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SMART POWER ASSISTANCE MODULE FOR MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43EY014490-01
Agency Tracking Number: EY014490
Amount: $459,527.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
AT SCIENCES 5628 PHILIPS AVE
PITTSBURGH, PA 15260
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 EDMUND LOPRESTI
 (412) 687-1181
 ATSCIENCES@EARTHLINK.NET
Business Contact
 RICHARD SIMPSON
Phone: (412) 901-1045
Email: ATSCIENCES@EARTHLINK.NET
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose to use power assistance as the basis for a Smart Power Assistance Module (SPAM) that provides independent power assistance to the right and left rear wheels of a manual wheelchair. The SPAM will detect obstacles near the wheelchair, and modify the forces applied to each wheel to avoid obstacles. For individuals with visual impairments that are unable to walk with a long cane or walker, the SPAM will provide safe travel by assisting the user to avoid obstacles. This research will build on the investigative team's previous experience with power assistance for manual wheelchairs and obstacle avoidance for power wheelchairs and rollators. Extensive outside evaluation of the SPAM will be provided throughout the course of the project by clinicians active in wheelchair seating and mobility.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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