US3724588A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cushion confining system
Assignee: Bertin Technologies SAS
•
Filing: 1971-01-25
•
Granted: 1973-04-03
•
Expires: 1991-01-25
Abstract
Abstract An air-cushion vehicle is provided with a deformable enclosure within the cushion. The enclosure is connected to two sources delivering different fluid pressures through control valves which allow the pressure in the enclosure to be adjusted to any value intermediate those of the above two sources.
Inventors
- 👤 J Bertin
- 👤 P Guienne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:49
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V1/00; B60V1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A surface effect machine movable along a bearing surface with the interposition of a pressure fluid cushion bounded at least partly by a deformable wall defining a deformable enclosure separate from said pressure fluid cushion, wherein the improvement comprises controllable means for selectively connecting said enclosure to a first zone at a relatively high pressure in excess of the normal operative cushion pressure, further controllable means for selectively connecting said enclosure to a second zone at a relatively low pressure, whereby to adjust the pressure obtaining in said enclosure to a value intermediate said relatively high pressure and said relatively low pressure, and a relief valve fitted on said enclosure and biased to closing position against said pressure obtaining in said enclosure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A surface effect machine movable along a bearing surface with the interposition of a pressure fluid cushion bounded at least partly by a deformable wall defining a deformable enclosure separate from said pressure fluid cushion, wherein the improvement comprises controllable means for selectively connecting said enclosure to a first zone at a relatively high pressure in excess of the normal operative cushion pressure, further controllable means for selectively connecting said enclosure to a second zone at a relatively low pressure, whereby to adjust the pressure obtaining in said enclosure to a value intermediate said relatively high pressure and said relatively low pressure, and a relief valve fitted on said enclosure and biased to closing position against said pressure obtaining in said enclosure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
Machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pressurized chamber separate from said deformable enclosure and communicating therewith through said relief valve, the pressure in said pressurized chamber contributing to biasing said relief valve to closing position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
Machine as claimed in claim 2, further comprising controllable means for selectively connecting said chamber to said first high-pressure zone, and further controllable means for selectively connecting said chamber to said second low-pressure zone, whereby to adjust the pressure obtaining in said chamber to a value intermediate said relatively high pressure and said relatively low pressure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
Machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first zone comprises a high-pressure source whereas said second zone is at ambient pressure, said further controllable means comprising a vent to the atmosphere.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
Machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein said controllable means comprise respective valves controllable independently of each other.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
Machine as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a T-connection between said controllable means and said chamber having two arm portions leading respectively to said two controllable means and a stem portion leading to said chamber, and an additional controllable means in said stem portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
Machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein said three controllable means comprise respective valves controllable independently of each other.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
Machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising damping means associated with said relief valve.
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) | 1976-04-02 | 1976-10-02 | 1977-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-02 | 1980-10-02 | 1981-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-02 | 1984-10-02 | 1985-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |