Patents Assigned to Gibbs Technologies Ltd.
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Patent number: 7758392Abstract: A planing amphibious vehicle with retractable wheels and a sit-astride seat having dimensions that impart enhanced capability in both land as well as water modes of operation. The beam, track, dead rise angle and the location of the handlebars cooperate to enhance freeboard and ground clearance without sacrificing manoeuvrability. The length is at least 1800 mm; the beam is at least 800 mm; the deadrise angle at least 3°; and the center of rotation of steering control is located near the halfway distance from transom to bow.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventors: Alan Timothy Gibbs, Neil Graham Jenkins
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Patent number: 7717761Abstract: The planing surface of amphibious vehicle hull (2), with reference to (FIG. 2), comprises at least one discontinuity, e.g. wheel arch recesses (12) to (15). The wheels may be retractable. Access is required to the full arch aperture during vehicle manufacture, but not in use. To maximize the planing area, planing plates (9, 11) are provided. These are fixed in position in both land and marine modes; but may be removable for maintenance. At least one plate may comprise at least part of a strake (22, 25) attached to, or incorporated in, its underside. Such strake section(s) may be sacrificial, and may be made from rubber. A trim tab (30, FIG. 9), may be provided aft of a rear planing plate, and may be hinged thereto. The plates may include water drains and jacking apertures. A ride plate (38, FIG. 1) may be provided between two planing plates, and may be integral therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventor: Kevin Albert Lindsey
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Patent number: 7713102Abstract: A power train configuration for an amphibious vehicle especially well suited for sit-astride applications. A prime mover drives a marine propulsion unit and/or at least one road wheel wherein the such road wheel is driven through a speed-change transmission. The speed-transmission is positioned above or below the axis of the prime mover's output shaft and preferably such that its input and output shafts are aligned at an angle of up to 90 degrees relative to the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral axes and/or the axis of the prime mover's output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventors: Simon James Longdill, Hans Weekers, Stephen John Briggs
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Patent number: 7713103Abstract: Amphibious vehicle 3 has one or more ducts 9 running from a first to a second end of the vehicle; from vent 5 to vent 7, or vice versa. The vehicle prime mover 19, transmission, brakes, and/or electronic controls, may be cooled in the duct. Fan 19 draws or blows air through the duct. The hull may comprise one wall of the or each duct; hull surface coolers may be provided for cooling liquid. The duct(s) may pass through one or more bulkhead(s) 11, 13 of the vehicle. A separate engine cooling system may comprise a radiator 23 and fans 29. The marine drive may be a jet drive; the vehicle road wheels (6, FIGS. 4 and 6) may be retractable above the vehicle water line when the vehicle is in marine mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventor: Jeremy Malcolm Burgoyne
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Patent number: 7618050Abstract: A vehicle steering arrangement for an amphibious vehicle having retractable steered wheels with which the steering input to such wheels is automatically substantially curtailed upon retraction of the wheels. Retraction of the wheels causes a steering link to swing toward its steering axis to thereby reduce its effective radius while steering input to a marine propulsion remains unchanged. The reduced steering input to the wheels reduces space needed to accommodate the wheels in their retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventors: Simon James Longdill, Hans Weekers, Stephen John Briggs
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Patent number: 7581582Abstract: An exhaust cooling system of an amphibious vehicle operable in land and marine modes comprises an exhaust system to be cooled, at least one air-liquid heat exchanger, at least one liquid-liquid heat exchanger, and coolant liquid in thermal communication with the exhaust system to be cooled, the air-liquid heat exchanger(s) and/or the liquid-liquid heat exchanger(s) and heated by the exhaust system. When the amphibious vehicle is operated in land mode, the coolant liquid is cooled by the air-liquid heat exchanger(s). When the vehicle is operated in marine mode, the coolant liquid is cooled by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger(s). The air-liquid heat exchanger(s) may also be used on water. The vehicle may plane, and have retractable road wheels. The air-liquid heat exchanger(s) may be mounted at the front or rear of the vehicle, or elsewhere.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventors: Simon James Longdill, Hans Weekers, Stephen John Briggs
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Patent number: 7438611Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (10), with reference to FIG. 1, which may plane on water, has a propulsion system comprising prime mover (20), power transmission means (30), marine propulsion means (40), and land propulsion means (50). Vehicle (10) is operable in marine mode or land mode. Common controls are used on land and water, the steering control travel may be the same in each mode. Power is transmitted to the marine propulsion means in marine mode; and to both marine and land propulsion means in land mode. The power transmission ratio between land and marine propulsion means may be variable in land mode. The propulsion control means (60) may comprise electronic processing means and/or electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or electromechanical actuation devices, or any combination thereof. Prime mover (20) may comprise an internal combustion engine; an electric motor, a fuel cell; a hybrid engine; or any combination thereof. The transmission means may be mechanical, electric, or hydraulic.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
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Patent number: 7416457Abstract: An amphibious vehicle (32) having a transverse mid- or rear-mounted engine (12) arranged to drive rear road wheels (30) and/or through an axial transmission (37), a marine propulsion unit (38), in which the engine (12) is so mounted in relation to the transmission (37) to the marine propulsion unit (38) that the bottom (8) of the engine is below the axis (37) of the transmission. This ensures an advantageous metacentric height which is preferably between 370 and 180 mm.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
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Patent number: 7410396Abstract: An amphibious vehicle has retractable road wheels to allow planing over water. Power to the road wheels is disconnected automatically as the wheels are retracted. This may be achieved through a cable attached to a suspension rocker arm to disconnect a dog clutch attached to the input shaft of a differential as the wheels are retracted; and vice versa. The system may be fitted to a steered axle or to any suitable retractable suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventors: Simon James Longdill, Hans Weekers, Stephen John Briggs
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Patent number: 7371137Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, which may plane on water, has at least one pair of front or rear wheels having wheel suspensions fitted with an anti-roll bar (46). Said bar rotates upwards as the wheels are stowed above the waterline for use of the vehicle on water. The wheels may be driven wheels, and may be steered by pivotable steering link (20); or passively steered. Anti-roll bar (46) may be mounted to the vehicle by at least one bearing (48), so that the bar rotates about a single axis when the wheels are retracted. The bar passes through watertight outside bodywork (60), where it may be sealed by an elastomeric seal (62). Said seal may comprise a lip portion (72), sealing against the bar itself or against a ring or a collar (68) attached thereto. The ring or collar may be continuously welded around the anti-roll bar.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Gibbs Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: Phillip Frederick Rees, Anthony Roy Mudd
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Patent number: 7322864Abstract: Amphibious vehicle having road wheels which are retractable to allow planing. Each wheel suspension is protractable through a gap in the planing surface of the hull. To reduce hydrodynamic drag and improve marine handling, covers are provided which cover such gaps when the wheels are retracted. These covers may be hinged parallel to a longitudinal, or to a transverse, axis of the vehicle or may be otherwise connected to the hull.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Simon James Longdill, Hans Weekers, Stephen John Briggs, Terence James Roycroft
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Patent number: 7314394Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (1, FIG. 1) has retractable road wheels (2, 2?, FIG. 1). This may allow planing. During marine travel, at least one wheel may droop below the water line. This increases drag, particularly when cornering. Suspension height sensor 22 may be arranged to detect a threshold beyond which the wheel should not be allowed to droop over water, unless mode change is in progress. When this threshold is passed, pump 18 co-operates with controller 15 to pump fluid into lower chamber 7? of actuator 5 to retract the wheel. Switchable valves 9, 19, 21, and 23 are provided to allow adjustment of fluid chamber volumes. Gas filled accumulators 11 may be provided where a hydraulic suspension is used. Numeral 42 represents an adjustable trim tab. FIG. 4 shows an alternative fluid system layout, with valves 19, 19?, and 110 to allow fluid to be returned to tank 18?.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Christopher Paul Darby
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Patent number: 7311567Abstract: A planing amphibious vehicle with retractable wheels and a sit-astride seat having dimensions that impart enhanced capability in both land as well as water modes of operation. The beam, track, dead rise angle and the location of the handlebars cooperate to enhance freeboard and ground clearance without sacrificing manoeuvrability. The length is at least 2400 mm; the beam is at least 1250 mm; the deadrise angle at least 10°; and the handlebars are located only slightly forward of the halfway distance from transom to bow.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventors: Alan Timothy Gibbs, Neil Graham Jenkins
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Patent number: 7234982Abstract: A retractable suspension for an amphibious vehicle, the configuration of which allows the size of an opening in the hull necessary for accommodating the protraction of each wheel to be kept to a minimum. The suspension is configured such that the only component that comes to extend beyond the hull upon protraction is a generally tube shaped lower link that is pivotally attached to the hull at it is inboard end, that pivotally supports a hub carrier at its outboard end and that may simultaneously accommodate a drive shaft therein. The weight of the vehicle is supported by a spring arrangement bearing on the inboard end of the lower link.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventors: Simon James Longdill, Hans Weekers, Stephen John Briggs
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Patent number: 7207851Abstract: Amphibious vehicle needs less power on land than on water. A control system is provided to limit power and/or speed on land, using: restriction of flow of fuel, air, or exhaust gases; heated intake air; exhaust gas recirculation; declutching of a supercharger; bypassing of a turbocharger; a variable throttle stop, dual throttles, or a switchable throttle damper; cylinder or intake valve deactivation; a dual length intake manifold; dual mode ignition or engine mapping; dual fuel—gasoline on water, compressed natural gas on road; variable compression ratios or valve timing; a clutch designed to slip; automatic brake application; or aerodynamic brakes. The suspension may tilt the vehicle to increase aerodynamic resistance. The road transmission may be geared to limit maximum speed. High rolling resistance tires or twin engines may be used. A sensor on retractable suspension may indicate whether the vehicle is on land or on water.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LtdInventors: Alan Timothy Gibbs, Neil Graham Jenkins
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Patent number: 6951492Abstract: Engine (101) of an amphibious vehicle (100) is located in engine compartment (102). The engine is cooled by radiator(s) (103), mounted in cooling compartment (104), which is separate to compartment (102), and may be sealed off therefrom. Ram air effect or fans (105) (driven electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically) may be used to draw cooling air into compartment (104) through radiator (103), and out past exhaust silencer(s) (107) through opening (106). Coolant hoses (109) and exhaust pipes (111) may pass through apertures (108) and (110), sealed by rubber, or metal and rubber composite seals (112) and (113). Catalytic converters may be mounted in compartment (102) or compartment (104). Similarly, coolers for engine oil; transmission oil; oil for a marine propulsion power take off; and an intake air intercooler, may be mounted in either compartment. A further cooling system may be provided for compartment (102), with further cooling air ducts and fans.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
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Publication number: 20040232686Abstract: At least three beans, 2, 4, 6, are connected in at least two planes by means of a cruciform member 8. Rivets 30 are used to locate the joint while a bonding agent, which may be a structural adhesive or cold solder, sets. Cruciform arms 10 may be at ninety degree intervals; at least one arm may be deformed into, or extruded at, an alternative angle. The beams may be of aluminium; other metal; plastic, or composite material. More than one cruciform may be used in one joint (FIGS. 2, 3); arms 10 may be abbreviated to reduce the joint's bulk and mass. Plates 12, 14 may be used in opposition to a cruciform to strengthen and balance joints. The bonded joint may be used in the frame of a vehicle, particularly an amphibious vehicle. The cruciform member provides broad planar surfaces for a strong bonded joint, which is unlikely to peel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Adrian John Locke
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Patent number: 6764358Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (40, FIG. 7) comprises engine (2) with its crankshaft aligned with front and rear axis (X) of the vehicle; transmission (3); and differential (4) offset from the transmission. The differential has front and rear outputs (21, 16), whose axes are parallel to axis (X). These outputs drive at least one retractable front road wheel (42, FIG. 7) ahead of the front passenger seats, and corresponding retractable rear road wheel(s) (48, FIG. 7) behind the rear passenger seats. The marine drive power take off (PTO) may be taken from the engine timing end (7), as a sandwich PTO between engine and transmissions (28, FIG. 5), or from the transmission (38, FIG. 6). Front and rear differentials (22 and 17) may be provided. Decouplers may be provided in front and rear road wheel outputs, and in the marine drive (10). The engine may be mounted to the rear of the passenger seat(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs