The disclosure in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having distinct tissue targeting capabilities. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to gene transfer methods using the recombinant adeno-associate viruses. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated AAV capsid proteins and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same.

A staircase wheelchair ramp assembly for expeditiously and safely transporting wheelchair bound occupants down a staircase includes a base platform and a ramp member. The base platform is supported adjacent to a staircase and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the base platform is positioned atop a staircase. The base platform supports inner and outer tracks that are configured to receive and guide inner and outer wheels of the wheelchair along the base platform over the staircase. The ramp member is pivotably coupled to one end of the base platform and is movable between a raised, substantially horizontal position and a lowered position supported on the base platform. The ramp member includes inner tracks that are aligned with the inner tracks of the base platform when the ramp member is in the lowered position.

A ramp system has a plurality of modular components adapted to be interconnected in a desired configuration. The modular components include an entry ramp module (10, 80), an exit ramp module (80) and a landing module (100, 180) therebetween. Each modular component has a flow assembly (12), handrail assemblies (14, 16) and leg assemblies (18). Each of the handrail assemblies have posts (22, 24) which are adapted to support a handrail (26). The posts are collapsible by folding inwardly towards a deck (28) of the floor assembly through operation of a folding means (30) interconnecting the floor assembly and each post of the handrail assembly. The posts of the handrail assemblies are reversibly collapsible from an erect position, where the ramp system can be used and the handrail assemblies can support users of the ramp system, to a compact position where the ramp system can be stored, packaged and transported until required for assembly on site.

A ladder having platform steps, the ladder being convertible between a deployed position for supporting a person or other load, to a storage, scaffold, or ramp position in which the steps lie in a generally planar arrangement. When deployed, the ladder steps remain parallel to each other and form a series of parallelograms with the rails of the ladder. The ladder is also capable of being locked or secured at various angles of deployment. The ladder further includes receivers to selectively receive accessories such as wheels, hooks, handles, or pads. The addition of accessories such as wheels allows the ladder in the storage position to be used as a creeper, dolly, or cart.

An operable ramp is moveable between a raised (step) position and a lowered (ramp) position. The operable ramp includes a first panel rotatably coupled about a first axis, the first axis that moves back and forth as the operable ramp reciprocates between the raised and lowered positions. A second panel is rotatably coupled to the first panel and extends downward from the first panel in the raised position. The second panel also rotates about a fixed second axis. The first and second panels cooperate to provide an inclined surface when the operable ramp is in the lowered position. A linkage selectively rotates the first panel about the first axis. The operable ramp further includes a third panel rotatable about a fixed third axis. The third provides a surface between the first panel and a fixed panel when the operable ramp is in the raised position.

The portable folding ramp facilitates transfer of large, heavy objects that cannot be conveniently hand carried up and down inclines (steps, etc.). The portable folding ramp includes one or more ramp members (preferably two, and perhaps three) that attach removably to a folding crossmember. The crossmember includes an elongate slot with a series of short positioning slots extending transversely therefrom. Each ramp member includes a pin at its upper end, with the pin installing removably in the elongate slot. The pin (and its ramp member) is then positioned along the elongate slot to the desired positioning slot to set the lateral spacing between ramps. The apparatus is folded for storage by (a) retracting the telescoping ramp(s), (b) folding the crossmember back upon itself, (c) positioning the ramp(s) attachment(s) at the extreme ends of the crossmember, and (d) pivoting the ramp(s) to align with the crossmember. A storage container is provided.

An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position, in which the ramp forms a pair of steps, and a lowered position, in which the operable ramp provides an inclined surface. The operable ramp includes a first panel rotatably coupled about a first axis that moves back and forth when the operable ramp moves between the lowered position and the raised position. A link is rotatably coupled to the first panel about a second axis and is itself rotatable about a fixed third axis. A second panel is rotatably coupled to the link between the second axis and the third axis, and a third panel is rotatably coupled to the second panel about a fourth axis. When the ramp moves between the raised and lowered positions, the fourth axis rotates about a fixed fifth axis. A linkage selectively rotates the first panel about the first axis.

A portable modular pedestrian ramp comprises a plurality of modular ramp units. Each of the modular ramp units comprises a pair of side edge plates each having inwardly facing sides to which opposite ends of decking are attached. The side edge plates of at least some of the modular ramp units have opposite ends thereof that are releasably connectable to one another by self-locking connectors to provide different ramp lengths without the need for any tools or fasteners to join the modular ramp units together or disassemble the modular ramp units for transportation and storage.

The invention relates to a lifting system (1) for a stairway, wherein said lifting system can take at least two positions: a stairway position and a platform lift position. The lifting system is provided with a rotatable ramp (9) for enabling a walking-impaired person to enter or exit the lifting system, when the lifting system is in a platform lift position, said ramp being rotatable mounted along at least a part of an outermost edge of the step (2, 3). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of operating a lifting system, wherein the operation transforms the lifting system from a stairway position to a platform lift position to enabling a walking-impaired person and/or an aid for a walking-impaired person to get from a lower level to an upper level or to get from an upper level to a lower level. Moreover, the invention relates to a computer program.

A ramp system is disclosed which may include first and second components. The first component may include horizontal and vertical portions, and a hook. The horizontal portion may be supported by a lip of a structure, and may have a width equivalent to a length of the lip. The vertical portion may be coupled with, and hang downward from, the horizontal portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The hook may be coupled with the vertical portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The second component may include a protrusion and channel. The protrusion may have a width equal or less than the width of the horizontal portion, and be supported by the hook. The channel may be coupled with the protrusion, and have the same width. The channel may receive a planar component which forms a sloped surface of a ramp.