Spherical sensor and data collection vehicles
US8054198B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2209/886
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An inexpensive unmanned mobile sensor and data collection rolling rover (“rollver) for exploring remote, inaccessible locations, such as deep craters and canyons, includes a hollow enclosure having a flexible wall that is expandable into the shape of a sphere, an apparatus for selectably expanding the wall of the enclosure, a sensor and instrumentation payload disposed within the enclosure and coupled to an inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, and a power supply for powering the payload at its destination. The rollver is adapted to roll to a target destination at least partially in response to at least one of an initial impetus imparted to the vehicle and gravitational forces acting thereon, and due to its relatively low cost, can be simultaneously deployed and used in an area of interest in relatively large numbers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.