Patent ID: 7503567
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
1. An automated wheelchair comprising: A) a operator chair for seating an operator, B) two wheelchair wheels for propelling said wheelchair, C) a programmable control computer, D) an operator input device for receiving inputs from said operator and for transmitting said inputs to said programmable control computer, E) a plurality of extendable and retractable spokes attached to said two wheels, F) a plurality of contact sensor devices, at least one of said plurality of contact sensors attached to each end of each one of said plurality of spokes, wherein said programmable computer receives inputs from said plurality of contact sensors to continuously generate contact position data, G) a plurality of motors for controlling the extension and retraction of said plurality of extendable and retractable spokes, wherein said programmable control computer is programmed to generate and send control signals to said plurality of motors in response to said inputs from said operator and in response to said contact position data, wherein said plurality of motors drives said plurality of extendable and retractable spokes such that each extendable and retractable spoke extends and retracts on opposite sides of said wheelchair wheel, wherein said control signals from said programmable control computer cause said plurality of motors to extend and retract said plurality of extendable and retractable spokes wherein said extension and retraction of said plurality of extendable and retractable spokes propels said automated wheelchair over a contact surface.