Step Or Abutment Ascending Type Vehicle Patents (Class 280/5.2)
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Patent number: 11794798Abstract: A hand truck having a frame with first and second ends and a handle adjacent the first end and a platform extending from the second end. Wheels adjacent the second end support the frame and platform for rolling movement. A lever member with first end pivotally connected to the frame at the first end and second free end. A position stabilizing member is pivotally connected to each side of the frame proximate the second end with each shoe assembly being pivotal to a support position extending below a respective wheel. The free end of the lever member is positioned against a surface and the frame pivoted thereabout with the shoe portion of each shoe assembly moving to the support position. An automatic braking system prevents unwanted downward movement. A repositioned lever member and multiple commonly hinged lever members allow for full stair lifting and elimination of the position stabilizing member.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Inventor: Eliezer Friedman
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Patent number: 11691470Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel robot drive train that is robust, and low cost. The drive train is capable of ascending obstacles greater than the height of its wheels, protects the robot against shocks/vibration, and is highly maneuverable, such as able to execute a zero-point turn. To control the bogie in a variety of scenarios, a novel mechanism is used to selectively limit the articulation range of the bogie and/or programmatically apply a preload to the bogie axle.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Cartken Inc.Inventors: Jake Stelman, Marc Thomas, Jonas Witt, Christian Bersch, Jason Hardy
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Patent number: 11684528Abstract: A locking system of a wheelchair is disclosed. The locking system includes a locking member, an actuator, a locking frame, and an opening. The opening is disposed within the locking frame. The actuator is in communication with the locking member and is configured to move the locking member within the opening. The actuator is operable in a retracted operation state and an extended operation state. The actuator is configured to move the locking member in an upward direction when the locking system is set from the extended operation state to the retracted operation state. The actuator is configured to move the locking member in a downward direction when the locking system is set from the retracted operation state to the extended operation state, and the locking member is naturally biased in the extended operation state.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Parag Gupta
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Patent number: 9045177Abstract: The present disclosure provides an omni-directional terrain crossing mechanism, including a transformable mechanism with a plurality of claw wheels, in order to be capable of fast moving on the flat ground or in uneven terrain environments. The omni-directional terrain crossing mechanism includes a first body and a second body. Each of the first body and the second body includes at least one pair of claw wheels. Moreover, the omni-directional terrain crossing mechanism is capable of transforming one pair of first claw wheels of the first body and one pair of second claw wheels of the second body into a pair of complete wheels. Consequently, as compared with the existing mobile machines, the omni-directional terrain crossing mechanism in the present disclosure is capable of moving in various challenging terrain environments.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Jui-Jen Chou, Li-Shing Yang, Cheng-Tse Yang
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Patent number: 8998215Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (9) for overcoming an obstruction (8) to traveling movement, preferably on an automatically traveling floor cleaning appliance (1) having a driven travel wheel (3). To configure an arrangement of the kind in question in an improved manner, it is proposed that on the travel wheel (3), a lifting part (10) is mounted in an eccentrically pivotable manner, the lifting part protruding with a front end surface (12) beyond a running surface (7) of the travel wheel (3) in the direction of travel (r), a counter mounting being provided which is fixed to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbHInventor: Harald Windorfer
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Patent number: 8950762Abstract: A vehicle and a suspension system, for stabilizing vehicle disposition by lowering the center of gravity, and improving stability control performance are provided. The vehicle includes a body, at least one arm, a bottom unit, which may be a wheel, coupled to one end of an arm of the at least one arm, and a suspension system having a spring disposed to generate a counter moment in a direction that offsets an impact moment applied to the arm that is subjected to an impact.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ji-hyuk Song, Rickey Newmayer, Jong-yoon Peck
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Patent number: 8925943Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a rear caster coupled to the frame, a drive wheel coupled to the frame, a front caster, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly couples the front caster to the frame such that upward movement of the front caster relative to the frame causes the front caster to move toward the drive wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Invacare Corp.Inventor: James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 8910951Abstract: A caster wheel arrangement includes a base; a yoke rotatably mounted to the base via a kingpin; at least a first caster wheel rotatably mounted to the yoke; and an assist arrangement moveably mounted to the yoke. The assist arrangement facilitates travel of the caster wheel arrangement over a surface transition (e.g., a gap, a rise, etc.). Non-limiting example assist arrangements include a leading wheel, a leading variable radius wheel, a trailing wheel, a step member, and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Smarte Carte, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Leigh Otterson, Matthew Charles Burk, Daniel Edwin Maleitzke
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Patent number: 8764027Abstract: In one embodiment, a slab dolly for moving slabs of material includes a body adapted to support a slab of material, wheels that support the body, handles that extend to a rear of the body, and a leg that is pivotally connected to the body, the leg being adapted to drop down from the body and engage a floor surface or stair steps to act as a pivot member about which the dolly can be pivoted to assist a user in moving the dolly up a flight of stairs.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Michael Della Polla
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Patent number: 8753155Abstract: A circular folding wheel has a center wheel section encompassing the center of a circle and adapted to be mounted to an axle at the center, with a side substantially corresponding to a chord of the circle. A wheel segment is pivotally attached to the center wheel section about a pivot axis extending along the side of the center wheel section. The wheel segment is movable from a rolling orientation, where the outer edge of the wheel segment is aligned with an outer edge of the center wheel section such that the folding wheel takes a rolling circular shape, to a folded orientation where the wheel segment extends laterally away from the pivot axis. Two, three, or more wheel segments can be pivotally attached to corresponding sides of the center wheel section.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Draganfly Innovations Inc.Inventors: Orville Olm, Zenon Dragan, Greg Wood
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Patent number: 8672062Abstract: A vehicle incorporating a plurality of control motion gyroscopes (CMTs) contained within a support structure is described. Optionally, a mass shifting mechanism may also be incorporated in the vehicle. The vehicle and its CMTs are configured to have a plurality of gravitationally stable states on a sloped surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventors: Gregory C Schroll, Kenneth R Schroll
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Patent number: 8641050Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a non-ambulatory individual up and down steps includes a seat for the non-ambulatory individual, two front wheels and two larger back wheels positioned under the seat. The apparatus can be used to move up steps through an operator by tilting the apparatus back and moving the apparatus such that the large rear wheels roll towards the steps. When descending steps, the seated occupant can be lowered through successive steps to a lower floor or incorporated landing by tilting the apparatus and moving the rear wheels down the steps. The apparatus includes extension rods which may be extended to stabilize the apparatus while moving up or down steps.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: DMG Enterprises, LLCInventor: Joseph James Gardner
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Publication number: 20130207354Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a non-ambulatory individual up and down steps includes a seat for the non-ambulatory individual, two front wheels and two larger back wheels positioned under the seat. The apparatus can be used to move up steps through an operator by tilting the apparatus back and moving the apparatus such that the large rear wheels roll towards the steps. When descending steps, the seated occupant can be lowered through successive steps to a lower floor or incorporated landing by tilting the apparatus and moving the rear wheels down the steps. The apparatus includes extension rods which may be extended to stabilize the apparatus while moving up or down steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: DMG Enterprises, LLCInventor: DMG Enterprises, LLC
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Publication number: 20130175770Abstract: An evacuation chair is disclosed for evacuating a person down stairs and along level ground. The evacuation chair has a frame and at least one front wheel and at least two rear wheels attached and rotatable with respect to the frame to allow the chair to be wheeled along level ground. The evacuation chair also has two rail assemblies attached with respect to the frame, each rail assembly extending rearwardly and upwardly from a forward end of the rail assembly to a rearward end thereof, the rail assemblies being provided for guiding the movement of the evacuation chair on stairs. A clear space is provided extending throughout a legroom region between the rail assemblies from the rearward ends thereof to at least halfway towards the forward ends thereof, to accommodate the movement of the legs of the operator. The rail assemblies have a belt for movement around the rail assembly, to bear between the stairs and the rail assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventors: Gerald David Morrish, Kenneth George Morrish
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Patent number: 8439370Abstract: A stair-climbing device including a support unit, a climbing unit driven by a motor and a control unit for controlling operation of the climbing unit, wherein a detection unit is provided for detecting the current position of the support unit with respect to one or several steps of a stair which includes at least one non-contact sensor, wherein the detection unit provides signals to the control unit, which signals contain information about the current position of the support unit with respect to one or several steps of the stair, and wherein the control unit is adapted to control operation of the climbing unit depending on signals of the detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ulrich Alber GmbHInventors: Paul-Gerhard Bitzer, Franz Scheck, Michael Urso, Wolfgang Hantke
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Patent number: 8434769Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Inventor: Gary E Olsen
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Publication number: 20120285761Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel drive vehicle including a main body having a rotatable arm and an arm driving unit for driving the arm, a wheel rotatably mounted to the arm, respectively, and a sensing unit for sensing a non-contact state of the wheel from a ground, wherein the sensing unit includes a spring, first and second sensors, and a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENTInventors: Sang Hoon Lee, Jin Wook Huh, Sin Cheon Kang, Yong Woon Park
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Publication number: 20120280462Abstract: The hand truck brake provides automatic braking for a hand truck as it negotiates a stairway or other uneven surface. The brake is adaptable to various types of hand trucks, including powered stair-climbing trucks. The brake includes two major assemblies. The first is a reciprocating plunger having a distal roller that travels along the surface. When the roller travels over the nose of a stairway tread, the plunger extends to actuate the brake. The second major assembly is a rotary cam rotated by the plunger as it extends. The cam has an extension and a brake shoe, the brake shoe engaging the underlying surface to stop the hand truck when the cam is rotated to its brake-engaging position. The assembly automatically retracts when the hand truck is oriented vertically. Additional controls are provided for the operator to extend or retract the brake mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventor: MARK E. TORRISON
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Patent number: 8231131Abstract: A cart that can be used as a hand truck for carrying heavy loads up and down a staircase is disclosed. The design has means for accommodating in any size of staircase steps and the small compact dimensions of the cart make it useful for around the corner maneuvering. The cart is divided into two parts that separates while doing the movements to step up or down thru the stairways then it unites together to repeat the cycle. Square rods on the side's holds and support the two parts of the cart and give strength to hold the heavy loads. It uses expansions springs to hold the two parts of the cart and it used to repeat the movements as its stretches away and snaps together.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventor: Leonardo Rivera Negron
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Publication number: 20120175850Abstract: Attachments for a manual wheelchair are provided for navigating a wheelchair over obstacles and uneven terrain, such as a typical curb on a street. The attachments provide for regulating the movement of the wheelchair as the wheelchair descends the curb and to prevent the wheelchair from flipping over during such movement. The attachments include a belt support frame, at least two rollers mounted on the belt support frame and a belt mounted around the at least two rollers. The belt support frame is adapted for mounting on the frame of the wheelchair such that as the wheelchair descends from the upper surface to the lower surface, the belt engages an edge of the upper surface and rolls around the at least two rollers slowing a descent of the wheelchair from the upper surface to the lower surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicants: THE UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD, MONTEFIORE MEDICAL CENTERInventors: Avital Fast, Devdas Shetty, Moshe Raz, Giora Rothman
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Patent number: 8186469Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile robot having jump function. An exemplary mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a robot body, a pair of wheels, a driving motor, a leaf spring, and a leaf spring control unit. The pair of wheels are rotatably connected to the robot body. The driving motor drives the pair of wheels so as to move the robot body. The leaf spring has a fixed end fixedly connected to the robot body and a free end disposed to face the fixed end in a state of being apart from the robot body. The leaf spring control unit applies force for bending the leaf spring such that the free end of the leaf spring is pulled toward the robot body and then removes the force applied to the leaf spring such that the leaf spring returns to an original state.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Convex Co., Ltd.Inventors: Choong-hyuk Yim, Dong-hwan Kim
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Patent number: 8170780Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Segway, Inc.Inventors: J. Douglas Field, Michael T. Gansler, John D. Heinzmann, Jon M. Stevens
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Patent number: 8100415Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel suspension for mounting on a frame (3) of a vehicle, which, in its direction of propulsion, is arranged to be able to scale an obstacle (7), the wheel suspension (1) comprises a link element (9) arranged rotatably about a rotation point (R), to which rotation point (R), via the frame (3), can be applied a force (Gx) for propulsion, the link element (9) comprises a first and a second wheel axle (11, 13), the second wheel axle (13) serves as a moment axis (X) about which the link element (9) tends to rotate when a force (F) is applied to the first wheel axle (11) in the direction opposite to the direction of travel. The link element (9) acts as a lever arm by virtue of the rotation point (R) being situated at a distance from an imaginary straight line (L) intersecting the first and the second wheel axle (11, 13) and in a plane transversely to the extent of the moment axis (X).Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Trionic Sverige ABInventors: Stefan Kindberg, Johan Kuikka
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Patent number: 8061460Abstract: A stair climbing device, adapted for a wheel chair, including at least one climbing element which is adapted to be moved on a circular path so that it can get in contact with the next step of a stair and lift or lower the stair climbing device on the next step. The stair climbing device includes a drive motor for providing a driving force for moving the at least one climbing element on the circular path, wherein the movement of the at least one climbing element on the circular path is carried out with a non-constant rotational speed. A gear transmission assembly is provided between the drive motor and the at least one climbing element which gear transmission assembly is adapted to cyclically vary the rotational speed of the at least one climbing element with respect to the rotational speed of the drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Ulrich Alber GmbHInventor: Franz Scheck
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Publication number: 20110260417Abstract: A stair-climbing device including a support unit, a climbing unit driven by a motor and a control unit for controlling operation of the climbing unit, wherein a detection unit is provided for detecting the current position of the support unit with respect to one or several steps of a stair which includes at least one non-contact sensor, wherein the detection unit provides signals to the control unit, which signals contain information about the current position of the support unit with respect to one or several steps of the stair, and wherein the control unit is adapted to control operation of the climbing unit depending on signals of the detection unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: Ulrich Alber GmbHInventors: Paul-Gerhard Bitzer, Franz Scheck, Michael Urso, Wolfgang Hantke
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Publication number: 20110215540Abstract: The vehicle, for example a stand-up wheelchair, comprises a frame (11) and, arranged on the latter, a seat device (19). On each side of the frame (11), the central wheel (13), which can be driven by a motor (27), and the front wheel (15) are operatively connected to each other by an endless chain (45). The frame (11) has a front part (21) and a rear part (23), which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by way of a joint (25). In the sitting position, the front wheels (15) are not in contact with the ground, which means that they do not obstruct the manoeuvring of the vehicle in a confined space. In the standing position, the front wheels (15) are in contact with the ground, but the central wheels (13) are not. The user, in the standing position, is thus able to turn about the axis of the vehicle, without the central wheels (13) having a blocking action.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: LEVO AG WOHLENInventors: Kurt Hunziker, Thomas Raber
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Publication number: 20110127732Abstract: A stair climbing wheel and vehicles are described. The stair climbing wheel has a rolling wheel and a plurality of deployable protrusions that allow the wheel to climb stairs. The deployable protrusions can be deployed from or retracted into the rolling wheel. In the retracted position, the stair climbing wheel functions as a traditional circular wheel. These stair climbing wheels can be incorporated on a wide variety of vehicles, such as hand trucks, wheelchairs, and personal transports to allow these vehicles to climb stairs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Kevin Mann, Will Klatt, Nick Barnes
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Publication number: 20110052357Abstract: The modular dolly is a manually operated device facilitating the transport of large, heavy, and/or bulky objects. The dolly includes four smaller wheels and two larger diameter wheel and brake assemblies for temporary installation to the sides of the dolly platform for movement over soft, rough, and/or uneven surfaces. A ramp is removably attachable to the loading end of the platform coplanar therewith to facilitate loading the dolly. The ramp also attaches removably to the opposite anchor end of the platform and normal thereto, to serve as a backstop or anchor for a load placed on the platform. A smaller secondary panel may be installed in the anchor end when the ramp is in use during loading, or may be assembled coplanar to the ramp or platform to lengthen the ramp or platform. The dolly may also be used with a stair-climbing hand truck, forklift, pallet jack, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: MARK E. TORRISON
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Patent number: 7841603Abstract: A hand truck (20) for transporting a load is disclosed. The hand truck (20) comprises a sub-frame (22) with a foot portion (47) extending therefrom so that the sub-frame is able to support the load, a main frame (21) engaged with the sub-frame (22) such that the sub-frame (22) is able to be extended and retracted with respect to a lower end (32) of the main frame (21), at least one wheel (62, 63) secured relative to the main frame (21) so that the truck 20 is able to be wheeled about, a motor (70), a controller (74) coupled to the motor (70) for enabling a user to control the operation of the motor (70), and a flexible linkage (77) coupling the motor (70), main frame (21) and sub-frame (22) together such that the motor (70) is operable to move the linkage (77) to thereby extend or retract the sub-frame (22).Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Inventor: Anthony Renfrew White
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Patent number: 7837201Abstract: The present invention provides an assistant apparatus for surmounting a barrier, which comprises a carrier body, an assistant mechanism, and a sensing/driving apparatus. The assistant mechanism, disposed at a side of the carrier body, having an assistant block disposed at the end thereof, functions to place the assistant block on the ground between the carrier body and the barrier so that the carrier body is capable of surmounting the barrier through the assistance of the assistant block. The sensing/driving apparatus, coupled to the assistant mechanism, functions to drive the assistant mechanism to generate the adjusting movement according to whether the barrier is detected or not. By means of the design of the present invention, the assistant block is adopted to reduce the height surmounted by the carrier each time so that the carrier is capable of surmounting the barrier section by section.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: National Chiao Tung UniversityInventors: Pi-Ying Cheng, Kian-Poh Wong
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Publication number: 20100096816Abstract: The present invention provides an assistant apparatus for surmounting a barrier, which comprises a carrier body, an assistant mechanism, and a sensing/driving apparatus. The assistant mechanism, disposed at a side of the carrier body, having an assistant block disposed at the end thereof, functions to place the assistant block on the ground between the carrier body and the barrier so that the carrier body is capable of surmounting the barrier through the assistance of the assistant block. The sensing/driving apparatus, coupled to the assistant mechanism, functions to drive the assistant mechanism to generate the adjusting movement according to whether the barrier is detected or not. By means of the design of the present invention, the assistant block is adopted to reduce the height surmounted by the carrier each time so that the carrier is capable of surmounting the barrier section by section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITYInventors: PI-YING CHENG, KIAN-POH WONG
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Patent number: 7669861Abstract: Twinned circular, parallel arrays of spoke-like second-class levers (10, 12) enclosing a centered cargo cradle for towing 2½ ton stone blocks (26) up a stepped structure of stone courses (34) by rotation of the whole.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Inventor: Vincent Dean Herreid
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Publication number: 20100013172Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. Movement of the drive assembly in a first direction causes the pivot arm to substantially remain in a first position. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, JR.
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Patent number: 7575076Abstract: The present invention relates to a design of a driving mechanism for a vehicle to move through uneven terrain including stairways. The link-type double track mechanism in accordance with the present invention comprises: front and rear track driving sections; a built-in type control box; a set of angle-adjusting flippers, installed at front and rear ends of the control box, for adjusting the track angle; and high-speed driving wheels installed at the angle-adjusting tracks and imbedded inside. The link-type double track mechanism in accordance with the present invention does not require a complex terrain-adaptation mechanism, and thus it has advantages that the overall structure is simple and the control is very easy.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Sung-chul Kang, Gyeong-cheol Shin, Woo-sub Lee, Chang-woo Park
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Publication number: 20090194955Abstract: A vehicle with two parallel wheels according to the invention has split steps (2L, 2R), a vehicle body, a pair of wheels (4L, 4R) coaxially parallelly arranged, a pair of wheel drive units for independently driving the wheels (4L, 4R), and a pair of step run-on assisting mechanisms (8L, 8R) arranged corresponding to the wheels (4L, 4R) and changing the degree of dependency of step run-on operation. The step run-on assisting mechanisms (8L, 8R) each have an assisting turning member (15) having a circular arc support surface with a curvature radius greater than the radius of the wheel (4L, 4R) and having its turning center in front, in the travel direction, of the rotation center of the wheel, a link member (16) rotatably supporting the assisting turning member (15), and a damper (25, 26) for changing, according to the speed at which the assisting turning member (15) collides with a step, force retaining one end of the link member (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takekazu Kakinuma, Ikuo Yamano, Yoshihiro Kawarasaki
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Patent number: 7540504Abstract: A step climbing wheelchair apparatus includes right and left lift anus, and a longitudinal slot defined in a middle portion of each lift arm. The rear wheel axles of the wheelchair extend through the slot and a fastener is attached to secure each lift aim on the corresponding axle such that each lift arm can slide longitudinally perpendicular to the axle. The lift anus are configured such that when in an extended position rear step ends of the lift arms are located rearward of the outer rim of the rear wheel, and the front ends are located generally forward of the outer rim of the rear wheel. A front lift mechanism provides a lift lever operative to push a lift wheel downward to raise the front caster wheels of the wheelchair.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventors: Mike Ehman, Dennis Mainil, Colby Mainil
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Patent number: 7503567Abstract: An automated wheelchair for moving over a contact surface. The automated wheelchair includes an operator chair for seating the wheelchair operator, a control computer, an operator input device for transmitting operator inputs to the control computer, and two wheelchair wheels for propelling the wheelchair. Each wheelchair wheel includes extendable and retractable spokes. The extension and retraction of each spoke is controlled by a motor. At the ends of each spoke are contact sensor devices. The control computer is programmed to receive inputs transmitted from the contact sensor devices to record contact position data. The control computer generates and sends control signals to each spoke motor in response to the operator inputs and in response to the contact position data generated by the contact sensor devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Inventor: Thomas T. Frankie
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Patent number: 7472767Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair suspension that includes a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly includes at least two linkages. The pivoting assembly is structured so that the drive assists the wheelchair in traversing obstacles.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: James H. Molnar
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Publication number: 20080258867Abstract: A power door lock device for a walkthrough door of a Recreational Vehicle (RV) includes a lock disposed in a lock housing. The power door lock also includes an actuator operably coupled to the lock and operable to engage the lock. A wireless receiver is coupled to the actuator and is configured to receive a wireless signal to operate the actuator. A remote wireless transmitter is configured to transmit a signal to the wireless receiver in order to actuate the lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Cade Harris, Jeff Brown
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Patent number: 7398843Abstract: A robot including a robot body, a plurality of wheels on the robot body for propelling the robot body, and an axle for each wheel. Each wheel is configured to alternately attach to an axle at or proximate the center of the wheel for high efficiency mobility on flat terrain and also configured to attach to an axle at a position offset from the center of the wheel for better mobility on rougher terrain.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Martin Buehler, Aaron Saunders, Felix Grimminger
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Patent number: 7384046Abstract: Powered wheeled vehicle (1), capable of travelling both on level ground and over uneven surfaces, comprising at least one driving tread (BR11) as well as two pairs of front wheels (R61) and rear wheels (R21), of which at least one is a driving pair, wherein each wheel of the driving wheel pair is mounted on a swing arm, each arm of the swing arms (B21) of the rear wheels (R21) is secured to an actuator (V2) for placing said wheels in at least two positions, namely: a first lower position in which the ground-engaging surface of the wheels is below the ground-engaging surface of the tread so that said wheeled vehicle is moved by the wheels alone, and a second position in which the ground-engaging surface of the wheels remains in contact with the ground so that the vehicle is moved by a combination of the tread and said driving wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: HMCZ DeveloppementInventor: Hervé Marie Georges Le Masne De Chermont
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Publication number: 20080073863Abstract: A step climbing wheelchair apparatus includes right and left lift anus, and a longitudinal slot defined in a middle portion of each lift arm. The rear wheel axles of the wheelchair extend through the slot and a fastener is attached to secure each lift aim on the corresponding axle such that each lift arm can slide longitudinally perpendicular to the axle. The lift anus are configured such that when in an extended position rear step ends of the lift arms are located rearward of the outer rim of the rear wheel, and the front ends are located generally forward of the outer rim of the rear wheel. A front lift mechanism provides a lift lever operative to push a lift wheel downward to raise the front caster wheels of the wheelchair.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventors: Mike Ehman, Dennis Mainil, Colby Mainil
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Patent number: 7083013Abstract: A self-leveling and balancing vehicle composed of a base and a moving and driving mechanism installed on the base, the mechanism having two longitudinal moving seats installed on the guiding rails fixed on the base, a connecting frame extending to and connecting the two moving seats, and two sector gears installed on the two moving seats. A driving motor and a sensor are installed on the connecting frame, two level driving gears installed on two ends of the driving shaft and engaged with the two sector gears, a balance gear box installed on the driving shaft and having an output shaft extending to the connecting frame, and two driven gears installed on two ends of the output shaft and engaged with the racks fixed on the base.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventor: Chen Wen Chuan
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Patent number: 7044481Abstract: A wheel assembly for supporting a load bearing platform includes a primary wheel and at least four secondary wheels that are of equal size. The primary wheel includes at least one planar member having an even number of axles at fixed locations extending perpendicularly therefrom with one secondary wheel mounted on each axle. The fixed locations are angularly equidistant apart and also equidistant from the central axis of the primary wheel. The diameter of each secondary wheel is greater than is the distance between locations, and adjacent secondary wheels are arranged to roll in separate, parallel paths.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Troy A. Heien
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Patent number: 7036185Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in a wheel lifting mechanism designed to lift at least one wheel (1) running on an underlying surface so that it is capable of negotiating an obstacle (h) rising above the underlying surface. The arrangement comprises an element (7) which is formed with a contour convexly curved towards the underlying surface and is moveably supported in relation to the axle of the wheel (1). The said element is designed, when the contour of the element (7) engages with the obstacle (h), to bring about the said lifting of the wheel (7) as the element (7) is rotated about its point of engagement with the obstacle (h). The arrangement further comprises a chassis (4), to which the wheel axle is firmly connected.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Enkatsu Solutions ABInventors: Staffan Morndal, Bjorn Karlsson, Adam Dahlquist
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Patent number: 7017687Abstract: A reconfigurable leg and wheel device includes an array of components joined in series configurable as i) an articulated leg with the components movable with respect to one another in a walking motion, and reconfigurable as ii) a wheel with the components forming a circular outer surface and being rotatable about an axis in a rotational motion.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Sarcos Investments LCInventors: Stephen Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith, Marc Olivier, Christopher S. Maggio
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Patent number: 6799649Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a payload over a surface that may be irregular and may include stairs. The vehicle has a support for supporting the payload and a ground contacting element movable with respect to a local axis, where the local axis can be moved with respect to some second axis that has a defined relation with respect to the support. The vehicle also has a motorized drive arrangement for permitting controllable motion of the ground contacting element so as to operate in an operating condition that is unstable with respect to tipping in at least a fore-aft plane when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. The vehicle also has an input device for receiving an indication from an assistant who is not disposed on the vehicle of a direction of desired motion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, John D. Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, David Herr, John B. Morrell
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Publication number: 20040188960Abstract: The invention describes a stair-climbing hand truck (1) with two casters (3) held in a chassis (2) and with a supporting foot (5) which is arranged as a two-arm lever and is guided with its end opposite of the lower touchdown end over the lifting height along a supporting foot guide means (7) and is connected with a crank mechanism (13) between the touchdown end and the upper guided end.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: Jochum Bierma
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Publication number: 20040135326Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for facilitating driving a rollable walker of the type incorporating a chassis frame, which is supported by at least one front wheel fitted to the depending frame part and a rear pair of wheels, which device incorporates a movable support attachable to the rollable walker in the area of its forward castor wheels and means adapted to move said movable support in front of said forward castor wheels when it/they are projecting backwards, at lifting of the said front castor wheels about the rear pair of wheels. The invention furthermore incorporates a rollable walker equipped with such a device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Goran Palmers, Bengt Kron
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Patent number: 6752400Abstract: A moving unit provides a wheel that supports a body portion in a condition that the body portion can be moved, a supporting member that is mounted at a position that does not interfere with rotation of the wheel and an arm that is mounted at a position shifted from an axis of the supporting member and that can move a distal end of the arm toward a direction away from the axis of the supporting member by being driven with the supporting member as a foothold and is so arranged that the body portion can be lifted up together with the wheel by grounding the distal end of the arm when the moving unit is transported, the crank and the arm are incorporated around an axle of the wheel in a compact state, which makes it possible to operate the moving unit stably.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Shimadzu Mectem, Inc.Inventors: Eiji Nakatsukasa, Hidenori Hanami, Hiroharu Kitamura, Kanji Mikami, Katsutoshi Kamoto