Abstract: A method for controlling movement of an intelligent wheel over a discontinuity in a travel surface. The intelligent wheel has a rotational hub and support disc portion that carries a series of arcuately spaced extendable, weight bearing radial spoke mechanisms that can be controllably extended and retracted in response to the anticipated terrain surface over which the wheel is to travel. The hub of the intelligent wheel carries a microcontroller for a set of obstacle proximity sensors, force and position sensors and an appropriate electrical power supply for operation of spokes and control components.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 30, 2008
Date of Patent:
October 5, 2010
Assignee:
Gamma Two, Inc.
Inventors:
Louise F. Gunderson, Christian Brown, James P. Gunderson
Abstract: A platform wheeled apparatus that incorporates an intelligent wheel configuration for each wheel in which each wheel can dynamically change its radius to negotiate various obstacles. The intelligent wheel has a rotational hub and support disc that carries a series of arcuately spaced extendable, weight bearing radial spoke mechanisms that can be controllably extended and retracted in response to the anticipated terrain surface over which the wheel is to travel. The hub of the intelligent wheel carries a microcontroller for a set of obstacle proximity sensors, force and position sensors and an appropriate electrical power supply for operation of the spokes and control components.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 30, 2008
Publication date:
November 20, 2008
Applicant:
Gamma Two, Inc.
Inventors:
Louise F. Gunderson, Christian Brown, James P. Gunderson
Abstract: A platform wheeled apparatus that incorporates an intelligent wheel configuration for each wheel in which each wheel can dynamically change its radius to negotiate various obstacles. The intelligent wheel has a rotational hub and support disc that carries a series of arcuately spaced extendable, weight bearing radial spoke mechanisms that can be controllably extended and retracted in response to the anticipated terrain surface over which the wheel is to travel. The hub of the intelligent wheel carries a microcontroller for a set of obstacle proximity sensors, force and position sensors and an appropriate electrical power supply for operation of the spokes and control components.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 22, 2005
Date of Patent:
June 3, 2008
Assignee:
Gamma Two, Inc.
Inventors:
Louise F. Gunderson, Christian Brown, James P. Gunderson
Abstract: A platform wheeled apparatus that incorporates an intelligent wheel configuration for each wheel in which each wheel can dynamically change its radius to negotiate various obstacles. The intelligent wheel has a rotational hub and support disc that carries a series of arcuately spaced extendable, weight bearing radial spoke mechanisms that can be controllably extended and retracted in response to the anticipated terrain surface over which the wheel is to travel. The hub of the intelligent wheel carries a microcontroller for a set of obstacle proximity sensors, force and position sensors and an appropriate electrical power supply for operation of the spokes and control components.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 22, 2005
Publication date:
August 24, 2006
Applicant:
Gamma Two, Inc.
Inventors:
Louise Gunderson, Christian Brown, James Gunderson