Abstract: A fiber composite body, in particular a structure stiffening element, has a number of struts which are formed by reinforcing fibers which are embedded in a polymer matrix and which in a region of the respective strut run substantially parallel to one another. The struts are arranged in a truss-like profiled structure which is produced by winding or intertwining the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a nozzle for a fan assembly. The nozzle comprises an air inlet, a first air outlet for emitting an air flow and a second air outlet for emitting an air flow, the first and second air outlets together defining an aggregate air outlet of the nozzle, a single internal air passageway extending between the air inlet and the first and second air outlets, and a valve for controlling an air flow from the air inlet to the first and second air outlets. The valve comprises one or more valve members that are moveable to adjust the size of the first air outlet relative to the size of the second air outlet while keeping the size of the aggregate air outlet of the nozzle constant, and wherein the air outlets are oriented towards a convergent point.

Abstract: The utility model relates to an electric hovercraft for sports competitions. It mainly solves the technical problem of serious environmental pollution in the existing hovercraft for sports competitions. The technical scheme is: an electric hovercraft for sports competitions, comprising an air-cushion apron, a rudder, an elevator, a thrust cylinder, a thrust fan, a hull, a steering handle and a lift fan, wherein: it also includes two continuously variable electric motors, a motor Bracket, battery, controller, the motor bracket is arranged at the rear of the hull and in front of the thrust cylinder, the first continuously variable speed electric motor is mounted on the motor bracket, and the shaft of the first continuously variable speed electric motor is connected to the rotating shaft of thrust fan.

Abstract: An air guiding arrangement for a motor vehicle includes: a carrier arranged on a vehicle body, and on which an air guide is mounted such that the air guide is drivable from a retracted home position to an extended maximum position by a drive, a sensor arrangement that monitors the position of the air guide and is connected to a controller so as to transmit data corresponding to the position, the sensor arrangement comprising an electric field sensor arrangement to monitor the position of the air guide, at least one electromagnetic field source is provided in the air guide, and at least one electric field receiver, which is a sensor of the sensor arrangement, is provided in the carrier and/or in the vehicle body.

Abstract: An object detecting apparatus is provided which includes relative speed obtaining means for obtaining a relative speed of a nearby object, relative acceleration calculating means for calculating a relative acceleration of the object from the relative speed, and limiting means for setting an upper limit of the relative acceleration when a given condition where a degree of reliability of a detected value of the relative speed is expected to be low is met and then also limiting the value of the relative acceleration using the upper limit when the given condition is met. The object detecting apparatus is capable of executing a control task accurately using a value of the relative acceleration calculated based on a detected value of the relative speed.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a current object position module, an expected position module, and an object position comparison module. The current object position module can determine a first position of an object with respect to a position of a vehicle based upon sensor data generated by a first object detection sensor within the vehicle and determines a second position of the object with respect to the position of the vehicle based upon sensor data generated by a second object detection sensor. The expected object position module can determine an expected position of the object with respect to the position of the vehicle based upon the first position of the object. The object position comparison module can determine whether at least one object detection sensor is improperly installed within the vehicle based upon comparing the second position of the object with the expected position.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an upper air guide hood and a lower air guide hood spaced from each other. Spray nozzles are arranged between these two air guide hoods. The air guide hoods hang above or just in the tops of the crops. During the migration of the apparatus the crop is as it were torn open by the wind and/or by contact with the apparatus, so that the spray liquid is distributed among the crop.

Abstract: An air cushioned landing system for an air vehicle comprises an inflatable and deflatable skirt (113) in the form of a tube having inner (101) and outer (100) walls. The inner wall defines a central plenum (116) within the skirt, the skirt including gas pockets (130) arranged to stiffen one or more regions of at least one of the inner (101) and outer (100) sidewalls during deflation of the skirt. A gas pocket fan inflates the gas pockets prior to and during deflation of the skirt, wherein the gas pockets are constrained to move from a mutually spaced apart position when the skirt is inflated, to a mutually closely adjacent position when the skirt is fully deflated.

Abstract: A movable support platform is disclosed that includes a platform, a skirt coupled to a periphery of the platform that provides an enclosed space below the platform that retains pressurized gas, and a thrust propulsion device coupled to the platform for pressurizing gas in the enclosed space. The thrust propulsion device includes an array of gas-propelling devices “distributed thrusters” that propel gas into the enclosed space below the platform. The distributed thrusters may be comprised of Nano Molecular Solid-state Electrodynamic Thrusters (“NMSET”).

Abstract: A vehicle system and method that can determine object sensor misalignment while a host vehicle is being driven, and can do so without requiring multiple sensors with overlapping fields-of-view. In an exemplary embodiment where the host vehicle is traveling in generally a straight line, the present method uses an object sensor to track the path of a stationary object as it moves through the sensor's field-of-view and compares the sensed object path to an expected object pat*h. If the sensed and expected paths of the stationary object deviate by more than some amount, then the method determines that the object sensor is skewed or otherwise misaligned.

Abstract: A movable support platform is disclosed that includes a platform, a skirt coupled to a periphery of the platform that provides an enclosed space below the platform that retains pressurized gas, and a thrust propulsion device coupled to the platform for pressurizing gas in the enclosed space. The thrust propulsion device includes an array of gas-propelling devices “distributed thrusters” that propel gas into the enclosed space below the platform. The distributed thrusters may be comprised of Nano Molecular Solid-state Electrodynamic Thrusters (“NMSET”).

Abstract: Snowmobile suspension components for use in a snowmobile having a snowmobile suspension, the suspension components include at least two torlateral link arms connected rigidly at one end to a pivot shaft and at the other ends slideably received within slide bushings. The pivot shaft is connected pivotally to a frame member of a snowmobile and the slide bushings connected to a slide rail of the snowmobile suspension. Preferably the pivot shaft further including shock flanges rigidly connected thereto for receiving one end of a shock, wherein the other end of the shock connected to the slide rail.

Abstract: Wrapped-cone fingers for use in an air-cushion vehicle (ACV) skirt system are described. Wrapped-cone fingers may include an inner cone that is “wrapped” or generally enclosed by an outer finger. The inner cone may include an inner cone opening through which air may travel. The outer cone may include a back face opening. When inflated, the inner cone blocks the back face opening in the outer finger, allowing for increased air pressure in the outer finger and thus inflating the inner cone and outer finger of the wrapped-cone finger. Wrapped-cone fingers according to the present invention may be lightweight, inexpensive and resistant to scooping and snagging. Embodiments are also directed to ACV skirt systems and methods of manufacturing wrapped-cone fingers for use with an ACV skirt system.

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: Wrapped-cone fingers for use in an air-cushion vehicle (ACV) skirt system are described. Wrapped-cone fingers may include an inner cone that is “wrapped” or generally enclosed by an outer finger. The inner cone may include an inner cone opening through which air may travel. The outer cone may include a back face opening. When inflated, the inner cone blocks the back face opening in the outer finger, allowing for increased air pressure in the outer finger and thus inflating the inner cone and outer finger of the wrapped-cone finger. Wrapped-cone fingers according to the present invention may be lightweight, inexpensive and resistant to scooping and snagging. Embodiments are also directed to ACV skirt systems and methods of manufacturing wrapped-cone fingers for use with an ACV skirt system.

Abstract: A hovercraft is capable of operation on either a solid surface or a liquid surface. The hovercraft includes a hull on which is mounted at least one thrust-lift fan assembly for providing an air cushion under the hovercraft and for propelling the hovercraft in a forward or reverse direction. The hovercraft also includes a steering fan assembly mounted transversely to the thrust-lift fan assembly and that allows the hovercraft to be steered in any lateral direction. The hovercraft is controlled by operation of the fans in the appropriate direction, and may be in the form of a wireless remote control toy.

Abstract: Three aspects are disclosed of an airstream control system for a hovercraft that includes a platform and a lift gas chamber beneath the platform. Firstly, the system includes an impeller for receiving air at an inlet and discharging pressurized air at an outlet as an airstream. The impeller is positioned above an orifice of the lift gas chamber. The impeller is supported along a first axis transverse to the airstream and about which the impeller is rotatable by a first axis frame that is rotatable about a pair of first axis supports fixed to the platform. The impeller is further supported along a second axis transverse to the airstream and about which the impeller is rotatable by a second axis frame that is attached to the first axis frame and that comprises a first arm supporting a first point of the impeller and extending upstream of the impeller.

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 inflated roll-stabilizing keel system has a first trough-shaped bladder nd a second trough-shaped bladder attached to the underside of a forward portion of the first trough-shaped bladder. Holes pass through from the first trough-shaped bladder to the second trough-shaped bladder to allow inflation to flow therein. A plurality of shaped bladders are attached successively along and to the first trough-shaped bladder immediately aft of the second trough-shaped bladder. Each shaped bladder has a rectangular base portion attached to the underside of the first trough-shaped bladder. Each shaped bladder tapers downward from its base portion to an open apex. An inflation hole passes through from the first trough-shaped bladder to each of the shaped bladders to allow inflation air to flow therein. Once inflated, adjacent shaped bladders contact one another between the base portion and open apex in an area of contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of mounting a skirt on an air cushion vehicle body in an air cushion vehicle (trade name, Hovercraft) to easily mount or dismount the skirt on the air cushion vehicle body and having the step of respectively mounting a pair of latch members for forming a surface adhesive fastener at the skirt mounting position and the skirt opening peripheral edge mounting position of the air cushion vehicle body, thereby easily mounting and dismounting the skirt.

Abstract: An air cushion vehicle toy has a body formed with an air inlet and levitation air vent holes. An expandable and contractible skirt is attached to a lower part of the body, and a centrifugal levitation air blower is arranged to both expand the skirt and to levitate the body. Propulsive air blowers are mounted on a body upper part, and a radio control unit may be provided for controlling all of these air blowers separately. The body incorporates a float unit for improving buoyancy. The skirt may be bag-like with a bottom provided with holes.

Abstract: A finger skirt for an air-cushion vehicle wherein the bottom edge of each finger skirt, when it is in the state of inflation by the pressurized air for the levitation of the hull, is shaped so that it extends horizontally at the location where it comes in contact with the pressure-receiving surface, the bottom edge being formed so that its cross section is a circular arc.

Abstract: A small sized air cushion vehicle includes a hull having a planar bottom surface with an upstanding lower flange disposed and extending upwardly at an angle of between 24.degree. and 30.degree. with respect to the planar bottom surface of the hull. A hollow plenum extends through the periphery of the hull. Apertures are formed in the upstanding lower flange of the hull and disposed in fluid flow communication with corresponding apertures in a plurality of inflatable members which are attached to the flange of the hull. Each inflatable member includes a downwardly extending aperture which directs air flow from the hollow plenum in the hull through each of the inflatable members to lift the vehicle a short distance above an underlying surface as well as providing forward or sideways propulsion. A steering mechanism is mounted rearward of the fluid propulsion source to control the direction of movement the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hovercraft having a pair of air cushions, associated with each air cushion is a rotatable fan which partly produces lifting force and partly propels and maneuvers the craft. The fans are mounted perpendicular to the direction of travel, peripherally on the craft, wherewith the forces produced have long moment arms, and consequently produce a strong turning torque. The fans are mounted on the craft in such a manner that their orientation may be adjusted both horizontally and vertically with respect thereto.

Abstract: A surface effect vessel of a type comprising a buoyed structure with two side keels (20), a rear seal apparatus (100) and a forward seal apparatus cooperating to delimit a central buoyancy cushion (300). The rear seal contains a horizontal extension enclosure (100). A first piping system (54) connects a pressurized air generator (50) to the enclosure (100), and a second piping system (58) connects the central cushion (300) and the pressurized air generator (50). Fluid communication holes (150) are provided between the enclosure (100) and central cushion (300). The piping system (54, 58) and the fluid communication holes (150) are defined to ensure inflation of enclosure (100) to a pressure higher than the pressure of the central cushion (300).

Abstract: To make a skirt part of a surface-effect vehicle readily and reliably retainable to the vehicle while able to be folded to be sent to the position of use, the skirt part has an enlarged bead to be slid into a restricted-mouth channel on the vehicle, the core of the bead being an elongate spiral spring of stainless steel. End-plugs are fitted to prevent endwards escape from the channel.

Abstract: An improved bow and/or stern seal is provided for a surface effect vehicle herein the vehicle has a pair of spaced apart side hulls which are joined by a wet deck, and the bow and stern seals extend between the side hulls so that an air cushion can be formed between the side walls and the bow and stern seals. The improved seal includes a portion of the deck having an opening for providing an air inlet to the air cushion. An elongated pneumatic bag is mounted along its length to the bottom of the wet deck, is sealed at its ends and is positioned to receive air from the deck opening along its forward side. Provision is made for a passageway between the side hulls for directing air around the forward side of the bag.

Abstract: There is disclosed in a multiple lobe air cushion seal system an auxiliary air inflated bounce damping lobe interfacing the cleft between the lower ends of the two lowermost lobes of the system.

Abstract: An air-cushion vehicle comprising a lifted structure, a central cushion, and a peripheral lift arrangement in which each lobe of the outer skirt projects outside the lifted structure and preferably surrounds an inner skirt.Each lobe extending downwardly is hollow with an open lower end and has a lower part to which is attached an upper part or cover connected along its upper edge to the lifted structure along a rectilinear horizontal line. The upper part or cover is also connected to the lifted structure along two spaced rectilinear segments at either end of the upper edge and disposed in respective vertical planes.

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 canopy system for deployment around the periphery of a vessel floating on a body of water is disclosed primarily for use in connection with drillships in Arctic waters.

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: 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: 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: 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 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: An apertured flexible sheet component for an air cushion vehicle flexible skirt, such as an apertured section of a flexible skirt bag member, comprises reinforced flexible sheet material including a reinforcing fabric having substantial spacings between groups of cords from which the fabric is formed. The reinforcing fabric is coated with elastomeric material and apertures are formed in the elastomeric material within the spacings between the groups of cords in the reinforcing fabric so that no broken cords are caused by formation of the apertures.

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 device for arresting the growth of a rip in reinforced flexible sheet material, for example elastomeric sheet material reinforced with woven nylon fabric, comprises a flexible sheath member having a flexible core member extending throughout its length and chemically bonded thereto. The sheath member includes tensile load path discontinuities at intervals along the length of the core member and at least in regions of the sheath member remote from the core member. The tensile load path discontinuities prevent tensile loads being transmitted along the length of those regions of the sheath member which are not bonded to the core member, such loads being diffused into the core member because of the bond between the sheath member and the core member. A number of these devices may be attached to an air cushion vehicle flexible skirt assembly manufactured from sheet rubber reinforced with woven nylon fabric so as to arrest the growth of rips which may propagate during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apertured flexible sheet component for an air cushion vehicle flexible skirt, such as an apertured section of a flexible skirt bag member, comprises reinforced flexible sheet material including a reinforcing fabric having substantial spacings between groups of cords from which the fabric is formed. The reinforcing fabric is coated with elastomeric material and apertures are formed in the elastomeric material within the spacings between the groups of cords in the reinforcing fabric so that no broken cords are caused by formation of the apertures.

Abstract: A bag member for an air cushion vehicle flexible skirt has an apertured portion by which a space enclosed by the bag member and hard structure of a vehicle to which it is attached, is placed in communication with the vehicle cushion area. The apertured portion comprises a plurality of strips of flexible material laid across each other so as to form apertures therebetween. The apertured portion may be formed by a plurality of apertured panels comprising the aperture-forming strips of flexible material joined to strips of flexible material defining side edges of each panel.

Abstract: In a new spraying apparatus the spray dispensers for liquid or finely divided spray material discharge into an enclosure contained within a flexible skirt attached to a sprayer boom. Air under pressure is injected into the skirt which supports the boom from the ground as it is moved over the area to be sprayed. The skirt is formed by one or more flexible air bags into which the air is injected and from which it escapes into the skirt enclosure. An annular air bag skirt structure is formed by folding inwards the edges of a strip of flexible material and fastening them to the strip in spaced parallel relation to form two parallel tubular passages. The open ends are then closed by means of respective open-sided envelopes slipped over the ends and laced thereto.

Abstract: A ground effect vehicle of the type supported by a cushion of gas and especially adapted for use within specially constructed roadways providing guidance along a plurality of axes. The application describes vehicles having skirts with lower margins adapted to conform to the cross sections of the roadways, with the roadways preferably being of arcuate cross section whereby sustenance of the vehicle is accomplished by maintaining an air cushion between the skirt and the bottom portion of the roadway, and whereby turning of the vehicle is accomplished by the banking of the vehicle in combination with the reaction to a curvilinear roadway sidewall, or in response to thrust having a lateral vector, or both.

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 two-stage hovercraft skirt comprising an upper loop from which segments depend, operational movements of the skirt are effected by an adjusting tie extending at right angles and connected to generally radially directed ties by which the segments are secured to the hovercraft. By connecting the adjusting tie to the midpoint of the segment ties, holding the skirt against sympathetic movement with the adjusting tie and operating the latter by a lever system mechanically equivalent to the tie system the force required to cause movement of the skirt may be kept constant. Movements of the skirt may be used to cause or control rolling, pitching or heaving of the hovercraft.

Abstract: A vehicle supported by an air cushion extending beneath at least the greater part of the lower surface of the rigid structure of the vehicle. An arrangement of skirts defining the air cushions is described. According to this arrangement, the cushion is bounded on each side of the axis of the vehicle by two parallel skirts, a peripheral skirt and an inner skirt, inclined towards the inside of the vehicle defining between them a series of auxiliary air cushions separated by transverse partitions which form skirts inclined towards the rear. The bottoms of the auxiliary cushions are formed by articulated perforated plates. The edges of the plates are connected to the rigid structure by flexible walls forming a flexible volume connected to the supply of air under pressure for the inner cushion.

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: This invention relates to ground-reaction machines, such as hovercraft, and is particularly concerned with flexible enclosure arrangements, often referred to as skirts, for enclosing a fluid cushion beneath the loading platform of the machine. According to the invention, air fed into the arrangement to form the cushion, is channelled or directed by cells having walls which are linked in series along the periphery of the platform. This ensures the feed and enclosure of a single undivided central cushion at a pressure which is substantially uniform and of which the boundaries represent an auxiliary structure. In a preferred construction, each of the cells is bounded by two flexible walls, all the horizontal sections of which are of bi-convex, lenticular shape.

Abstract: An aperture in a component manufactured from reinforced flexible sheet material is reinforced with a pegged washer plate. The pegged washer plate has an apertured body portion with pegs extending therefrom, and is embedded in the flexible sheet material so that the pegs mesh with threads of a layer of material reinforcing the flexible sheet material.

Abstract: An inflatable skirting assembly acting as a barrier to the supporting cushion of a gaseous cushion supported vehicle, the skirting assembly being constructed from a single sheet of flexible material suspended from the vehicle to form an unrestrained loop in a vertical cross-section.