iRobot Adds to Roster of Patents: New Technology Improves Safety of Bomb Disposal Robots; Unique Modular Firing System Incorporated into Combat-Proven iRobot PackBot EOD.BURLINGTON, Mass. -- iRobot Corp. has been awarded a patent for a modular firing system In demolition, a system composed of elements designed to fire the main charge or charges. that makes a robot's actions safer and more reliable when disposing of dangerous explosive devices. iRobot, with its history of innovation, holds 19 U.S. patents as well as several patents in foreign countries and has more than 25 patents pending. The new patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,860,206, entitled "Remote Digital Firing System," covers technology already incorporated into the iRobot PackBot(R) EOD EOD abbreviation for every other day; used in medical records. , an explosive ordnance disposal The detection, identification, on-site evaluation, rendering safe, recovery, and final disposal of unexploded explosive ordnance. It may also include explosive ordnance which has become hazardous by damage or deterioration. Also called EOD. robot being used daily to disable roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Explosive devices are unpredictable and deadly, making robots the ideal candidate to disarm them," said Vice Admiral Joe Dyer (U.S. Navy, Ret.), executive vice president and general manager of iRobot's Government and Industrial Robotics division. "iRobot's new firing system technology is a breakthrough that will ensure that the operator can remain fully in control of the ability to fire at all times, allowing the robot to complete its mission safely and effectively." The firing system allows bomb technicians and soldiers to fully control the ability to fire and safely detonate det·o·nate intr. & tr.v. det·o·nat·ed, det·o·nat·ing, det·o·nates To explode or cause to explode. [Latin d dangerous explosives at maximum standoff distances, keeping them out of harm's way beyond the danger limit; in a safe place. - Latimer. See also: Out . The patented technology routes both the firing circuit 1. In land operations, an electrical circuit and/or pyrotechnic loop designed to detonate connected charges from a firing point. 2. In naval mine warfare, that part of a mine circuit which either completes the detonator circuit or operates a ship counter. and the main robotic controls through a single communications system In telecommunication, a communications system is a collection of individual communications networks, transmission systems, relay stations, tributary stations, and data terminal equipment (DTE) usually capable of interconnection and interoperation to form an integrated whole. , eliminating the possibility that one line of communication could inadvertently become inoperable inoperable /in·op·er·a·ble/ (in-op´er-ah-b'l) not susceptible to treatment by surgery. in·op·er·a·ble adj. Unsuitable for a surgical procedure. . For example, in other bomb disposal robots, the radio system that drives the robot is separate from the radio system that controls the firing system, raising the possibility that a robot could be driven out of the firing system's range. iRobot's new patented technology overcomes this problem with layers of safety, including multiple electronic redundancies and resistance to electrostatic discharge. These features guard against malfunction or loss of mission. Additionally, the firing circuit features a modular, plug-and-play design, allowing multiple firing circuits to be added without having to retest and recertify re·cer·ti·fy tr.v. re·cer·ti·fied, re·cer·ti·fy·ing, re·cer·ti·fies To renew the certification of, especially certification given by a licensing board. the entire robot. iRobot PackBot EOD is a rugged, lightweight robot designed to assist in explosive ordnance disposal, search-and-surveillance and other hazardous tasks for military units and state, local and municipal bomb squads. It can be carried by a single person and handle a full range of conventional ordnance disposal and improvised explosive devices. iRobot PackBot EOD's lightweight, ruggedized OmniReach Manipulator System can reach as far as two meters in any direction to assess and safely disrupt improvised explosive devices. About iRobot Corp. iRobot is best known in the military for setting the new standard in mobile, agile robotics for reconnaissance and other tactical applications. iRobot has a long commitment to building robotic products that make living safer and easier for people in many walks of life. Over the past 15 years, iRobot has developed and built innovative products for the military, government security agencies, law enforcement and the consumer marketplace. In 2003, co-founders Helen Greiner and Colin Angle were named Ernst & Young regional Entrepreneurs of the Year for their innovative work in technology. For additional information about iRobot, visit www.irobot.com. |
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