Endless, Flexible Patents (Class 180/9.1)
  • Patent number: 12008846
    Abstract: A track system of a vehicle can be monitored (e.g., during operation of the vehicle) to obtain information about the track system which can be used for various purposes, such as, for example, to convey the information about the track system to a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle) and/or to control the vehicle, for instance, by controlling a speed of the vehicle depending on a state (e.g., a temperature and/or one or more other physical characteristics) of the track system. This may be useful, for example, to gain knowledge about a track of the track system, to help prevent rapid wear or other deterioration of the track of the track system (e.g., blowout), and/or to adapt how fast or slow the vehicle moves in order to protect the track of the track system while permitting the speed of the vehicle to be greater over short periods (e.g., when travelling on or crossing roads or other particular areas).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: CAMSO INC.
    Inventors: Simon Richard, Matthieu Bergeron, Ghislain Laperle, Patrice Boily
  • Patent number: 11987305
    Abstract: A bogie axle assembly for a vehicle, in particular for an off-highway vehicle such as a forestry machine, the bogie axle assembly comprising: a rigid link arm; a first joint disposed on the link arm for pivotally coupling the link arm to a vehicle frame; a second joint disposed on the link arm, at a distance from the first joint; a bogie pivotally coupled to the link arm via the second joint; and a ground engaging structure comprising one or more wheels rotatably mounted on the bogie. The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle comprising said bogie axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: DANA ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Serrao, Giulio Ornella, Nick Jeroen Josef Muylle
  • Patent number: 11970375
    Abstract: A pipelayer machine may comprise a machine chassis; a towing winch assembly coupled to the machine chassis; an operator cabin supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis. The pipelayer machine may comprise a front portion and a rear portion. The towing winch assembly may be provided in the front portion of the pipelayer machine. The operator cabin may be provided between the towing winch assembly and the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis John Caldwell, Donald L Vance, Benjamin Barbier
  • Patent number: 11970374
    Abstract: A pipelayer machine may comprise a machine chassis; an operator cabin supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis. The operator cabin may include a seat assembly. The operator cabin may be stationary with respect to the machine chassis. The pipelayer machine may comprise a front portion and a rear portion. The engine may be provided in the rear portion. The boom may be provided forward with respect to the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis John Caldwell, Donald L. Vance, Benjamin Barbier
  • Patent number: 11951052
    Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus configured to traverse stairs includes a seat assembly, a rear leg pivotably coupled to the seat assembly, a track integrated with the rear leg, and a wheel coupled to a distal end portion of the rear leg. The seat assembly includes a frame with a seat portion. The rear leg is pivotable relative to the seat portion between a transport position and a stair traversing position. In the transport position the wheel is configured to contact a floor, and in the stair traversing position the track is configured to contact the stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Ross Lucas, Chris Gentile, Bjorn Gunderson, Daniel Brosnan
  • Patent number: 11951617
    Abstract: An autonomous solar module installation platform can be used for solar module installation onto a solar tracker. The autonomous solar module installation platform can include an off-road capable base vehicle and a robotic arm, mounted on the off-road capable base vehicle, for the solar module installation onto the solar tracker. The off-road capable base vehicle and the robotic arm can communicate with each other and cooperate their movements to proceed to the solar tracker and align with the solar tracker in order for the robotic arm to pick up and lift the solar module during an installation of the solar module onto the solar tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rosendin Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Zhou, William Paul Mazzetti, Jr., Halston Ryan Rowe, David Scott Lincoln
  • Patent number: 11946882
    Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Mistras Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Morris, Elliott Morris, John Musgrave
  • Patent number: 11932328
    Abstract: A track assembly (15) for a track-driven vehicle, whereby the track-carrying beam (15) is arranged to hold a front and a rear wheel (16), one of which is driving, a plurality of carrying wheels about which wheels a continuous track travels, the track-carrying beam (15) is elongated and terminated by a first and a second gable end. The track-carrying beam (15) comprises an integrated compartment (37) and an opening (36) in one (35) of said gables, whereby the compartment (37) communicates with the surroundings via said opening (36), and whereby the opening (36) is arranged to allow for insertion of a transmission device for driving of said driving wheel (16) via the opening (36) in the compartment (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Komatsu Forest AB
    Inventors: Henry Pettersson, Espen Miland
  • Patent number: 11919583
    Abstract: An omniwheel track system comprising a frame comprising at least one supporting plate, an endless drive mechanism mounted to the frame, and a plurality of segment assemblies mounted to the frame and drivable by the endless drive mechanism, the plurality of segment assemblies forming an endless track rotatable about the frame, each segment assembly comprising a housing adapted to receive at least one load wheel, each load wheel mounted to a corresponding segment assembly and rotatable about an axis, each axis forming an angle with a side of the housing. There is also provided an omniwheel track system platform comprising a plurality of the omniwheel track systems described above arranged on a main frame such that the omniwheel track system platform is movable omnidirectionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventors: Raphael Roy, Benjamin Boiteau, Vincent Roussel, Vincent Labbé
  • Patent number: 11919584
    Abstract: A track roller includes a body having a revolved configuration defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation. A first axial extremity and a second axial extremity are disposed along the axis of rotation. The body of revolution further includes a first rim portion disposed proximate to the first axial extremity, and a second rim portion disposed proximate to the second axial extremity. An outboard track contact surface is disposed axially proximate to the first rim portion, and an inboard slot is disposed axially proximate to the second rim portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
  • Patent number: 11906342
    Abstract: A wall-climbing robot for measuring capacity of vertical metal tanks includes a robot body including a chassis, a casing, and wheels. The robot body further includes: an attraction unit including a plurality of magnets; a measurement unit including a bendable ruler provided on the chassis and protruding from a top of the casing; the rust removal unit including a rust removing bucket provided at a front side of the robot body, and a driver for the lifting and lowering of the rust removing bucket; and a control unit including a microcontroller, a posture detector, an obstacle detector, an attraction detector, and a distance sensor. The wall-climbing robot of the present invention leaves no indentation on a surface of the metal tank, and is not affected by the rusts formed on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Zhoushan Institute Of Calibration And Testing For Quality And Technology Supervision
    Inventors: Xianlei Chen, Cunjun Li, Huadong Hao, Haolei Shi, Haocai Huang, Yiping Wu
  • Patent number: 11859696
    Abstract: A module for a system for driving and synchronizing a countershaft of a transmission gearbox. The module includes a coupling device having an input element intended to be rotationally coupled to a reversible electric machine and an output element intended to be rotationally coupled to the countershaft. The coupling device has a coupled state in which the clutch device is able to transmit torque between the input element and the output element and an uncoupled state in which the input element and the output element are uncoupled. Also included is a lock-up device which has a lock-up state in which said lock-up device blocks the rotation of the input element of the clutch device, and a released state in which said lock-up device allows the input element to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Loic Vassieux, Dominique Lheureux
  • Patent number: 11845502
    Abstract: A universal removable lateral track extension system includes an extension track assembly removably couplable outboard of an original lateral track at a selected displacement width, the assembly further including a track frame plate, first and second receiver hitches, a drive coupler removably couplable to the corresponding drive sprocket of the tracked equipment, the drive coupler including a drive bearing assembly and connected drive sprocket in line with the extension track track rollers, a drive sprocket coupler and extension axle removably couplable from the drive sprocket connector to the drive bearing assembly, and a continuous track extending around the extension track track rollers and drive coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventors: Tom Hilman, Melvin Aho
  • Patent number: 11834113
    Abstract: Specially fabricated wear plugs are designed for selective insertion within machined holes in a track slide, which decrease friction material below the surface of the track slide. The wear plugs decrease friction between adjoining parts of the track slide assembly and reduce wear caused through use of the track slide in various applications. Methods of fabricating the wear plugs are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: L&H Industrial, Inc.
    Inventor: William Howard Schroyer
  • Patent number: 11820183
    Abstract: A combination of a marsh buggy is coupled with a modified skid steer. The skid steer has a frame, and hydraulic lines for attaching to hydraulic driven motors for driving a track or wheeled drive system. The skid steer further having an engine and a hydraulic system, including a pump and hydraulic tank, and valves; an operator's cab positioned on the frame, said operator's cab further comprising a set of hydraulic controls connectable to the hydraulic system for controlling the drive system and a hydraulically driven lift system, including two booms, each boom comprising a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being pivotably mounted to the frame, the second arm being telescopically coupled to the first arm by a hydraulic cylinder controllable from the operator's cab. The marsh buggy includes a first and a second floatable pontoons, the two pontoons coupled together in a parallel but offset relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: Paul K. Wilson
  • Patent number: 11673442
    Abstract: Vehicle comprising a hull and motorised aquatic propulsion members and motorised land propulsion members, this vehicle being able to move between a navigation position and a land transport position in which it rests on sets of caterpillar tracks. Each set of caterpillar tracks (1) is equipped with an even number of rollers (7) so as to define a set of adjacent roller pairs (71, 72). The rollers (71, 72) of each pair are connected to the chassis (2) by suspension means comprising a set (12) of at least two superposed curved elastic leaves made of a fibre-reinforced thermosetting resin, namely an upper leaf (131) and a lower leaf (132), the set being fixed on the one hand to the axles (9) of the rollers (71, 72) at its respective ends and, on the other hand, to the chassis (2) in its central part, and the upper leaf (13i) and the lower leaf (132) of each of the sets of leaves (12) are joined together and covered with a layer of elastomer (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Iguana Yachts
    Inventors: Antoine Brugidou, Florent Mirieu De Labarre, Steve Huppert, Eric Leparfait
  • Patent number: 11673272
    Abstract: An inspection robot incudes a robot body, at least two sensors, a drive module, a stability assist device and an actuator. The at least two sensors are positioned to interrogate an inspection surface and are communicatively coupled to the robot body. The drive module includes at least two wheels that engage the inspection surface. The drive module is coupled to the robot body. The stability assist device is coupled to at least one of the robot body or the drive module. The actuator is coupled to the stability assist device at a first end, and coupled to one of the drive module or the robot body at a second end. The actuator is structured to selectively move the stability assist device between a first position and a second position. The first position includes a stored position. The second position includes a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Gecko Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Loosararian, Michael A. Binger, Edward A. Bryner, Edwin H. Cho, Mark Cho, Alexander R. Cuti, Ignacio J. Cordova, Benjamin A. Guise, Dillon R. Jourde, Kevin Y. Low, Logan A. MacKenzie, Joshua D. Moore, Jeffrey J. Mrkonich, William J. Pridgen, Domenic P. Rodriguez, Francesco H. Trogu, Alex C. Watt, Yizhu Gu, Ian Miller, Todd Joslin, Katherine Virginia Denner, Michael Stephen Auda, Samuel Theodore Westenberg
  • Patent number: 11668226
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame, at least one ski, handbars operatively coupled to the at least one ski, and an engine assembly comprising an engine and an exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold includes at least a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet is configured to connect to a first exhaust port. The first outlet is connected to provide exhaust received from the first inlet to a first exhaust path and the second outlet is connected to provide exhaust received from the first inlet to a second exhaust path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INC.
    Inventors: Cord Miller Christensen, Alexander Konrad Fuhrman
  • Patent number: 11639167
    Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle includes a chassis, a front axle, a rear axle, a powertrain, an accessory drive, and a controller. The powertrain includes an engine, a battery system, and an electromechanical transmission coupled to the battery system, the engine, and at least one of the front axle or the rear axle. The accessory drive is positioned to receive a mechanical input from the engine and the electromechanical transmission. The controller is configured to selectively operate the powertrain in a plurality of operational modes including a standby mode and a hybrid mode. According to the standby mode, the controller is configured to operate the electromechanical transmission using stored energy stored in the battery system to drive the accessory drive with the engine off. According to the hybrid mode, the controller is configured to operate both the engine and the electromechanical transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Shively, Seth Newlin, David Kay, Jack Bermingham, Jon Morrow, David Steinberger
  • Patent number: 11608128
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments, aspects and features an oscillating track system that includes an oscillating track lock subsystem. The oscillating track system may include a track operable to rotate around a housing structure that is configured to receive an axle. While in operation, i.e. while the track is being rotated around the housing, the oscillating track system may be able to oscillate about the axle and, in doing so, incline or decline to accommodate undulating terrain. Advantageously, when stopped, the degree to which the oscillating track system has oscillated around the axle may be locked in place via an oscillating track lock subsystem comprised within the oscillating track system, thereby providing stability to the heavy equipment that includes the oscillating track system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Teletrax Equipment, LLC
    Inventor: Tim Ourada
  • Patent number: 11598392
    Abstract: A transmission device capable of cooperating with a dual-power source and a driving method therefor, the transmission device includes a planetary gear assembly that is driven by the dual-power source; the planetary gear assembly comprises a sun gear, a rotating inner gear ring, and a planetary gear that is engaged between the sun gear and the rotating inner gear ring; the dual-power source comprises an input shaft, the input shaft being connected to the sun gear. The direction of the rotational movement of the planetary gear about the input shaft depends on the linear velocity V1 of pitch circle movement of the rotating inner gear ring and the linear velocity V2 of pitch circle movement of the sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Jiying Zhao, Delin Yan, Jianli Li
  • Patent number: 11585934
    Abstract: A cart robot performing an auto-follow function of following a user, the cart robot, including a storage space storing goods; a main body coupled to a lower portion of the storage space and supporting the storage space; a handle assembly connected to a rear side of the main body; a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the main body and moving the main body in a direction of force applied to the handle assembly; and a plurality of sensor assemblies provided at front side of the main body for sensing an obstacle in a forward direction and sensing and tracking a location of a transmission module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Anna Kim, Sunryang Kim, Joohan Kim, Jaecheon Sa, Kangsoo Shin
  • Patent number: 11572111
    Abstract: A track-module apparatus comprising: (a) idler-arm axle structure for a vehicle and having leading and trailing idler-arm axles; (b) a leading idler arm rotatably attached to the leading idler-arm axle and extending forwardly to a leading-arm distal end at which a leading ground-engaging idler wheel is rotatably attached and rearwardly to a rearward suspension end; (c) a trailing idler arm rotatably attached to the trailing idler-arm axle and extending rearwardly to a trailing-arm distal end at which a trailing ground-engaging idler wheel is rotatably attached and forwardly to a forward suspension end; (d) bogie-axle structure (i) affixed to one of the idler arms, (ii) having at least one bogie-arm axle, and (iii) positioning the at least one bogie-arm axle adjacent to and below the idler-arm axle of the idler arm to which it is affixed; (e) leading-arm and trailing-arm suspension elements rotatably attached to and extending downwardly from the rearward and forward suspension ends, respectively, and each havi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: ATI, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Tiede, Jamsheed Reshad, Jacob Adam, Timothy D. Stacy
  • Patent number: 11565561
    Abstract: The present invention is an amphibious all-terrain vehicle. This amphibious all-terrain vehicle includes a boat-shaped hull and a continuous track system that is configured to provide propulsion at multiple speeds while in water. The amphibious all-terrain vehicle includes a drive train, a suspension system having one or more tracks, an operator's station, and one or more handle bars as a steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Ted W Schroeder
  • Patent number: 11535316
    Abstract: A farm implement is provided having a frame and first and second track assemblies. The first track assembly has a first track frame, a first idler wheel, and a first brake assembly. The first idler wheel has an inboard side facing toward and an outboard side facing away from a center the first track frame. The first brake assembly has a first disc coupled to the first idler wheel on the outboard side of the first idler wheel, a first caliper couplable to first and second sides of the first disc, and a first torque arm coupled to the first track frame and a spindle of the first idler wheel. The first caliper is mounted on the first torque arm, and is configured to clamp down on the first and second sides of the first disc in order to slow and/or stop rotation of the first idler wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, John Walvatne
  • Patent number: 11511785
    Abstract: A basket assembly for receiving goods therein; a main body coupled to a bottom of the basket assembly to support the basket assembly; a handle assembly installed on one side of the main body; a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to a bottom of the main body to move the main body in a direction in which a force is applied to the handle assembly; and a battery installed inside the main body for supplying electrical energy to the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Anna Kim, Sunryang Kim, Yoonsik Kim, Keunsik No, Jaecheon Sa, Woojin Jeong
  • Patent number: 11505229
    Abstract: A tool support includes a frame that is configured to support a tool and a powered track supported on the frame. The powered track includes a drive roller, an idler roller, and an endless belt that extends around the drive roller and the idler roller. The tool support also includes a first motor supported on the frame. The first motor is operable to drive the drive roller and rotate the endless belt. The tool support further includes a second motor supported by the frame. The second motor is configured to be coupled to the tool to drive the tool supported on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matt R. Wolf, Ryan J. Denissen, Peter J. Davies, Sean T. Kehoe, Justin Miller, Jacqueline J. Beierle
  • Patent number: 11498630
    Abstract: A snow vehicle is disclosed comprising a vehicle frame, a propulsion unit coupled to the frame, and a front ski steered by a steering mechanism. The snow vehicle has a chain coupling the sprocket of the propulsion unit and a chain tensioning device to take up the chain tension. The chain has a chain guide positioned below a lower run of the chain which directs the chain towards an upper run of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Cody L. Telford, Justin R. York, Phillip M. Driggars
  • Patent number: 11478924
    Abstract: A modular auxiliary power module is described for a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular auxiliary power module includes a base adapter platform, a cargo door, an auxiliary power source, and an output power outlet disposed on the base adapter platform as part of a modular component electronics interface. A top side of the base adapter platform has a cargo support area configured to support the item being shipped. Interlocking alignment interfaces (such as channels or latches) are on the top and bottom of the platform. The cargo door is movably attached to and extending from an edge of the base adapter platform, and the output power outlet is coupled to the auxiliary power source and provides access to power for other components of the modular autonomous bot apparatus from the auxiliary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Frank Mayfield, Daniel Gates
  • Patent number: 11331787
    Abstract: A remote controlled luggage handler apparatus for loading and unloading luggage from tour buses includes a carrier body having a pair of drive tracks. A multi-axis arm has a base pivot unit coupled to a body top side, a proximal segment coupled to the base pivot unit, a distal segment, and a head pivot unit. A jaw comprises a jaw support coupled to the head pivot unit, a fixed mandible coupled to the jaw support, and a sliding mandible slidably coupled to the jaw support to secure a suitcase between the fixed mandible and the sliding mandible. A CPU, a first transceiver, and a battery are coupled within the carrier body. A remote control is in operational communication with the first transceiver to control the drive tracks and the arm. A charging port is configured to be installed within a storage bay of a tour bus to charge the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Wayne Clearwater
  • Patent number: 11161412
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for piloting an electric scooter, the electric scooter and a storage medium. The method includes: receiving a driving instruction; and in response to the driving instruction, piloting the electric scooter to a target charging device according to a navigation path at least in one of the following manners: lowering a gravity center of the electric scooter; and under a condition in which an obstacle is detected, controlling the electric scooter to avoid the obstacle or wait for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ninebot (Beijing) Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhu Hou, Weining Xi, Yubin Yuan, Zichong Chen, Zhongyuan Chen
  • Patent number: 11158008
    Abstract: Mobile robots and methods involving mobile robots are provided. In one method, a mobile robot performs a hospitality service for a guest of a hospitality business. The mobile robot is operated at the hospitality business.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Vecna Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Theobald
  • Patent number: 11104553
    Abstract: A crawler crane includes a lower traveling body, and the lower traveling body includes: a car body; a right crawler device and a left crawler device; a front side connecting portion; and a rear side connecting portion, the right crawler device includes a right crawler frame, the left crawler device includes a left crawler frame, the front side connecting portion is separably joined to each of a front end portion of the car body, the right crawler frame front portion and the left crawler frame front portion, the rear side connecting portion is separably joined to each of a rear end portion of the car body, the right crawler frame rear portion and the left crawler frame rear portion, and each of the front side connecting portion and the rear side connecting portion includes a lattice portion which has a lattice structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Teppei Maedo
  • Patent number: 11052956
    Abstract: An anti-scrubbing mechanism in the track of a tracked robot or a tracked vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a tracked robot includes one or more tracks coupled to a chassis of the tracked robot. Each of the one or more tracks include one or more track segments along a length of each of the one or more tracks and a plurality of rollers coupled to the one or more track segments along the length of each of the one or more tracks, wherein each of the plurality of rollers and the one or more track segments are arranged alternately along a width of each of the one or more tracks. The tracked robot further includes a drive system mechanically coupled to the one or more tracks and the chassis of the tracked robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Suhas S. Malghan
  • Patent number: 10845164
    Abstract: A torsion bar restraint system for tracked combat vehicles that aids in the improvement of occupant survival rates when associated with asymmetric threats. The blast mitigating restraint system can reduce the dynamic deflection of torsion bars based on the severity of the blast impulse as needed. Systems comprise one or more components that secure the torsion bar to the hull for protecting against dynamic deflection and lateral displacement. The two disclosed components, an end restraint device and an M-Ring restraining device, can be used in conjunction or independently from each other based on the type of threat likely to be encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: Brian Kariya, Roy John Buchmann, Parmjit Paul Singh, Mei Lam, Scott Greenlee, Jeff Faul, Wing Ng, Michael McCullough, Stu Nakashima, Yaping Zhu
  • Patent number: 10814924
    Abstract: Power machines, power sources for power machines, and methods which provide a hydraulic signal from a hydraulic system, through the swivel joint or swivel, to control a tensioning cylinder coupled to the undercarriage without requiring a modification to the swivel. In exemplary embodiments, the same hydraulic signal provided to at least one other hydraulic component on the undercarriage to control another machine function is also provided to control one or more tensioning cylinders. For example, exemplary disclosed embodiments provide the same hydraulic signal to tension a tensioning cylinder as is provided to shift one or more two-speed drive motors. This prevents or reduces the likelihood of de-tracking without requiring a change or redesign of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Jacob Haugen
  • Patent number: 10786903
    Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a map creation system and a method for a movable robot. The map creation system includes a movable robot and a display device. The movable robot includes a robot body; a driving unit driving the robot body to move in a space; an image capturing unit capturing a image in the space; a sampling unit sampling in the space to obtain a sample; a control unit controlling the operation of the driving unit, the image capturing unit and the sampling unit; and a power supply unit supplying an electrical power to each unit. The display device displays the received image and marks a location in the space where the sample is obtained on the image, and synchronously displays a movement trace of the movable robot in the space according to the driving instructions of the driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Chung-Hao Huang, Yu-Hsiang Hung, Chiung-Wei Huang, Cheng-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 10751872
    Abstract: An underwater manipulator arm robot comprises: a plurality of links that are connected to one another by joint modules for generating a flexural motion of the robot; multiple thrust devices located at different points along the length of the robot for applying thrust to the robot for propulsion and/or guidance; and at least one tool, or at least one connection point for a tool, attached to the robot; wherein the flexural motion and/or thrust devices enable movement of the robot and control of the orientation and/or location of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: EELUME AS
    Inventors: Kristin Y. Pettersen, Pål Liljebäck, Asgeir J. Sørensen, Øyvind Stavdahl, Fredrik Lund, Aksel A. Transeth, Jan Tommy Gravdahl
  • Patent number: 10723596
    Abstract: A modular crane, with a pot-shaped element on which an upper carriage of the crane can be mounted such that it can rotate about a rotational axis, multiple support carriers hinged to the pot-shaped element such that they can each pivot about a pivot axis for support on the ground, and a separable driving base on which the pot-shaped element can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Terex Global GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Schaal, Klaus Meissner, Rüdiger Zollondz
  • Patent number: 10589809
    Abstract: Endless vehicle tracks including a body having an outer surface formed of an elastomeric material displaying a series of ground engaging profiles longitudinally spaced along the outer surface, and an inner surface formed a urethane reinforcement material. The inner surface generally displays a series of longitudinally spaced guide-drive lugs for retaining the track on the vehicle and/or driving the vehicle. The urethane reinforcement defines the inner surface of the body. The urethane reinforcement may define wheel path regions of the body, and the urethane reinforcement may even form the guide-drive lugs. The endless vehicle track may further include a fabric reinforcement layer disposed beneath or upon the outer surface of the upper face of the guide-drive lugs. The urethane reinforcement is formed from an admixture including a castable urethane material liquid which fills a mold and hardens to form the urethane reinforcement. The mold also includes a metal reinforcement therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Matthew A. Linn, David M. Burtchin
  • Patent number: 10562574
    Abstract: A slider for a track assembly of a machine is provided. The slider includes an elongated base portion coupled to a frame and a sliding portion extending from the elongated base portion. The sliding portion includes an outer surface configured to slidably engage with a track link of the track assembly. The sliding portion includes a set of wear indicators defined in the outer surface. The set of wear indicators includes a first wear indicator and a second wear indicator. The first and the second wear indicators are located at a first predefined thickness and a second predefined thickness respectively, measured along a central axis of the sliding portion. Further, the first wear indicator indicates partial wear of the sliding portion and the second wear indicator indicates substantial wear of the sliding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Mircea Dumitru
  • Patent number: 10427291
    Abstract: A moving robot includes a main body, a drive assembly moving the main body, and a cleaner head performing cleaning on a cleaning area in which the main body is positioned, wherein the drive assembly includes a plurality of pulleys, a motor connected to any one of the plurality of pulleys and generating a driving force, a belt rotated in contact with the plurality of pulleys, and a support shaft connected to some of the plurality of pulleys and changing a position of the pulley such that an area in which the belt is in contact with a ground or an obstacle is maintained to be equal to or greater than a reference area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hwang Kim, Sungil Park, Soohyun Kim, Byungho Yoon, Sanghoon Han, Youngjun Jeon
  • Patent number: 10300596
    Abstract: A moving robot includes a main body, a drive assembly moving the main body, and a cleaner head performing cleaning on a cleaning area in which the main body is positioned, wherein the drive assembly includes a plurality of pulleys, a motor connected to any one of the plurality of pulleys and generating a driving force, a belt rotated in contact with the plurality of pulleys, and a support shaft connected to some of the plurality of pulleys and changing a position of the pulley such that an area in which the belt is in contact with a ground or an obstacle is maintained to be equal to or greater than a reference area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hwang Kim, Sungil Park, Soohyun Kim, Byungho Yoon, Sanghoon Han, Youngjun Jeon
  • Patent number: 10272959
    Abstract: A track assembly for traction of a tracked vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels which comprises a drive wheel and a plurality of roller wheels, as well as an elastomeric endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging the ground. A roller wheel may comprise a wheel body and a covering on the wheel body. The covering may comprise a lateral portion dimensioned to contact a drive/guide lug of the track. The roller wheels and the track may implement a self-alignment system of the track assembly. The track assembly may comprise a cooling system for transferring heat away from a roller wheel. The track assembly may comprise a lateral motion mechanism allowing a roller wheel to move widthwise in response to a side load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Camso Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremie Zuchoski, Alain Lussier, Patrice Boily, Francois Leblanc
  • Patent number: 10246310
    Abstract: A large mobile crane including an undercarriage. The undercarriage includes a middle section between tracks, wherein a distance between the tracks can be increased or decreased by the insertion or removal of expansion parts. The two tracks are connected on opposite sides of the undercarriage to permit movement of the large mobile crane. The undercarriage also includes a drive unit, a superstructure, one or more control stations, at least two main booms, at least one derrick boom, and at least two lifting devices and counterweights. The counterweights are either arranged separately of or mounted on the undercarriage. The large mobile crane further includes a circular track, and support rollers attached to the superstructure, wherein the support rollers ride on the circular track, and wherein the circular track is an integral part of the expansion parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: TEREX GLOBAL GMBH
    Inventors: Rüdiger Zollondz, Alfons Weckbecker, Fritz-Botho Köster, Günter Karp, Hans-Peter Franzen
  • Patent number: 10183711
    Abstract: The present invention provides an amphibious caterpillar track shoe, which has a novel structure and has greater buoyancy while increasing the durability of the track shoe by means of a foam buoyant member and a fixing frame, and has webbed protruding parts capable of improving the movement speed of a track vehicle on water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Chung Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 10119246
    Abstract: A vehicle having a long track or wheel-trail wheel combination on one side and a smaller ground engaging member, such as a short track or wheel on the other. The vehicle has a work attachment on one end of as frame, which is provided clearance on the side of the vehicle with the short track or wheel. A control system is provided to allow an operator to properly control a direction of the vehicle despite the fact that different forces may be required to operate the long track and the short track or wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Brant Douglas Kukuk
  • Patent number: 10099734
    Abstract: Endless vehicle tracks including a body having an outer surface formed of an elastomeric material displaying a series of ground engaging profiles longitudinally spaced along the outer surface, and an inner surface formed a urethane reinforcement material. The inner surface generally displays a series of longitudinally spaced guide-drive lugs for retaining the track on the vehicle and/or driving the vehicle. In some aspects, the urethane reinforcement defines the inner surface of the body, and the urethane reinforcement may even be a continuous structure forming a base of the inner surface. In some cases, the urethane reinforcement defines wheel path regions of the body, and the urethane reinforcement may even form the guide-drive lugs. In some embodiments, the endless vehicle track further includes a fabric reinforcement layer disposed beneath or upon the outer surface of the upper face of the guide-drive lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Matthew A. Linn, Robert I. Anderson, Jr., James Weir
  • Patent number: 10060093
    Abstract: A device for receiving and removing plastic, sludge-like materials deposited on beds of bodies of water. The device systematically senses the bottom of the body of water, suctions it off layer by layer, and independently moves along even if coarse obstacles are present. The device has at least one pump/compressor, at least one hydraulic unit and at least one electric power generator and is connected on one side to a disposal site or a settling basin or a transportable container on land and on the other side to the suction module by pipelines. The suction module moves along on the bottom independently by a special tracked chassis unit, is connected by a cable to an echo sounding emitter arranged floatingly above the suction module and/or to a GPS receiver, and has a pivoting arm, which independently adapts to the bed of the body of water and oscillates freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Georg Linner
  • Patent number: 10023193
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle and method of controlling the same are provided, the vehicle having a motive power unit providing a driving torque to at least one driven wheel and having at least one tire or track frictionally coupled with the periphery of the driven wheel. A vehicle operating parameter is controlled in dependence on the driving torque and a slippage characteristic relating the respective driving torque at which the frictional coupling between driven wheel and tire or track begins to slip for a range of vehicle operating parameter values. The operating parameter is suitably a tire pressure or track tension, and the control may involve reducing driving torque or increasing pressure/tension to prevent slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Heindl, Martin Brenninger