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Potential applications would include anything that currently uses wheels. The possibilities are limited only by the imagination.
Proposed concepts such as the ones reported on regarding remote media reporters or various military land drones could be improved with this linkage.
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Here are a few taglines that could be amusing and are applicable
It would be difficult to compete with the efficiency of a wheel on smooth hard surfaces but as conditions increase rolling friction, this linkage becomes more viable and wheels of similar size can not handle obstacles that this linkage is capable of.
Toys could be developed that would fit in the palm of your hand and just large enough to carry a battery and a small motor. 12" action figures could ride into combat with radio-controlled assault spiderbikes. Ken and Barbie wouldn't stand a chance against them in a pink Spider Buggy. A larger version could use existing surveillance technology to convert your television into a real-time look at the world within transmitting range. This version would broadcast audio and video similar to wireless baby monitors that would be received by a unit attached to your television. It would also relay commands from the remote to the spiderbike, additional frequencies could be used to operate manipulators for retrieving the mail during unfavorable weather or taking the dog out. Rebroadcast units could be set up at intervals to extend the range. It could respond to verbal commands as well as operating with a remote. It could even be fitted with a paint ball gun that could battle other spiders.
Further development could result in a production version of a wheelchair that could handle curbs, sand, gravel, and stairs. Making the world of someone confined to a wheel chair a much bigger place. ATV's would walk around on six or eight legs and 8LD will replace 4WD to describe them. Hill climbing competitions and the definition of off-road will be affected.
Manned and unmanned amphibious vehicles would have increased areas of operation if this linkage was incorporated into the design. Pivoting suspension arms could be used to optimize the height of the legs for the waterline, increase the platform height, reduce the vehicle width, and allow the legs to fold up compactly for storage and delivery to target.
A one-man off-road amphibious RV could be developed that could handle a much broader range of terrain than anything available today. It would be a kayak on legs with the pilot enclosed in a small cockpit. It would paddle through the water using the same motion as when it was walking on land. Set up camp by reclining the seat. It could function as a year round snowmobile and could overhaul the meanings of taking a hike and long-range patrols.
The military, law enforcement, Explosive Ordinance Disposal units, and private security firms could also benefit from applications of the spiderbike. It would perform very well as a platform with the ability to handle stairs and other obstacles to wheeled or tracked vehicles. Unmanned operations could be used for reconnaissance, patrolling, hazardous material handling, clearing minefields, or secure an area without putting anyone at risk. There would be further benefits if a portion of these tasks could be automated or made more accurate through Global Positioning Systems, infrared viewing, and audio and video recording. It could be programmed to patrol a predefined perimeter at random intervals.
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© 2005 Klann R & D, LLC All rights reserved
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