Patent US3877408A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3877408A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aquatic vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-06-28
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Granted: 1975-04-15
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Expires: 1991-06-28
Abstract
Abstract An air cushion aquatic vehicle using an air pump to generate air pressure along and beneath the vehicle to provide lift and forward thrust. A flat water curtain formed by a water pump at the stern of the vehicle effects a seal for the air pressure as well as promoting forward thrust in addition to the air means. In addition a bow skirt or curtain of water or lesser extent is created at the bow of the vehicle for comprising a seal, thus compensating for rough water conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 Wyly Kenneth Crowder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:20
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V1/00; B60V1/14; B60V1/15; B60V1/04; B60V1/046; B60V1/11; B60V1/12; B63; B63H; B63H11/00; B63H11/02; B63H11/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
An air cushion aquatic vehicle comprising: power means for driving said vehicle including air pressure means applying air flow at the bow and thru an air scoop longitudinally of said vehicle, side and bow skirts on said vehicle for containing air beneath said vehicle, water pump means for forming a flat wall of water at the stern of said vehicle and sealing said air beneath said vehicle, and conduit means in said vehicle for directing water to said water pump means and separate from said air scoop, whereby forward thrust and lift is provided to said vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
An air cushion aquatic vehicle comprising: power means for driving said vehicle including air pressure means applying air flow at the bow and thru an air scoop longitudinally of said vehicle, side and bow skirts on said vehicle for containing air beneath said vehicle, water pump means for forming a flat wall of water at the stern of said vehicle and sealing said air beneath said vehicle, and conduit means in said vehicle for directing water to said water pump means and separate from said air scoop, whereby forward thrust and lift is provided to said vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
An air cushion aquatic vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said bow skirt includes means for forming a bow water wall relatively smaller than said stern water wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
An air cushion aquatic vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said conduit means for directing water to said water pump means includes an enclosed center board with water scoops located near the mid-section of said vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
An air cushion aquatic vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said water pump means includes adjustable nozzle means for varying the angularity of said flat wall of water with respect to said vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An air cushion aquatic vehicle according to claim 4 wherein said adjustable nozzle means includes adjustable arms to vary the angularity of some of said nozzle means to effect steering of said vehicle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-14 | 1978-10-14 | 1979-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-10-14 | 1983-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-14 | 1986-10-14 | 1987-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |