Abstract: A mobile welding system that does not rely exclusively on a track to define the path of the welder. One embodiment includes a mobile welder adapted to move along a work piece. The mobile welder includes a chassis, including a welding implement, and a travel assembly configured to support the chassis over a portion of the work piece. The mobile welder also includes a motor assembly configured to selectively cause the chassis to move relative to the work piece. The mobile welder further includes a chassis holder, having a magnet assembly, configured to provide a force holding the chassis a selected distance from the work piece. The magnet assembly includes a magnet rotatably mounted between a ferrous material and a non-ferrous material to selectively control application of a magnetic field toward the work piece.

Abstract: A mobile welding system that does not rely exclusively on a track to define the path of the welder. One embodiment includes a mobile welder adapted to move along a work piece. The mobile welder includes a chassis, including a welding implement, and a travel assembly configured to support the chassis over a portion of the work piece. The mobile welder also includes a motor assembly configured to selectively cause the chassis to move relative to the work piece. The mobile welder further includes a chassis holder, having a magnet assembly, configured to provide a force holding the chassis a selected distance from the work piece.

Abstract: A mobile welding system that does not rely exclusively on a track to define the path of the welder.

Abstract: A mobile welding system that does not rely exclusively on a track to define the path of the welder.

Abstract: A mobile welding system that does not rely exclusively on a track to define the path of the welder.

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: 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: 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: A Mecanum wheel having a circular plate with a plurality of peripheral flanges formed thereon, the flanges having tab portions bent at an angle of less than 90° from said plate; a roller being mounted to and cantilevering off of each of said tab portions such that the axis of rotation of each roller is at corresponding angle of less than 90° from said plate. In some cases, the angles are approximately the same, being approximately 45°. By cantilevering the rollers, more space is available for use by machines using this Mecanum wheel design.

Abstract: A mobile welding system that does not rely exclusively on a track to define the path of the welder.

Abstract: A multi-unit mobile robot comprising a plurality of separate carriages or units linked together by linkages. Each unit comprises hinged first and second segments which facilitates pitch relative motion between the segments, and accordingly the units. By controlling actuators to the hinges, one can cause the robot to coil around and compress against the exterior, or compress against the interior, of an object to be traversed. The linkage between mobile units facilitates at least one of lateral pivot or yaw relative motion between units, and optionally roll. Each hinged platform is carried by a pair of Mecanum wheels, which facilitate movement of the unit in any direction. Preferably, alternating units are of differing widths, and the wheels on the units are sufficiently large that they capable of overlapping, thereby enabling the robot to navigate very sharp edges or corners in the surface of an object being traversed by the robot, with the wheels always maintaining contact with the surface being traversed.

Abstract: A Mecanum wheel having a circular plate with a plurality of peripheral flanges formed thereon, the flanges having tab portions bent at an angle of less than 90° from said plate; a roller being mounted to and cantilevering off of each of said tab portions such that the axis of rotation of each roller is at corresponding angle of less than 90° from said plate. In some cases, the angles are approximately the same, being approximately 45°. By cantilevering the rollers, more space is available for use by machines using this Mecanum wheel design.

Abstract: A multi-unit mobile robot comprising a plurality of separate carriages or units linked together by linkages. Each unit comprises hinged first and second segments which facilitates pitch relative motion between the segments, and accordingly the units. By controlling actuators to the hinges, one can cause the robot to coil around and compress against the exterior, or compress against the interior, of an object to be traversed. The linkage between mobile units facilitates at least one of lateral pivot or yaw relative motion between units, and optionally roll. Each hinged platform is carried by a pair of Mecanum wheels, which facilitate movement of the unit in any direction. Among other possible uses, the multi-unit mobile robot can be used to service windmill blades and towers, and carrying cargo up and down windmill towers by directing a multi-unit mobile robot to wrap around the and traverse the tower.

Abstract: A Mecanum wheel having a circular plate with a plurality of peripheral flanges formed thereon, the flanges having tab portions bent at an angle of less than 90° from said plate; a roller being mounted to and cantilevering off of each of said tab portions such that the axis of rotation of each roller is at corresponding angle of less than 90° from said plate. In some cases, the angles are approximately the same, being approximately 45°. By cantilevering the rollers, more space is available for use by machines using this Mecanum wheel design.

Abstract: A multi-unit mobile robot comprising a plurality of separate carriages or units linked together by linkages. Each unit comprises hinged first and second segments which facilitates pitch relative motion between the segments, and accordingly the units. By controlling actuators to the hinges, one can cause the robot to coil around and compress against the exterior, or compress against the interior, of an object to be traversed. The linkage between mobile units facilitates at least one of lateral pivot or yaw relative motion between units, and optionally roll. Each hinged platform is carried by a pair of Mecanum wheels, which facilitate movement of the unit in any direction. Among other possible uses, the multi-unit mobile robot can be used to service windmill blades and towers, and carrying cargo up and down windmill towers by directing a multi-unit mobile robot to wrap around the and traverse the tower.