An amphibious vehicle power train having an engine (2) with an output shaft (4), driving an input member (6) of a variable speed change transmission (11). The speed change transmission, which may be a continuously variable transmission is arranged to drive road wheels through an output member (8). The engine also drives a marine propulsion unit (24). The axis of the output member (8) is above the axis of the input member (6). Four wheel drive may be provided (FIG. 2).

An amphibious pumping vehicle has a floatable vehicle body, a ground engaging propulsion structure, a fluid pump, a plurality of fluid nozzles comprising a first fluid nozzle connected by a fluid conduit to the fluid pump and at least one second fluid nozzle connected to the fluid conduit, a valve structure in the fluid conduit, the plurality of fluid nozzles and the valve structure co-operating to provide directional control and motive power for the vehicle when floating, and a power source configured to provide power to both the ground engaging propulsion structure and the fluid pump.

The present invention provides, with reference to FIG. 1, a power train for an amphibian operable in land and marine modes. The power train comprises a prime mover, a first land propulsion device, a first marine propulsion device and a speed change transmission. The prime mover is arranged to drive the first land propulsion device through/via the speed change transmission in land mode. The prime mover, or at least a portion thereof, is located between the speed change transmission and a rearward most part of the amphibian, with the speed change transmission located spaced ahead of, in front of, the prime mover.

Vehicles are disclosed which have a lower center of gravity than existing all-terrain, amphibious, and unmanned ground vehicles due to the location of propulsion units and other vehicle components inside the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicles can climb over large obstacles vet are also able to corner at high speeds. The vehicles can be configured for direct manual operation or operation by remote control, and can also be configured for a wide variety of missions.

Vehicles are disclosed which have a lower center of gravity than existing all-terrain, amphibious, and unmanned ground vehicles due to the location of propulsion units and other vehicle components inside the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicles can climb over large obstacles yet are also able to corner at high speeds. The vehicles can be configured for direct manual operation or operation by remote control, and can also be configured for a wide variety of missions.

A two-wheel mobile apparatus that is movable on land and water includes a cabin and a propulsion unit. The cabin is configured to be watertight to a height above a waterline when the mobile apparatus moves on water. Further, the cabin accommodates an occupant and isolates the occupant from the outside of the cabin. The propulsion unit includes a rotatably driven impeller and moves the mobile apparatus on water. An orientation detection unit that detects orientation of the mobile apparatus. A tilt correction unit corrects tilt of the mobile apparatus on land. An oscillation reduction unit reduces oscillation of the mobile apparatus on water. An orientation control unit switches between actuation of the tilt correction unit and actuation of the oscillation reduction unit based on a detection value of the orientation detection unit.

Various embodiments of an amphibious submersible vehicle for use in non-destructive testing of pipe interiors and walls are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the vehicle is operable for amphibious submersible operation such that pipes of various diameters can be inspected under full, partially full, and dry conditions. In another aspect, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of propellers for travel when fully or partially submerged in water and a plurality of wheels for traveling when in contact with a pipe wall or for traveling over debris. In some embodiments, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of sensors configured for imaging and navigation which enable the vehicle for pipe inspection and identification of problem areas.

A robotic system having a movable gantry robot (10) for conducting construction operations. The gantry may have an expandable bridge (20) and articulated gantry support legs (34) as well as a support track system (60) holding a gantry robot (800) which may hold one or more implements and peripheral devices (806). The device can be moved by propulsion mechanisms, a controller, and one or more geo-positioned control devices to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of work sites (700). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (236). The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the construction implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by extending and rotating risers and booms to accommodate different building heights or sub-level heights at a worksite. A conveyor system is optimized for removing dirt from or delivering material to the robotic arm. This invention can be applied to automating construction jobs including surveying, land preparation, excavation, foundation, masonry, framing, and additive fabrication.

The present invention relates to a method of actuating a shape changeable member of actuatable material. The invention further relates to a shape changeable member and to a system comprising such a shape changeable member and a magnetic field apparatus.

Various embodiments of a multi-modal screw propelled excavation craft operable for excavating a material as the craft is propelled along a surface are disclosed.