US3882960A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ride quality control for surface effects craft
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1974-04-18
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Granted: 1975-05-13
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Expires: 1994-04-18
Abstract
Abstract A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft by using air cushion variable volumetric control. The air cushion volume is made resiliently variable by connecting a plenum, having a pressure yieldable member such as a diaphragm, bellows or piston, to the air cushion chamber. When the surface effect craft encounters an irregularity which changes the volume of the air cushion, such as rocks or waves, the resilient membrane, bellows, or piston responds to maintain a substantially constant total air volume thus tending to keep the vehicle at a constant and height off the surface and thus reducing accelerations improving the quality of the ride.
Inventors
- 👤 Freddie W Wilson
- 👤 Albert H Robbins
- 👤 Allen G Ford
- 👤 Robert A Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:21
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V1/00; B60V1/16; B60V1/04; B60V1/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft having an air cushion volume comprising: means for automatically varying the volume of the air cushion volume to minimize cushion pressure flucuations and attenuate vertical accelerations when surface irregularities are encountered; anD air flow modulating vent holes coacting with said means for automatically varying the volume of the air cushion volume.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
61 words
A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft having an air cushion volume comprising: means for automatically varying the volume of the air cushion volume to minimize cushion pressure flucuations and attenuate vertical accelerations when surface irregularities are encountered; anD air flow modulating vent holes coacting with said means for automatically varying the volume of the air cushion volume.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
61 words
A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft having an air cushion volume comprising: an elongated plenum having an end communicating with the air cushion volume, and another end communicating with the atmosphere; a resilient membrane stretched across said elongated plenum in sealing relationship between said ends; and air flow modulating vent holes at the ends of said plenum.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
61 words
A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft having an air cushion volume comprising: an elongated plenum having an end communicating with the air cushion volume, and another end communicating with the atmosphere; a resilient membrane stretched across said elongated plenum in sealing relationship between said ends; and air flow modulating vent holes at the ends of said plenum.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
70 words
A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft having an air cushion volume comprising: a bellows, the inside of which communicates with the air cushion volume, and the outside of which communicates with the atmosphere; a spring biasing said bellows to exert a compressive force on the air contained therein; and an air flow modulating vent hole separating the inside of said bellows and the air cushion volume.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
70 words
A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft having an air cushion volume comprising: a bellows, the inside of which communicates with the air cushion volume, and the outside of which communicates with the atmosphere; a spring biasing said bellows to exert a compressive force on the air contained therein; and an air flow modulating vent hole separating the inside of said bellows and the air cushion volume.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
83 words
A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft having an air cushion volume comprising: a cylinder having one end communicating with the air cushion volume and another end communicating with the atomsphere; a piston in sliding and sealing relationship within said cylinder; a spring biasing said piston to exert a compressive force on the air contained in said cylinder portion communicating with the air cushion volume; and an air flow modulating vent hole separating said cylinder from the air cushion volume.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
83 words
A system for improving ride quality of surface effect craft having an air cushion volume comprising: a cylinder having one end communicating with the air cushion volume and another end communicating with the atomsphere; a piston in sliding and sealing relationship within said cylinder; a spring biasing said piston to exert a compressive force on the air contained in said cylinder portion communicating with the air cushion volume; and an air flow modulating vent hole separating said cylinder from the air cushion volume.
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) | 1978-05-12 | 1978-11-11 | 1979-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-12 | 1982-11-11 | 1983-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-12 | 1986-11-11 | 1987-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |