair frame, thereby contributing to the stability of the wheel chair and the safety of the occupant.

Abstract: A chassis for stair-climbing wheel chairs with step wheels mounted on a star-shaped rotating supporting means, the step wheels being surrounded by an elastic endless belt, the latter being in contact with portions of the step wheel peripheries. Locking means are mounted on the rotatable supporting portion and are lockable to the inside of the belt means, when the latter is pressed towards the locking means by a stair during the stair climbing operation. When the chassis climbs, the belt being driven, the supporting means will rotate. The locking means releases when the stair has been passed.

Abstract: Attachments are described for enabling small front wheels of wheelchairs to negotiate side-walk curbs or the like. An arcuate rocker end for engaging the curb is fixed to a strut pivoted above the wheel and held in a ready position, determined by engaging abutments, by a prestressed, i.e. strained, spring which is further strained when the rocker end engages a curb and the advancing wheelchair causes the strut to swing backwards lifting the wheel onto the side-walk, whereupon, the rocker end is free to return to the ready position. The rocker end may be manually shifted to an idle position in which it is firmly held by the spring. In one example, one of the abutment members, which is normally fixed, is withdrawn to enable the strut to be forced behind it, the member then being released to retain the rocker end in the idle position.

Abstract: The stair-climbing device is suitable for transporting a load up or down a flight of steps. The device includes a frame on which the load is seated and a number of load-bearing shoes which engage successive steps in the flight of steps to produce displacement of the device along the flight of steps. The shoes are pivotally connected to sprocket chains which are activated by a reversible electric motor. An arm is pivotally connected to the frame and is provided with a sensing head disposed forward of wheels on which the device rolls. As the device rolls forward on the tread of a step, the sensing head contacts the tread until it is beyond the forward edge whereupon the head falls with resulting pivotal movement of the arm.

Abstract: A wheelchair provided with pivotable ramps to enable curb-climbing which is provided with means to enable it to mount curbs. The wheelchair comprises three or more wheels and at least one pivotally mounted arm on which a ramp member is itself pivotally mounted. The or each arm may be pivoted to a position in which the ramp it supports is placed in a predetermined orientation in the path of a respective wheel or the chair so that the said respective wheel may run up the ramp to mount a curb.