James Coleman Galloway

US Patent:

8090488, Jan 3, 2012

Filed:

Oct 3, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/245169

Inventors:

Sunil K. Agrawal - Newark DE, US
James C. Galloway - Elkton MD, US
Ji-Chul Ryu - Newark DE, US

International Classification:

G01C 22/00

US Classification:

701 23

Abstract:

A powered mobility device for advancing cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities of a child lacking natural mobility is disclosed. The device includes a seat sized for the child to be secured therein and a motorized drive assembly coupled to the seat. A local operating instrument is operably coupled to the drive assembly for operating and steering the drive assembly. The local operating instrument is positioned to allow manipulation by the child seated in the seat. A processor is operatively coupled to the motorized drive assembly and to a local steering instrument. The processor is adapted to transmit a signal to the motorized drive assembly and the local steering instrument to control the mobility device. A method for advancing cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities of a child by using the device is also disclosed.

US Patent:

20120059548, Mar 8, 2012

Filed:

Aug 31, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/222437

Inventors:

Sunil K. Agrawal - Newark DE, US
James C. Galloway - Elkton MD, US
Xi Chen - Newark DE, US
Christina B. Ragonesi - Newark DE, US
Sherry Liang - Staten Island NY, US
Stephen Dolph - New Carlisle IN, US
Zachary R. Schoepflin - Centerport NY, US

Assignee:

University of Delaware - Newark DE

International Classification:

G05D 1/00
B62D 6/00
G06F 19/00

US Classification:

701 41, 701 1, 701 93

Abstract:

Powered mobility systems and methods are disclosed. A powered mobility system includes a mobile unit, a support frame, a plurality of markers, a motion capture device, and a processor. The mobile unit is operable to move the powered mobility system. The support frame is adapted to support a user. The plurality of markers are configured to be attached to the user. The motion capture device is configured to detect movement of the plurality of markers. The processor is programmed to receive signals from the motion capture device, translate the signals into instructions for moving the mobile unit, and transmit the instructions to the mobile unit. A powered mobility method includes placing a user in a support frame, attaching a plurality of markers to the user, detecting movement of the plurality of the markers, and generating movement of the mobile unit based on the movement of the plurality of the markers.