Surface traversing apparatus and method
AssigneeInternational Climbing Machines, Inc.
InventorSamuel J. Maggio
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention concerns a surface traversing apparatus that includes a frame, a seal having a seal perimeter that is mounted to the frame, and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface. The seal perimeter is adapted substantially for rolling contact with the surface to be traversed. The device is capable of suction adhering and moving along horizontal, vertical, inverted surfaces and the like, and overcoming obstacles or surface irregularities while maintaining suction adhesion to the surface. The device can be propelled along the surface with a locomoting rolling seal assembly, which provides both a seal to affect the vacuum adhesion and the locomotion to drive the device across the surface.
Claims24
A surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a surface by a partial vacuum, the apparatus comprising:
- a frame forming a chamber;
- a seal having a substantially closed seal perimeter 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 seal with the surface;
- and
- a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.
A surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a surface by a partial vacuum, the apparatus comprising:
- a frame forming a chamber;
- a locomoting seal having a substantially closed seal perimeter 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 seal with the surface;
- and
- a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.
A surface traversing apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
- a locomoting seal comprising:
- first and second substantially parallel rollers disposed on opposing sides of the frame, wherein the rollers are rotatably connected to the frame;
- first and second tracks disposed on additional opposing sides of the frame, wherein the rollers and tracks are adapted substantially for rolling contact with the surface to be traversed and maintaining a seal with the surface;
- and
- a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.
A method of traversing a surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus adapted to be adhered to a surface by a partial vacuum, the apparatus comprising:
- a frame forming a chamber;
- a seal having a substantially closed seal perimeter 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 seal with the surface;
- and
- a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface;
- and traversing the surface with the apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.