Device, system and method for treating a building facade

Abstract

A device is provided for a system for applying a predetermined treatment to a facade of a building. The device includes a body, a thrust generation system, and a facade treating system. The device is configured for being suspended by a cable system and for being transported with respect to the building facade via the cable system at least in a vertical direction. The thrust generation system is affixed to the body, and the thrust generation system is configured for selectively propelling the device at least in a direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade. The facade treating system is configured for selectively providing the predetermined treatment to the building facade, the predetermined treatment being such as to thereby physically change at least a visual appearance of the building facade in a corresponding manner.

Description

[0001] DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING A BUILDING FACADE

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The presently disclosed subject matter relates systems and methods for treating the facade of a building, in particular to such systems including treating devices that are suspended by cables outside the building.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Cleaning, sand blasting, or painting the facade of a tall building or structure, or providing fire extinguishing services to such a facade, is often considered to be a complicated task. The building facade can in some cases be accessed from the roof by repelling or using suspended gondola, or from the ground using a crane or scaffolding.

[0006] Alternative methods for cleaning buildings and other structures include using a drone that carries a hose and a spraying nozzle and is used to spray chemicals and rinsing water, for example the KTV Working Drone.

[0007] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0008] According to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a device for a system for applying a predetermined treatment to a facade of a building, the device comprising a body, a thrust generation system, and a facade treating system:

[0009] - the device being configured for being suspended by a cable system and for being transported with respect to the building facade via the cable system at least in a vertical direction;

[0010] - the thrust generation system being affixed to the body, the thrust generation system being configured for selectively propelling the device at least in a direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade; - the fagade treating system being configured for selectively providing the predetermined treatment to the building fagade, said predetermined treatment being such as to thereby physically change at least a visual appearance of the building fagade in a corresponding manner.

[0011] For example, said predetermined treatment is a fagade cleaning treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building fagade to appear cleaner than prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said fagade treating system comprises a fagade cleaning system configured for selectively applying said fagade cleaning treatment to the building fagade. For example, said fagade cleaning treatment comprises a fagade washing treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building fagade to appear washed as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said fagade cleaning system comprises a fagade washing system configured for selectively applying said fagade washing treatment to the building fagade. For example, the fagade washing system comprises a material delivery system configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable cleaning material to the building facade. For example, said flowable material includes building facade cleaning materials configured for cleaning the building facade. For example, the material delivery system includes at least one liquid delivery nozzle, the at least one liquid delivery nozzle connectable to at least one of a source of water and a source of said building facade cleaning materials. For example, said source of building facade cleaning materials includes at least one cleaning materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of said building facade cleaning materials; in some examples, the at least one cleaning materials tank is accommodated in the device. Additionally or alternatively, for example, said at least one liquid delivery nozzle is connectable to said source of water via at least one water delivery pipe, wherein said source of water is immobile; for example, said at least one water delivery pipe is configured for extending or retracting in response to the device being transported with respect to the building facade and a spacing between the device and said source of water correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the device is configured for being spaced from the building fagade by a spacing at least during operation of the material delivery system, wherein said spacing is sufficient to prevent mechanical contact between the device and the building facade.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said facade washing system comprises a mechanical washing apparatus configured for being selectively brought into abutting contact with the building facade. For example, said mechanical washing apparatus comprises a mechanical brush and a brush drive system, wherein the brush drive system is configured for selectively causing relative brushing movement between the mechanical brush and the building facade, in operation of the mechanical washing apparatus when in abutting contact with the building facade. For example, said mechanical brush comprises a cylinder comprising radial brush elements, the cylinder being rotatably mounted with respect to the device, the brush drive system being configured for selectively rotating the cylinder about a cylinder axis. Additionally or alternatively, for example, said mechanical washing apparatus comprising a pressurized water system configured for delivering pressurized water to the building facade at least when said mechanical washing apparatus is in said abutting contact with the building facade.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said facade cleaning treatment comprises a facade sand blasting treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear sand blasted as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said facade cleaning system comprises a facade sand blasting system configured for selectively applying said facade sand blasting treatment to the building facade. For example, the facade sand blasting system comprises a material delivery system configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable cleaning material to the building facade. For example, said flowable material includes building facade sand blasting materials configured for sand blasting the building facade. For example, the material delivery system includes at least one fluidized sand delivery nozzle, the at least one fluidized sand delivery nozzle connectable to a source of said building facade sand blasting materials and to a source of compressed air via a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber being configured for mixing compressed air from said source of compressed air and said building facade sand blasting materials delivered from said source of said building facade sand blasting materials to generate fluidized sand to the at least one fluidized sand delivery nozzle. For example, said source of building facade sand blasting materials includes at least one sand blasting materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of said building facade sand blasting materials. Additionally or alternatively, for example, said source of compressed air includes an air compressor accommodated in the device. Additionally or alternatively, for example, said source of compressed air is connectable to the device via at least one air delivery pipe, wherein said source of compressed air is immobile, and wherein said at least one air delivery pipe is configured for extending or retracting in response to the device being transported with respect to the building facade and a spacing between the device and said source of compressed air correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said predetermined treatment comprises a facade painting treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear newly painted as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said facade treating system comprises a facade painting system configured for selectively applying said facade painting treatment to the building facade. For example, the facade painting system comprises a material delivery system configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable painting material to the building facade. For example, said flowable material includes building facade painting materials configured for painting the building facade. For example, the material delivery system includes at least one liquid delivery nozzle, the at least one liquid delivery nozzle connectable to a source of said building facade painting materials. For example, said source of building facade painting materials includes at least one painting materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of said building facade painting materials, wherein the at least one painting materials tank is accommodated in the device.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said predetermined treatment comprises a facade fire extinguishing treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear fire-extinguished as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said facade treating system comprises a facade fire extinguishing system configured for selectively applying said facade fire extinguishing treatment to the building facade. For example, the facade fire extinguishing system comprises a material delivery system configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable fire extinguishing material to the building facade. For example, said flowable material includes fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials configured for extinguishing or controlling a fire at the building facade. For example, the material delivery system includes at least one liquid delivery nozzle, the at least one liquid delivery nozzle connectable to at least one of a source of water and a source of said fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials. For example, said source of fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials includes at least one fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of said fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials, wherein the at least one fire extinguishing or fire controlling tank is accommodated in the device. Additionally or alternatively, for example, said at least one liquid delivery nozzle is connectable to said source of water via at least one water delivery pipe, wherein said source of water is immobile, and wherein said at least one water delivery pipe is configured for extending or retracting in response to the device being transported with respect to the building facade and a spacing between the device and said source of water correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the device includes at least one of the following:

[0018] - wherein the device is incapable of generating vertical thrust;

[0019] - wherein the device is incapable of generating vertical thrust at least sufficient to support a weight of the device;

[0020] - wherein the thrust generation system is incapable of generating vertical thrust;

[0021] - wherein the thrust generation system is incapable of generating vertical thrust at least sufficient to support a weight of the device.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said thrust generation system comprises at least one horizontal propulsion unit configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust sufficient for at least propelling the device at least in said direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, for example, operation of said material delivery system when delivering said at least one flowable material to the building facade generates a corresponding material delivery system thrust at least in a direction orthogonally away from the building facade, and wherein said the thrust generation system comprises at least one horizontal propulsion unit configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust sufficient for at least reacting said material delivery system thrust. For example, said horizontal thrust is additionally sufficient at least for propelling the device at least in said direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the thrust generation system being further configured for selectively propelling the device in a lateral direction nominally parallel to the building facade.

[0025] For example, said the thrust generation system comprises at least one lateral propulsion unit configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust sufficient for at least propelling the device at least in said direction nominally parallel to the building facade. Additionally or alternatively, for example, each said horizontal propulsion unit comprises a drive unit coupled to a rotor arrangement including at least one rotor, wherein rotation of the rotor arrangement via the drive unit generates said horizontal thrust. For example, said at least one rotor is any one of a propeller and a ducted fan. Additionally or alternatively, for example, each said rotor arrangement comprises two said rotors coaxially aligned and configured to counter rotate with respect to one another.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the thrust generation system comprises four said horizontal propulsion units, each being configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust along a respective thrust axis, wherein the four horizontal propulsion units are arranged in cruciform X configuration with respect to the body. For example, one pair of said horizontal propulsion units is mounted forward of the body, and the other pair of said horizontal propulsion units is mounted aft of the body. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the respective thrust axes of said horizontal propulsion units are inclined with respect to a centerline of the body at respective non-zero angular inclinations such as to enable selectively applying horizonal thrust to the body in directions orthogonal and / or parallel to the building facade, in operation of the device.

[0027] In at least some other examples, each said horizontal propulsion unit comprises a first drive unit coupled to a first rotor arrangement including at least one first rotor, wherein rotation of the first rotor arrangement via the first drive unit generates said horizontal thrust. For example, said at least one first rotor is any one of a propeller and a ducted fan. Additionally or alternatively, for example, each said first rotor arrangement comprises two said first rotors co-axially aligned and configured to counter rotate with respect to one another. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the thrust generation system is further configured for selectively propelling the device in a lateral direction nominally parallel to the building facade. For example, said the thrust generation system comprises at least one lateral propulsion unit configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust sufficient for at least propelling the device at least in said direction nominally parallel to the building facade. For example, each said lateral propulsion unit comprises a second drive unit coupled to a second rotor arrangement including at least one second rotor, wherein rotation of the second rotor arrangement via the second drive unit generates said lateral thrust. For example, said at least one second rotor is any one of a propeller and a ducted fan. Additionally or alternatively, for example, each said second rotor arrangement comprises two said second rotors co-axially aligned and configured to counter rotate with respect to one another.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the thrust generation system is configured for selectively generating control moments to the device.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the device comprises at least one of the following: longitudinal spacer members affixed to said body and proj ecting forward from the body in a direction towards the building facade, the spacer members being sized and located in the body such as to enable the spacer members to abut the building facade and thereby prevent direct collision of the body against the building facade; an undercarriage arrangement affixed to the body and configured for providing a vertical spacing between the body and a ground surface on which the device can be rested on.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the device comprises a connection arrangement on the body, configured for affixing the cable system thereto to thereby enable the device to be suspended and transported by the cable system, the cable system comprising at least one set of suspension cables including one or more suspension cables. For example, the connection arrangement comprises one of: an anchor point on the body, configured for anchoring a respective end of each said set of suspension cables thereto; at least one drum accommodated in the body, the at least one drum being selectively driven by a motor to selectively wind or unwind the respective set of suspension cables with respect to the respective drum, to thereby enable the cable system to change the position of the device with respect to the building facade.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a system for treating a building facade of a building, the system comprising a device and a cable system:

[0032] - the device being as defined herein regarding the first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0033] - the cable system being configured for selectively transporting the device with respect to the building facade at least in a vertical direction and optionally in a horizontal direction over the building facade.

[0034] For example, the cable system comprises at least one set of suspension cables, comprising one or more suspension cables, operatively coupled to the body, and a drive system coupled to the at least one set of suspension cables to selectively cause the device to be transported over the building facade at least in a vertical direction and optionally in a horizontal direction.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method for treating a building facade of a building with a predetermined treatment, comprising: providing a system comprising a device and a cable system, the system being as defined regarding the second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter; operating the cable system to selectively transport the device with respect to the building facade at least in a vertical direction and optionally in a horizontal direction over the building facade; operating the device to provide the predetermined treatment to the building facade, said predetermined treatment being such as to thereby change at least a visual appearance of the building facade in a corresponding manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it can be carried out in practice, examples will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Fig. 1A schematically illustrates in front view a system for applying a predetermined treatment to the facade of a building according to a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter; Fig. IB schematically illustrates in side view the example of Fig. 1A.

[0038] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates in isometric view a device for applying a predetermined treatment to the facade of a building according to a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter; Fig. 2A schematically illustrates in plan view an alternative variation of the example of the device of Fig. 2.

[0039] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates in fragmented isometric view a material delivery system delivering flowable materials according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0040] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates in fragmented cross-sectional view a part of the cable system of the example of Fig. 1A.

[0041] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates in front view an alternative variation of the example of Fig. 1A.

[0042] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates in front view another alternative variation of the example of Fig. 1A.

[0043] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates in cross-sectional side view a mechanical washing apparatus according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0044] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates in fragmented isometric view a facade sand blasting system according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0045] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates in fragmented isometric view a facade painting system according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0046] Fig. 10 schematically illustrates in fragmented isometric view a facade fire extinguishing system according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Referring to Fig. 1 A and Fig. IB, a system for applying a predetermined treatment to the facade FC of a building BD according to a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter, generally designated with reference numeral 100, comprises a device 300 and a cable suspension system 500.

[0048] For the purpose of illustration the building BD is a high rise building and comprises multiple storeys or floors, for example more than five storeys, or more than ten storeys, or more than fifteen storeys, or more than twenty storeys. However, the system of the presently disclosed subject matter can also be used in the context of buildings having less than five stories, for example a four-storey building, or a three-storey building, or a two-storey building, or a single-storey building. Furthermore, the system of the presently disclosed subject matter can also be used in the context of buildings having similar heights to multistorey buildings but not including actual storeys - for example aircraft hangers, or large warehouses, for example having a corresponding single large internal volume that is not subdivided into multiple stacked floors or storeys.

[0049] The building facade FC refers to an external surface of the building BD, and includes all corresponding external building surfaces that are exposed to the exterior of the building, for example the full (or part of the) external surface of at least one side of the building BD. In at least some examples, the external surfaces can also include surfaces of unconditioned interior areas that are exposed to untreated outside air - for example open balconies, open stairwells, and so on.

[0050] Such a building facade FC can include for example one or more of glass, brickwork, masonry, concrete, metalwork, wood, ceramics, and so on.

[0051] In at least this example, the building facade FC is generally planar. By generally planar herein refers to the feature that the corresponding external building surfaces (excluding surfaces of unconditioned interior areas that are exposed to untreated outside air) are contained within an envelope defined by a forward plane and an aft plane, and wherein the forward plane and aft plane are separated by a plane spacing that is not greater than 2m, or not greater than Im, or less than Im, for example. Thus the "outer surface" (also referred to herein as the "plane" PL) of the facade FC can be defined by either the forward plane, or the aft plane, or any desired plane parallel to and in-between the forward plane and the aft plane. While in at least this example, the plane PL of the fagade FC is nominally vertical, in at least some alternative variations of this example the respective fagade plane PL can be inclined to the vertical by a non-zero inclination angle.

[0052] In at least some other examples, the respective building fagade FC can be non- planar. For example, the respective building fagade FC can be generally cylindrical, for example a full 360°, or define a part of a cylindrical surface, concave or convex, for example corresponding to 180°, or can have a polygonal cross-section when viewed from above. In regard to such cases "generally cylindrical" herein refers to the feature that the corresponding external building surfaces (excluding surfaces of unconditioned interior areas that are exposed to untreated outside air) are contained within a generally cylindrical envelope defined by a forward cylindrical surface and a coaxial aft cylindrical surface, and wherein the forward cylindrical surface and the aft cylindrical surface are separated by a radial spacing that is not greater than 2m, or not greater than Im, or less than Im, for example. Thus the "outer surface" of the fagade FC can be defined by either the forward cylindrical surface, or the aft cylindrical surface, or any desired cylindrical surface concentric with and in-between the forward cylindrical surface and the aft cylindrical surface. While in at least this example, the outer surface of the fagade is also nominally vertical, in at least some alternative variations of this example the respective fagade outer surface can be inclined to the vertical by a non-zero inclination angle.

[0053] In these and other examples, the building fagade FC herein refers to the feature that the corresponding external building surfaces (excluding surfaces of unconditioned interior areas that are exposed to untreated outside air) are contained within an envelope defined by a forward imaginary surface having any suitable shape generally corresponding to the building fagade FC, and a corresponding aft imaginary surface, wherein the forward imaginary surface and the aft imaginary surface are separated by a spacing that is not greater than 2m, or not greater than Im, or less than Im, for example. Thus the "outer surface" (also referred to herein as the "plane" PL) of the fagade FC can be defined by either the forward imaginary surface, or the aft imaginary surface, or any desired imaginary surface parallel to and in-between the forward imaginary surface and the aft imaginary surface. While in at least these example, the plane PL of the fagade FC is nominally vertical, in at least some alternative variations of this example the respective fagade plane PL can be inclined to the vertical by a non-zero inclination angle. Referring again to Fig. 1A and Fig. IB, a cartesian coordinate system CS1 with respect to the building facade FC can be conveniently defined, and includes three mutually orthogonal axes X, Y, Z. In at least this example, the Y-axis is nominally vertical, the X- axis is nominally laterally horizontal, and the X-Y plane is generally parallel to the facade FC. The Z-axis is orthogonal to the X-Y plane, and in at least this example also longitudinally horizonal. The positive Z-direction is a direction towards the facade FC, whereas the negative Z-direction is a direction away from the facade FC.

[0054] Furthermore, the device 300 (also interchangeably referred to herein as a device for applying a predetermined treatment to the facade FC of a building BD) is configured for being suspended by the cable suspension system (also referred to interchangeably herein as the cable system) 500 that is associated with the building facade FC, and for being transported with respect to the outer surface or plane PL of building facade FC via the cable system 500 at least in a vertical direction, i.e., along the Y-axis. In at least this example the device 300 is configured for being transported with respect to the outer surface or plane PL of building facade FC via the cable system 500 in a vertical direction along the Y-axis within a vertical range RV, and independently also along a lateral direction along the X-axis within a horizontal range RH, thereby enabling the device 300 to be transported over the full area of the facade FC defined by the vertical range RV and the horizontal range RH.

[0055] The vertical range VR is defined between a minimum height HMIN and a maximum height HMAX, whereas the horizontal range HR is defined between a left location LI and a right location L2.

[0056] Referring in particular to Fig. 2, and as will become clearer herein, in at least this example, the device (also interchangeably referred to herein as a treating device) 300 comprises a body 310, a thrust generation system 400 and a facade treating system 700.

[0057] A corresponding cartesian coordinate system CS2 with respect to the body 310 can also be conveniently defined, and includes three mutually orthogonal axes x, y, z. In particular, and in at least this example, when the device 310 is freely suspended by the cable system 500 the y-axis is nominally vertical, the z-axis is horizontal and parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinally axis LA of the body 310, and the x-axis is nominally laterally horizontal and orthogonal to the longitudinally axis LA of the body 310. In operation of the device 300, the positive z-direction is a direction along the z-axis towards the facade FC, whereas the negative z-direction is a direction away from the facade FC

[0058] For example, the body 310 comprises a mechanical frame construction, or an outer shell, sized to carry the thrust generation system 400 and the facade treating system 700. In at least this example, the device 300 comprises an undercarriage arrangement 320 affixed to the body 310 and configured for providing a vertical spacing between the body 310 and a ground surface on which the device 300 can be rested on. For example, while in at least this example the undercarriage arrangement 320 comprises a plurality of legs 325, in at least some alternative variations of this example the respective undercarriage arrangement can include skis, wheels, cushions or equivalents thereof.

[0059] The thrust generation system 400 is affixed to the body 310. The thrust generation system 400 is configured for selectively propelling the device 300 at least in a direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade FC. i.e. at least along the Z-axis, and at least in a direction towards the building facade FC. In at least this example, the thrust generation system 400 is further configured for selectively propelling the device 300 in a lateral direction nominally parallel to the building facade, i.e., along the X-axis.

[0060] For this purpose, and in at least this example, the thrust generation system 400 is configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust parallel to the z-axis, and for independently selectively generating a lateral thrust parallel to the x-axis. In operation of the system 100, and in at least this example, the device 300 is oriented with respect to the building facade FC, such that the z-axis and the Z-axis are nominally parallel to one another, such that the y-axis and the Y-axis are nominally parallel to one another, and such that the x-axis and the X-axis are nominally parallel to one another.

[0061] In at least this example, the thrust generation system 400 is further configured for selectively providing control moments to the device 300 for controlling the spatial attitude of the device 300. For example, the thrust generation system 400 is configured for selectively generating control moments in at pitch PT and / or yaw YW and / or roll RL (about the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis, respectively). For example a corresponding pitch axis for the device 300 is coaxial with or parallel to the body x-axis, a corresponding yaw axis is coaxial with or parallel to the body y-axis, and a corresponding roll axis is coaxial with or parallel to the body z-axis.

[0062] The capability provided to the device 300 by the thrust generation system 400 to propel the device 300 along the x-axis and y-axis (and thus respectively along the X-axis and Y-axis, respectively), and / or control the attitude of the device 300, while suspended by the cable system 500, enables the attitude and location of the device 300 with respect to the building facade FC to be controlled accurately. For example wind-induced forces and / or corresponding moments, and / or oscillatory forces and / or corresponding moments for example induced by the cable system 500, can be compensated by suitably controlling the thrust generation system 400 to generated opposed forces and / or opposed control moments.

[0063] Furthermore, referring to Fig. 3, and as will become clearer herein, in at least some examples the facade treating system 700 comprises a material delivery system 800 configured for delivering at least one flowable material to the building facade FC. In such examples, and responsive to operation of the material delivery system 800 to thereby deliver one or more flowable materials M to the building facade FC, a material delivery system thrust MT, and possibly corresponding rotational moments MM, can be generated and applied to the device 300. For example, such a material delivery system thrust MT can be generated along a direction DI generally opposed to the direction along which the flowable materials are being delivered. In such cases, the thrust generation system 400 is configured for generating sufficient thrust and / or control moments to the device 300, such as to at least balance the generated material delivery system thrust MT and / or corresponding moments MM, respectively.

[0064] For example, the device 300 comprises a controller 600 operatively coupled to the thrust generation system 400, and configured for controlling operation thereof.

[0065] For example, in at least this example the device 300 comprises attitude / positional sensors (not shown) for sensing changes in attitude of the device 300, and / or for sensing changes in spatial position of the device 300, for example an Inertial Measurement Unit, GPS system, proximity sensors or the like, and each being operationally coupled to the controller 600. The controller 600 is suitably configured to then determine from the sensor inputs whether the device 300 has deviated from the position and / or has deviated from the orientation requested by the user, and if so the controller 600 operates the thrust generation system 400 in the required manner to compensate for the deviation(s). The controller 600 is thus also configured for receiving command signals from the user (or can be preprogrammed) to move position and / or attitude with respect to the building facade FC, for example, and responsive thereto operates on the thrust generation system 400 to thereby change the position and / or attitude of the device 300 accordingly.

[0066] Referring again to Fig. 2, in at least this example the thrust generation system 400 comprises two horizontal propulsion units 420, configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust along the z-axis, sufficient for at least propelling the device 300 at least in said direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade FC, i.e., along the Z-axis at least towards the building facade FC. In at least some alternative variations of this example, the thrust generation system 400 comprises only a single horizontal propulsion unit, or more than two horizontal propulsion units, in each case configured for selectively generating a corresponding horizontal thrust sufficient for at least propelling the device 300 at least along the z-axis.

[0067] The two horizontal propulsion units 420 are laterally spaced from one another by a lateral first spacing SP1, and are individually controllable to selectively provide the same or different thrusts from one another, and for each to selectively and independently generate forward thrust or aft thrust.

[0068] Each horizontal propulsion unit 420 comprises a corresponding first drive unit 425 coupled to a first rotor arrangement 428, wherein rotation of the first rotor arrangement 428 via the first drive unit 425 generates corresponding horizontal thrust.

[0069] In at least this example each first rotor arrangement 428 comprises one first rotor, in the form of a free propeller. However in at least some alternative variations of this example the respective first rotor arrangement can instead include a respective ducted fan. In any case, rotation of the rotor in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) generates a forward horizontal thrust, while rotation in the other direction (counterclockwise or clockwise, respectively) generates an aft horizontal thrust. In at least some alternative variations of the above examples, the respective rotors are configured as variable pitch rotors, capable of reversing the direction of thrust between a forward horizontal thrust and an aft horizontal thrust (while maintaining the same direction of rotation of the rotor) by correspondingly changing the pitch of the respective rotor blades. In yet some other alternative variations of the above examples, the respective first rotor arrangement is configured for generating thrust in only one direction.

[0070] In at least some alternative variations of this example, each respective first rotor arrangement can instead comprise two first rotors co-axially aligned and configured to counter rotate (or alternatively to co-rotate) with respect to one another when being turned by the respective first drive unit. Rotation of the first drive unit in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) generates a forward horizontal thrust, while rotation in the other direction (counterclockwise or clockwise, respectively) generates an aft horizontal thrust.

[0071] In any case, and in at least this example each first rotor arrangement 428 generates thrust along a horizontal thrust axis TAz that is aligned with the z-axis of the body 310. In at least this example, the horizontal thrust axes TAz are generally aligned with the center of gravity of the device 300 in the vertical direction.

[0072] Operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generate equal thrust in the forward direction propels the device 300 towards the building facade FC, while operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generate equal thrust in the aft direction propels the device 300 away from the building facade FC.

[0073] Operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generate unequal thrust but in the forward direction propels the device 300 towards the building facade FC, and concurrently induces a yaw moment YW in one direction or the other, depending on which of the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generates the higher thrust.

[0074] Operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generate unequal thrust but in the aft direction propels the device 300 away from the building facade FC, and concurrently induces a yaw moment YW in one direction or the other, depending on which of the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generates the higher thrust.

[0075] Operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generate equal thrust but in opposite directions does not propel the device 300, but instead induces a yaw moment YW in one direction or the other, depending on which of the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generates the forward thrust and which of the two horizontal propulsion units 420 generates the aft thrust.

[0076] In at least some alternative variations of this example, a different number and / or spatial arrangement of respective horizontal propulsion units can be provided to enable generation of the desired horizontal thrust and / or yaw moments.

[0077] As disclosed above, in at least this example, the thrust generation system 400 is also configured for independently selectively generating a lateral thrust parallel to the x-axis.

[0078] Referring again to Fig. 2, the thrust generation system 400 in at least this example further comprises two lateral propulsion units 430, configured for selectively generating a lateral thrust along the x-axis, sufficient for at least propelling the device 300 at least in said direction nominally parallel to the building facade FC, i.e., along or parallel to the X-axis in either direction. In at least some alternative variations of this example, the thrust generation system 400 comprises only a single lateral propulsion unit, or more than two lateral propulsion units, in each case configured for selectively generating a corresponding lateral thrust sufficient for at least propelling the device 300 at least along the x-axis.

[0079] The two lateral propulsion units 430 are laterally spaced from one another by a lateral second spacing SP2, and are individually controllable to selectively provide the same or different thrusts from one another, and for each to selectively and independently generate lateral thrust in one or the other direction along the x-axis.

[0080] Each lateral propulsion unit 430 comprises a corresponding second drive unit 435 coupled to a second rotor arrangement 438, wherein rotation of the second rotor arrangement 438 via the second drive unit 435 generates corresponding lateral thrust.

[0081] In at least this example each second rotor arrangement 438 comprises one second rotor 439, in the form of a free propeller. However in at least some alternative variations of this example the respective second rotor arrangement can instead include a respective ducted fan. In any case, rotation of the respective second rotor in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) generates a lateral thrust in one direction, while rotation in the other direction (counterclockwise or clockwise, respectively) generates a lateral thrust in the opposite direction. In at least some alternative variations of this example, each respective second rotor arrangement can instead comprise two second rotors co-axially aligned and configured to counter rotate (or alternatively to co-rotate) with respect to one another when being turned by the respective first drive unit. Rotation of the first drive unit in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) generates a lateral thrust in one direction, while rotation in the other direction (counterclockwise or clockwise, respectively) generates a lateral thrust in the opposite direction.

[0082] In any case, and in at least this example each second rotor arrangement 438 generates thrust along a lateral thrust axis TAx that is parallel with the x-axis of the body 310. In at least this example, the lateral thrust axes TAz are generally equi-spaced vertically with respect to the center of gravity of the device 300.

[0083] In at least this example, the two lateral propulsion units 430 are also spaced from one another by a vertical spacing SV parallel to the y-axis.

[0084] Operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two lateral propulsion units 430 generate equal thrust in a first lateral direction (for example towards the right or starboard side of the device 300) propels the device 300 laterally and parallel to the building facade FC along the first lateral direction, while operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two lateral propulsion units 430 generate equal thrust in the opposite lateral direction propels the device 300 in the opposite lateral direction parallel to the building facade FC.

[0085] Operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two lateral propulsion units 430 generate unequal thrust but in the same lateral direction propels the device 300 laterally and parallel to the building facade FC, and concurrently induces a roll moment RL in one direction or the other, depending on which of the two lateral propulsion units 430 generates the higher thrust.

[0086] Operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two lateral propulsion units 420 generate unequal thrust but in the opposite lateral direction propels the device 300 in the opposite lateral direction, parallel to the building facade FC, and concurrently induces a roll moment RL in one direction or the other, depending on which of the two lateral propulsion units 430 generates the higher thrust. Operation of the thrust generation system 400 such that the two lateral propulsion units 430 generate equal lateral thrust but in mutually opposite directions does not propel the device 300, but instead induces a roll moment RL in one direction or the other, depending on which of the two lateral propulsion units 430 generates the lateral thrust in one direction and which of the two lateral propulsion units 430 generates the lateral thrust in the opposite direction.

[0087] In at least some alternative variations of this example, a different number and spatial arrangement of respective lateral propulsion units can be provided to enable generation of the desired lateral thrust and / or roll moments.

[0088] Referring to Fig. 2A, in at least an alternative variation of this example the thrust generation system 400 comprises four horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D, each being configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust along a respective thrust axis TA, TB, TC, TD

[0089] The four horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D, are arranged in cruciform X configuration with respect to the body 310, in plan view. The four horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D, are connected to the body 310 via respective radially projecting struts 422A, 422B, 422C, 422D, arranged in cruciform X configuration in plan view. The radially projecting struts 422A, 422B, 422C, 422D space the horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D, respectively, from the body 310 and provide respective moment arms to the respective thrust axes TA, TB, TC, TD generated by the horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D, respectively.

[0090] The respective thrust axes TA, TB, TC, TD are orthogonal to the respective struts 422A, 422B, 422C, 422D, respectively.

[0091] The four horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D, are spatially arranged with respect to the body 310 such that the respective thrust axes TA, TB, TC, TD are co-planar and lie on a plane parallel to the x-z plane of the device 300.

[0092] One pair of horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420B is mounted forward of the body 310, and the other pair of horizontal propulsion units 420C, 420D is mounted aft of the body 310; concurrently, the pair of second and third horizontal propulsion units 420B, 420C is mounted on one lateral side of the body 310, while the other pair of first and fourth horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420D is mounted on the other lateral side of the body 310.

[0093] The respective thrust axes TA, TB, TC, TD are inclined to the z-axis at respective non-zero angular inclinations such as to enable selectively applying horizonal thrust to the body 310 in directions orthogonal and / or parallel to the building facade FC, in operation of the device 300.

[0094] The first thrust axis TA is inclined to the z-axis by first inclination angle 0A, such that the first horizontal propulsion unit 420A selectively generates a respective thrust TSA along the first thrust axis TA, having a thrust component in the positive z-direction i.e. in a direction along the z-axis towards the facade FC, and a thrust component in the horizontal positive x-direction.

[0095] The second thrust axis TB is inclined to the z-axis by second inclination angle 0B, such that the second horizontal propulsion unit 420B selectively generates a respective thrust TSB along the second thrust axis TB, having a thrust component in the positive z-direction i.e. in a direction along the z-axis towards the facade FC, and a thrust component in the horizontal negative x-direction.

[0096] The third thrust axis TC is inclined to the z-axis by first inclination angle 0C, such that the third horizontal propulsion unit 420C selectively generates a respective thrust TSC along the third thrust axis TA, having a thrust component in the negative z-direction i.e. in a direction along the z-axis away from the facade FC, and a thrust component in the horizontal negative x-direction.

[0097] The fourth thrust axis TD is inclined to the z-axis by fourth inclination angle 0D, such that the fourth horizontal propulsion unit 420D selectively generates a respective thrust TSD along the fourth thrust axis TD, having a thrust component in the negative z-direction i.e. in a direction along the z-axis away from the facade FC, and a thrust component in the horizontal positive x-direction.

[0098] In at least this example, the first inclination angle 0A, second inclination angle 0B, third inclination angle 0C, and fourth inclination angle 0D, are numerically equal to one another, and nominally each is 45°. However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the first inclination angle 0A, second inclination angle 0B, third inclination angle 0C, and fourth inclination angle 0D, are equal to one another, but each is different from 45°, for example any one of 30°, 35°, 40°, 50°, 55°, 60°. In yet some other alternative variations of this example, the first inclination angle 0A, second inclination angle 0B, third inclination angle 0C, and fourth inclination angle 0D, are not all equal to one another; for example the first inclination angle 0A and second inclination angle 0B are each equal to a first inclination angle, while the third inclination angle 0C and fourth inclination angle 0D are each equal to a second inclination angle, different from the first inclination angle.

[0099] Operation of the thrust generation 400 of the example of Fig. 2A can provide translational motions along the z-axis and / or the x-axis, and yaw moments.

[0100] For example, selectively operating the first horizontal propulsion unit 420A and the second horizontal propulsion unit 420B concurrently while not operating the third horizontal propulsion unit 420C or the fourth horizontal propulsion unit 420D induces a forward motion along the z-axis towards the building facade FC.

[0101] For example, selectively operating the third horizontal propulsion unit 420C and the fourth horizontal propulsion unit 420D concurrently while not operating the first horizontal propulsion unit 420A or the second horizontal propulsion unit 420B induces an aft motion along the z-axis away from the building facade FC.

[0102] For example, selectively operating the third horizontal propulsion unit 420C and the second horizontal propulsion unit 420B concurrently while not operating the first horizontal propulsion unit 420A or fourth horizontal propulsion unit 420D induces a lateral horizonal motion along the x-axis in the negative x-direction parallel to the building facade FC.

[0103] For example, selectively operating the first horizontal propulsion unit 420A and fourth horizontal propulsion unit 420D concurrently while not operating the third horizontal propulsion unit 420C or the second horizontal propulsion unit 420B induces a lateral horizonal motion along the x-axis in the positive x-direction parallel to the building facade FC

[0104] For example, selectively operating the first horizontal propulsion unit 420A and the third horizontal propulsion unit 420C concurrently while not operating the fourth horizontal propulsion unit 420D or the second horizontal propulsion unit 420B induces a yaw moment in a counter-clockwise direction in the view of Fig. 2A. For example, selectively operating the fourth horizontal propulsion unit 420D and the second horizontal propulsion unit 420B concurrently while not operating the first horizontal propulsion unit 420A or the third horizontal propulsion unit 420C induces a yaw moment in a clockwise direction in the view of Fig. 2 A.

[0105] In yet other alternative variations of the above examples, the respective thrust generation system 400 can be in the form of a compressor configured for generating at least one jet or high pressure air along one, or along each one of a plurality of, desired directions to thereby induce translational motions and / or rotational moments to the respective device 300.

[0106] Each one of the four horizontal propulsion units 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D, comprises a drive unit coupled to a rotor arrangement, wherein rotation of the respective rotor arrangement via the respective drive unit generates thrust along the respective thrust axis, for example similar to the horizontal propulsion unit 420 and corresponding first drive unit 425 and first rotor arrangement 428, or similar to the second propulsion unit 430 and corresponding second drive unit 435 and second rotor arrangement 438, as disclosed herein, mutatis mutandis.

[0107] The thrust generation system 400 can thus be selectively controlled by the controller 600 to enable the device 300 to be maneuvered, steered and navigated over the building facade FC while suspended via the cable system 500.

[0108] Referring again to Fig. 1 A and Fig. IB, and also to Fig. 4, the cable system 500, in at least this example, is a two-cable system comprising a first cable system 510 and a second cable system 520, laterally spaced with respect to one another.

[0109] The first cable system 510 comprises a set of first cables 511 (comprising one or a bundle of said first cables 511), having a first end 512 anchored to an anchor point API on one lateral side on top of the building BD, and a second end 514 wound on a first reel or drum 515 accommodated in the body 310. The first drum 515 is selectively driven by a first motor 517 to selectively wind or unwind the first cables 511 with respect to the first drum 515

[0110] Similarly, the second cable system 520 comprises a set of second cables 521 (comprising one or a bundle of said second cables 521),, having a first end 522 anchored to another anchor point AP2 on the other lateral side on top of the building BD, and a second end 524 wound on a second reel or drum 525 accommodated in the body 310. The second drum 525 is selectively driven by a second motor 527 to selectively wind or unwind the second cables 521 with respect to the second drum 525.

[0111] In at least this example, the body 310 comprises a pair of upwardly projecting struts 311, 312, joined to a cross-member 313. The cross-member comprises at each horizontal end thereof a respective pair of pulleys 315A, 315B respectively.

[0112] The set of first cables 511 is threaded in-between the first pair of pulleys 315A, and the set of second cables 521 is threaded in-between the second pair of pulleys 315B.

[0113] The first anchor point API and the second anchor point AP2 are laterally spaced from one another by lateral spacing LS. The lateral spacing LS dictates the lateral displacement range in which the device 300 can operate with respect to the building facade FC. In at least some alternative variations of these examples, the first anchor point API and the second anchor point AP2 can be manually or automatically moved to different locations to allow changes in the lateral displacement range. In at least some alternative variations of these example, the building includes a building crane (typically on the roof), and the building crane can be used to move the device 300 in a direction nominally parallel to the building facade FC, i.e., along or parallel to the X-axis in either direction.

[0114] The first motor 517 and the second motor 527 are operatively coupled to the controller 600, which is configured for controlling operation of the first motor 517 and the second motor 527 in a synchronized manner to thereby enable the device 300 to be displaced along the lateral X-axis and independently along the vertical Y-axis.

[0115] To induce a purely vertical displacement (i.e., with no lateral displacement) of the device 300 in an upwards vertical direction along the Y-axis, the first motor 517 and the second motor 527 are operated by the controller 600 such that the respective first drum 515 and second drum 525 each concurrently wind equal lengths of the first cables 511 and the second cables 521, respectively. Conversely, to induce a purely vertical displacement (i.e., with no lateral displacement) of the device 300 in a downwards vertical direction along the Y-axis, the first motor 517 and the second motor 527 are operated by the controller 600 such that the respective first drum 515 and second drum 525 each concurrently unwind equal lengths of the first cables 511 and the second cables 521, respectively. To induce a purely lateral displacement (i.e., with no vertical displacement) of the device 300 in one lateral direction along the X-axis, the first motor 517 and the second motor 527 are operated by the controller 600 such that the respective first drum 515 and second drum 525 concurrently wind and unwind, respectively, equal lengths of the first cables 511 and the second cables 521, respectively. Conversely, to induce a purely lateral displacement (i.e., with no vertical displacement) of the device 300 in the opposite lateral direction along the X-axis, the first motor 517 and the second motor 527 are operated by the controller 600 such that the respective first drum 515 and second drum 525 concurrently unwind and wind, respectively, equal lengths of the first cables 511 and the second cables 521, respectively.

[0116] The above lateral displacements and vertical displacements can be concurrently combined to provide any desired trajectory over the building facade BF by the controller 600 appropriately controlling the first motor 517 and the second motor 527 to thereby appropriately winding / unwinding each one of the first drum 515 and second drum 525.

[0117] In the example illustrated in Fig. 1A and IB, the respective device 300 does not require the lateral propulsion units 430 for providing lateral propulsion and displacement, since the cable system 500 can be operated to provide any desired lateral displacement, as disclosed above.

[0118] In at least some alternative variations of the example of Fig. 1A and IB, the respective two cable system can be instead anchored at the respective device at the respective second cable ends, while the respective first cable ends are reversibly wound on respective first and second drums, selectively driven by respective first and second motors, spaced from one another laterally by spacing LS on top of the building BD.

[0119] Referring to Fig. 5, in an alternative variation of the example of Fig.1 A and Fig. IB, the respective the cable system 500 is a two-axis cable displacement system, comprising a first cable displacement system 540 and a second cable displacement system 550.

[0120] The first cable displacement system 540 comprises a set of cables 541 (comprising one or a bundle of said cables 541), having a first end 542 anchored to a movable shuttle 555 on top of the building BD, and a second end 544 wound on a drum accommodated in the body 310. The drum is selectively driven by a first motor to selectively wind or unwind the first cables 541 with respect to the drum. The second cable displacement system 550 comprises a rail 551 having a first end 542 anchored to first anchor point API on one lateral side on top of the building BD, and a second end 544 anchored to a second anchor point AP2 on the other lateral side on top of the building BD. The shuttle 555 is moveably mounted with respect to the rail 551, and is selectively driven by a second motor to selectively displace the shuttle 555 laterally in either direction with respect to the rail 551.

[0121] The first anchor point API and the second anchor point AP2 are laterally spaced from one another by lateral spacing LS. The lateral spacing LS is correlated to the lateral displacement range in which the device 300 is required to operate with respect to the building facade FC.

[0122] The first motor and the second motor are operatively coupled to the controller 600, which is configured for controlling operation of the first motor and the second motor in a synchronized manner to thereby enable the device 300 to be displaced along the lateral X- axis and independently along the vertical Y-axis.

[0123] To induce a purely vertical displacement (i.e., with no lateral displacement) of the device 300 in an upwards vertical direction along the Y-axis, only the first motor is operated by the controller 600 such that the respective drum winds the corresponding length of the cables 551. Conversely, to induce a purely vertical displacement (i.e., with no lateral displacement) of the device 300 in a downwards vertical direction along the Y-axis, only the first motor is operated by the controller 600 such that the respective drum unwinds the corresponding length of the cables 551.

[0124] To induce a purely lateral displacement (i.e., with no vertical displacement) of the device 300 in one lateral direction along the X-axis, only the second motor is operated by the controller 600 such that the shuttle 555 is displaced in the desired lateral direction. Conversely, to induce a purely lateral displacement (i.e., with no vertical displacement) of the device 300 in the opposite lateral direction along the X-axis, only the second motor is operated by the controller 600 such that the shuttle 555 is displaced in the opposite lateral direction..

[0125] The above lateral displacements and vertical displacements can be concurrently combined to provide any desired trajectory over the building facade BF by the controller 600 appropriately controlling the first motor and the second motor to thereby appropriately winding / unwinding the drum and to thereby appropriately displace the shuttle 555.

[0126] In the example illustrated in Fig. 5, the respective device 300 does not require the lateral propulsion units 430 for providing lateral propulsion and displacement, since the cable system 500 can be operated to provide any desired lateral displacement, as disclosed above.

[0127] In at least some alternative variations of the example of Fig. 5, the respective first cable displacement system can be instead anchored at the respective device at the respective second cable ends, while the respective first cable ends are reversibly wound on a respective drum, selectively driven by respective first motor, accommodated in the respective shuttle.

[0128] Referring to Fig. 6, in an alternative variation of the example of Fig.1 A, Fig. IB and Fig. 5, the respective the cable system 500 is a single-axis cable displacement system, comprising a cable displacement system 560.

[0129] The cable displacement system 560 comprises a set of cables 561 (comprising one or a bundle of said cables 561), having a first end 562 anchored to an anchor point AP3 on top of the building BD, and a second end 564 wound on a drum accommodated in the body 310. The drum is selectively driven by a motor to selectively wind or unwind the cables 561 with respect to the drum.

[0130] In at least this example, the anchor point AP3 is centrally located, laterally, on top of the building BD. However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective anchor point can be displaced towards one or the other lateral ends of the building, at the top of the building.

[0131] The motor is operatively coupled to the controller 600, which is configured for controlling operation of the motor and the device 300 in a synchronized manner to thereby enable the device 300 to be displaced along the lateral X-axis and independently along the vertical Y-axis.

[0132] To induce a purely vertical displacement (i.e., with no lateral displacement) of the device 300 in an upwards vertical direction along the Y-axis, only the motor is operated by the controller 600 such that the drum winds the corresponding length of the cables 561 (concurrently the thrust generation system 400 is not operated to propel the device to thereby displace the same laterally). Conversely, to induce a purely vertical displacement (i.e., with no lateral displacement) of the device 300 in a downwards vertical direction along the Y- axis, only the motor is operated by the controller 600 such that the respective drum unwinds the corresponding length of the cables 551 (concurrently the thrust generation system 400 is not operated to propel the device to thereby displace the same laterally).

[0133] To induce a purely lateral displacement (i.e., with no vertical displacement) of the device 300 in one lateral direction along the X-axis, both the motor and the thrust generation system 400 are concurrently operated by the controller 600, such that the device 300 is displaced in the desired lateral direction by operation of the thrust generation system 400, while concurrently the motor is operated by the controller 600 such that the respective drum unwinds the required length RL of the cables 551 such as to avoid the device 300 traveling in an arc centered at the anchor point AP3. The required length RL of the cables 551 increases as the device 300 is displaced laterally, to thereby ensure that the device 300 is displaced in a purely lateral trajectory.

[0134] Conversely, to induce a purely lateral displacement (i.e., with no vertical displacement) of the device 300 in the opposite lateral direction along the X-axis, both the motor and the thrust generation system 400 are concurrently operated by the controller 600, such that the device 300 is displaced in the aforementioned opposite lateral direction by operation of the thrust generation system 400, while concurrently the motor is operated by the controller 600 such that the respective drum unwinds the required length RL of the cables 551 such as to avoid the device 300 traveling in an arc centered at the anchor point AP3. The required length RL of the cables 551 increases as the device 300 is displaced laterally, to thereby ensure that the device 300 is displaced in a purely lateral trajectory.

[0135] The above lateral displacements and vertical displacements can be concurrently combined to provide any desired trajectory over the building facade BF by the controller 600 appropriately controlling the motor and thrust generation system 400 to thereby appropriately unwinding the drum and to thereby appropriately displace the device 300.

[0136] In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the respective device 300 utilizes the lateral propulsion units 430 for generating lateral propulsion and to provide the desired lateral displacement, as disclosed above. In at least some alternative variations of the example of Fig. 6, the respective cable displacement system can be instead anchored at the respective device at the respective second cable ends, while the respective first cable ends are reversibly wound on a respective drum, selectively driven by respective first motor, provided at the anchor point AP3 on the building.

[0137] The facade treating system 700 is configured for selectively providing the aforementioned predetermined treatment to the building facade FC. The predetermined treatment is such as to thereby physically change at least a visual appearance of the building facade FC in a corresponding manner.

[0138] By a "physical change in visual appearance" is meant a change in the visual properties of the building facade responsive to and after the treatment is applied, as compared with the same visual properties of the building facade prior to the treatment being applied, as observable by an observer outside the building. In at least some examples, the change, or part of the change, in visual appearance can be observable via an observer inside the building, for example when the facade windows are washed, the change in visual appearance of the windows can also be observed from inside the building. Such differences or changes in visual are physical, and independent of external lighting conditions or of projected shadows or external illumination, and thus exclude effects of time of day, weather, season, atmospheric activity, shadows, or the relative position of the device with respect to the building facade, or the illumination of the facade with light or with pictures or images. Such changes in visual appearance relate in general to a perceivable change in visual appearance due to a physical change having taken place on the facade, for example from a physical change from a generally dirty visual appearance due to dirt being on the facade to a relatively cleaner visual appearance in which at least some of the dirt has been physically removed, or from a previous visual appearance to a newly painted visual appearance (in which a coat of paint has been physically added) or to a newly sandblasted visual appearance (in which a layer of dirt has been physically removed by sandblasting), or from a visual appearance corresponding to a live or on-going building fire to the visual appearance of an extinguished building fire (in which the previously existing flames and / or smoke have been removed); and equivalents thereof. Visual appearance can include visual phenomena as can be perceived outside the building facade, such as for example color, visual texture, refraction, reflection, and so on, and optionally can additionally or alternatively include visual phenomena as can be perceived from inside the building facade, such as for example through the facade windows, for example color, visual texture, refraction, reflection, and so on through the windows.

[0139] In at least this example, the predetermined treatment is a facade cleaning treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear cleaner than prior to applying the predetermined treatment. Thus, in at least this example, the facade treating system 700 comprises, or is in the form of, a facade cleaning system 730 configured for selectively applying the respective facade cleaning treatment to the building facade FC.

[0140] In particular, in at least this example the facade cleaning treatment comprises a facade washing treatment that is such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade FC to appear washed, as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment. Thus, in at least this example the said facade cleaning system 730 comprises, or is in the form of, a facade washing system 740, in which the facade washing system 740 is configured for selectively applying the aforesaid facade washing treatment to the building facade.

[0141] The aforesaid facade washing treatment can include washing all or parts of the building facade FC, for example with water (for example demineralized water) and / or detergents and / or other cleaning materials.

[0142] Referring again to Fig. 2, in at least this example, the facade washing system 740 comprises the aforesaid material delivery system 800, which at least in this example is configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable cleaning material M to the building facade FC.

[0143] The flowable material includes M thus includes building facade cleaning materials configured for cleaning the building facade FC.

[0144] The material delivery system 800 includes at least one liquid delivery nozzle 820, connectable to at least a source of water 890, and at least in this example, also connectable a source 870 of other building facade cleaning materials, for example detergents and / or other cleaning materials. The material delivery system 800 further includes suitable pumps, valves and so on (not shown) for pressurizing the water and for enabling delivery of the water and / or other building facade cleaning materials to the liquid delivery nozzle 820, and out therefrom.

[0145] In at least this example, the source 870 of building facade cleaning materials includes at least one cleaning materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of the building facade cleaning materials, the cleaning materials tank being accommodated in the device 300, in at least this example within the body 310.

[0146] Referring also to Fig. 1 A and Fig. IB, in at least this example the liquid delivery nozzle 820 is connectable to the source of water 890 via at least one water delivery pipe 895. In at least this example the source of water 890 is immobile, and is in the form of a water tank, or, is part of the water mains to or of the building BD. The water delivery pipe 895 is configured for extending or retracting in response to the device 300 being transported with respect to the building facade and a spacing between the device 300 and the source of water 890 correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively. For example, the water delivery pipe 895 can be coiled around a drum (not shown), and the drum can be rotated in one direction or the other, to respectively wind or unwind the water delivery pipe 895 with respect to the drum, to thereby provide the appropriate length of water delivery pipe 895 between the device 300 and the source of water 890, as the spacing therebetween varies responsive to the device 300 being transported over the building facade FC.

[0147] Referring to Fig. IB, in at least this example the device 300 is optionally configured for being spaced from the building facade FC by a spacing SZ at least during operation of the material delivery system 800. Such a spacing SZ is sufficient to prevent other mechanical contact between the device 300 and the building facade FC at least during such operation of the device 300. For example, the device 300 comprises a plurality of probes 385 projecting forward of the body 310, and each probe 385 having a free end 388, wherein when the free end 388 abuts the building facade FC, the body 310 is spaced from the building facade FC by spacing SZ.

[0148] Referring to Fig. 7, in at least this example, the device 300, and in particular the facade washing system 740 further comprises a mechanical washing apparatus 780, configured for being selectively brought into abutting contact with the building facade. While in at least this example the device 300, and in particular the facade washing system 740 comprises a mechanical washing apparatus 780 in addition to the aforesaid material delivery system 800, in at least some alternative variations of this example the respective device 300, and in particular the facade respective washing system 740 comprises a respective mechanical washing apparatus 780 but omits the respective material delivery system 800, while in yet other alternative variations of this example the respective device 300, and in particular the facade respective washing system 740, comprises a respective material delivery system 800 but omits the respective mechanical washing apparatus 780.

[0149] In at least this example, the mechanical washing apparatus 780 comprises a mechanical brush 782 and a brush drive system 786. The brush drive system 786 is configured for selectively causing relative brushing movement between the mechanical brush 782 and the building facade FC, in operation of the mechanical washing apparatus 740 when in abutting contact with the building facade FC.

[0150] In at least this example, the mechanical brush 782 comprises a cylinder 785 comprising a plurality radial brush elements 786, the cylinder 785 being rotatably mounted with respect to the device 300, in particular with respect to the body 310, via brackets 787. For example, the brush elements can include brush hairs or bristles, for example made from cotton or nylon; alternatively, the brush elements can be in the form of a contiguous cylindrical sponge or cloth jacket over the cylinder 785. The brackets 787 can be configured for reversibly extending and / or reversibly pivoting the cylinder 785 with respect to the body 310, between a stowed position partially or fully stowed in the body 310, and a deployed position (illustrated in Fig. 7) at least partially projecting forward of the body 310. The brush drive system 786 is configured for selectively rotating the cylinder 785 about a cylinder axis 789.

[0151] Without being bound to theory, operation of the rotating mechanical brush 782 while in contact with the building facade FC can induce a pitch moment about the x-axis, created from the friction with the building facade FC, and which can lead to changes in the pitch attitude of the device 300. The controller 600 can be configured to determine the magnitude of the pitch attitude, and any changes thereto, and to operate the thrust generation system 400 to correspondingly adjust the spacing between the device 300 and the building facade FC along the Z-axis, such as to control the contact pressure between the mechanical brush 782 and the building facade FC, for example to provide the optimal bush contact pressure. The mechanical washing apparatus 780 further comprises a pressurized water system 790 configured for delivering pressurized water to the building facade FC and / or to the mechanical brush 782, at least when the mechanical washing apparatus 780 is in abutting contact with the building facade FC. Optionally, additional fluid delivery systems can be provided for delivery of additional building facade cleaning materials, for example detergents.

[0152] Optionally, the mechanical washing apparatus 780 can include an air blower (not shown) for drying the building facade FC after being washed and rinsed by the mechanical brush 782, and / or a drain tray 781 for collecting liquids from the brush and / or building facade FC after being washed and rinsed by the mechanical brush 782.

[0153] Referring to Fig. 8, in at least some alternative variations of the above examples, the facade cleaning treatment comprises a facade sand blasting treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear sand blasted as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment. In at least such examples, the facade cleaning system 730 comprises a facade sand blasting system 750, in which facade sand blasting system 750 is configured for selectively applying the aforesaid facade sand blasting treatment to the building facade FC.

[0154] In at least this example, the facade sand blasting system 750 comprises a respective material delivery system 800' configured for selectively delivering at least one respective flowable cleaning material to the building facade. The respective material delivery system 800' can be in addition to or instead of the respective material delivery system 800 of the example of Fig. 2; alternatively, the respective material delivery system 800 of the example of Fig. 2 can be adapted to selectively operate also as the respective material delivery system 800' of Fig. 8.

[0155] In at least this example, the flowable material includes building facade sand blasting materials M' configured for sand blasting the building facade FC.

[0156] The material delivery system 800' includes at least one fluidized sand delivery nozzle 820', connectable to a source of the building facade sand blasting materials 890' and to a source of compressed air 870' via a mixing chamber 875'. The mixing chamber 875' is configured for mixing compressed air from the compressed air source 870' and the building facade sand blasting materials M' delivered to the mixing chamber 875' from the building facade sand blasting material source 890' to generate fluidized sand to the fluidized sand delivery nozzle 820'. The material delivery system 800' further includes suitable pumps, valves and so on (not shown) for enabling delivery of the pressurized air and building facade sand blasting materials M' to the fluidized sand delivery nozzle 820', and out therefrom.

[0157] In at least this example, the source of building facade sand blasting materials 890' can be immobile and includes at least one sand blasting materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of the building facade sand blasting materials, for example outside the building BD or on the roof thereof. A sand delivery pipe 895' is provided, configured for extending or retracting in response to the device 300 being transported with respect to the building facade and a spacing between the device 300 and the source of building facade sand blasting materials 890' correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively. For example, the sand delivery pipe 895' can be coiled around a drum (not shown), and the drum can be rotated in one direction or the other, to respectively wind or unwind the sand delivery pipe 895' with respect to the drum, to thereby provide the appropriate length of sand delivery pipe 895' between the device 300 and the source of building facade sand blasting materials 890', as the spacing therebetween varies responsive to the device 300 being transported over the building facade FC. Optionally, source of building facade sand blasting materials 890' can include an auxiliary sand blasting materials tank 891' which can be accommodated in the device 300. The building facade sand blasting materials M' can include for example one or more of: silica sand, soda, steel grit, glass beads, and equivalents thereof.

[0158] In at least this example, the source of compressed air 870' includes an air compressor accommodated in the device 300, in at least this example within the body 310

[0159] However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the source of compressed air 870' is connectable to the device 300 via at least one air delivery pipe (not shown). In at least some such examples, the respective source of compressed air is immobile at least when the material delivery system 800' is operating, for example a compressed air tank on the ground or on the building, or on a truck or other vehicle. In such cases the air delivery pipe is configured for extending or retracting in response to the device 300 being transported with respect to the building facade FC and a spacing between the device 300 and the source of compressed air 870' is correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively. For example, the air delivery pipe can be coiled around a drum (not shown), and the drum can be rotated in one direction or the other, to respectively wind or unwind the air delivery pipe with respect to the drum, to thereby provide the appropriate length of air delivery pipe between the device 300 and the source of source of compressed air 870', as the spacing therebetween varies responsive to the device 300 being transported over the building facade FC; alternatively the air delivery pipe is not coiled around a drum, and part of the air delivery pipe is allowed to rest on the ground in a natural manner while the remainder of air delivery pipe is raised or lowered via the device 300.

[0160] Referring to Fig. 9, in at least some alternative variations of the above examples, the aforesaid predetermined treatment comprises a facade painting treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear newly painted as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment. In at least such examples, the facade treating system 700 comprises a facade painting system 760 configured for selectively applying the facade painting treatment to the building facade FC

[0161] In at least this example, the facade painting system 760 comprises a material delivery system 800" configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable painting material to the building facade FC. The respective material delivery system 800" can be in addition to or instead of the respective material delivery system 800 of the example of Fig. 2, and / or in addition to or instead of the respective material delivery system 800' of the example of Fig. 8; alternatively, the respective material delivery system 800 of the example of Fig. 2 can be adapted to selectively operate also as the respective material delivery system 800" of Fig. 9.

[0162] In at least this example, the flowable material includes building facade painting materials M" configured for painting the building facade FC.

[0163] The material delivery system 800" includes at least one fluid delivery nozzle 820", connectable to a source of said building facade painting materials 890".

[0164] In at least this example, the source of building facade painting materials 890” includes at least one painting materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of the building facade painting materials M”, the materials tank being accommodated in the device 300, in at least this example within the body 310. The building facade painting materials M' can include for example building paints, and equivalents thereof.

[0165] In at least some such examples, the facade painting system 760 comprises a pressurized air source, and is configured for selectively mixing pressurized air from the pressurized air source with paint to provide a corresponding building facade painting materials M" in the form of a spray of paint that can be directed to the building facade FC via the fluid delivery nozzle 820".

[0166] Referring to Fig. 10, in at least some alternative variations of the above examples, the aforesaid predetermined treatment is a facade fire extinguishing treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear fire- extinguished, as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, for example in which the building BD has a live fire that is visible or accessible via the building facade FC. In at least such examples, the facade treating system 700 comprises a facade fire extinguishing system 770 configured for selectively applying the facade fire extinguishing treatment to the building facade FC.

[0167] In at least this example, the facade fire extinguishing system 770 comprises a material delivery system 800"' configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable fire extinguishing material to the building facade FC. The respective material delivery system 800'" can be in addition to or instead of the respective material delivery system 800 of the example of Fig. 2, and / or in addition to or instead of the respective material delivery system 800' of the example of Fig. 8, and / or in addition to or instead of the respective material delivery system 800" of the example of Fig. 9; alternatively, the respective material delivery system 800 of the example of Fig. 2 can be adapted to selectively operate also as the respective material delivery system 800'" of Fig. 10.

[0168] In at least this example, the flowable material includes fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials M'", that are configured for extinguishing or controlling a fire at (or accessible via) the building facade FC. The material delivery system 800"' includes at least one liquid delivery nozzle 820"', connectable to a source of water 890'" and / or to a source of said fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials 870'".

[0169] In at least this example, the source of fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials 870'" includes at least one fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of the fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials, the fire extinguishing or fire controlling tank being accommodated in the device 300, in at least this example within the body 310. The fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials M'" can include for example carbon dioxide gas, argon gas, foam, and equivalents thereof.

[0170] The material delivery system 800'" further includes suitable pumps, valves and so on (not shown) for pressurizing the water and for enabling delivery of the water and / or other fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials to the liquid delivery nozzle 820'", and out therefrom.

[0171] In at least this example the liquid delivery nozzle 820'" is connectable to the source of water 890'" via at least one water delivery pipe 895'". In at least this example the source of water 890'" is immobile, and is in the form of a water tank (provided on the ground, or in the building, or on a truck, or equivalents thereof), or, is part of the water mains to or of the building BD. The water delivery pipe 895'" is configured for extending or retracting in response to the device 300 being transported with respect to the building facade and a spacing between the device 300 and the source of water 890 correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively. For example, the water delivery pipe 895'" can be coiled around a drum (not shown), and the drum can be rotated in one direction or the other, to respectively wind or unwind the water delivery pipe 895'" with respect to the drum, to thereby provide the appropriate length of water delivery pipe 895'" between the device 300 and the source of water 890'", as the spacing therebetween varies responsive to the device 300 being transported over the building facade FC.

[0172] It is to be noted that at least in the above examples, the facade treating system 700, and thus the device 300, can include one or more (in any combination) of: the facade washing system 740, the facade sand blasting system 750, the facade painting system 760, and the facade fire extinguishing system 770. In the method claims that follow, alphanumeric characters and Roman numerals used to designate claim steps are provided for convenience only and do not imply any particular order of performing the steps.

[0173] Finally, it should be noted that the word “comprising” as used throughout the appended claims is to be interpreted to mean “including but not limited to”.

[0174] While there has been shown and disclosed examples in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter as set out in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for a system for applying a predetermined treatment to a facade of a building, the device comprising a body, a thrust generation system, and a facade treating system:- the device being configured for being suspended by a cable system and for being transported with respect to the building facade via the cable system at least in a vertical direction;- the thrust generation system being affixed to the body, the thrust generation system being configured for selectively propelling the device at least in a direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade;- the facade treating system being configured for selectively providing the predetermined treatment to the building facade, said predetermined treatment being such as to thereby physically change at least a visual appearance of the building facade in a corresponding manner.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined treatment is a facade cleaning treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear cleaner than prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said facade treating system comprises a facade cleaning system configured for selectively applying said facade cleaning treatment to the building facade.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said facade cleaning treatment comprises a facade washing treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear washed as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said facade cleaning system comprises a facade washing system configured for selectively applying said facade washing treatment to the building facade.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the facade washing system comprises a material delivery system configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable cleaning material to the building facade.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said flowable material includes building facade cleaning materials configured for cleaning the building facade.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the material delivery system includes at least one liquid delivery nozzle, the at least one liquid delivery nozzle connectable to at least one of a source of water and a source of said building facade cleaning materials.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said source of building facade cleaning materials includes at least one cleaning materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of said building facade cleaning materials.

8. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein said at least one liquid delivery nozzle is connectable to said source of water via at least one water delivery pipe, wherein said source of water is immobile.

9. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the device is configured for being spaced from the building facade by a spacing at least during operation of the material delivery system, wherein said spacing is sufficient to prevent mechanical contact between the device and the building facade.

10. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein said facade washing system comprises a mechanical washing apparatus configured for being selectively brought into abutting contact with the building facade.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said mechanical washing apparatus comprises a mechanical brush and a brush drive system, wherein the brush drive system is configured for selectively causing relative brushing movement between the mechanical brush and the building facade, in operation of the mechanical washing apparatus when in abutting contact with the building facade.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein said mechanical brush comprises a cylinder comprising radial brush elements, the cylinder being rotatably mounted with respect to the device, the brush drive system being configured for selectively rotating the cylinder about a cylinder axis.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, said mechanical washing apparatus comprising a pressurized water system configured for delivering pressurized water to the building facade at least when said mechanical washing apparatus is in said abutting contact with the building facade.

14. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein said facade cleaning treatment comprises a facade sand blasting treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear sand blasted as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said facade cleaning system comprises a facade sand blasting system configured for selectively applying said facade sand blasting treatment to the building facade.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the facade sand blasting system comprises a material delivery system configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable cleaning material to the building facade.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein said flowable material includes building facade sand blasting materials configured for sand blasting the building facade.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the material delivery system includes at least one fluidized sand delivery nozzle, the at least one fluidized sand delivery nozzle connectable to a source of said building facade sand blasting materials and to a source of compressed air via a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber being configured for mixing compressed air from said source of compressed air and said building facade sand blasting materials delivered from said source of said building facade sand blasting materials to generate fluidized sand to the at least one fluidized sand delivery nozzle.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein said source of building facade sand blasting materials includes at least one sand blasting materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of said building facade sand blasting materials.

19. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein said source of compressed air includes an air compressor accommodated in the device.

20. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein said source of compressed air is connectable to the device via at least one air delivery pipe, wherein said source of compressed air is immobile, and wherein said at least one air delivery pipe is configured for extending or retracting in response to the device being transported with respect to the building facade and a spacing between the device and said source of compressed air correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively.

21. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said predetermined treatment comprises a facade painting treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear newly painted as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said facade treating system comprises a facade painting system configured for selectively applying said facade painting treatment to the building facade.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the facade painting system comprises a material delivery system configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable painting material to the building facade.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein said flowable material includes building facade painting materials configured for painting the building facade.

24. The cleaning device according to claim 23, wherein the material delivery system includes at least one liquid delivery nozzle, the at least one liquid delivery nozzle connectable to a source of said building facade painting materials.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein said source of building facade painting materials includes at least one painting materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of said building facade painting materials, wherein the at least one painting materials tank is accommodated in the device.

26. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein said predetermined treatment comprises a facade fire extinguishing treatment such as to thereby change at least the visual appearance of the building facade to appear fire-extinguished as compared with prior to applying the predetermined treatment, and wherein said facade treating system comprises a facade fire extinguishing system configured for selectively applying said facade fire extinguishing treatment to the building facade.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein the facade fire extinguishing system comprises a material delivery system configured for selectively delivering at least one flowable fire extinguishing material to the building facade.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein said flowable material includes fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials configured for extinguishing or controlling a fire at the building facade.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein the material delivery system includes at least one liquid delivery nozzle, the at least one liquid delivery nozzle connectable to at least one of a source of water and a source of said fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein said source of fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials includes at least one fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials tank configured for accommodating a predetermined volume of said fire extinguishing or fire controlling materials, wherein the at least one fire extinguishing or fire controlling tank is accommodated in the device.

31. The device according to any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein said at least one liquid delivery nozzle is connectable to said source of water via at least one water delivery pipe, wherein said source of water is immobile, and wherein said at least one water delivery pipe is configured for extending or retracting in response to the device being transported with respect to the building facade and a spacing between the device and said source of water correspondingly increasing or decreasing, respectively.

32. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, including at least one of the following:- wherein the device is incapable of generating vertical thrust;- wherein the device is incapable of generating vertical thrust at least sufficient to support a weight of the device;- wherein the thrust generation system is incapable of generating vertical thrust;- wherein the thrust generation system is incapable of generating vertical thrust at least sufficient to support a weight of the device.

33. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein said thrust generation system comprises at least one horizontal propulsion unit configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust sufficient for at least propelling the device at least in said direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade.

34. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, 15 to 20, 22 to 25, 27 to 31, wherein operation of said material delivery system when delivering said at least one flowable material to the building facade generates a corresponding material delivery system thrust at least in a direction orthogonally away from the building facade, andwherein said the thrust generation system comprises at least one horizontal propulsion unit configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust sufficient for at least reacting said material delivery system thrust.

35. The device according to claim 34, wherein said horizontal thrust is additionally sufficient at least for propelling the device at least in said direction nominally orthogonal to the building facade.

36. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 35, the thrust generation system being further configured for selectively propelling the device in a lateral direction nominally parallel to the building facade.

37. The device according to claim 36, wherein said the thrust generation system comprises at least one lateral propulsion unit configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust sufficient for at least propelling the device at least in said direction nominally parallel to the building facade.

38. The device according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein each said horizontal propulsion unit comprises a drive unit coupled to a rotor arrangement including at least one rotor, wherein rotation of the rotor arrangement via the drive unit generates said horizontal thrust.

39. The device according to claim 38, wherein said at least one rotor is any one of a propeller and a ducted fan.

40. The device according to any one of claims 38 to 39, wherein each said rotor arrangement comprises two said rotors co-axially aligned and configured to counter rotate with respect to one another.

41. The device according to any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein the thrust generation system comprises four said horizontal propulsion units, each being configured for selectively generating a horizontal thrust along a respective thrust axis, wherein the four horizontal propulsion units are arranged in cruciform X configuration with respect to the body.

42. The device according to claim 42, wherein one pair of said horizontal propulsion units is mounted forward of the body, and the other pair of said horizontal propulsion units is mounted aft of the body.

43. The device according to any one of claims 41 to 42, wherein the respective thrust axes of said horizontal propulsion units are inclined with respect to a centerline of the body at respective non-zero angular inclinations such as to enable selectively applying horizonal thrust to the body in directions orthogonal and / or parallel to the building facade, in operation of the device.

44. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein the thrust generation system is configured for selectively generating control moments to the device.

45. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 44, further comprising at least one of: longitudinal spacer members affixed to said body and proj ecting forward from the body in a direction towards the building facade, the spacer members being sized and located in the body such as to enable the spacer members to abut the building facade and thereby prevent direct collision of the body against the building facade; an undercarriage arrangement affixed to the body and configured for providing a vertical spacing between the body and a ground surface on which the device can be rested on.

46. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 45, further comprising a connection arrangement on the body, configured for affixing the cable system thereto to thereby enable the device to be suspended and transported by the cable system, the cable system comprising at least one set of suspension cables including one or more suspension cables.

47. The device according to claim 46, wherein the connection arrangement comprises one of: an anchor point on the body, configured for anchoring a respective end of each said set of suspension cables thereto; at least one drum accommodated in the body, the at least one drum being selectively driven by a motor to selectively wind or unwind the respective set of suspension cables with respect to the respective drum, to thereby enable the cable system to change the position of the device with respect to the building facade.

48. A system for treating a building facade of a building, the system comprising a device and a cable system:- the device being as defined in any one of claims 1 to 47;- the cable system being configured for selectively transporting the device with respect to the building facade at least in a vertical direction and optionally in a horizontal direction over the building facade.

49. The system according to claim 48, wherein the cable system comprises at least one set of suspension cables, comprising one or more suspension cables, operatively coupled to the body, and a drive system coupled to the at lest one set of suspension cables to selectively cause the device to be transported over the building facade at least in a vertical direction and optionally in a horizontal direction.

50. A method for treating a building facade of a building with a predetermined treatment, comprising:(i) providing a system comprising a device and a cable system, the system being as defined in any one of claims 48 to 49;(ii) operating the cable system to selectively transport the device with respect to the building facade at least in a vertical direction and optionally in a horizontal direction over the building facade;(iii) operating the device to provide the predetermined treatment to the building facade, said predetermined treatment being such as to thereby change at least a visual appearance of the building facade in a corresponding manner.

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