521results about "Air-cushion" patented technology

A robot cleaner capable of returning to an external recharging device. The robot cleaner includes a driving portion for driving a plurality of wheels, at least one camera installed on a body of the robot cleaner, the camera for photographing external surroundings, and a controller for photographing an image through a camera for recognition of a connection position where the external recharging device is connected with the robot cleaner and stores the photographed image, and controls the driving portion so that the robot cleaner can move from the external recharging device to a destination when an operation start signal is received in the robot cleaner connected to the external recharging device, and for tracing a path to the connection position of the external recharging device and the robot cleaner during a robot cleaner's return to the external recharging device while comparing a current image currently taken by the camera with a stored image of the connection position of the robot cleaner and the external recharging device. Returning of the robot cleaner is carried out when the robot cleaner, separated from the external recharging device, completes its job or needs a recharging, by using the previously stored image and an image currently taken by the camera. Accordingly, an error in the location process, mainly caused due to external interference signals, is decreased, and errors in tracing a path and connecting to the external recharging device can also be decreased.

A flight control system for aircraft, such as for a vehicle with a ducted fan propulsion system which also produces rotary moments and side forces for control purposes. The flight control system of the present invention is designed in a manner that will ensure the safety of the vehicle in event of a malfunction in any one of its channels and enable the flight to continue down to a safe landing.

A jack up work platform is recited. The work platform comprises a hovercraft vessel outfitted with several jack up legs. The hovercraft can traverse environmentally sensitive terrain such a brackish and freshwater marshes without the need to dig canals that may cause or exacerbate salt water intrusion. Once the drilling or exploration site is reached, the jack up legs may be lowered, lifting the work platform above the surface. Once the vessel is secured on the legs, it may be used like a conventional oil field work platform for drilling, exploration, or construction jobs for which other work platforms or vessels are typically used. The deck of the hovercraft may serve as the work platform or the deck may be provided with a cantilevered work platform extension. The hovercraft will preferably be provided with typical oil field heavy machinery such as a crane for assembly of the legs, and drill stem as well as for work on other structures.

A vehicle including a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, two Ducted Fan lift-producing propellers carried by the fuselage on each side of the transverse axis, and a body formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers. Many variations are described enabling deflection and affection of flow streams and reduction of drag and momentum drag which improve speed and forward flight of the vehicle. Also described are unique features applicable in any single or multiple ducted fans and VTOL vehicles.

A traction unit capable of traversing and turning on surfaces that include compound curves like the surface of a sphere or are inverted like a ceiling. The traction unit includes a plurality of trucks operable to propel the unit across a surface and a plurality of adherence members operable to releasably secure the unit to the surface. In operation, the adherence members cyclically attach to and release from the surface as the trucks propel the unit across the surface. Within each cycle, after the unit has traveled a predetermined distance relative to an attached member, the member releases the surface and reattaches to the surface at a different point.

The invention concerns a surface traversing apparatus that includes a frame, a seal having a seal perimeter that is mounted to the frame, and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface. The seal perimeter is adapted substantially for rolling contact with the surface to be traversed. The device is capable of suction adhering and moving along horizontal, vertical, inverted surfaces and the like, and overcoming obstacles or surface irregularities while maintaining suction adhesion to the surface. The device can be propelled along the surface with a locomoting rolling seal assembly, which provides both a seal to affect the vacuum adhesion and the locomotion to drive the device across the surface.

A vehicle, particularly a VTOL air vehicle, includes a duct carried by the vehicle frame with the longitudinal axis of the duct perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame; a propeller rotatably mounted within the duct about the longitudinal axis of the duct to force an ambient fluid therethrough from its inlet at the upper end of the duct through its exit at the lower end of the duct, and thereby to produce an upward lift force applied to the vehicle, and a plurality of spaced vanes mounted to and across the inlet and exit ends of the duct about axes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct and selectively operational to produce a desired horizontal control force in addition to the lift force applied to the vehicle.

A vehicle including a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, two Ducted Fan lift-producing propellers carried by the fuselage on each side of the transverse axis, and a body formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers. Many variations are described enabling deflection and affection of flow streams and reduction of drag and momentum drag which improve speed and forward flight of the vehicle. Also described are unique features applicable in any single or multiple ducted fans and VTOL vehicles.

A mobile robot generally including a first suction module, a second suction module and a hinge assembly pivotably connecting the suction modules together. Each of the suction modules includes a support frame defining a vacuum chamber and a vacuum unit supported on the support frame and communicating with the vacuum chamber. The vacuum unit includes a rotating impeller and an exhaust cowling surrounding the impeller. The impeller has an axis of rotation and is adapted to draw air from the vacuum chamber into the impeller in a direction generally parallel to the impeller axis of rotation and to discharge the drawn air in a direction substantially perpendicular to the impeller axis of rotation. The exhaust cowling is adapted to redirect the discharged air, whereby a thrusting force is applied to the support frame in a direction opposite of the direction of the drawn air from the vacuum chamber.

A mobile robot generally including a first suction module, a second suction module and a hinge assembly pivotably connecting the suction modules together. Each of the suction modules includes a support frame defining a vacuum chamber and a vacuum unit supported on the support frame and communicating with the vacuum chamber. The vacuum unit includes a rotating impeller and an exhaust cowling surrounding the impeller. The impeller has an axis of rotation and is adapted to draw air from the vacuum chamber into the impeller in a direction generally parallel to the impeller axis of rotation and to discharge the drawn air in a direction substantially perpendicular to the impeller axis of rotation. The exhaust cowling is adapted to redirect the discharged air, whereby a thrusting force is applied to the support frame in a direction opposite of the direction of the drawn air from the vacuum chamber.

The present invention provides a new personal transport system for passengers and goods, which comprises: a tube car comprising a self-powered closed tube car carrying passengers or goods from door to door; and a network of tubes comprising a plurality of tubes, the said network of tubes combined with the existing blocks or buildings, with each tube in the network of tubes provided with an upper rail and / or a lower rail for supporting and / or guiding the said tube car carrying passengers or goods. According to the invention it is possible to achieve a door-to-door transport between two buildings. In comparison to other traffic systems, the inventive system's velocity, line capacity, safety and reliability, ability of resisting disasters and comfortableness are much increased while its consumption of energy, construction cost, occupied space, operating cost, noise and visual pollution are greatly reduced. Furthermore, the transport system of the invention is easy to put into a standardized production, quick to be laid, removed and reused.

A vehicle including a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, two Ducted Fan lift-producing propellers carried by the fuselage on each side of the transverse axis, and a body formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers. Many variations are described enabling deflection and affection of flow streams and reduction of drag and momentum drag which improve speed and forward flight of the vehicle. Also described are unique features applicable in any single or multiple ducted fans and VTOL vehicles.

A transportation system uses a carrier conduit in the form of a long tube or channel in order to drive a vehicle by air pressure. A carrier having end plates obstructs the travel of air through the carrier conduit. Pressure differentials formed within the carrier conduit serve to propel the carrier through the carrier conduit. By rollably supporting the carrier within the carrier conduit, friction is reduced between the carrier conduit and the carrier. The carrier may be magnetically coupled to a vehicle having vanes and a set of track- or rail-engaging wheel assemblies on vanes. The vanes may pivot upon the vehicle and serve to allow the vehicle to rollably or slidably couple to the carrier conduit track. The motion of the carrier serves to propel the vehicle along the carrier conduit track as the vehicle is magnetically coupled to the carrier. Composite materials used to construct the carrier conduit may allow for such magnetic coupling without the interference that might occur through the use of ferromagnetic materials or the like. The carrier conduit may be mounted upon pillars or pylons and sources of pressure may either be present at either end of the carrier conduit, distributed at propitious points there along, or incorporated into the carrier.

The present invention provides a new personal transport system for passengers and goods, which comprises: a tube car comprising a self-powered closed tube car carrying passengers or goods from door to door; and a network of tubes comprising a plurality of tubes, the said network of tubes combined with the existing blocks or buildings, with each tube in the network of tubes provided with an upper rail and / or a lower rail for supporting and / or guiding the said tube car carrying passengers or goods. According to the invention it is possible to achieve a door-to-door transport between two buildings. In comparison to other traffic systems, the inventive system's velocity, line capacity, safety and reliability, ability of resisting disasters and comfortableness are much increased while its consumption of energy, construction cost, occupied space, operating cost, noise and visual pollution are greatly reduced. Furthermore, the transport system of the invention is easy to put into a standardized production, quick to be laid, removed and reused.

An extremely large aircraft which is suitable for overseas cargo transport and which includes a fuselage defining a central storage cavity, a wing assembly defining a pair of wing storage cavities, an altitude control system, and a plurality of independently steerable landing gear units. The central storage cavity has a length, height and width of at least 100 feet, at least 16 feet and at least 24 feet, respectively. The wing assembly has a wingspan of at least 300 feet and is configured with a moderate aspect ratio to permit both ground-effect and high altitude operation. The altitude control system controls the aircraft in ground effect such that the aircraft is maintained at about a predetermined altitude. The landing gear units are coupled to the fuselage and are arranged in at least two discrete columns and at least ten discrete rows. The central storage cavity and the wing storage cavities are configured to receive cargo including intermodal re-usable cargo containers.

A recharging system for a rechargeable battery (281) of an inverted pendulum type vehicle (1) comprises a stand (86) for holding the vehicle in a substantially upright posture by using a supporting member (91, 96) that engages a prescribed part of the vehicle, a power feed device (95, 152) is provided on the stand, and a power take device (88, 151) provided on the vehicle. The power take device is positioned so as to couple with the power feed device when the prescribed part of the vehicle is engaged by the supporting member of the stand. The stand allows the vehicle to be placed in an upright posture simply leaning the vehicle against a part of the supporting member, and the electric connection between the rechargeable battery of the vehicle and the power source can be established at the same time without requiring any extra effort.

A magnetic adhesive and braking system for a remote controlled vehicle adapted for traversing across ferromagnetic surfaces of a steel shipping container including the vertical walls and ceiling. The magnetic wheel system allows the vehicle to traverse vertical grades. The magnetic braking system both securely holds the vehicle when stopped on a vertical surface, and exerts enough attractive force between the vehicle and the shipping container to allow a vehicle mounted drill to operate. The magnetic brake design uses mechanical advantage such that the force required to roll the vehicle vertically downward is heightened to the force required to detach the vehicle in a perpendicular vector from the container's surface.

An improved VTOL aircraft or flying car mechanism that utilizes counter-rotating blades (18) spinning inside a duct (14) causing varying speeds and volumes of atmosphere to pass across an exposed plurality of wing shaped lift generating airfoils, referred to as sucked flaps (36), at an opening in that duct (70). The volumes of atmosphere will then pass through to a lift amplifying, turbulence reducing, radial, spiral airflow generator (68) and then into thrust vector airfoils (26), which will then pass through the duct (70) again as it forms a circular path (72) back to the sucked flaps (36), where it is then re-circulated. The air pressure flowing over the top of the airfoils is reduced relative to the air pressure below the airfoils causing relatively large amounts of lift to be generated to overcome the force of gravity. Because the entire wing surface area necessary to lift the flying car or aircraft can now fit within the confines of the length, width, and height of a standard freeway-capable motor VTOL aircraft or flying car, there is no need for foldable wings, foldable control surfaces, exposed rotors, exterior wind blasts or other problems associated with prior art helicopters, flying cars, or other VTOL aircraft.

Self-leveling legs are used to accommodate landing a ducted fan hovercraft on a sloped surface such as a roof-top. These legs move to accommodate a variation of slope within their range of motion irrespective to the azimuth of the vehicle body. The configuration and operation of the landing legs allow the hovercraft to land in a stable fashion with the hovercraft vehicle body maintained in a vertical orientation. The basic kinematics of the present invention is the displacement of one landing leg upwards is connected by a horizontal member to the opposite leg and displaces it downwards, and visa-versa. Planar surface contact is accomplished by the unique curvature of the legs and the splay of the legs from the vehicle body.

A method of introducing / discharging a heavy article is provided that allows for introducing and / or discharging a coil-shape heavy article to and from a transporting receptacle. The method includes utilizing a pallet, a stage, and a carrying vehicle to introduce / discharge the coil-shape heavy article. A coil-shape heavy article is secured to the pallet using a securing member and is transported, while secured to the pallet, between the stage, which is secured to the transporting receptacle, and the transporting receptacle. The stage includes a table having a height that is adjustable relative the floor surface of the transporting receptacle. Movement of the pallet between the stage and the transporting receptacle is performed by levitating a support frame of the carrying vehicle on which the pallet has been positioned using a controllable discharge of gas exiting from exhaust nozzles of the carrying vehicle.

The invention discloses an intelligent air cushion transfer vehicle and a control method thereof. The intelligent air cushion transfer vehicle comprises a frame, a vehicular control system mounted on the frame, a power source system, an air cushion inflation and deflation unit, a walking driving unit, navigating and positioning units, height sensors, and a remote main controller connected with the vehicular control system, the power source system, the air cushion inflation and deflation unit, the walking driving unit, the navigating and positioning units and the height sensors are mounted on the frame and connected with the vehicular control system respectively, the remote main controller can directly and remotely control the intelligent air cushion transfer vehicle, the navigating and positioning units can collect positions of a vehicle body and information around the vehicle body to realize remote control and management, and the height sensors are used for detecting the height of the vehicle relative to the ground in real time to enable the remote main controller to be capable of controlling the air cushion inflation and deflation unit to realize adjustment of fluctuation height of the vehicle body according to height information of the vehicle body so as to control postures of the vehicle body. By the intelligent air cushion transfer vehicle and the control method thereof, intelligentization degree of an air cushion vehicle is increased, operating capability of the air cushion vehicle is improved, and the problems that existing air cushion vehicles are poor in navigation function and defective in remote control are solved.

A hybrid air vehicle having a gas-filled contoured flattened hull including a pair of longitudinally extending side lobes defining, on the underside of the hull, a longitudinally extending central recess, a payload module received in the central recess and air cushion landing gear units on the underside of the side lobes of the hull. The landing gear units are spaced apart on either side of the payload module. The hybrid air vehicle has characteristics of an airplane, a lighter-than-air airship and a hovercraft.

A vehicle, particularly a VTOL air vehicle, includes a duct carried by the vehicle frame with the longitudinal axis of the duct perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame; a propeller rotatably mounted within the duct about the longitudinal axis of the duct to force an ambient fluid therethrough from its inlet at the upper end of the duct through its exit at the lower end of the duct, and thereby to produce an upward lift force applied to the vehicle, and a plurality of spaced vanes mounted to and across the inlet and exit ends of the duct about axes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct and selectively operational to produce a desired horizontal control force in addition to the lift force applied to the vehicle.

The group of inventions relates to aviation and to transport means having (static and dynamic) air discharge, in particular to self-stabilizing wing-in-ground-effect craft of types A, B and C. The following technical results are achieved: increased flight safety and maneuvering safety, increased load-bearing capacity and flight height in ground effect mode, reduced dimensions, improved take-off and landing characteristics, as well as amphibian characteristics and economic efficiency, increased functionality and a wider range of operational alignments, and greater ease of use and maintenance. This result is achieved by simultaneously applying the methods for generating a system of aerodynamic forces, the structural solutions and the piloting methods conceptually linked therewith which are proposed in the present group of inventions to “flying wing” or “composite wing” design layouts.

A robotic climbing platform has a chassis and a carriage adapted to support and move the chassis relative to a climbing surface. An adhesion mechanism provides an adhesion force between the climbing platform and the climbing surface. The adhesion mechanism has one or more suction pads adapted to retain an adhesion force between the climbing platform and the climbing surface during movement of the chassis relative to the climbing surface.

An aircraft provides hovercraft power via fabric fans that produce lift for supporting the craft above an underlying support surface. Fabric fans are specially configured for maximum efficiency. In one embodiment, a helicopter utilizes the fan as part of a tail rotor assembly.

A hybrid electric work vehicle having an electric traction motor driven power take off used in conjunction with a control system that monitors the hydraulic system for pressure deltas and trend vectors, and that has learning capabilities, is provided for use with a vehicle for operation on the ground. The system is usable for both open center and closed center hydraulic systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).