Surface effect craft
US7311057B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a surface effect craft comprising a supporting deck structure having two pontoons mounted thereto in catamaran like fashion. A propulsion mechanism is mounted to a rear portion of the deck structure. A lift control member is disposed under the deck structure between the two pontoons. The lift control member is pivotally movable mounted to the front portion of the deck structure. A lift adjust mechanism pivotally moves the lift control member between a first position with the rear end of the lift control member being in close proximity to the surface and a second position with the rear end of the lift control member being in close proximity to the deck structure. Employment of the lift control member enables the craft to achieve surface effect at low speed and, furthermore, allows control of the aerodynamic lift in a wide range from maximum lift to negative lift. This substantially widens the range of surface conditions and speed the craft is operable, such as uneven ground, choppy water surfaces, snow, and ice.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.