Pump Makes Wheelchair Travel Easier
Jennifer M. Walkup, Senior Associate Editor
For those who are wheelchair-bound, getting around town is not always easy. It can require extra time and help from others. Imagine if this were not the case. Imagine if all those confined to wheelchairs were able to travel without assistance.
Freewiel Techniek BV, located in the Netherlands, has designed an electric car that gives such freedom of movement. The car, called the Shuttle, has been designed specifically for wheelchair users. It allows a person to simply drive his or her wheelchair into the car and then hit the open road.
Entry into the Shuttle is through the back door, which is opened by remote control. Once the door opens, the backside lowers automatically, allowing the user access to the Shuttle without assistance. The wheelchair is safely locked into place with a clamp system. Then, with one push of a button, the back door closes and raises the car to its desired height.
Pneumatics are at the heart of the Shuttle's operations, and operation of all pneumatics is controlled by the Model 327CDC56/12 pump from Rietcshle Thomas. The 327 pump was chosen for its reliability, high performance, and very good duty cycles.
The completely oil-less 327 has many key features including die cast aluminum components, steel mounting brackets with vibration isolators, stainless steel valves, a PTFE piston ring, and a thermally protected motor. All wetted aluminum parts are treated for corrosion protection from moisture. Other wetted parts are stainless steel. In addition, the 327 has the option of radiated emissions suppression.
"The Shuttle provides up to 40 kilometers of travel before it needs to be recharged," explains David Droege of Rietcshle Thomas. "What the product boils down to is taking the idea of the electric wheelchairs that we already have and giving them an added edge. We are increasing mobility for the user and that is a definite benefit."
More information is available by contacting Rietschle Thomas, 1419 Illinois Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53082, calling 920-457-489, writing in 50 on our reader service card, or replying online at www.pddnet.com.
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