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Underwater self-propelled surface adhering robotically operated vehicle

  • US 5,947,051 A
  • Filed: 06/04/1997
  • Issued: 09/07/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An underwater self-propelled robotically operated vehicle capable of being navigated through a volume of water and of adhering itself to an underwater surface and traversing along said surface comprising:

  • a main body having an interior suction chamber with an open bottom end and a top end with an opening therethrough;

    a motor driven impeller disposed in said suction chamber to draw water through said open bottom end and expel it through said opening to create a negative pressure suction force at said bottom end sufficient to adhere said main body to said underwater surface and maintain said main body thereon when adhered thereto;

    an expandible and contractible member surrounding said suction chamber open end to selectively vary the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of said suction chamber;

    roller means rotatably mounted on said main body for movably supporting said main body on said underwater surface and moving said main body relative thereto; and

    thruster means on said body for propelling said main body through a volume of water and moving it relative to said underwater surface when adhered thereto.

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