Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Robot control
Reexamination Certificate
2007-10-09
2007-10-09
Black, Thomas (Department: 3661)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Robot control
C700S258000, C318S568120, C215S319000, C180S007100, C180S008100, C180S164000
Reexamination Certificate
active
10972258
ABSTRACT:
A surface clinging robotic device. The device includes a supporting structure or base, on which is mounted (a) a lead pivoting support surface, such as a pivoting wheel, and (b) two or more traction drives, such as drive wheels. Each of the traction drives are independently driven by a separate drive motor. A plurality of vacuum cups are mounted on the bottom of the base. The vacuum cups each have a low friction foot designed for movement over a surface with minimal friction while vacuum is maintained. The low friction foot portion is provided by a generally surface direction oriented C-shaped Teflon skin. The robotic device can move over gaps or obstructions in the surface without losing vacuum in all of the vacuum cups, using a fluid limiting valve at each vacuum cup to interrupt flow in the event of loss of vacuum in that vacuum cup.
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Advanced Robotics Vehicles, Inc.
Black Thomas
Goodloe, Jr. R. Reams
Marc McDieunel
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