Abstract: This application describes independent safety systems for robotic systems using a safety rated PLC. For example, a robotic safety system can include a first sensor that is operatively coupled to a drive assembly of a mobile robot. The first sensor can be configured to determine first rotation information of a wheel of the drive assembly. The system may further include a second sensor that is operatively coupled to the drive assembly. The second sensor may be configured to determine second rotation information of the wheel. The system can include a speed conversion module that is configured to receive the first and second rotation information at a first processing rate. The speed conversion module may also be configured to determine corresponding first and second speed information based on the first and second rotation information. The system can include a safety programmable logic controller (SPLC).

Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings presented herein, an autonomously-navigating mobile robot moves to a designated location and detects the presence and relative positioning of a compatible wheeled cart, based on recognizing one or more characteristic physical features of the cart from sensor readings taken by the robot. The robot moves into a position of gross alignment with the cart, based on the detected relative position of the cart, which means that the robot accommodates carts that are not properly positioned or oriented for pickup. The robot takes additional sensor readings referenced to the same or additional characteristic features of the cart and moves into a position of fine alignment with the cart, whereupon it latches to the cart and transports it via rolling conveyance to a designated destination location. The cart preferably includes a normally-on brake that is automatically disengaged by virtue of the robot latching to it.

Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings presented herein, an autonomously-navigating mobile robot moves to a designated location and detects the presence and relative positioning of a compatible wheeled cart, based on recognizing one or more characteristic physical features of the cart from sensor readings taken by the robot. The robot moves into a position of gross alignment with the cart, based on the detected relative position of the cart, which means that the robot accommodates carts that are not properly positioned or oriented for pickup. The robot takes additional sensor readings referenced to the same or additional characteristic features of the cart and moves into a position of fine alignment with the cart, whereupon it latches to the cart and transports it via rolling conveyance to a designated destination location. The cart preferably includes a normally-on brake that is automatically disengaged by virtue of the robot latching to it.

Abstract: Network for transmitting and using electromagnetic radiation for two or more functionally different useful purposes. Such a network may be comprised of a signal source apparatus to provide information, an electromagnetic radiation generator capable of being modulated for providing electromagnetic radiation, electronic circuitry for modulating the electromagnetic radiation generator, medium through which the electromagnetic radiation passes and is transmitted, a receiver apparatus for receiving and demodulating the modulated electromagnetic radiation, a first user means for processing and making use of the information to achieve a useful functional purpose, and second user means for achieving a useful functional purpose from said radiation said useful functional purpose being different from the purpose of said first user means.

Abstract: Network for transmitting and using electromagnetic radiation for two or more functionally different useful purposes. Such a network may be comprised of a signal source apparatus to provide information, an electromagnetic radiation generator capable of being modulated for providing electromagnetic radiation, electronic circuitry for modulating the electromagnetic radiation generator, medium through which the electromagnetic radiation passes and is transmitted, a receiver apparatus for receiving and demodulating the modulated electromagnetic radiation, a first user means for processing and making use of the information to achieve a useful functional purpose, and second user means for achieving a useful functional purpose from said radiation said useful functional purpose being different from the purpose of said first user means.

Abstract: Transceiver system including a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter transmits radiation having a varying operating frequency. It is preferred that the radiation be visible light. The operating frequency is varied in a way that eliminates visible flicker. A receiver receives the encoded radiation, decodes the coded data, and delivers the decoded data signal to an output stage. The output may be audio information textural information or graphical information. A two level coding scheme is preferred.

Abstract: A communications network comprised of a source of information to be transmitted in the form of a signal, one or more transmitters which emit light suitable for illumination and including means for modulating the light with the information signal, a medium such as a fluid through which the light passes, and one or more receivers for receiving the light and demodulating the signal to obtain the information. A user for the information may be a device, such as a computer or a compact disk player, or it may be a person, perhaps with some form of sensory or mental impairment. The information may be encrypted, may provide directional guidance, such as to a user moving in a vehicle, and/or may be transmitted simultaneously over multiple channels. Various types of visible light assemblies may be employed, with varying power inputs and outputs.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted.