Abstract: A remote manipulator for radiation cells and the like. This device is an all electric manipulator for hazardous environments to follow the basic movements of the operator but to provide features to provide extended use of the manipulator beyond the capabilities of the operator when necessary or desired. Identical arm units are removably positioned on opposite sides of a torso to make up the slave unit. Joints in the arms are enclosed in rotable boots. By being identical, the arms may be attached to either side of the torso as well as necessitating fewer replacement parts. The motion of each of the arms is sufficient such that essentially any position of one arm relative to the other arm can be achieved. Many components are interchangeable. Electrically controlled pan/tilt heads mounted on the torso support video cameras to permit remote viewing.

Abstract: A remotely operated steerable vehicle especially usable as a teleooperated mobile robot system is disclosed. The vehicle carries a videocamera which shows the field of view directly ahead. A remote control station has a videomonitor showing said field of view with left and right upwardly converging guidelines on the monitors screen representing the left and right edges of the area traversed by the vehicle if it moves straight into the field of view. The guidelines provide an excellent and inexpensive assistance to the operator who steers the vehicle from a remote location as the operator knows everything outside the guidelines will be missed and everything inside the guidelines will be impacted. The guidelines are further enhanced by traverse markers on the monitor screen representing fixed distances in front of the vehicle so as to provide a depth of field.

Abstract: A mobile robot remotely controlled and/or powered through a cable from a stationary console is provided. The robot carries a cable management arrangement which stores the cable and dispenses and retracts it as needed. The arrangement lays down the cable under zero tension when the robot is outbound and reels it in as the robot returns to allow the robot to follow a tortuous path without entangling the cable under or around obstacles. The robot can have numerous configurations such as a simple configuration for use as a transporter for mail in an office and parts in a factory, to a complex configuration with robotic arms and sensors for use in remote surveillance and security work. The robot is especially usable in hostile environments such as nuclear power plants and has a containment box permitting it to be moved to numerous locations without contaminating other areas.

Abstract: A motorized pan/tilt head and support member for mounting a video camera or the like. A pan/tilt head is mounted upon a first end of the support member. This head is substantially U-shaped, with a bottom cross member and parallel legs at opposite ends of the cross member. The video camera or the like is pivotally suspended between the two legs. Electric motors housed within the cross member and legs, provide panning and tilting motion through the use of gear mechanisms attached to the motors. In order to provide closed loop control, position sensing devices are driven by each of the motors to provide an output signal related to position. The electrical wires of the components pass along the central axis of the support member and terminate at an electrical plug at the second end thereof. This plug mates with a second portion affixed to a surface to which the support member is to be releasably attached. The entire unit is made to be liquid proof, and all components are remotely replaceable.