Independence Technology To Introduce The INDEPENDENCE iBOT 3000 Mobility System; Transformational, Innovative Technology for People With Disabilities.To download high-resolution, print-ready JPEG JPEG in full Joint Photographic Experts Group Standard computer file format for storing graphic images in a compressed form for general use. JPEG images are compressed using a mathematical algorithm. images, click on the thumbnail A miniature representation of a page or image that is used to identify a file by its contents. Clicking the thumbnail opens the file. Thumbnails are an option in file managers, such as Windows Explorer, and they are found in photo editing and graphics program to quickly browse multiple image above. WARNING: these images are very large (800K+) Click here for caption Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers/Photo Writers NOTE TO MEDIA: Multimedia assets available A photo is available at URL URL in full Uniform Resource Locator Address of a resource on the Internet. The resource can be any type of file stored on a server, such as a Web page, a text file, a graphics file, or an application program. : http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.081303/bb10 WARREN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 2003 Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. ) approval of the company's INDEPENDENCE(TM) iBOT(TM) 3000 Mobility System, a patented gyro-balanced personal mobility system that provides new levels of freedom and accessibility for people with disabilities. The iBOT(TM) Mobility System uses a unique combination of electronics, sensors and software components that work on the principle of balance to continuously and automatically adjust wheel position and seat orientation to stabilize the user. The device is the invention of Dean Kamen Dean L. Kamen (born April 5, 1951) is an American entrepreneur and inventor. Born in Rockville Centre, New York, he attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, but dropped out before graduating. His father is Jack Kamen, an illustrator of Weird Science and other EC Comics. , founder of DEKA DEKA Dean Kamen (of DEKA Research and Development Corporation, Manchester, NH, USA) DEKA Deutsche Kapitalanlagegesellschaft Mbh (German investment fund) Research & Development Corp., Manchester, NH, with whom Johnson & Johnson partnered to develop the iBOT(TM) Mobility System. Jean-Luc Butel, president, Independence Technology, describes the iBOT(TM) Mobility System as the most thoroughly tested, studied and sophisticated device ever manufactured for the disability community. "It is our hope that the arrival of the iBOT(TM) Mobility System will create greater awareness of the importance of providing equal accessibility to every person with a disability," said Mr. Butel. "It is estimated that approximately two million Americans use a wheelchair or scooter scooter: see motorcycle. type of mobility aid," Mr. Butel said. "For people with mobility-related disabilities, the iBOT(TM) Mobility System represents breakthrough technology not available in any other product. In essence, the iBOT(TM) Mobility System empowers users to go where they want to go, helping satisfy the natural human desire for mobility and freedom." Functionality Unmatched in Current Mobility Devices The iBOT(TM) Mobility System has five functioning features. The Balance Function elevates the user to move around at eye level and to reach high places independently. In this function, the front wheels rotate on top of the back wheels while the user remains seated at a higher height. The Stair Function enables the user to safely climb up and down stairs, with or without assistance, often gaining access to previously inaccessible places. The 4-Wheel Function enables the user to climb curbs as high as four inches and to travel over grass and gravel, through sand and across other forms of uneven terrain. The Remote Function allows the user or an assistant to drive the device into a Sport Utility Vehicle or van for easy transport. And the Standard Function enables the user to operate the device in the same manner as if in a traditional power chair. Traveling at six miles per hour in Standard Function, the iBOT(TM) Mobility System is powered by rechargeable batteries A rechargeable battery, also known as a storage battery, is a group of two or more secondary cells. These batteries can be restored to full charge by the application of electrical energy. and depending upon usage, can run all day on a single charge. Multiple computer backup systems Noun 1. backup system - a computer system for making backups ADP system, ADPS, automatic data processing system, computer system, computing system - a system of one or more computers and associated software with common storage have been designed to help ensure user safety in all functions. The joystick (hardware, games) joystick - A device consisting of a hand held stick that pivots about one end and transmits its angle in two dimensions to a computer. Joysticks are often used to control games, and usually have one or more push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer. operated steering system steering system, in automobiles, steering wheel, gears, linkages, and other components used to control the direction of a vehicle's motion. Because of friction between the front tires and the road, especially in parking, effort is required to turn the steering wheel. is proportional and directional, comparable to current joystick power wheelchairs on the market today. The iBOT(TM) Mobility System features and functions will be customized to the individual requirements of the user. National Rollout Planned The INDEPENDENCE(TM) iBOT(TM) 3000 Mobility System is a prescription product. In order to prepare a rehabilitation rehabilitation: see physical therapy. facility or clinic to prescribe the device, Independence Technology will train clinicians at these facilities to handle the requirements of patient interaction, assessment and training unique to the iBOT(TM) Mobility System. "Up to 20 rehabilitation facilities nationwide will be available by end of October 2003 to conduct assessments and training," said Mr. Butel. "Following a successful assessment and order confirmation, a patient may expect the device within three to four months." An estimated 70 percent of the population of people who use wheelchairs in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. may qualify to have the iBOT(TM) Mobility System prescribed for them. Every person interested in the product will be screened to determine if he or she can use the iBOT(TM) Mobility System by a healthcare professional who will assess capabilities and the person's ability to use the device. Some people, however, will not be eligible to use the product because they may not have the full range of abilities required. The iBOT(TM) Mobility System will be priced at $29,000 per unit and will include a service warranty. The purchase of the product may offset other expenditures a person with a disability may need to make, such as home modifications Home Modification Alterations made to a home to meet the needs of people with physical limitations so they can live independently (to some degree) and safely. Examples of home modifications include removing throw rugs to prevent slips and falls, installing grab bars in the bathroom , ramps, elevators and lower kitchen cabinets. Independence Technology L.L.C. is actively working with private insurance carriers, the Veterans Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Medicare and Medicaid U.S. government programs in effect since 1966. Medicare covers most people 65 or older and those with long-term disabilities. Part A, a hospital insurance plan, also pays for home health visits and hospice care. to pursue appropriate reimbursement Reimbursement Payment made to someone for out-of-pocket expenses has incurred. . Meeting the Needs of People with Disabilities The INDEPENDENCE(TM) iBOT(TM) Mobility System is a complementary product to Independence Technology's INDEPENDENCE(TM) iGLIDE(TM) Manual Assist Wheelchair with DeltaSense(TM) Technology and INDEPENDENCE(TM) maxPRO(TM) Seat Cushion with Vicair(R) Technology, both introduced earlier this year. The iGLIDE(TM) Manual Assist Wheelchair operates similarly to a conventional manual wheelchair, but uses proprietary technology to supplement user input power. The maxPRO(TM) Seat Cushion with Vicair(R) Technology, a unique and innovative system that provides both stable body support and pressure relief with the help of hundreds of small, soft air-filled cells, is designed to meet the challenging postural needs of patients with many levels of disability. Every iBOT(TM) Mobility System will include a maxPRO(TM) Seat Cushion. Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson company, is dedicated to increasing the independence of people with disabilities through research and development of the technologies that can provide the assistance they need. Independence Technology is located in Warren, NJ. Johnson & Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products. For additional information about the INDEPENDENCE(TM) iBOT(TM) 3000 Mobility System visit http://www.independencenow.com or call Independence Technology at 866-204-6126. Independence Technology: http://www.independencenow.com Johnson & Johnson: http://www.jnj.com Note: A photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.081303/bb10 |
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