Abstract: A personal ability vehicle (PMV) includes a frame with front and rear subframes. A steering mechanism is mounted on the front subframe and includes a steering front wheel connected to a tiller. The rear subframe includes a suspension mount comprising a pair of rear support legs. An anti-tip suspension includes a pair of trailing arms each mounting a trailing wheel. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted on a respective support leg whereby the suspension is inevitable through a limited range of motion about a transverse suspension pivotal axis. A pair of spring assemblies are attached to the trailing arms and are adapted for selectively engaging the support legs to provide a counter-rotational torque force around the suspension pivotal axis in order to resist backwards tipping of the PMV, for example, when it is ascending an inclined sloping surface. Relatively uniform proportional, weight distribution on said steering front, main and trailing wheels is maintained throughout a range of loads.

Abstract: An indexer is used on or in combination with a sheet bending brake to cut or bend a piece of sheet metal at a predetermined location without having to make pre-measurements and marks. The indexer comprises a scale and a rotable shaft having a handle. A first bending arm with a gauge and opposed second and third bending arms are connected to the shaft. Second and third arms each have a stop that positions the sheet metal to make a cut or bend at the predetermined location. An example of a method of using the indexer is also discussed.

Abstract: A personal ability vehicle (PMV) includes a frame with front and rear subframes. A steering mechanism is mounted on the front subframe and includes a steering front wheel connected to a tiller. The rear subframe includes a suspension mount comprising a pair of rear support legs. An anti-tip suspension includes a pair of trailing arms each mounting a trailing wheel. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted on a respective support leg whereby the suspension is inevitable through a limited range of motion about a transverse suspension pivotal axis. A pair of spring assemblies are attached to the trailing arms and are adapted for selectively engaging the support legs to provide a counter-rotational torque force around the suspension pivotal axis in order to resist backwards tipping of the PMV, for example, when it is ascending an inclined sloping surface. Relatively uniform proportional, weight distribution on said steering front, main and trailing wheels is maintained throughout a range of loads.

Abstract: A bariatric transport is provided. The transport includes a bed area for use by a bariatric patient. The transport further includes a drive assembly that is operable to selectively drive the transport in forward and rearward directions and permit turning of the transport with little or no lateral movement of the transport. Leading and trailing stabilizing wheel assemblies are provided that are selectively moveable into and out of engagement with a supporting floor. Drive devices are also provided to provide selective elevating and lowering of various components of bariatric patient supports.

Abstract: A bariatric transport is provided. The transport includes a bed area for use by a bariatric patient. The transport further includes a drive assembly that is operable to selectively drive the transport in forward and rearward directions and permit turning of the transport with little or no lateral movement of the transport. Leading and trailing stabilizing wheel assemblies are provided that are selectively moveable into and out of engagement with a supporting floor. Drive devices are also provided to provide selective elevating and lowering of various components of bariatric patient supports.

Abstract: A tiller assembly for steering a personal mobility vehicle. A knuckle joint for the tiller includes a base secured on the front wheel steering spindle and a knuckle element connected for limited pivotal movement on the base. A bolt connects the knuckle element to the base and also connects the tiller to the knuckle joint. A spring loaded pin on the tiller enters spaced apart openings in the knuckle element to lock the tiller to the knuckle element in any one of various positions, including an operating position and a collapsed position. Adjustment screws on the base are contacted by stop surfaces on the knuckle element to limit in both directions the pivoting of the knuckle element. This allows the tiller to float to a limited extent and also to act rigidly when the vehicle user needs to pull himself up by using the tiller. Spacer sleeves on the pivot bolt allow adjustment of the friction between the knuckle element and base without affecting the tiller.

Abstract: A collection, storage and disposal system for human wastes. An externally positionable patient interface directs wastes through a conduit to a storage container. Accumulated wastes are sealed within the storage container to prevent cross-contamination. The patient interface is extendable through an aperture formed within a seat portion of a support structure which can be converted between bed and chair configurations. A mattress has a foam insert which may be selectively inflated to maintain desired supporting pressure for the patient and to provide a resilient support surface should deflation of the mattress occur.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle includes a floor pan with a rear drive unit at one end and a steerable front wheel at the other end. The drive unit is separable from the floor pan and includes spaced apart, differentially connected rear wheels, an electric motor, and belts and pulleys drivingly connecting the motor to a differential unit. The front wheel is steered by a tiller. A seat with a folding back is removably connected to the floor pan toward the pan rear end to concentrate the weight of the driver over the rear wheels to aid in traction. A brake is provided on the front wheel and is lockable for parking purposes. Each of the drive unit, seat unit, a battery, and a floor pan unit weighs less than thirty pounds such that the separated components can be easily lifted and manipulated for transportation of the vehicle between sites of use.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is particularly adapted for the care of morbidly obese patients and comprises a ground engaging frame with a mattress support including a head section, a center section and a foot section which are hingedly interconnected and have power devices which selectively drive lift arms to raise and lower the head and foot sections relative to the center section. To confine the patient on the bed, outwardly swingable side arms are pivotally connected to the center section and have catches to selectively lock the side arm in an upright position against the center section. The side arms are also lockable in an outwardly swung position and bolsters are set between the side arm and the mattress to provide additional restive area for the patient.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is particularly adapted for the care of morbidly obese patients and comprises a ground engaging frame with a mattress support including a head section, a center section and a foot section which are hingedly interconnected and have power devices which selectively drive lift arms to raise and lower the head and foot sections relative to the center section. To assist entry and exit of a patient onto and off of the bed, a foldable step arrangement is provided which is connected to the foot section and automatically unfolds as the foot section is tilted downward to form a step and folds compactly as the foot section is raised to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A self-contained, closed system, aerobic sewage treatment system designed for use in a house or in mobile situations such as a boat, plane, bus, train, etc. comprising a housing with a toilet and a main digestion tank and a series of secondary digestion tanks below the toilet. An air diffusor, an aeration deflector and a quiescent zone are disposed in the majority of the digestive tanks to promote the rapid digestion of the organic waste deposited therein. The final digestion tank which receives the substantially organically pure water from the system has a pump to recirculate some of the water to rinse the toilet bowl after use.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is particularly adapted for the care of patients at home, and comprises a stationary frame, and a mattress support having a head section, a center section, and a foot section, which are hingedly interconnected. A lift arm has opposing ends thereof pivotally connected with the frame and the mattress support center section respectively, and includes a power device which selectively pivots the lift arm to raise and lower the mattress support thereby adjusting patient elevation. A longitudinally extending motor has opposing ends thereof pivotally connected with the frame and the mattress support center section at a point spaced from the lift arm center section pivot, whereby motor extension and retraction pivots the mattress support about the lift arm pivot, thereby bodily tilting the same for adjusting patient inclination.