Patent · US Expired

Self-traveling robotic vehicle with inclinable propulsion units

US5248008A · kind A · utility

55Cited by
4References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 23, 1992
Grant dateSep 28, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 23, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60K2007/0092
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A self-traveling robotic vehicle having inclinable tracklaying propulsion units for operating in a hostile environment. Each propulsion unit has a track, a built-in propulsion drive for driving the track, and a built-in inclination drive for inclining the propulsion unit as required by rotating it about a transverse axis. Each propulsion unit is readily removable and therefore replaceable in the event of failure or damage to a particular propulsion unit. The vehicle is capable of movement along non-horizontal and rough surfaces while maintaining the stability of the vehicle body and any load that it might be carrying. The body of the vehicle does not comprise any mechanical parts. The vehicle is particularly useful in the nuclear industry.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.