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US 8,322,471 B2Granted
Angular momentum torque enhancement for spherical vehicles
OwnerGregory C. Schrollinventor
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are described for utilizing internally generated angular momentum for supplementing the propulsion of a mobile spherical vehicle capable of motion by rolling over terrain, thereby enabling such vehicles to climb steeper inclines and overcome larger obstacles. Torque generated by counter-rotating gyroscopes was used to supplement gravity generated torque produced by a pendulum drive propulsion system. Precession torque may be generated along a desired axis by changing the angular momentum of the gyroscopes while leaving its magnitude unaffected.
Claims18
A spherical vehicle comprising:
- a spherical shell;
- an axle connected to said shell and disposed interior thereto along a diameter;
- a pendulum pivotably coupled to said axle;
- a transmission for driving and tilting said pendulum, comprising a first drive motor cooperating with a second drive motor;
- a first gyroscope disposed on said pendulum;
- a second gyroscope disposed on said pendulum, said first gyroscope and said second gyroscope being effective for generating torque between said pendulum and said axle;
- a third motor for tilting said first gyroscope;
- and
- a fourth motor for tilting said second gyroscope.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.