Patents Assigned to Skywalker Robotics, Inc.
  • Apparatus and method for traversing compound curved and other surfaces
    Patent number: 7311162
    Abstract: A traction unit capable of traversing and turning on surfaces that include compound curves like the surface of a sphere or are inverted like a ceiling. The traction unit includes a plurality of trucks operable to propel the unit across a surface and a plurality of adherence members operable to releasably secure the unit to the surface. In operation, the adherence members cyclically attach to and release from the surface as the trucks propel the unit across the surface. Within each cycle, after the unit has traveled a predetermined distance relative to an attached member, the member releases the surface and reattaches to the surface at a different point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Skywalker Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Jeswine, Frank Dailey, Eric Olsen, Cameron Raymond Cox
  • Apparatus and method for traversing compound curved and other surfaces
    Publication number: 20040195021
    Abstract: A traction unit capable of traversing and turning on surfaces that include compound curves like the surface of a sphere or are inverted like a ceiling. The traction unit includes a plurality of trucks operable to propel the unit across a surface and a plurality of adherence members operable to releasably secure the unit to the surface. In operation, the adherence members cyclically attach to and release from the surface as the trucks propel the unit across the surface. Within each cycle, after the unit has traveled a predetermined distance relative to an attached member, the member releases the surface and reattaches to the surface at a different point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Skywalker Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Jeswine, Frank Dailey, Eric Olsen, Cameron Raymond Cox
  • Apparatus and method for traversing compound curved and other surfaces
    Patent number: 6742617
    Abstract: A traction unit capable of traversing and turning on surfaces that include compound curves like the surface of a sphere or are inverted like a ceiling. The traction unit includes a plurality of trucks operable to propel the unit across a surface and a plurality of adherence members operable to releasably secure the unit to the surface. In operation, the adherence members cyclically attach to and release from the surface as the trucks propel the unit across the surface. Within each cycle, after the unit has traveled a predetermined distance relative to an attached member, the member releases the surface and reattaches to the surface at a different point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Skywalker Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Jeswine, Frank Dailey, Eric Olsen
  • Apparatus and method for traversing compound curved and other surfaces
    Publication number: 20020036108
    Abstract: A traction unit capable of traversing and turning on surfaces that include compound curves like the surface of a sphere or are inverted like a ceiling. The traction unit includes a plurality of trucks operable to propel the unit across a surface and a plurality of adherence members operable to releasably secure the unit to the surface. In operation, the adherence members cyclically attach to and release from the surface as the trucks propel the unit across the surface. Within each cycle, after the unit has traveled a predetermined distance relative to an attached member, the member releases the surface and reattaches to the surface at a different point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Skywalker Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Jeswine, Frank Daily, Eric Olsen