With Auxiliary Obstacle Surmounting Means Patents (Class 180/9.32)
  • Patent number: 8434576
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus has a first articulating section comprising a leading traction control assembly including multiple points of contact inclined at a forward angle, and a second articulating section comprising an intermediate traction control assembly. A propulsion system is configured to coordinate movement of the leading traction control assembly and the intermediate traction control assembly. A connector operatively couples the first articulating section to the second articulating section, and the first articulating section is configured to articulate relative to the second articulating section in response to one or more of the multiple points of contact of the leading traction control assembly coming into contact with an obstacle. A bias assembly is configured to exert a continuous compression force against one or both of the first articulating section and the second articulating section to maximize the number of points of contact between the mobile apparatus and the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8413752
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle includes a chassis supported on right and left driven tracks, right and left elongated flippers disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis, and a battery unit holder disposed on the chassis for removably receiving a battery unit weighing at least 50 lbs. The battery unit holder includes a guide for receiving and guiding the battery unit to a connected position and a connector mount having locating features and communication features. The locating features receive corresponding locating features of the battery unit, as the battery unit is moved to its connected position, to align the communication features of the connector mount with corresponding communication features of the battery unit. The communication features of the connector mount are movable in a plane transverse to the guide to aid alignment of the communication features for establishment of an electrical connection therebetween when the battery unit is in its connected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Page, Tucker Kuhe, Lee F. Sword, Adam P. Couture
  • Publication number: 20130048393
    Abstract: This motorized track unit is for use with a wheelchair seating system or other undefined cargo systems. The Smart Trak device is capable of carrying its intended cargo across solid or loose surfaces such as grass, mud, dirt, sand or snow. It is also capable of traversing uneven or unsteady ground surfaces and having the abilities to scale incline/declines of approved stair sets. The device itself can be outfitted with a multitude of add-ons giving it the ability to allow handicapped persons the abilities to have a full function wheelchair system that allows them to go up/down stairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8371403
    Abstract: A tracked mobility device includes: a) a pair of independent, self-supported track drives defining a planar ground contact area; b) a multi-directional wheel having a raised position above the plane of the ground contact area, and a lowered position below the plane of the ground contact area; and c) an actuator for moving the multi-directional wheel to either its raised or its lowered position. When the actuator lowers the multi-directional wheel, part of the planar ground contact area is raised from the ground without raising all of the planar ground contact area from the ground. Each track drive functions independently so that bumps along one track may be traversed without tilting the entire vehicle. Each track drive may be attached to the vehicle body with flexible mounts that allow each track drive to independently tilt upward or downward as the device moves on its tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Travis Underwood
    Inventor: Travis Underwood
  • Patent number: 8365848
    Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: Chikyung Won
  • Patent number: 8360178
    Abstract: The mobile robot includes a chassis, a pair of drive system, a manipulator arm with a turret. The pair of drive systems is operably connected to opposed sides of the chassis. The turret is rotationally attached to the platform. The first link of the manipulator arm is attached to the turret at a first joint. The manipulator arm has at least a first link, and the first link is adapted to function as a traction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Engineering Services Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Goldenberg, Jun Lin
  • Patent number: 8353373
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: Pavlo E. Rudakevych
  • Patent number: 8342271
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a motor controller logic circuit and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the motor controller logic circuit and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced voltage to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail Filippov, John P. O'Brien, Adam P. Couture
  • Patent number: 8333256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed, for construction and operation of an all terrain polymorphic tracked vehicle. The invention improves on the prior art by providing a mechanism whereby it is possible to vary the shapes of the tracks during operation of the vehicle. This capability facilitates negotiating obstacles and rough terrain, enables such vehicles to climb stairs or similar obstacles, and also enables self leveling of the vehicle on inclined terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Rustam Stolkin, Kirk Deligiannis, Colin Finley Harrier, Mathew Hochberger
  • Patent number: 8327960
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10,100,150A,150B150C,160,1000,1000A, includes a chassis (20,106,152,162) having front and rear ends (20A,152A,20B,152B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (34,44,108,165). Right and left elongated flippers (50,60,102,154,164) are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage (70,156,166) connects a payload deck assembly (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (70A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (71), and a second end (70B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (73). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers (72,74) operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots (71,73) to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806) with respect to the chassis (20,106,152,162).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Adam P. Couture, Richard Page, John P. O'Brien, Mikhail Filippov, Andrew Shein
  • Patent number: 8322470
    Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Ohm, Michael Bassett
  • Patent number: 8316971
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Adam P. Couture, Richard Page, John P. O'Brien, Mikhail Filippov
  • Patent number: 8292007
    Abstract: A wheeled platform 100 is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility and reliability, and which can be used in a wide range of applications including transport and robotic devices. The wheeled platform 100 has fore and aft body portions 130, 132, each body portion 130, 132 having first and second sides 106, 108. Overlapping wheels 112, 114, 116, 118 are rotatably attached to the first side 106 and overlapping wheels 120, 122, 124, 126 are rotatably attached to the second side 108. The fore body portion 130 can be connected to the aft body portion 132 via an articulation element 133.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. DeFazio, David S. Barrett, Chikyung Won, Selma Svendson
  • Publication number: 20120261200
    Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy R. Ohm, Michael Bassett
  • Patent number: 8256542
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a chassis defining at least one chassis volume and first and second sets of right and left driven flippers associated with the chassis. Each flipper has a drive wheel and defines a flipper volume adjacent to the drive wheel. The first set of flippers is disposed between the second set of flippers and the chassis. Motive power elements are distributed among the chassis volume and the flipper volumes. The motive power elements include a battery assembly, a main drive motor assembly, and a load shifting motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Adam P. Couture, Richard Page, John P. O'Brien, Mikhail Filippov
  • Publication number: 20120199407
    Abstract: Mobile robot systems and methods are provided. At least one tracked mobile robot has a first end comprising a first pair of wheels, a second end comprising a second pair of wheels, an articulated arm coaxial with the first pair of wheels, and a driven support surface surrounding the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels. The at least one mobile robot surmounts obstacles and performs additional maneuvers alone and in combination with at least one other mobile robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Lynn MOREY, Pavio Rudakevych, Garren M. Gossage
  • Publication number: 20120186886
    Abstract: A mechanical work sampling system (10) is for the operation of extensions articulated in vehicular applications. The system is susceptible of being applied on a tracked vehicle (30) and includes at least a supporting arm (40) and a secondary track (22; 23) associated to the supporting arm. The supporting arm (40) is configurable in rotation configuration within which it rotates with respect to a first end (41) through a sampling of work from the main propulsor of the tracked vehicle (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: OTO MELARA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Lazzari, Giovanni La Spina
  • Patent number: 8225892
    Abstract: A hybrid mobile robot includes a base link and a second link. The base link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and a turret. The second link is attached to the base link at a first joint. The second link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and to be deployed for manipulation. In another embodiment an invertible robot includes at least one base link and a second link. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a chassis and a track drive pulley system including a tension and suspension mechanism. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a wireless communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi
    Inventor: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi
  • Publication number: 20120183382
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a deck system to the chassis. The deck system includes a deck base and a payload deck configured to support a removable functional payload. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: IROBOT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adam P. Couture, Richard Page, John P. O`Brien
  • Publication number: 20120097461
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Pavlo E. Rudakevych
  • Patent number: 8162083
    Abstract: Theme To provide a small-sized crawler device that can stably ride over bumps or steps or stairs. Means to Solve The crawler device includes a device body (1) having main crawlers (20) on its left and right and auxiliary crawlers (30) provided as auxiliary members at one end portion of the device body. Before the crawler device ascends a step or stairs with the auxiliary crawler (30) positioned backward, the controller (65) brings the auxiliary crawler (30) into a preparatory state in which the auxiliary crawler (30) is freely rotatable with respect to the main crawler (20) or the auxiliary crawler (30) is maintained in a position above a line extending longitudinally from the main crawler by a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Topy Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Iwaki, Shingo Tsukui, Seiji Oomura
  • Patent number: 8157032
    Abstract: A robotic system that can have a body and four flippers is described. Any or all of the flippers can be rotated. The flippers can have self-cleaning tracks. The tracks can be driven or passive. The robotic system can be controlled by, and send audio and/or video to and/or from, a remote operator control module. The methods of using and making the robotic system are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: RoboteX Inc.
    Inventor: Adam M. Gettings
  • Patent number: 8122982
    Abstract: Mobile robot systems and methods are provided. At least one tracked mobile robot has a first end comprising a first pair of wheels, a second end comprising a second pair of wheels, an articulated arm coaxial with the first pair of wheels, and a driven support surface surrounding the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels. The at least one mobile robot surmounts obstacles and performs additional maneuvers alone and in combination with at least one other mobile robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Irobot Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Lynn Morey, Pavlo Rudakevych, Garran M. Gossage
  • Patent number: 8113304
    Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: Chikyung Won
  • Patent number: 8079432
    Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Ohm, Michael Bassett
  • Patent number: 8074752
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: Pavlo E. Rudakevych
  • Publication number: 20110299966
    Abstract: A retrofittable lifting apparatus for use on an articulated robotically controlled device is disclosed. The lifting apparatus includes a structure for mating the apparatus to the robotic device and a mechanism for the remotely controlled lifting of an ordnance or other object. Actuation of the lifting mechanism may be provided by existing sources of motion on the robotic device, or by additional sources of motion attached to the robotic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Grinnell More, Tyson Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8061461
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for a robotic vehicle to climb a step. The robotic vehicle uses tracked flippers to engage the top of the step and drives with additional tracks other than the tracked flippers. The robotic vehicle also shifts and tilts a payload in order to move the CG of the payload ahead of the vehicle chassis and past the edge of the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Adam P. Couture, Richard Page, John P. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20110266076
    Abstract: Mobile robot systems and methods are provided. At least one tracked mobile robot has a first end comprising a first pair of wheels, a second end comprising a second pair of wheels, an articulated arm coaxial with the first pair of wheels, and a driven support surface surrounding the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels. The at least one mobile robot surmounts obstacles and performs additional maneuvers alone and in combination with at least one other mobile robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Lynn Morey, Pavlo Rudakevych, Garran M. Gossage
  • Patent number: 8007221
    Abstract: A retrofittable lifting apparatus for use on an articulated robotically controlled device is disclosed. The lifting apparatus includes a structure for mating the apparatus to the robotic device and a mechanism for the remotely controlled lifting of an ordnance or other object. Actuation of the lifting mechanism may be provided by existing sources of motion on the robotic device, or by additional sources of motion attached to the robotic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Grinnell More, Tyson Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20110180334
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Pavlo E. Rudakevych
  • Publication number: 20110155483
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Adam P. Couture, Richard Page, John P. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7958955
    Abstract: An automotive device for the inspection of internal spaces having ferromagnetic surfaces includes at least two magnetic wheels (3) or caterpillars, or at least two magnetic legs for the advancement of the device along the surfaces to be inspected. According to the invention, the device includes actively powered rotating arms (1) attached to a wheel (3), caterpillar, or leg of the device. Each rotating arm (1) has a length longer than the shortest distance between the point of attachment of the rotating arm to the device and the surface. When the device is in a position, where there is magnetic contact to the surface in two or more points and the device is no longer able to advance due to the strength of the magnetic forces, the rotating arms are brought into non-magnetic contact with the surface in order to create an air gap between the surface and the magnetic wheel and thus reduce the magnetic forces. The device is thereby enabled to overcome the magnetic forces and advance the device along the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Roland Moser, Wolfgang Fischer, Fabien Tache, Roland Yves Siegwart, Francesco Mondada
  • Patent number: 7946372
    Abstract: The invention is an autonomous dual tracked mobile (10) robot system comprising two or more tracked driving units (12x) configured to travel in tandem and a separate mechanical linkage (16), which joins each of the mobile units to the unit immediately preceding and following it, and enables efficient power transmission between the two driving units. Each of the mechanical linkages comprises one connecting bar (14) and three revolute joints (18y) located on each of the adjacent units and a connecting beam that connects the connecting bar on one of the units with the connecting bar on the adjacent unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Ariel—University Research and Development Company Ltd.,
    Inventors: Shoval Shraga, Amir Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7926598
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: Pavlo E. Rudakevych
  • Patent number: 7891446
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Adam P. Couture, Richard Page, John P. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7874386
    Abstract: A hybrid mobile robot includes a base link and a second link. The base link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and a turret. The second link is attached to the base link at a first joint. The second link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and to be deployed for manipulation. In another embodiment an invertible robot includes at least one base link and a second link. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a chassis and a track drive pulley system including a tension and suspension mechanism. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a wireless communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi
    Inventors: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Andrew A. Goldenberg, Jean W. Zu
  • Publication number: 20110011652
    Abstract: A multi-terrain motorized wheelchair apparatus is disclosed that comprises a seating assembly for supporting a user in a seated position, a track assembly with the seating assembly being pivotable with respect to the track assembly. The track assembly includes a pair of track units positioned on opposite sides of the seating assembly. The apparatus comprises a seating orientation adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the seating assembly with respect to the track assembly. The apparatus includes at least one drive assembly mounted on the seating assembly and which has at least one drive shaft structure connected to the track units to drive the track units. The seating assembly is supported on the track units of the track assembly by the drive shaft structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: TIMMY R. SWENSON
  • Patent number: 7793743
    Abstract: Disclosed is a crawler robot which, even of a small size, can climb over a high step and which can perform various aspects of operations. Rollers, are arranged at apexes of triangular frames, and elastic crawlers are wrapped around the rollers, with the two frames being connected by a central support shaft. Rotatably provided to the central support shaft is a one-joint link composed of a first link and a second link connected together by a rotation shaft. An end portion of the second link is rotatably connected with a front shaft of a subordinate crawler device equipped with crawlers wrapped around rollers. As a result, the crawler robot is composed of a triangular crawler device and the subordinate crawler device connected together by the one-joint link. The crawler robot can be operated by rotating and bending the link and by rotating the crawler devices in arbitrary directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Akiya Kamimura
  • Patent number: 7784570
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Adam P. Couture, Richard Page, John P. O'Brien, Mikhail Filippov
  • Patent number: 7743858
    Abstract: A vehicle (for example an unmanned robot vehicle) which includes a main body provided with a main locomotion mechanism for traveling over a terrain. The device is provided with at least one arm for enhanced support and maneuverability, the arm pivotally attached to the main body. The arm is controllable and capable of being rotated to a position where the arm or at least a substantial portion of the arm is placed in contact with the terrain or obstacle, so as to provide support or leverage to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Elbit Systems Ltd, Galileo Mobility Instruments Ltd.
    Inventors: Avishay Novoplanski, Stefan Hodis
  • Publication number: 20100139995
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: Pavlo E. Rudakevych
  • Patent number: 7654348
    Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Ohm, Michael Bassett
  • Patent number: 7654347
    Abstract: Crawler moving system with variable configuration comprising a front axle (6), a rear axle (2) and at least one central axle (4) suitable for transmitting movement to the others through at least one crawler per side. Between the front axle and the central axle and between the rear axle and the central axle respective intermediate axles (3,5) are foreseen that act as a pivot about which such front and rear axles are able to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Oto Melara S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuliano Franceschi, Alessandro Lunadei, Carlo Felice Bellotti
  • Patent number: 7628235
    Abstract: A track roller unit for a vehicle has at least one pivotable subframe, at least one further pivotable subframe, wherein each of the subframes rotatably accommodates at least one land wheel, at least one subframe is pivotably mountable on the vehicle, and at least the further substrate is pivotally mounted on the one subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: CLAAS Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald L. Satzler, David C. Jansen
  • Patent number: 7624827
    Abstract: A drive unit (10) for an inspection vehicle which can be used on ferromagnetic bases (19), especially in generators, which drive unit includes a motor-powered crawler track (18) and also magnetic devices for holding the drive unit (10) on the base (19). An improved insensitivity to uneven spots in the base is achieved by the crawler track (18), in the region where it bears upon the base (19), being guided via inner, spring-mounted running wheels (12), and by the magnetic devices being integrated in the running wheels (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Roland Moser, Bernhard Mark, Reto Kaufmann, Josef Erni
  • Patent number: 7600593
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a signal processor and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the signal processor and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced power to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail Filippov, John P. O'Brien, Adam P. Couture
  • Patent number: 7600592
    Abstract: A variable configuration articulated tracked vehicle comprises a chassis, a pair of right and left drive pulleys, a right and left planetary wheel, a right and left track, a right and left arm mechanism, and a right and left drive motor. The drive pulleys are rotatably attached to the chassis and each pair of drive pulleys is in the same plane. The planetary wheels are movable relative to the chassis such that each planetary wheel is in the same plane as its respective drive pulleys. The tracks extend around the pair of drive pulleys and the planetary wheel on the respective sides. The arm mechanisms connect the respective planetary wheel to the chassis. Each arm mechanism is rotatably attached to the chassis with a cam. The cam defines a motion path of one end of the arm whereby the motion of the planetary wheel provides a path for the planetary wheel such that the track path defined by the respective drive pulleys and the planetary wheel is a constant track length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Engineering Services Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Goldenberg, Jun Lin
  • Patent number: 7597162
    Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: Chikyung Won
  • Patent number: 7562727
    Abstract: A track suspension system for a skid steer loader for effectively traversing rough terrain. The track suspension system for a skid steer loader includes an undercarriage attached to a skid steer loader, a drive wheel attached to a wheel axle of the skid steer loader, a front roller movably attached to a front portion of the undercarriage, a rear roller movably attached to a rear portion of the undercarriage, a plurality of lower idlers movably attached to the undercarriage, and a track movably extending about the wheels and idlers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ramco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hoffart