Abstract: A nasal mask assembly for preferred use in CPAP treatment. The mask assembly comprises a central body, a face cushion, a forehead support and a gas inlet. The gas inlet is rotatably connected to the central body, and the forehead support is pivotally connected to the central body. A method of using such a mask is also provided.

Abstract: A container cap for providing a seal with an annular wall of a receptacle is disclosed. The cap includes a top wall, an annular seal wall, and cam structure. The annular seal wall extends axially from the cover portion. The annular seal wall is spaced radially inward of the cam structure. An end portion of the annular seal wall is configured to form a seal with the annular wall of the receptacle when the end portion is forced into engagement with annular wall of the receptacle.

Abstract: A bed frame for supporting a mattress includes at least first and second sections connectable to form a mattress supporting platform. The platform includes a latch to hold the first and second sections together. The latch includes engageable parts on the first and second sections that are engageable in response to relative sliding movement between the first and second sections toward each other when oriented horizontally.

Abstract: Embodiments of a retainer assembly are provided. The retainer assembly includes, for example, a bracket that partially surrounds a part or component and a latching component pivotally attached to the bracket. The latching component and frame bracket retain the part or component to a portion of the wheelchair frame when the latching component is located in the closed position.

Abstract: The present application discloses several embodiments of clamping devices and quick connect attachment devices. In one embodiment, a clamping device includes two wedge members that are forced together to engage a frame component. In another embodiment, a quick connect attachment or latching assembly includes components that slide together and are then fixed, by moving a protrusion into a recess.

Abstract: A mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or walker, includes first and second structural members and a fastener for connecting the members together. A washer has first and second portions connected by a bridge portion, each with a fastener opening for receiving the fastener. The washer is self-supporting on a structural member to take the place of two individual washers. A method of connecting first and second connecting members to a frame member of a personal mobility aid includes placing a washer on the frame member so that the washer has first and second portions spaced apart on opposite sides of the frame member; placing the first and second connecting members adjacent the first and second portions of the washer; and fastening the connecting members and the frame member and the washer together with a fastener.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat back and a frame rail. The seat back can be moved relative to the frame rail between a folded position and an unfolded and locked position. A first releasable locking mechanism releasably locks the seat back in the unfolded and locked position. A second releasable locking mechanism releasably locks the seat back at any selected one of a plurality of different angles relative to the frame rail. The seat back can be folded and unfolded without adjusting the seat back angle. The seat back has a portion that slides along the frame rail as the seat back angle is adjusted. The length of the seat back varies as the seat back angle is adjusted. The seat back includes a back cane that is pivotally connected with the frame rail by a pivot bracket. The back cane is fixedly connected to the pivot bracket. The pivot bracket pivots relative to the frame rail when the seat back is moved from the unfolded position to the folded position.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable mechanical bed consisting of a bed frame for support of a mattress and occupant attached to moveable leg means powered by a motor means. Operation of the motor means causes a bearing block attached to the leg means to move longitudinally along a guide rod means, thereby collapsing the leg means beneath the bed and moving the bed frame vertically. Collapsing the bed to its substantially lowermost position causes the bearing block to engage a spring, thereby compressing said spring between the bearing block and a transverse member of the bed frame. The energy stored by the compression of the spring is used to raise the bed from its substantially lowermost position. Pivotally attached to the leg means is a rolling means consisting of a caster and foot arrangement. During normal operation, the foot is firmly engaged with the floor surface.

Abstract: A method of filling a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas includes the steps of providing a coupling such that when a portable tank is connected with the coupling oxygen-enriched gas can flow through the coupling into the portable tank; directing oxygen-enriched gas from an oxygen concentrator to a compressor; compressing the oxygen-enriched gas in the compressor; directing compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the compressor to a reservoir; storing the compressed oxygen-enriched gas in the reservoir; and thereafter directing stored oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir to the coupling to enable filling of a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair comprises: a reprogrammable, non-volatile memory programmed with a plurality of programs executable by the controller to operate the wheelchair, the non-volatile memory disposed at the wheelchair and coupled to the wheelchair controller; a general-purpose computer programmed to reprogram the non-volatile memory while disposed at the wheelchair, the programmed computer for storing main programs for use in reprogramming the non-volatile memory, the programmed computer being coupleable to the wheelchair controller for accommodating an exchange of data therebetween; and wherein the wheelchair controller being operative to communicate with the programmed computer to reprogram the non-volatile memory with the main programs while the non-volatile memory is disposed at the wheelchair. Methods for reprogramming the non-volatile memory are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a breathing gas are provided. The method includes, for example, sensing a parameter associated with the delivery of a breathing gas, changing a valve position in response to a change in the sensed parameter, determining a breathing state based on the valve position, and causing a change in the sensed parameter of the breathing gas based on the determined breathing state.

Abstract: A drive motor assembly for a power driven wheelchair comprises: a stator housing for containing field coils of a stator of the motor assembly; at least one sensor disposed in the stator housing for sensing rotation of the motor; a memory storing motor error parameter data including data of errors of the at least one sensor, the memory being embedded in the stator housing; and a connection for accessing the error parameter data of the memory from the stator housing. The motor error parameter data may be accessed from the embedded memory of the drive motor by a programmed motor controller for use in controlling the drive motor.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly has, for example, a first assembly movably coupled to the frame, a second assembly movably coupled to the frame, and wherein movement of the frame relative to the first and second assemblies causes the first and second assemblies to engage each other to limit further movement of the frame in at least a first direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rapid connection coupling (10) for transferring high-pressure gases and/or liquid, in particular for refilling a high-pressure, mobile container such as a gas cylinder with oxygen in a home environment or at a transfill station with a transfill device. The coupling in question comprises the following elements: a tubular housing (11), an outer sliding sleeve (18) which can slide relative to the housing (11); a number of radially expanding collet chuck elements (15) mounted on the housing (11) and provided with an engaging contour (17) which facilitates connection to a matching connection fitting (30); and a sealing piston (22) capable of sliding centrally inside the housing (11), the said sealing piston being brought into contact with the connecting fitting (30). Internal parts (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention has a plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.

Abstract: A manually-powered wheelchair that includes one or more features that enhance the overall maneuverability and stability of the wheelchair, such as centrally mounted drive-wheels and an anti-tip system. Other embodiments may include at least one of an adjustable anti-tip system that may be selectively located to several locations on the frame; a positive stop device attached to either the mounting bracket, frame, or the anti-tip system for limiting movement of the anti-tip system and the frame relative to each other; a resistance device attached to the frame and the anti-tip system for increasing resistance between the frame and the anti-tip system when the user leans backwards in the wheelchair; a wheel lock system engaging at least one of the drive wheels below the wheel's axis of rotation; and a tilt prevention device for selectively preventing any rotation of the wheelchair frame and anti-tip system relative to each other.

Abstract: A rollator with a tubular frame assembly includes a pair of U-shaped side frames connected by a front brace. Each side frame has a cross bar that extends between front legs and back legs of the frame. The side frames are pivotably attached to the front brace so that the side frames can fold inwardly. The rollator has a molded rigid seat that is mounted on pivot brackets to allow it to pivot upwardly out of the way of the user. The pivot brackets have an offset axis of rotation so that the seat is arranged in a curved area of the front brace when pivoted upwardly.

Abstract: A wheelchair suspension having plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat back and a frame rail. The seat back can be moved relative to the frame rail between a folded position and an unfolded and locked position. A first releasable locking mechanism releasably locks the seat back in the unfolded and locked position. A second releasable locking mechanism releasably locks the seat back at any selected one of a plurality of different angles relative to the frame rail. The seat back can be folded and unfolded without adjusting the seat back angle. The seat back has a portion that slides along the frame rail as the seat back angle is adjusted. The length of the seat back varies as the seat back angle is adjusted. The seat back includes a back cane that is pivotally connected with the frame rail by a pivot bracket. The back cane is fixedly connected to the pivot bracket. The pivot bracket pivots relative to the frame rail when the seat back is moved from the unfolded position to the folded position.