Interchangeable accessories for a remote controlled inspection vehicle
First Claim
1. A remote-controlled vehicle for performing a plurality of tasks, the vehicle comprising:
- a propulsion frame responsive to control signals generated remotely from the vehicle, the frame configured to support an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories, each distinct interchangeable accessory configured to perform a distinct operational task, the frame comprising at least one mechanical power takeoff, each accessory comprising at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the at least one mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory, the frame constituting a universal mounting frame for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A remote-controlled vehicle and method for performing a plurality of tasks in a location generally inaccessible to humans are provided. The vehicle may include a propulsion frame, and a platform attached to the frame or integral therewith for supporting an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories. Each distinct interchangeable accessory may be configured to perform a distinct operational task. The platform includes at least one mechanical power takeoff, and each accessory includes at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory. The platform constitutes a universal platform for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories.
50 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A remote-controlled vehicle for performing a plurality of tasks, the vehicle comprising:
a propulsion frame responsive to control signals generated remotely from the vehicle, the frame configured to support an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories, each distinct interchangeable accessory configured to perform a distinct operational task, the frame comprising at least one mechanical power takeoff, each accessory comprising at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the at least one mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory, the frame constituting a universal mounting frame for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A platform for performing a plurality of tasks, the platform comprising:
- an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories, each distinct interchangeable accessory configured to perform a distinct operational task, the platform comprising at least one mechanical power takeoff, each accessory comprising at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the at least one mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory, the platform constituting a universal platform for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories.
- View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for performing a plurality of tasks in a location generally inaccessible to humans, the method comprising:
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generating control signals for remotely operating a propulsion frame at a location undergoing inspection;
selecting an interchangeable accessory from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories, each distinct accessory configured to perform a distinct operational task;
mounting onto the frame the selected accessory; and
providing at least one mechanical power takeoff at the frame configured to interface with at least one mechanical power receptor at the selected accessory for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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28. A remote-controlled vehicle, comprising:
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at least one frame, wherein the frame is configured to support an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories, each distinct interchangeable accessory configured to perform a distinct operational task, the frame comprising at least one mechanical power takeoff, each accessory comprising at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the at least one mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory, the frame constituting a universal mounting frame for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories; and
a pair of drive modules removably secured to said at least one frame, each of said drive modules having a continuous track, and a motor dimensioned and configured to transmit locomotive force from said motor to said continuous track, said drive module further defining a longitudinal axis, said continuous track being dimensioned and configured to pivot around an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis.
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Specification