Patent US3825093A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3825093A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular air cushion transporting system
Assignee: ROLAIR SYST Inc
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Filing: 1973-01-02
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Granted: 1974-07-23
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Expires: 1993-01-02
Abstract
Abstract A modular system for moving heavy loads, using a plurality of air cushion transporters coupled together. A plurality of identical air cushion transporters with load carrying platforms riding on air bearings, and means for mechanically and pneumatically interconnecting the transporters for movement as a unit.
Inventors
- 👤 R Burdick
- 👤 B Wolf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 05:40
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V3/00; B60V3/02; B60V3/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A multiple transporter system, including in combination: a plurality of air cushion transporters, each of said transporters including a platform and a plurality of air bearings, said platform including means for slidingly receiving said air bearings, downwardly facing openings for communication with corresponding openings in said air bearings, conduit means for supplying air under pressure to said openings, front and rear sides with vertical flat surfaces for abutting engagement of adjacent platforms along said sides; upwardly opening mechanical coupling receptacles on said front and rear sides and flush with or within said sides, and air coupling means in communication with said conduit means; a separate mechanical coupling member engageable with the mechanical coupling receptacles of adjacent platforms for joining said platforms; and an air coupling member engageable with the air coupling means of adjacent platforms for interconnecting the conduit means of said platforms.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A multiple transporter system, including in combination: a plurality of air cushion transporters, each of said transporters including a platform and a plurality of air bearings, said platform including means for slidingly receiving said air bearings, downwardly facing openings for communication with corresponding openings in said air bearings, conduit means for supplying air under pressure to said openings, front and rear sides with vertical flat surfaces for abutting engagement of adjacent platforms along said sides; upwardly opening mechanical coupling receptacles on said front and rear sides and flush with or within said sides, and air coupling means in communication with said conduit means; a separate mechanical coupling member engageable with the mechanical coupling receptacles of adjacent platforms for joining said platforms; and an air coupling member engageable with the air coupling means of adjacent platforms for interconnecting the conduit means of said platforms.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as defined in claim 1 wherein the coupled transporters are maintained in abutting engagement by said coupling member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as defined in claim 1 with the coupled transporters maintained in spaced parallel relation by said coupling member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
A system as defined in claim 1 including a guide unit having: mounting means engageable with the mechanical coupling receptacle of a platform for joining the guide unit to the platform; a guide wheel; air actuated means for urging said guide wheel downward; means defining an air line for coupling said air actuated means to said air coupling member; and on-off control valve in said air line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system as defined in claim 4 including a drive unit for moving said transporters, said drive unit including a power unit with drive wheels, a mechanical coupling unit pivotally carried on said power unit and having mounting means engageable with the mechanical coupling receptacle of a platform for joining the power unit to the platform, and a hose for coupling an air supply to the platform air coupling means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-22 | 1978-01-21 | 1978-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-22 | 1982-01-21 | 1982-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-22 | 1986-01-21 | 1986-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |