Hybrid surface-traversing apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a (e.g., submerged or in air) surface by a non-flow-through pressure differential, the apparatus includes a frame forming a chamber; a seal (e.g., closed-cell foam) having a closed seal perimeter (e.g., a closed polygon, a quadrilateral, and the like) defining an opening of the chamber, the seal perimeter adapted substantially for rolling relative to the chamber and for contact with the surface to be traversed to prevent leakage and maintain a non-flow-through seal with the surface; a suction pump structured and arranged to produce the (e.g., negative) pressure differential and cooperate with the seal to adhere the apparatus to the surface; and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.