Abstract: A self-orienting device comprises: a housing; a sensor mounted to the housing that is sensitive to a signal field and configured to produce a signal responsive to the signal field; a translation-inducing unit associated with the housing; rotation-inducing unit attached to the housing, wherein the translation-inducing unit and the rotation-inducing unit are configured such that the housing travels along a helical trajectory having an axis and is free to rotate about the axis; and a controller operably associated with the sensor for controlling the output of at least one of the translation-inducing unit and the rotation-inducing unit, wherein the controller is configured such that it receives the signal from the sensor and, responsive to the signal, controls the output of at least one of the translation-inducing unit and said rotation-inducing unit. A device so configured can automatically orient to a signal.

Abstract: A vehicle with improved maneuverability includes: a vehicle body; a first bladelike element; a first tuned compliant transmission shaft attached to the bladelike element; and a reciprocating unit for reciprocally driving the bladelike element within a fluid medium in a first travel path such that interaction between the bladelike element and a fluid medium produces propulsive forces that propel the vehicle body in a desired direction. Preferably, the pitch and heave natural frequencies of the natural transmission shaft are approximately equal to each other and to the natural bending frequency and torsional frequency of the bladelike element, and the natural thrust frequency of the transmission shaft is often approximately twice that of the pitch frequency. In this configuration, the vehicle can be directed in virtually any direction, the directing force is be generated far more quickly than is the case for prior art vehicles, and energy typically lost as shaking or vibration instead provides thrust.

Abstract: A swimming aquatic creature simulator having a body which propagates waves of undulation of and along that body to thereby propel the simulator through a fluid in a lifelike manner. The body is formed of an elastomeric material and may be shaped like a fish. Applying oscillating rotational motion to the body at a location forward of the center of mass of the body produces undulating movements of the body which propel the simulator. The oscillating motion input may be provided by twisting a rigid shaft or flexible cable, which is connected to the body at a point forward of the center of mass. An internal motor can also be used to provide the oscillating motion input.