The present invention provides a control apparatus and system and method for operating a power wheel chair, the method comprising: a) providing an array of force-sensitive transducers adapted to provide proportional outputs in response to a detected force, the array comprising at least one forward force-sensitive transducer configured to provide a forward signal, at least one reverse force-sensitive transducers configured to provide a reverse signal, a left turn force-sensitive transducer and a right turn force-sensitive transducer; b) generating an output by array of force-sensitive transducers; c) receiving the output from the array at a signal conditioning module; d) conditioning, by the signal conditioning module, the received output from the array; e) generating, by the signal conditioning module, a control output based at least in part on the received output from the array; f) receiving, at a power wheelchair controller, the control output signal; and h) operating, by the power wheelchair controller, at least one drive wheel of a power wheelchair based at least in part on the received control output.

A support device includes a base portion, a leg coupled to the base portion, the leg including an upper segment, a central segment pivotally coupled to the upper segment at a front wheel, a lower segment pivotally coupled to the central segment, a rear wheel coupled to the lower segment, and an engagement member coupled to the lower segment, where the engagement member is positionable between a disengaged position, in which at least a portion of the engagement member is positioned above the rear wheel, and an engaged position, in which at least a portion of the engagement member is positioned at or below the rear wheel.

Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.

One embodiment of an electronics convenience vehicle (ECV) may include a frame, a plurality of wheels configured to support and move the frame, a seat supported by said frame, a steering mechanism disposed toward a front portion of the ECV, a motor configured to cause at least one wheel to be propelled forward, propelled backward, or to remain in a fixed position, a throttle, when activated in a first position, causes said motor to propel said at least one wheel in a forward direction, when activated in a second position, causes said motor to propel said at least one wheel in a reverse direction, at least one sensor directed to detect objects in front of a direction of travel of the ECV, and a control and communications unit (CCU) disposed in front of said seat, and configured to receive said sense signals and to control operations of said motor.

A steering attachment for a wheelchair includes an arm assembly configured to engage a wheelchair fork comprising two outer bars connected to a shorter center member, thereby defining a gap on one end of the arm assembly to engage the fork. Attachment apertures extend through the outer bars and center member configured to receive attachment members to adjustably assemble the arm assembly to accommodate a particular fork blade. A link pivotally is connected to an opposite end of the bar assembly, and is hinged to move between an extended position and a folded position. A foot support is pivotally connected to an upper wall of the link and configured to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the link. The steering attachment is connectable to a wheelchair with a single pull pin.

A personal mobility device includes a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame and one or more pneumatic motors. Each of the one or more pneumatic motors has a drive shaft in operative connection with at least one of the plurality of wheels. The personal mobility device further includes at least one tank (that is, a storage container) for storage of a pressurized gas in operative connection with the one or more pneumatic motors to supply pressurized gas to the one or more pneumatic motors and a control system in operative connection with the at least one tank and with the one or more pneumatic motors.

A connection assembly for coupling an auxiliary drive system to a wheelchair for disabled people, of the type comprising a fixing structure adapted to be fixed to the framework of the wheelchair and a longitudinal member operatively connected to the fixing structure so that the longitudinal development axis of the longitudinal member is substantially parallel to the advancement direction of the wheelchair. The connection assembly comprises connection means associated with the free end of the longitudinal member and with the auxiliary drive system, such connection means are configured to allow rapid coupling and decoupling of the auxiliary drive system to/from the wheelchair.

A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a securing unit or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.

An electric wheelchair operation apparatus includes a sliding part disposed in an armrest part, a dial part disposed on a tip side of the armrest part, the dial part configured to be moved together with the sliding part in the vehicle forward/backward direction, and an electric wheelchair drive control unit configured to control a traveling motion of an electric wheelchair by associating the amount of movement of the sliding part and/or the moved position thereof with respect to the reference point in the vehicle forward/backward direction detected by a first sensor with a traveling motion of the electric wheelchair in a forward/backward direction and associating the amount of rotation, the rotational position, and/or the rotational torque of the dial part detected by a second sensor with a turning motion of the electric wheelchair in a left/right direction.

A shock-absorbent structure of an electric carrier is assembled with a steering system. The steering system includes a steering axis and two wheels linked with the steering axis. The shock-absorbent structure of an electric carrier includes a steering assembly and a wheel axle assembly. The steering assembly includes a bushing, a steering connecting portion connected to the bushing, and an accommodating space. The wheel axle assembly includes a body, two axle connecting members respectively disposed at two ends of the body, a body opening penetrating the body, an elastic body disposed between the body and the bushing, and a pressing member passing the body opening. The pressing member abuts at one end of the body corresponding to the bushing when the elastic body is in a diastolic state, and moves away from the bushing when the elastic body is in a compressed state.