The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 25, 2026
Filed:
May. 31, 2024
GM Global Technology Operations Llc, Detroit, MI (US);
Paul W. Alexander, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
David W. Heyne, Royal Oak, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A platform access system for a wheelchair includes a deployable ramp, actuators, a sensor, and a controller. The deployable ramp includes a first elongated beam having a toothed rack portion arranged thereon. The deployable ramp is moveable, via actuators, on a platform between a first position and a second position. The deployable ramp is vertically pivotable on an edge portion of the platform, with a second end being disposed at a second elevation. The first end of the deployable ramp is securable, via one of the plurality of actuators, to the edge portion, and the toothed rack portion of the first elongated beam is arranged to engage a sprocket of a drive wheel of a wheelchair that is disposed at the second elevation. A communication link of the ramp controller is arranged to communicate with the wheelchair to control the wheelchair to traverse the ramp and access the platform.