GB1047743A - Improved gas supply apparatus for ground-effect platforms with multiple air cushions - Google Patents

Abstract

1,047,743. Air cushion vehicles. SOC. BERTIN & CIE. Oct. 22, 1963 [Oct. 27, 1962], No. 41636/63. Heading B7K. In a ground-effect platform supported by a plurality of air cushions, an air supply apparatus comprises at least one air pump having an outlet duct for the air under pressure, a pipe connected to said outlet duct and provided with multiple branches which each connect with an air cushion and a pivoted flap valve in each branch provided with means for preventing complete closure of the valve when the pressure in the corresponding air cushion becomes momentarily close to the ambient air pressure. A fan 7 (Fig. 1, not shown) driven by engine 6 delivers air to a pipe or duct 5 from which branches 3a, 3b extend into downwardly-extending supports 13a, 13b for flexible skirts 2a, 2b. The opening into each branch carries a pivoted flap valve 8a, 8b respectively which is urged by a spring 9a, 9b into the open position against a stop 11a, 11b. A stop 10a, 10b prevents the valve from closing completely. In operation, if the vehicle passes over a depression so that the pressure in a cushion such as 1b drops suddenly the valve 8b will be closed against the action of spring 9b thereby preventing excessive loss of air from duct 5. When the pressure in the cushion returns to normal the valve will automatically open. In a further embodiment each valve may be pivoted intermediate its ends and biased by two springs against the action of a servo-jack which opens and closes the valve in response to ambient conditions.