Quest Technologies, Inc.

Biologix Inc.

Natco

Douglas J Littlejohn

Baxter R Watkins

Havard L Staggs

John H Hessler

Richard L Fellows

Scott Jay Gilbert

Michael R Barry

Balazs I Bodai

Kyle E Lemons

Michael D Grandon

Michael D Delapp

John Golini

Chi-Foun Kuen

The present invention imports network communication concepts into a motor and/or motion control system. The motor and/or motion control system is divided into various modules. A preferred configuration includes a motor drive control module, a user command module, and a master control module. The modules are interconnected by a simple hardware bus, such as an RS-485 bus. Communication between the modules is accomplished using a time division protocol.

Control system network structure

An electronic control system for a stair climbing vehicle, such as a wheelchair is disclosed. Front and back sensors are provided for detecting a stairway or slope. The electronic control system determines from the sensor data whether the slope has an acceptable incline for traversing. If it is not acceptable, the vehicle will be prevented from entering onto the stairway or slope. A seat for a user is tilted in accordance with electronic controls to keep the user approximately vertical with respect to gravity as the vehicle traverses the stairs. The allowed operation of the vehicle is controlled via parameters which can be changed by removable memory which configures the vehicle for a particular user or group of users.

Electronic control system for stair climbing vehicle

The present invention provides a sensor for detecting the angle of an incline, such as a staircase, before it is reached by the wheelchair. A control signal is provided to a motor for tilting the seat to cause the seat to be tilted to a predetermined minimum safe angle before the wheelchair reaches the staircase. The minimum safe angle is an angle of tilt at which the wheelchair will not roll over if the tilting mechanism should fail to completely rotate the seat to a horizontal position and as the stairs are descended. The minimum safe angle is determined by the position of the center of gravity of the wheelchair which is affected by the users weight. If the seat does not achieve this minimum tilt, the wheelchair is prevented from going over the stairs.

Wheelchair stair climbing control system

A motorized personal transport vehicle (PTV) with a removable, programmable memory which contains both a key code to enable only an authorized user to operate the PTV and contains constants for use in an algorithm which operates the PTV in accordance with a prescription for that particular user's needs. Control signals from an input, such as a joystick, are modified by the algorithm in accordance with the prescription for a particular user. This prescription is stored in the programmable memory and loaded into the computer when the memory is inserted. The key code in the memory can allow various levels of access, with access for a particular user, a particular group, physician access and technician access. In a preferred embodiment, an electrically erasable programamble read only memory (EEPROM) is used as the memory key. Two processors are used, a first control processor for operating the algorithm and controlling the PTV motors and a second command processor for controlling a display panel, receiving the inputs and modifying the inputs in accordance with a prescription. The modifications performed in the command processor are the filtering of the input signals and the control of acceleration and deceleration. A display has an icon in the shape of a wheelchair. The status of the PTV for its operating modes is indicated by different elements of the icon which light up to indicate a particular status. For instance, a pair of downward directed eyes indicate that the ultrasonic drop off sensors are active.

Variable keyed power distribution and control system for motorized

An interface circuit for use in a portable apparatus for measuring the electrochemical characteristics of a sample is disclosed. A disposable cartridge, including a plurality of interconnected flow chambers, houses a printed circuit board substrate upon which reference and indicating electrodes are formed. The electrodes are employed in the presence of chemical reagents to aid in the electrochemical determination of a sample undergoing analysis. Such a system provides a high source impedance signal. Interface circuitry is provided between the electrodes and measuring electronics which causes a controllable current loop to be formed through the physical contacts points between the electrodes and the measuring electronics so that low ohmic contact is established. The control circuitry for the current loop is isolated from the measuring circuitry so that measurements taken are not influenced by the current loop formation.

Interface circuit for use in a portable blood chemistry measuring

A portable apparatus for measuring the electrochemical characteristics of a sample is disclosed. A disposable cartridge, including a plurality of interconnected flow chambers, houses a printed circuit board substrate upon which reference and indicating electrodes are formed. The electrodes are employed in the presence of chemical reagents to aid in the electrochemical determination of a sample undergoing analysis. A thermal sensing element is in close proximity to the electrodes to permit the correction of the measurement for variations in temperature. After a pH value has been determined, the used cartridge can be mechanically ejected thus eliminating user exposure to the blood sample being measured. In this way, the pH of a blood sample can be determined quickly, effectively, inexpensively and with a minimum amount of sample and reagent preparation.

Growing community of inventors

Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Douglas J Littlejohn