Lifting platform
US6616094B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15D1/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A novel drive for a lifting platform utilizing a simple propeller, impeller, or gas turbine is disclosed. The axial air rotation from the drive is eliminated in order to permit the development of a partial toroidal vortex which efficiently maintains a raised air pressure zone beneath the lifting platform. The axial components are eliminated by means such as flow straightening vanes, which may also serve to control lateral motion of the lifting platform. The system can also be easily modified to function as an attractor device. Overall, the present invention explores the effect of vortices, both cylindrical and toroidal, and seeks to optimize their effects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.