Patents by Inventor Gary E. Chopcinski
Gary E. Chopcinski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220363128Abstract: In one embodiment, a control system for a power wheelchair is provided allowing a user to change the type of input control device throughout a day, week, month, and/or year as their physical and/or mental condition changes. This includes changing input controls from proportional to switch-type devices. A user may start the day when they are not tired with a proportional input control device like a proportional joystick. Then, as the day progresses and the user begins to experience fatigue or exhaustion, the user can change to a switch-type control device requiring less control and dexterity (e.g., less strength and energy) to effectively control the power wheelchair. The user can also start the day with a 4, 3, or 2 switch direction input control and later change to a single switch input control device with scanning. Other combinations are also possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2021Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Lisa Rotelli, Byron Guisbert, Gary E. Chopcinski, Toan Pham, Stanley Cozby, Joe Anthony Cervantez, Trevor Jay Parsh, Stuart Strack
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Patent number: 11071665Abstract: 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: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Darryl Peters, Bruce A. Jaenke, Carrie L. Burke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Publication number: 20210223781Abstract: Embodiments of a mobility vehicle control system are provided. In one embodiment, a head array and control system are provided that allow for adjustment of a plurality of parameters associated with the head array including, for example, sensor pad settings, user settings, and feature settings. A veer adjust interface is also provided as a performance setting adjustment to allow for correction of any veer by the vehicle when being driven.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Lisa M. Rotelli, Gary E. Chopcinski, Toan Pham, Stanley Cozby, Trevor J. Parsh, Joe Anthony Cervantez
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Publication number: 20190254894Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: John Mattes, Bruce A. Jaenke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Patent number: 10130534Abstract: By programming position parameters corresponding to user support surfaces of a power driven wheelchair, movement of the user support surfaces is automated. The user support surfaces can be positioned individually, as part of a sequence or as part of a series of sequences. Accordingly, with little effort, a user can position the user support surfaces of the wheelchair to a predefined position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: John Mattes, Bruce A. Jaenke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Publication number: 20170252238Abstract: By programming position parameters corresponding to user support surfaces of a power driven wheelchair, movement of the user support surfaces is automated. The user support surfaces can be positioned individually, as part of a sequence or as part of a series of sequences. Accordingly, with little effort, a user can position the user support surfaces of the wheelchair to a predefined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: John Mattes, Bruce A. Jaenke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Patent number: 9522091Abstract: By programming position parameters corresponding to user support surfaces of a power driven wheelchair, movement of the user support surfaces is automated. The user support surfaces can be positioned individually, as part of a sequence or as part of a series of sequences. Accordingly, with little effort, a user can position the user support surfaces of the wheelchair to a predefined position.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: John Mattes, Bruce A. Jaenke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Patent number: 9456942Abstract: 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: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Darryl Peters, Bruce A. Jaenke, Carrie L. Burke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Publication number: 20160015581Abstract: By programming position parameters corresponding to user support surfaces of a power driven wheelchair, movement of the user support surfaces is automated. The user support surfaces can be positioned individually, as part of a sequence or as part of a series of sequences. Accordingly, with little effort, a user can position the user support surfaces of the wheelchair to a predefined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: John Mattes, Bruce A. Jaenke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Publication number: 20150342807Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Darryl Peters, Bruce A. Jaenke, Carrie L. Burke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Patent number: 9084705Abstract: A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code. The operating instructions of a power driven wheelchair may be updated by using portable storage media onto which a latest version of operating instructions is loaded to transfer the updated operating instructions to wheelchair controller memory. The calibration of a power driven wheelchair can be simplified by providing functionality within the wheelchair controller to change calibration parameters or to transfer calibration parameters from portable storage media.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Bruce A. Jaenke, Darryl Peters, Gary E. Chopcinski, Ricky J. McCullar
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Patent number: 8977431Abstract: 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: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Darryl Peters, Bruce A. Jaenke, Carrie L. Burke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Patent number: 8793032Abstract: 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: July 29, 2014Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Darryl Peters, Bruce A. Jaenke, Carrie L. Burke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Publication number: 20140067158Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Invacare CorporationInventors: Darryl Peters, Bruce A. Jaenke, Carrie L. Burke, Gary E. Chopcinski
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Publication number: 20140058582Abstract: A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code. The operating instructions of a power driven wheelchair may be updated by using portable storage media onto which a latest version of operating instructions is loaded to transfer the updated operating instructions to wheelchair controller memory. The calibration of a power driven wheelchair can be simplified by providing functionality within the wheelchair controller to change calibration parameters or to transfer calibration parameters from portable storage media.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Bruce A. Jaenke, Darryl Peters, Gary E. Chopcinski, Ricky J. McCullar
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Patent number: 8646551Abstract: A power driven wheelchair and a method for operating same are provided. In one embodiment, the power driven wheelchair includes a system controller with a main controller, a storage device, and at least one input device, a motor assembly, and a common bus. The motor assembly may include a drive motor, a local controller, and a sensor sensing a condition associated with the drive motor and in communication with the local controller. In another embodiment, the power driven wheelchair includes the system controller, an actuator assembly, and the common bus. The actuator assembly may include an actuator mechanism, a local controller, and a sensor sensing a condition associated with the actuator mechanism and in communication with the local controller. Multiple embodiments of the method are related to controlling various arrangements of motor assemblies or actuator assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: John Mattes, Darryl Peters, Bruce A. Jaenke, Ricky J. McCullar, Gary E. Chopcinski
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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
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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
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Publication number: 20130096798Abstract: A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code. The operating instructions of a power driven wheelchair may be updated by using portable storage media onto which a latest version of operating instructions is loaded to transfer the updated operating instructions to wheelchair controller memory. The calibration of a power driven wheelchair can be simplified by providing functionality within the wheelchair controller to change calibration parameters or to transfer calibration parameters from portable storage media.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Bruce A. Jaenke, Darryl Peters, Gary E. Chopcinski, Ricky J. McCullar
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Patent number: 8285440Abstract: A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code. The operating instructions of a power driven wheelchair may be updated by using portable storage media onto which a latest version of operating instructions is loaded to transfer the updated operating instructions to wheelchair controller memory. The calibration of a power driven wheelchair can be simplified by providing functionality within the wheelchair controller to change calibration parameters or to transfer calibration parameters from portable storage media.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Bruce A. Jaenke, Darryl Peters, Gary E. Chopcinski, Ricky J. McCullar