Omni-directional contiguous moving surface
US8276701B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T152/10495
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus capable of omni-directional movement including a belt layer made of a plurality of interlocking flexible rings and a surface layer made of a laterally inelastic and longitudinally flexible material that surrounds the exterior of the belt layer. The device has a bladder located in the interior of the belt layer that provides structural support for the belt layer and surface layer and a hub that is in contact with the surface layer and is connected to an axle. Longitudinal motion occurs as the bladder, the belt layer, the surface layer, and the hub rotate together. Lateral motion occurs as the belt layer and the surface layer rotate around the bladder. Longitudinal motion is induced by a plurality of electromagnetic curvilinear motor drive rings that are located around the hub and are in contact with the surface layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.