Abstract: The invention provides for a toileting module which can be used in a standard wheelchair and consists of straps and a tensioning mechanism therefor attached to a support structure. The straps run under the wheelchair-bound person and, when tightened, raise the person above the seat cushion permitting its removal and the insertion of a waste receptacle for toileting.

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 The locking pawl is readily withdrawn from engagement with the gear, once the motor is pulsed, upon continued application of further tension to the elbow unlocking cable.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: 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 valve spool characterized by significantly lower flow induced axial force, the force being sufficiently low to render single stage servomechanical valves practical for small and moderately powered servomechanical apparatus. The present valve spool and servomechanical apparatus has a zero force metering edge which results from selection of a slope for the exit portion of the flow contour which is between that of a prior art rectangular port and that of the shallow slope typical of large negative axial force design. The present valve spool is further configured to allow metering across a small portion of the spool circumference in order to increase valve stroke and to minimize spool leakage. Preferably, a wedge is cut on two of the metering spool edges by grinding symmetrical flats across the valve spool edge to form the metering edges, the metering orifice then being defined by the intersection of the insert edge and the valve spool flat.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powered wheel chair with individual motors driving each of two separate drive wheels. The motors are controlled by the amount of torque applied to the handrim of the driving wheel. If the operator pushes on the handrim of the drive wheel, as is well known, the torque created by such movement is sensed and activates the drive motor to cause the drive wheel to rotate. The power applied to the drive motor is controlled by the amount of torque applied to the handrim such that the conventional control of the wheel chair is maintained.