The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 16, 1999
Filed:
May. 16, 1997
William B Harvey, Olney, MD (US);
Intelligent Automation, Inc., Rockville, MD (US);
Abstract
A multi-terrain amphibious vehicle adapted for travel across surfaces of various type and attributes is provided. The vehicle includes a chassis assembly (10) which extends in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of propulsion members rotatably coupled to that chassis assembly for propelling the vehicle across a given surface; and, a control mechanism for controlling the rotational velocities and phases of the propulsion members. The propulsion members each rotate about an axis that extends in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal direction. Each propulsion member includes, for engaging the given surface, at least a first perimeter segment and a second perimeter segment coaxially disposed in angularly offset manner about its rotation axis. The first perimeter segment has an arcuate contour and extends radially farther from the rotation axis than does the second perimeter segment. In operation, the propulsion members are cooperatively rotated to collectively impart a predetermined speed and direction of travel to the vehicle.