Patent ID: 7407024
Filing Date: 2008-08-05
Classification: A61G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A transport apparatus comprising: a movable support frame; a plurality of casters to support the support frame; a wheel; a motor operably connected to the wheel and configured to drive the wheel; an external power detector configured to determine if external power is supplied to the transport apparatus and provide a power indication signal in response thereto; an enable input device being operable to receive an enable command from a user and provide an enable signal in response to the enable command; a controller coupled to the external power detector to receive the power indication signal therefrom, the controller configured to drive the motor when the power indication signal indicates external power is not supplied, and a force user input device coupled to the motor, the force user input device (i) being operable to receive a force from a user and provide a force signal based on the force and (ii) including at least one load cell.