Patent ID: 7931101
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: A61G,G05G

Abstract:
1. An input control device for use with a power-driven wheelchair comprising: a housing configured for connection to a power driven wheelchair controller; an actuating member mounted within the housing, wherein the actuating member is movable within the housing along an actuating surface; at least one potentiometer coupled to the actuating member that outputs signals indicative of a position of the actuating member on the actuating surface; a switch in proximity to the actuating member, wherein the switch comprises multiple switch states during use of the actuating member by movement of the actuating member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the actuating surface and wherein actuation of the switch produces a switch actuation signal; and a signal converter in electrical communication with the potentiometer and the switch wherein the signal converter converts the position signal from the potentiometer to a proportional input control signal for a wheelchair controller and the switch actuation signal into a binary input control signal for the wheelchair controller.