Abstract: A mobile robot generally including a first suction module, a second suction module and a hinge assembly pivotably connecting the suction modules together. Each of the suction modules includes a support frame defining a vacuum chamber and a vacuum unit supported on the support frame and communicating with the vacuum chamber. The vacuum unit includes a rotating impeller and an exhaust cowling surrounding the impeller. The impeller has an axis of rotation and is adapted to draw air from the vacuum chamber into the impeller in a direction generally parallel to the impeller axis of rotation and to discharge the drawn air in a direction substantially perpendicular to the impeller axis of rotation. The exhaust cowling is adapted to redirect the discharged air, whereby a thrusting force is applied to the support frame in a direction opposite of the direction of the drawn air from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning bound pages, the apparatus having a support assembly for holding the bound pages; a lifting assembly coupled to the support assembly and capable of lifting at least a portion of a page; a turnstile assembly, the turnstile assembly comprising a plurality of flippers; and a motor assembly secured to the support assembly and coupled to the turnstile assembly; wherein the turnstile assembly has a rest position in which one of the plurality of flippers is positioned across two opposed bound pages to hold the bound pages in an open condition; wherein the turnstile assembly is rotated by the motor assembly causing the lifting assembly to lift one of the pages and one of the plurality of flippers to rotate underneath the lifted page; and wherein the finger underneath the lifted page is rotated to turn the page and to place the turnstile in the rest position.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning bound pages, the apparatus having a frame; a book support assembly coupled to the frame; at least one pickup arm coupled to the frame; a motor assembly coupled to the frame; and a conveyor assembly coupled to the frame. The conveyor assembly has a belt; a plurality of fingers coupled to the belt; and at least one actuator coupled to the belt. A subset of the plurality of fingers hold the book in an open condition. Upon rotation of the belt by the motor assembly, the at least one actuator causes the at least one pickup arm to lift a portion of a page while a subset of the plurality of fingers hold the bound pages in an open condition and turn the lifted page.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning bound pages, the apparatus having a support assembly for holding the bound pages; a lifting assembly coupled to the support assembly and capable of lifting at least a portion of a page; a turnstile assembly, the turnstile assembly comprising a plurality of flippers; and a motor assembly secured to the support assembly and coupled to the turnstile assembly; wherein the turnstile assembly has a rest position in which one of the plurality of flippers is positioned across two opposed bound pages to hold the bound pages in an open condition; wherein the turnstile assembly is rotated by the motor assembly causing the lifting assembly to lift one of the pages and one of the plurality of flippers to rotate underneath the lifted page; and wherein the finger underneath the lifted page is rotated to turn the page and to place the turnstile in the rest position.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning bound pages, the apparatus having a frame; a book support assembly coupled to the frame; at least one pickup arm coupled to the frame; a motor assembly coupled to the frame; and a conveyor assembly coupled to the frame. The conveyor assembly has a belt; a plurality of fingers coupled to the belt; and at least one actuator coupled to the belt. A subset of the plurality of fingers hold the book in an open condition. Upon rotation of the belt by the motor assembly, the at least one actuator causes the at least one pickup arm to lift a portion of a page while a subset of the plurality of fingers hold the bound pages in an open condition and turn the lifted page.