SCI_OTR
10-11-2007, 12:17 AM
These are some of the things I either saw or found out at Medtrade in Orlando last week.
Permobil's C350 Corpus
It has a STF height of 18.25" and better ground clearance than Permobil's current rearwheel drive Street. It felt very maneuverable for a rear drive platform, has P&G's new R-Net electronics, a weight limit of 300 lbs., and a top speed is 6.5 MPH. Cost is comparable to the C300.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8554/c350corpuspf0.jpg
Roho's Merlin
We have had several discussions on the forum about devices which could monitor the inflation of Roho cushions to alert the user that the cushion has lost air and is bottoming out on the seat pan. The device consists of a mat of proximity sensors attached to a small box with several LED's. The sensitivity of the proximity sensors are set once the cushion has been properly adjusted. The Merlin is usually in a hibernation mode, but "wakes up" every 10-15 minutes to monitor the cushion's status. The user is alerted if their bony prominences have sunk into the cushion deeply enough to trigger the sensors. I did not see the i-Pressure device which I posted information about a few weeks ago.
Invacare's TDX SR
This model is essentially the next generation TDX5. It is based on the TDX SP platform, but has upgraded electronics, the MK6i TrueTrack controller, and higher performance gearless brushless motors.
Quantum Rehab's TruBalance2 Power Tilt/Elevating Seat
Although it is not expected to be introduced until sometime early next year, Quantum's TruBalance2 power seating system will offer power tilt with a 10" elevating seat on the Q600, Q6000, and Q6000Z.
Lighter NaturalFit push rims
While they now have a slightly textured black anodized finish instead of a glossy black finish, the latest version of the NaturalFit is ~20% lighter than the original version. While I don't know the exact weight of the new version, it was noticeably lighter when I held both versions at the same time.
The FlexRim from Spinergy/Max Mobility
Unlike traditional pushrims, the FlexRim uses a compressible rubber insert to attach the push rim to the wheel.
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4589/flexrimen6.jpg (http://www.max-mobility.com/)
It requires less grip than a standard anodized handrim, can be squeezed inward to reduce the overall width of the wheelchair in tight spots, and absorbs some of the initial impact when the hands come into contact with the push rim at the start of the push stroke. My initial impression using it is that it will be most beneficial for paraplegics having normal hand function. Quadriplegics with limited grasp may still be better off with PushBlacks or plastic coated rims.
Max-Mobility will also be re-introducing a version of the power assist wheelchair previously sold by other companies as either the Delta Glide or iGlide.
FrogLegs 3x1.5" Aluminum Soft Roll Casters
I know Fuente was looking into replacing his roller blades with soft rolls on his new Razorblade. If the fork width can accommodate a 1.5" wide hub, this 3" version may be the ticket.
By the way Fuente, I met the guy at Boardman Medical who helped you get your Razorblade. While it may seem contrary to your online persona, he actually said you were nice and a pleasure to deal with.
That's all for now, I will probably add more later.
http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/products/C350_Corpus_250x.gif
Permobil's C350 Corpus
It has a STF height of 18.25" and better ground clearance than Permobil's current rearwheel drive Street. It felt very maneuverable for a rear drive platform, has P&G's new R-Net electronics, a weight limit of 300 lbs., and a top speed is 6.5 MPH. Cost is comparable to the C300.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8554/c350corpuspf0.jpg
Roho's Merlin
We have had several discussions on the forum about devices which could monitor the inflation of Roho cushions to alert the user that the cushion has lost air and is bottoming out on the seat pan. The device consists of a mat of proximity sensors attached to a small box with several LED's. The sensitivity of the proximity sensors are set once the cushion has been properly adjusted. The Merlin is usually in a hibernation mode, but "wakes up" every 10-15 minutes to monitor the cushion's status. The user is alerted if their bony prominences have sunk into the cushion deeply enough to trigger the sensors. I did not see the i-Pressure device which I posted information about a few weeks ago.
Invacare's TDX SR
This model is essentially the next generation TDX5. It is based on the TDX SP platform, but has upgraded electronics, the MK6i TrueTrack controller, and higher performance gearless brushless motors.
Quantum Rehab's TruBalance2 Power Tilt/Elevating Seat
Although it is not expected to be introduced until sometime early next year, Quantum's TruBalance2 power seating system will offer power tilt with a 10" elevating seat on the Q600, Q6000, and Q6000Z.
Lighter NaturalFit push rims
While they now have a slightly textured black anodized finish instead of a glossy black finish, the latest version of the NaturalFit is ~20% lighter than the original version. While I don't know the exact weight of the new version, it was noticeably lighter when I held both versions at the same time.
The FlexRim from Spinergy/Max Mobility
Unlike traditional pushrims, the FlexRim uses a compressible rubber insert to attach the push rim to the wheel.
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4589/flexrimen6.jpg (http://www.max-mobility.com/)
It requires less grip than a standard anodized handrim, can be squeezed inward to reduce the overall width of the wheelchair in tight spots, and absorbs some of the initial impact when the hands come into contact with the push rim at the start of the push stroke. My initial impression using it is that it will be most beneficial for paraplegics having normal hand function. Quadriplegics with limited grasp may still be better off with PushBlacks or plastic coated rims.
Max-Mobility will also be re-introducing a version of the power assist wheelchair previously sold by other companies as either the Delta Glide or iGlide.
FrogLegs 3x1.5" Aluminum Soft Roll Casters
I know Fuente was looking into replacing his roller blades with soft rolls on his new Razorblade. If the fork width can accommodate a 1.5" wide hub, this 3" version may be the ticket.
By the way Fuente, I met the guy at Boardman Medical who helped you get your Razorblade. While it may seem contrary to your online persona, he actually said you were nice and a pleasure to deal with.
That's all for now, I will probably add more later.
http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/products/C350_Corpus_250x.gif