Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle, such as a wheelchair system, includes an input audio transducer having an output coupled to a speech recognition system and an output audio transducer having an input coupled to a speech synthesis system. The wheelchair system further includes a control unit having a data processor and a memory. The data processor is coupled to the speech recognition system and to the speech synthesis system and is operable in response to a recognized utterance made by a user to present the user with a menu containing wheelchair system functions. The data processor is further configured in response to at least one further recognized utterance made by the user to select from the menu at least one wheelchair system function, to activate the selected function and to provide audible feedback to the user via the speech synthesis system.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle, such as a wheelchair system, includes a short range wireless interface and a control unit having a data processor and a memory. The data processor is coupled to the wireless interface and is configured to wirelessly transmit vehicle diagnostic-related data from the memory to an intermediary device via the short range wireless interface for subsequent transmission from the intermediary device to a remote site. The data processor is further configured to wirelessly receive via the short range wireless interface with the intermediary device at least operational program related data from the remote site.

Abstract: A power wheelchair is capable of operating in either a two-wheel or a four-wheel drive configuration. The wheelchair includes first and second forward drive wheels in contact a supporting surface. First and second wheel support assemblies each include a support member pivotally connected to the wheelchair frame. Each wheel support assembly further includes a rear drive wheel and a rear non-driven wheel connected to the support member. At least one actuator is provided to control movement of the support members to pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the rear non-driven wheel is moved into contact with the supporting surface and the rear drive wheel is moved out of contact with the supporting surface. In the second position the rear drive wheel is moved into contact with the supporting surface.

Abstract: A bi-directional anti-tip system for a wheelchair includes a pair of anti-tip system subassemblies actively lifting a leading anti-tip wheel when traveling in either forward or reverse directions. The anti-tip system subassemblies operate to couple a leading anti-tip wheel to the drive assembly such that pivot motion thereof effects vertical displacement of the leading anti-tip wheel and to decouple a trailing anti-tip wheel from the drive assembly to null pivot motion inputs therefrom. In one embodiment, rheonetic links actively couple and decouple the anti-tip system subassemblies. The system may also include compliant bearings or extensible links for inward displacement of the anti-tip wheel upon impact with a curb.

Abstract: A reclining seat includes a base, a back frame and back support connected to the back frame for translation relative to the back frame. In a first embodiment, a mechanism is provided to couple the back frame to the back support such that rotation of the back frame relative to the base automatically translates the back support relative to the back frame. In a second embodiment, a mechanism is provided to allow a user to control movement of the back support independently of back frame rotation. Preferably, the reclining seat is incorporated into a wheelchair.