Abstract: An endless-track type mobile climbing vehicle containing a suspension apparatus, transducer manipulator and surface cleaning system to perform non-destructive examination of structures while traversing the structure in all positions. The invention is able to conform to large range of irregularities of the climbing surface while maintaining contact between the track and adhering members and uniformly distributing the climbing loads on the adhering members giving the system a high payload to weight ratio. The invention is moves the inspection transducer over the surface while maintaining correct alignment of the tool relative to the surface. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection on structures that require cleaning or other preparation prior to inspection. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection remotely.

Abstract: An endless-track type mobile climbing vehicle containing a suspension apparatus, transducer manipulator and surface cleaning system to perform non-destructive examination of structures while traversing the structure in all positions. The invention is able to conform to large range of irregularities of the climbing surface while maintaining contact between the track and adhering members and uniformly distributing the climbing loads on the adhering members giving the system a high payload to weight ratio. The invention is moves the inspection transducer over the surface while maintaining correct alignment of the tool relative to the surface. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection on structures that require cleaning or other preparation prior to inspection. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection remotely.

Abstract: An endless-track type climbing vehicle containing a multi-link suspension apparatus to uniformly distribute the forces on the on the adhering members while traversing irregular climbing surfaces. The multi-links suspension apparatus is able to conform to large range of surface irregularities while providing push and pulling forces on the adhering members to uniformly distribute the climbing loads on the adhering members. The result is a climbing machine that can accommodate large surface irregularities while maximizing the climbing payload with a minimum number and size of adhering members.

Abstract: An endless-track type mobile climbing vehicle containing a suspension apparatus and tool manipulator to perform trackless, guide-free welding in all positions or other manufacturing tasks. The invention can conform to a wide range of surface irregularities while maintaining contact between the track and adhering members and uniformly distributing the climbing loads on the adhering members giving the system a high payload to weight ratio. The vehicle with tool manipulator provides all necessary tool motion and stabilizes tool motion for tasks with strict requirements such as welding. The invention allows an operator to supervise and control the weld process through a controller. The invention allows the operator to specify weld motion control parameters for five axes and provides closed loop motion control to track the settings input by the welding operator. The invention also provides closed-loop tracking control to maintain the position of the robot along the longitudinal weld seam.