Abstract: A flexible paddle wheel structure comprises a pair of axially spaced wheels, having flexible rims, such as, for example, pneumatic tires, with pairs of radially spaced, transverse, flexible members extending between, and attached to, the rims. A flexible membrane extends between the transverse members in each pair to form a flexible paddle. The wheels can tilt relative to each other and the whole structure can be arranged to be lifted and lowered.
Abstract: To reduce the amount of water or other surface material issuing at the periphery of an air cushion vehicle, a flexible barrier is suspended at the vehicle periphery lateral to the cushion containing means--usually a flexible skirt. The spray or other material is trapped between the vehicle periphery and the barrier, with water or other material dropping down and air venting through apertures at the top of the barrier. Weight can be added to the lower part of the barrier to assist in maintaining the barrier down.
Abstract: An air cushion vehicle has a plurality of webs extending out between adjacent skirt members, with a solid or tubular peripheral member attached to the web members at their forward parts. The web members and the peripheral member guard the skirt against damage by debris, such as ice. The webs tend to ride up over an ice edge, while ice floes or similar objects are deflected by the peripheral member. The peripheral member can be in the form of a blade to cut off humps of ice on the top of an ice sheet or floe.
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