IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,171,288
Granted Patent B2
US 7,171,288 · App. 10/679,994 · Granted Jan 30, 2007

Method and apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,171,288
App. No.
10/679,994
Granted
Jan 30, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

Apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair comprises: a reprogrammable, non-volatile memory programmed with a plurality of programs executable by the controller to operate the wheelchair, the non-volatile memory disposed at the wheelchair and coupled to the wheelchair controller; a general-purpose computer programmed to reprogram the non-volatile memory while disposed at the wheelchair, the programmed computer for storing main programs for use in reprogramming the non-volatile memory, the programmed computer being coupleable to the wheelchair controller for accommodating an exchange of data therebetween; and wherein the wheelchair controller being operative to communicate with the programmed computer to reprogram the non-volatile memory with the main programs while the non-volatile memory is disposed at the wheelchair. Methods for reprogramming the non-volatile memory are also disclosed.

Claims (32)

1. Apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair, said apparatus comprising:

a reprogrammable, non-volatile memory programmed with a plurality of programs, including drive and application programs executable by said controller to operate said wheelchair, said non-volatile memory disposed at said wheelchair and coupled to said wheelchair controller;

a general-purpose computer programmed to reprogram said non-volatile memory while disposed at said wheelchair, said programmed computer for storing replacement programs use in reprogramming said drive and application programs of the non-volatile memory;

means for coupling said programmed computer to said wheelchair controller for accommodating an exchange of data therebetween; and

wherein said wheelchair controller being operative to communicate with said programmed computer through said coupling means to reprogram said drive and application programs of the non-volatile memory with said replacement programs while said non-volatile memory is disposed at said wheelchair.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the non-volatile memory includes predetermined memory locations for storing coded words; and wherein the wheelchair controller is operative to execute one of the programs of the plurality of programs stored in the non-volatile memory to determine if the drive and application programs of the plurality are acceptable for execution based on said coded words stored in said predetermined memory locations.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the one program is executed by the wheelchair controller upon being powered up.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein during the execution of the one program, if the drive and application programs are determined to be unacceptable for execution, the wheelchair controller is operative to enter a wait loop waiting for reprogramming data from the programmed computer.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein during the execution of the one program, if the drive and application programs are determined to be acceptable, the wheelchair controller is permitted to divert program execution to the drive and application programs stored in the non-volatile memory to operate the wheelchair.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein during the execution of the the drive and application programs, the wheelchair controller is operative to monitor if reprogramming data is being communicated thereto through the coupling means.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the non-volatile memory comprises a flash memory.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the general-purpose programmed computer comprises a personal computer.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the coupling means comprises a joystick unit of the wheelchair, said joystick unit being coupled to the wheelchair controller and operative to communicate therewith for operating the wheelchair.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the programmed computer is coupled to the wheelchair controller though a charger port of the joystick unit for communicating reprogramming data with the wheelchair controller bit serially from a communication port thereof.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a joystick unit, said joystick unit being coupled to the wheelchair controller and operative to communicate therewith; and wherein the programmed computer is configured to be removably coupled to the joystick unit by the communication channel, the programmed computer thereby communicating reprogramming data with the wheelchair controller via the joystick unit.

12. Apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair, said apparatus comprising:

a reprogrammable memory including drive and application programs executable by said controller to operate said wheelchair, said memory coupled to said wheelchair controller;

a general-purpose computer programmed to reprogram said memory, said programmed computer for storing replacement programs for use in reprogramming said drive and application programs of the memory;

means for coupling said programmed computer to said wheelchair controller for accommodating an exchange of data therebetween; and

wherein said wheelchair controller being operative to communicate with said programmed computer through said coupling means to reprogram said drive and application programs of the memory with said replacement programs.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the reprogrammable memory comprises a programmable system device.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the reprogrammable memory includes a first and second memory section, a boot program being stored on said first memory section and drive and application programs being stored on said second memory section.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the general purpose computer is configured to download said replacement programs from a compact disk memory or memory diskette for use in reprogramming the reprogrammable memory.

16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the general purpose computer is configured to download said replacement programs from an internet website for use in reprogramming the reprogrammable memory.

17. Apparatus for reprogramming a programmed controller of a power driven wheelchair, said apparatus comprising:

a reprogrammable, non-volatile memory programmed with a plurality of programs, including drive and application programs executable by said controller to operate said wheelchair, said non-volatile memory disposed at said wheelchair and coupled to said wheelchair controller;

a general-purpose computer programmed to reprogram said non-volatile memory while disposed at said wheelchair, said programmed computer for storing replacement programs for use in reprogramming said drive and application programs of the non-volatile memory;

a communication channel for coupling said programmed computer to said wheelchair controller for accommodating an exchange of data therebetween; and

wherein said wheelchair controller being operative to communicate with said programmed computer through said communication channel to reprogram said drive and application programs of the non-volatile memory with said replacement programs while said non-volatile memory is disposed at said wheelchair.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the non-volatile memory includes predetermined memory locations for storing coded words; and wherein the wheelchair controller is operative to execute one of the programs of the plurality of programs stored in the non-volatile memory to determine if the drive and application programs of the plurality are acceptable for execution based on said coded words stored in said predetermined memory locations.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein during the execution of the drive and application programs, the wheelchair controller is operative to monitor if reprogramming data is being communicated thereto through the communication channel.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the non-volatile memory comprises a flash memory.

Assignments (23)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 17, 2024
From: GLAS TRUST COMPANY LLC
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.
Reel/Frame 069386/0475 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 13, 2024
From: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.
Reel/Frame 069352/0322 →
ASSIGNMENT OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Sep 13, 2024
From: WHITE OAK COMMERCIAL FINANCE, LLC
To: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB
Reel/Frame 068895/0111 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 18, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MEDBLOC, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC
Reel/Frame 063695/0106 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 16, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.; THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.; DYNAMIC MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LLC; INVACARE CONTINUING CARE, INC.; MEDBLOC, INC.; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; CENTRALIZED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LLC; THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN FINANCE, LLC; INVACARE CANDIAN HOLDINGS, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC; INVACARE OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT LLC
Reel/Frame 063668/0639 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 16, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.; ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.; CENTRALIZED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LLC; CHAMPION MANUFACTURING INC.; FAMILY MEDICAL SUPPLY LLC; THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE CONTINUING CARE, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; INVACARE SUPPLY GROUP, INC.; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC; KUSCHALL, INC.; ROADRUNNER MOBILITY, INCORPORATED; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.; INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE HCS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063662/0430 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 16, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; INVACARE CORPORATION; THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.; ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.; CENTRALIZED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LLC; CHAMPION MANUFACTURING INC.; FAMILY MEDICAL SUPPLY LLC; THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE CONTINUING CARE, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; INVACARE SUPPLY GROUP, INC.; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC; KUSCHALL, INC.; ROADRUNNER MOBILITY, INCORPORATED; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.; INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE HCS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063668/0679 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 15, 2023
From: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: INVACARE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 063638/0261 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TRANCHE II NOTES) Recorded May 15, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST COMPANY LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063637/0705 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TRANCHE I NOTES) Recorded May 12, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST COMPANY LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 064005/0231 →
ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Recorded May 11, 2023
From: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS EXISTING COLLATERAL AGENT
To: GLAS TRUST COMPANY LLC, AS SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063625/0607 →
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RELEASE (TRANCHE II NOTES) Recorded May 10, 2023
From: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
Reel/Frame 063601/0183 →
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RELEASE (DIP PAYOFF) Recorded May 10, 2023
From: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.
Reel/Frame 063594/0272 →
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RELEASE (TRANCHE I NOTES) Recorded May 10, 2023
From: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
Reel/Frame 063594/0906 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 5, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.
To: WHITE OAK COMMERCIAL FINANCE, LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063553/0217 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 3, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063090/0603 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 3, 2023
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; MEDBLOC, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVAMEX HOLDINGS, LLC
To: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 062739/0687 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TRANCHE II NOTES) Recorded Aug 9, 2022
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 061131/0852 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TRANCHE I NOTES) Recorded Aug 9, 2022
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 061131/0833 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TERM LOAN) Recorded Aug 9, 2022
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.
To: GLAS TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 061131/0814 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 12, 2010
From: INVACARE CORPORATION; ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.; THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.; ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.; CENTRALIZED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LLC; CHAMPION MANUFACTURING INC.; FAMILY MEDICAL SUPPLY LLC; THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.; INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, INC.; INVACARE CANDIAN HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE CONTINUING CARE, INC.; INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION; INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION; INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; INVACARE SUPPLY GROUP, INC.; INVAMEX HOLDINGS LLC; KUSCHALL, INC.; ROADRUNNER MOBILITY, INCORPORATED; FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.; GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.; INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC; INVACARE HCS, LLC
To: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 025473/0311 →
NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 14, 2007
From: INVACARE CORPORATION
To: NATIONAL CITY BANK, AS MULTICURRENCY COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 019009/0134 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 6, 2003
From: WAKEFIELD II, THEODORE D.
To: INVACARE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 014594/0596 →