Robotic First Responder System and Method

• US 20140150806A1
• Filed: 12/02/2012
• Published: 06/05/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John Hu, Yi-Je Lim
• Original Assignee: John Hu, Yi-Je Lim
• Inventors: Hu, John, Lim, Yi-Je
• Application Number:
  US13/691,840
• Publication Number:
  US 20140150806A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/870
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2505/01 Emergency care
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/30 Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6887 mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7465 Arrangements for interactive communication between patient and care services, e.g. by using a telephone network telemetry of measured physiological signal A61B5/0002
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/3769 for attaching the body to beds, wheel-chairs or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 1/0231 having only fixed wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 1/0275 having driven wheels, e.g. motorised
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 1/04 Parts, details or accessories, e.g. head-, foot-, or like rests specially adapted for stretchers
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 10/005 Isolators, i.e. enclosures generally comprising flexible walls for maintaining a germ-free environment
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/22 for automatically guiding movable devices, e.g. stretchers or wheelchairs in a hospital
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 11/009 Nursing, e.g. carrying sick persons, pushing wheelchairs, distributing drugs
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 5/005 mounted on endless tracks or belts
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 7/005 Unmanned ground vehicles, i.e. robotic, remote controlled or autonomous, mobile platforms carrying equipment for performing a military or police role, e.g. weapon systems or reconnaissance sensors F41H11/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/01 Mobile robot
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/46 Sensing device

Abstract

A robotic first responder system provides injured patients with first response medical care and extracts the injured patient from a dangerous or remote area. After assessing of the level of consciousness of an injured patient, the robotic unit utilizes an inflatable immobilization device for safe robotic rescue of injured patients. The robotic unit lifts and transfers an injured patient to an extraction vehicle, a secure, bullet-proof wheeled system that can be pulled by the robot to safe location. The extraction vehicle continues serving as the evacuation stretcher to a medical station. The robotic unit utilizes zero moment point control to maintain stability while lifting the patient. A robot first responder tows the extraction vehicle or the extraction vehicle self-navigates incorporating with power drive and autonomous navigation systems.

Claims

1. A robotic first responder system comprising:

a robotic first responder, said robotic first responder being operable to provide medical care to a patient, or a combat casualty, or a disaster casualty;

an immobilization device, said immobilization device being configured to receive and support said patient; and

an extraction vehicle, said extraction vehicle being operable to transport said patient.

2. The robotic first responder system of claim 1, wherein said robotic first responder is operable to provide first responder medical care to said patient or casualty.

3. The robotic first responder system of claim 2, in which said robotic first responder comprises a humanoid upper torso.

4. The robotic first responder system of claim 3, in which said robotic first responder comprises at least one bimanual dexterous manipulator, said at least one bimanual dexterous manipulator being configured to manipulate said patient or casualty.

5. The robotic first responder system of claim 4, in which said robotic first responder comprises a stability enhancement device, said stability enhancement device being operable to provide stability to said robotic first responder when lifting and transporting said patient or casualty.

6. The robotic first responder system of claim 5, wherein said robotic first responder is configured to be bullet-proof.

7. The robotic first responder system of claim 6, wherein said robotic first responder tows said extraction vehicle.

8. The robotic first responder system of claim 7, wherein said immobilization device is operable to inflate with fast-hardening foam material by said robotic first responder.

9. The robotic first responder system of claim 8, wherein said immobilization device is configured to contour said patient'"'"'s neck and spine.

10. The robotic first responder system of claim 9, in which said extraction vehicle comprises a base platform, said base platform being configured to receive said patient or casualty.

11. The robotic first responder system of claim 10, in which said extraction vehicle comprises a lifting device, said lifting device being configured to elevate said patient or casualty onto said extraction vehicle.

12. The robotic first responder system of claim 11, in which said extraction vehicle comprises a lid portion, said lid portion being configured to cover said patient or casualty inside said extraction vehicle.

13. The robotic first responder system of claim 12, in which said extraction vehicle comprises a navigation sensory portion, said navigation sensory portion being operable to guide said extraction vehicle.

14. The robotic first responder system of claim 13, in which said extraction vehicle comprises a vital signs recording device, said vital signs recording device being operable to monitor and record vital signs of said patient or casualty.

15. The robotic first responder system of claim 14, in which said extraction vehicle comprises a transmitter/receiver device, said transmitter/receiver device being operable to provide two-way communications.

16. The robotic first responder system of claim 15, in which said extraction vehicle comprises a pair of wheels or tracks.

17. The robotic first responder system of claim 16, in which said pair of wheels comprises a unique 4-wheel methodology, said 4-wheel methodology being operable to provide simultaneous support for bump absorption and a heading control wheel on an axle assembly in varying positions.

18. The robotic first responder system of claim 17, wherein said extraction vehicle is configured to be bullet-proof.

19. A robotic first responder method comprising:

means for assessing a patient or casualty;

means for receiving supervisory confirmation;

means for preparing said patient or casualty for transport;

means for positioning said patient or casualty on an immobilization device;

means for receiving supervisory confirmation;

means for lifting said patient or casualty;

means for carrying said patient or casualty to an extraction vehicle; and

means for transporting said patient or casualty.

20. A robotic first responder system comprising:

a robotic first responder, said robotic first responder being operable to provide medical care to a patient, said robotic first responder comprising a humanoid upper torso, said robotic first responder further comprising at least one bimanual dexterous manipulator, said robotic first responder further comprising a stability enhancement device, said robotic first responder further comprising a navigation control system, said robotic first responder comprising at least four compliant actuators in each bimanual dexterous manipulators;

an immobilization device, said immobilization device being configured to receive and support said patient, said immobilization device being operable to inflate with air; and

an extraction vehicle, said extraction vehicle being operable to transport said patient, said extraction vehicle comprising a base platform, said extraction vehicle further comprising a lifting device, said extraction vehicle further comprising a lid portion, said extraction vehicle further comprising a pair of wheels, said extraction vehicle further comprising a navigation sensory portion.