Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

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 pivotable 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.

A mobility device that includes support assemblies that may be secured to feet, legs, thighs, and torso of a user. An exemplary mobility device may further include an actuator that may be coupled with the exemplary support assemblies and may actuate rotational movements of the exemplary support assemblies with respect to each other. Such movement of support assemblies may accordingly move respective limbs of a disabled user. An exemplary mobility device may allow for a user to change position from a lying position to a standing position or from a standing position to a sitting position, which may significantly increase mobility of a disabled user. An exemplary mobility device may further include an exemplary wheeled base that may allow a disabled user to further move around.

A system for physical rehabilitation is disclosed. The system may comprise a plurality of motors configured to be coupled to a ceiling; a plurality of cable portions, wherein each cable portion is connected at a first end to a motor and connected at a second end to a connector element; and a controller in operative communication with the plurality of motors to move the connector element in relation to a staircase.

A patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a litter supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A user interface is employed to control the powered devices. The user interface is designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices with fewer buttons, while retaining functionality in using powered devices.

In some implementations, a joystick includes a control unit having a first surface and a handle positioned at an angle adjacent to the first surface. The handle can have a second surface and is operably connected to the control unit. The joystick can further include a heating element, a blower, and one or more vent openings in at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The blower can move air warmed by the heating element through the at least one vent opening.

A mobility aid is provided. The mobility aid includes a mobile base movable along a mobile-base-movement plane, the mobile base having a plurality of wheels. The mobility aid also includes a seat pivotably coupled to the mobile base in a manner so as to be pivotable between a sitting disposition, in which the seat is oriented parallel to the mobile-base-movement plane, and a standing disposition, in which the seat is oriented perpendicular to the mobile-base-movement plane and a sitting surface of the seat is facing forward with respect to a forward-movement direction of the mobile base. The mobility aid also includes a balance-assist unit having a balance-assist-linkage mechanism coupled to the seat, and a body-support-module coupled to the balance-assist-linkage mechanism. Components of the balance-assist-linkage mechanism are jointed in a manner movable to allow movements of the body-support-module relative to the seat along a module-movement-plane parallel to the mobile-base-movement plane when the seat is in the standing disposition.

A controller for operative connection to a power assisted transport vehicle that is at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle, the controller including: a contact surface with a deadman switch, a first sensor and a second sensor each responsive to manual actuation of the contact surface, each sensor having a respective first sensor output signal and a second sensor output signal, and a signal processing means adapted to process the first and second output signals, and control the mode of operation of the controller in accordance with the state of the deadman switch.

A system 1 for controlling a powered personal mobility vehicle 8. The system includes an input module 2, a processing unit 4, and a motor controller 7. The input module 2 receives manual triggers 3 regarding the movement of the personal mobility vehicle 8. The processing unit 4 processes a location information 5 or a distance information 6 at a given point in time, and further, either generate an automatic trigger 19, and disable or curtail the functioning of the input module 2, or enable the functioning of the input module 2. The location information 5 is defined as a location of an obstacle co-located in an environment in which the personal mobility vehicle 8 is placed or being driven, and the distance information 6 is defined as the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle 8 at a given point in time. The motor controller 7 receives and processes manual triggers 3 or automatic triggers 19 and controls movement of the personal mobility vehicle 8.

A mobile wheelchair/chair, especially for the disabled, having a body support system mounted on the casing, a swivel and drive assembly and castors is characterized in that the swivel and drive assembly equipped with drive motor (8) and swivel motor (5) has s form of coupled vertical fixed fork (6) furnished with at least one swivel wheel (7), and seat (3) is mounted on the steering and swivel axis of fixed fork (6), with swivel motor (5) located in the upper part of the steering and swivel column (6a) of fixed fork (6). Casing (1) is equipped with castors (2) in its lower part.