Abstract: A method of raising a wheelchair compartment from a non-horizontal ramp position to an approximately horizontal safe position comprises providing a lift mechanism comprising an elevator structure, a wheelchair compartment configured to hold a wheelchair and rotatable from the ramp position to the safe position, a cam connected to the compartment and comprising a cam contact surface, a cam arm connected to the elevator structure and rotatable about a pivot pin, an actuator connected between the elevator structure and the cam arm and configured to rotate the cam arm relative to the pivot pin, and a cam arm bearing connected to the cam arm and configured to press against the cam contact surface of the cam. The method includes operating the actuator when the wheelchair compartment is in the ramp position so as to cause the wheelchair compartment to rise to the safe position.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for lifting a wheelchair compartment from a non-horizontal ramp position to a horizontal safe position comprises an elevator structure, a wheelchair compartment configured to hold a wheelchair and rotatable from the ramp position to the safe position, a cam connected to the compartment and comprising a cam contact surface, a cam arm connected to the elevator structure and rotatable about a pivot pin, the cam arm having a first side and a second side opposite the first side relative to the pivot pin, an actuator connected to the elevator structure and the first side of the cam arm and configured to rotate the cam arm relative to the pivot pin, and a cam arm bearing pin connected to the second side of the cam arm and configured to press against the cam contact surface of the cam.

Abstract: A method of raising a wheelchair compartment from a non-horizontal ramp position to an approximately horizontal safe position comprises providing a lift mechanism comprising an elevator structure, a wheelchair compartment configured to hold a wheelchair and rotatable from the ramp position to the safe position, a cam connected to the compartment and comprising a cam contact surface, a cam arm connected to the elevator structure and rotatable about a pivot pin, an actuator connected between the elevator structure and the cam arm and configured to rotate the cam arm relative to the pivot pin, and a cam arm bearing connected to the cam arm and configured to press against the cam contact surface of the cam. The method includes operating the actuator when the wheelchair compartment is in the ramp position so as to cause the wheelchair compartment to rise to the safe position.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle has a tilt-able platform, with walls on three sides and mounted to and supported by powered drive wheel portions of two motor scooters, one scooter at each side of the platform, and further supported by the front wheel assembly separated from one motor scooter and located at the front of the vehicle. The rear end of the platform has a tailgate. A handle on the platform is accessible to a wheelchair occupant to tilt the platform and fold the bottom-hinged tailgate downward to form a ramp so the wheelchair occupant can drive up the ramp and tilted platform to the front of the platform, returning it to level. Handle bars on the front wheel assembly are used for steering, and have throttle, horn, lights, turn signals, and braking controls for the wheelchair occupant to use while in the wheelchair to drive the vehicle on city and town streets and at speed ranges common to motor scooters.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially cutting cylindrical material including three rollers mounted with a first frame which is pivotable about an axis of one of the rollers with respect to a second frame which carries a saw arbor. One of the rollers is driven in rotation by a motor, and is geared to the saw arbor to drive the saw blades in rotation. A second roller is movable with respect to the first frame and the first roller, and a third roller is mounted on a hydraulic cylinder to clamp the three rollers against the exterior surface of a cylindrical material. Axial grooves are located on the drive roller to facilitate driving of the material, and circumferential grooves are provided on one of the other rollers to prevent axial displacement of the material subsequent to clamping. A ball screw unit pivots the first frame with respect to the second frame to cause the saw blades to engage the material and make radial cuts into the material. A process for radially cutting cylindrical material is also disclosed herein.