Abstract: A mobile device (e.g., wireless wheeled vehicle) that includes one or more propulsion mechanisms (e.g., one or more drive wheels) and a member (e.g., a mechanized tail). The propulsion mechanism(s) are operable to propel the mobile device across a driving surface. The member is positionable to maintain or change an orientation of the mobile device with respect to the driving surface. The member has a base portion opposite a free end portion. The base portion is pivotably mounted to a portion of the mobile device. The base portion is pivotable to move the free end portion toward and away from the driving surface.

Abstract: A mobile device comprises a platform, a motion drive, and a spatial profiling device. The motion drive is configured to propel the platform according to navigation instructions. The spatial profiling device is configured to capture a spatial profile of a motion area. A spatial profile is received from the spatial profiling device. A mobile object is located employing the spatial profile. A movement is planned for the mobile device between a first location and a second location in the motion area. The movement is configured to avoid the mobile object. The movement is communicated as navigation instructions to the motion drive.

Abstract: A system comprises a mobile device, a spatial profiling device, and a mobile device manager. The mobile device comprises a platform, a first communications circuit that receives navigation instructions, and a motion drive that propels the platform according to the navigation instructions. The spatial profiling device captures a spatial profile of a motion area. The mobile device manager comprises at least one second communications circuit that communicates with the first communications circuit and the spatial profiling device, processor(s), and memory storing processing instructions. The instructions, when executed, cause the mobile device manager to receive spatial profiles, locate the mobile object, locate the mobile device, plan a movement for the mobile device which avoids the mobile object, and communicate the movement to the mobile device as navigation instructions.

Abstract: A mobile device (e.g., wireless wheeled vehicle) that includes one or more propulsion mechanisms (e.g., one or more drive wheels) and a member (e.g., a mechanized tail). The propulsion mechanism(s) are operable to propel the mobile device across a driving surface. The member is positionable to maintain or change an orientation of the mobile device with respect to the driving surface. The member has a base portion opposite a free end portion. The base portion is pivotably mounted to a portion of the mobile device. The base portion is pivotable to move the free end portion toward and away from the driving surface.

Abstract: A system comprises a mobile device, a spatial profiling device, and a mobile device manager. The mobile device comprises a platform, a first communications circuit that receives navigation instructions, and a motion drive that propels the platform according to the navigation instructions. The spatial profiling device captures a spatial profile of a motion area. The mobile device manager comprises at least one second communications circuit that communicates with the first communications circuit and the spatial profiling device, processor(s), and memory storing processing instructions. The instructions, when executed, cause the mobile device manager to receive spatial profiles, locate the mobile object, locate the mobile device, plan a movement for the mobile device which avoids the mobile object, and communicate the movement to the mobile device as navigation instructions.

Abstract: A low input power consumption, compact thermal field emitter is suitable for use in electron beam systems, particularly those systems that use an array of electron beams or a miniature electron beam system. The thermal field emitter design reduces heat loss by reducing heat transfer to the base. To achieve reduced loses the design incorporates the use of high electrical resistivity, low thermal conductivity materials for construction of the filament posts and the filaments. Such materials further reduce heat loss and reduce input current requirements. In one embodiment, the base includes counterbores that reduce the heat conduction path between the filament posts and the base, and moves the contact area further from the filament.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamic feedback projection from a hand held pointing device is provided. The system includes a hand held pointing device that is capable of two way communication with appliance interfaces associated with appliances that are controllable by the hand held pointing device. The hand held pointer is capable of transmitting signals to the appliance interfaces and receiving response signals from the appliance interfaces. The hand held pointing device further includes a visible light projection apparatus for projecting light onto a remote surface. The projected light is displaced on the remote surface by a light projection modification apparatus such that the projected light creates images corresponding to the response signals from the appliance interfaces.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for tracking assets. The method comprises the steps of generating a magnetic field at the base station, receiving a radio signal transmitted from the remote station disposed at a location, and determining a distance from the base station to the location from the received radio signal transmitted from the remote station. In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of remotely sensing a magnetic field generated by a base station, measuring an intensity of the sensed magnetic field, and transmitting a radio signal from the remote station to the base station as an indication of a distance between the base station and the remote station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing performance of personal area network (PAN) systems that use electric fields as communication media between PAN transmitters carried by people and PAN receivers mounted on computers to which selective access is sought to be established. Multiple PAN receiver antennae are mounted on a keyboard, such that if a person with a PAN transmitter rests her arms on or near the keyboard, sufficient signal from the transmitter is sensed by one or more of the receiver antennae even though some of the signal is shunted away from the receivers through the arms. Also, a driven shield insulates a PAN receiver from nearby metal objects, e.g., a desk on which the PAN receiver is supported. Moreover, a multiple-electrode PAN transmitter reduces the deleterious effects on the signal from the PAN transmitter that can otherwise be caused by, e.g., loose metal coins that are present in a pocket in which the transmitter is carried.