Abstract: The disclosed system uses seismic signaling to locate survivors in a mine collapse. A separate transmitter with a specific pre-selected frequency or frequencies is placed in pre-positioned safety zones of a mine. The system generates frequency-locked, unmodulated seismic energy, which allows rescuers to identify the safety zone where a transmitter is activated. The transmitter comprises an oscillator that generates the signal. The oscillator drives the transducer. The transducer causes the inertial mass to move. The movement of the inertial mass generates the seismic waves, which are conducted through the pressure plate to the earth. The seismic signal is detected then amplified, filtered, converted and then processed. The use of a continuous signal enables the processing unit to identify the frequency of the signal with a very low error rate, using frequency content identification. The disclosure also describes a method for transmitting seismic waves through the earth using the above described system.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 11, 2008
Publication date:
October 15, 2009
Applicant:
VMI Foundation, Inc.
Inventors:
James C. Squire, Gerald A. Sullivan, George W. Flathers, III
Abstract: An autonomous robotic system and method for removing pests from a specific location. The robotic system of the invention preferably comprises a means for attracting pests to at least one specific location; and a robotic means for collecting and/or exterminating pests attracted to the specified location. In certain embodiments, the robotic means comprises a mobile robot and a means for navigating the robotic means. In operation, pests are attracted to at least one location by an attracting means, and these pests are then collected and/or exterminated by a mobile, autonomous robot of the invention.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 13, 2006
Date of Patent:
October 28, 2008
Assignee:
VMI Foundation
Inventors:
James C. Squire, David L. Livingston, Daniel E Sonenshine, Dennis J. Crump, Glenn B. Hammond, Justin H. Woulfe, Gerald Allen Sullivan, Jr.