Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A remotely controlled vehicle for traversing various terrains to accomplish missions in a hostile environment. This vehicle is sufficiently small so as to permit introduction into the environment through a manway, and is designed so that it can be operated while submersed. It has a main chassis with rotatable tracks on either side thereof that supports the vehicle. Auxiliary chassis in a forward and rearward direction also carry tracks on either side, with theses auxiliary chassis being pivotable to raised or lowered positions to accomplish movement over uneven terrain or for storage of the vehicle. All of the tracks on one side of the vehicle (main chassis track and tracks on forward and rearward auxiliary chassis) are rotated by a single drive mechanism within the main chassis, with the rotation of the tracks on the second side being rotated by another internal main drive mechanism. The pivotal movement of each of the auxiliary chassis is controlled by a separate drive mechanism. The main chassis carries a deployable arm including a shoulder, an upper arm portion, an elbow, a forearm portion and drives for the shoulder and elbow units. The forearm portion is designed to releasably carry various 'tools' for carrying out operations with the vehicle. The drive mechanism have planetary gear units to provide desired speed and torque, and output shafts of each are provided with seals to prevent damage to bearings and other portions when submerged operation is carried out.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim