Control of a personal transporter based on user position

US7812715B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• DEKA Products Limited Parternship · US

Inventors

• Dean Kamen · Bedford, US
• Robert R. Ambrogi · Manchester, US
• James J. Dattolo · Somerville, US
• Robert J. Duggan · Strafford, US
• J. Douglas Field · Bedford, US
• Richard Kurt Heinzmann · Francestown, US
• Matthew M. McCambridge · Madison, US
• John B. Morrell · Bedford, US
• Michael D. Piedmonte · Warrenton, US
• Richard J. Rosasco · Millersville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 28, 2007
• Grant date: Oct 12, 2010
• Expiry date: Jun 19, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/72
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.