Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot may include a processor configured to employ exteroceptive and proprioceptive information. The processor may employ exteroceptive information to guide the robot. The processor may employ proprioceptive information to guide the robot's manipulation of an object within its environment.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the inventive concepts, provided is an autonomous mobile robot, comprising: at least one processor in communication with at least one computer memory device; at least one sensor positioned on the robot to acquire data indicating a position of a payload along fork tines of the robot, the data comprising at least one of discrete and continuous measurements; and a payload monitoring system comprising computer program code executable by the at least one processor to monitor one of pushing and dragging of the payload based on the data. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A train track of embodiments of the disclosed technology is bendable in a vertical and/or horizontal plane. This is accomplished by having connectors on either side of two rails which can change in length. The rail, between the connectors, is bendable. Further, a hinged top of a block is used to attach the track to the block when the angle of the lower side changes in combination with an elevation change.

Abstract: A train track of embodiments of the disclosed technology is bendable in a vertical and/or horizontal plane. This is accomplished by having connectors on either side of two rails which can change in length. The rail, between the connectors, is bendable. Further, a hinged top of a block is used to attach the track to the block when the angle of the lower side changes in combination with an elevation change.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) fluid monitoring system and method are provided to facilitate notification that a replacement IV fluid bag should be prepared. In this regard, an IV fluid monitoring system includes a bag sensing element carried by an IV fluid bag. The IV fluid monitoring system further includes first and second sensing elements positioned on opposite sides of the IV fluid bag and configured to interact with the bag sensing element. The first and second sensing elements are physically separate from the IV fluid bag. The bag sensing element and the first and second elements are positioned such that a line of sight between at least the first sensing element and the bag sensing element extends through the IV fluid within the IV fluid bag while the IV fluid bag is in a filled state. A method and apparatus are also provided to facilitate preparation of an IV fluid bag.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for interim volume verification. A system may include a first fluid container defining a first cavity, a second fluid container defining a second cavity, and a third fluid container defining a third cavity. Systems may include a pneumatic valve, where the pneumatic valve may be in pneumatic communication with the second cavity of the second fluid container. A controller may be configured to control the pneumatic valve. Systems may include a display configured to present a volume measurement to a user. A target volume of fluid may be caused by the controller to be drawn from the first cavity of the first fluid container into the second cavity of the second fluid container in response to the first cavity of the first fluid container being in fluid communication with the second cavity of the second container and the pneumatic valve causing a vacuum to be applied to the second cavity of the second fluid container.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for storing and dispensing medications to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. A storage and dispensing system may include a housing defining a cavity, a door movable between an open and a closed position to provide access to the cavity, two or more receivers disposed within the cavity, a lock to lock the door in the closed position, and a user interface configured to receive a request for medications stored within the cavity. The medications may be configured to be presented to a user in response to a request for the medications, while unrequested medications remain inaccessible.

Abstract: A fluid container, such as an intravenous (IV) bag, including a fluid sensor for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid is provided. The container includes an at least partially enclosed body defining an interior volume and one or more ports having an opening for accessing a fluid in the interior. A sensor device may be attachable to one of the ports. The sensor device includes a sensor for measuring a parameter of the fluid. A channel may extend between the port and the sensor for providing fluid from the interior volume of the body to the sensor. The sensor may be connected to a processing apparatus, such as a computer, for determining at least the type of fluid present based on the measured parameter obtained with the sensor. A method for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid contained in a fluid container, such as an IV bag, is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid container, such as an intravenous (IV) bag, including a fluid sensor for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid is provided. The container includes an at least partially enclosed body defining an interior volume and one or more ports having an opening for accessing a fluid in the interior. A sensor device may be attachable to one of the ports. The sensor device includes a sensor for measuring a parameter of the fluid. A channel may extend between the port and the sensor for providing fluid from the interior volume of the body to the sensor. The sensor may be connected to a processing apparatus, such as a computer, for determining at least the type of fluid present based on the measured parameter obtained with the sensor. A method for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid contained in a fluid container, such as an IV bag, is also provided.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for interim volume verification. A system may include a first fluid container defining a first cavity, a second fluid container defining a second cavity, and a third fluid container defining a third cavity. Systems may include a pneumatic valve, where the pneumatic valve may be in pneumatic communication with the second cavity of the second fluid container. A controller may be configured to control the pneumatic valve. Systems may include a display configured to present a volume measurement to a user. A target volume of fluid may be caused by the controller to be drawn from the first cavity of the first fluid container into the second cavity of the second fluid container in response to the first cavity of the first fluid container being in fluid communication with the second cavity of the second container and the pneumatic valve causing a vacuum to be applied to the second cavity of the second fluid container.

Abstract: An apparatus for singulating unit dose blisters from a blister card including at least two perforations separating unit dose blisters positioned adjacent to each other and extending along a longitudinal length of the blister card is provided. The apparatus may include a perforation determiner and a blister card cutter. The perforation determiner may be configured to generate information indicative of a distance between a first perforation location and a second perforation location of the blister card with respect to perforations extending along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the blister card and separating unit dose blisters to be singulated.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for storing and dispensing medications to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. A storage and dispensing system may include a housing defining a cavity, a door movable between an open and a closed position to provide access to the cavity, two or more receivers disposed within the cavity, a lock to lock the door in the closed position, and a user interface configured to receive a request for medications stored within the cavity. The medications may be configured to be presented to a user in response to a request for the medications, while unrequested medications remain inaccessible.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) fluid monitoring system and method are provided to facilitate notification that a replacement IV fluid bag should be prepared. In this regard, an IV fluid monitoring system includes a bag sensing element carried by an IV fluid bag. The IV fluid monitoring system further includes first and second sensing elements positioned on opposite sides of the IV fluid bag and configured to interact with the bag sensing element. The first and second sensing elements are physically separate from the IV fluid bag. The bag sensing element and the first and second elements are positioned such that a line of sight between at least the first sensing element and the bag sensing element extends through the IV fluid within the IV fluid bag while the IV fluid bag is in a filled state. A method and apparatus are also provided to facilitate preparation of an IV fluid bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for singulating unit dose blisters from a blister card including at least two perforations separating unit dose blisters positioned adjacent to each other and extending along a longitudinal length of the blister card is provided. The apparatus may include a perforation determiner and a blister card cutter. The perforation determiner may be configured to generate information indicative of a distance between a first perforation location and a second perforation location of the blister card with respect to perforations extending along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the blister card and separating unit dose blisters to be singulated.

Abstract: A stage positioning system and method for aligning optical components according to a figure of merit is disclosed. The system includes a stage assembly having six axes of freedom wherein the pivot point of the stage assembly motion is user definable and preferably outside the envelope formed by the stage assembly. The stage assembly includes three sub-assemblies. A base sub-assembly provides x and z axes motion, a yaw stage provides yaw about the y axis, and a three-axis stage provides y motion as well as pitch and roll about the x and z axes, respectively.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved solar water purification system and process wherein the evaporating, condensing and distillate collecting chambers are located underground to assist in the evaporation and condensation process. The system includes three computer controlled preheaters which are constantly monitored to determine the temperature of the load therein. The cycling and recycling of the load relative to the load tank and the three preheaters is controlled by the computer for optimum system efficiency. One of the three preheaters is located underground, while a second preheater is located externally as a solar preheater and the third preheater is an outside gas, oil or waste heat fired preheater. In addition to producing pure water through the evaporation process, there is disclosed a system and process whereby various contaminants may be captured for further processing, storage and exploitation.