Abstract: A communication unit receives spraying target information indicating a spray target. A spraying target detector detects the spray target indicated in the spraying target information in space. A spray control unit is a unit that performs ion-spraying processing on the spray target at a predetermined frequency. In the ion-spraying processing, the spray control unit determines a moving direction of an ion spraying apparatus from a current location to the detected spray target, and sprays ions on the spray target when a distance between the spray target and the ion spraying apparatus is within a first threshold value. A flight control unit controls a flight of the ion spraying apparatus in the moving direction.

Abstract: A mobile robot configured to be widely versatile in its use. For example, the mobile robot can be configured for being used on a wide assortment of surfaces, regardless of the orientation and/or shape of the surfaces. Alternatively or in combination, the mobile robot can be configured for effective and efficient movement on the surfaces it traverses. In some cases, the mobile robot is configured with two or more component units. In some cases, the component units are configured with magnets and a control system for orientating the magnets. In some cases, one or more component couplings join the component units. In some cases, the mobile unit is configured with Mecanum wheels.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for managing operations on a peripheral surface of a building. The system includes one or more cables wrapped around the peripheral surface of the building. Further, the system includes one or more wheeled devices capable of moving on the peripheral surface of the building. The one or more wheeled devices are operatively connected to the one or more cables. The one or more wheeled devices and the one or more cables are capable of moving on the peripheral surface of the building as an assembly. In addition, one or more instances of the assembly are operatively connected to each other.

Abstract: A climbing robot for travelling over adhesive surfaces with endless traction mechanisms and, fastened to them at a distance, controllable adhesive feet that circulate with the endless traction mechanisms along guides in the travel plane, by means of which the adhesive sides of their adhesive elements always point towards the travel surface and wherein the adhesive elements that support and move the climbing robot are switched “ON” and lowered onto the adhesive surface and all of the other adhesive elements are switched “OFF” and raised from the adhesive surface. The climbing robot has square running gear, and a foot plate with a guide running around the edges for a multitude of adhesive feet driven by traction mechanisms exists in each of the four corners of the running gear.

Abstract: A climbing robot for travelling over adhesive surfaces with endless traction mechanisms (14) and, fastened to them at a distance, controllable adhesive feet (21) that circulate with the endless traction mechanisms (14) along guides (17) in the travel plane, by means of which the adhesive sides of their adhesive elements (15) always point towards the travel surface and wherein the adhesive elements (15) that support and move the climbing robot are switched “ON” and lowered onto the adhesive surface and all of the other adhesive elements (15) are switched “OFF” and raised from the adhesive surface, wherein the climbing robot has square running gear (11), one foot plate (13) each with a guide (17) running around the edges for a multitude of adhesive feet (21) driven by traction mechanisms is arranged in two diagonally opposite corner areas (18) of the running gear (11), wherein the foot plates (13) are attached to a support bar (12) of the running gear (11) and the adhesive feet (21) and therefore their adhesive

Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler is disclosed. The robotic crawler can include a first frame having a first continuous track rotatably supported by the first frame, a second frame having a second continuous track rotatably supported by the second frame, and a linkage arm coupling the first and second frames together in tandem. The linkage arm can be movable about a first lateral axis associated with the first frame, a second lateral axis associated with the second frame, and at least two longitudinal axes. The longitudinal axes can be oriented by movement of the linkage arm about the first lateral axis and/or the second lateral axis. Movement about the first lateral axis and the second lateral axis can facilitate or provide exposure of leading and trailing ends of each continuous track.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an application of multilayer thermo-reversible dry adhesives in climbing devices.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.

Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler capable of multiple movement moves is disclosed. The serpentine robotic crawler includes a plurality of frame units, coupled together by at least one actuated linkage. Each frame unit includes a continuous track, enabling forward movement of the serpentine robotic crawler. The at least one actuated linkage has at least 7 degrees of movement freedom, enabling the serpentine robotic crawler to adopt a variety of poses.

Abstract: This invention provides a device capable of covering the surface of an object situated in a gas with a region filled with a liquid and of moving such region, capable of sucking and collecting such liquid from the surface of the object wetted by the liquid and of drying such surface, and is capable of allowing such region to adhere to and crawl along the surface of the subject, while conducting ultrasonic flaw detection or ultrasonic cleaning of the surface of the object.

Abstract: A drive unit (10) for an inspection vehicle which can be used on ferromagnetic bases (19), especially in generators, which drive unit includes a motor-powered crawler track (18) and also magnetic devices for holding the drive unit (10) on the base (19). An improved insensitivity to uneven spots in the base is achieved by the crawler track (18), in the region where it bears upon the base (19), being guided via inner, spring-mounted running wheels (12), and by the magnetic devices being integrated in the running wheels (12).

Abstract: A rollover avoidance system for changing the damping characteristics of suspension dampers at each wheel of a vehicle so as to mitigate the potential for vehicle rollover. The system includes a plurality of vehicle parameter sensors for measuring vehicle parameters and providing vehicle parameter signals. The system also includes a controller for generating a damper suspension command signal for each damper using the vehicle parameter signals. The controller considers a roll control factor representing a rollover condition of the vehicle and a yaw stability control factor representing a yaw condition of the vehicle to set the damping of the dampers to mitigate the potential for vehicle rollover.

Abstract: A mid-wheel drive power wheelchair for use by handicapped and disabled persons is provided having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, a pair of drive wheels supported on the frame under the seat, drive means for causing rotation of the drive wheels, power means for supplying power to the drive means, a rearward idler wheel, a forward anti-tip device and a resilient suspension supporting the forward anti-tip device, the suspension being attached to the drive means rearward of the front portion of the frame.

Abstract: A mobile robot having wheels which maintain contact forces against a surface even when the mobile robot meets an obstacle on the surface and a body of the mobile robot is forced up against the obstacle. The mobile robot easily surmounts the obstacle on the surface, without requiring any sensors, any specific controller, any specific traveling unit to surmount over the obstacle, or any specific drive unit to drive the specific traveling unit. The mobile robot includes the body, the wheels connected with the body which move arcuately relative to the body, and a wheel guide unit coupled at a first end to the body and at a second end to a hub of each of the wheels. The wheel guide unit is contracted when the body is spaced apart from the surface on which the robot moves. However, the wheel guide unit expands to allow the wheel to be in contact with the surface when the body comes into contact with the surface.

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.

Abstract: Specially conceived for vehicles which have to be displaced over ferromagnetic surfaces, like the iron or steel walls of large tanks for example, it is incorporated by the combination of a hollow rim (1–1?) and a tyre (4) of an elastomer or similar material, which define a cylindrical chamber (8) inside which a magnetic annulus (9) runs, materialized in a permanent magnet of adequate strength, with the particularity that said magnetic annulus (9) has a substantially smaller diameter than that of the cited chamber (8), so that it is capable of carrying out a planetary motion inside the same, maintaining a permanently tangential condition with the tyre (4) at the point in which the latter is in contact at all times with the ferromagnetic surface over which the vehicle is displaced, achieving maximum adherence at said point.

Abstract: A wall-climbing robot or mobility platform able to ascend and descend various horizontal and vertical surfaces having a chassis, a rotor rotatable with respect to the chassis, one or more prominences on the rotor, and means for adhering to a surface attached to the prominences. The robot is able to make a transition from horizontal travel to vertical travel. In certain embodiments, the means for adhering to a wall is a pressure sensitive adhesive. In addition, multiple rotor configurations and radio-control are used for remote operation.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus that attaches itself to a surface by negative pressure and that can move over the surface, in particular, for carrying out work, to prevent a risk, depending on the alignment of the surface, of the apparatus dropping downward if there is a decrease in an attachment force in the case of malfunctioning includes a safety configuration that monitors detachment of the apparatus from the surface and, in such a case, attaches a retaining configuration, preferably in the form of a suction cup, to the surface, the retaining configuration retaining the movable apparatus on the surface.

Abstract: A robot capable of moving against gravity uses at least one vacuum cup assembly having a port for applying a lubricant on the working surface so the cup may slide on the surface as the robot is maneuvered with the aid of powered wheels. The wheels and vacuum cut assemblies are coordinated to move on varied surfaces. The robot module may be equipped with various task-performing assemblies, and may be employed in caravans, trains, or separately in swarms.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.

Abstract: There is provided a stair-climbing vehicle for transporting a wheelchair with a person sitting on. The vehicle comprise a crawler device including a pair of endless belt crawlers disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle; a vehicle body including a driving motor for driving the crawler device to enabling the stair-climbing vehicle to climb up or down a stairway; a load-carrying platform for mounting a wheelchair, said load-carrying platform being provided above the vehicle body capable of pivoting in vertical direction about one end thereof. The load-carrying platform is provided with a inclination sensor. The inclination sensor includes a first inclination sensing element and a second inclination sensing element, each inclination sensing element is a tubular member containing a flowable electrically conductive material and a pair of electrically conductive terminals.

Abstract: A suction-adhering vehicle for removing a coating from a surface includes a resilient suction ring (e.g., a tubular ring, an inner tube, or a solid foam ring) defining a substantially enclosed region between vehicle frame and the surface. Spray nozzles within the enclosed region direct fluid against the surface to remove the coating. An exhaust port leading from the enclosed region is connect to an external suction source that maintains reduced pressure within the enclosed region and withdraws fluid and coating debris from within the enclosed region. Caterpillar treads or other drive means move the vehicle along the surface. The suction ring is releasably secured to the vehicle frame by a frictional fit with engaging means extending from the frame, such as collar that engages the inside diameter or the outside diameter of the suction ring. This allows the suction ring to be quickly and easily replaced in the field.

Abstract: A system for treating an external surface of a building, has (a) at least one treatment unit configured to treat the external surface of the building with a pressurized fluid; (b) at least one suspension system for suspending the treatment unit adjacent to the external surface; (c) at least one suction unit associated with the treatment unit, being activated by the pressurized fluid to generate suction at a suction port; and (d) at least one suction head in fluid connection with a suction port to clamp against the external surface.

Abstract: A suction-adhering vehicle for removing a coating from a surface includes an inflatable member (e.g., a tubular ring or an inner tube) defining a substantially enclosed region between vehicle frame and the surface. Spray nozzles within the enclosed region direct fluid against the surface to remove the coating. An exhaust port leading from the enclosed region is connect to an external suction source that maintains reduced pressure within the enclosed region and withdraws fluid and coating debris from within the enclosed region. Caterpillar treads or other drive means move the vehicle along the surface. The inflatable ring is releasably secured to the vehicle frame by a frictional fit with engaging means extending from the frame, such as collar that engages the inside diameter or the outside diameter of the inflatable ring. This allows the inflatable ring to be quickly and easily replaced in the field.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, magnetic wheeled vehicle having a high pressure spray head for cleaning ferromagnetic surfaces. An articulating CHASSIS supports a variable frequency motor, gear reducers, drive axles, a servo motor steering linkage and multiple, laminated permanent magnet wheels. Resilient bushings and split, spring biased torsion hubs independently support the drive axles and each wheel to accommodate changes in surface contour. An adjustable tool head gantry mounts to either the fore or aft axle to support a rotary, multi-orifice sprayer. Control switches and a passive, magnetic anchor and tether protect the equipment while in use. In a second configuration, a sectional chassis framework surrounds the motor and a pair of drive chains transfer power through geared reducers to each axle. Springs are mounted to the aft frame section to provide a torsion suspension at the aft wheels.

Abstract: A slope working machinery which moves and travels safely on the slope has a suspension device having at least one of a winch and a driving device attached to a body thereof, has a work stand to work on the working machine capable of keeping nearly horizontally and to use to carry bagagges, whereby working on a steep slope can be conducted with much ease and safe.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated crawling robot system including a platform, a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly, first and second rails attached to the platform, and an onboard electronic computer controller. The first leg assembly has an intermittent coupling device and the second leg assembly has an intermittent coupling device for intermittently coupling the respective first and second leg assemblies to a particular object. The first and second leg assemblies are slidably coupled to the rail assembly and are slidably driven by motors to thereby allow linear movement. In addition, the first leg assembly is rotary driven by a rotary motor to thereby provide rotary motion relative to the platform. To effectuate motion, the intermittent coupling devices of the first and second leg assemblies alternately couple the respective first and second leg assemblies to an object.

Abstract: A vacuum wall walking apparatus includes an annular body frame, a plurality of leg mechanisms extending downward from the body frame, and a plurality of suction cups attached to fore ends of the respective legs. The body frame is composed of a flexible member. The body frame thus constructed is bendable to conform to the profile of a curved surface when the vacuum wall walking apparatus is used with a wall having such curved surface. With this bending or deformation of the body frame, the suction cups are always able to retain an optimum posture to insure that the vacuum wall walking apparatus is stably held on the curved surface of the wall by a vacuum formed in the suction cups. The vacuum wall walking apparatus may include a surface treatment mechanism, in which instance a winch is provided to minimize or substantially eliminate the load exerted from the surface treatment mechanism to the vacuum wall walking apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle for carrying an object of interest across a supporting surface including a frame having opposite first and second ends; a first pair of wheels fixedly mounted on the first end of the frame; a second pair of wheels pivotally mounted on the second end of the frame; and a pair of motors borne by the frame, each motor disposed in driving relation relative to one of the pairs of wheels, the motors propelling the vehicle across the supporting surface.

Abstract: A device capable of suction-adhering to and moving along the surface of an object includes a pressure reduction housing, a suction-adhering seal mounted on the pressure reduction housing and defining a pressure reduction space in cooperation with the pressure reduction housing and the surface of the object, and a vacuum generator for discharging a fluid from the pressure reduction space to the outside of the pressure reduction space. The device suction-adheres to the surface of the object by the pressure of an ambient fluid acting on the pressure reduction housing owing to the difference in fluid pressure between the inside and the outside of the pressure reduction space. The device is moved along the surface of the object by driven wheels which engage the surface.

Abstract: A device capable of suction-adhering to a surface and moving therealong includes a pressure receiver, a partitioning device mounted on the pressure receiver and defining a pressure reduction space in cooperation with the pressure receiver and the surface, and a pressure reducing device for discharging a fluid from the pressure reduction space to decrease the pressure inside the pressure reduction space. The partitioning device includes a lip portion extending along the surface. A plurality of contacting devices are disposed at intervals at the part other than the outer peripheral edge portion in that opposing face of the lip portion of the partitioning device which is located opposite to the surface. The outer peripheral edge portion in the opposing face of the lip portion is brought into contact with the surface. At the same time, at the part other than the outer peripheral edge portion in the opposing face of the lip portion, the contacting devices are brought into contact with the surface.

Abstract: A climber robot has front and rear legs joined together by a pivoting knee joint and having pivoting ankle joints at their distal ends. Pneumatic muscle pairs attached to each leg allow the robot to move vertically and horizontally and make easy transitions over obstacles and from the horizontal to vertical plane.

Abstract: A robot for performing a working operation on a surface. The robot comprises a frame which supports a pair of parallel tracks. An endless link chain is mounted for travel on each track and each chain is driven by an independent motor mounted on the frame. Each track is provided with at least two recesses with each recess having an open side facing the respective chain. A series of vacuum cups are mounted on each chain and are adapted to engage the surface to be traversed. A first series of ports connect a first recess of each track and a first group of vacuum cups on each chain, while a second series of ports communicate between the second recess of each track and a second group of vacuum cups. A source of vacuum is connected to the recesses and acts through the ports to the respective vacuum cups to enable the vacuum cups to grip the surface. In a preferred manner of use, the robot is employed with a laser tracking system in the non-destructive inspection of an aircraft.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle having at least one endless driven member for driving the endless member on a surface capable of supporting a magnetic circuit. The vehicle is equipped with a magnetic system that is housed in a substantially hermetically sealed enclosure and comprises a magnet, a fixed magnetic circuit member, and a movable magnetic circuit member for establishing first and second magnetic circuits. A clutch is provided to selectively connect the movable magnetic circuit member to the motor to move the movable magnetic circuit member between a first position wherein the first magnetic circuit is established such that the endless driven member can magnetically engage the surface and a second position wherein the second magnetic circuit is established such that the endless member does not magnetically engage the surface. The enclosure is pressurized with a pressure medium at a predetermined pressure and temperature and is monitored by sensors within the enclosure.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for moving within pipes to determine the condition of the interior of the pipes. The vehicle has at least one wheel which is capable of travelling on walls of magnetic material. Each wheel comprises an outer wheel member having an annular peripheral wall. An arm is rotatably mounted on the central portion of the outer wheel member. The arm has a pair of magnetically permeable members disposed widthwise of the vehicle body. A magnet is mounted on the arm with its poles in contact with the pair of magnetically permeable members. The arm can be rotated and freely oriented toward the running surface magnetically to hold the wheel to the running surface. The vehicle is capable of moving through pipes without being blocked by obstacles such as a vertical wall extending from a horizontal surface. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and a sensor processing module receives distance and time data and processes the data to determine whether the pipe is clear or obstructed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable mobile vehicle having at least one endless driven member and a motor for driving the endless member on a surface capable of supporting a magnetic circuit. The vehicle is equipped with a magnetic system that comprises a magnet, a fixed magnetic circuit member, and a movable magnetic circuit member for establishing first and second magnetic circuits. A clutch is provided to selectively connect the movable magnetic circuit member to the motor to move the movable magnetic circuit member between a first position wherein the first magnetic circuit is established such that the endless driven member can magnetically engage the surface and a second position wherein the second magnetic circuit is established such that the endless member does not magnetically engage the surface.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for moving in pipes to determine the condition of the interior of the pipes. The vehicle has at least on wheel which is capable of travelling on walls of magnetic material. Each wheel comprises an outer wheel member having an annular peripheral wall and an inner wheel member including a portion of a magnetically permeable material. The inner wheel member has an outside diameter smaller that the inside diameter of the outer wheel member and is rollable on the inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel member. A magnet is provided in the inner wheel member having magnetic poles in contact with the permeable portion of the inner wheel. The vehicle is capable of moving through pipes without being blocked by obstacles such as a vertical wall extending from a horizontal surface. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and a sensor processing module receives distance and time data and processes the data to determine whether the pipe is clear or obstructed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a walking robot. The robot includes: an X-elongated member; a Y-elongated member; a moving body moving on the X- and Y-elongated members; an X-leg section provided to the X-elongated member, the X-leg section being capable of extending and shortening in the Z-direction; a Y-leg section being provided to the Y-elongated member, the Y-leg section being capable of extending and shortening in the Z-direction; an X-driving mechanism for moving the moving body in the X-direction; a Y-driving mechanism for moving the moving body in the Y-direction; a first Z-driving mechanism for extending and shortening the X-leg section; and a second Z-driving mechanism for extending and shortening the Y-leg section. With this structure, the robot is able to stride over obstructions by extending the X- and the Y-leg sections so as to avoid interference without changing course.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for moving within pipes to determine the condition of the interior of the pipes. The vehicle has at least one wheel which is capable of travelling on walls of magnetic material. Each wheel comprises an outer wheel member having an annular peripheral wall with an inner wheel member including a portion of magnetically permeable material. The inner wheel member has an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the outer wheel member and is rollable on the inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel member. A magnet is provided in the inner wheel member having magnetic poles in contact with the permeable portion of the inner wheel. The vehicle is capable of moving through pipes without being blocked by obstacles such as a vertical wall extending from a horizontal surface. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and a sensor processing module receives distance and time data and processes the data to determine whether the pipe is clear or obstructed.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for moving within pipes to determine the condition of the interior of the pipes. The vehicle has at least one wheel which is capable of travelling on walls of magnetic material. Each wheel comprises an outer wheel member having an annular peripheral wall with an inner wheel member including a portion of magnetically permeable material. The inner wheel member has an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the outer wheel member and is rollable on the inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel member. A magnet is provided in the inner wheel member having magnetic poles in contact with the permeable portion of the inner wheel. The vehicle is capable of moving through pipes without being blocked by obstacles such as a vertical wall extending from a horizontal surface. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and a sensor processing module receives distance and time data and processes the data to determine whether the pipe is clear or obstructed.

Abstract: A mobile toy including at least one vacuum generating assembly mounted on a chassis and including an impeller with the axial intake end thereof positionable closely adjacent a support surface whereby at least a major portion of the radial discharge from the impeller flows radially outward and along the support surface to define a fluidic seal about a central zone wherein a negative pressure is maintained. The impeller will preferably mount with a cylindrical sleeve. The mobile device is propelled by driven traction wheels.

Abstract: A device capable of moving along a surface comprising at least two moving units, wherein the units are linked to each other by a coupling means device capable of being stretched and contracted, each of the units having a stating setting mechanism for selectively setting each of the units in a movable state for movement along the surface and in a surface-engaging state on the surface, and when one unit is set in a movable state and the other unit is set in a surface-engaging state and the coupling means is stretched or contracted, the one unit in the movable state is moved along the surface.

Abstract: A magnetic support and transport system comprising a plurality of permanent magnets for interacting with ferrous T-bars of a ceiling grid to counteract gravitational attraction. A plurality of rollers maintain an air gap between the magnets and the grid. A remotely controlled electric motor drives at least one of the rollers and thereby transports the system along the T-bars. Opposing pairs of guides maintain alignment of the system with the T-bars. Each pair of the guides is adapted to automatically retract upon encountering transversely oriented T-bars. When used for grid resurfacing and redecorating applications, the system can support a tape dispenser adapted to transfer adhesive pressure sensitive tape to downwardly exposed surfaces of the grid. A modified embodiment of the present invention is adapted to support surveillance equipment.

Abstract: A device comprising a main body, a motor and drive wheels mounted on the main body, a partitioning member mounted on the main body and defining a pressure reduction space in cooperation with the main body and a wall surface, and a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure of the pressure reduction space. The device can suction-adhere to the wall surface by the pressure of an ambient fluid acting on the main body owing to the difference in fluid pressure between the inside and outside of the pressure reduction space and move along the wall surface by the action of the moving member. The partitioning member has an outside wall portion extending from its one end to a contacting portion contacting the wall surface and an inside wall portion extending from the contacting portion to its other end.

Abstract: A wall surface suction-adhering and moving device including a supporting frame and at least one suction-adhering and moving unit. The device moves along the wall surface while suction-adhering thereto. The suction-adhering and moving unit includes a rotating member rotatably mounted on the supporting frame, and a sealing member for forming a pressure-reduction space in cooperation with the wall surface and the rotating member. The sealing member has an annular base portion fixed to the rotating member, a cylindrical main portion extending from the base portion in a direction away from the rotating member, and an annular contacting portion to be kept in contact with the wall surface.

Abstract: A robot for a work on a wall surface comprises a main module, which is constructed of, for example, a moving scaffold, hung by ropes and being capable of moving vertically and horizontally to a desired position on a wall surface, an arm module mounted on the main module and being movable with one or more degrees of freedom with respect to the wall surface, and a wrist module mounted on the foremost end portion of the arm module, having one or more degrees of freedom necessary for the work and including an automatic tool changer for detachably mounting a tool necessary for the work on the wrist module. In one aspect of the invention, fixing devices are provided on both sides of the main module and an exchangeable fixing tool is also detachably mounted on the automatic tool changer for stabilizing the main module during work and moving from one place to another.

Abstract: A device comprising a main body, a motor and drive wheels mounted on the main body, a partitioning member mounted on the main body and defining a pressure reduction space in cooperation with the main body and a wall surface, and a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure of the pressure reduction space. The device can suction-adhere to the wall surface by the pressure of an ambient fluid acting on the main body owing to the difference in fluid pressure between the inside and outside of the pressure reduction space and move along the wall surface by the action of the moving member. The partitioning member has an outside wall portion extending from its one end to a contacting portion contacting the wall surface and an inside wall portion extending from the contacting portion to its other end.

Abstract: A robotic crawling device that can traverse vertical and overhead surfaces while carrying other equipment. The device preferably includes a platform (10) that remains a substantially fixed distance from the surface. The platform (10) rides on a crawling mechanism which includes an outer housing (56) and an inner housing (46) positioned within the outer housing (56). A turning mechanism can be mounted with the inner housing (46) to allow the device to be advanced in any direction.

Abstract: A wall-crawling machine comprises a body, a plurality of guide wheels rotatably mounted on the body, at least one crawler track extending around the guide wheels, a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on an outer surface of each of the crawler tracks, and a guide device provided on the respective crawler tracks for selectively restraining or releasing the crawler track from moving relative to the body in a direction perpendicular to a plane on which the permanent magnets travel.