US5537017A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-propelled device and process for exploring an area with the device
Assignee: Siemens AG
•
Filing: 1993-05-03
•
Granted: 1996-07-16
•
Expires: 2013-05-03
Abstract
Abstract The device and process is utilized for exploring an unknown working area. It is not necessary for this purpose to apply any markings in the area before using the device and the area does not have to have any special characteristics for determining location. The described device takes markings with it, for example small metal plates or a power supply cable which it lays out while it moves along a boundary of the area. It then turns around and moves back along the marking, laying out new markings. On encountering the next wall of the area it turns, picks up the previously laid-out markings and again lays new markings. This operation continues until the entire area has been covered. An example of the use of the device could be an industrial vacuum cleaner for cleaning carpet floors.
Inventors
- 👤 Wendelin Feiten
- 👤 Marcus Moller
- 👤 Werner Neubauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:55
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/02; G05D1/021; G05D1/0255; G01; G01S; G01S15/00; G01S15/88; G01S15/89; G05D1/0231; G05D1/0246; G05D1/0268; G05D1/0274
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A process for exploring an area, comprising the steps of: a) in a first step, providing a self-propelled device and establishing a boundary of the area; b) in a further step, moving the self-propelled device up to the boundary of the area; c) in a further step, moving the device along the boundary and when doing so applying markings along a path at a distance from the boundary; d) in a further step, turning around the device when the device encounters a further boundary of the area, the device taking bearings from the previously applied markings, and applying further markings at a distance from the previously applied markings; e) carrying out the steps c) and d) until an entire area of the area has been explored; and f) recording a result of the exploring for further evaluation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A process for exploring an area, comprising the steps of: a) in a first step, providing a self-propelled device and establishing a boundary of the area; b) in a further step, moving the self-propelled device up to the boundary of the area; c) in a further step, moving the device along the boundary and when doing so applying markings along a path at a distance from the boundary; d) in a further step, turning around the device when the device encounters a further boundary of the area, the device taking bearings from the previously applied markings, and applying further markings at a distance from the previously applied markings; e) carrying out the steps c) and d) until an entire area of the area has been explored; and f) recording a result of the exploring for further evaluation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the markings are small metal plates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the markings are odoriferous substances.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises removing the markings after use of the markings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises providing a sensor on the device, and using the sensor to detect the previously applied markings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sensor is a camera.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
138 words
A process for exploring an area, comprising the steps of: a) in a first step, providing a self-propelled device and establishing a boundary of the area; b) in a further step, moving the self-propelled device up to the boundary of the area; c) in a further step, moving the device along the boundary and when doing so laying a cable along a path at a distance from the boundary; d) in a further step, turning around the device when the device encounters a further boundary of the area, the device taking bearings from the previously laid cable, and laying further cable at a distance from the previously laid cable; e) carrying out the steps c) and d) until an entire area of the area has been explored; and f) recording a result of the exploring for further evaluation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
138 words
A process for exploring an area, comprising the steps of: a) in a first step, providing a self-propelled device and establishing a boundary of the area; b) in a further step, moving the self-propelled device up to the boundary of the area; c) in a further step, moving the device along the boundary and when doing so laying a cable along a path at a distance from the boundary; d) in a further step, turning around the device when the device encounters a further boundary of the area, the device taking bearings from the previously laid cable, and laying further cable at a distance from the previously laid cable; e) carrying out the steps c) and d) until an entire area of the area has been explored; and f) recording a result of the exploring for further evaluation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein the process further comprises removing the cable after use of the cable.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein the process further comprises providing a sensor on the device, and using the sensor to detect the previously laid cable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sensor is a camera.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4962453A
Cited
US5006988A
Cited
US5204814A
Cited
US5321614A
Cited
US5276618A
Cited
US5324948A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-07-16 | 2000-01-15 | 2000-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-16 | 2004-01-15 | 2004-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-16 | 2008-01-15 | 2008-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |