Abstract: A wheelchair conversion vehicle and a method of manufacturing a wheelchair conversion vehicle include replacing the OEM trailing arm with a trailing arm substitute and substantially reproducing the movement of the rear wheel OEM spindle along first or second arc paths between an upper limit and a lower limit. The upper limit is a distance above the OEM ride height and the lower limit is a distance below the OEM ride height. The conversion vehicle and method of manufacturing further include installing a wheelchair access system to provide wheelchair access to the wheelchair conversion vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair conversion vehicle and a method of manufacturing a wheelchair conversion vehicle include replacing the OEM trailing arm with a trailing arm substitute and substantially reproducing the movement of the rear wheel OEM spindle along first or second arc paths between an upper limit and a lower limit. The upper limit is a distance above the OEM ride height and the lower limit is a distance below the OEM ride height. The conversion vehicle and method of manufacturing further include installing a wheelchair access system to provide wheelchair access to the wheelchair conversion vehicle.

Abstract: A control module operates a ramp in coordination with a powered sliding door. The control module couples to the OEM network and includes at least one microprocessor, a connector array coupled to at least one microprocessor, and interface circuitry. The microprocessor produces data sequences to keep the network busy, thereby preventing other modules on the OEM network from entering a low power mode. The connector array is adapted to receive daughter boards, plugs, plug-in modules, or wire jumpers for patches. The control module includes a display and a microprocessor is programmed to diagnose the operation of the ramp and provide the results of the diagnosis on the display.

Abstract: A programmed microprocessor has a learning mode of operation wherein data to and from a circuit coupled to a wiring harness in a vehicle is stored by the microprocessor. After the learning mode is completed, removal of the circuit does not cause an error condition because appropriate data is supplied instead by the microprocessor. A sleep mode of operation prevents the microprocessor from interfering with the operation of the circuit when the circuit and the microprocessor are coupled to the wiring harness.

Abstract: A drive mechanism under the floor of a minivan is coupled to the folding ramp by a rotating arm linkage, also located beneath the floor. The extension of the folding ramp is partially controlled by dynamic braking, i.e. using the electric motor as a generator and coupling the motor to an electrical load.

Abstract: A mini-van includes a rear bumper that is divided into three sections. The central section is coupled one of the remaining sections by a four bar hinge that enables the central section to swing like a gate to provide access through the bumper to the rear opening of the minivan. The central section also includes a cover section for enclosing said drop floor and a latch that secures the rear door in a closed position. The four bar hinge allows the central section to move rearwardly from a closed position and then to rotate about said hinge.

Abstract: A lift includes a first telescoping member including a flange for attaching the lift to a vehicle, a second telescoping member coupled to the first telescoping member, and a tool coupled to the second telescoping member, wherein the tool is movable along two orthogonal axes of motion as determined by the two telescoping members. The telescoping members include at least two nested slides. A first slide includes a first pair of rollers on one side thereof and a second pair of rollers opposite the first pair. The second slide includes a pair of opposed U-shaped channels that enclose the rollers to provide a telescoping action. If one axis of motion is vertical, a block is included between each pair of rollers. Each block is dimensioned to engage the bottom of a channel, whereby the blocks help stabilize the motion of the first slide. Motion along two axes is controlled by actuation of a single switch.

Abstract: An external lift for a scooter includes a load sensor actuated by rotation of the platform as a load is applied anywhere on the platform, a lock mechanism for preventing the platform from rotating in a loaded and raised position, and a lock mechanism for preventing the platform from rotating in an unloaded and raised position. A pair of shoes on a hold down prevent a scooter from leaving the lift unintendedly. The lift includes a fixed post and a moveable post. A roller coupled to the moveable post engages a small ramp on the end of the fixed post, thereby further stabilizing the lift and increasing the lifting capacity.

Abstract: An external lift for a scooter includes a load sensor actuated by rotation of the platform as a load is applied anywhere on the platform, a lock mechanism for preventing the platform from rotating in a loaded and raised position, and a lock mechanism for preventing the platform from rotating in an unloaded and raised position. A pair of shoes on a hold down prevent a scooter from leaving the lift unintendedly. The lift includes a fixed post and a moveable post. A roller coupled to the moveable post engages a small ramp on the end of the fixed post, thereby further stabilizing the lift and increasing the lifting capacity.

Abstract: A scooter lift includes a post and boom made from a single piece of curved pipe. The boom further includes an arm that is rotationally adjustable about the pipe to provide small, incremental changes in elevation. Incremental rotational adjustment is achieved by a plate attached to the pipe and having a first set of holes that align with second set holes in the angular portion. The holes are drilled in a pattern that provides a vernier-like adjustment of position. The post is mounted on a base such that at least some of the post overlies a point outside the footprint of the base.

Abstract: A drive mechanism under the floor of a minivan is coupled to the folding ramp by a rotating arm linkage, also located beneath the floor. The extension of the folding ramp is partially controlled by dynamic braking, i.e. using the electric motor as a generator and coupling the motor to an electrical load.

Abstract: A pair of tracks extend between the side frame rails of a minivan, each track having an upper horizontal side, a lower horizontal side, and a vertical side. A powered trolley has a first set of wheels located between the horizontal sides of each track and a second set of wheels engaging the vertical sides of the tracks. A ramp or platform has an inner end coupled to the trolley and an outer end riding on the upper horizontal side of the track. At the outer end of each track, the upper horizontal side angles upwardly away from horizontal, causing the outer end of the ramp to lower when extended.