Patents by Inventor Robert D. Christ

Robert D. Christ has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Unmanned apparatus traversal and inspection system
    Patent number: 8619134
    Abstract: An unmanned apparatus for use in traversing and inspecting at least a portion of an elongated structure. The unmanned apparatus includes at least one structural member defining a recess sized and configured to receive the portion of the elongated structure. In one aspect, the unmanned apparatus includes a clamping mechanism coupled to the structural member, wherein the clamping mechanism is capable of detachably attaching the unmanned apparatus to the elongated structure. A locomotion system is actuated while the unmanned apparatus is attached to the elongated structure causing the unmanned apparatus to traverse at least a portion of the elongated structure. The unmanned apparatus includes a plurality of cameras and/or at least one sensor capable of providing information regarding the structural integrity of the interior and/or exterior of the elongated structure. A method of inspecting and traversing at least a portion of the elongated structure is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SeaTrepid International, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Christ
  • Unmanned Apparatus Traversal And Inspection System
    Publication number: 20100235018
    Abstract: An unmanned apparatus for use in traversing and inspecting at least a portion of an elongated structure. The unmanned apparatus includes at least one structural member defining a recess sized and configured to receive the portion of the elongated structure. In one aspect, the unmanned apparatus includes a clamping mechanism coupled to the structural member, wherein the clamping mechanism is capable of detachably attaching the unmanned apparatus to the elongated structure. A locomotion system is actuated while the unmanned apparatus is attached to the elongated structure causing the unmanned apparatus to traverse at least a portion of the elongated structure. The unmanned apparatus includes a plurality of cameras and/or at least one sensor capable of providing information regarding the structural integrity of the interior and/or exterior of the elongated structure. A method of inspecting and traversing at least a portion of the elongated structure is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: SEATREPID INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Christ