Abstract: Fluid-cushion supported apparatus, which may comprise a sidewall gas-cushion vehicle, is supported by a cushion of pressurized air formed and contained between the vehicle body and the surface. The front or bow end of the cushion is contained by an inflatable flexible skirt system comprising a row of ropes or like filamentary support members disposed in spaced, substantially parallel, relationship, with their end portions attached to the vehicle body. Flexible sheet material is draped over the support members so as to form loops extending laterally therebetween. The loops are also curved between the end portions of the support members.

Abstract: Bow and stern seals for sidewall type air cushion vehicles for containing, together with the sidewalls, the air cushion under the vehicle. They consist of a substantial number of more or less equidistant rods (or "stays") connected by flexible membranes, these rods being designed to hinge around a more or less common axis at substantially the top of the air cushion, the rods extending beyond their hinge points and being positioned by two sets of opposing air bags, one set of air bags acting on the extensions of the rods above the hinge points and the other set on the sections of the rods just below the hinge points. The membranes are attached with a large amount of slack so that the rods can rotate a very substantial amount relative to each other. As the air bags will allow the rods only to rotate a limited amount relative to each other, the membranes will not get tight, and the membranes and rods will not be exposed to the accompanying shock loads leading to membrane tear and rod breakage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to transport and position a drilling rig over dry land, marshland and water. Surface effect vehicles having drive and positioning means that develop thrust against the surface over which they travel are used to lift and transport a drilling barge, after which they may be used as support and supply vehicles. Provision is made to adjust variable cargo loads so as to balance the assembled unit during transport.

Abstract: Apparatus for substantially reducing the roll and pitch motions of a floating vessel in commonly occurring seas is described. The apparatus comprises a recessed cavity formed in a substantial area on the bottom of the hull of the vessel and has an airblower coupled to the cavity for introducing air into it. The apparatus may include horizontal planes for restoring the effect of the added mass of the water on the stability of the vessel.

Abstract: There is proposed a lift and propulsion unit for an air-cushion transport vehicle, with an axial fan installed at the entrance portion of an annular duct and at the exit of said annular duct is disposed a thrust nozzle comprising a reversing-and-steering device with independently rotatable rudder blades and reversing vanes installed in the walls of said thrust nozzle after said axial fan; said rudder blades close the exit section of said thrust nozzle during reversal of the thrust and make with each other an obtuse angle whose apex is directed toward said axial fan, and the side walls of said reversing-and-steering device are made in the form of a polyhedral vaned surface each facet of which is comprised by a cascade of bow-shaped reversing vanes.The invention may be used in the development of air-cushion transport vehicles, self-propelled transport platforms and apparatus in which the translatory motion is effected due to a reactive thrust provided by the ejected air stream.

Abstract: Bow and side deck structures forming a part of the rigid body structure of an air cushion vehicle include a tubular circular section gunwale member and a tubular circular section chine member supported outwardly from a buoyancy tank structure which forms the base of the rigid body structure by frame members to which they are attached by welding. The bow and side deck structures are completed by hull plating attached to the gunwale, chine and frame members. The buoyancy tank structure may include unstiffened extruded deep I-section beams.

Abstract: A low drag underwater vehicle utilizing boundary layer suction is provided herein the vehicle includes a hull having nose, mid and tail sections. A permeable shell is mounted in a spaced relationship about the hull so that ambient water can be drawn into the space therebetween. The space between the permeable shell and the hull is divided into nose, mid and tail compartments. A pump is provided. Separate passageways are provided for connecting the nose and tail compartments to the pump and for connecting the mid compartment to the pump. The pump is capable of pumping the nose and tail compartments at a greater rate per unit area of permeable shell than the mid compartment. With this arrangement boundary layer suction through the permeable shell is greater at the nose and tail portions of the underwater vehicle than at the mid portion where the tendency toward turbulence is not as severe.

Abstract: A motor boat hull is provided with a longitudinal channel formed in the central portion of the underside surface, starting at an intermediate location and terminating at the stern. Exhaust gases from the propulsion engine are introduced into the forward portion of the channel and the gases flow toward the stern thereby reducing the contact of the hull with the water and reducing the hull-to-water friction levels and reducing the power required to propel the hull at a given speed.

Abstract: An improved performance marine surface vessel with at least one recess that intersects the hull substantially beneath the static waterline thereof, the recess bounded by stabilizing, load-carrying, catamaran-like side hulls, flexible seal member at its forward portion, with downwardly extending generally bow shaped members located at its aft portion and optionally therebetween, with the recess being supplied with pressurized gas to maintain a lift-augmenting, restrained pressurized gas layer under the hull that improves load carrying capability, efficiency and ride quality. The flexible or soft seal member at the front of the vessel absorbs much of the initial wave impact thereby contributing substantially to the exceptional ride quality which, along with efficiency and speed, is a major object of the invention.

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: The invention relates to an air-cushion vehicle comprising a hull, two air propulsion units located at a considerable distance from each other and one or several drive engines for the propulsion units. One of the propulsion units is located at the front end of the vehicle at one side of its longitudinal axis. The other unit is located at the rear end of the vehicle at the opposite side of said axis.

Abstract: A surface-effect aerofoil boat having two aerofoils arranged in tandem and having a gap for a propulsion or air screw between a vertical fin and an aerodynamic rudder and wherein the aerofoils are designed as hollow bodies subdivided into compartments some of which being provided with flooding and emptying devices. The rear aerofoil seen in the direction of travel is clipped with respect to the geometry of its trailing edge in a polygonal or rounded-off manner. The gap in the plane of rotation of the propulsion or air screw is widened in its radially outer zone relative to the inner zone near the axis.

Abstract: A gas-cushion vehicle is provided with a system for reducing dynamic variations in cushion gas pressure. The system comprises a gas-flow outlet connection between a space occupied by cushion gas and the atmosphere. A flexible wall member of inflatable form is disposed within the connection and is operable so as to allow cushion gas to escape to the atmosphere as cushion pressure tends to increase, and to impede the escape of cushion gas as cushion pressure tends to decrease. The flexible wall member provides a flexible barrier maintaining a pressure differential between the space occupied by cushion gas and the atmosphere. Dynamic variations in cushion pressure will alter this pressure differential and the resistance to the escape of cushion gas offered by the wall member will then alter accordingly, so that, if the cushion pressure rises, the resistance will be too weak to contain this pressure and the wall member will deflect to allow cushion gas to escape through the connection.

Abstract: A ski/float landing gear is flexibly constructed of a resin reinforced with fiber. The ski/float has a pneumatically inflatable upper member, which is molded to fall to a flat shape when deflated. Engine exhaust gases are used to inflate and deflate the float. Air discharged from the lower side of the ski portion provides a boundary layer effect. The use of engine exhaust gases gives the ski element a rapid thaw capability in freezing weather.

Abstract: A water borne air cushion vehicle having a flat rigid upper rectangular sheet-like platform, and a plurality of flat rigid longitudinal walls attached substantially at right angles thereto and depending therefrom substantially parallel with the major axis of the platform. Two of the walls are disposed as side walls along respective edges of the platform, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced laterally aligned arrays of flexible trough-shaped skirts are looped with a space therein and fastened along the longitudinal edge of the underside of the platform flush with, but movable with respect to adjacent pairs of the walls. The skirts are extendable to a lesser depth than that of the walls, and a source of pressurized air is admitted through apertures of fixed size at a relatively high pressure to the skirts.

Abstract: A ski having lower frictional resistance created by introduction of an air cushion. At least one chamber is formed in the running surface of the ski to hold air which is introduced through an air entrance on the ski. The sides of the chamber are formed to prevent lateral escape of the air. A channel in the form of a Venturi tube extends between the air entrance and the chamber.

Abstract: A high-speed ship of the displacement hull type which is adapted to float in a raised position, with the waterline being at a lower position. Greater buoyancy is caused by high-pressure air being held between the bottom plating of the ship and the water flowing under the bottom plating thereby reducing the wave-making drag of the bow and thereby allowing for the ship to have increased capability.

Abstract: A seal structure for an air cushion vessel includes an inflatable bag secd to the hull and a transversely stiffened lobe portion maintained therebeneath. The stiffened lobe portion consists of a membrane with an array of spaced, transverse stiffener members connected thereto. The colinear stiffener members are interconnected in end-to-end relationship.Generally, the end portions of the stiffener members are connected to support stays which are connected either to the bag structure or to the forward portion of the hull. The support stays may comprise cable elements or membranes which form continuations of the stiffened lobe membrane.Additional support for the stiffened lobe portion is provided in the form of a plurality of rear support elements which set the orientation and configuration of the stiffened lobe portion and limit the downward deflection of the stiffened lobe portion.

Abstract: A skirt system is disclosed in combination with a barge floating on a body of water, the barge having a roof extending over the body of water, for providing a substantial ice-free zone around a barge out to at least a hundred feet from the barge.

Abstract: A sidewall gas-cushion vehicle is provided with a flexible skirt of hollow inflatable form, which, in operation of the vehicle, depends from the vehicle body so that the bottom of the skirt defines a convex face in close proximity to the surface over which the vehicle travels so as to form a plenum gap through which an atmosphere-seeking flow of cushion gas escapes. The flexible skirt is of two-stage form, comprising an upper compartment and a lower compartment. A fan, an aperture in a compartment-dividing membrane and an outlet duct are provided for inflating the lower compartment to a higher pressure than that existing in the upper compartment.

Abstract: A method of raising the propulsion efficiency of a propeller by reducing viscous drag. Basically, a fluid polymer solution is injected along the leading edge of the power face of the propeller blade to form a boundry layer solution adjacent the power face, thereby suppressing turbulence. A propeller suitable for practicing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sidewall gas-cushion vehicle is provided with movable buoyancy members, each comprising a buoyant portion of relatively large volume and a web support portion of relatively little volume. The buoyancy members are pivotally connected to the bottoms of the sidewalls by way of their web support portions to the sidewalls, the members being movable about axes extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In fully submerged operative positions extending below the sidewalls for low speed operation, sufficient hydrostatic forces are applied to the fully submerged buoyant portions of the members to provide buoyancy lift for the vehicle and to counter unwanted movements of the vehicle. In inoperative positions retracted alongside the sidewalls for high speed operation the buoyant portions lie substantially above the operational waterline.

Abstract: An aquatic device having improved stability and maneuverability comprising a member to be moved through water and a curved plate attached to the member for forming a chamber having an inlet opening and a substantially unobstructed outlet opening and a cross section whose area continuously decreases in going from the inlet opening to a point beyond the inlet opening in the direction of the outlet opening. A water ski aquatic device embodying the invention is disclosed.

Abstract: A seal structure for an air cushion vessel includes an inflatable bag secd to the hull and a plurality of juxtaposed, interconnected planer members maintained in operative position beneath the bag by a plurality of support straps. Each planer member includes a transversely reinforced shell portion and a flexible, resilient membrane secured to the longitudinal edge portions of the shell portion to form a flexible planing surface for the seal structure. The planer members may have tapered aft end portions and curved planing surfaces to provide a gradual change of the interface between the planer members and the water.

Abstract: An anti-broaching sidehull fence for a surface effect ship. The surface effect ship includes a central pressurized plenum chamber which is defined by the upper wet deck, forward and stern seals and sidehull fences positioned along the longitudinal sides of the surface effect ship. These sidehulls are configured to provide a seal preventing pressurized gas from escaping from the plenum chamber with minimum water emersion therealong while the surface effect ship is traveling at maximum forward speed.

Abstract: In an Air Cushion Vehicle having spaced depending sidewalls, a seal struce which includes an inflatable bag secured to the hull and a plurality of juxtaposed pivotally interconnected planer members maintained in operative position beneath the bag by a plurality of support stays. The support stays are connected to the hull and extend along the longitudinal edge portions of the planer members and are connected to the hinge members, which pivotally interconnect the planer members, to adjustably secure the planer members to the support stays. Fixed length geometry straps and adjustable length retracting straps are connected to the hinge members for limiting the downward deflection of the aft end of the planer members.

Abstract: The invention provides the means for controlling the direction of travel of a surface effect vehicle, that is a vehicle arranged to be supported above a land or water surface, the control means comprising differentially operable aileron like flaps arranged to selectively exert a tilting moment on the craft about its longitudinal axis during motion to assist in the control of the vehicle during a turn. The craft is preferably provided with two fan propulsion units and the aileron like flaps are preferably arranged in the slipstream of those fan units. The aileron like flaps may also be used to control differentially the thrust of such fan units for steering purposes alone or in conjunction with conventional rudders.

Abstract: The boat or craft disclosed includes two spaced parallel hulls that are connected together by a platform extending between the hulls. The platform and the two hulls form the top and sides of an air space beneath the boat with the hulls supporting the platform above the water. Curtains of flexible material are spaced longitudinally in the air space and extend downwardly from the platform and transversely between the hulls to close the forward and rearward ends of the air space, whereby the pressure in the air space can be maintained above ambient to provide an air cushion to support a portion of the gross weight of the boat. The hulls are designed to provide a buoyant force due to displacement that will support 100% of the design gross weight of the boat when there is no pressure in the air space and the boat is not moving or is moving at a relatively slow speed through the water.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the apparent curvature of diffuser vanes of turbine fan to reduce stalling of the vanes and increase efficiency of the fan output over a wider range of flow demand. Sensors responsive to pressure on opposite sides of the vanes selectively control the discharge of pressurized fluid from the diffuser vanes to effect their apparent curvature changes. The arrangement has particular use in a ride control system for surface effect ships.

Abstract: A waterborne air cushion vehicle is described having a flat rigid upper rectangular sheet like platform, a plurality of flat rigid longitudinal walls attached substantially at right angles thereto and depending therefrom substantially parallel with the major axis of the platform. The outermost two walls are disposed as sidewalls along respective edges of the platform. The vehicle is provided with flexible trough shaped skirts which are independently movable with respect to the walls. A source of pressurized air forces air into the skirts and also into air cushion chambers located beneath the platform. The flexible skirts provide for less shock and resistance from wave formations due to the compression of the skirts.

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.

Abstract: A sidewall drag reduction system for captured air bubble type surface eff ships having rigid surface-piercing sidewalls. Pressurized air is discharged vertically down into the surface effect ship air cushion chamber from platform ports, and horizontally into the air cushion chamber from nozzles located near the bottom of the internal surface of the sidewalls.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing torpedo drag in which polymer drag redug material is carried by the torpedo in concentrated form, ambient water is ingested and mixed with the concentrated polymer to produce a seawater-polymer solution of predetermined concentration, and the solution is ejected from the torpedo nose to be swept rearwardly in intimate contact with the exterior surface of the torpedo under torpedo forward motion.

Abstract: A water jet inlet as used in a surface effect ship, cavitation free environment is provided of a fixed round or rectangular inlet geometry, within the confines of inlet velocity ratios pertaining to the ship velocity immersion design profile. An additional embodiment is disclosed that enables the instant invention to operate at a range of drop fractions, including negative drop fractions, and allows for a truly flush inlet, resulting in minimizing the drag of the ship and potential ingestion of large floating debris.

Abstract: A mobile drilling and production platform for arctic regions in which a hull having a deck forming the production platform is supported on a first set of parallel runners secured to the underside of the hull and extending fore and aft with spaces between the runners. A second set of parallel segmented runners are secured to the underside of the hull and extend perpendicular to the first set of runners, the second set of runners including a plurality of sections positioned in the spaces between the first set of runners. A plurality of rotating ice cutters are mounted on the hull and extend down in front of the ends of each of the runners, the ice cutters cutting channels in the ice in which the runners move and support the hull. One set of runners is vertically movable from the hull relative to the other set of runners whereby the weight of the hull can be transferred from one set of runners to the other to permit movement of the platform along two perpendicular axes or coordinance of motion.

Abstract: A sidewall gas-cushion vehicle is provided with hydrofoils carried in recesses defined by the sidewalls and capable of being extended into an operable position or of being retracted into an inoperative position. The foils may be used to generate lift forces and/or to counter unwanted movements of the vehicle, such as heave, roll and pitching motions. The lift forces can be made positive or negative.

Abstract: A V boat hull with air chamber substantially aft and entirely beneath the waterline. The air chamber reduces drag, thereby improving hull efficiency and speed, without substantially altering V hull handling characteristics and aesthetics.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for preventing the flooding of an enclosed plenum chamber pressurized by a source of pressurized gas provided through a duct system leading from a plenum chamber open to the surface of the water over which the ship rides. The inlet to the duct system located within the open plenum chamber is formed to reject by deflection a substantial quantity of water adjacent the inlet from entry. Any small amount of water entering the duct that is not initially rejected from the inlet is ramped through the duct and collected in a stern holding tank. The holding tanks include a float controlled water exhaust valve that opens to the atmosphere and exhausts that collected water therein with the aid of plenum pressure. Any water reaching the closed plenum chamber is constantly exhausted therefrom through apertures in its walls. An additional embodiment is disclosed that prevents substantially all water from entering the enclosed plenum chamber.

Abstract: A wing in ground effect (WIG) vehicle, the body of which is a low aspect io airfoil. Soft end plates allow for proper sealing of pressure below the wing while preventing the transmittal of wave action forces to the vehicle. Fin rudders and a dorsal fin provide turning control. Efflux from the propulsor engines can be split to flow both over and under the wing so that the vehicle will be capable of both rapid movement and hover over both land and water. Two designs are disclosed providing this vehicle with the ability to jump out of ground effect mode to avoid obstacles appearing in its flight path.

Abstract: A variable flow diffuser for use in air cushion vehicles to convert the ktic energy of the moving air from the main fan into potential energy of air pressure. The conversion is accomplished by passing the air flow from the fan through a flow splitter and diverting it radially outward in all directions along a plane perpendicular to the initial direction of the air flow. The volume of air passing through the diffuser is controlled by placing control vanes around the flow splitter or by moving the flow splitter and a back plate in and out of the air channel.

Abstract: A method and a device for blowing gaseous medium between the propeller and the hull of a ship the vibration and noise caused in the ship by its driving propeller is considerably reduced. In order to optimize the application of this noise reducing method the total flow Q of the gaseous medium blown out should, expressed in normal cubic meters per hour, satisfy a special formula.

Abstract: A cushion containing seal particularly suited for use as the bow or stern seal on a large ocean-going sidewall air cushion vehicle or surface effect ship, comprises adjacent elongated stiff members arranged near to one of their ends for attachment to rigid structure of the vehicle so as to be deflectable for contour conformation. Escape of pressurized air from the cushion between adjacent elongated stiff members is substantially prevented by flexible impermeable members that permit the elongated members to deflect with respect to each other. The elongated stiff members may be manufactured from metal so as to be rigid.

Abstract: In a surface effect ship of the type having at least two relatively spaced wall-like stationary structures extending longitudinally beneath the main body of the ship into and below the water line of the ship to partially confine thereunder the ship support air cushion, and a seal device of the inflatable bag type extending laterally between the stationary structures to assist in sealing the air cushion beneath the ship; the seal bag being apertured through its opposite end wall portions to permit egress of air therethrough so as to lubricate movements of the end wall portions relative to the stationary structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are oil base paints which contain uniformly dispersed therethroughout 2 to less than 50% by weight of a water-in-oil emulsion which emulsion contains at least 2% by weight of particles ranging in size from 5 millimicrons to 5 millimeters of a water-soluble vinyl addition polymer.

Abstract: A method and composition for decreasing water resistance to movement by decreasing the surface tension and diminishing the contact angle between an object moving through water, and the water, and/or between water passing over an object and the object, thereby allowing the object to move at an increased speed with the same applied moving force or at the usual speed with less applied moving force. The method is accomplished by applying to the surface of the object which is to be moved through water a thin layer of a nonionic surface active agent which is water insoluble with the agent having a hydrophile-lipophile balance of about 7 to about 9.

Abstract: A vehicle including a rigid body is provided and includes a bottom structure defining a plurality, elongated and horizontally downwardly projecting bottom surface members which in turn define downwardly opening channels therebetween. The bottom structure further includes a plurality of elongated horizontal flexible inflatable members disposed and extending along between pairs of adjacent bottom surface members in the aforementioned channels. The body includes structure operative to apply fluid under pressure to the inflatable members to inflate the latter and the inflatable members, when inflated, include portions projecting downwardly below the bottom surface members.

Abstract: The specification describes an air suspension freight vehicle comprising a divided pontoon structure in the form of two parallel spaced apart rigidly connected air cushion pontoons adapted to carry freight loads therebetween greater in air cushion transport over ground and water surfaces while utilizing a helicopter attachable to the frame for propulsion and which without cargo may be transported by helicopter to and from a point of utilization.

Abstract: A planing hull for high speed water-craft polysectionally contoured to provide a simple deep vee bow section that develops functionally from a compound vee section to a flattened base at the step-lift having controlled air film supply to break the step-lift generated vacuum and to provide an air film support and pathway for a trailing-and-air-film-confining hull portion after the step-lift.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of compressed gas for bubbling from a ship's hulls in ice-laden water in order to reduce the drag on the ship's movement produced by the ice, and also to help break up the ice. The compressed gas is generated by apparatus having an air compressor, a device for mixing fuel with the compressed air, a device for igniting the fuel/air mixture so that hot gas is generated under pressure, and at least one pipe which is provided for receiving the hot compressed gas and for supplying the gas to holes located in the hull of the ship below the waterline. The pressure of the gas is greater than the water pressure at the holes so that bubbling of the gas from the holes takes place.

Abstract: An automatic pitch stabilization and motion alleviation device for air cushion borne vehicles, equally applicable to fully-skirted and to rigid sidewall vehicles. The vehicle's air cushion plenum is divided into bow and stern compartments by a transverse seal. Vehicle lift fans and a unique ducting arrangement supply air flow to the air cushion compartments and seal system. A valve, in a portion of the duct feeding air to the forward compartment, regulates the pressure drop from the stern compartment to the forward compartment. The valve is capable of providing 30-100% higher mean pressure in the aft compartment relative to the forward compartment. The valve is actuated automatically by height, motion, rate, acceleration, and pressure sensors, the outputs of which are fed to the valve servomechanisms to provide effective underway dynamic control of the pressure differential between compartments for motion stabilization in pitch and for improvements of ride quality.