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Freedom Sciences Announces FDA Approval for the Motion Control Module of the Automated Transport and Retrieval System

PHILADELPHIA-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Freedom Sciences, LLC, is proud to announce that their Motion Control Module (MCM) for powered wheelchairs, based on the Invacare platform, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The MCM is a critical component of Freedom Sciences' Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS(TM)), an independent driving solution for powered wheelchair users.

ATRS enables users of powered wheelchairs to safely, economically, and independently transport their powered wheelchair into and out of a wide range of structurally unmodified vehicles, including SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans. In ATRS, the MCM transforms a standard powered wheelchair into a "smart chair," eliminating the need for caregivers to assist wheelchair users into the vehicle, and providing users the ability to enter and exit their vehicle completely independently. Using state-of-the-art robotics and automation technologies, this "smart chair" self-navigates between the driver's position of the vehicle and a platform lift at the vehicle's rear that secures and stows the powered wheelchair during transport.

"Receiving FDA approval is a major milestone for us. It will allow us to get ATRS into the hands of those who need it," said Tom Panzarella, Freedom Sciences' CTO and ATRS lead system engineer. Panzarella continued, "FDA approval on the Invacare platform paves the way for us to more rapidly increase the number of powered wheelchairs supported by ATRS while allowing us to launch the system into the market immediately with the Invacare chairs."

Tom Palermo, a Bronze Star Vietnam veteran and realtor from Somers Point, NJ, has used ATRS since May of 2008 under Freedom Sciences' pre-market testing program. Acknowledging ATRS as an alternative to structurally modified vans, Palermo commented, "I've always equated driving a van to being like a soccer mom. That's not for me. I wanted something nice. When Freedom Sciences showed me that they could put ATRS in SUVs I was really excited." Commenting on his time using ATRS, Palermo said, "I've had people in the office tell me that I'm just happier. I don't have to worry if my assistant is there to help me. ATRS has given me my independence back. I think it's the greatest invention."

Freedom Sciences is currently accepting orders for ATRS. Along with the Freedom Seat and full-line of mobility lifts, ATRS will be distributed through the company's existing nationwide network of mobility equipment dealers. The company requires all dealers who sell and support ATRS to be certified through its ATRS training program. Territories for ATRS-certified dealers are currently being established.

For more information and to view an ATRS video, visit http://www.freedomsciences.com. For information on the Freedom Seat and mobility lifts, visit http://www.freedom-lift.com. Freedom Sciences designs, develops, and sells technologically advanced products intended to improve the quality of life for persons with limited physical mobility.

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