Air pallet with endless belt interface
US4567957A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1983 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D55/062
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An endless belt operatively mounted beneath a load carrying backing member has a lower run moving across a generally planar fixed support surface, in frictional contact therewith. The belt may comprise a woven belt with reinforcing threads. A plenum chamber intermediate of the backing member and the fixed support surface includes a thin-flexible film sheet as the bottom element thereof bearing a plurality of small diameter perforations. The plenum chamber being subject to low pressure air creates a frictionless air film between the film and the belt lower run and jacks the load and backing member. The endless belt may be positively driven by a motor carried by the air pallet structure to form a self-powered vehicle and the endless belt may have cleats on the outside as track members. Cleats on the inside of the belt cooperate with paired, elongated rollers bearing similar sized slots on their periphery for positive drive of the belt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.