Abstract: An inspection robot includes wheels or treads attached to sides of a chassis and extending below the chassis. One or more rollers may be in the chassis may extend from the underside of the chassis but do not extend to a plane defined by the bottoms of the wheels or treads. A drive system can rotate the wheels or treads and the rollers. In particular, rotation of the rollers may move the robot when the chassis bottoms out, for example, when the robot traverses the peak of a roof or traverses any projection in terrain that the robot may need to navigate.

Abstract: Vehicles, systems, and methods for inspecting and analyzing the condition of a remote location such as a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing an irregular terrain may be supported by wheels, or tracks, having partially collapsible treads to help the vehicle maintain a lower center of mass. The bottom surface of the chassis may have a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, relative to the front and rear ends, to help the vehicle maintain a lower center of mass when crossing ridges such as roof peaks. A vehicle for roof inspections may include a shingle lifter. A system for collecting and storing inspection data may include an onboard imaging system with multiple cameras and a control system with a wireless router, together with a remote tablet computer having a wireless transceiver, a user interface, and a display. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: Vehicles, systems, and methods for inspecting and analyzing the condition of a remote location such as a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing an irregular terrain may be supported by wheels, or tracks, having partially collapsible treads to help the vehicle maintain a lower center of mass. The bottom surface of the chassis may have a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, relative to the front and rear ends, to help the vehicle maintain a lower center of mass when crossing ridges such as roof peaks. A vehicle for roof inspections may include a shingle lifter. A system for collecting and storing inspection data may include an onboard imaging system with multiple cameras and a control system with a wireless router, together with a remote tablet computer having a wireless transceiver, a user interface, and a display. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: A dumbbell clamp for a barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus [30] utilizes two spaced-apart plates [162] each having a notch [166] for retaining the grip [28] of a dumbbell [26]. A spring-biased lock bar [170] locks the dumbbell grip in the notches during normal use. A clamp bore [178] is provided for secure the dumbbell clamp to a cable [72] by use of a hook [86]. A hand switch receptacle [82] provides an electrical connector from a hand switch [88] on the dumbbell clamp to the safety spotting apparatus.

Abstract: A debris blower apparatus for entrances to garages and working and living spaces comprises a blower assembly connected to an elongated nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly mounts to the floor or doorsill of the protected space and comprises a plurality of nozzles along the length of the nozzle assembly. The nozzles are positioned to direct air outward and upward from the entrance dislodge leaves, dirt and debris from a person or vehicle entering the space. The blower assembly is activated by opening the door or, alternatively, by manual operation of a switch.

Abstract: A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights [2301] utilizes a pair of weight-responsive engagement assemblies [1203A, 1203B] engaging a respective pair of support columns [1207A, 1207B] to provide engageable support for a free-weight bar [2311]. Auxiliary stops [2203A, 2203B] limit the lowest position of the free-weight bar. The auxiliary stops are adjustable by manual or electrical disengagement from the support columns. A control unit [2302] provides disengagement logic for barbells and dumbbells.

Abstract: A weight support assembly [1205] and weight-responsive engagement assembly [1203] for a self-spotting free weight apparatus utilizes engagement of a pawl assembly [1215] in one of a plurality of vertically-spaced holes [1217] of a column 1207 to support a cable assembly [1209]. The cable assembly attaches the bar of a free-weight assembly to the weight responsive engagement assembly by means of a cable attachment assembly [1211] and sheaves 1213A, 1213B.

Abstract: A debris blower apparatus for entrances to garages and working and living spaces comprises a blower assembly connected to an elongated nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly mounts to the floor or doorsill of the protected space and comprises a plurality of nozzles along the length of the nozzle assembly. The nozzles are positioned to direct air outward and upward from the entrance dislodge leaves, dirt and debris from a person or vehicle entering the space. The blower assembly is activated by opening the door or, alternatively, by manual operation of a switch.

Abstract: A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights [2301] utilizes a pair of weight-responsive engagement assemblies [1203A, 1203B] engaging a respective pair of support columns [1207A, 1207B] to provide engageable support for a free-weight bar [2311]. Auxiliary stops [2203A, 2203B] limit the lowest position of the free-weight bar. The auxiliary stops are adjustable by manual or electrical disengagement from the support columns. A control unit [2302] provides disengagement logic for barbells and dumbbells.

Abstract: A weight support assembly [1205] and weight-responsive engagement assembly [1203] for a self-spotting free weight apparatus utilizes engagement of a pawl assembly [1215] in one of a plurality of vertically-spaced holes [1217] of a column 1207 to support a cable assembly [1209]. The cable assembly attaches the bar of a free-weight assembly to the weight responsive engagement assembly by means of a cable attachment assembly [1211] and sheaves 1213A, 1213B.

Abstract: Interlock apparatus for fitness equipment comprises a microprocessor 105 receiving grip signal inputs from grip sensors (101A, 101B) mounted on a load-bearing component of the fitness equipment. Signal conditioners (103A, 103B) provide noise filtering, signal debouncing and digital inputs for the microprocessor. Grips status monitors (106A, 106B) provide grip status signals used by microprocessor 105 to determine the validity of the grip signals. Microprocessor 105 provides validity criteria which changes depending on the grip status inputs. The apparatus detects sensor connection changes and abnormal sensor and circuit operation and modifies logic functions to improve the capability and reliability of safety locks and brakes on the equipment.

Abstract: A dumbbell clamp for a barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus [30] utilizes two spaced-apart plates [162] each having a notch [166] for retaining the grip [28] of a dumbbell [26]. A spring-biased lock bar [170] locks the dumbbell grip in the notches during normal use. A clamp bore [178] is provided for secure the dumbbell clamp to a cable [72] by use of a hook [86]. A hand switch receptacle [82] provides an electrical connector from a hand switch [88] on the dumbbell clamp to the safety spotting apparatus.

Abstract: A barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus [30] comprises a frame [32], two booms [54] pivotally mounted to and supported by the frame, two cables [72] extending from the booms, two reciprocating drives [96] operably connected to the cables and a clutch [116] operably connected to the reciprocating drives to provide independent reciprocating movement of the cables. The cables are connectable to a free-weight assembly comprising a barbell assembly [22] or dumbbell assembly [26] to provide reciprocating vertical movement of the weight assembly in a free-weight fashion. The free-weight assembly comprises at least one hand switch [88] for engaging and disengaging the free-weight assembly from the reciprocating drives.

Abstract: A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights [101] provides two cable assemblies [107A, 107B] with one end of each cable assembly attached to a free-weight assembly [115] and the opposite end attached to respective linear weight-support assemblies [123A, 123B] via respective weight-responsive engagement blocks [125A, 125B]. Guide rods [127A, 127B] allow vertical motion of the engagement blocks and maintain engagement orientation relative to the support assemblies. The engagement blocks engage the respective support assemblies for static support of the free-weight assembly. Lifting of the substantial weight of the free-weight assembly and activation of disengagement bias is required to disengage the engagement blocks from the respective support assemblies to allow free motion of the free-weight assembly. The apparatus provides self-spotting for barbells [115] and dumbbells [247A].