Abstract: A mobile robot with one or more deployable scanning wands that advantageously mounts each scanning wand for movement from a storage position in or adjacent to a wall of the mobile base unit to a deployed position extending outwardly from the robot adjacent ground level. Preferably, the robot includes two or more deployable scanning wands and a holonomic drive function is provided in the mobile base unit. This drive allows controlled linear and rotational movement of the robot to provide an effective scan area. Sensors can be provided in the sides of the mobile base for assistance in control of the drive and/or further scanning of a vehicle, trailer or object of interest.

Abstract: The improved mobile robot utilizes a cooperative wheeled support arrangement having a unique axle design that preferably cooperates with a base support module. A tri-axle is preferably used to support at least one omni-wheel on each axle section. Multiple omni-wheels on each section can be used for higher load applications. The tri-axle is of a fixed design and each wheel pivots on the individual axle section. Preferably, the axle sections are welded to each other.

Abstract: The improved mobile robot utilizes a cooperative wheeled support arrangement having a unique axle design that preferably cooperates with a base support module. A tri-axle is preferably used to support at least one omni-wheel on each axle section. Multiple omni-wheels on each section can be used for higher load applications. The tri-axle is of a fixed design and each wheel pivots on the individual axle section. Preferably, the axle sections are welded to each other.

Abstract: The improved mobile robot utilizes a cooperative wheeled support arrangement having a unique axle design that preferably cooperates with a base support module. A tri-axle is preferably used to support at least one omni-wheel on each axle section. Multiple omni-wheels on each section can be used for higher load applications. The tri-axle is of a fixed design and each wheel pivots on the individual axle section. Preferably, the axle sections are welded to each other.

Abstract: The improved mobile robot utilizes a cooperative wheeled support arrangement having a unique axle design that preferably cooperates with a base support module. A tri-axle is preferably used to support at least one omni-wheel on each axle section. Multiple omni-wheels on each section can be used for higher load applications. The tri-axle is of a fixed design and each wheel pivots on the individual axle section. Preferably, the axle sections are welded to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes a curtain airbag inflatable from a stored condition adjacent a roof of the vehicle to a deployed condition in which the curtain airbag is positioned between a side structure of the vehicle and the vehicle occupant. A tensioner is positioned adjacent to the vehicle roof and spaced inboard from the vehicle side structure. A tether has a first end portion connected to the tensioner and a second end portion connected to the curtain airbag. The tensioner is configured to pay-out and/or retract the tether. The tensioner is configured to control pay-out and/or retraction of the tether to control deployment of the curtain airbag and/or to control movement of the curtain airbag once deployed.

Abstract: An omni-wheel according to the present invention has a continuous axle and roller design enabling robust durability and ease of manufacturing. The omni-wheel hub is designed to be injection moldable in two halves which constrain the continuous axle or be 3D printed as one piece with integral rollers and continuous axle which controllably deform to reduce vibration and under sudden physical shock, deform to protect structural integrity.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes a curtain airbag rolled about a central longitudinal axis. A pair of longitudinally extending creases are formed on the rolled curtain airbag. Each of the creases extend from an outer surface of the rolled curtain airbag inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the rolled curtain airbag. A method for packaging a curtain airbag of a vehicle safety system includes rolling the curtain airbag about a central longitudinal axis. Creases are formed in radially opposite, longitudinally extending portions of an outer surface of the rolled curtain airbag inward toward the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A mobile robot with one or more deployable scanning wands that advantageously mounts each scanning wand for movement from a storage position in or adjacent to a wall of the mobile base unit to a deployed position extending outwardly from the robot adjacent ground level. Preferably, the robot includes two or more deployable scanning wands and a holonomic drive function is provided in the mobile base unit. This drive allows controlled linear and rotational movement of the robot to provide an effective scan area. Sensors can be provided in the sides of the mobile base for assistance in control of the drive and/or further scanning of a vehicle, trailer or object of interest.

Abstract: The improved mobile robot utilizes a cooperative wheeled support arrangement having a unique axle design that preferably cooperates with a base support module. A tri-axle is preferably used to support at least one omni-wheel on each axle section. Multiple omni-wheels on each section can be used for higher load appications. The tri-axle is of a fixed design and each wheel pivots on the individual axle section. Preferably, the axle sections are welded to each other.

Abstract: A security robot comprises a mobile base module with a head module supported in a raised position centrally above the mobile base. The head module includes an upwardly opening cavity interior thereto that receives an inter-changeable payload bucket unit. The inter-changeable payload bucket has a displaceable cap member movable between a closed position and an elevated position. The cap member in the closed position closes an upper surface of the payload bucket and conceals any payload enclosed therein. The cap member in the elevated position is positioned above and allows top access to any payload located in the payload bucket unit. Preferably, the mobile base is provided with a holonomic drive arrangement. An elevating platform can also be associated with the cap member and can support sensors and/or conflict devices. The ability to easily alter the payload increases the possible applications and/or allows for multipurpose applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device inflatable between a vehicle surface and the vehicle occupant. The protection device includes a front panel having a portion presented toward the occupant when the protection device is in an inflated condition. A vent includes at least one opening for releasing inflation fluid from the protection device and has an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. A tether has a first end connected to the vent for actuating the vent and a second end connected to the protection device. A guide member connected to the front panel slidably receives a portion of the tether between the first and second ends. First and second portions of the guide member are releasably connected together to define a slackened portion.

Abstract: A bottle for feeding an infant is described. The bottle comprises a body portion adapted to be attachable to a feeding teat, the body portion having a perimeter around either at least one longitudinal section or at least one transverse section which is convoluted.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) includes at least one inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) including a first portion (50) inflatable to cover a first portion (20) of a vehicle and a second portion (52) inflatable to cover a second portion (30) of a vehicle. A single inflator (70) provides inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (14). A first conduit (52) has a portion terminating in the first portion (50) of the protection device (14). A second conduit (62) has a portion terminating in the second portion (60) of the protection device (14). The first and second conduits (52 and 62) are adapted to move relative to each other from a first condition in which the conduits are positioned for installation in the vehicle (12) to a second condition in which the conduits are positioned next to each other.

Abstract: The invention may be summarized as follows. The present invention provides insecticides comprised of naturally-occurring compounds, such as, for example, PA1b-related peptides and terpenoid saponins. The present invention also provides for identification and characterization of a synergistic insecticidal effect between peptides and saponins extracted from plants. Furthermore, simplified extraction procedures are provided that avoid the use of a chloroform defatting step or a column chromatography step.

Abstract: A portable vacuum and air filtration unit, comprising: a plurality of separately transportable modules and a means for locking the modules together during use, an air inlet located in one of the modules, a debris screen and a means for receiving debris stopped by the screen located in one of the modules, an electrostatic filter located in one of the modules, a bag filter assembly located in one of the modules, a HEPA filter assembly located in one of the modules, and a means for drawing a substantial volume of air through the inlet, screen, electrostatic filter, bag filter assembly and HEPA filter assembly.