Inspired by Technokats?

[David Kelso]

Was this huge single caster inspired by the Technokats?? Remember that robot with the huge ball casters that they had a couple years ago? Vacuum cleaners (Placebo) and FIRST go back a long ways.

http://www.thinkvacuums.com/dyson/dc15allfloors.htm

[Kyle Love]

A pic of the ball drive can be found here .

[sanddrag]

Did you know Andy has a patent on that thing (the ball drive)?

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by D.J. Fluck

Last I knew, it was Patent Pending. Patent Pending means that it has been applied for, but not yet granted. Maybe Andy or Mark Koors can update us on that.

I can update you on that.

[Andy Baker]

Sanddrag is quick.

Kelso, that is a pretty neat-o vacuum. Maybe that is what you should use to clean your "sport court"! Then, when you are done vacuuming, you can use that ball caster as your volleyball. Party at the Kelso's!

Andy B.

[Ryan Dognaux]

Plus - it doesn't lose suction!

I love the commercials for those things. If I had a vacuum, it'd definitley be the Dyson Ball DC15 All Floors Andy Baker Edition.

[KyleGilbert45]

I work at a Sears store that carries this vacuum. I happened to be there when they unloaded the first one off the truck and instantly my mind said, "hmmm..that sure looks familar." I also thought the same thing about the robot transports in "I, Robot".

Bonus points to anyone that can find or has a picture of one since I cant seem to find one.

[Thelordofnerds]

i saw this comercial for this disk like thingy that automaticly cleans ya floor, it was shaped like a disk with a ball that moves it around in the middle... i though it was pretty sweet. if i am not making sense, well...don't comment...

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by Thelordofnerds

i saw this comercial for this disk like thingy that automaticly cleans ya floor, it was shaped like a disk with a ball that moves it around in the middle... i though it was pretty sweet. if i am not making sense, well...don't comment...

I know exactly what that think is. It is nothing more than a swiffer pad attached to a "squiggle ball toy thingy" It's got sort of like a vibrating motor thing inside the ball that makes it roll around all randomly. Anyway, don't waste your money on that, get a Roomba.

[mechanicalbrain]

AAARRRGHH ever had an idea and put it away for later because you thought that no one would ever think to do it.... this is one of those ideas. it seams to be happening allot to me. eh (breathing out in exasperation) oh well. I'm making a thread next weak because Ive got some robotics goodies coming in and along with the electrical work I'm also in charge of "pimping out" the robot i think you all will like some of the stuff its all PC mods that i got for cheap and work really well with robotics.

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Hm.. I see a potential problem with it standing upright when idle. O_O I hate it when my vacuum randomly falls over when I don't push it forward ALL the way. ARGH! But this thing looks sweet!
I remember that robot! Has to be one of my favourites of all time. And I also remember when, at MWR, the ball rolled out from under the robot and all the way down the ramp. I was like... "Oh NO!" but it was kinda cool. Thank God that there weren't any robots in the way of it or it may have done some serious damage. lol.

[nehalita]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

get a Roomba.

yea i think my parents have that (i haven't been home yet to see it) -- they say it works well and it recharges on its own. cool stuff =)

[KyleGilbert45]

So I hate bringing back old threads, but I figured I would bring this back instead of starting a new one.

Just thought this new robot out of Carnegie Mellon University was quite interesting and it features some mechanics that I know I've seen before.

http://news.com.com/2300-11394_3-6104184-1.html




EDIT: Added Andy and Mark's patent again since the link above was dead for me.

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-P...+AND+IC/Kokomo

[Elgin Clock]

Hmm Now that I can finally see the patent, (horray for Downloading the .tiff image viewer plugin way back when) I have a serious question for you Andy.

Seeing as that design is patented, if another FIRST team cloned it and used it in almost the exact same sense, would they get sued??
I can wait for the answer while you consult your lawyers.

Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery?? Do you believe in that saying?

[Greg Needel]

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock

Hmm Now that I can finally see the patent, (horray for Downloading the .tiff image viewer plugin way back when) I have a serious question for you Andy.

Seeing as that design is patented, if another FIRST team cloned it and used it in almost the exact same sense, would they get sued??
I can wait for the answer while you consult your lawyers.

Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery?? Do you believe in that saying?

nope. Under most circumstances you can only file and infringement case if someone is making money off your patent.