Autonomous mobile robot for radiologic surveys

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:869373

Dudar, Aed M ^[1]; Wagner, David G ^[1]; Teese, Gregory D ^[2]

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1. Augusta, GA
2. Aiken, SC

An apparatus for conducting radiologic surveys. The apparatus comprises in the main a robot capable of following a preprogrammed path through an area, a radiation monitor adapted to receive input from a radiation detector assembly, ultrasonic transducers for navigation and collision avoidance, and an on-board computer system including an integrator for interfacing the radiation monitor and the robot. Front and rear bumpers are attached to the robot by bumper mounts. The robot may be equipped with memory boards for the collection and storage of radiation survey information. The on-board computer system is connected to a remote host computer via a UHF radio link. The apparatus is powered by a rechargeable 24-volt DC battery, and is stored at a docking station when not in use and/or for recharging. A remote host computer contains a stored database defining paths between points in the area where the robot is to operate, including but not limited to the locations of walls, doors, stationary furniture and equipment, and sonic markers if used. When a program consisting of a series of paths is downloaded to the on-board computer system, the robot conducts a floor survey autonomously at any preselected rate. When the radiation monitor detects contamination, the robot resurveys the area at reduced speed and resumes its preprogrammed path if the contamination is not confirmed. If the contamination is confirmed, the robot stops and sounds an alarm.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5324948
• OSTI ID: 869373
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

autonomous
mobile
robot
radiologic
surveys
apparatus
conducting
comprises
main
capable
following
preprogrammed
path
radiation
monitor
adapted
receive
input
detector
assembly
ultrasonic
transducers
navigation
collision
avoidance
on-board
computer
including
integrator
interfacing
front
rear
bumpers
attached
bumper
mounts
equipped
memory
boards
collection
storage
survey
information
connected
remote
host
via
uhf
radio
link
powered
rechargeable
24-volt
dc
battery
stored
docking
station
recharging
contains
database
defining
paths
operate
limited
locations
walls
doors
stationary
furniture
equipment
sonic
markers
consisting
series
downloaded
conducts
floor
autonomously
preselected
rate
detects
contamination
resurveys
reduced
speed
resumes
confirmed
stops
sounds
alarm
preprogrammed path
remote host
ultrasonic transducer
apparatus comprises
radiation detector
detector assembly
ultrasonic transducers
radiation monitor
radiation survey
stored data
apparatus comprise
monitor detects
collision avoidance
receive input
mobile robot
host computer
radiologic surveys
dc battery
/250/