Abstract: A carrier body of a lift carrier includes: a pair of wheel support mechanisms that supports a first wheel of a vehicle to be transported; a frame-shaped structure connected to the wheel support mechanisms; and one or more lifting units that lift or lower the pair of wheel support mechanisms. The frame-shaped structure includes a frame portion and an upper plate and is open on a lower side of the carrier body. Each of the lifting units includes a wheel support and an air spring. The air spring is interposed between the wheel support and an upper plate. As the air spring expands, the wheel support is rotated about one end of the wheel support rotatably supported by the frame portion, and is deployed out of the frame-shaped structure.

Abstract: A suction traveling device includes: a main pressure reducing chamber, sub pressure reducing chambers communicating with the main pressure reducing chamber and disposed in drive parts, ventilation holes on a same side of the sub pressure reducing chamber as suction holes and communicating the sub pressure reducing chambers and suction holes, and an open/close unit for releasing the ventilation holes when a pressure in suction chambers formed by a wall surface and the suction holes is equal to a pressure in the sub pressure reducing chamber and for closing the ventilation holes when the pressure in the suction chambers is higher than in the sub pressure reducing chamber. When the ventilation hole is closed, a gap of a size preventing the pressure in the sub pressure reducing chamber from affecting the pressure in the other suction chamber is formed in the ventilation hole.

Abstract: “Battery operated flying car with enclosed motors for human transportation” is machine that can carry humans and looks like a real flying car. The current problem with implementing this is resolved by using ducted motors with grilles around it. By covering top and bottom of car with grilles we are able to negate effect of completely covered motors. By providing grilles around motors we ensure safety of humans around it, this not only avoids direct contact but also provides continuous air flow into motors to push out from the other side. Loss of efficiency due to covered grilles are countered by use of two additional front and two rear motors. Vertically mounted front motors push air into bottom motors which significantly improves the lift capacity of the flying car. Vertically mounted rear motor pumps air out of the car and thus aids in forward movement of the flying car.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder actuated pallet jack assembly for mechanically lifting and lower a pallet includes a pallet jack, a plurality of pneumatic cylinders, and a compressor. The forks of the pallet jack are slidably coupled to a frame of the pallet jack. Each of a pair of rear rollers that is coupled to a respective fork distal from the frame and a roller module that is slidably coupled to the frame are selectively vertically positionable. A tow bar is pivotally coupled to the frame proximate to the roller module. Pneumatic cylinders are operationally coupled singly to each of the forks, the pair of rear rollers, and to the roller module, and the compressor. The compressor is positioned to selectively actuate respective pneumatic cylinders to size a gap between the forks and to raise the forks and the frame to lift a load that is positioned on the pallet.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hovercraft using single ducted fan with vectoring propulsion, including a hull and a single ducted fan arranged on the hull, wherein the single ducted fan comprises barrel shaped shell and oar-blade component arranged in chamber of the shell, a first air outlet is disposed on one side of shell towards the tail end of the hull, diversion rudders enabling to block the first air outlet are disposed on the shell, two first air guide all connected with chamber of the shell is disposed on both sides of the shell, a second air outlet towards external of the single ducted fan is disposed on the first air guide, and the second air outlet and the first air outlet are arranged in reverse or with an included angle greater than 0 degree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum wall crawler having at least one vacuum track unit comprising a track frame, two pulleys provided in opposite ends of the track frame, and defining a wheelbase, an endless track arranged to circulate on the two pulleys, and comprising a flexible band, said flexible band comprising a plurality of apertures, and having a thickness, a vacuum distribution box provided in said track frame wherein the vacuum distribution box is in communication with a portion of the apertures to distribute a vacuum to the portion of apertures as the endless track circulates, where the thickness of the flexible band is 5-20% of the wheel base.

Abstract: Transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air includes the following transformation and reciprocal steps: Tilting the compensation cover (7) on. Expansion of both whole wings (1) from the transportation vehicle longitudinal position around two vertical axes (2) into the flying position. Expansion of rear parts of wings (1) from the top front parts of wings (1) into the spread flying position by tilting the rear of each wing (1) around a horizontal axis (3). The take-off and landing tilting of wings (1) by an angle of attack alpha=0 to 40° of the wings onset. Front wheels track (5) is reduced by axially shifting the front wheels (5) towards the fuselage. Furthermore, a corresponding hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air is described which contains reciprocal transformation mechanisms for transformation from a sterling double or four-track automobile into a sterling aircraft for take-off and landing on the ground or water, and vice versa.

Abstract: A material handling system for supporting and retaining a cylindrical object being transported, such as on the forks of a lift truck. Each support includes a backplane having a curved or wedge-shaped portion on opposing ends. The resilient material of the support or cradle conforms to a range of diameters to retain the position of the object on the forks, as well as to displace the weight of the object over a extended area. Straps may be used to further bind the object to the lifting system.

Abstract: An accumulator apparatus for strip steel has a base, a frame extending upwardly from the base, a reel rotatably mounted to the frame and having a surface suitable for wrapping the strip steel therearound, and at least two wheels connected to the base and extending therebelow. The wheels are extendable such that the base is supported above an underlying surface and retracted such that the base is supported by the underlying surface. A motor is cooperative with each of the wheels so as to cause rotational movement thereof. A steering controller is cooperative with each of the wheels so as to control an angular direction of the wheel. An air brake is affixed to the frame and cooperative at the reel so as to stop or slow a rotation of the reel.

Abstract: An air bearing transport apparatus has a support structure coupled to a plurality of traction units. The traction units are tracks that are rotationally coupled to the support structure and independently steerable. Each traction unit is coupled to the support structure by a linear actuator that acts as a normal force applicator to prevent slippage. A plurality of thrusters in a lower portion of the support structure provides a gas flow substantially perpendicular to a support surface of the support structure to provide an upward force on the support structure. The air bearing transport apparatus may be used with a portable modular surface comprising interlocking tiles.

Abstract: A rig transport system provides an air bearing subsystem supporting a drilling and workover rig. The transport system moves the entire rig without having to disassemble the rig, including leaving the derrick in a vertical standing position, along one of a pair of parallel tracks. The air bearing subsystem distributes the rig load over a large footprint to reduce ground bearing pressure. The air bearings lift the load so that the entire rig rides on a film of air, thereby reducing moving friction by up to about 96%.

Abstract: In an arrangement for strengthening the road grip for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, air can be sucked from a vacuum chamber arranged under the vehicle and closed off with respect to the ambient atmosphere. As a result, a vacuum can be generated in a vacuum chamber arranged in a braking plate, and the latter can be changed from an inoperative position away from the ground into a operative position close to the ground, as a result of the generated vacuum.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: Self-leveling legs are used to accommodate landing a ducted fan hovercraft on a sloped surface such as a roof-top. These legs move to accommodate a variation of slope within their range of motion irrespective to the azimuth of the vehicle body. The configuration and operation of the landing legs allow the hovercraft to land in a stable fashion with the hovercraft vehicle body maintained in a vertical orientation. The basic kinematics of the present invention is the displacement of one landing leg upwards is connected by a horizontal member to the opposite leg and displaces it downwards, and visa-versa. Planar surface contact is accomplished by the unique curvature of the legs and the splay of the legs from the vehicle body.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing vertical lift in a vehicle. In one embodiment, two sets of trans-flow fans discharge air through multi-directional vane assemblies that direct the discharged air outward and downward. Each one of the sets of fans is positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. The multi-directional vane assemblies include vertical vanes that direct the discharged air fore and aft and horizontal vanes that direct the discharged air downward at various angles. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a hovercraft skirt and a portion of the discharge air is directed into the skirt, causing the vehicle lift vertically on a cushion of air. In one such embodiment, a flow director controls the amount of discharged air flowing through the inlet to the volume defined by the skirt.

Abstract: A vehicle lateral control system that integrates both vehicle dynamics and kinematics control. The system includes a driver interpreter that provides desired vehicle dynamics and predicted vehicle path based on driver input. Error signals between the desired vehicle dynamics and measured vehicle dynamics, and between the predicted vehicle path and the measured vehicle target path are sent to dynamics and kinematics control processors for generating a separate dynamics and kinematics command signals, respectively, to minimize the errors. The command signals are integrated by a control integration processor to combine the commands to optimize the performance of stabilizing the vehicle and tracking the path. The integrated command signal can be used to control one or more of front wheel assist steering, rear-wheel assist steering or differential braking.

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: Improved systems and methods for mapping are provided. In one embodiment, a system for mapping is provided. The system comprises a rangefinder adapted to output range measurements; an inertial sensor adapted to capture inertial measurements including inertial forces acting on the rangefinder and the attitude of the rangefinder; and a processor coupled the rangefinder and the inertial sensor and adapted to receive a set of range measurements from the rangefinder and inertial measurements from the inertial sensor. The processor is adapted to produce a virtual room reconstruction based on the set of range measurements from the rangefinder and inertial measurements from inertial sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing vertical lift in a vehicle. In one embodiment, two sets of trans-flow fans discharge air through multi-directional vane assemblies that direct the discharged air outward and downward. Each one of the sets of fans is positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. The multi-directional vane assemblies include vertical vanes that direct the discharged air fore and aft and horizontal vanes that direct the discharged air downward at various angles. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a hovercraft skirt and a portion of the discharge air is directed into the skirt, causing the vehicle lift vertically on a cushion of air. In one such embodiment, a flow director controls the amount of discharged air flowing through the inlet to the volume defined by the skirt.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an all-terrain vehicle for use over a variety of terrain. The vehicle includes a main body having a cabin, a forward side, a backward side and two lateral sides; a pair of ground effect wings connected to the lateral sides of the main body, each wing having an angle of attack; a lift engine having necessary auxiliary equipment for operation thereof, wherein the lift engine is connected to the backward side of the main body and supplies a lift power to the vehicle; at least one lift fan connected to the lift engine; an engine mounted to the main body to provide energy to propel the vehicle forward; a wheel connected to the forward side of the main body, wherein the wheel is connected to the main body by a drive shaft; a control system to control the angle of attack.

Abstract: A rear fender of a motorcycle is supported at one end by anchoring the fender in two rail supports of a rear subframe. Bolts supporting rear spring/damper units secure the one end of the fender. The fender includes two horizontally extending end flanges and two vertically extending side flanges. Vertically extending bolts pass through the horizontally extending flanges and are held by slugs located in rail supports of the rear subframe of the motorcycle.

Abstract: An assembly “(42)” including a fluid levitated caster and a debris scraper “(31)” device positioned external to a levitation membrane “(11)”. Assembly “(42)” levitates heavy loads upon a near frictionless pressurized fluid, and also sweeps aside potentially membrane destructive debris “(25)” from a floor “(27)” in the path of movement. The external debris scraper “(31)” function does not noticeably increase movement friction, and does not require increased power air flow or consumption.

Abstract: An invention (58) for attachment to a near frictionless fluid levitated transporter includes a guide wheel (18) integrated with a ground rubbing brake (20). Invention (58) both guides and stops transporter movement.

Abstract: An automated guided apparatus capable of accurately determining its position within a walled environment such as a mine or building. A mobile unit incorporating an inertial measurement unit and a gray scale vision system processor/camera and/or a laser pointer is able to initialize its location and then update its location within the environment. The apparatus is especially adapted for producing tunnel plan views (“TOPES”) and also for guiding equipment through such environments.

Abstract: An assembly (72) including a brake (70), or a brake with guide wheel (69) combination centrally integrated within a levitating fluid caster. Assembly (72) levitates heavy loads upon a near frictionless pressurized fluid, and also controls stopping or guiding movement of loads.

Abstract: A transportation system has an air cushion vehicle in a U-shaped or W-shaped channel in the ground. The channel provides support and directional stability for the air cushion vehicle during transit along its length. This system assures high speed overland transport of heavy equipment which is faster than trains, and the system is cost effective since it does not incur expensive nonrecurring capital investments and expensive recurring maintenance costs. This transportation system is adaptable to existing overland right-of-ways.

Abstract: The apparatus is a ground effect ship utilizing a wing-hull to support a passenger cabin piggyback style. Each one of the wing-hull segment includes a pontoon member that, in turn, includes a turbine unit of dual use, either compressing water or air, so as to eject a quantity of water or air for generating a coefficient of drag for slowing one part of the apparatus down for maneuving. In a like manner the apparatus includes a plurality of wingvalve elements that draw ambinet air upwardly and conduit that air into a primary airstream so that a coefficient of turbulence induced drag reduces the lift on one wing-hull segment of the apparatus with the result that the apparatus biases a pontoon on the water while elevating another pontoon into the air, substantially parallel with the water's surface. This mode of operation is sailing-flight.

Abstract: A wall surface attraction type moving apparatus travels on a magnetic wall surface of a large iron structure for maintenance, inspection and other purposes. The apparatus includes a moving body movable on the wall surface, front and rear wheels, permanent magnets, drive mechanisms each for moving the respective permanent magnet toward and away from the wall surface, permanent magnet position sensors, permanent magnet attraction force sensors, and obstacle sensors. If one obstacle sensor detects an obstacle appearing in the travelling path of the moving body, the corresponding drive mechanism is controlled to retract the permanent magnet which is likely to bump against the obstacle away from the wall surface while the other drive mechanisms advance the other permanent magnets which are unlikely to bump against the obstacle toward the wall surface so that the attraction force of the advanced permanent magnets are increased to supplement the reduced attraction force of the retracted permanent magnet.

Abstract: A surface effect vehicle for traversing a water or ground surface is provided. The surface effect vehicle comprises an elongate body and forward and rear scoops, preferably having a large angle of attack inducing stall conditions on the scoops. Each scoop has an arched leading edge defining, in conjunction with the surface, a forwardly facing opening. Preferably, each scoop also has an opening with a fan mounted therein. Forward and rear skirts are movably mounted relative to the forward and rear scoops. Propulsion apparatus are provided for moving the surface effect vehicle across the surface. When the forward and rear skirts are placed in extended positions covering the forwardly facing openings and the front and rear fans are activated, the surface effect vehicle may be lifted relative to the surface to be traversed.

Abstract: A surface effect vehicle having a pair of lifting scoops, or air foils, mounted on a vehicle body, one in front and the other in the rear. Each lifting scoop has an arched leading edge to collect air under the scoop to lift the vehicle on a cushion of air. The vehicle having a pusher-type engine with a propeller to push the vehicle. There are louvers in the lifting scoops to regulate the height the vehicle travels on a cushion of air, and non-trip appendages on the tips of the lifting scoops to aid the scoops in lifting the vehicle from a surface.

Abstract: A limited mobility transporter (10) is disclosed having a linkage mechanism (12) with four links (14,16,18,20) pivotally connected at their ends to form a four bar linkage. Engagers (22) are mounted at pivotal connections (A,B,C,D) of the links (14,16,18,20) for selectively engaging a mounting surface (24). An actuator assembly (26) rotates the links (14,16,18,20) about the engaged pivotal connections (A,B,C,D). A programmable controller (28) controls a sequence of movements whereby the transporter (10) is movable about the mounting surface (24) by simultaneous engagement of selected engagers (22) and rotation of the links (14,16,18,20) about the selected engagers (22) in a coplaner fashion to the mounting surface (24). In one embodiment, the engagers (22) comprise a shot pin assembly and the mounting surface (24) includes receptacles for receiving the shot pins. In other embodiments, the engagers (22) are electromagnetic anchors or suction cups.

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: A flight system capable of passively stable hover comprises an apparatus defining a vertical axis, and including multiple upright ducts spaced about the axis; fluid momentum generators in the ducts to effect flow of fluid downwardly in the ducts; and fluid flow deflector structure in the path of the downwardly flowing fluid, and angled to deflect the fluid flow away from the axis, in such manner as to provide stability in hover of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved ground-surface-effect winged craft has a main body in the shape of an airfoil, side plates extending nearly vertically at the opposite lateral sides of the main body for intercepting air flowing outwards from the underside of the main body, side plate floats provided at the side plates, a float provided at a central lower portion of the main body, an operator's seat provided on the float, vertical and horizontal tails provided at a rear portion of the main body, and a propelling device for lifting and propelling the airframe of the craft by making use of both a power augment ramwing effect with the horizontal tail and a ground-surface-effect generated between the main body and a flat surface such as a water surface or a ground surface.

Abstract: Fingers having air bearings along the bottom thereof are used to quickly load and unload overseas transport containers. Sheet material, such as ribbed plastic (nylon) sheeting, is automatically dispensed between the fingers and loading deck so that it provides a smooth surface as the finger traverses the dock. A frame is mounted to the front of the finger, with a shaft on which the sheet material is coiled mounted to the frame, and an air motor for applying a generally constant tension (e.g. about 10 lbs. per square inch) to the plastic sheet. A hook or magnet is mounted in a recess in the deck and engages the free, leading end of the sheet material to hold it stationary on the deck as the finger traverses the deck, and thereby provide for automatic dispensing and take up of the sheet material.

Abstract: A toy air propelled vehicle is set forth that utilizes a plurality of rearwardly oriented aligned impellers with a forwardly positioned impeller to elevate the vehicle. The rear impellers are pivotal to provide directional orientation to the vehicle and additionally snap on pontoons are positioned to underlying skids of the vehicle where in association with 90 degree rotation of the rear impellers enables the vehicle to be utilized as an air boat.

Abstract: A wall-crawling machine comprises a body, a plurality of guide wheels rotatably mounted on the body, at least one crawler track extending around the guide wheels, a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on an outer surface of each of the crawler tracks, and a guide device provided on the respective crawler tracks for selectively restraining or releasing the crawler track from moving relative to the body in a direction perpendicular to a plane on which the permanent magnets travel.

Abstract: Motor scooter comprising a monocoque body in which at least a receptacle, suitable to house at least one crash helmet is provided.

Abstract: An air cushion vehicle comprises a main engine connected to drive, firstly, a fan device for generating an air cushion for the support of the vehicle, and secondly, a traction wheel device for propulsion of the vehicle. Operating power is simultaneously transmitted from the main engine to the fan device and to a hydraulic drive system connected to drive the traction wheel device. The ratio of power distribution from the main engine to the fan device and to the traction wheel device is arranged to be regulated by altering the power consumption characteristics of either or both of the fan device and the traction wheel device.

Abstract: A vacuum wall crawler is provided with a pair of endless belts at both sides of the frame, the pair of endless belts having at their outer surfaces a plurality of recesses each of which has a through hole. Air in the recesses is sucked through suction chambers, each corresponding to one of the recesses, by an ejector independently provided in conformity with the suction chambers.

Abstract: A controller operative to adjust the supply of compressed air to aircushions, in response to changes in load, includes a pneumatically-driven pressure regulator and damped means to accumulate or vent control pressure in response to a sensed distance between the carrier frame and a gliding surface.

Abstract: A streamlining appendage for the rearward end of a vehicle having a generally flat upright rearward surface includes a rearwardly tapering peripheral body defining and surrounding a rearwardly open plenum chamber. An opening is provided through the peripheral body for delivery of air into the plenum chamber for ejection through the open rearward end thereof to dissipate the partial vacuum which forms behind a forwardly moving vehicle. Air may be ducted to the appendage opening from higher pressure zones toward the forward end of the vehicle or from a forced air blower on the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled air cushion vehicle includes a traction wheel device comprising at least two separate traction wheel units. Each traction wheel unit includes at least two consecutive wheels surrounded by a common caterpillar track, preferably two such wheel pairs arranged side by side. The traction wheel units are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, one at the fore end of the vehicle and the other at the rear end of the vehicle, both at the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air-cushion supported, manually manoeuverable, load-carrying apparatus including a load-carrying base, a dependent perimetric skirt for laterally confining pressurized air, and a member for restraining a foot portion of the skirt to a permanently inwardly extending configuration so as to be urged into sealing engagement with the ground by the internal air pressure during operation. The skirt restraining member is secured to the skirt at spaced inner and outer regions, spanning the foot portion. The rectilinear spacing is substantially less than the corresponding width of the foot portion so as to provide the foot portion with freedom to seal with the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle provided with a per se known supporting system (2) on a support (3) of its path and provided with at least one auxiliary wheel (1). The wheel (1) is joined to the frame (2) of the vehicle by means of a support (22a) for its axis of rotation and of a hinged linkage system (23, 24) of said support to the frame enabling the constant maintaining of the wheel in contact with a supporting surface (3) with known friction which is parallel with the path A of the vehicle and from which the frame (2) is held at a distance D which remains substantially fixed by a high resilient rigidity arrangement (12), said connections system being such that when the wheel is subjected to a force F contained in said supporting surface and being exerted at the point of contact C of the wheel (1) with the surface (6) said force produces a reaction force Q of the high resilient rigidity arrangement proportional to F tending to apply the wheel (1) against the surface (3).

Abstract: A new improved steering, propelling and skirting means is provided for air cushion type vehicles. The steering, propelling or skirting means is biased to maintain contact with the underlying support surface thereby providing dramatic improvements in the response for steering and propelling the vehicle, as well as reduction in fluid loss with respect to the vehicle skirting means.

Abstract: A multi-terrain vehicle for travelling on or above the ground or the like. The multi-terrain vehicle has a rigid body portion and a series of rigid ribs are rotatably connected on each side of the body portion that are capable of being rotated to their fully deployed positions. A sailcloth made from a material known by the trademark Dacron is located between each of the ribs so that the ribs and the sailcloth provide a collapsible air duct. When these air ducts are extended and provided with a source of air, this air can cause the multi-terrain vehicle to float or be located above the ground or the like. The rigid ribs also have spring members or the like that permit them to be self-adjusting to automatically maintain proper ground clearance. When the ducts are deployed the multi-terrain vehicle can be moved horizontally over the ground by controlling the amount of air flow through the various ducts.

Abstract: A vehicle supported by an air cushion comprises three wheels arranged along a longitudinal axis of a chassis.The front and rear wheels can pivot through 360.degree. and are always driven in the same direction. The center wheel has a fixed axle and is idler-mounted. A steering wheel controls the simultaneous and identical orientation of the front and rear wheels, while pedals control the lifting of the wheels in relation to the ground, according to predetermined combinations.

Abstract: A transporter for moving large cylindrical loads, such as paper rolls 8 feet in diameter and 8 feet long. A U-shaped frame with spaced arms carrying air bearings, an on board compressor for a self contained air supply, and a drive unit which can be coupled and removed from the frame to provide propulsion and steering, with controls at the drive unit for handling of the transporter by a single person. Laterally moving load lifters are carried in the arms of the frame, with the lifters retracted as the frame is moved into position with the load between the arms. Hydraulic cylinders extend the load lifters inwardly to engage and, if desired, lift the load. The air bearings are inflated to lift the transporter and load for movement along the floor. The drive unit has an outer shell for direct connection to the transporter frame, an inner frame rotatable in the outer shell for steering, and a drive wheel movable vertically in the frame for engaging the floor.

Abstract: A transporter for moving large cylindrical loads, such as paper rolls 8 feet in diameter and 8 feet long. A U-shaped frame with spaced arms carrying air bearings, an on board compressor for a self contained air supply, and a drive unit which can be coupled and removed from the frame to provide propulsion and steering, with controls at the drive unit for handling of the transporter by a single person. Laterally moving load lifters are carried in the arms of the frame, with the lifters retracted as the frame is moved into position with the load between the arms. Hydraulic cylinders extend the load lifters inwardly to engage and, if desired, lift the load. The air bearings are inflated to lift the transporter and load for movement along the floor.