GB1313251A - Hydraulic lift for ground effect craft - Google Patents

Abstract

1313251 Ground effect machine docking TEXACO DEVELOPMENT CORP 18 June 1971 [2 July 1970] 28615/71 Heading B7K An hydraulic lift device for transferring a ground effect craft 23 between upper and lower levels, includes an upright chamber 16 to give the craft 23 access thereto at the upper level, means 14a for giving the craft access to the chamber at the lower level, and an hydraulic system 32 communicating with the chamber 16 for regulating the level of liquid in the chamber. In operation a ground effect craft 32 supported on a cushion of air on the surface of a tidal body of water enters the chamber when a pair of gates 14a (14b, Fig. 1, not shown) are open and the level of water in the chamber defines the lower level. When the tide is abnormally low (i.e. below a ramp 22) the craft enters the chamber on the ramp 22. The gates close and water from a reservoir 31 enters the chamber 16 through the hydraulic system 32 and a hollow sump 21 forming part of a foundation 18, the sump having bores through which the water escapes therefrom into the chamber. The craft, still supported by its cushion of air rises with the water in the chamber until it is at the upper level flush with a ramp 17 over which it may move under its own power. Guide rails 34 and 36 are provided for stabilizing the craft at the upper level. The chamber may be provided with an internal surface of the same shape as the craft to guide the craft within the chamber, Fig. 5 (not shown).