Surface traversing apparatus and method

• US 6,964,312 B2
• Filed: 10/07/2003
• Issued: 11/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Climbing Machines, Inc.
• Original Assignee: International Climbing Machines, Inc.
• Inventors: Maggio, Samuel J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hurley, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US10/680,745
• Publication Number:
  US 20050072612A1
• Time in Patent Office: 770 Days
• Field of Search: 180/164, 180/9.32, 180/20, 153/401
• US Class Current: 180/164
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 49/0635 using additional ground engaging means, e.g. endless tracks vehicles with endless tracks and either additional or alternative ground wheels B62D55/02, B62D55/04
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/02 with tracks and additional ground wheels for multi-purpose tractors B62D49/0635
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/06 with tracks without ground wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/265 having magnetic or pneumatic adhesion
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 57/00 Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground- engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track sledges B62B; motor sledges B62M
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 57/024 specially adapted for moving on inclined or vertical surfaces endless-track vehicles for ascending or descending stairs B62D55/075; hand-carts with provision for travelling up or down stairs B62B5/02
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 61/04 with two other wheels which are coaxial
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 61/10 with more than four wheels tractors of the low ground pressure type B62D49/002
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 59/10 using trolleys or the like driven along the surface
• CPC Class Codes: E04G 23/002 Arrangements for cleaning building facades
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1788 Work traversing type and/or means applying work to wall or static structure

Abstract

The invention concerns a surface traversing apparatus that includes a frame, a seal having a seal perimeter that is mounted to the frame, and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface. The seal perimeter is adapted substantially for rolling contact with the surface to be traversed. The device is capable of suction adhering and moving along horizontal, vertical, inverted surfaces and the like, and overcoming obstacles or surface irregularities while maintaining suction adhesion to the surface. The device can be propelled along the surface with a locomoting rolling seal assembly, which provides both a seal to affect the vacuum adhesion and the locomotion to drive the device across the surface.

Claims

1. A surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a surface by a partial vacuum, the apparatus comprising:

a frame forming a chamber;

a seal having a substantially closed seal perimeter defining an opening of the chamber, the seal perimeter adapted substantially for rolling relative to the chamber and for contact with the surface to be traversed to prevent leakage and maintain a seal with the surface; and

a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a portion of the seal perimeter comprises at least one roller.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at least one roller comprises a compressible outer surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the drive is adapted to power the at least one roller.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a portion of the seal perimeter comprises at least two rollers.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the at least two rollers are substantially parallel and disposed on opposing sides of the frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a portion of the seal perimeter comprises a track.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the track comprises a plurality of contiguous pads.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein at least one pad comprises a flexible sealing element.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein at least one pad comprises a pair of independently compressible flexible sealing elements.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the drive is adapted to power the track.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a portion of the seal perimeter comprises two tracks.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the two tracks are substantially parallel and disposed on opposing sides of the frame.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for maintaining the apparatus in contact with the surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the maintaining means comprises a pressure differential relative to a zone defined at least in part by the seal perimeter.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the pressure differential is a partial vacuum.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a processing apparatus mounted to the frame and adapted to process at least a portion of the surface.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the seal perimeter comprises a substantially closed polygon.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the polygon is a quadrilateral.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a processor for controlling the apparatus.

21. A surface traversing apparatus adapted to be adhered to a surface by a partial vacuum, the apparatus comprising:

a frame forming a chamber;

a locomoting seal having a substantially closed seal perimeter defining an opening of the chamber, the seal perimeter adapted substantially for rolling relative to the chamber and for contact with the surface to be traversed to prevent leakage and maintain a seal with the surface; and

a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein at least a portion of the locomoting seal perimeter cooperates with the drive to move the apparatus relative to the surface.

23. A surface traversing apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a locomoting seal comprising;

first and second substantially parallel rollers disposed on opposing sides of the frame, wherein the rollers are rotatably connected to the frame;

first and second tracks disposed on additional opposing sides of the frame, wherein the rollers and tracks are adapted substantially for rolling contact with the surface to be traversed and maintaining a seal with the surface; and

a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface.

24. A method of traversing a surface, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus adapted to be adhered to a surface by a partial vacuum, the apparatus comprising;

a frame forming a chamber;

a seal having a substantially closed seal perimeter defining an opening of the chamber, the seal perimeter adapted substantially for rolling relative to the chamber and for contact with the surface to be traversed to prevent leakage and maintain a seal with the surface; and

a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface; and

traversing the surface with the apparatus.