Abstract: A UT scanner interface may include a main body that includes an inner chamber including a UT scanner facing toward an opening on a bottom side, a couplant injection port, and a fluid evacuation port. During operations, a couplant is injected into the inner chamber via the couplant injection port while couplant and any contaminants may be removed from the inner chamber via the fluid evacuation port.

Abstract: Various aspects include a robot including a chassis, a rear section, and a forward propulsion auger. The chassis may include a forward section; a first drive motor positioned within the forward section; a rear section; and a maneuvering gimbal. The forward propulsion auger may be positioned on a leading end of the forward section and coupled to the first drive motor. The forward propulsion auger may include at least one fluid nozzle configured to eject a fluid therefrom for fluidizing at least a portion of a viscous mixture. The forward section and the rear section may be configured to be selectively pivoted relative to one another about the pivot axis of the maneuvering gimbal. Also, the forward propulsion auger may be configured to be rotated by the first drive motor relative to the forward section about a rotational axis normal to the pivot axis of the maneuvering gimbal.

Abstract: Various aspects include a robot including a chassis, a rear section, and a forward propulsion auger. The chassis may include a forward section; a first drive motor positioned within the forward section; a rear section; and a maneuvering gimbal. The forward propulsion auger may be positioned on a leading end of the forward section and coupled to the first drive motor. The forward propulsion auger may include at least one fluid nozzle configured to eject a fluid therefrom for fluidizing at least a portion of a viscous mixture. The forward section and the rear section may be configured to be selectively pivoted relative to one another about the pivot axis of the maneuvering gimbal. Also, the forward propulsion auger may be configured to be rotated by the first drive motor relative to the forward section about a rotational axis normal to the pivot axis of the maneuvering gimbal.

Abstract: A drum is rotatably mounted on a carriage. A cable is configured to: transport power, connect with a drum connector disposed on the drum, and connect with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via a UAV connector. A drum actuator is configured to rotate the drum. A UAV feed is configured to align the cable as it exits the device towards the UAV. A tension sensor is configured to measure a tension of the cable. A controller receive as tension measurement from the tension sensor; and controls the drum actuator to maintain a determined tension on the cable while: dispensing the cable; holding the cable steady; or collecting the cable.

Abstract: A reactive tether spool comprises a drum, a signal cable, a drum actuator, a tension sensor, and a controller. The signal cable transports power and a control signal to a UAV. A controller receives a tension measurement from the tension sensor and controls the drum actuator to maintain a determined tension on the signal cable while performing at least one of the following: dispensing the signal cable; holding the signal cable steady; and collecting the signal cable.

Abstract: A reactive tether spool comprises a drum, a signal cable, a drum actuator, a tension sensor, and a controller. The signal cable transports power and a control signal to a UAV. A controller receives a tension measurement from the tension sensor and controls the drum actuator to maintain a determined tension on the signal cable while performing at least one of the following: dispensing the signal cable; holding the signal cable steady; and collecting the signal cable.