Amphibious vehicle

a technology of amphibious vehicles and propulsive elements, applied in the direction of propulsive elements, water acting propulsive elements, vessel construction, etc., can solve the problems of vehicle bottom out, vehicle is not able to make a smooth transition, and the driver may make an error in judging the depth of water
US20050170710A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-08-04GIBBS TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
GIBBS TECH
Publication Date
2005-08-04
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

Amphibious vehicle has at least one system which is actuated or has its mode of operation changed when the vehicle changes from land mode to water mode or vice versa. The vehicle comprises sensor means which produce an output signal which varies in relation to the proportion of the mass of the vehicle which is buoyantly supported by a body of water. The sensors may sense the position of a wheel relative to the body of the vehicle. This may be achieved by checking the position of a suspension member. The sensor means may comprise a linear sensor or a rotary sensor. The sensor may comprise a potentiometer. Control means may average the output of the sensor over time. Where several sensors are used, control means may process output signals from each sensor to provide an overall output signal. A water presence sensor, such as a thermistor, may be used to provide a second control signal.
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Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an amphibious vehicle which is adapted for use both on land and on water. In particular, the present invention relates to an amphibious vehicle having systems which need to be activated or have their mode of operation changed when the vehicle leaves land and enters water or vice versa.

[0002] Known amphibious vehicles often comprise systems which must be actuated or have their mode of operation changed when the vehicle changes from a land use mode to a water borne mode or visa versa. For example, it is known to provide amphibious vehicles with wheels and associated suspension assemblies which can be moved from a protracted position, in which they support the vehicle for land use, to a retracted position, in which the wheels are moved above the water line for use of the vehicle in water. Such an amphibious vehicle is known for example from European patent No. EP 0 742 761. When the vehicle leaves land and enters a bo...

Claims

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