Abstract: Provided is an information processing system that, when a shopper purchases a product displayed in a shop, enables the automation of the purchase of the product and reduces the time required for purchasing the product. This information processing system comprises a moving object tracking means, a shelf product recognition means, and a purchase means. The moving object tracking means identifies moving objects, such as shoppers and baskets, that are moving through a shop, defines the region of the moving object, and picks up images while tracking the moving object. The shelf product recognition means constantly picks up images of the state of the shelves, compares images picked up before and after an object is taken from a shelf, defines the region from the picked up image of a recognized product, and identifies the product from the defined image region. The purchase means purchases the identified product.

Abstract: A transport device is for carrying and moving objects from one location to another. In an embodiment, the transport device includes a chassis and at least four motor-driven omnidirectional wheels arranged on the chassis. The chassis is configured to adapt the wheelbase and the track gauge of the omnidirectional wheels according to the size of the object. A corresponding method for operating such transport device is further specified in an embodiment. The embodiments of the application lie in the universal usage of the transport device for nearly all sizes and shapes of an object.

Abstract: A stairlift may include a rail and a drive unit having a chair and a carrier. The carrier may be adapted to drive along the rail, and the chair may be supported by the carrier. The chair may have a folding mechanism that comprises a base body fixed to the carrier, a seat body that is foldably fixed by way of a seat joint to the base body, a leg body that is foldably fixed to the seat body by way of a leg joint, and a footrest body that is foldably fixed to the leg body by way of a footrest joint.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a power operated lift chair. The power operated lift chair includes a chair assembly, a support assembly and a lifting assembly. The chair assembly includes a vertical back support, a back cushion attached to the vertical back support, a horizontal seat support and a seat cushion attached to the horizontal seat support. The support assembly includes a horizontal beam, a vertical guide post extending upward from the horizontal beam, a guide bracket connected to the chair assembly, at least one horizontal support member extending outward perpendicularly from the horizontal beam and a support platform. The lifting assembly includes a lifting rod positioned on the support platform and a locking collar connected to the lifting rod and the guide bracket. The lifting rod is configured to rotate to lift and lower the chair assembly.

Abstract: A lift for a vehicle includes a platform configured to support an occupant thereon, a parallelogram mechanism to move the platform between a stowed position and a deployed position, a base to mount the parallelogram mechanism to a vehicle floor, a hydraulic system to move the platform through the parallelogram mechanism, a mechanism to fold and unfold the platform, an occupant retention device, a control unit to control a movement of the platform. The occupant retention device can include any one of a belt, a bridgeplate and a roll stop. The lift can also include a platform movement control device that can be provided as an acoustic sensor array, a bridgeplate lock and a platform stow lock. A light assembly can be mounted on the platform as a visual warning of the platform operation. The power connection to the control unit can include an encapsulated decouplable power interface.

Abstract: A stairlift for moving along a staircase having: a curved rail having a centre line, a load bearing surface, and a carriage including a first and a second guiding unit connected to each other by a connecting unit. The second guiding unit is connected to the connecting unit via a third rotation joint about a third axis and a fourth joint about a fourth axis, the connection unit includes a fifth rotation joint about a fifth axis. The fifth axis extending from outside the rail to an area close to or on the centre line of the rail in a first plane close to or on the third and the fourth axis.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for correcting a mounting system for mounting a lift gate on a structure, the lift gate having a lift platform supported between a pair of spaced support columns, the correction system including: a first mounting member configured for attachment onto the structure; a first lift gate support column configured for attachment onto the first mounting member; a first correction mechanism configured to couple with a first support block, where the first correction mechanism creates a force between the first lift gate support column and the first mounting member when engaged, resulting in a first corrective gap forming between the first lift gate support column and the first mounting member; and where the resulting corrective gap orients the first lift gate support column to be substantially parallel with a plane parallel to a rear of the structure such that the lift gate platform can be operated.

Abstract: A lift assembly generally includes a platform assembly configured to move between a first elevation position and a second elevation position, a tower assembly having a track assembly, wherein the track assembly includes first and second track portions, each being a single continuous structure, and a carriage assembly for providing support to the platform and moving within the track. A kit for a lift assembly includes a platform assembly, a tower assembly having a track assembly, and a carriage assembly configured for coupling with the platform assembly and the tower assembly.

Abstract: A wheelchair accessible vehicle assembly includes a vehicle that has a plurality of entries. Each of the entries is large enough to have a wheelchair pass therethrough for transporting an individual in the wheelchair. A plurality of wheelchair lifts and each of the wheelchair lifts is coupled to the vehicle. Each of the wheelchair lifts can lift and lower the wheelchair and each of the wheelchair lifts is aligned with one of the entries. In this way the plurality of wheelchair lifts facilitates a plurality of wheelchairs to be simultaneously lifted and lowered.

Abstract: An assistance device (1) to allow a wheeled vehicle to overcome an obstacle, comprising a frame, (2), an upper plate (4), a lower plate (3) with lateral rims (41), a flap (5) and a locking member (71; 72). The upper plate (4) is supported on the lateral rims (41). By moving in translation between a deployed position and a storage position, the lower plate (3) mechanically determines the height position of the upper plate (4) by sliding on the lateral rims (41). The flap (5) pivots relative to the upper plate (4) between a substantially vertical rest position and a deployed position resting on the lower plate (3). The flap (5) forms a junction between the lower plate (3) and the upper plate (4). The locking member (71; 72) is supported by the lateral rims (41) and locks the flap (5) in the storage position of the lower plate (3) and releases the flap (5) when the lower plate (3) leaves the storage position of same.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system that provides assisted access to a pool. The system includes a platform that includes a frame, a deck, and one or more handrails. The deck is attached to the frame and sized to receive a wheelchair. The one or more handrails are attached to at least one of the frame and the deck. The system includes an upright lifting component case. The frame of the platform is substantially perpendicular to the upright lifting component case. The system includes lifting components that are at least partially disposed in the upright lifting component case and attached to the platform. The lifting components are operable to vertically move the frame between a top and a bottom of the upright lifting component case. The system includes an electrical power source operable to provide electrical power to at least a portion of the lifting components.

Abstract: A personal stair lift to transport an individual up and down a stairway on a chair assembly supported on a rail mounted rack comprising a carriage assembly configured to support a lift mechanism including a drive member coupled to a reversible drive motor to rotate the drive member wherein the carriage assembly includes at least one pair of upper rollers and at least one pair of lower rollers movably mounted on a stationary rail disposed on each side of the carriage assembly and a rack mounted to one of the stationary rails disposed to engage the drive member to selectively move the chair assembly and person up or down the stairway when the reversible motor rotates the drive member.

Abstract: A load sensing system for a wheelchair lift arrangement includes an elongated member that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis between an unloaded position and a loaded position; a biasing member that biases the elongated member toward the unloaded position; at least one contact member connected to the elongated member and configured to contact a bridge plate; and a switch assembly operatively connected to the elongated member, the switch assembly being configured to be activated to prevent operation of the wheelchair lift arrangement when the elongated member is in the loaded position. A method of regulating movement of a lift platform of a wheelchair lift arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A stairway (1) comprising a plurality of steps (2) each defining a top surface or tread (3) is converted into a lift platform by employing a mechanism concealed beneath an envelope defined by the treads of all of the steps to guide each step of the plurality vertically from a stairway configuration in which the steps form a stairway enabling access from a lower (7) level to an upper level (8) to a flat configuration in which the top edge of each step is substantially in a horizontal plane level with one of the lower and upper levels from which a wheelchair user may wish to travel to the other of the lower and upper levels. As a result, a wheelchair user may move horizontally from the said one of the lower and upper levels on to a platform defined by the top edges of the plurality of steps in the flat configuration. The stairway and flat configurations occupy the same footprint.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis and a support that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis. A cam follower is coupled to the support and supportingly engages a second end of the ramp panel. Rotation of the support moves the cam follower along an arcuate path. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A drive assembly selectively rotates the support in the first and second direction, and a stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a lowered stowed position and a raised deployed position. The operable ramp has a ramp panel rotatable about a first axis located at a first end. A support element is slidingly coupled to the ramp panel. The operable ramp further includes a drive assembly comprising an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element. The endless loop has a linear portion and an arcuate portion. During a first phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves upward along the linear portion. During a second phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves along the arcuate portion of the endless loop.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the operable ramp forms a step. The operable ramp has a first panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis. The first axis moves in a first direction when the operable ramp moves toward the lowered position and in a second direction when the operable ramp moves toward the raised position. The operable ramp further includes a second panel rotatably coupled at a first end to a second end of the first panel. The first panel and the second panel cooperate to provide an inclined surface when the operable ramp is in the lowered position. A linkage is operably coupled to the first panel to selectively rotate the first panel about the first axis.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatable about a first end. A second end of the ramp panel is lower in the deployed position than in the stowed position. A rotatable support supports a second end of the ramp panel, and a drive assembly selectively rotates the support (1) in a first direction to lower the second end of the ramp panel and (2) in a second direction to raise the second end of the ramp panel. A stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction, i.e., toward the stop, when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel lift (1) with swivel arms (2) with a parallelogram function on which a bridge plate (30) or a walkable and drivable swivel arm floor (6) or positionally stable steps (42) is mounted on the lower swivel arm (2), and the swivel arms (2) hold the lifting plate (7) horizontally positionally stable by means of bearing(s) (18), can be moved as needed longitudinally electronically or by forced control, and a ramp (8) and/or a gate (9) is mounted on the lifting platform (19) in front of or behind the lifting plate (7), and the lifting movement is accomplished by means of an operating cylinder (3) with the support of a gas spring (4).

Abstract: A lift apparatus configured to move a passenger platform of the lift apparatus between a first position and an elevated second position. A stairway of the example lift apparatus may be used as a stairway when the passenger platform is arranged in the first position. As the passenger platform is raised to the elevated second position, hinged steps of the stairway are transformed into a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a pair of upside-down, vertically-oriented hydraulic cylinders having their closed ends attached to opposing sides of a lift car, and their piston rods secured to a base resting on the floor. The cylinders extend into the hollow internal channels of two fixed vertical guide members as the lift car is lowered. The vertical guide members may be received within the side walls of the lift car as the lift is lowered to the ground. Rollers on the lift car engage the vertical exterior walls of the vertical guide members to stabilize the lift car. No moving parts are exposed apart from the lift car itself.

Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow passages. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.

Abstract: The invention consists of a lifting apparatus. It is designed to enable a user and their mobility assistance device, such as a wheelchair or power scooter, to enter or exit a facility, i.e. residential or commercial, that has at least one step at the en trance. While the invention is in the “lowered” position. the user can move their MAD atop the platform contained in the present invention. While atop the platform, the user can activate the controls and cause the platform to be moved into the “raised” position. The “raised” position moves the user and their MAD upwards and towards the top step of entrance of the facility. The user can then mobilize their MAD and egress off the platform into the facility. If the user desires to exit the facility, the user then reverses the process and enters onto the platform when it is in the “raised” position. The user, while atop the platform, then lowers the platform to its “lowered” position and is able to egress off of the platform.

Abstract: Method to transport persons overcoming an elevation with slope, and corresponding machine. The machine is a mechanical device equipped with at least three contiguous mobile steps movable individually only in the vertical direction. The method consists in performing a detection of a footstep or the transit of a person on the mobile steps and, as a function of such detection, produce a displacement of the mobile steps individually and only in the vertical direction, controlling such displacement in a manner that at least two of such mobile steps become level in the same horizontal plane in the region of transit of the person as this person advances stepping successively the mobile steps.

Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a pair of upside-down, vertically-oriented hydraulic cylinders having their closed ends attached to opposing sides of a lift car, and their piston rods secured to a base resting on the floor. The cylinders extend into the hollow internal channels of two fixed vertical guide members as the lift car is lowered. The vertical guide members may be received within the side walls of the lift car as the lift is lowered to the ground. Rollers on the lift car engage the vertical exterior walls of the vertical guide members to stabilize the lift car. No moving parts are exposed apart from the lift car itself.

Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders for elevating a lift car above a base resting on the floor. Pivotally-connected floor struts extend between side walls of the lift car to support the lift car floor while allowing the side walls of the lift car to remain vertical to avoid pinching the gates of the lift car.

Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a base, a lift car, and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the lift car relative to the base. A maximum height system includes a light source, optical sensor, magnetic-backed reflector, and a placement tool for engaging a reference port on the lift car. Operation of the light source and optical sensor are confirmed before the lift car is elevated.

Abstract: A vertical lift platform assembly 100 has a lift platform 140, which is translatable in a vertical direction between at least a raised position and a lowered position by at least one actuator 200. The lift platform 140 may be surrounded on all sides by vertically extending walls 112 and one or more doors 110 to provide access to the lift platform 140. A control panel 113 enables an operator to control the vertical travel of the lift platform 140.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a travel platform moving along a support frame to transport people and objects, and a lifting method for moving the travel platform up and down along the support frame to transport people and objects.

Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a lift car selectively elevated above a base, along with protective skirting covering the region below the lift car. Exposed portions of the protective skirting subject to lateral inward deformation are provided with skirt deformation sensors for detecting abnormal inward deformation of such skirt portions. The skirt deformation sensors include a spring or other elongated deformable member that extends generally parallel and proximate to the portion of the skirt being sensed. A sensor detects that the elongated member has been laterally displaced from its usual longitudinal axis and generates an electrical signal. In response to such electrical signal, the lift device stops further movement of the lift car.

Abstract: A passenger lift system has a passenger supporting unit, a drive for the passenger supporting unit, an access control associated with the drive and in particular connected upstream, in or downstream to it and further including a radio field generator generating a spatially activity-limited stray field around the passenger supporting unit, a radio controller capable of being introduced into the stray field, and an activator switching the access control in response to effective introduction of the controller into the stray field, in particular switching it ready for driving. Further, the lift system includes an access authorization control system regulating the authorization for use of at least one such passenger lift system wherein one or more radio controllers is associated with one or more passenger lift systems for switching the access control.

Abstract: A roll stop system for a lift includes a roll stop member that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, a driving mechanism for moving the roll stop member between the raised position and the lowered position, and a spring member acting as a buffer between the driving mechanism and the roll stop member, and preferably the spring member protects the driving mechanism from damage due to abnormal operations of the roll stop member.

Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow passages. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.

Abstract: A lift apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, a lift apparatus may comprise a support frame and a platform movably coupled to the support frame. Further, the platform may comprise at least one roller and a transmission connected to the at least one roller of the assembly, wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes the platform to move relative to the support frame. In another aspect of the present invention, a lift apparatus may include a telescoping platform. The present invention also contemplates a method of moving a wheelchair lift. Particularly, a wheelchair may be positioned such that at least one wheel of the wheelchair contacts a drive mechanism of a platform or a telescoping platform that are positioned at an initial position. Further, the at least one wheel of the wheelchair may be rotated to cause the platform or the telescoping platform to move relative to their initial positions.

Abstract: An elevating system is provided for installation on a staircase, comprising a plurality of lifting elements capable of vertical expansion and contraction between lowered and elevated positions to sequentially elevate or lower a user. Each lifting element comprises a platform, inflatable bladders to selectively elevate or lower the platform, a guide to prevent lateral movement of said platform, a sensor responsive to the presence of an individual on said platform, and valves to selectively inflate or deflate said bladders. The platforms are sequentially elevated or depressed to permit the user to travel up or down said staircase by stepping horizontally from one lifting element to a next in line lifting element.

Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. A scissors-like brace selectively locks the front door of the lift car to the support base when the lift car is elevated. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift assembly is provided. The wheelchair lift assembly includes a frame, a platform, and a lift mechanism associated with the frame. The lift mechanism includes a stabilizing arm and at least one lift arm member having a first end connected to the platform. The first end of the lift arm member pivots and translates relative to the platform as the platform is reciprocated between raised and lowered positions. The wheelchair lift assembly also includes a drive assembly. The drive assembly selectively provides a driving force to the lift mechanism without directly providing the driving force to the stabilizing arm.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for a wheelchair lift assembly is provided. The wheelchair lift assembly includes a lift frame and a platform reciprocally coupled to the lift frame. The barrier assembly includes a frame having a first side rail and a second side rail. The frame is coupled to at least one of the lift frame or a structural frame. The barrier assembly also includes a barrier slidably disposed between the first and second side rails. A drive assembly is operably coupled to the barrier for selectively moving the barrier between at least a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A vertical control mechanism for a vertical lift assist device is provided in which a rotational twist grip element is in direct communication with a control signal that generates analog input signals corresponding to an operator's intended vertical destination of an end-effector. A vertical lift mechanism is thereby controlled to provide a vertical assist lifting force that assists an end-effector in the manipulation of a load.

Abstract: A height control mechanism for a lift device includes an elongated rail and an actuator slidingly mounted thereto. The actuator is biased toward a first end of the rail, and a proximity sensor is mounted proximate the second end of the rail. A cable pulls the actuator toward the second end of the rail as the lift device is elevated. When the proximity sensor detects the presence of the actuator, a signal is generated to halt further elevation. The position of the proximity sensor along the rail can be adjusted to set the maximum height of the lift device. A second proximity sensor, responsive to the presence of the actuator, can also be secured to the rail to generate a signal indicating that the lift device has been elevated off of the ground by a short distance.

Abstract: A roller arrangement (20) for a stairlift carriage is described, the arrangement including a central roller set (22), and outer roller sets (24) and (26). Rollers (42), (43, 44) and (45) in the outer roller sets are mounted in yokes (48) which are mounted for independent pivotal movement, relative to one another, in two orthogonal axes. The axes of each set preferably lie in common planes.

Abstract: A personal transfer device for transferring a boater from a dock to a boat moored in a boat lift adjacent the dock, and back again. A cantilevered support is secured to an upper part of the boat lift frame, the support's free end extending out over the dock at a height that does not interfere with normal use of the dock. A hoist carriage, for example a monorail trolley hoist, is movably secured on the cantilever support, and is connected to a transport chair that can be located over the dock at a convenient height for a handicapped boater to seat and/or secure himself. A controller is accessible to the boater seated in the transport chair to raise himself off the dock to a height sufficient to clear any intervening boat lift structures or frame members, and to then transport himself horizontally along the support through the boat lift structure to the boat, where he then lowers himself onto the boat using the controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a stairlift having a rail which terminates, at its lower end, on or closely adjacent the lower step of a staircase. This rail is combined with a carriage and footrest which allows the footrest to be positioned below the level of the first step. The arrangement obviates the need for a hinge in the rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide along a staircase, along which a carriage of for instance, a stair walking aid or a stair lift is displaceable. This can herein comprise at least one elongate tube and engaging means for the carriage, wherein the tube comprises a stationary segment and at least one tiltable segment which are connected by means of a tilting mechanism in order to tilt the tiltable segment selectively away from and to a position lying in the line of the stationary segment, wherein the tilting mechanism is situated substantially in the interior of at least one of the tiltable segment and the stationary segment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheelchair lift apparatus (1) for mounting to a vehicle, e.g.

Abstract: A system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and performing essential daily activities includes a personal mobility device which includes transfer drivers which engage a transfer system to transition from a first elevation to a second elevation.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift having a pivot and a platform. A rotary position sensor is mounted at the pivot and configured to generate an output signal. A controller is configured to receive the output signal of the rotary position sensor and determine the position of the platform based on the output of the rotary position sensor.

Abstract: A lift using a step-shaped shaft for raising and lowering a person or goods on a platform over one or more steps from one elevation to another elevation. The lift is especially suited for use over porches and raised thresholds of buildings and in and out of vehicles. The lift is suitable for use by persons without or without a wheelchair.