Abstract:
A rapid-fire external compression engine having an intake device configured to introduce a pre-compressed fuel-oxidizer mixture from an external source into a combustion chamber having a low-inertia rapid response component. The rapid response component is configured to extract a high percentage of the energy derived from the combustion of the pre-compressed fuel-oxidizer mixture and convert it into mechanical work, which may then be transformed via a variety of methods into usable output power to operate a powered device.
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:
An unmanned robotic vehicle (10) is capable of sensing an environment at a location remote from the immediate area of the vehicle frame (18). The unmanned robotic vehicle (10) includes a retractable appendage (14) with a sensing element (16). The sensing element can include a camera, chemical sensor, optical sensor, force sensor, or the like.
Abstract:
A modular robotic crawler (10) can be formed by intercoupling a selected plurality of segment modules (12) from a preexisting collection of differing compatible segment modules (12). The segment modules (12) can have at least one intercoupleable interface. The selection can be based on a planned operational scenario of functions to be performed.
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, a computation system calculates at least a rotational force required to maintain the controlling force status relationship The computation 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:
Varying modes of movement of a robotic crawler (10) are provided by using a variable mapping from high-level (operator input) primitives (42,64) into low-level primitives (46,70). The mapping is a function of environmental data (74,94) sensed by the robotic crawler (10) enabling the movement mode to be adapted to the environment.
Abstract:
A rapid-fire external compression engine having an intake device configured to introduce a pre-compressed fuel-oxidizer mixture from an external source into a combustion chamber having a low-inertia rapid response component. The rapid response component is configured to extract a high percentage of the energy derived from the combustion of the pre-compressed fuel-oxidizer mixture and convert it into mechanical work, which may then be transformed via a variety of methods into usable output power to operate a powered device.