Abstract: A method of providing an omnidirectional view about an object by providing at least two camera modules, each module having a plurality of cameras disposed about the periphery of each module with each camera having a predetermined field of view. The modules are directly attached to a respective predetermined position on a surface of the object to provide up to a 360 degree view about the object when the fields of view of each camera are combined from each module. Electrical communication is enabled between the plurality of cameras and at least one position external to the modules to enable viewing about the object from the external position.

Abstract: A mobile robot along with a method and system for a mobile robot where the robot is reconfigurable between at least two form factors.

Abstract: A mobile robot along with a method and system for a mobile robot including a hydraulic powered mechanism operably connected to the mobile robot for movement of the hydraulic powered mechanism with respect to the mobile robot.

Abstract: A mobile robot along with a method and system for a mobile robot including an arm member capable of lifting significant loads.

Abstract: An all-terrain mobile robot comprising a mobile robotic platform, having either wheels or tank-treaded-like legs capable of navigating over rough terrain, wherein the robotic platform utilizes dynamic balancing behavior; a hydraulic powered anthropomorphic torso and articulated arms, wherein the hydraulic system possesses a pressure sensor for enabling the anthropomorphic torso and articulated arms to lift a payload using acute and delicate movements that reduce the chance of causing structural harm to the payload.

Abstract: A fastener including a body portion having a head member and a shank member integrally formed with one side of the head member, the head member including a central aperture and at least one flexible engagement member intergrally formed with the head member opposite the shank member and extending intothe aperture a predetermined distance, the shank member including at least two substantially resilient leg member each having a conically shaped interior surface which oppose each other forming a tapered axial bore through the shank member tapering away from and in cooperative alignment with the aperture and a drive pin having a predetermined length and cross-sectional configuration for complementary engagement with the aperture, flexible engagement member, axial bore and leg members, the drive pin icluding at least a first concave longitudinal channel formed along its length and extending into the drive pin which includes at least a first lateral ramp member extending across the width of the first channel for coo

Abstract: A device and method for regulating the flow of material through a conduit. The device includes a material flow path having a disk member for closing the material flow path, a material bleed path through the disk member when closed and a member for moving the disk and opening the material flow path. The device can further include an additional piston member for closing the material flow path at a secondary position and having an additional material bleed path therethrough and an additional member for moving the piston and opening the flow path as well as a sleeve member movable within the device for releasing material pressure from both within the device and ahead of the device.

Abstract: A guiding sleeve for head rests at vehicle seats, said sleeve slidingly accommodating a rod of the head rest and having at the upper end thereof an arresting device provided with a handling means and cooperating with an arresting abutment at the lower end of the rod and preventing the rod from being pulled out when the handling means is not actuated, wherein the sleeve bore is provided with an enlargement at the upper end thereof said enlargement accommodating an elongated spring element which has a forward longitudinal side cooperating with the head rest rod and which has a rearward longitudinal side by which it is supported at the wall of the enlargement, with an unlocking element comprised of two parallel-spaced legs arranged in said enlargement, said legs being respectively disposed laterally of the sleeve bore and having the ends thereof cooperating with the ends of the spring element while being adapted to be moved by the handling means towards the spring element in the direction of their longitudinal e

Abstract: A rotation damper comprises a base member, a gear wheel rotatably mounted on the base member via a damper, a spiral spring having one end attached to a cap member and the other end attached to the gear wheel and adapted to be wound up with the rotation of the gear wheel, and a locking member for locking the spiral spring in or releasing it from the wound-up state. When the gear wheel is rotated to the neighborhood of a limit position against the spring force of the spiral spring, the spiral spring is locked in the wound-up state. The spiral spring is released from the wound-up state by further rotating the gear wheel. The rotation damper is applicable to a cassette holder of a cassette tape recorder, for instance, and permits the holder to be opened and closed under braking force while eliminating the need for a separate holder locking mechanism.

Abstract: A rotation-braking damper comprises a housing formed of a cap and a case, a shaft provided at the external end thereof with a toothed wheel and inserted on the internal end thereof into the housing, a disk fastened to the internal end of the inserted shaft, and a lock washer disposed inside the housing as held in contact with the disk. By the lock washer, the shaft in rotation is braked against the cap. The damper of this invention produces a desired braking effect on an opening-closing object such as a lid. The damper can be constructed with a small number of component parts.