Patent ID: 8317555
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: B63C

Abstract:
1. A segmented robotic crawler for traversing about or through a body of water comprising: at least two frame units including a housing containing a drive mechanism; a drivable, continuous track operable with each frame unit and rotatably supported around the housing, the track further comprising a plurality of tread elements, wherein at least one surface of the continuous track is exposed to enable engagement with the body of water; a control module for guiding the robotic crawler in the body of water; at least one drive unit coupled between the continuous track and the drive mechanism; at least one actuated linkage arm coupled between the frame units to provide controllable bending about at least two axes; and at least one buoyancy control element disposed on the frame units adapted to control the buoyancy of the frame units in the body of water wherein the plurality of tread elements further comprise a plurality of extendable and one of retractable and foldable type tread elements, and wherein the tread elements one of retract and fold during travel in a first directional motion for disengagement from the water and extend during travel in a second directional motion for engagement with the water.