Patent · US Expired

Head actuated control apparatus for battery-powered wheelchair

US4093037A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
7References
4Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 10, 1976
Grant dateJun 6, 1978
Priority date—
Expiry dateMay 10, 1996

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S297/04
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Head actuated control apparatus for use in controlling the motion of a battery-powered wheelchair is disclosed. The apparatus is designed for use by the quadriplegic patient and includes a rheostat-type controller mounted to the wheelchair headrest and provided with cup means formed for engagement by the back of the head of the user or patient to enable displacement selectively in any one of four directions to control forward, rearward and turning motions. Additionally, the control apparatus includes head actuated switches mounted to the headrest proximate the cup and electrically connected to recline or raise the back of the wheelchair.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.