Patent US3648799A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3648799A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid supported load systems
Assignee: British Hovercraft Corp Ltd
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Filing: 1970-01-19
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Granted: 1972-03-14
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Expires: 1990-01-19
Abstract
Abstract A method of pressure control for fluid cushion supported loadbearing platforms, the system comprising sensors responsive to, and transmitting signals indicative of pressure fluctuations within the fluid support cushion, as a control flow to a fluidic network, the resultant output from the fluidic network being applied to a device which regulates the flow of pressurized fluid to the support cushion, thereafter providing control of the pressure therein.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael A B Young
- 👤 George H Dunsmuir
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 02:02
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V1/00; B60V1/04; B60V1/043; B60V1/11; B60V1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
In a fluid cushion supported load bearing platform having a platform member and means for supplying pressurized fluid to a supporting cushion area beneath said platform so as to form and maintain the supporting cushion, a pressure control system to obviate parasitic oscillations in the supporting cushion comprising sensor means responsive to pressure variations in said supporting cushion for emitting output signals in accordance with such pressure variations, and fluidic control means responsive to signals from said sensor means for reducing the supply of pressurized fluid to said supporting cushion in response to predetermined signals from said sensor means, said fluidic control means comprising, in combination, fluid amplifier means and pneumatically operated valve means, said fluid amplifier means being responsive to signals from said sensor means and providing pneumatic control outputs to operate said valve means, said fluid amplifier means includes a fluidic element having a power nozzle for emitting a power stream, at least one outlet aperture, and at least one control jet for emitting a control stream to interact with the power stream and vary its path relative to said at least one outlet aperture so as to vary the output therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
194 words
In a fluid cushion supported load bearing platform having a platform member and means for supplying pressurized fluid to a supporting cushion area beneath said platform so as to form and maintain the supporting cushion, a pressure control system to obviate parasitic oscillations in the supporting cushion comprising sensor means responsive to pressure variations in said supporting cushion for emitting output signals in accordance with such pressure variations, and fluidic control means responsive to signals from said sensor means for reducing the supply of pressurized fluid to said supporting cushion in response to predetermined signals from said sensor means, said fluidic control means comprising, in combination, fluid amplifier means and pneumatically operated valve means, said fluid amplifier means being responsive to signals from said sensor means and providing pneumatic control outputs to operate said valve means, said fluid amplifier means includes a fluidic element having a power nozzle for emitting a power stream, at least one outlet aperture, and at least one control jet for emitting a control stream to interact with the power stream and vary its path relative to said at least one outlet aperture so as to vary the output therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sensor means communicates with said control jet of said amplifier means, and emits fluidic signals to vary the control stream and hence control said power stream.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sensor means is a pneumatic sensor and directly senses pressure variations occurring in said supporting cushion. 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sensor means comprises means for sensing vertical oscillations of said platform caused by pressure variations in said supporting cushion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor means is positioned within the area bounded by the platform and a cushion retaining member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A pressure control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sensor means comprises a sensing device responsive to vertical oscillations of the platform caused by pressure fluctuations within the fluid support system for emitting signals indicative of pressure fluctuations to the fluidic control means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
A pressure control system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the sensing device is freely supported from the platform by first spring means, the sensing device includes spring loaded valve means, and fluid supply means interconnecting the sensing device with the fluidic control means and a source of pressurized fluid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A pressure control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said fluid amplifier means includes a fluidic element comprising a fully vented jet interaction beam deflection proportional amplifier.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A pressure control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said fluid amplifier means includes a fluidic element comprising a vortex amplifier.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a fluid feedback network is incorporated within the system to stabilize the output from the fluidic element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-03-14 | 1975-09-13 | 1976-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-14 | 1979-09-13 | 1980-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-14 | 1983-09-13 | 1984-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |