Abstract: A technician's work chair includes a frame, first, second and third air cushion devices, a seat assembly and an electronic task guiding system. The seal assembly has a cushion portion and a seatback portion. The cushion portion is supported to the seat supporting portion of the frame. The seatback portion has an inclination adjusting mechanism operable to change an angle of inclination of the seatback portion relative to the frame. The electronic task guiding system is supported to the frame, the electronic task guiding system being configured to provide the technician with task related signals.

Abstract: A climbing vehicle with wheel or endless-track type propulsion using suction for generating adhering forces is adapted to climbing non-planar surfaces such as intersecting walls, pipes or other structural members. The suction chamber is relatively fixed to the vehicle chassis and moves with the vehicle chassis. A seal is created around the suction chamber through an adaptive sealing mechanism. The adaptive sealing mechanism consists of a series of links that adapt to the climbing surface geometry and forms a seal at the climbing surface. The links in the adaptive sealing mechanism span a portion of the suction chamber along the longitudinal sides of the vehicle and are elastically sprung to maintain contact with the surface. The adaptive sealing mechanism links also span the lateral sides of the vehicle to fully enclose the suction chamber.

Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low friction device for transferring patients from one surface to another. This system allows a patient to be immobilized on one supporting surface. The immobilized patient can then be transferred laterally onto the target modality using an air bearing that is thin, homogeneously radiolucent and compatible with a variety of diagnostic imaging and treatment modalities.

Abstract: A base assembly for coupling an end effector to a structure includes a first side and an opposite second side. The first side configured to couple to the end effector. The base assembly also includes at least one cavity disposed on the second side, and at least one pneumatic generator coupled in flow communication with the at least one cavity. The at least one pneumatic generator is operable in a suction mode and a blower mode. The second side having the at least one cavity is securely coupleable to a surface of the structure via a vacuum force induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the suction mode, and the second side having the at least one cavity is movable substantially frictionlessly across the surface via an air cushion induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the blower mode.

Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft with an engine includes an attachment device intended to support the engine, a pod intended to surround the engine and including a cover, joints intended to allow articulation of the cover and allow movement of the cover relative to the attachment device between a closed position and an open position, and at least one access panel mounted moveably on the cover between a closed position, in which the access panel extends continuously between the cover and the attachment device when the cover is in the closed position, and an open position in which the access panel is remote from its closed position. The assembly includes a handle which can be operated from the outside of the cover between a first position and a second position, and a transmission system provided to move said or each access panel from its closed position to its open position.

Abstract: The present invention is to prevent an uninhabited airborne vehicle from crashing due to fall impact and from being damaged and to protect an object and a living being at the fall point. The uninhabited airborne vehicle 100 includes a rotary wing 10 and a buffer 111 that reduces impact on the airframe when crashed. The battery charge remaining measurement module 122 and the distance measurement module 123 measure the battery charge remaining and the distance to an object, respectively, and compare the measurement with the respective thresholds. If the measurement is less than the respective thresholds, the buffer module 111 is driven by the drive module 121.

Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system has a vehicle that is self-powered and configured to generate an air cushion on a trackless lane having a substantially flat surface. The vehicle is configured to move over the substantially flat surface on the air cushion. The transportation system also has a guidance system configured to guide the vehicle between peripheries of the trackless lane.

Abstract: A modular system that provides multiple support surfaces for a large heavy object and enables movement of that object with no friction (e.g., on a cushion of air). Each module has an object support surface and a bearing that enables the modules and the heavy object being supported thereby to be moved across a floor with no friction. Each module restrains a portion of the object on top within a frame that opens to allow the supported portion of the object to move off the support surface of the module and onto a stationary object support structure (e.g., a milling machine bed), using a cushion of air at an elevated height from the floor equal to that of the top surface of each module. The modules can be used independently or locked together to move a very large and heavy object or can be used to build a type of bridge which the air bearings underneath the object can cross.

Abstract: A cushioned pallet assembly includes a rigid pallet body having four lateral sides, an air bag unit including at least one inflatable air bag mounted to the pallet body and capable of producing a pressurized layer of air beneath the air bag, and an air supply conduit unit connected to the air bag for supplying air to the same. The pallet body further has top and bottom faces. The air bag is disposed below the bottom face of the pallet body.

Abstract: A fluid-cushion supporting arrangement for horizontal conveyance comprises a supporting platform having a center and a distal portion; a flexible angular sealing element arranged under the platform in the region of the distal portion and forming a sealing piston. The sealing piston has a substantially horizontal leg which extends toward the center and forms together with the supporting platform a fluid chamber, and a substantially vertical leg which forms together with the supporting platform a control pressure chamber. The vertical leg is vertically and adjustably inserted in the control pressure chamber. An inlet valve is provided for supplying fluid into the fluid chamber. A pressure-regulating arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the control pressure chamber regulates the fluid pressure. The vertical leg comprises a plurality of reinforcement elements including at least one metallic strip.

Abstract: A levitating platform, which is capable of stable flight, is disclosed. Levitating platform (100) comprises a platform structure (110), which includes a bottom extended surface (116) and a lip (114). An air movement device (120) is mounted on platform structure (110) to flow air (30) into plenum (123) between support surface (20), bottom extended surface (116) and lip (114). The flow of air (30) in plenum (123) creates positive and negative pressures within plenum (123). The positive and negative pressures generate attractive and repelling forces between platform structure (110) and support surface (20) causing platform structure (110) to levitate off support surface (20) in a stable, easily controllable manner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a workstation or other heavy object which is easily moved, yet steady and stable when parked. Underneath this object is attached a multiple air-bearing device having a backplate, a membrane which is selectively bonded to the backplate, and a stencil and dimple which further prevent separation of the membrane from the backplate and which also provide a bearing surface for the workstation to rest with stability against the floor. Pressurized air is introduced through the base and behind the unbonded portions of the membrane, inflating the membrane and creating lift, and additionally forming a pneumatic seal against the floor. Air passages through the membrane and within the sealed footprint allow air to flow into and through the region between the membrane and the floor, creating an air-lubricated bearing that allows nearly frictionless motion of the heavy object.

Abstract: A hybrid craft can operate as a high speed SES in open water and deploy a retracted flexible skirt to operate as a hovercraft across beaches and overland. A downwardly extending boundary structure on a hull periphery reaches through the surface of water. The boundary structure has thin rigid side-walls extending downward from lateral sides, a forward seal wall extending downward from a forward portion, and an aft seal wall extending downward from an aft portion. Machinery creates a pressurized air cushion under the hull inside of the boundary structure to support and transport the hull. A flexible skirt system on said hull inwardly of and adjacent to the boundary structure can be retracted to a first position above the boundary structure and the water and extended to a second position below the boundary structure and the surface of the water to transit beaches and overland on the air cushion.

Abstract: An air bearing assembly transports loads across a smooth and flat surface when pressurized with air. The air bearing assembly includes a frame and an air bearing. The frame has a flat side for supporting a load and has an inner ring extending from its other side. The air bearing includes a backing plate and a flexible diaphragm that forms an enclosed footprint on the surface when pressurized. The footprint of the diaphragm uniformly overlap the ring of the frame. A damping chamber is formed by the inner ring of the frame and by the backing plate. The damping chamber is sealed when the diaphragm is pressurized by the upward force exerted by the diaphragm upon the backing plate against the inner ring.

Abstract: Control of air cushion vehicles is obtained by controlling the translation of the vehicle independently from control of the rotation (yaw). Lateral translation of the vehicle is controlled by creating side-directed thrusts the direction of which passes through or as close as possible to the yaw axis by diverting variably controllable flows of air from the flow of air used to create a propulsive air thrust for forward translation of the vehicle to left and right lateral control ports located more or less parallel to the fore-aft axis of the vehicle sufficiently proximate to a plane which passes through the yaw axis and is perpendicular to the fore-aft axis of the vehicle so that diverted air flows exiting the ports approximately perpendicular to the fore-aft axis create thrusts which predominantly pass through the yaw axis. (In the absence of external forces the yaw axis passes through the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible, low friction, rideable sliding toy is disclosed that slides over relatively smooth, firm surfaces with very low friction. The toy is comprised of a bag of flexible, air impermeable material having one or more relatively large holes cut out of the bottom of the bag where the bag contacts the floor when in use. The bag is inflated by allowing it to drop onto the floor, trapping air inside it as it lands. The outer edges of the hole form a relatively airtight seal allowing the bag to retain its inflated state when laid upon by a user, thus permitting a user to propel himself over fiat surfaces in a low friction manner. A flap of material may be affixed inside the bag positioned so that it lies loosely over the large holes, providing a seal when the bag leaks unduly.

Abstract: A flexible, low friction, rideable sliding toy is disclosed that slides over relatively smooth, firm surfaces with very low friction. The toy is comprised of a bag of flexible, air impermeable material having one or more relatively large holes cut out of the bottom of the bag where the bag contacts the floor when in use. The bag is inflated by allowing it to drop onto the floor, trapping air inside it as it lands. The outer edges of the hole form a relatively air-tight seal allowing the bag to retain its inflated state when laid upon by a user, thus permitting a user to propel himself over flat surfaces in a low friction manner.

Abstract: A floating mold changer carriage is movable between a shaping device for shaping a sheet of glass with at least one mold and a mold storage area spaced from the shaping device, for replacing the mold with a new mold. The carriage includes a main frame having a plurality of pallets mounted on a lower surface thereof and each having a flow passage with its one open end connected to fluid source. The pallet has a cylindrical portion on its lower surface and a hollow annular member of a resilient material disposed around the cylindrical portion. The annular member has an opening confronting the other open end of the flow passage. When a fluid or air is supplied from the fluid source via the flow passage into the annular members, the annular members are inflated to float the main frame off the floor. Continued supply of air develops a fluid or air layer between the floor and the annular members to lower the coefficient of friction therebetween, thus allowing the carriage to be moved easily.

Abstract: In an air cushion load transport vehicle, an annular sealing assembly comprising an annular inflatable hanger on the underside of a load-bearing base and an annular sealing means on the underside of the hanger confines a load-supporting air cushion that is continuously supplied with compressed air during operation. Stability is promoted by a number of design features in the inflatable hanger, the annular sealing means, the flexible connection between them and the load support structure. These include means for automatically closing off flow through hanger damping eyelets during initial hanger pressurization together with means to keep the eyelets open at all operating hanger heights. Additional covered ports are provided in the outer hanger wall positioned to automatically vent if the hanger is over-inflated thereby avoiding dynamic instability. A check valve is incorporated into the device to prevent damage from inadvertantly inflating the hanger before the cushion is pressurized.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved stern seal construction for air cushion surted operating type marine vessels which consists of an array of inflatable, vertically oriented inverted truncated open-ended cones or fingers. These fingers are individually attached to and mounted to depend in side-by-side relation from the bottom of an inflatable bag which in turn is mounted upon and extends transversely across and below the bottom of the stern end of the vessel's hull. The fingers are arranged in side-by-side pressed together relationship, and thus assume in horizontal section generally rectangular forms. In side view sectional profile the finger and bag contours are so balanced that a minimum load at the bottom ends of the fingers will permit them to raise to allow for passages over rough objects. The front or leading panels of the fingers are stiffened somewhat toward their bottom ends, and are extended under the open bottoms of the fingers beyond their trailing panel portions.

Abstract: A ground effects device of the type that introduces pressurized air into a plenum chamber, that then travels through a perforated flexible sheet to form an air cushion, the improvement therein that no air dispersion means are present in the plenum chamber.

Abstract: In the present publication, an air-cushion element (1 to 5) for air-cushion transport equipment is described. The element comprises a disc-shaped frame (1), a ring-shaped rubber bellows (2) arranged air-tight underneath and frame (1), a membrane (4) with a high number of small perforations (5), attached to the bottom edge of the rubber bellows (2) so that the frame (1), the rubber bellows (2), and the membrane (4) define a space (6) for outflowing air, and at least one opening (3) for the feeding-in of pressurized air into the space (6). According to the invention, in this connection, the perforations (5) in the membrane (5) are arranged irregularly in relation to orthogonal or polar coordinates, for example, along a so-called spiral of Archimedes.

Abstract: A large capacity, cable turntable assembly is provided for use in connection with laying along lengths of underwater cable. A turntable is provided which has a planar, toroidal floor bounded by an upright, interior wall surrounding the axis of rotation and an upright, exterior wall spaced apart from the interior wall. The walls and floor define an open-top chamber for receiving a long, coiled length of cable. A multiplicity of fluid-cushion bearings are secured to the turntable below the floor and permit rotation of the turntable on a supporting surface when the turntable is loaded with cable and when the cable is removed. The fluid-cushion bearings also permit lateral movement of the turntable over distances. Water is supplied under pressure to the bearings to facilitate movement of the turntable. The turntable may be positioned on a shoreside-support, permitting rotation of the turntable in order to load cable onto the turntable.

Abstract: An endless belt operatively mounted beneath a load carrying backing member has a lower run moving across a generally planar fixed support surface, in frictional contact therewith. The belt may comprise a woven belt with reinforcing threads. A plenum chamber intermediate of the backing member and the fixed support surface includes a thin-flexible film sheet as the bottom element thereof bearing a plurality of small diameter perforations. The plenum chamber being subject to low pressure air creates a frictionless air film between the film and the belt lower run and jacks the load and backing member. The endless belt may be positively driven by a motor carried by the air pallet structure to form a self-powered vehicle and the endless belt may have cleats on the outside as track members. Cleats on the inside of the belt cooperate with paired, elongated rollers bearing similar sized slots on their periphery for positive drive of the belt.

Abstract: The invention concerns a load transfer device with a platform which is insertable below and movable with a load and equipped with a number of at least in one row below the platform arranged lifting means for elevating and lowering of the platform. For enabling the transfer device together with its load to be moved from a base, e.g. a floor, to another base, e.g. a loading platform, situated at a lower or higher level the lifting means are capable in each row individually or in groups alternatively of varying the distance between the base in question and the platform of the transfer device, whereas the latter is provided with feeling means which are capable of connecting the lifting means to a source of energy when the lifting means in question reaches a base situated on a lower level and of disconnecting this lifting means from the source of energy when said lifting means reaches a base on a higher level.

Abstract: A hydrostatic support structure wherein, to move a surface with a load disposed thereupon with respect to a bearing surface, a liquid cushion is provided due to a feeding of a liquid into an inner space defined by the bearing surface and a housing having a sealing member. Within the housing there is disposed a piston provided with its own sealing member which seals the gap between the housing and the piston, whereas the first sealing member defining the liquid cushion being formed along the perimeter of the inner space is rigidly secured to the housing of the support structure.

Abstract: A fluid bearing with a multicomponent membrane which is inflated to form a torus defining a plenum chamber. The preferred three layer membrane has a fluid impermeable inner layer, a middle layer of a dimensionally stable fabric, and an abrasion resistant outer layer. The layers may be replaced independently. A number of different mechanisms for attaching the layers to the load-carrying member of the bearing are shown, and different membranes having different lift heights may be used with a single load-carrying member. In one embodiment one of a series of interchangeable metal rings of different diameters used with the middle layer of the membrane may be selected to control the lift height. The bearing also includes a replaceable orifice plate which controls the rate of flow into the plenum chamber and into and out of the torus membrane. A valve operates during the usual gradual start up to block flow of fluid to the plenum until the pressure in the torus membrane is one or two p.s.i. above atmospheric.

Abstract: A pair of relatively rigid planar members overlying each other are coupled about their edges by a flexible film band to form a jacking plenum chamber. The upper planar member functions as the load support, bearing a gas inlet hole adjacent one edge whose diameter is approximately twice the size of an outlet hole adjacent the edge of the underlying planar member to the opposite end of the jacking plenum chamber whereby, a gas under pressure entering on end of the jacking plenum chamber and escaping through the outer end, functions to jack the load and upper relatively rigid planar member to a height defined by the height of the flexible band. The holes at the opposite ends of the chamber provide load stabilization during jacking. The lower rigid member may further bear a thin flexible sheet perforated over a major central portion which is edged jointly to the lower planar member to define an air bearing planar chamber therebetween with the assembly functioning as an air pallet with integral jacking chamber.

Abstract: In an aircraft air cushion takeoff and landing system with a flexible trunk section in the form of a large expandable tube, having multiple air exhaust holes in the bottom thereof, encircling the bottom of the fuselage, a group of flexible finger-like protrusions beneath the forward section of the trunk. The downwardly extending finger-like protrusions make intermittent contact with the ground surface to suppress vertical vibrations in the trunk when the aircraft is hovering at ground level with the trunk inflated.

Abstract: A fluid bearing having improved operating characteristics. The platform to which the bearing is attached and which supports any load includes the necessary conduits for supply of fluid under pressure as well as the necessary structural integrity to support the expected load. The conduits are, with respect to the bearing and the plenum area of the bearing, in a particular, predetermined relative location. When the bearing is in a deflated condition and fluid under pressure is introduced, the initial fluid flows into the bearing and the plenum at a predetermined rate. The deflated bearing structure restricts fluid flow into the plenum until after the bearing is substantially inflated. The controlled flow to the bearing and the plenum allows a substantial pressure differential between the interior of the bearing and the plenum. Upon reaching inflation, fluid under pressure can freely flow into the bearing, into the plenum and between the plenum and the interior of the bearing.

Abstract: A flow control is provided between an inflatable and a smaller inflatable log which positions the inflatable with respect to the craft to which it is affixed. The flow control permits the inflation of the positioning log through the inflatable but restricts the flow of fluid back from the positioning log to the inflatable.

Abstract: An air cushion vehicle operable over land, water and ice separately and in any combination, wherein there is a hull of "lighter" configuration adapted to be collapsed for highway transport and to be expanded for use with a prime mover fan both for lift and propulsion when in use, with a perimeter skirt and a center roll stabilizer responsive to air pressures in separated chambers established thereby, and with a tread type labyrinth seal for lift air control, and there being a steerable nose wheel and trailing casters for direction control.

Abstract: An annular sealing member extends to ground level to minimize loss of fluid from a lifting cushion. This member includes an inflatable seal hanger envelope mounted on the underside of a fluid cushion vehicle. The inflatable hanger envelope is inflated from the lifting fluid cushion through a tube. The length of this inflation tube is great compared with its bore diameter, thereby producing a pressure drop in the fluid as it flows between the fluid cushion and the hanger envelope. The hanger envelopes of adjacent fluid cushions are also interconnected when the vehicle is supported on four or more fluid cushions. These interconnections divide the total number of fluid cushions into only three independent groups to produce a statically determinant support for the fluid cushion vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a segment for forming part of a segmented flexible skirt for use on craft, vehicles or devices which can be supported on a cushion of pressurized fluid, comprising a sheet of flexible material folded into a substantially U-shape in plan view to form a curved front wall portion having an upper end and side wall portions having an upper end and a bottom end, said side wall portions in side elevation tapering from their said upper end towards their said bottom end, an upper portion of said front wall portion which extends from said upper end of the front wall portion being in a plane which lies at an angle relative to the remainder of the front wall portion.

Abstract: An improved ground-run/skid-braking and/or maneuvering control system for an aircraft or ground effect machine having an air cushion type undercarriage of the type comprising an elastically retractable inflatable trunk or other air inflatable air cushion confining device fabricated of elastic sheet material. The braking/control system comprises a mechanically actuated multiple spine system disposed interiorly of the trunk fabric; and is operable under pilot control to cause portions of the trunk to curvilinearly project downwardly below the basic footprint level of the trunk when inflated, to provide the desired ground-friction braking/maneuvering effects. The projected portions of the trunk are externally armored by means of wear/tear resistant friction pads which are relatively pleat-folding automatically incidental to elastic contractions of the trunk sheet material, to minimize craft flight drag effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to aircraft and more particularly an air-cushion landing gear comprising a system of landing gear units suspended from an aircraft, with at least two of the units being spaced transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, and one of them being arranged on the axis ahead of the aircraft center of gravity; each landing gear unit comprises a platform with an annular inflatable cell attached to its underside and used, when inflated, as a flexible curtain circumscribing an air cushion space under the platform, the inflation of each cell and the formation of the air cushion is accomplished by an independent injecting device built in the platform; the spaced-apart cells are provided with an operating device for decelerating and controlling the movement of the aircraft on the runway surface; such a design of the air-cushion landing gear makes it possible to easily and rapidly adapt modern planes and helicopters to such a landing gear with the take-off, landing and taxiing t

Abstract: The invention has to do with a system designed to support and/or guide a ground effect machine (1) along a supporting surface (2).This system consists of structure (4) carrying a load (F), a floating partition (5) holding the cushion (9) and a flexible partition (10) defining laterally between the structure (4) and the partition (5) an enclosure of suspension (13) having a variable volume which is connected with the cushion (9) through calibrated orifices (6). The enclosure of suspension (13) has a convergent-divergent configuration, for example biconic. The area of the base (S), the area (S.sub.o) at the level of the collar (15) and the angle (.theta.) of the enclosure (13) are predetermined and remain constant.

Abstract: A planar air pallet supports a load for frictionless transport relative to an underlying fixed support surface. A single sheet of flexible plastic film may underlie a stack of cartons forming the load with the edges sheet heat shrunk about the stack of cartons. Small diameter perforations are provided at least within that portion of the sheet underlying the lowermost tier of cartons to form a plenum chamber, preferably through air dispersion members between the flexible sheet and the carton load. The perforations unrestrictedly open directly to said plenum chamber. Pillowing of the sheet portion of the plenum chamber is controlled to permit jacking of the load sufficiently for a combination of surface irregularity for both the load support surface and the backing surface. The air pallet may also comprise a flexible film bag, which carries internally a rigid sheet which may be the load to control pillowing and provide air dispersion.