Abstract: A chassis clings to a ship hull or other ferrous surface by a magnet that moves toward or away from the surface to adjust the magnet air gap and thus the attractive force. The magnet(s) can be the only clinging force or used with other sources such as a suction chamber or fluid jet drive. An internal magnet on a crank mechanism can pivot around a wheel rotation axis inside a wheel body having a non-ferrous traction surface or tire. The magnet gap is least at an angle perpendicular to the surface on which the wheel rests, and larger at an angle oblique to that, for varying the attractive force to two or more levels. The vehicle can be an autonomous hull maintenance device with sensors, controllers and actuators to sense, measure and clean away fouling.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 28, 2014
Publication date:
August 21, 2014
Applicant:
SeaRobotics Corporation
Inventors:
Reginald Benjamin Lovelace, Donald T. Darling, Kenneth W. Holappa
Abstract: A cleaning system includes a chassis supporting a propulsion system for propelling the cleaning system across a surface. At least one sensor of a first type is coupled to the chassis, and a surface engagement mechanism is configured to maintain the cleaning system coupled to the surface as the propulsion system propels the cleaning system across the surface. A cleaning device is coupled to the chassis and configured to abrade the fouling from the surface, and a controller coupled to the chassis and in signal communication with the propulsion system and the first sensor. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor of the first type and control the propulsion system in response to the signal.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 25, 2013
Publication date:
November 14, 2013
Applicant:
SeaRobotics Corporation
Inventors:
Kenneth W. Holappa, Donald T. Darling, William M. Hertel, III
Abstract: A cleaning system includes a chassis supporting a propulsion system for propelling the cleaning system across a surface. At least one sensor of a first type is coupled to the chassis, and a surface engagement mechanism is configured to maintain the cleaning system coupled to the surface as the propulsion system propels the cleaning system across the surface. A cleaning device is coupled to the chassis and configured to abrade the fouling from the surface, and a controller coupled to the chassis and in signal communication with the propulsion system and the first sensor. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor of the first type and control the propulsion system in response to the signal.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 23, 2010
Date of Patent:
August 13, 2013
Assignee:
SeaRobotics Corporation
Inventors:
Kenneth Walter Holappa, Donald T. Darling, William Martin Hertel, III
Abstract: A cleaning system includes a chassis supporting a propulsion system for propelling the cleaning system across a surface. At least one sensor of a first type is coupled to the chassis, and a surface engagement mechanism is configured to maintain the cleaning system coupled to the surface as the propulsion system propels the cleaning system across the surface. A cleaning device is coupled to the chassis and configured to abrade the fouling from the surface, and a controller coupled to the chassis and in signal communication with the propulsion system and the first sensor. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor of the first type and control the propulsion system in response to the signal.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 23, 2010
Publication date:
January 12, 2012
Applicant:
SEAROBOTICS CORPORATION
Inventors:
Kenneth W. HOLAPPA, Donald Thomas DARLING, William Martin HERTEL, III