Patents Assigned to Invacare Corporation
-
Publication number: 20130334778Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
-
Publication number: 20130333564Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a product gas are provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of gas separation assemblies separate adsorbable components from a gas source using a plurality of micro-pumps to create gas flow through the gas separation assemblies. Various embodiments include implementation of various pressure swing adsorbtion (PSA), vacuum swing adsorbtion (VSA), and vacuum pressure swing adsorbtion (VPSA) systems utilizing the gas separation assemblies with micro-pumps. In other embodiments, micro-pumps and micro-pump assemblies are arranged in various configurations capable of providing a range of pressures and flow rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Invacare CorporationInventors: Samuel J. Shelnutt, William J. Daniels
-
Patent number: 8590073Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Robert R. Bly, Kevin S. Wysocki, Michael A. Gregory
-
Publication number: 20130291300Abstract: An assembly includes a first and second frame members and a latch. A second interlocking feature of the second frame member is configured to interlock with a first interlocking feature of the first frame member when the second frame member is assembled with the first frame member and the second frame member is moved with respect to the first frame member from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. The latch is secured to the first frame member and is horizontally movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the latch engages a catch portion of the second frame member to secure the second frame member in the second vertical position. In the unlocked position, the latch disengages from the catch portion of the second frame member to permit movement of the second frame member to the first vertical position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Robert R. Bly, Kevin S. Wysocki
-
Patent number: 8573341Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension for a conveyance that is capable of traversing obstacles and rough terrain. The suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly and a rear caster. The pivot arm and the drive assembly are coupled and decoupled based on movement of the drive assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: Gerald E. Fought
-
Patent number: 8562725Abstract: Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel filled with a separation medium are disclosed. The sieve bed vessel at least partially supports one chassis component of the oxygen concentrator with respect to another chassis component. of the oxygen concentrator.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: William Chambers, Dennis Sniezek, Thomas Sprinkle
-
Patent number: 8562723Abstract: Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Thomas B. Sprinkle, William J. Daniels, Thomas A. Drobnak, David G. Felty, Valentine A. Hodos, Martin J. Fabian, Samuel J. Shelnutt, Jonathon R. Olszewski
-
Publication number: 20130239330Abstract: An assembly monitoring system includes a receiver, an assembly, and a processor. The assembly includes at least one trackable component including a transmitter configured to deliver component identifying data to the receiver. The processor is in electronic communication with the receiver and stores authorized assembly configuration data associated with at least one authorized component. The processor is configured to receive the component identifying data from the receiver and to compare the component identifying data with the authorized assembly configuration data. The processor is further configured to generate a first improper assembly signal when the component identifying data does not correspond to at least a portion of the authorized assembly configuration data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventor: Douglas J. Newlin
-
Patent number: 8538599Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting or modifying a programmable operating parameter associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) operating a user interface device associated with a power driven wheelchair in a programming mode, b) selecting a programmable operating parameter associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device, c) selecting a value for the programmable operating parameter using the user interface device, and d) saving the selected value for the programmable operating parameter in a portion of a storage device associated with the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device. A method and apparatus for selecting one or more programmable parameter sets from a portable storage medium and saving the selected sets to a local storage device associated with a power driven wheelchair and vice versa is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Darryl Peters, Bruce A. Jaenke, Carrie L. Burke, Gary E. Chopcinski
-
Patent number: 8534679Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that movement of the frame relative to the rear castor causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr., Robert L. Cuson
-
Publication number: 20130209297Abstract: A pumping device compresses fluid, provides a vacuum, or both compresses fluid and provides a vacuum. A pumping device may be used to force gas through a sieve bed, draw gas out of a sieve bed, or both force gas through a sieve bed and drawing gas out of a sieve bed. A pumping device may be operated at high speed to provide a high fluid flow rate with a small pumping device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, JR.
-
Publication number: 20130207364Abstract: A wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a drive assembly pivot arm, a drive assembly, a front caster pivot arm, a front caster, and a spring and shock absorbing assembly. The drive assembly pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The drive assembly includes a drive wheel and is mounted to the drive assembly pivot arm. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the frame and coupled to the drive assembly pivot arm. The front caster is coupled to the at least one front caster pivot arm. The spring and shock absorbing assembly is pivotally connected to the drive assembly pivot arm at a first pivotal connection and pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm at a second pivotal connection. The first and second pivotal connections are positioned such that a majority of the force applied by the spring and shock absorbing assembly is applied to the drive wheel when the suspension is on a flat, horizontal support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Robert BEKOSCKE, Kevin BURNS
-
Patent number: 8489251Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: Theodore D. Wakefield, II
-
Publication number: 20130161988Abstract: Seats that are moveable from a seating orientation, which allows a user to sit on the seat, to a standing orientation, where the seat at least partially supports the user in a standing posture are disclosed. At least a portion of the seat is moveable away from the user's legs when the seat is in the standing position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventor: INVACARE CORPORATION
-
Patent number: 8452511Abstract: A motorized wheelchair includes left and right drive wheels, left and right motors, rate-of-turn sensor, first and second speed sensors, and controller arranged to combine signals from the sensors in a manner that detects drift. Alternatively, the motorized wheelchair includes left and right drive wheels, left and right motors, first and second rate-of-turn sensors, and controller arranged to combine signals from the sensors in a manner that compensates for voltage offset errors. In another arrangement, the motorized wheelchair includes left and right drive wheels, left and right motors, first and second rate-of-turn sensors, input device, and controller arranged to combine signals from the sensors and input device in a manner that controls the motors using an integrated turn rate error. Several methods for controlling each wheelchair configuration are also provided. These methods process signals associated with desired, expected, or actual turn rate to determine if the wheelchair is off course.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Thomas Strothmann, Joseph B. Richey
-
Patent number: 8437899Abstract: A method of programming parameters of a power driven wheelchair for a plurality of drive modes comprises: displaying a menu image on an interactive display screen, the menu image including settings of a plurality of wheelchair parameters for a plurality of drive modes of the wheelchair; selecting a wheelchair parameter for a drive mode from the displayed menu image; and programming the setting of the selected wheelchair parameter to a desired setting.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Bruce A. Jaenke, Gary E. Chopcinski
-
Publication number: 20130090779Abstract: A system and method for driving a power driven wheelchair is provided. One system embodiment may include, for example, a plurality of force sensing resistors, at least one force sensing resistor comprising a contactable surface for sensing a pressure thereon, wherein the at least one force sensing resistor generates a proportional signal in response to the sensed pressure. A controller comprising at least one input for receiving the proportional signal and having logic to receive the proportional signal and generate a control signal which is outputted to a motor controller to control the power driven wheelchair.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Toan D. Pham, Lisa M. Rotelli
-
Patent number: D687744Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Joseph Spalding, Daniel James Yee, Damon Jurkiewicz, Howard Loewenthal
-
Patent number: D687392Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Ricky J. McCullar, Kristie L. Jarrett, Michael Sedlak, Brian W. Huml, Daniel M. Hulse, Michael Romano
-
Patent number: D693744Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Howard Loewenthal, Joshua Greiner, Daniel James Yee, Damon Jurkiewicz, Robert Bekoscke