Patent ID: 6742617
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: B62D,B64F,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
A traction unit, comprising:a frame including a plurality of translation zones; a plurality of drive wheels attached to the frame and operable to propel the frame across a surface; a plurality of adherence members attached to the frame, each movable relative to the frame in more than two directions within a respective translation zone and operable to releasably secure the frame to the surface as the frame moves across the surface, each adherence member including an adherence foot attached to a body that is operable to extend the adherence foot toward the surface and retract the adherence foot from the surface; and a plurality of return mechanisms attached to the frame and each operable to move a respective adherence member to a respective return position when the body retracts the adherence foot from the surface.