Abstract: Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1400) for operating a Spool Mechanism (“SM”). The methods comprise: transitioning an operational mode of SM from a first operational mode in which a drag torque is not settable to a second operational mode in which the drag torque is settable; selectively mechanically coupling a rewind motor to a spool (612) of SM by engaging a coupler (1014) in response to the SM's transition into the second operational mode; activating the rewind motor (610) such that the rewind motor applies a motor torque having a pre-defined value selected for facilitating a setting of the drag torque to an optimal value; mechanically gradually adjusting an amount of drag resistance applied to the spool by a drag mechanism (1012); and discontinuing the mechanical adjustment of the drag resistance when the spool's speed is within a threshold percentage range of a zero resistance speed.

Abstract: Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.

Abstract: Unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a rotary joint having an axis of rotation. A rotary joint actuator is responsive to at least one control signal and is configured to cause a rotatable portion of the rotary joint to rotate relative to the vehicle chassis about the rotary joint axis of rotation. A stabilizer flipper having an elongated length is attached to the rotatable portion. Consequently, rotation of the rotatable portion about the rotary joint axis of rotation results in a change of orientation of the stabilizer flipper relative to the chassis. This change in orientation can range between a lateral direction and an longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A recoil managed disruptor includes a disruptor device having a barrel from which a slug of material is fired. A piston is mechanically coupled to the disruptor device. A housing which supports the disruptor on a positioning device includes a deformable recoil absorber (DRA) constraint. The DRA constraint is configured to receive a sacrificial DRA structure comprised of a semi-rigid material. The piston is responsive to a recoil force produced when the disruptor device is fired to travel along an axial length of the housing and permanently deform the DRA structure within the DRA constraint.

Abstract: Methods, reactor tubes, reactors, and systems for catalysis are disclosed. A reactor tube includes an outer shell defining a catalyst bed, a catalyst within the catalyst bed, and an inner tube extending through the catalyst bed. An interior of the inner tube is isolated from the catalyst within the catalyst bed. Methods of activating a catalyst are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A shock absorbing disruptor mounting system for a robotic arm includes a rack comprised of a linear guide structure and a carriage which is configured to travel on the linear guide structure. The carriage is selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position and includes a plurality of wheels along its length. Each of the wheels has a wheel axis of rotation which is transverse to the direction of the linear guide structure centerline to facilitate rotation of the wheels on at least a portion of the linear guide structure responsive to the travel.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1400) for operating a Spool Mechanism (“SM”). The methods comprise: transitioning an operational mode of SM from a first operational mode in which a drag torque is not settable to a second operational mode in which the drag torque is settable; selectively mechanically coupling a rewind motor to a spool (612) of SM by engaging a coupler (1014) in response to the SM's transition into the second operational mode; activating the rewind motor (610) such that the rewind motor applies a motor torque having a pre-defined value selected for facilitating a setting of the drag torque to an optimal value; mechanically gradually adjusting an amount of drag resistance applied to the spool by a drag mechanism (1012); and discontinuing the mechanical adjustment of the drag resistance when the spool's speed is within a threshold percentage range of a zero resistance speed.

Abstract: A ground vehicle suspension system includes first and second rocker-bogie mechanisms which are respectively secured to a chassis on opposing sides of a central axis. Each rocker-bogie mechanism includes a main link on which a first and second bogie is respectively pivotally mounted. The first and second bogie each has opposing inner and outer bogie end portions. On each bogie, an inner wheel is disposed on an inner stub axle and an outer wheel is disposed on an outer stub axle. A continuous track is guided on the inner and outer wheels of the first bogie and second bogie. A resilient member extends between the first and second bogie and is attached at one end to the inner bogie end portion of the first bogie and at an opposing end to the inner bogie end portion of the second bogie.

Abstract: Robotic manipulator arm has an end portion to which one or more end effector appliances can be operably mounted for performing one or more manipulator arm operations. A control system has access to a plurality of different end effector appliance parameter sets which are respectively associated with the plurality of different end effector appliances. A user interface facilitates identification to the control system of one or more of the different end effector appliances which are installed on the manipulator arm. The control system is responsive to the identification to modify a control algorithm.

Abstract: An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a mast attached to a UGV body at a base end. The mast extends a predetermined distance to a mast head which can include a mast-head device. A flipper assembly includes at least one flipper arm which is rotatably mounted to the UGV body to help facilitate UGV stability and/or mobility. A flipper actuator causes the flipper arm to rotate about a flipper rotation axis. Movement of the mast between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration is selectively controlled by operation of the flipper assembly.

Abstract: A shock absorbing disruptor mounting system for a robotic arm includes a rack comprised of a linear guide structure and a carriage which is configured to travel on the linear guide structure. The carriage is selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position and includes a plurality of wheels along its length. Each of the wheels has a wheel axis of rotation which is transverse to the direction of the linear guide structure centerline to facilitate rotation of the wheels on at least a portion of the linear guide structure responsive to the travel.

Abstract: Robotic manipulator arm has an end portion to which one or more end effector appliances can be operably mounted for performing one or more manipulator arm operations. A control system has access to a plurality of different end effector appliance parameter sets which are respectively associated with the plurality of different end effector appliances. A user interface facilitates identification to the control system of one or more of the different end effector appliances which are installed on the manipulator arm. The control system is responsive to the identification to modify a control algorithm.

Abstract: Payload deployment system (400) comprises a payload deployment device (402) and a payload deployment structure (406) comprising a frame (102) having a first end, a second end, and a body extending from the first end toward the second end. The frame includes an aperture (106) located along a length of the body, wherein the aperture extends from a first surface of the frame to a second surface of the frame. A heating element (116) is located along a portion of an edge of the aperture, wherein the heating element is configured to be selectively electrically energized. The frame further includes a mounting portion (104) wherein the payload deployment structure is connected to the payload deployment device via the mounting portion.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (600) for operating an exoskeleton disposed at least partially on a joint of a wearer's limb (118). The methods involve respectively aligning first apertures (310 or 312) of a first planar flexible element (304 or 306) of the exoskeleton with second apertures (310 or 312) of a second planar flexible element (304 or 306) of the exoskeleton. The first and second planar flexible elements abut each other. A toothed flexible element (302) is then caused to ratchetedly engage the first and second planar flexible elements by bending the joint.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling a gimbaled camera system of a vehicle. The system includes a camera positioned relative to a body of the vehicle and one or more sensors configured to sense the pointing direction of the camera. One or more sensors are configured to monitor movement of the vehicle relative to a surface. A processor is configured to receive the sensed camera pointing direction data and vehicle movement data. The processor establishes and stores a target position representative of the position of a target object relative to the vehicle body based on an object independent association and automatically adjusts the camera pointing direction in response to the vehicle movement data such that the camera remains aimed on the target position. A method for automatically controlling the gimbaled camera system is also provided.

Abstract: An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a mast attached to a UGV body at a base end. The mast extends a predetermined distance to a mast head which can include a mast-head device. A flipper assembly includes at least one flipper arm which is rotatably mounted to the UGV body to help facilitate UGV stability and/or mobility. A flipper actuator causes the flipper arm to rotate about a flipper rotation axis. Movement of the mast between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration is selectively controlled by operation of the flipper assembly.

Abstract: A method for controlling the charging of a battery panel of a remote vehicle using regenerative power includes continuously monitoring a state of charge of each of a plurality of smart batteries included in a battery panel and detecting a regenerative current flow from a motor of a vehicle. The method also includes determining if a current charge status of a smart battery in the plurality of smart batteries is at a charge condition which is less than a threshold value associated with the smart battery and determining a plurality of optimal voltage differentials to be applied across each of the plurality of smart batteries. Each of the plurality of optimal voltage differentials is used to control a charging current supplied to a corresponding smart battery. The method further includes applying the determined plurality of optimal voltage differentials across each of the corresponding plurality of smart batteries.

Abstract: A method for controlling the charging of a battery panel of a remote vehicle using regenerative power includes continuously monitoring a state of charge of each of a plurality of smart batteries included in a battery panel and detecting a regenerative current flow from a motor of a vehicle. The method also includes determining if a current charge status of a smart battery in the plurality of smart batteries is at a charge condition which is less than a threshold value associated with the smart battery and determining a plurality of optimal voltage differentials to be applied across each of the plurality of smart batteries. Each of the plurality of optimal voltage differentials is used to control a charging current supplied to a corresponding smart battery. The method further includes applying the determined plurality of optimal voltage differentials across each of the corresponding plurality of smart batteries.

Abstract: Payload deployment system (400) comprises a payload deployment device (402) and a payload deployment structure (406) comprising a frame (102) having a first end, a second end, and a body extending from the first end toward the second end. The frame includes an aperture (106) located along a length of the body, wherein the aperture extends from a first surface of the frame to a second surface of the frame. A heating element (116) is located along a portion of an edge of the aperture, wherein the heating element is configured to be selectively electrically energized. The frame further includes a mounting portion (104) wherein the payload deployment structure is connected to the payload deployment device via the mounting portion.