Abstract: A clutch for altering the direction of a drive unit of a transportation device between a first direction of travel and a second direction of travel, the drive unit having at least one drive wheel connected to a shaft, the shaft being rotatably mounted with respect to the transportation device between at least a first position, corresponding to the first direction of travel, and a second position, corresponding to the second direction of travel, the clutch comprises a housing to receive a portion of the shaft, a lock having a first preset locked position corresponding to the first direction of travel and a second preset locked position corresponding to the second direction of travel and, a connecting member connected to the shaft and the lock for alternately locking the shaft in one of the directions of travel.

Abstract: A base for receiving a seat has a longitudinally extending chassis having a front end, a rear end, a central portion positioned therebetween and opposed sides extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends; at least one drive wheel mounted below the central portion; a plurality of rotatably mounted wheels positioned around the chassis and mounted at a fixed distance below the chassis; and a biasing member associated with the at least one drive wheel to bias the at least one drive wheel to engage the surface on which the base is situated and reduce the weight supported by the rotatably mounted wheels whereby the rotatably mounted wheels support sufficient weight of the base and the unoccupied seat to define a stable platform.

Abstract: A multi-directional motorized wheelchair having a seat portion and, a back portion, and having two drive wheels, each having a separate motor for driving one drive wheel forwardly or backwardly, independently of the other wheel, a drive wheel mounting beneath the seat, and controls for operating the wheels either simultaneously in the same direction, or one of them in one direction, or simultaneously in opposite directions, and, stabilizer wheels mounted beneath the seat, and extending outwardly from and around the drive wheels, to stabilize the chair.

Abstract: A toilet conversion kit for toilets of various shapes, the kit having a base which can stand on the floor around a soil pipe and an upper surface for supporting the toilet, and having first and second end wall profiles. An elongated axial opening extends from a point adjacent one end, for a distance along the length of the base, and can register with the soil pipe. There are a plurality of fastening openings in, the base alongside either side of the opening. A soil pipe extension separate from the base, defines a generally tubular shape having upper and lower ends, a soil pipe connection at its lower end, a toilet connection member at its upper end, and fastenings formed with the upper end of which can be fastened to the fastenings of the base. The upper end of the extensions interfits with the elongated opening in the base.

Abstract: A walking aid for a handicapped person having a frame with wheels and brakes, handles attached to the frame at a suitable height for a person, who is enabled to push the walking aid along a walking surface, at least one brake operating assembly including a fixed handbar portion fixed as a handgrip extension of the handles, and a moveable member movably secured to the fixed handbar portion in coaxial relation so that the moveable member may be swung relative to the axis of the fixed portion, the moveable member being normally aligned with and substantially coaxial with the fixed portion, movement of said moveable member moving it out of coaxial alignment, and the brake cable being attached between the fixed portion and the moveable member so that movement of the moveable member will cause extension of the brake cable thus retarding the walking aid.

Abstract: A spacer for a flush toilet is an insert block locatable between the base of a toilet pedestal and the floor. The spacer has a passage therethrough from top to bottom constituting a soil pipe extension and located to mate with the soil pipe and the toilet outlet. Preferably the spacer comprises a series of sub-spacers to allow for raising the toilet as much or as little as necessary. Sealing lugs are provided for sealing against soil leakage. Arm rests may be provided supported at least partially on cross members located in trough passages of the sub-spacers and the arm rests may be hingable out of their "in use" position to allow easy access of a wheelchair.

Abstract: A safety support structure is provided which comprises a post with upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmly against a ceiling surface and a floor surface, and an accessory mounting region disposed between the upper end and the lower end. The post has a length adjustment means and a pressure indicating means to indicate whether the pressure on the structure, when positioned between a floor surface and ceiling surface, lies inside or outside a predetermined range so as to avoid inflicting damage on the floor or ceiling and to inhibit slippage of the post. The accessory mounting region carries mounting formations, to cooperate with laterally extending support accessories clamped to it and positively to resist axial and/or rotational displacement of the support accessories relative to the post.

Abstract: An artificial disc for a human spine. The disc has upper and lower members hinged together at their rear portions and biased apart at their fronts by stiff coil springs. Rear stop surfaces limit the opening movement of the members. Vertically projecting tabs at the front and side of each member are rigidly screwed to the adjacent vertebrae. Tolerances in the hinge allow limited side to side rocking. The disc and screws are made of titanium alloy or cobalt chrome alloy. In a modified version a hinge pin is replaced by cables tying the members together.