Abstract: A wheelchair having a lower frame with drive wheels and forwardly extending arms with casters and an upper frame with a seat and backrest. Linkage assemblies on opposing sides pivotably attach at a first end to the lower frame and at a second end to the upper frame. Power cylinders attached on opposing sides are extendable between the upper frame and the lower frame and are lockable from moving from a selected position. When unlocked, the power cylinders apply a supplemental force in association with a force applied by a user on the drive wheels for moving the upper frame relative to the lower frame guided by the linkage assembly. A method of adjusting the seat height of a wheelchair is disclosed.

Abstract: A linear measurement device for measuring a wheelchair user for fitting a wheelchair, with a measuring bar having with a scale and a fixed locater attached at a first end. A second locator opposing the first locater moves on the measuring bar to a selected position for determining a distance measurement relative to the fixed locator for fitting the wheelchair user to the wheelchair. A method of measuring for wheelchair fitting with a linear measurement apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a lower frame with drive wheels and forwardly extending arms with casters and an upper frame with a seat and backrest. Linkage assemblies on opposing sides pivotably attach at a first end to the lower frame and at a second end to the upper frame. Power cylinders attached on opposing sides are extendable between the upper frame and the lower frame and are lockable from moving from a selected position. When unlocked, the power cylinders apply a supplemental force in association with a force applied by a user on the drive wheels for moving the upper frame relative to the lower frame guided by the linkage assembly. A method of adjusting the seat height of a wheelchair is disclosed.

Abstract: A linear measurement device for measuring a wheelchair user for fitting a wheelchair, with a measuring bar having with a scale and a fixed locater attached at a first end. A second locator opposing the first locater moves on the measuring bar to a selected position for determining a distance measurement relative to the fixed locator for fitting the wheelchair user to the wheelchair. A method of measuring for wheelchair fitting with a linear measurement apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A balance tool for evaluating weight distribution of a wheelchair positioned on an elongated platform with a support extending from a lower surface and a linear scale, a measuring bar slideably movable relative to the linear scale for making measurements of horizontal distances between a center of mass and the center of the front wheels and the rear wheels, for determining the relative weight carried by the wheels and for adjusting the position of the wheels to have the rear wheels carry a substantial majority of the weight. A method of adjusting the balance of a wheelchair is disclosed.

Abstract: Wheelchair hand rim device comprised of a heat conducting tubular hand rim and a continuous circumferential elastomeric interface that has a cross-sectional contour comprised of an outwardly extending horizontal member having a proximal end coupled to an outboard side of a wheel rim transitioning into a downwardly depending member terminating to a distal end coupled to an inboard upper portion of the tubular hand rim such that a majority of the tubular hand rim is exposed and devoid of the elastomeric interface. When braking, a user only uses the heat conducting tubular hand rim. When pushing, the user grips across both the tubular hand rim and the contoured elastomeric interface, which deforms to fit the hand, thereby providing improved comfort, frictional coupling, and impact attenuation.