US 12,459,106 B2
Autonomous rail and tread self-driving and anchoring assembly
Cody Bressler, San Antonio, TX (US); and Meera M. Towler, San Antonio, TX (US)
Assigned to Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX (US)
Filed by Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX (US)
Filed on Sep. 30, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/490,597.
Prior Publication US 2023/0098603 A1, Mar. 30, 2023
Int. Cl. B25J 5/00 (2006.01); B25J 5/04 (2006.01); B25J 11/00 (2006.01); B60L 15/40 (2006.01); B61B 13/10 (2006.01); B61B 13/12 (2006.01); B62D 21/14 (2006.01); B62D 55/075 (2006.01); B62D 57/024 (2006.01); B25J 19/02 (2006.01)
CPC B25J 5/005 (2013.01) [B25J 5/04 (2013.01); B25J 11/00 (2013.01); B25J 11/005 (2013.01); B60L 15/40 (2013.01); B61B 13/10 (2013.01); B61B 13/12 (2013.01); B62D 21/14 (2013.01); B62D 55/075 (2013.01); B62D 57/024 (2013.01); B25J 19/02 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An autonomous self-driving and anchoring assembly comprising:
a linear rail to accommodate a load-based application tool;
a first tread unit coupled to the rail to effect assembly advancement and to support movement of the assembly within a confined area;
a second tread unit in axial alignment with the first tread unit and coupled to the rail to effect the advancement and to support movement of the assembly within the confined area, the confined area including space within and outside of a narrow passageway, the first and second tread units for cooperatively stabilizing the assembly for a load-based application with the load-based application tool.