Motor vehicles – Power – Electric
Reexamination Certificate
2006-12-29
2008-09-23
Ellis, Christopher (Department: 3618)
Motor vehicles
Power
Electric
C180S065510, C180S907000, C180S908000, C280S638000, C280S642000, C280S647000, C280S650000, C280S657000, C280S658000, C280S043000, C280S043160, C280S043170, C280S043220, C280S043230
Reexamination Certificate
active
07426970
ABSTRACT:
The disclosed articulated wheel assemblies and associated vehicles, for example wheelchairs, include articulated wheel assemblies with at least one offset connecting arm rotatably attached at one end to a payload platform, for example a seat, and attached at the other end to a linear actuator, where the linear actuator is further connected to a wheel. Embodiments include a rotary actuator for varying the linear actuator swing angle, a rotary actuator for eccentrically rotating a hubless wheel, a linear actuator motor for varying the length of the linear actuator, and a propulsion motor. Embodiments provide omnidirectional motion, stepping action when presented with obstacles, irregular surface negotiation, tight space maneuvering and other features to provide disabled people increased mobility. Alternate embodiments include a payload platform with a support strut, which is rotatably attached to an offset connecting arm and pivotally mounted to a seat.
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Ellis Christopher
Olszewski John R
Woodard Emhardt Moriarty McNett & Henry LLP
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