Reconfigurable mobile vehicle with magnetic tracks
US5363935A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S180/901
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable mobile vehicle having at least one endless driven member and a motor for driving the endless member on a surface capable of supporting a magnetic circuit. The vehicle is equipped with a magnetic system that comprises a magnet, a fixed magnetic circuit member, and a movable magnetic circuit member for establishing first and second magnetic circuits. A clutch is provided to selectively connect the movable magnetic circuit member to the motor to move the movable magnetic circuit member between a first position wherein the first magnetic circuit is established such that the endless driven member can magnetically engage the surface and a second position wherein the second magnetic circuit is established such that the endless member does not magnetically engage the surface. The vehicle is equipped with sensing apparatuses for analyzing the structural integrity of the surface upon which the vehicle is riding and is also equipped with acoustical positioning apparatus for assisting the operating personnel and computer in locating and controlling the vehicle's position within an enclosed environment. The vehicle is also equipped with a tether line that is used to facilitate …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.