Abstract: A propulsion system for a manual wheelchair includes a mounting clamp and a propulsion drive unit having a drive wheel assembly and a support suspension. The support suspension is configured to provide linear movement of the drive wheel and drive hub assembly relative to the manual wheelchair. The support suspension includes a linear bearing and slide member assembly having at least one linear bearing and a slide member for accommodating the linear movement of the drive wheel assembly and further includes a resilient suspension member that provides a tractive effort force to the drive wheel. The drive wheel assembly is supported on a carriage that is attached to one of the at least one linear bearing or the slide member and a mounting block is attached to the other. The mounting block has a clamp interface with a locating tab that engages a corresponding mounting slot in the mounting clamp.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a manual wheelchair includes a mounting clamp and a propulsion drive unit having a drive wheel assembly and a support suspension. The support suspension is configured to provide linear movement of the drive wheel and drive hub assembly relative to the manual wheelchair. The support suspension includes a linear bearing and slide member assembly having at least one linear bearing and a slide member for accommodating the linear movement of the drive wheel assembly and further includes a resilient suspension member that provides a tractive effort force to the drive wheel. The drive wheel assembly is supported on a carriage that is attached to one of the at least one linear bearing or the slide member and a mounting block is attached to the other. The mounting block has a clamp interface with a locating tab that engages a corresponding mounting slot in the mounting clamp.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a base assembly and a tilt assembly detachably supported on the base assembly. The base assembly has a mounting point that receives the tilt assembly and a latch receiver that engages a latch assembly of the tilt assembly. The wheelchair further provides a fore and aft adjustment of a seat mounted to the tilt assembly and an angular adjustment of the seat relative to a rocker of the tilt. Each of the fore/aft seat adjustment and the seat angle adjustment relative to the rocker is independently adjustable. The rocker position of the tilt assembly relative to the base is unchanged when either the seat longitudinal position or angular position is adjusted.

Abstract: A wheelchair back support adjustment assembly that utilizes a swivel assembly is disclosed. This swivel assembly provides an entirety of an interconnection between the wheelchair back support adjustment assembly and a back support of a wheelchair. The wheelchair back support adjustment assembly may also include a linkage that interfaces with the swivel assembly. Opposite end portions of the linkage are connectable with a corresponding cane of a wheelchair. The configuration of the wheelchair back support adjustment assembly accommodates a variety of adjustments, to correspondingly adjust a back support of a wheelchair when in an installed configuration (e.g., to customize the back support to a user of the wheelchair). These adjustments may be through one or more adjustments of the swivel assembly, one or more adjustments adjustment of the linkage, or both.

Abstract: A manual wheelchair has a camber tube that supports manual drive wheels for rotation relative to a wheelchair frame. A pair of drive motors are housed within the camber tube and connect to an axle shaft supported within a wheel hub. The axle shaft has a distal end defining an angle accommodating and torque-transmitting profile that connects to the drive motor. The axle shaft has a proximal end defining a torque transmitting connection with a drive disconnect assembly that selectively permits engagement of the drive motor to the wheel hub. The axle shaft supports a retaining ball and an actuator to permit the drive wheel to be removed from the wheelchair. The drive disconnect assembly permits the motor to be mechanically disconnected from the wheel hub to reduce drag and friction when the wheelchair is operated manually.

Abstract: A neural network model is in communication with a plurality of sensors to evaluate and determining an operating condition and/or life expectancy of one or more electrical or mechanical subsystems of personal mobility vehicle. The neural network model evaluates subsystem operation in the context of a personal mobility vehicle operational state to determine component status and generate an output indicative of one of component state of health or subsystem operation.

Abstract: A selectively locking rotational bearing element includes at least one bearing element supporting an outer race for rotational movement and a plurality of locking elements disposed circumferentially about an inner surface of the outer race. An actuator selectively moves the plurality of locking elements into engagement with the outer race to restrict rotational movement of the outer race and selectively move the plurality of locking elements away from engagement with the outer race such that the outer race is free to rotate relative to the locking elements.

Abstract: A backrest assembly of a wheelchair seat has a tubular seating frame. The backrest assembly includes a backrest, two hollow backrest tubes connecting the backrest to the seat, and at least two joints allowing movement of the backrest tubes between at least first and second end positions. Two locking means are provided for locking and/or unlocking the joints. A hollow handle tube has a single handle for effecting the locking means which is arranged between the backrest tubes and mechanically connected to the locking means via cables. The handle further effects movement of the backrest tubes, via the joints, with use of one hand in constant grip of the handle. The handle is actuated by at least partly sliding, rotating, squeezing, pushing and/or pulling. The locking means automatically re-locks after unlocking and reaching the first or second end positions.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a base assembly and a tilt assembly supported on the base assembly. The base assembly has a wheelbase and a wheel track. Each of the wheelbase and wheel track is independently adjustable. The tilt assembly is unchanged when either the wheelbase or wheel track is adjusted.

Abstract: A modular linking system provides a positioning and supporting structure for mounting various components, particularly on a wheelchair structure. A wheelchair kit includes such a modular linking system and further wheelchair includes at least one modular linking system or at least one wheelchair kit.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle, such as a stroller, has spaced apart side frame assemblies that each include a backrest portion and a seat frame portion. The backrest portion is moveable to several recline positions relative to the seat frame portion by actuating a latching mechanism. The backrest portion and the base frame are both moveable to a folded position relative to the seat frame by actuating the same latching mechanism. The side frame assembly further has a tilt mechanism that permits the backrest and seat frames to move as a unit relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A mounting unit for adjustably mounting an add-on piece to a frame, in particular of a wheelchair, includes at least one drum receiving unit having at least one aperture and female thread. The drum receiving unit is an integral part of the frame or adapted to be attached to the frame. At least one drum assembly has at least one hole and a male thread. At least one bolt is part of the add-on piece or adapted to be mounted therewith to hold the add-on piece. The drum receiving unit is adapted to receive the drum assembly. The female thread mates with the male thread and allows an alignment of the position of the hole with respect to the aperture, such that the bolt can be inserted through the aperture at least partly into the hole. The drum receiving unit with the drum assembly and/or the drum assembly with the bolt comprises a detachable form fit connection. At least one of the drum receiving unit, the drum assembly and/or the bolt comprises a detachable force fit connection with respective mating component.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a base assembly and a tilt assembly detachably supported on the base assembly. The base assembly has a mounting point that receives the tilt assembly and a latch receiver that engages a latch assembly of the tilt assembly. The wheelchair further provides a fore and aft adjustment of a seat mounted to the tilt assembly and an angular adjustment of the seat relative to a rocker of the tilt. Each of the fore/aft seat adjustment and the seat angle adjustment relative to the rocker is independently adjustable. The rocker position of the tilt assembly relative to the base is unchanged when either the seat longitudinal position or angular position is adjusted.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a manual wheelchair includes a mounting clamp and a propulsion drive unit having a drive wheel assembly and a support suspension. The support suspension is configured to provide linear movement of the drive wheel and drive hub assembly relative to the manual wheelchair. The support suspension includes a linear bearing and slide member assembly having at least one linear bearing and a slide member for accommodating the linear movement of the drive wheel assembly and further includes a resilient suspension member that provides a tractive effort force to the drive wheel. The drive wheel assembly is supported on a carriage that is attached to one of the at least one linear bearing or the slide member and a mounting block is attached to the other. The mounting block has a clamp interface with a locating tab that engages a corresponding mounting slot in the mounting clamp.

Abstract: A seating system, particularly suited for personal mobility vehicles, such as wheelchairs, that includes a seat cushion having pressure relieving properties and enhanced thermal absorption properties. The seat cushion includes a thixotropic fluid contained within a flexible envelope. The thixotropic fluid includes a phase change material that enhances the thermal absorption properties of the seat cushion to increase thermal absorption from a seated user to provide a reduced temperature sensory effect. The thixotropic fluid further includes a thermal conduction medium that facilitates heat distribution to the phase change material.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair is operated by sensor-based control pads that include force transducers to produce a variable output signal that is proportional to a varying force applied. The control pad provides an analog-type output that provides a variable speed signal to a controller to operate the wheelchair at a variable speed in both forward/reverse directions and in right or left turning directions.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair is operated by sensor-based control pads that include force transducers to produce a variable output signal that is proportional to a varying force applied. The control pad provides an analog-type output that provides a variable speed signal to a controller to operate the wheelchair at a variable speed in both forward/reverse directions and in right or left turning directions.

Abstract: A selectively locking rotational bearing element includes at least one bearing element supporting an outer race for rotational movement and a plurality of locking elements disposed circumferentially about an inner surface of the outer race. An actuator selectively moves the plurality of locking elements into engagement with the outer race to restrict rotational movement of the outer race and selectively move the plurality of locking elements away from engagement with the outer race such that the outer race is free to rotate relative to the locking elements.