Abstract: A transportation robot may comprise a base attached to a carriage. The base comprises a motor-assisted vehicle for transporting a first payload. The base automatically performs self-balancing functions during operation and rotates around a base axis of rotation. The carriage unit comprises a mechanical extension that is attached to the base for transporting a second payload that is different than the first payload. The carriage rotates around a carriage axis of rotation. The carriage includes a set of carriage connections configured to attach the carriage to the base so that the carriage axis of rotation is substantially collinear with the base axis of rotation. A carriage connection may include supplementary elements that enable the robot to operate properly in both first and second states (user is on or off the base) without requiring re-configuration of the carriage connection. The supplementary elements may include a resistance element and/or a damping element.

Abstract: Respective coordinators are spawned or activated to coordinate activities with regard to respective tasks. Where the respective tasks require cooperative efforts of a plurality of controllers, the respective coordinators ensure cooperative efforts by generating and communicating cooperative commands to the plurality of controllers. The coordinators may act as clearinghouses for system data, selectively requesting and relaying system information to appropriate controllers. For example, a document processing system activates respective coordinators for respective sheets of print media. The respective coordinators orchestrate the transportation of the sheets by sequentially orchestrating the activities of sequentially selected pluralities of transportation actuator controllers. Selected sheet position information from sensors and/or from models maintained by the actuator controllers may be relayed by the coordinators to selected actuator controllers as appropriate to the sheet transportation tasks.

Abstract: A portable, compact electronic device is disclosed which is adapted for communication with a personal digital assistant. The electronic device includes a housing having an opening adapted for receiving a medium adapted for printing or scanning and at least one coiled structure formed from a coilable material. At least one guide positions the coilable material as it is extended from the coiled structure. The printing or scanning medium is moved through an opening in the housing by rotating elements. An activation means is utilized to perform printing or scanning of the medium, under the controlled extension and retraction of the coilable material from the coiled structure.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for transporting materials or objects on substantially vertical structures for installation, deployment, inspection and repair purposes includes gripping mechanisms having a conformable gripping portion. The gripping mechanisms are separated by links, which are mutually attached to each other to permit angular rotation of the links relative to each other about a pivot point. A latching mechanism provides the capability for the gripping portion to be opened as well as secured for operation.

Abstract: An alignment system includes a first module having a plurality of emitters and a first receiver configuration located on the face of the first module. A second module has a second plurality of emitters and a second receiver configuration located on the face of the second module. First and second trigger signal generators fire the first and second plurality of the emitters. The generated signals are sensed by at least some of the receivers. A converter arrangement obtain and convert the received signals into digital data representative of the readings received by selected receivers. A processing system computes at least one of an absolute six degree offset or a relative six degree offset between the faces. The offset information is then used to achieve a desired alignment between the face of the first module and the face of the second module.

Abstract: A frameless media path module is provided for a media processing system feeding media streams through a media path structured for serial or parallel flows. The frameless media path module includes a plurality of media guides and not less than two media transport nips operated by at least one actuator. Means is included for attaching the frameless media path module to a supporting structure. Media state sensing electronics detect media edge or relative motion and intermodule electrical communication capability is provided.

Abstract: A portable, compact electronic device is disclosed which is adapted for communication with a personal digital assistant. The electronic device includes a housing having an opening adapted for receiving a medium adapted for printing or scanning and at least one coiled structure formed from a coilable material. At least one guide positions the coilable material as it is extended from the coiled structure. The printing or scanning medium is moved through an opening in the housing by rotating elements. An activation means is utilized to perform printing or scanning of the medium, under the controlled extension and retraction of the coilable material from the coiled structure.

Abstract: A robotic module for a toy construction system includes a housing enclosing a gear mechanism and an actuator connected to a pivot mechanism to supply operational power for rotation. An energy storage device supplies power to the actuator, which rotates in response to instructions received from a control unit connected to the actuator. A connection plate forms a connection between at least two of the modules. At least one position sensor is provided to sense the arrangement of the modules connected together.

Abstract: An alignment system includes a first module wherein a plurality of emitters are located at defined locations on the face of the first module. The emitters are positioned to emit signals of a known intensity distribution away from the face of the first module. A first receiver configuration is also located on the face of the first module, where the first receiver configuration has a known sensitivity distribution. A second module has a second plurality of emitters located at defined locations on the face of the module. The second plurality of emitters are positioned to emit signals of a known intensity distribution away from the face of the second module. A second receiver configuration is also located on the face of the second module, and has a known sensitivity distribution. First and second trigger signal generators are configured to fire the first and second plurality of emitters, respectively, in predetermined patterns.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules for a toy construction system includes a plurality of robotic modules, each of which contains memory capability, an actuator, communication means, and a central processor unit. The assemblage also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each individual robotic module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: A robotic module for a toy construction system includes a housing enclosing a gear mechanism and an actuator connected to a pivot mechanism to supply operational power for rotation. An energy storage device supplies power to the actuator, which rotates in response to instructions received from a control unit connected to the actuator. A connection plate forms a connection between at least two of the modules. At least one position sensor is provided to sense the arrangement of the modules connected together.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules for a toy construction system includes a plurality of robotic modules, each of which contains memory capability, an actuator, communication means, and a central processor unit. The assemblage also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each individual robotic module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules for a toy construction system includes a plurality of robotic modules, each of which contains memory capability, an actuator, communication means, and a central processor unit. The assemblage also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each individual robotic module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules includes a plurality of robotic modules, with each robotic module having memory capability, an actuator, a joint position sensor, and communication means. The assemblage of robotic modules also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each robotic joint module having at least one central processing unit.