Robotic Tree Trimmer And Cutter
OwnerDavid H. Divineinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A train like vehicle composed of a plurality of interconnected cars (e.g. about 25 cm in length) linked together with springs and cables making it flexible. The shape and tension of the unit will be altered by remote control or an autonomous response system enabling steering and ability to grab on to various shapes of tree trunks and branches. The cars will be equipped with drive wheels that will move the vehicle. The device is configured to include a rotating turret capable of turning in a 360-degree circular motion, and a turret attached to the belly of the front car that is configured to roll 180 degrees back and forth. A hinge after the turret may be provided to give it more angle and flexibility to hold a chainsaw.
Claims20
An automated cutting device for use on trees, the automated cutting device including:
- a plurality of interconnected car units capable of being wrapped around a trunk of a subject tree in a snake/spiral/coil like configuration, the plurality of interconnected car units arranged to navigate up a subject tree such that the interconnected car units wrap around a trunk or branch of the tree in a spiral/snake like configuration;
- the plurality of interconnected car units being linked together with tension cables, the plurality of interconnected cars using springs and electric motor (flex) actuators to provide steering capabilities;
- a robotic arm coupled to the plurality of interconnected car units;
- a chainsaw with a bar configured to prevent a jam when the weight of a respective branch of the tree rests on it;
- the robotic arm configured to hold the chainsaw, the robotic arm being configured to move the chainsaw in a first direction up to about 360 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the interconnected car units;
- the robotic arm configured to move the chainsaw in a second direction up to about 180 degrees parallel to the interconnected car units;
- a computerized remote control device configured to control the interconnected car units, robotic arm, and/or the chainsaw including movement control and cutting control;
- and
- branch deflecting rollers coupled to at least a front exterior portion of the plurality of interconnected car units.
A robotic tree cutter comprising:
- a) a string of car-like units able to move up a tree and steer around branches, and able to spiral up the outside of a tree like a snake;
- b) a chainsaw with a bar that does not jam when the weight of a tree branch rests on it;
- c) a computerized remote control device;
- d) a robotic arm attachment to hold the saw that can move the saw 360 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the car-like units and 180 degrees parallel;
- and
- e) branch deflecting rollers mounted on the front of the car-like units.
A tree climbing apparatus comprising:
- a head segment with a centerline having a propulsion unit for engaging a tree and providing propulsion in the direction of the centerline of the head segment;
- a series of body segments and a tail segment serially connected behind the head segment;
- a series of segment joints connecting the head segment to a following body segment, connecting subsequent body segments to each other, and connecting the tail segment to a last body segment;
- and
- a joint control system for resiliently positioning the head, body and tail segments in a generally serpentine gripping position around the tree, the propulsion unit of the head segment in combination with the joint control system for propelling the tree climbing apparatus up the tree with the head segment moving in the direction of the centerline of the head segment, with the body and tail segments following in a generally serpentine manner.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.