Abstract: Manipulators in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized to implement statically stable robots capable of both dexterous manipulation and versatile mobility. Manipulators in accordance with one embodiment of the invention include: an azimuth actuator; three elbow joints that each include two actuators that are offset to allow greater than 360 degree rotation of each joint; a first connecting structure that connects the azimuth actuator and a first of the three elbow joints; a second connecting structure that connects the first elbow joint and a second of the three elbow joints; a third connecting structure that connects the second elbow joint to a third of the three elbow joints; and an end-effector interface connected to the third of the three elbow joints.

Abstract: Robotics platforms in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized to implement highly dexterous robots capable of whole body motion. Robotics platforms in accordance with one embodiment of the invention include: a memory containing a whole body motion application; a spine, where the spine has seven degrees of freedom and comprises a spine actuator and three spine elbow joints that each include two spine joint actuators; at least one limb, where the at least one limb comprises a limb actuator and three limb elbow joints that each include two limb joint actuators; a tracked base; a connecting structure that connects the at least one limb to the spine; a second connecting structure that connects the spine to the tracked base; wherein the processor is configured by the whole body motion application to move the at least one limb and the spine to perform whole body motion.

Abstract: Robotics platforms in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized to implement highly dexterous robots capable of whole body motion. Robotics platforms in accordance with one embodiment of the invention include: a memory containing a whole body motion application; a spine, where the spine has seven degrees of freedom and comprises a spine actuator and three spine elbow joints that each include two spine joint actuators; at least one limb, where the at least one limb comprises a limb actuator and three limb elbow joints that each include two limb joint actuators; a tracked base; a connecting structure that connects the at least one limb to the spine; a second connecting structure that connects the spine to the tracked base; wherein the processor is configured by the whole body motion application to move the at least one limb and the spine to perform whole body motion.

Abstract: Manipulators in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized to implement statically stable robots capable of both dexterous manipulation and versatile mobility. Manipulators in accordance with one embodiment of the invention include: an azimuth actuator; three elbow joints that each include two actuators that are offset to allow greater than 360 degree rotation of each joint; a first connecting structure that connects the azimuth actuator and a first of the three elbow joints; a second connecting structure that connects the first elbow joint and a second of the three elbow joints; a third connecting structure that connects the second elbow joint to a third of the three elbow joints; and an end-effector interface connected to the third of the three elbow joints.

Abstract: A camera head for use in a marine environment having a cylindrical watertight housing, top and bottom plate members closing the cylindrical housing, and a plurality of ports through the vertical wall of the housing and positioned at a regular angular intervals. A transparent pane is sealed over each port, retained in place by compression against a gasket or O-ring by a compression member. A corresponding plurality of cameras are fixedly positioned behind the ports and the angular field of view of each camera is selected to be greater than the angular interval between the ports such that a continuous 360-degree view of the marine environment is always visible. Six 72-degree FOV cameras spaced at regular 60-degree intervals are preferred. The housing contains cooling/ventilation as well as power and image processing and control systems so as to be self contained.

Abstract: A device for emergency transport of pediatric patients that safely and efficiently transports a pediatric patient to a medical facility is described. The device facilitates a variety of rapid attachment mechanisms to support emergency medical personnel's ongoing need to quickly transport pediatric patients despite continuously, significantly changing specifications for conventional stretchers. Additionally, the device provides for safer, more stable transport of infants and more effective treatment of children with severe temperature imbalances.

Abstract: A device for emergency transport of pediatric patients that safely and efficiently transports a pediatric patient to a medical facility is described. The device enables the transport of pediatric trauma patients on a conventional stretcher while still enabling a backboard to be used therewith to immobilize a critically-injured patient. Additionally, the device provides for more comfortable and sanitary transport of a pediatric patient by adding a disposable padded cushion, which is placed on the device prior to placing the child in the device for emergency transport.