Abstract:
Abstract: A fluid levitating caster lifts a heavy load “(17)” off a floor “(18)” with near friction-less-ness for transport has integrated a load lifting device. This extra rise height “(ER)” lifting feature accommodates moving loads “(17)” which have flexible-sagging frames, over uneven floors “(18)”, and which have frames that are not parallel to floor “(18)”. An inflatable bellows “(22)” design of the load lifting device receives its pressurization from fluid levitating caster, and additionally serves as a dampening reservoir to reduce hopping-pressure surges inherent in fluid levitating casters.
Abstract:
A vehicle for overcoming obstacles includes a wheel having an elastomeric flexible annulus upon which the wheel normally rides. Parallel spaced sprockets receive the annulus and include individual cogs which extend less radially outwardly than the annulus. When an obstacle is encountered, the flexible annulus yields, thereby enabling a protruding cog to engage the obstacle and pivot around it thereby lifting the vehicle over the obstacle.
Abstract:
In a vehicle a compressed gas driven wheel comprising a stationary hollow axle having at least one hole formed in its wall, a body rotatably mounted about said axle, a plurality of globular resilient chambers mounted on the outer surface of said body to form a circular series of ground-engaging members, a duct leading from each of said chambers to said axle in communication with the hole in said wall, a suspension system for said axle comprising a pair of hollow arms respectively connected at one end to each end of said axle and at their other end to said vehicle, said arms communicating with a source of compressed gas and control means surrounding said axle to adjust the flow of gas into said chambers to thereby control the movement of said wheel.
Abstract:
A system for increasing propulsive effectiveness of wheeled vehicles in fluid or soft solid media by pneumatically varying the characteristics of one or more driving wheels. The contour of the outer surface of the wheel is varied between a circular shape and a shape which includes one or more pairs of alternately indented and raised segments by adjustment of fluid pressure within the wheel.
Abstract:
Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Abstract:
Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. The collapsible wheels can each comprise a plurality of wheel sections, a plurality of rims, and spokes connecting the plurality of wheel sections to the plurality of rim portions. The plurality of rim portions are positioned along a perimeter of a circle that defines a central plane of the wheel. Each wheel section supports one or more spokes that connect to one or more of the rim portions. The wheel sections are rotatable relative to each other around an axis from a collapsed configuration to an expanded position. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Abstract:
A wheel includes a central hub and a flexible rim. A drive band configuration including a plurality of flexible bands extends as spokes from the central hub to the rim. The hub and band configuration cause the rim to flex toward and away from the hub as the wheel moves.
Abstract:
Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Abstract:
An automatic cleaner is provided. The automatic cleaner may include a main body, and a wheel assembly disposed in the main body to allow the main body to move. The wheel assembly may include a drive, a first wheel rotated by a power of the drive, and a second wheel rotated by the power of the drive. The second wheel may include a plurality of contact protrusions on an outer cirumferential surface thereof.
Abstract:
Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.