Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for controlling at least one fluid actuated device; e.g., an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. A method is provided, for example, involving an actuatable component and an actuation system, which includes an actuation system component and an actuator. During a mode of operation, the actuation system component is fluidly coupled with a first chamber and a second chamber of the actuator using the actuation system. The actuator is operable to move the actuatable component.

Abstract: A mobile robot is provided for use in an operating environment. The mobile robot may include a mobile robot base, a conveyor system and a drive system. The conveyor system may be supported by the mobile robot base. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to receive an item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot. The conveyor system may be configured to support the item during movement of the mobile robot within the operating environment. The drive system may be arranged with the mobile robot base. The drive system may be configured to move the mobile robot within the operating environment and position the conveyor system such that the conveyor belt is operable to receive the item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for picking at least one item is provided. The method includes providing at least one container, the container at least containing a plurality of substantially the same items randomly arranged within the container, providing at least one mechanism for collecting at least one item from the container, enabling the mechanism to roughly determine the position of the mechanism with respect to the items in the container utilizing the least amount of power, moving the mechanism so that it is at least in close proximity to the items in the container, collecting at least one item in the container with the mechanism, moving the mechanism and the collected at least one item at least a predetermined distance away from the remaining non-collected items in the container and determining the number of items collected by the mechanism utilizing the least amount of power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a body worn apparatus having a plurality of activation elements arranged in at least one bundle, and a substrate supporting the plurality of activation elements. The method also places the body worn apparatus onto the body of a person, and activates the at least one bundle.

Abstract: A system and method of instructing a device is disclosed. The system includes a signal source for providing at least one visual signal where the at least one visual signal is substantially indicative of at least one activity to be performed by the device. A visual signal capturing element captures the at least one visual signal and communicates the at least one visual signal to the device where the device interprets the at least one visual signal and performs the activity autonomously and without requiring any additional signals or other information from the signal source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomously recognizing at least one object in an image is provided. The method includes obtaining an image and providing an image analyzer for autonomously analyzing the image and autonomously identifying at least one item of information regarding at least one object in the image. The at least one item of information regarding the at least one object may be identified without regard to the at least one object's appearance, location, or orientation in the image and without requiring any outside intervention or human input, so that information regarding the at least one object, such as the at least one object's actions, movements, and locations may be obtained from the image.

Abstract: A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.

Abstract: A completely self-contained camera module and operating method are provided. The camera module includes a housing member for mounting to a desired surface, an internal support structure positioned within the housing, and at least two cameras secured to the support structure. Each camera has a field of view to an exterior of the housing. The support structure being operably configured to be readily securable to and removable from the housing so that the support structure and cameras can easily be installed during manufacturing to at least reduce manufacturing variability and so that, if a module is not working in the field, an operator can at least readily replace the support structure and cameras as desired with a different support and cameras in the field without requiring tools and without needing to locate and replace a specific malfunctioning camera.

Abstract: A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for controlling a mechanism in communication with a handheld device. The method includes sensing a maneuver of the handheld device and providing at least one vector command to the mechanism based on the sensed maneuver in order to control the mechanism.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus including a mechanism capable of performing a variety of operations, each operation having a respective power requirement and a power source capable of providing power to the mechanism at a variety of different levels corresponding to the operations being undertaken by the mechanism where the power source is regulated to at least provide a first lower power level sufficient for one or more operations requiring a lower power level and is increased to provide a higher power level as needed for one or more alternative operations requiring a higher power level.

Abstract: A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.

Abstract: A system and method of instructing a device is disclosed. The system includes a signal source for providing at least one visual signal where the at least one visual signal is substantially indicative of at least one activity to be performed by the device. A visual signal capturing element captures the at least one visual signal and communicates the at least one visual signal to the device where the device interprets the at least one visual signal and performs the activity autonomously and without requiring any additional signals or other information from the signal source.

Abstract: An actuator including a housing and a force sensing mechanism positioned within an interior of the housing and in operable communication with the actuator, the force sensing mechanism capable of measuring the various forces exerted by or on the actuator without losing any of the energy being transmitted by the actuator. A high precision position sensing mechanism can also be included with the actuator.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for enabling the release of pressure in a supply line including an electronic control member for controlling and enabling the release of pressure in the supply line at a desired pressure whether or not power is maintained to the electronic control member.

Abstract: A method of flexibly controlling a system including determining control policies for a system having at least one qualitative state goal for the system to achieve, determining a first current qualitative state of the system and generating a qualitative control and state trajectory, provided the current system state is capable of achieving the at least one goal, that enables the system to proceed from the current state to the goal state in the most cost effective and energy efficient manner to conserve power while maintaining any necessary operational constraints on the system.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a relevance of a relation between at least two entities includes receiving at least one item of information relating to one or more of the entities and determining whether a proximity between the at least two entities exists. A level of the proximity between the entities is identified. The relevance of the proximity between the entities is determined based on the level of the proximity and the at least one item of information received.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus including a mechanism capable of performing a variety of operations, each operation having a respective power requirement and a power source capable of providing power to the mechanism at a variety of different levels corresponding to the operations being undertaken by the mechanism where the power source is regulated to at least provide a first lower power level sufficient for one or more operations requiring a lower power level and is increased to provide a higher power level as needed for one or more alternative operations requiring a higher power level.

Abstract: A mobile articulated robot platform is provided where the platform comprises a payload base hip section for attaching a torso, the platform having two opposing sides, where the platform includes a right leg assembly and a left leg assembly, with each leg assembly having an upper leg and a lower leg section, where the right and left leg assemblies each comprise a right upper leg being pivotally coupled on one side of said payload base hip section and a left upper leg being pivotally coupled to the other side of the payload base hip section, and a right lower leg being independently and pivotally connected to the right upper leg, and a left lower leg being independently and pivotally connected to the left upper leg, allowing rotation of each of the lower legs about each of the upper legs.