Abstract:
A remote operator console provides point and go navigation of a robotic vehicle. The remote operator console provides a display for visual representation of the environment in which the robotic vehicle is operating based on sensor information received from the robotic vehicle. An operator may designate a target point on the display. The robotic vehicle is automatically navigated toward a location in the environment corresponding to the designated target point.
Abstract:
An electro-spray delivery device for delivering a stream of charged micro-droplets of a conductive fluid, and which a capillary tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with a source of conductive fluid and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The device also includes a solid guide wire coaxially disposed at least partially within the capillary tube to form an annular passage therein, and which has a distal tip projecting beyond the distal end of the capillary tube. At least one of the capillary tube and guide wire is conductive and in electrical communication with a high-voltage source to electrically charge the conductive fluid flowing through the annular passage and wetting the distal tip of the guide wire. The electrospray delivery device further includes a grounding electrode that is located a predetermined distance from the distal tip of the guide wire and which is in electrical communication with a source of ground. A voltage differential between the charged fluid and the grounding electrode draws the charged fluid away from the distal end of the capillary tube to form a cone jet about the end face of the distal tip discharging a stream of charged micro-droplets.
Abstract:
An electrospray dispensing system for delivering a controllable quantity of charged micro-droplets of a conductive fluid, and which includes an elongate fluid supply cylinder having a first end, a second end, a sidewall (e.g., forming a circular or other polygonal cross-section) between the first and second ends, and an interior hollow that is in fluid communication with a source of conductive fluid. The dispensing system also includes an array of selectively-activated capillary tubes having proximal ends that are in fluid communication with the interior hollow and distal ends extending radially outward through the sidewall, and which are configured so that any conductive fluid flowing outwardly through one or more activated capillary tubes is electrically-charged. The dispensing system further includes a grounding electrode that is in electrical communication with a source of ground and located at a predetermined distance from the distal ends of the capillary tubes, so that an electric potential between the charged conductive fluid and the grounding electrode will cause each of the activated capillary tubes to form a cone jet which projects a stream of charged micro-droplets towards the grounding electrode.
Abstract:
A method of configuring a biomimetic mechanical joint for the efficient movement of a support member about a pivot device. The method includes providing a first fractional actuator and a second fractional actuator being operable with the support member and the pivot device, sizing the first fractional actuator for rated operation at a first boundary condition, and sizing the second fractional actuator so that the first and second fractional actuators, when recruited in combination, are rated for operation at a second boundary condition.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a single-target-specific fire fighting device for launching a liquid charge towards a localized target portion of a fire. The firefighting device is capable of highly precise target engagement at a single, localized area. In this manner, the fire fighting device can launch a single liquid charge effectively to a target location within a fire, such as the seat of a fire, in order to effectively extinguish the fire. The firefighting device includes at least a liquid charge having a flight integrity component, a barrel, a sighting structure coupled to the barrel, and a launching system for launching the liquid charge down the barrel at a target location.
Abstract:
A regenerative hydraulic pump that allows for efficient operation of a hydraulic system under high pressure/low flow conditions that comprises a crankshaft providing a rotating inertial mass, and a regenerative hydraulic pump cylinder that comprises a pump cylinder housing, a pump piston mechanically connected to the crankshaft; and a compliant pressure chamber that stores a portion of the energy extracted by the pump piston during a pumping stroke for release back to the pump piston and to the crankshaft during a regenerative back stroke.
Abstract:
A method for compensating for a perturbation external to a platform having a plurality of mechanical arms in accordance with an embodiment of the technology includes detecting a normal positional and/or orientational measurement of the platform using a sensor. A perturbed positional and/or orientational measurement of the platform can also be detected using the sensor. The normal positional and/or orientational measurement and the perturbed positional and/or orientational measurement can be compared to determine a positional and/or orientational difference. A position and/or orientation of a mechanical arm can be adjusted to compensate for the perturbation based on the positional and/or orientational difference.
Abstract:
A robot displacement device for use with a robotic frame shaped to approximate and be coupleable to at least a portion of the human body and configured to mimic movement of the human body. The device employs a plurality of force sensors which are attached to the robotic frame which detect a baseline controlling interface force status relationship between the sensors and the extremities of the human operator. Based on the output force signal from the sensors and the force and direction of gravity relative to the robotic frame, the computation system calculates at least a rotational force required to maintain the controlling force status relationship. That system then generates and transmits an actuation signal to a drive system attached to the robotic frame which displaces a portion of the robotic frame in order to maintain the controlling force status relationship.
Abstract:
A biomimetic mechanical joint for generating a variable torque between support members of a biomimetic robotic device, including a base support member, a rotary support member rotatably coupled to the base support member, and a variable-radius pulley operably coupled between the base support member and rotary support member. The variable-radius pulley comprises a sheave body having a variable radius and one or more tendon grooves formed in the circumferential outer surface. The mechanical joint further includes one or more flexible tendons and antagonistic actuator pairs, with each actuator pair being coupled to one or more tendons and configured to operate the tendon around the variable-radius pulley in either direction to create a variable torque between the base and rotary support members.
Abstract:
A controllable robotic arm system comprises a base unit and a moveable torso coupled to the base unit. The moveable torso is capable of moving in at least one degree of freedom independently of movement of the base unit. At least one robotic slave arm is moveably coupled to the torso. A master control system is operable to control the robotic slave arm and the moveable torso. The master control system includes an input interface by which a user can cause control signals to be communicated to the robotic slave arm and the moveable torso.