Control of a personal transporter based on user position

US9268333B2 · 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: Feb 11, 2015
• Grant date: Feb 23, 2016
• Expiry date: Feb 11, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

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.