Abstract: A conveyor station, robot module, sweeper module, and methods for autonomously emptying debris using the conveyor station are described. In one example, a conveyor station includes a housing having an input end and an output end. The conveyor station includes a conveyor belt having a receiving region proximate to the input end and an angled transport region leading toward a dispense region. The conveyor belt has a plurality of fins that extend out from a surface of the conveyor belt. The plurality of fins enable movement of debris collected at the receiving region toward the dispense region. The dispense region is configured to push debris into a drop funnel of the housing, and the drop funnel directs debris into a receptacle. The conveyor station includes a conveyor controller of the conveyor station is configured with a sensor for detecting presence of a sweeper module. The sweeper module includes a container that holds debris collected when the sweeper module is connected to a robot module.

Abstract: A dock assembly is provided. The dock assembly is configured for docking with a robot. An alignment platform of said dock assembly is configured to receive a sweeper module from the robot when the robot is docked and said sweeper module disengages from the robot. The alignment platform has a plurality of cones positioned on a top side of the alignment platform. The plurality of cones are configured to engage a plurality of holes positioned on an underside of the sweeper module when the sweeper module becomes disengaged from the robot. The plurality of cones enable self-alignment of the alignment platform to the sweeper module as the plurality of cones engage the plurality of holes. The alignment platform has a plurality of support pads positioned on a bottom side of the alignment platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earphone, including: an earphone base; an earphone plug, where the earphone plug is disposed on the earphone base; an eject pin configured to remove a card tray of a mobile terminal, where the eject pin is disposed in the earphone plug and the eject pin is connected to the earphone base by using a spring; and a pin controller, where the pin controller is connected to the earphone base, and the pin controller controls the eject pin to extend out of the earphone plug along an axial direction of the earphone plug or to retract into the earphone plug.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earphone, including: an earphone base; an earphone plug, where the earphone plug is disposed on the earphone base; an eject pin configured to remove a card tray of a mobile terminal, where the eject pin is disposed in the earphone plug and the eject pin is connected to the earphone base by using a spring; and a pin controller, where the pin controller is connected to the earphone base, and the pin controller controls the eject pin to extend out of the earphone plug along an axial direction of the earphone plug or to retract into the earphone plug.

Abstract: An autonomous robot is provided, that includes a main body having a frame that includes a back end and a front end. The frame includes a first frame extension and a second frame extension that connects the back end of the frame to the front end of the frame. The front end of the frame includes a path to an open volume disposed between the first frame extension, the second frame extension and the back end. Further provided is a drive system connected to the frame, a retention system coupled to the frame, a lift mechanism attached to the frame, and a sweeper attachment having a dimension to substantially fit within the open volume of the main body. The sweeper attachment is connectable to the retention system to raise and lower of the sweeper attachment using the lift mechanism. Further provided is a controller interfaced with the drive system, the retention system and the lift mechanism.

Abstract: An autonomous modular robot includes an attachment retention system that for retaining two or more interchangeable attachments for performing unique tasks, e.g., steam cleaning, vacuuming, grass cutting, etc. The attachments may be sequentially positioned in the path of travel of the robot and configured to perform complementary tasks. For example, for cleaning a floor, a first attachment may be configured to vacuum the floor and a second attachment may be configured for steam cleaning the floor. The robot may also include a vertically translatable lift mechanism. The lift mechanism may include the attachment retention system, thereby allowing the attachments to be moved vertically. The lift mechanism may also include a dimension sensor proximate a top of the lift mechanism. The dimension sensor may be utilized to determine the size, e.g., a height and/or a width of the robot with any retained attachments, to help navigate the robot and avoid obstacles.

Abstract: An autonomous modular robot includes an attachment retention system that for retaining two or more interchangeable attachments for performing unique tasks, e.g., steam cleaning, vacuuming, grass cutting, etc. The attachments may be sequentially positioned in the path of travel of the robot and configured to perform complementary tasks. For example, for cleaning a floor, a first attachment may be configured to vacuum the floor and a second attachment may be configured for steam cleaning the floor. The robot may also include a vertically translatable lift mechanism. The lift mechanism may include the attachment retention system, thereby allowing the attachments to be moved vertically. The lift mechanism may also include a dimension sensor proximate a top of the lift mechanism. The dimension sensor may be utilized to determine the size, e.g., a height and/or a width of the robot with any retained attachments, to help navigate the robot and avoid obstacles.

Abstract: An autonomous modular robot includes an attachment retention system that for retaining two or more interchangeable attachments for performing unique tasks, e.g., steam cleaning, vacuuming, grass cutting, etc. The attachments may be sequentially positioned in the path of travel of the robot and configured to perform complementary tasks. For example, for cleaning a floor, a first attachment may be configured to vacuum the floor and a second attachment may be configured for steam cleaning the floor. The robot may also include a vertically translatable lift mechanism. The lift mechanism may include the attachment retention system, thereby allowing the attachments to be moved vertically. The lift mechanism may also include a dimension sensor proximate a top of the lift mechanism. The dimension sensor may be utilized to determine the size, e.g., a height and/or a width of the robot with any retained attachments, to help navigate the robot and avoid obstacles.

Abstract: A modular robot is a robot that is capable of performing a variety of functions and tasks. The robot includes a main body that is driven via a drive system while a steering system controls the direction of movement. An interchangeable attachment may be attached and removed from the main body and includes various components that allow the robot to perform various functions. Electrical power is provided to the robot via a primary power supply and a secondary power supply. An electronic control system allows for autonomous operation of the robot. User commands may be wirelessly received by the electronic control system. The robot is capable of autonomously replacing the primary power supply upon depletion and additionally may be docked to a docking station for charging. The interchangeable attachment may be docked to a docking station as well.

Abstract: An autonomous modular robot includes an attachment retention system that for retaining two or more interchangeable attachments for performing unique tasks, e.g., steam cleaning, vacuuming, grass cutting, etc. The attachments may be sequentially positioned in the path of travel of the robot and configured to perform complementary tasks. For example, for cleaning a floor, a first attachment may be configured to vacuum the floor and a second attachment may be configured for steam cleaning the floor. The robot may also include a vertically translatable lift mechanism. The lift mechanism may include the attachment retention system, thereby allowing the attachments to be moved vertically. The lift mechanism may also include a dimension sensor proximate a top of the lift mechanism. The dimension sensor may be utilized to determine the size, e.g., a height and/or a width of the robot with any retained attachments, to help navigate the robot and avoid obstacles.

Abstract: The present invention provides preparation methods of protein nanoparticles for in vivo delivery of pharmacologically active agents, wherein said methods are to encase pharmaceutically active agents into proteins or peptides to form nanoparticles by unfolding the protein, and subsequently refolding or assembling the protein to produce a pharmacologically active agent encased within a protein nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention provides preparation methods of protein nanoparticles for in vivo delivery of pharmacologically active agents, wherein said methods are to encase pharmaceutically active agents into proteins or peptides to form nanoparticles by unfolding the protein, and subsequently refolding or assembling the protein to produce a pharmacologically active agent encased within a protein nanoparticle.