Patent ID: 9498395
Filing Date: 2016-11-22
CPC Classification: A61B,A61G,A61H,B62M,B63H,G08C,H02P

Claim Text:
1. A device responsive to movement of a joint of a user's exertive-arm during use of a manually-propelled wheelchair, the device configured for secure attachment over the joint, the device further configured to preserve the functioning of the user's exertive-arm during use of the manually-propelled wheelchair, the device further configured to remain free from contact with a grip surface of the wheelchair during propulsion, steering, and braking of the wheelchair along a desired course, the device comprising: a.) a sensor having electrical resistivity which varies as a result of mechanical deformation of the sensor; b.) a processor circuit configured for generating a control output in response to variation in electrical resistivity of the sensor; c.) an electronic communication means, responsive to the control output of the processor circuit, for sending a control signal to a motor energizing unit to effectuate a motor control function; wherein the device associates movement of the joint of the user's exertive-arm with energization of a motorized wheel assembly to assist the user in navigating the wheelchair along the desired course.