Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, compressible, shock absorbing, and resilient fluid for use in padding applications is presented. A fluid pad can comprise closed-cell foam beads and a surrounding fluid housed in a thin plastic bladder. The closed-cell foam beads can be exactly flooded by the fluid. Alternatively, the fluid can lubricate the closed-cell foam beads. The surrounding fluid may also comprise solid phase microballoons. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can result in the overall fluid in the bladder being lighter in weight. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be compressible and resilient. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be shock absorbing with respect to impact loads or vibrations. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can lower the cost of the fluid pad insert.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, compressible, shock absorbing, and resilient fluid for use in padding applications is presented. A fluid pad can comprise closed-cell foam beads and a surrounding fluid housed in a thin plastic bladder. The closed-cell foam beads can be exactly flooded by the fluid. Alternatively, the fluid can lubricate the closed-cell foam beads. The surrounding fluid may also comprise solid phase microballoons. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can result in the overall fluid in the bladder being lighter in weight. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be compressible and resilient. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be shock absorbing with respect to impact loads or vibrations. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can lower the cost of the fluid pad insert.

Abstract: A scooter has a frame including a footrest, the footrest having a front edge. Two or more ground engaging rear wheels are connected to the frame and configured to support the frame. A ground engaging front wheel is connected to the frame and mounted for rotation about a vertical axis so that the front wheel is a steerable wheel, the front wheel having a center line. The center line of the front wheel is positioned rearward of the front edge of the footrest and forward of the rear wheels. A drive motor is connected to either the front wheel or the rear wheels, the drive motor being configured to drive the scooter. A steering mechanism is connected to the front wheel and configured to steer the front wheel.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a caster, a drive wheel, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor is provided for sensing operational characteristics of the caster. The controller is provided for controlling at least one of the speed, acceleration and deceleration of the drive wheel when the sensor senses a certain operational characteristic of the caster.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair comprises three or more wheels for supporting the wheelchair relative to a supporting surface. The three or more wheels are adapted to be steered independently of one another to steer the wheelchair in virtually any direction. At least one of the wheels is adapted to be driven for propelling the wheelchair on the supporting surface.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a base and a plurality of wheels supporting the base on a supporting surface. At least one of the wheels is a driven wheel. One of the wheels may be a non-driven wheel. One or more of the wheels, driven or non-driven, is adapted to be steered. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, all of the wheels are driven and steered independently of one another. The wheelchair also has a seat that is mounted for movement relative to the base. Movement of the seat is preferably controlled independently of the steering direction of the wheels. The wheelchair may further include one or more sensors for controlling the stability of the wheelchair. These sensors may include wheel position sensors, speed sensors, rate-of-turn sensors, accelerometers, and proximity detectors. Such sensors would be useful in controlling the tracking of the wheelchair, avoiding the occurrence of tipping and tilting, and avoiding impact with obstacles.