New York Patent of the Month – September 2022

The first self-propelled wheelchair was invented in 1655 and has continued to be improved upon ever since. As our available technology grows, innovators have attempted to adapt the wheelchair. We have seen motorized designs and attempts at better ergonomics but JetWeels, Inc. has decided to tackle a different limitation. 

Airports and secure areas use metal detectors to try and prevent weapons from getting through. But what happens when wheelchair users are using a fully metal mobility device? The truth is, typical wheelchair designs don’t meet the needs of our current world. For this reason, JetWeels focused on designing a nonmetallic wheelchair that maintains all the needs of a user.

Their design uses polycarbonate plastics and transparent aesthetics to optimize visibility for security screenings. But material isn’t the only consideration. The overall chair width is designed to roll right through the standard metal detector allowing the ability to pass through without triggering the alarm. In a world demanding eco-friendly solutions, the company left no stones unturned. Through extensive R&D, they identified a completely 100% recyclable material, ensuring they met both durability and sustainability. 

The company has committed themselves to empowering those traveling with a disability and to support travel companies in their bid to provide them with an experience they can be proud of. Travel isn’t the only application though. Without any metal at all, the chairs are MRI and X-ray friendly as well.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

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