Self-generating air cushion vessel
US6957620B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drag-reducing air chamber is formed under a watercraft when the watercraft is underway. Air enters into the air chamber when the watercraft is moving forward. Supplemental air is introduced into the air chamber by an air scoop mounted to the bow in a first embodiment and in side-mounted air scoops in another embodiment. A one-way valve in an air passageway between the air scoop and the air chamber prevents air from flowing from the air chamber to the air scoop. A pair of elongate rails depends from opposite sides of the hull and defines the sides of the air chamber. Shorter rails may be used in high-speed applications where the bow of the watercraft is lifted from the water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.