Abstract: The chin actuated controller system includes a control arm mounted at one end for pivotal movement in both the horizontal and vertical directions and a chin pad supported by the distal end of the control arm which extends to a location adjacent to the chin of a person. The chin pad which includes a chin switch is engageable by the person's chin to cause vertical and horizontal motion of the control arm and forward and reverse and movement of the chin switch. A cam mechanism in combination with a controller electrical circuit is used to convert the chin activated movements of the control arm and chin switch combination to an electrical signal which controls the powered apparatus. The controller electrical circuit also includes additional electrical circuits which provide for electrical switching between the various powered apparatus operations, logic control of the various powered apparatus operations and an audible sound indicating the initiation of the powered apparatus operation selected by the person.

Abstract: The invention concerns a remote security and operating system. A user can dial remote systems for spot checks of system sensors, or different systems can dial the user on fault detection. Once the user is connected with the system, the user enters a code and command signals. For instance, a set of normally open sensor switches can be shut down, while a set of normally closed switches are monitored. Each system identifies itself to the user by a series of tonal bursts. The user, by pressing a telephone push-botton, can enter a new telephone number the system will call on fault detection. A set of remote microphones can be activated, their audio signals being fed to the user, through nulling amplifiers which the system would otherwise try to interpret. A tonal OK circuit signal is sent to the user upon testing if the system is working, followed by a different tone if a selected sensor switch detects a fault.

Abstract: The invention concerns a releasing means for a prosthetic elbow locking mechanism. When an elbow unlocking cable is tensed by the amputee, a switch is closed, triggering a one-shot circuit. The one-shot circuit emits a single pulse which drives the motor of the prosthetic elbow, turning the motor a few degrees and lifting the arm such that any frictional engagement between an elbow locking pawl and an elbow gear is relaxed. The locking pawl is readily withdrawn from engagement with the gear, once the motor is pulsed, upon continued application of further tension to the elbow unlocking cable.

Abstract: A security device connected to telephone lines and to at least one sensor comprises a monitoring circuit for monitoring at least one sensor to determine a status of each sensor and to detect when the status of any sensor is a fault status, an automatic call-up circuit settable by the user of the device in accordance with a preselected telephone number to be called for automatically calling the preselected telephone number to report when any status comprises a fault status, and an answer circuit for receiving and answering any incoming telephone call received over the telephone line, and responsive to reception of a user input transmitted over the telephone lines, and designating a selected sensor to be monitored, for monitoring the sensor and transmitting the status of the sensor over the telephone line.

Abstract: A wheel chair with independent electric motors for the respective drive wheels. Free wheeling hand rims are journalled outwardly adjacent to and coaxially with the drive wheels. The free wheeling hand rims are connected to respective velocity transducers generating electrical velocity signals which are used to respectively control the speed of the wheel motors. The motor speeds are in proportion to the hand rim velocities. Minimal force is required to rotate the hand rims.

Abstract: An improved chin controller system, for controlling a motor-driven wheelchair or the like, comprises an elongated control arm which extends unobtrusively to a location adjacent to occupant's chin and there supports an actuator mechanism, designed with very low profile to present minimum obstruction in front of the user-patient's face. The controller unit is designed so that when not in use, the user may readily move the controller to one side. The actuator carried on the control arm is engageable by the underside of the user's chin and may be moved vertically (depressed) to provide proportional speed control of the wheelchair, and laterally (from side-to-side) in a horizontal plane, to provide proportional left/right steering control. The actuator also comprises means enabling the user to select the desired forward or reverse direction of travel for the wheelchair and also to select between different drive torque levels for the drive motors.

Abstract: A system and method of coating the seam on the inside surface of a container is disclosed. The container is initially spun about an axis generally parallel to the seam. The seam of the container is engaged while the container is rotating to stop the container with the engaging means in registry with the seam. The interior of the container is coated along the seam while the container is stopped to provide a protective coating overlying the seam. If desired, a subsequent protective coating can be applied on the entire inside surface of the container.

Abstract: An electrically controlled pawl and ratchet mechanism on a prosthetic device to increase the lifting ability of the system throughout the excursion range thereof and without opening the system's terminal device. A ratchet wheel is positively connected to and driven by the forearm pulley assembly of the prosthetic system and an electrically controlled pawl is used therewith to provide uni-directional braking action, which inhibits opening of the associated terminal device. The device is self-locking on engagement of the pawl with the ratchet wheel under torque application conditions. Reduction of the applied torque to zero subsequently causes disengagement of the pawl, and the terminal device may then be freely used. The pawl is controlled by a solenoid which is energized for a timed period by a timer operated responsive to command energization of the system motor.

Abstract: A joint lock and cable arrangement for an externally powered prosthesis, the arrangement allowing shoulder and/or elbow joint movement of a prosthesis through the use of a single driving motor. The joint lock system includes a release solenoid and an electronic circuit which couples the solenoid and the driving motor, the release solenoid being activated to cause locking at a timed period after the motor is energized, so as to permit the desired operation of the associated joint for such timed period. The arrangement enables the use of a single motor to drive the shoulder joint and elbow joint of a prosthesis, and provides operation of a terminal device when both joints are in locked condition.