Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a robotic catheter cradle having a receiving module configured to releasably receive a steerable sheath after a distal end of the steerable sheath has been manually introduced into a patient independent of the receiving module. In an illustrative example, a steering drive module may be operably coupled to the robotic catheter cradle to robotically operate at least one interface of the handle to selectively actuate at least one guidewire of the steerable sheath such that a distal end of the steerable sheath is controllably deflected. An axial drive module may, for example, be operably coupled to the robotic catheter cradle to robotically translate the steerable sheath. Various embodiments may advantageously enable a human operator to remove the steerable sheath into a manual mode that permits operation mechanically independent of the robotic catheter cradle without withdrawing the distal end from the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a guidewire slack take-up module (STUM) that engages a guidewire, by a retractor module (RM), to displace the guidewire in a proximal direction (D1) in response to a tensioning command signal (TCS) and maintains a predetermined biasing force (PBF) in D1 when the RM is not engaged. In an illustrative example, the STUM may include a connection module (CM) disposed at a proximal end of a control member (CM). The CM may have its distal end fixedly attached to a distal end of a flexible shaft. The RM may, in response to the TCS, engage the CM to displace the proximal end of the CM in D1. A biasing member may apply the PBF to the CM in D1 when the RM is not engaging the CM. Various embodiments may advantageously reduce or eliminate slack in a guidewire of a steerable catheter.

Abstract: A two wheeled throwable robot comprises an elongate chassis with two ends, a motor at each end, drive wheels connected to the motors, and a tail extending from the elongate chassis. A rear portion having a deep recess securing the pair of motors with brackets, and batteries with brackets. The forward part having a shallow recess with a printed circuit board secured therein having control circuitry. The wheels are less than six inches in diameter and the robot weighs less than five pounds.

Abstract: A two wheeled throwable robot comprises an elongate chassis with two ends, a motor at each end, drive wheels connected to the motors, and a tail extending from the elongate chassis. A rear portion having a deep recess securing the pair of motors with brackets, and batteries with brackets. The forward part having a shallow recess with a printed circuit board secured therein having control circuitry. The wheels are less than six inches in diameter and the robot weighs less than five pounds.

Abstract: A two wheeled throwable robot comprises an elongate chassis with two ends, a motor at each end, drive wheels connected to the motors, and a tail extending from the elongate chassis. A rear portion having a deep recess securing the pair of motors with brackets, and batteries with brackets. The forward part having a shallow recess with a printed circuit board secured therein having control circuitry. The wheels are less than six inches in diameter and the robot weighs less than five pounds.

Abstract: A two wheeled throwable robot comprises an elongate chassis with two ends, a motor at each end, drive wheels connected to the motors, and a tail extending from the elongate chassis. The chassis split length wise and comprised of a pair of elongate portions, a rear portion and a forward portion. Adjoining respective surfaces with interfacing portions are sealed with a gasket or sealing material therebetween and provide a robust juncture. The rear portion having a deep recess and sub recess for containing and securing the pair of motors with brackets, and batteries with brackets. The forward part having a shallow recess with a pcb secured therein having control circuitry. The shallow component has a high degree of structural strength with a central region projecting forwardly and further having flattened forward facing end portions on each lateral side of the central region.