Recirculating vertical wind tunnel

Abstract

A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving has at least one recirculating airflow plenum. The airflow plenum includes a first vertical member housing a flight chamber, an upper horizontal member, a second vertical member, and a lower horizontal member. The lower horizontal member has a first section and a second section. A corner section connects the second section of the lower horizontal member to the first vertical member. The second section of the lower horizontal member constricts the airflow traveling through the lower horizontal member between the first section and its exit at the corner section. The corner section further constricts the airflow exiting the second section of the lower horizontal member toward the first vertical member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to recirculating vertical wind tunnels, and in particular to tunnels for indoor skydiving. [Background technology]

[0002] These tunnels replicate the experience of outdoor skydiving in a safe, controlled indoor environment. However, recirculating vertical wind tunnels are often very expensive to build and operate, and require a significant amount of space to generate airflow strong enough to suspend one or more people, within acceptable levels of noise and energy consumption, while also maintaining a consistent quality of airflow. In many cases, it is desirable for the airflow through the flight chamber to be substantially uniform with low turbulence. In order of travel in the direction of airflow, a recirculating vertical wind tunnel generally comprises a flight chamber, a diffuser above the flight chamber, a first corner or turn, an upper horizontal plenum, a second corner or turn, a vertical return plenum, a third corner or turn, a lower horizontal plenum, a fourth corner or turn, and an inlet constriction below the flight chamber, also called a constriction duct or jet nozzle. The tunnels are designed with a single flowpath loop or multiple flowpath loops, where different airflow paths typically diverge downstream from the flight chamber (e.g., at or near the first corner) and then converge again upstream from the flight chamber (e.g., at or near the fourth corner).

[0003] Some recirculating vertical tunnel facilities locate the bottom of the tunnel structure (e.g., lower corners, lower horizontal plenum, entrance constriction, lower part of vertical return plenum) underground so that the flight chamber is at or near ground level. In this way, the structural integrity of the tunnel can be enhanced while also avoiding the need to locate the flight chamber on an upper floor of the facility, which can reduce commercial visibility / accessibility and increase associated construction costs. This design approach can also allow the facility to comply with local building height restrictions. Additionally, locating at least a portion of the flowpath circuit underground can help absorb heat and noise from the tunnel. However, due to the dimensional requirements of many recirculating vertical wind tunnel designs, substantial underground excavation is generally required to lay the necessary foundations if the flight chamber is at or near ground level. For example, the height between the base of the flight chamber and the base of the lower horizontal plenum can be approximately 25 feet (7.6 m) or more in some designs. Construction costs and project timeframes typically increase linearly with the length and width of the excavation, but exponentially with the depth of the excavation. Costs and time requirements may be further amplified depending on local soil composition and moisture content. Similarly, increasing excavation depth also creates technical challenges, such as causing increased risk of water intrusion and collapse from high lateral pressures exerted by the surrounding terrain at deeper locations. Furthermore, in some locations, it may be difficult or cost prohibitive to achieve the desired depth due to shallow bedrock. In laying the structural foundation, conventional approaches typically use injected cement to form the bottom of the wind tunnel, which generally results in a simple geometry that defines the channel cross-section, compared to preformed fabrication with custom-designed geometries manufactured from different materials to reduce construction costs. What is needed is a recirculating vertical wind tunnel with reduced height between the flight chamber and the base of the channel structure with minimal impact on tunnel efficiency or airflow quality for indoor skydiving.

[0004] Additionally, wind tunnels generally have a cable floor assembly or structure to provide support to a user standing within the flight chamber, while also allowing air currents to pass through to suspend the user during indoor skydiving. In many tunnels, the cables are attached to multiple welds located around the perimeter of the flight chamber. The welds are typically supported by separate load-bearing cross beams or other elements of the facility structure, which can increase construction costs. The cables often have various sizes to minimize the required horizontal footprint of the welds around the flight chamber, as many flight chambers are circular or substantially circular in cross section, meaning that the cable passing through the edge of the flight chamber does not need to be the same length as the cable passing through the center diameter of the flight chamber. The welds generally have a removable top cover to access the ends of the cables, which are securely attached within the welds. Thus, such designs are typically installed, replaced, and maintained from above by workers at the commercial level of the facility (e.g., the observation area or staging chamber surrounding the flight chamber). As the cables extend across the flight chamber and are attached within the welds, the inside of the welds is often in aerodynamic communication with the tunnel flow path. To prevent noise intrusion through welds into commercial areas surrounding the flight chamber, the top cover is typically sealed to prevent customer exposure to high decibel levels within the wind tunnel. Such designs have relatively expensive part manufacturing costs, subjectively less aesthetic appeal due to visible access covers surrounding the flight chamber, relatively time consuming, complicated and cumbersome installation / maintenance processes, thereby increasing labor costs and project timeframes, and a limited range of possible suppliers due to the complexity of the requirements.

[0005] Another consideration in wind tunnel design and construction is the horizontal dimension requirements of the flow passage. For example, some locations may not have the necessary space or footprint available to accommodate the horizontal length dimension requirements of a particular wind tunnel design. In this sense, smaller locations may not be feasible for wind tunnel construction. What is needed is a recirculating vertical wind tunnel with reduced dimension requirements along the length of the flow passage structure.

[0006] The foregoing description of the related art and any limitations thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification and the drawings. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods that are intended to be exemplary and not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the described problems are reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a recirculating vertical wind tunnel design. One aspect is to reduce the vertical distance or height between the base of the flight chamber and the fourth corner and / or the base of the lower horizontal plenum. Another aspect is to merge the inlet constriction and the lower fourth corner of the flight chamber into a single structure and airflow path element. Another aspect is to reduce the construction costs and time requirements associated with deep excavation if the flight chamber is located at or near ground level. Another aspect is efficient power consumption to reduce the operating costs of the tunnel. Another aspect is to minimize turbulence, friction, and pressure losses in such wind tunnels. Another aspect is to provide airflow in the flight chamber that is at least comparable in quality to conventional tunnel designs in terms of uniformity and turbulence.

[0009] These aspects relate to a vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: at least one recirculation airflow plenum, the airflow plenum including a first vertical member, an upper horizontal member, a second vertical member, and a lower horizontal member; means for providing an air flow through the air flow plenum and upwardly within the first vertical member; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of the airflow plenum; a corner section connecting the lower horizontal member and the first vertical member; a lower horizontal member having a first section and a second section, the lower horizontal member extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member, and the second section connected to a corner connecting the lower horizontal member to the first vertical member; a second section of the lower horizontal member constricting an airflow moving through the lower horizontal member between the first section and its exit into the corner section; The corner section can be filled with a vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving that further contracts the airflow exiting the second section of the lower horizontal member toward the first vertical member.

[0010] By designing the corner section connecting at least one lower horizontal member to the first vertical member with its flight chamber in such a way that the airflow moving through it is contracted, the overall height of such a vertical wind tunnel can be significantly reduced. The necessary inlet contraction upstream of the flight chamber is then provided by the corner section. The bottom of the flight chamber can therefore be located much lower than in this kind of prior art tunnel. The bottom of the flight chamber can therefore be located at the very bottom of the first vertical member. In order to provide a smooth airflow contraction, this vertical wind tunnel provides a two-stage contraction, where the two contraction steps do not necessarily have to be separated from each other and can be consecutive. One contraction zone is located in the corner section of the bottom of the first vertical member, and the upstream contraction section is located in the lower horizontal member.

[0011] It is believed that this is the first time that it has been proposed to use the bottom corner section of the first vertical member together with its flight chamber as an inlet constriction.

[0012] The advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by a tunnel having one single return airflow plenum, or two or more return airflow plenums, for example two airflow plenums, arranged on either side of the first vertical member. Furthermore, the advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved regardless of where in the return airflow plenum the fan assembly, which is the means for providing the airflow, is arranged. The fan assembly can be arranged on the upper horizontal member. It is also possible to arrange the fan assembly on the second vertical member, particularly at its upper portion.

[0013] To reduce turbulence in the converging corner section, a set of turning vanes may be placed in the corner section to redirect the airflow entering the corner section and direct it horizontally in a direction toward the flight chamber in the first vertical member. Depending on the length of guidance the turning vanes provide to the airflow, shorter turning vanes in the direction of airflow travel may be placed in the corner section. Depending on the tunnel configuration, two or more sets of turning vanes may be used. The turning vanes may be placed in an arched section of the corner section, which typically provides a portion of the plenum wall. The arched section is preferably curved in the direction of curvature in which the airflow is redirected in the corner section.

[0014] In some embodiments, another means for reducing turbulence while redirecting and constricting the airflow in the corner section is to provide a ridge at the bottom. This ridge acts like a turning vane that redirects at least the lower part of the airflow entering the corner section. If the tunnel has two return airflow plenums arranged opposite each other with respect to the first vertical member, the two ridges can typically be arranged abutting each other with their back surfaces and aligned with the vertical centerline through the flight chamber in the first vertical member. This means that the two ridges are arranged in the central protrusion of the flight chamber with their centers. The two ridges may be separate components, for example provided by a single component, or may be integrally formed in the plenum wall at this location.

[0015] Numerous further aspects of the wind tunnel are disclosed below. All features described and disclosed in a particular embodiment can also be used independently of each other. This means that the individual features and advantages of each feature, even if described together with other features, can be achieved without necessarily requiring the other features disclosed in combination with that feature.

[0016] Another aspect is to provide a cable floor assembly or structure with reduced manufacturing costs for the constituent assembly components. Another aspect is to provide a cable floor assembly that reduces the construction costs of larger wind tunnel facility buildings. Another aspect is to simplify and reduce the time required for installation of a cable floor assembly. Another aspect is to simplify and reduce the time required for maintenance of a cable floor assembly. Another aspect is to reduce the time to market for new wind tunnel structures having such cable floor assemblies. Another aspect is to increase the potential supplier pool for cable floor assemblies. Another aspect is to provide a cable floor assembly that allows for streamlined or minimal aesthetics for the floor surrounding the flight chamber. Another aspect is to provide a cable floor assembly configured for maintenance from below.

[0017] Another aspect is to provide stepped plenum bifurcations at the corners of the wind tunnel to reduce the dimensional requirements between the corners of the wind tunnel. Another aspect is stepped plenum bifurcations at the corners of the wind tunnel to provide adequate spatial clearance to accommodate ducts and / or ducted fans located immediately downstream from the corners. Another aspect is stepped plenum bifurcations at the corners of the wind tunnel to provide adequate spatial clearance to accommodate other structural elements such as support columns or beams.

[0018] Another aspect is to provide a recirculating vertical wind tunnel where the airflow plenum is separated across the vertical return member.

[0019] Another aspect is to provide a recirculating vertical wind tunnel with a flyer exchange system for controlling participant movement and environmental exchange between the flight chamber and the surrounding observation areas of the facility.

[0020] In addition to the aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings and detailed description, which form a part hereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] The present disclosure is described below with reference to the following figures:

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a recirculating vertical wind tunnel according to the prior art.

[0023] [Figure 1A] 2 shows a cross-section of the wind tunnel of FIG. 1 along line AA.

[0024] [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a recirculating vertical wind tunnel according to the present disclosure.

[0025] [Diagram 3] 3 shows a front side view of the wind tunnel of FIG. 2.

[0026] [Figure 4] 3 shows a right side view of the wind tunnel of FIG. 2.

[0027] [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the wind tunnel.

[0028] [Figure 6] 6 shows a plan cross-sectional view of the wind tunnel of FIG. 2 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

[0029] [Figure 7] 7 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the fourth corner of the wind tunnel of FIG. 2 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0030] [Figure 8] 8 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the fourth corner of the wind tunnel of FIG. 2 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

[0031] [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows a partial perspective view of the lower horizontal plenum of the wind tunnel.

[0032] [Figure 10] 10 shows a side view of the lower horizontal plenum of FIG.

[0033] [Figure 11] 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG.

[0034] [Figure 12] 12 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG.

[0035] [Figure 13] 13 shows an exploded perspective view of another embodiment with a rotating vane structure.

[0036] [Figure 14] 14 shows a side view of the rotating vane structure of FIG. 13.

[0037] [Figure 15] 15 shows a cross-sectional view through the center of the base of the rotating vane structure in the area of ​​box B of FIG. 14.

[0038] [Figure 16] 1 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment comprising a cable floor assembly.

[0039] [Figure 17] 17 shows a plan view of FIG. 16.

[0040] [Figure 18] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of one of the welds of the cable floor assembly of FIG.

[0041] [Figure 19] 19 shows an exploded view of FIG. 18.

[0042] [Figure 20] FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of the cable floor assembly of FIG.

[0043] [Figure 21] 21 shows a detailed view of box C of FIG. 20, partially cut away.

[0044] [Figure 22] 18 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG.

[0045] [Diagram 23] 23 shows a detailed view of box D in FIG. 22.

[0046] [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows a wider perspective view of FIG. 23.

[0047] [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a single return recirculation wind tunnel with stepped corner configuration.

[0048] [Figure 26] 13A-13C show partial side views of a corner of a double return recirculation wind tunnel configuration and a stepped corner configuration.

[0049] [Figure 27] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a single return recirculation wind tunnel with a contracting corner.

[0050] [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows another perspective view of the tunnel of FIG. 27.

[0051] [Figure 29] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a recirculation wind tunnel with a split return air tower.

[0052] [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 shows a side view of the tunnel of FIG. 29.

[0053] [Diagram 31]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a floor of a wind tunnel facility having a flyer exchange apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0054] [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the flyer changer.

[0055] [Diagram 33] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a recirculating vertical wind tunnel with flyer exchange system according to the present disclosure.

[0056] [Diagram 34] 34 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 34-34 of FIG.

[0057] [Diagram 35] 35 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 35-35 of FIG.

[0058] In the cross-sectional views of Figures 6, 7, 34 and 35, the interior tunnel space is generally indicated by diagonal hatching.

[0059] Before further describing the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific construction details shown in its application, as other embodiments are possible. The embodiments and figures disclosed herein are intended to be considered illustrative and not limiting. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] 1 and 1A show a recirculating vertical wind tunnel 100 according to the prior art. In order of movement in the direction of airflow, the wind tunnel 100 comprises a flight chamber 101, a diffuser 102 above the flight chamber 101, a first corner 103, an upper horizontal plenum 104, a second corner 105, a vertical return plenum 106, a third corner 107, a lower horizontal plenum 108, a fourth corner 109, and an inlet contraction 110 below the flight chamber 101. The lower horizontal plenum 108 has a first section 111 and a second section 112 with a contracting cross section. One or more fans (not shown) are disposed within the flow plenum to generate an airflow therethrough. In FIG. 1, the direction of airflow is indicated by dashed arrows. The turning vanes 113 are arranged in the corners 103, 105, 107, 109 to redirect the airflow between the diffuser 102 and the upper horizontal plenum 104, between the upper horizontal plenum 104 and the vertical return plenum 106, between the vertical return plenum 106 and the lower horizontal plenum 108, and between the lower horizontal plenum 108 and the inlet contraction 110, respectively. In FIG. 1, the positions of the turning vane structures 113 are represented by dashed lines. The speed of the airflow increases through the second section 112 of the lower horizontal plenum 108 and the decreasing cross section of the inlet contraction 110 before entering the flight chamber 101 to assist the user in indoor skydiving. The vertical wind tunnel may be provided with a single flow path loop or multiple flow path loops. In tunnels with two or more return loops, the different airflow paths typically diverge at or near a first corner 103 above the flight chamber 101 and converge at or near a fourth corner 109 below the flight chamber 101. Multi-path wind tunnels are generally symmetrical in design. Although typically more expensive to build than flight chambers with rectangular cross sections, flight chambers with circular or substantially circular cross sections typically have a more uniform and less turbulent airflow because the hard corners of the rectangular cross section create turbulence. Similarly, the four corners of the inlet constriction 110 also introduce turbulence into the airflow entering the flight chamber 101.

[0061] 2-8 show one possible embodiment of a recirculating vertical wind tunnel 200 according to the present disclosure. In order of movement in the direction of airflow, the wind tunnel 200 comprises a flight chamber 201, a diffuser 202 above the flight chamber 201, a first corner 203, an upper horizontal plenum 204, a second corner 205, a vertical return plenum 206, a third corner 207, a lower horizontal plenum 208, and a fourth or converging corner 209. The wind tunnel 200 has two symmetric airflow return paths that diverge at the first corner 203 and converge at the fourth corner 209. The following description generally refers to only one side or loop of the wind tunnel 200 for convenience and brevity. It is understood that both sides of the wind tunnel 200 are structurally identical unless otherwise stated. In other embodiments, the wind tunnel 200 can have a single return flow path (see FIGS. 27 and 28) or three or more return flow paths (not shown). The single return recirculating vertical wind tunnel of FIGS. 27 and 28 is designed in principle the same as the wind tunnel 200 of FIGS. 2 to 8 and will not be described in further detail here. The upper horizontal plenum 204 has two ducted fans 210 that generate airflow through the wind tunnel 200. Other embodiments can have one fan 210 or three or more fans 210. Additionally, the fans 210 can be located at other locations along the flow path loop, including locations not within the upper horizontal plenum 204. Additionally, multiple fans 210 can be provided in a single plenum rather than separate plenums as shown. The scope and spirit of the present disclosure is not so limited. Simulations have shown that the double-return wind tunnel 200 achieves comparable airflow quality (for indoor skydiving purposes) within the flight chamber 201 as conventional tunnel designs, for example, in terms of turbulence, shear, and velocity map uniformity.

[0062] The third corner 207 may have a relatively wide rectangular configuration to reduce excavation depth. For example, if the cross section of the third corner 207 at the junction with the lower horizontal plenum 208 was more square, the required height of the third corner 207 along the vertical dimension would need to be increased to maintain the same cross-sectional area through the third corner for the purpose of reducing airflow friction. By widening the third corner 207 horizontally, the depth requirement is reduced while the lateral footprint requirement of the foundation is increased, which results in a net savings on excavation costs if the flight chamber is located at or near ground level. The vertical return plenum 206 may share the widened shape of the third corner 207 at the junction of the vertical return plenum 206 and the third corner 207. Similarly, the lower horizontal plenum 208 may also share the widened shape of the third corner 207 at the junction of the lower horizontal plenum 208 and the third corner 207.

[0063] The lower horizontal plenum 208 may comprise a first section 211 and a second section 212. In the direction of airflow, the vertical return plenum 206 transitions into the first section 211 of the lower horizontal plenum 208 through the third corner 207. The first section 211 then transitions into the second section 212 of the lower horizontal plenum 208. The second section 212 is connected to the fourth or contracting corner 209 below the flight chamber 201. If the vertical return plenum 206 and / or the third corner 207 have a rectangular cross section, the first section 211 of the lower horizontal plenum 208 may also have a substantially rectangular cross section. Of course, these plenums 206, 207, 208 may have different shapes other than rectangular, including other polygonal or curved shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, or substantially so), including different combinations thereof. Flat walls forming rectangular geometries are generally used in these locations of the flow passage to reduce construction costs and complexity, even though hard corners can introduce additional turbulence into the airflow, which typically increases when using curved or multi-sided geometries.

[0064] The first section 211 of the lower horizontal plenum 208 may include a corner transition 213 for transition to the second section 212 of the lower horizontal plenum 208. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross section of the flow passage at the junction between the first section 211 and the second section 212 is generally rectangular with a rounded apex. The upper corner of the first section 211 gradually transitions to such a rounded corner of the second section 212 between the hard corner near the third corner 208 via the corner transition 213. In some embodiments, the corner transition 213 may extend along at least a majority of the longitudinal length of the first section 211. In other embodiments, the corner transition 213 may extend along at least ⅔ of the longitudinal length of the first section 211. Additionally, the corner portion 213 may extend along at least ¾ of the length of the first section 211, including along the entire or substantially the entire longitudinal length of the first section 211. The corner transition 213 helps to reduce turbulence downstream of the upper corner of the second section 212.

[0065] The second section 212 of the lower horizontal plenum 208, when viewed along the longitudinal axis (see FIG. 7), contracts from a generally rectangular cross-section with rounded corners at the junction with the first section 211 to a generally semi-oval or semi-elliptical cross-section at the junction with the fourth corner 209. Other descriptive terms for this cross-sectional shape can include half stadium, tunnel, rainbow, etc., which refer to a flat or substantially flat bottom / base side bounded by an arch. The flow passage cross-section of the second section 212 contracts in both the vertical and horizontal directions between the first section 211 and the fourth corner 209. This geometric contraction increases the velocity of the airflow entering the fourth corner 209. The smooth transition of the cross-sectional geometry as it contracts along the longitudinal length of the second section 212 (between the first section 211 and the fourth corner 209) also promotes low turbulence airflow during the acceleration of the airflow therethrough. Additionally, this contraction of the second section 212 positions the flow path cross section for a smooth transition to and through the fourth corner 209. The generally semi-oval or generally semi-elliptical cross-sectional geometry of the second section 212 at the fourth corner 209, when rotated in a horizontal plane through the fourth corner 209, facilitates the formation of a generally circular horizontal cross section for the ascending airflow at the exit of the fourth corner 209 below the flight chamber 201, which allows for a shorter, less turbulent contraction.

[0066] The contraction corner 209 redirects the airflow in the lower horizontal plenum 208 upwards directly into the flight chamber 201. At the same time, the contraction corner 209 also reduces the total cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path between the lower horizontal plenum 208 and the base of the flight chamber 201, thereby increasing the speed of the airflow for the suspension of the user in the flight chamber 201. In embodiments with two or more return loops, the contraction corner 209 also merges the separate airflows before they enter the flight chamber 201. By integrating the fourth corner and the inlet constriction together into a single structure, the need for a separate inlet constriction structure below the flight chamber is eliminated. In this manner, the vertical distance between the base of the flight chamber 201 and the contraction corner 209 and / or the base of the lower horizontal plenum 208 can be significantly reduced.

[0067] For example, the height of the tunnel flow path between the base of the fourth or contraction corner 209 and the base of the flight chamber 201 can be reduced by about 35% over a comparable wind tunnel design without significantly sacrificing efficiency. This can correspond to a height of about 10 feet or more. The height savings also corresponds to a shortening of the overall tunnel flow path. With the disclosed designs, both reduced excavation construction and overall up-grade construction are feasible. Benefits include construction cost savings, construction time savings, and reduced construction risks. Additionally, the reduced height requirement makes it feasible to build in height-restricted locations.

[0068] Specifically, in a particular embodiment, in the case of a double loop recirculating wind tunnel, the height between the base of the flight chamber 201 and the base of the contraction corner 209 (or the lower horizontal plenum 208) can be realized to be 1.3 times the diameter of the flight chamber 201 or less. In other words, [the vertical distance between the base of the flight chamber and the base of the contraction corner] ≦ [1.3 times the diameter of the flight chamber]. In the case of a single loop recirculating wind tunnel, in a particular embodiment, the height between the base of the flight chamber 201 and the base of the contraction corner 209 (or the lower horizontal plenum 208) can be realized to be 1.9 times the diameter of the flight chamber 201 or less. In other words, it is as follows: [the vertical distance between the base of the flight chamber and the base of the contraction corner] ≦ [1.9 times the diameter of the flight chamber].

[0069] With regard to cost, and therefore potential savings, it should be understood that the cost of building a wind tunnel is location dependent. Factors include the cost of tunnel materials, labor costs, cost of transporting materials to the location, cost of earthworks for a particular location, etc. Factors can also vary by quality and availability. Timing can further affect costs, both in terms of project timeframes and market forces. In other words, each project has its own challenges and circumstances that make direct comparisons between completed tunnel locations difficult. Based on available data and project estimates, a wind tunnel according to the present disclosure can save approximately US$20,000 to US$100,000 per foot of excavation, with an estimated average of approximately US$40,000. This can range to over US$400,000 per construction. Some projects can realize savings of over US$1,000,000. These savings can compensate for increased costs elsewhere, such as custom manufacturing, transportation, or use of relatively expensive materials (if any). Aside from excavation depth considerations, it seems counterintuitive that the complex geometry and curvature of contraction corners according to the present disclosure can provide cost savings over more basic geometries (e.g., rectangular corners made from poured concrete). However, when molds are created for curved wall plenums (e.g., lower horizontal plenum section 212) that can be reused in future projects of the same model, costs can actually be saved compared to pouring concrete. For example, using a preformed fiberglass plenum with complex curvatures can generate savings of up to $100,000 USD in parts and installation costs compared to poured concrete of simple plenum shapes (e.g., flat walls), which offsets potential increases in transportation and material costs. With height reduction, costs for concrete (Construction Specification Institute (CSI) 2012 Division Code 03) and earthworks (CSI 2012 Division Code 31) can be significantly reduced, on the order of hundreds of thousands of dollars.In particular, significant savings can be realized depending on the location of the tunnel, as site moisture, soil type, bedrock depth, etc. alone can significantly increase excavation and required earthwork costs, in some cases totaling over US$1,000,000 for particularly challenging construction locations. Additionally, in accordance with the present disclosure, the average project time frame is estimated to be initially reduced by one to two months. Such time savings cannot be appreciated in terms of containing project costs and accelerating revenue from the opening of a wind tunnel facility. Again, it should be understood that every construction project is unique and dependent on the interplay of multiple factors; that is, the potential savings described herein may not be realized in each instance. However, limited data and current estimates reveal that significant savings are generally expected in constructing a wind tunnel having a contraction corner design according to the present disclosure, regardless of the specific project location.

[0070] The contraction corner 209 comprises a smooth or substantially smooth curvature throughout the plenum wall transition. This structure also reduces turbulence through the corner 209. In a double-return or double-loop wind tunnel design (see FIGS. 2-8), the contraction corner 209 can be described as comprising two curved arches 214. The bottom surfaces of each of the lower horizontal plenums 208 join to form a centerline 215 at one end of the contraction corner 209 along the horizontal axis of the wind tunnel 200. This centerline 215 can thus be said to form the base of the contraction corner 209. The arches 214 of the contraction corner 209 each span upward from the end of the centerline 215 at an angle away from each other, defining the cross-sectional geometry of the flow path at the plenum wall transition between the second section 212 of each lower horizontal plenum 208 and the flight chamber 201. In this manner, the arches 214 form a V-shape bisected by the transverse axis of the tunnel 200, with the centerline 215 formed at the lowest or base midpoint of the V-shape (see FIG. 8). Each arch 214 is located where the ductwork of the contracting corner 209 joins the ductwork of the lower horizontal plenum 208. However, it should be understood that the arches 214 need not be formed by separate structures along the transition of the plenum walls, per se. For example, at least a portion of the lower horizontal plenum 208 and the contracting corner 209 may be formed in a single piece. The arches 214 describe points in space along the plenum transition, and are not necessarily formed by or provided as separate structures at the physical joints between the plenum segments. Similarly, any delineation between "corner" and "plenum" herein is for convenience of explanation, as it is possible to join the flowpath structures of the wind tunnel 200 at different locations.

[0071] Moreover, the centerline 215 constitutes a ridge in the illustrated embodiment. Here, the ridge 215 is formed by the bottom surface of each of the lower horizontal plenums 208 rotating upward to meet at the centerline 215. In other embodiments, the ridge 215 may be formed by one or more components located at this location (e.g., if the bottom surface of the lower horizontal plenum 208 is flat or substantially flat and does not rotate upward itself to form a ridge). The ridge 215 helps to redirect the airflow along the bottom surface of each lower horizontal plenum 208 upward into the contracting corner 209 and reduce turbulence where the airflows meet, at least compared to an embodiment that does not have an upwardly protruding ridge structure where the airflows along the bottom surface meet at the top. However, it should be understood that the ridge is not strictly required to realize the benefits of the present disclosure and, in fact, may not be present in other embodiments. In that case, the centerline 215 (the lowest point or base midpoint of the V-shape described above) may be provided as a flat or substantially flat surface. For example, the bottom surface of the plenum 208 may meet flat or substantially flat at the centerline location, depending on the particular construction, or the centerline 215 may be located along the surface of a single plenum component at this location. In a single return embodiment, the centerline 215 may be located where the bottom surface of the lower horizontal plenum 208 meets the vertical or substantially vertical end wall of the contracting corner 209, for example, at a hard edge or via a curved transition. Thus, similar to the arch 214, the centerline 215 represents a point in space.

[0072] Nonetheless, using these conventions, the contraction corner 209 transitions smoothly from the circular base of the flight chamber 201 to a point along one of the arches 214. Along the longitudinal axis of the lower horizontal plenum 208, the smooth transition of the plenum wall at the contraction corner 209 comprises a single or substantially single curvature as it moves between the base of the flight chamber 201 and the apex of the respective arch 214 (see FIG. 8). Other embodiments may comprise a slight S-shaped double curvature profile here. Along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in a horizontal plane, the smooth transition of the walls of the contraction corner 209 comprises an S-shaped, double-curved profile as it moves between the base of the flight chamber 201 and the end of each arch 214 at the centerline or ridge 215 (see FIG. 7). The walls of the contraction corner 209 do not comprise any hard angle corners. All surfaces are smooth with transitions made through curves. This promotes aerodynamic efficiency while minimizing turbulence. The cross section of the second section 212 of the lower horizontal plenum 208 may be semi-elliptical as it approaches the contraction corner 209, with each angled arch 214 defining the top and side walls of the lower horizontal plenum 208 at its junction with the contraction corner 209. The base of the lower horizontal plenum 208 may be flat, substantially flat, or curved, as described below.

[0073] The bottom surface or floor 216 of the lower horizontal plenum 208, or the lower horizontal plenum 208 and the third corner 207 and / or the fourth corner 209, can be configured to drain liquid that may accumulate in the wind tunnel 200. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, for example, the entire or nearly the entire bottom surface 216 on either side of the fourth corner 209 may be cup-shaped. A drain may be provided at the lowest point 217 of each cup-shaped surface 216. In some embodiments, the lowest point 217 of the floor 216 may be located at the junction between the first section 211 and the second section along a central longitudinal axis through the lower horizontal plenum 208 (see FIG. 5). In this manner, the "drop" of the floor 216 along the longitudinal axis in and after the third corner 207 can help accommodate directional changes in the airflow entering the lower horizontal plenum 208 through the third corner 207. Thus, the "rise" of the floor 216 along the longitudinal axis as it moves through the second section 212 between the first section 211 and the contraction corner 209 can coincide with the contraction of the flow path in the second section 212. Similarly, along the transverse axis, the bowl shape of the bottom floor 216 can further reduce turbulence therethrough. The reduction in the vertical depth of the floor 216 along the perimeter of the bowl shape can provide further drilling savings. To this end, in some embodiments, the base of the third corner 207 can be positioned vertically higher than the base of the fourth corner 209. A pump can be provided to aid in the accumulation of effluent.

[0074] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the lower horizontal plenum 208 including a first section 211 (partial view) and a second section 212. In this embodiment, the second section 212 has a two-piece structure with a constriction 218 connected to the first section 211 and a constant cross-sectional area transition 219 connecting to the constriction corner 209. Furthermore, the floor 216 of the lower horizontal plenum 208, which completes the closed flow path of the airflow, is provided separately from the plenum wall structure. For example, the floor 216 may be concrete to reduce costs, while the wall structure may be fiberglass or other material manufactured to a specific shape, which generally increases costs. This is another example of how the flow path structure described herein can be alternatively constructed and assembled within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Similarly, the transition 219 can be characterized as part of the lower horizontal plenum 208 or as part of the constriction corner 209. As in the illustrated embodiment, the first section 211 does not have to be shaped to form a corner transition 213. 10-12, the corner transition 213 may be a separate structure (e.g., a plate) attached to the inside of the plenum of the first section 211. In this manner, the first section 211 may be constructed with flat or substantially flat walls to reduce cost. The corner transition 213 defines the cross-section of the flow path through the first section 211 at the corner. The corner transition 213 may be shaped to smoothly contract the cross-section of the flow path as it moves between a hard corner near the third corner 207 to a rounded or nearly rounded corner at the junction with the second section 212.

[0075] 13 and 14 show another embodiment in which the arch 214 of the contracting corner 209 corresponds to a frame structure 220 comprising a plurality of turning vanes 221. In the illustrated embodiment, each side of the frame structure 220 is connected laterally to the transition 219 of the second section 212, but the lower horizontal plenum 208 can have other structures. In the above, the frame structure 220 is connected to the contracting corner 209. The turning vanes 221 are configured to redirect the airflow upwards towards the flight chamber 201. The turning vanes 221, and therefore the arch 214, are arranged at an incline from the horizontal plane. As seen in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 14, the arch 214 can be inclined, for example, at about 45°. As seen in FIG. 15, the center line 215 - which corresponds to the ridge 215 in the illustrated embodiment - can be provided in some embodiments by a structure (e.g., a plate) separate from the adjacent plenum floor. As mentioned above, the ridge 215 may be omitted in some embodiments. The raised components improve the uniformity of the flow through the center of the flight chamber by swirling the airflow upward along the bottom surface of the plenum 208, as do the turning vanes, but are not strictly necessary to realize all the advantages of the present disclosure described herein. The turning vanes 221 may be hollow or may include channels for flowing cooling fluid to counteract frictional heating from the recirculating airflow. The frame structure 220 may provide structural support to the contraction corner 209 and thus the portion of the tunnel 200 attached above the contraction corner 209. Thus, the frame structure 220 may be load-bearing and securely attached to the floor adjacent to the tunnel plenum. Of course, other structures (e.g., building support beams) may also provide structural support to the tunnel components, in which case the frame structure 220 need not be load-bearing, depending on the design.

[0076] 16 to 25, in a further embodiment, the wind tunnel 200 also comprises a cable floor assembly or structure 222. The cable floor assembly 222 can be attached to the frame structure 220 as in the embodiment of Figs. 13 to 15. In this way, the cable floor assembly 222 is integrally supported by the structure of the wind tunnel 200, which eliminates the need to provide a separate load-bearing element to support the cable floor assembly 222, thereby reducing the construction costs of the wind tunnel facility. The cable floor assembly 222 comprises a number of cables 223 that form a floor within the flight chamber 201 on which a user can stand and through which airflow can pass to suspend the user. The cable floor assembly 222 also comprises a number of casings or welds 224 around the flight chamber 201. 18 and 19, each of the welds 224 can have a mounting plate 225 for securely mounting an end of the cable 223 thereon, a fairing 226 (see FIGS. 23 and 24) that forms part of the airflow plenum wall at the junction of the flight chamber 201 with the contraction corner 209, and a cover plate 227 that provides a floor adjacent the flight chamber 201 at the observation level of the wind tunnel facility. The cover plate can be configured to mount panels 228 that form the walls of the flight chamber 201.

[0077] As seen in FIG. 21 (including oval cut-out areas to show additional components), all of the cables 223 can be the same length and arranged in a square or substantially square profile pattern across the base of the flight chamber 201. In this way, cable manufacturing and replacement costs can be reduced because a single cable specification is utilized for the entire floor. This can also increase the pool of suitable suppliers for the cables 223. Each cable 223 is attached to an eyebolt 229. The eyebolt 229 extends through the mounting plate 225 of the respective weldment 224 and is attached to a compression spring 230 via a nut 231 and washer 232 under tension (although other coupling components may also be used). A bushing 233 can reduce wear on the eyebolt 229 and hold it in proper alignment. Thus, each cable 223 is held in tension across the flight chamber 201 and configured to flexibly absorb forces (e.g., from a user falling to prevent injury) via the compression spring 230. This mounting configuration allows the cable 223 itself to be easily replaced, if necessary, without the need to disassemble other components from the mounting plate 225 as well.

[0078] As seen in Figures 23 and 24, the fairing 226 at the weld 224 includes an opening or slot that allows the cable 223 to exit the flight chamber 201 for attachment to the mounting plate 225. The fairing 226 overlaps the plenum wall of the contraction corner 209 at the base of the flight chamber 201 to form a continuous surface therebetween. The panel 228 is securely attached to the cover plate 227 around the fairing 226 to define the walls of the flight chamber 201. For example, the panel 228 may be placed on a setting block to align the inner surface of the panel 228 with the inner surface of the fairing 226, a retaining angle may be fastened to the top surface of the cover plate 227 on either side of the panel 228, and a structural adhesive may be applied in the channel between the retaining angle and the fairing 226 to secure the panel 228 in place. The panel 228 may be curved, flat, or a mixture thereof, depending on the desired cross-sectional geometry of the flight chamber 201 for a particular design. Panels 228 are generally made from a transparent material to allow observation of the activity occurring within flight chamber 201 from other areas of the wind tunnel facility.

[0079] It should be appreciated that the cable floor assembly 222 can be accessed from below, rather than above, the welds 224 for maintenance. In this manner, the cover plate 227 does not need to be accessible from the commercial area surrounding the flight chamber 201, nor does it necessarily need to be sealed. Instead, a finished floor (e.g., carpet, wood, tile, composite, etc.) may be installed over the cover plate 227 to provide the customer with a streamlined or minimal aesthetic of the floor surrounding the flight chamber 201. For maintenance, such as checking or replacing components of the cable floor assembly, the frame 220 can be provided with a passageway that facilitates access to the cables 223 and mounting plate 225 from below the welds 224 (see FIG. 16). Additionally, the underfloor or underground area surrounding the fourth corner 209 is generally already vented to the airflow plenum via an opening in the flyer staging area chamber adjacent to the flight chamber inlet to equalize pressure therebetween, meaning that this cable floor design does not adversely affect the environmental conditions in this typically non-public area. Additionally, the base plate does not need to cover the bottom of or structurally attach welds to isolate load-bearing cross beams or other supporting elements of the wind tunnel equipment structure, which further reduces construction / manufacturing costs and simplifies the assembly process.

[0080] In a particular embodiment of a double-return recirculating wind tunnel, the height between the cable 223 and the bottom of the tunnel plenum below (or the base of the corner) is less than or equal to 1.3 times the diameter of the flight chamber. In other words: [vertical distance between the cable and the base of the corner] <= [1.3 times the diameter of the flight chamber]. In a particular embodiment of a single-loop recirculating wind tunnel, the height between the cable 223 and the bottom of the tunnel plenum below (or the base of the corner) is less than or equal to 1.9 times the diameter of the flight chamber. In other words: [vertical distance between the cable and the base of the corner] <= [1.9 times the diameter of the flight chamber].

[0081] With reference to FIG. 25 (showing a single return flow path) and FIG. 26 (showing a dual return flow path), a recirculating wind tunnel 300 according to the present disclosure may further comprise a stepped turn 301 at one or more of the corners 302 of the wind tunnel 300. Although the stepped turn 301 is shown at a first corner, it should be understood that the stepped turn 301 may be provided at other corners 302 of the wind tunnel as desired. The stepped turn 301 splits the flow path of the plenum 303 into two or more flow paths. In the illustrated embodiment, the corner exit flow path corresponds to a duct 304 that includes a fan 305 that generates the airflow through the wind tunnel 300. It should be further understood that the duct 304 does not necessarily have to house the fan 305. A rotating vane structure 306 may be provided in the corners 302 at the inlet of each of the ducts 304 to redirect the airflow between the plenum 303 and the ducts 304. With this configuration, the stepped turn 301 bifurcates the airflow to provide space or clearance 307 between adjacent ducts 304. For example, the stepped turn 301 can be used to create a suitable separation between multiple individual ducted fans 305, which can reduce the required tunnel flow path length along the longitudinal axis through the ducts 304, since the fans 305 can be placed closer to the corners 302 via the stepped turn 301. In other embodiments, the stepped turn 301 can create a separation to accommodate and remove elements (e.g., structural beams / columns, vents, electrical wiring, etc.) placed within the space 307. Thus, the dimensional footprint of the wind tunnel 300 can be reduced, which can enable wind tunnel construction in locations with limited space. Similarly, the creation of the space or clearance 307 can provide additional freedom and options in facility design. Furthermore, the benefits of the stepped turn 301 are not necessarily limited to vertical wind tunnels. Horizontal wind tunnels may also utilize this stepped turn configuration to achieve such benefits within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0082] 29 and 30, a further embodiment of a recirculating wind tunnel 400 according to the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the wind tunnel 400 can be designed in the same manner as the above embodiment, which means that the above description applies equally to this embodiment, except that the second corner and the vertical return plenum of the wind tunnel 400 are divided into multiple flow paths. The wind tunnel 400 comprises a first return air tower 402 and a second return air tower 404. The return air towers 402, 404 correspond to the second corner and the vertical return plenum. The return air towers 402, 404 provide separate parallel flow paths for the air flow. Thus, in this embodiment, the air flow is separated between each side or loop of the wind tunnel 400 at the first corner, and between the two flow paths through the upper horizontal plenum, the second corner, and the vertical return plenum. The flow paths of the return air towers 402, 404 can then be rejoined at the third corner. In the illustrated embodiment, the return air towers 402, 404 are physically separated by a gap (see FIG. 30), although other embodiments may have a physical separation structure shared by both return air towers with no gap between them (e.g., a plenum partition wall defining a portion of both return air tower flow paths). This division between the return air towers 402, 404 allows the vertical return plenum to expand more quickly (increase in cross-sectional area) between the second and third corners without causing airflow separation from the plenum walls, which separation would result in increased turbulence, instability, and loss of efficiency. If the cross-sectional areas of the second and third corners are kept constant, the length of the vertical return plenum can thus be reduced using the split return air towers 402, 404 compared to a single-path vertical return plenum without airflow wall separation due to improved wall divergence capability over the same distance. The reduction in length or height of the vertical return plenum allows for a reduction in the overall height of the tunnel 400 and correspondingly the facility housing the tunnel 400. The height reduction advantages discussed above with respect to contraction corners also apply here. It should be appreciated that the separation of the return air towers 402, 404 discussed above may be incorporated into the wind tunnel 200 described above.

[0083] 31 and 32, the recirculating vertical wind tunnel according to the present disclosure may further comprise a flyer exchange system 500. FIG. 31 shows a partial floor plan of a schematic wind tunnel facility around the area of ​​the flight chamber. The wind tunnel comprises a flight chamber 502 having a circular or substantially circular cross section, and participants participate in indoor skydiving, although other embodiments may include cross sections of different shapes. A control room 504 is located adjacent to the flight chamber 502, allowing facility personnel to monitor flyer activity (e.g., whether participants are injured) and tunnel conditions (e.g., temperature, wind speed, etc.) and control the tunnel system as needed. An enclosed corridor 506 connects the flight chamber 502 to the flyer exchange device 500. For example, participants can travel between the corridor 506 and the flight chamber 502 by proceeding through an open door frame formed in the wall of the flight chamber 502. The corridor 506 is sealed off from the facility's surrounding observation area 508. The flyer exchange device 500 comprises a sealed chamber with two opposing doors. One door, an exterior door 510, is connected to the observation area 508. The other door, an interior door 512, is connected to the corridor 506. When a participant wants to enter the wind tunnel, the exterior door 510 of the flyer exchange device 500 is first opened. The participant then enters the flyer exchange system 500 from the observation area 508 through the exterior door 510. The exterior door 510 is then closed. Once the participant enters the interior of the flyer exchange device 500 with the exterior door 510 closed, the interior door 512 can be opened. The participant then exits the flyer exchange device 500 through the interior door 512 and enters the corridor 506. At this point, the participant can proceed through the corridor 506 to enter the flight chamber 502. The interior door 512 can then be closed. The participant can exit the wind tunnel in the reverse process.

[0084] Operation of the doors 510, 512 may be automatic, manual, or both. For example, opening and / or closing may be operated by push buttons or another input device from the operator control room 504. Similarly, push buttons or other input devices may be provided on the doors 510, 512 themselves for operation by participants, such as inside the flyer exchange 500 and / or corridor 506. Automated timed operations may also be used to control the timing at which the doors 510, 512 are opened and / or closed, as well as the sequence in which particular doors are opened and / or closed. Sensors may also be used for automatic door operation. Additionally, an RFID or bar / QR code reader may be provided in proximity to the exterior door 510 to scan a wristband or key card worn by a participant to verify entry authorization before the exterior door 510 is opened.

[0085] It should therefore be appreciated that the flyer exchange apparatus 500 provides a controlled, continuous mechanism for exchanging flyers between the flight chamber 502 and the observation area 508. Pressure and noise exchange between the flight chamber 502 and the observation area 508 is prevented or reduced via a two-door system. User access can be controlled and tracked via an authentication scanning method. Furthermore, visibility of the flight chamber 502 from the surrounding observation area 508 is unobstructed compared to conventional wind tunnel facilities that have an entire staging area chamber to accommodate batches of participants that extend around the flight chamber perimeter. This aspect also frees up additional floor space for the observation area 508 adjacent to the flight chamber 502 for other uses.

[0086] 33 to 35 show an embodiment of a recirculating vertical wind tunnel according to the present disclosure having a flyer exchange system 500. A commercial floor of a facility (not shown) is generally aligned with the base of the flight chamber 502, the corridor 506, and the flyer exchange device 500. The commercial floor separates the space above it (e.g., the observation area 508 surrounding the flight chamber 502) from the space below it (e.g., the surrounding areas such as the contraction corner, the lower horizontal plenum, etc.). As seen in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, the corridor 506 can be in aerodynamic communication with at least one atmospheric vent 514. For example, the floor of the corridor 506 can be provided with one or more openings connecting the interior of the corridor 506 to the interior of the atmospheric vent 514. The atmospheric vent 514 can be in aerodynamic communication with the exterior environment of the building or with the space below the commercial floor (e.g., the surrounding areas such as the contraction corner, the lower horizontal plenum, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the air vent 514 is a closed conduit that extends to connect to the outside of the building, rather than opening into a space below the commercial floor that could cause an air draft in this space. The air flow between the corridor 506 and the air vent 514 is represented in the drawing by a line with an arrow. Thus, the pressure in the corridor 506 is equalized through the aerodynamic communication with the air vent 514. This reduces noise (e.g., pressure wave impulse noise) and improves the comfort of users in the corridor 506. In this embodiment with the ventilation corridor 506, the double doors 510, 512 of the flyer exchange device 500 act to control user access and reduce noise exchange, rather than preventing pressure exchange between the corridor 506 and the commercial or observation area 508.

[0087] While several aspects and embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions, and subcombinations therefor. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, and subcombinations that are within their true spirit and scope. Each embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.

[0088] The terms and expressions used are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by certain embodiments and optional features, it should be understood that modifications and variations of the concepts disclosed herein may be used by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Whenever ranges are given in this specification, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values ​​included in the given ranges, are intended to be included in the disclosure. Whenever Markush groups or other groupings are used in this specification, all individual members of the group and all possible combinations and subcombinations of the group are intended to be included individually in the disclosure.

[0089] Generally, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meanings that can be found by reference to standard texts, literature, journal references and contexts known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The above definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of the present invention.

[0090] Thus, one possible claim set according to the present disclosure could include: 1. A contraction corner for a recirculating vertical wind tunnel, comprising: the constricted corner is disposed at least partially beneath a flight chamber of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel, the flight chamber including a wall-to-wall airflow capable of flying one or more persons; a constriction corner connects the flight chamber to one or more lower horizontal plenums of the vertical wind tunnel; the contracting corner includes a rotating vane structure having a ridge and one or more arches; A ridge is formed at one end of the contracted corner; One or more arches span between the ends of the ridge and slope upwardly; A contraction corner, characterized in that a wall of the contraction corner comprises a contraction transition between one or more lower horizontal plenums of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel and the flight chamber, directly connecting with the flight chamber, thereby reducing the height of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel. 2. The contraction corner of claim 1, further comprising an inlet contraction oriented vertically about a central axis of the flight chamber and disposed between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 3. A constriction corner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 4. A constricting corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lower horizontal plenums are directly connected to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 5. The constricting corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define an airflow path through the constricting corner. 6. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the converging corner form at least a partially S-shaped profile between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 7. The converging corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the converging corner connects the flight chamber to two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​an airflow path at the converging corner between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of about 2:1. 8. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the converging corner connects the flight chamber to two lower horizontal plenums, and wherein an airflow path through the converging corner transitions between a semi-oval cross-section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums and a circular or substantially circular cross-section in the flight chamber. 9. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. 10. The constricting corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 11. The constricting corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane configured to redirect airflow from the one or more lower horizontal plenums upwardly into the flight chamber. 12. A constricting corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of a vertical wind tunnel. 13. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridge of the rotating vane structure extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to air flow through the one or more lower horizontal plenums. 14. The constricted corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridge of the rotating vane structure is aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 15. A constriction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridge of the rotating vane structure comprises a curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 16. A constriction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the airflow path of the vertical wind tunnel, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 17. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor structure is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor structure including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 18. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the contraction corner is about 4m or less.

[0091] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A contraction corner for a recirculating vertical wind tunnel, comprising: the constricted corner is disposed at least partially beneath a flight chamber of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel; A constriction corner connects the flight chamber to the horizontal plenum of the vertical wind tunnel; the contracting corner has a rotating vane structure having a ridge and an arch; A ridge is formed at the base of the contracted corner; an arch spanning between the ends of the ridge and sloping upwardly toward the flight chamber; A constriction corner, characterized in that a wall of the constriction corner provides a transition between a horizontal plenum and a flight chamber of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel, thereby constricting the airflow between the horizontal plenum and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the height of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel. 2. The contraction corner of claim 1, further comprising an inlet contraction oriented vertically about a central axis of the flight chamber and disposed between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 3. A constriction corner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to the arch of the rotating vane structure. 4. A constricting corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of the rotating vane structure. 5. The constricting corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an arch of the rotating frame structure at least partially defines an airflow path through the constricting corner. 6. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the converging corner form at least a partially S-shaped profile between the flight chamber and the arch of the rotating vane structure. 7. A converging corner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the airflow path through the converging corner transitions between a semi-oval cross-section in the lower horizontal plenum and a circular or substantially circular cross-section in the flight chamber. 8. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arch of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. 9. The constriction corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across an arch of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 10. A constricting corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of a vertical wind tunnel. 11. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridge of the rotating vane structure extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air flow through the lower horizontal plenum. 12. A constriction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridge of the rotating vane structure comprises a curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 13. A constriction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the airflow path of the vertical wind tunnel, the arch of the rotating vane structure being attached to the frame structure. 14. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor structure is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor structure including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 15. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the contraction corner is about 4m or less.

[0092] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A contraction corner for a recirculating vertical wind tunnel, comprising: the constricted corner is disposed at least partially beneath a flight chamber of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel, the flight chamber including a wall-to-wall airflow capable of flying one or more persons; a constriction corner connects the flight chamber to one or more lower horizontal plenums of the vertical wind tunnel; the contracting corner includes a rotating vane structure having a centerline and one or more arches; A centerline is formed at one end of the contracted corner and one or more arches extend upwardly between the ends of the centerline; A contraction corner, characterized in that a wall of the contraction corner comprises a contraction transition between one or more lower horizontal plenums of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel and the flight chamber, directly connecting with the flight chamber, thereby reducing the height of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel. 2. The contraction corner of claim 1, further comprising an inlet contraction oriented vertically about a central axis of the flight chamber and disposed between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 3. A constriction corner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 4. A constricting corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lower horizontal plenums are directly connected to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 5. The constricting corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define an airflow path through the constricting corner. 6. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the converging corner form an at least partially S-shaped, double-curved profile between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 7. The converging corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the converging corner connects the flight chamber to two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​an airflow path at the converging corner between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of about 2:1. 8. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the converging corner connects the flight chamber to two lower horizontal plenums, and wherein an airflow path through the converging corner transitions between a semi-oval cross-section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums and a circular or substantially circular cross-section in the flight chamber. 9. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. 10. The constricting corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 11. The constricting corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane configured to redirect airflow from the one or more lower horizontal plenums upwardly into the flight chamber. 12. A constricting corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of a vertical wind tunnel. 13. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a centreline of the rotating vane structure extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to airflow through the one or more lower horizontal plenums. 14. The constricted corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a centerline of the rotating vane structure is aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 15. A constriction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure comprises a ridge having a curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 16. A constriction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the airflow path of the vertical wind tunnel, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 17. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor assembly is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor assembly including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 18. The constriction corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a double-loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height of the constriction corner is ≦(flight chamber diameter×1.3). 19. The constriction corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a single loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height of the constriction corner is ≦(flight chamber diameter×1.9).

[0093] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A contraction corner for a recirculating vertical wind tunnel, comprising: the constricted corner is disposed at least partially beneath a flight chamber of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel; A constriction corner connects the flight chamber to the horizontal plenum of the vertical wind tunnel; the converging corner having a rotating vane structure having a centerline and an arch, the centerline being formed at a base of the converging corner; an arch spanning between the centerline ends and sloping upwardly toward the flight chamber; A constriction corner, characterized in that a wall of the constriction corner provides a transition between a horizontal plenum and a flight chamber of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel, thereby constricting the airflow between the horizontal plenum and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the height of the recirculating vertical wind tunnel. 2. The contraction corner of claim 1, further comprising an inlet contraction oriented vertically about a central axis of the flight chamber and disposed between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 3. A constriction corner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to the arch of the rotating vane structure. 4. A constricting corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of the rotating vane structure. 5. The constricting corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an arch of the rotating frame structure at least partially defines an airflow path through the constricting corner. 6. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the converging corner form an at least partially S-shaped, double-curved profile between the flight chamber and the arch of the rotating vane structure. 7. A converging corner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the airflow path through the converging corner transitions between a semi-oval cross-section in the lower horizontal plenum and a circular or substantially circular cross-section in the flight chamber. 8. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arch of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. 9. The constriction corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across an arch of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 10. A constricting corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of a vertical wind tunnel. 11. A converging corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a centreline of the rotating vane structure extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to airflow through the lower horizontal plenum. 12. A constriction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure comprises a ridge having a curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 13. A constriction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure disposed outside the airflow path of the vertical wind tunnel, the arch of the rotating vane structure being attached to the frame structure. 14. A contraction corner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor assembly is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor assembly including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 15. The constriction corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a double loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height of the constriction corner is ≦(flight chamber diameter×1.3). 16. The constriction corner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a single loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height of the constriction corner is ≦(flight chamber diameter×1.9).

[0094] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal plenum to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a ridge and an arch; The lower horizontal plenum has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section having: a second vertical member connected to the second section, the second section being connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; the second section constricts the air flow between the first section and the corner section, the wall of the second section comprising a transition between the first section and the corner section; a corner section constricting the airflow between the second section and the flight chamber; A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator, wherein the walls of the corner sections provide a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the height of the recirculating airflow plenum. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal plenum, a corner section connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal plenum, and the rotating vane structure having two arches. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section includes one or more corner transitions that transition between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner in the second section of the lower horizontal plenum. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claim, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid accumulated within the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum is located at a junction between the first section and the second section. 9. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates in the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum extends to the base of the second vertical member. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than the base of the corner section. 11. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member has a widened rectangular shape to reduce excavation depth. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-section at the junctions with the corner sections. 13. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 15. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure. 16. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form at least partially S-shaped profiles between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 19. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, the recirculating airflow plenum passing through the corner sections having a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums to a circular or substantially circular cross section in the flight chamber. 20. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches span between the ends of the ridges and slope upwardly. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. 22. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 24. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the airflow through the lower horizontal plenum. 26. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure are aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 27. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure comprise curved surfaces that transition from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 28. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculating airflow plenum, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 29. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor structure is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor structure including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 30. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is less than or equal to about 4m. 31. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section of the lower horizontal plenum has an upper surface, the upper surface of the second section having an arch shape substantially corresponding to the arch of the one or more arches of the corner sections, the arch shape extending from the ridge at least partially in the direction of the first section. 32. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the second section of the lower horizontal plenum forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between a corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal plenum. 33. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculating airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal plenum includes a generally rectangular cross-section near the first section and a semi-oval or substantially semi-oval cross-section near the corner sections.

[0095] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal plenum to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a ridge and an arch; the lower horizontal plenum has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member and the second section connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator, wherein the second section constricts the airflow between the first section and a corner section, and a wall of the corner section comprises a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the need for a vertically oriented inlet constriction between the corner section and the flight chamber and further reducing the height of the recirculating airflow plenum. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal plenum, a corner section connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal plenum, and the rotating vane structure having two arches. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section includes one or more corner transitions that transition between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner in the second section of the lower horizontal plenum. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claim, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid accumulated within the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum is located at a junction between the first section and the second section. 9. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates in the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum extends to the base of the second vertical member. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than the base of the corner section. 11. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member has a widened rectangular shape to reduce excavation depth. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-section at the junctions with the corner sections. 13. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 15. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure. 16. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form at least partially S-shaped profiles between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 19. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, the recirculating airflow plenum passing through the corner sections having a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums to a circular or substantially circular cross section in the flight chamber. 20. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches span between the ends of the ridges and slope upwardly. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. 22. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 24. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the airflow through the lower horizontal plenum. 26. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure are aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 27. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure comprise curved surfaces that transition from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 28. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculating airflow plenum, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 29. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor structure is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor structure including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 30. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is less than or equal to about 4m. 31. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section of the lower horizontal plenum has an upper surface, the upper surface of the second section having an arch shape substantially corresponding to the arch of the one or more arches of the corner sections, the arch shape extending from the ridge at least partially in the direction of the first section. 32. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the second section of the lower horizontal plenum forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between a corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal plenum. 33. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculating airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal plenum includes a generally rectangular cross-section near the first section and a semi-oval or substantially semi-oval cross-section near the corner sections.

[0096] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal plenum to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a ridge and an arch; the lower horizontal plenum has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member and the second section connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; a second section constricts an air flow between the first section and the corner section, the second section having a top surface; the wall of the second section includes a transition between the first section and the corner section; a corner section constricting the airflow between the second section and the flight chamber; a wall of the corner section provides a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the height of the recirculation airflow plenum; A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator, wherein the upper surface of the second section has an arch shape that substantially corresponds to the arch of the corner section extending from the ridge at least partially in the direction of the first section. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal plenum, a corner section connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal plenum, and the rotating vane structure having two arches. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section includes one or more corner transitions that transition between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner in the second section of the lower horizontal plenum. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claim, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid accumulated within the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum is located at a junction between the first section and the second section. 9. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates in the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum extends to the base of the second vertical member. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than the base of the corner section. 11. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member has a widened rectangular shape to reduce excavation depth. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-section at the junctions with the corner sections. 13. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 15. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure. 16. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form at least partially S-shaped profiles between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 19. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, the recirculating airflow plenum passing through the corner sections having a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums to a circular or substantially circular cross section in the flight chamber. 20. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches span between the ends of the ridges and slope upwardly. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. 22. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 24. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the airflow through the lower horizontal plenum. 26. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure are aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 27. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure comprise curved surfaces that transition from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 28. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculating airflow plenum, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 29. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor structure is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor structure including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 30. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is less than or equal to about 4m. 31. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the second section of the lower horizontal plenum forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between a corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal plenum. 32. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculating airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal plenum includes a generally rectangular cross-section near the first section and a semi-oval or substantially semi-oval cross-section near the corner sections.

[0097] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal plenum to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a ridge and an arch; the lower horizontal plenum has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member and the second section connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; a second section constricts an air flow between the first section and the corner section, the second section having a top surface; the wall of the corner section comprises a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the need for a vertically oriented inlet constriction between the corner section and the flight chamber, further reducing the height of the recirculation airflow plenum; A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator, wherein the upper surface of the second section has an arch shape that substantially corresponds to the arch of the corner section extending from the ridge at least partially in the direction of the first section. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal plenum, a corner section connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal plenum, and the rotating vane structure having two arches. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section includes one or more corner transitions that transition between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner in the second section of the lower horizontal plenum. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claim, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid accumulated within the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum is located at a junction between the first section and the second section. 9. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates in the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum extends to the base of the second vertical member. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than the base of the corner section. 11. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member has a widened rectangular shape to reduce excavation depth. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-section at the junctions with the corner sections. 13. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 15. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure. 16. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form at least partially S-shaped profiles between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 19. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, the recirculating airflow plenum passing through the corner sections having a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums to a circular or substantially circular cross section in the flight chamber. 20. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches span between the ends of the ridges and slope upwardly. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. 22. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 24. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the airflow through the lower horizontal plenum. 26. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure are aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 27. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridges of the rotating vane structure comprise curved surfaces that transition from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 28. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculating airflow plenum, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 29. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor structure is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor structure including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 30. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is about 4m or less. 31. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the second section of the lower horizontal plenum forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between a corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal plenum. 32. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculating airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal plenum includes a generally rectangular cross-section near the first section and a semi-oval or substantially semi-oval cross-section near the corner sections.

[0098] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal plenum to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a centerline and an arch; the lower horizontal plenum has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member and the second section connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; the second section constricts the air flow between the first section and the corner section, the wall of the second section comprising a transition between the first section and the corner section; a corner section constricting the airflow between the second section and the flight chamber; A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator, wherein the walls of the corner sections provide a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the height of the recirculating airflow plenum. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal plenum, a corner section connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal plenum, and the rotating vane structure having two arches. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section includes one or more corner transitions that transition between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner in the second section of the lower horizontal plenum. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claim, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid accumulated within the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum is located at a junction between the first section and the second section. 9. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates in the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum extends to the base of the second vertical member. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than the base of the corner section. 11. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member has a widened rectangular shape to reduce excavation depth. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-section at the junctions with the corner sections. 13. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 15. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure. 16. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form an at least partially S-shaped, double-curved profile between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 19. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, the recirculating airflow plenum passing through the corner sections having a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums to a circular or substantially circular cross section in the flight chamber. 20. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches span between the ends of the centre line and slope upwardly. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. 22. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 24. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air flow through the lower horizontal plenum. 26. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centerline of the rotating vane structure is aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 27. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure comprises a ridge having a curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 28. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculating airflow plenum, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 29. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor assembly is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor assembly including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 30. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a double-loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is ≦(flight chamber diameter × 1.3). 31. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a single loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between the base of the flight chamber and the base of the corner section is ≦(flight chamber diameter × 1.9). 32. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section of the lower horizontal plenum has an upper surface, the upper surface of the second section having an arch shape substantially corresponding to the arch of one or more arches of the corner sections, the arch shape extending from the centerline at least partially in the direction of the first section. 33. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the second section of the lower horizontal plenum forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between a corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal plenum. 34. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculating airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal plenum includes a generally rectangular cross-section near the first section and a semi-oval or substantially semi-oval cross-section near the corner sections.

[0099] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal plenum to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a centerline and an arch; the lower horizontal plenum has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member and the second section connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator, wherein the second section constricts the airflow between the first section and a corner section, and a wall of the corner section comprises a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the need for a vertically oriented inlet constriction between the corner section and the flight chamber and further reducing the height of the recirculating airflow plenum. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal plenum, a corner section connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal plenum, and the rotating vane structure having two arches. 3. The first section includes one or more corner transitions, the one or more corner transitions being 10. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the second section of the lower horizontal plenum there is a transition between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claim, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid accumulated within the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum is located at a junction between the first section and the second section. 9. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates in the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum extends to the base of the second vertical member. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than the base of the corner section. 11. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member has a widened rectangular shape to reduce excavation depth. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-section at the junctions with the corner sections. 13. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 15. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure. 16. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form an at least partially S-shaped, double-curved profile between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 19. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, the recirculating airflow plenum passing through the corner sections having a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums to a circular or substantially circular cross section in the flight chamber. 20. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches span between the ends of the centre line and slope upwardly. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. 22. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 24. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air flow through the lower horizontal plenum. 26. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centerline of the rotating vane structure is aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 27. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure comprises a ridge having a curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 28. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculating airflow plenum, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 29. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor assembly is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor assembly including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 30. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a double-loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is ≦(flight chamber diameter × 1.3). 31. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a single loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is ≦(flight chamber diameter × 1.9). 32. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section of the lower horizontal plenum has an upper surface, the upper surface of the second section having an arch shape substantially corresponding to the arch of one or more arches of the corner sections, the arch shape extending from the centerline at least partially in the direction of the first section. 33. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the second section of the lower horizontal plenum forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between a corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal plenum. 34. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculating airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal plenum includes a generally rectangular cross-section near the first section and a semi-oval or substantially semi-oval cross-section near the corner sections.

[0100] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal plenum to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a centerline and an arch; The lower horizontal plenum has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section having: a second vertical member connected to the second section, the second section being connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; a second section constricts an air flow between the first section and the corner section, the second section having a top surface; the wall of the second section includes a transition between the first section and the corner section; a corner section constricting the airflow between the second section and the flight chamber; a wall of the corner section provides a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the height of the recirculation airflow plenum; A vertical wind tunnel, wherein an upper surface of the second section has an arch shape that substantially corresponds to the arch of the corner section extending from the centerline at least partially in the direction of the first section. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal plenum, a corner section connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal plenum, and the rotating vane structure having two arches. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section includes one or more corner transitions that transition between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner in the second section of the lower horizontal plenum. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claim, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid accumulated within the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum is located at a junction between the first section and the second section. 9. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates in the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum extends to the base of the second vertical member. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than the base of the corner section. 11. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member has a widened rectangular shape to reduce excavation depth. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-section at the junctions with the corner sections. 13. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 15. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure. 16. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form an at least partially S-shaped, double-curved profile between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 19. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, the recirculating airflow plenum passing through the corner sections having a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums to a circular or substantially circular cross section in the flight chamber. 20. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches span between the ends of the centre line and slope upwardly. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. 22. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 24. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air flow through the lower horizontal plenum. 26. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centerline of the rotating vane structure is aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 27. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure comprises a ridge having a curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 28. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculating airflow plenum, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 29. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor assembly is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor assembly including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 30. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a double-loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is ≦(flight chamber diameter × 1.3). 31. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a single loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is ≦(flight chamber diameter × 1.9). 32. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the second section of the lower horizontal plenum forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between a corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal plenum. 33. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculating airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal plenum includes a generally rectangular cross-section near the first section and a semi-oval or substantially semi-oval cross-section near the corner sections.

[0101] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal plenum to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a centerline and an arch; the lower horizontal plenum has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member and the second section connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; a second section constricts an air flow between the first section and the corner section, the second section having a top surface; the wall of the corner section comprises a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing the need for a vertically oriented inlet constriction between the corner section and the flight chamber, further reducing the height of the recirculation airflow plenum; A vertical wind tunnel, wherein an upper surface of the second section has an arch shape that substantially corresponds to the arch of the corner section extending from the centerline at least partially in the direction of the first section. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal plenum, a corner section connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal plenum, and the rotating vane structure having two arches. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section includes one or more corner transitions that transition between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner in the second section of the lower horizontal plenum. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claim, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid accumulated within the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum is located at a junction between the first section and the second section. 9. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal plenum comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates in the vertical wind tunnel, and wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal plenum extends to the base of the second vertical member. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than the base of the corner section. 11. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the second vertical member has a widened rectangular shape to reduce excavation depth. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-section at the junctions with the corner sections. 13. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 15. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower horizontal plenum is directly connected to the arch of one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure. 16. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form an at least partially S-shaped, double-curved profile between the flight chamber and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 19. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, the recirculating airflow plenum passing through the corner sections having a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal plenums to a circular or substantially circular cross section in the flight chamber. 20. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches span between the ends of the centre line and slope upwardly. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating frame structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. 22. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 24. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air flow through the lower horizontal plenum. 26. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centerline of the rotating vane structure is aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 27. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line of the rotating vane structure comprises a ridge having a curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 28. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculating airflow plenum, and one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure. 29. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable floor assembly is attached to a frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor assembly including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber. 30. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a double-loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is ≦(flight chamber diameter × 1.3). 31. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a single loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between the cable floor across the flight chamber and the base of the corner sections is ≦(flight chamber diameter × 1.9). 32. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the second section of the lower horizontal plenum forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between a corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal plenum. 33. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculating airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal plenum includes a generally rectangular cross-section near the first section and a semi-oval or substantially semi-oval cross-section near the corner sections.

[0102] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: at least one recirculation airflow plenum, the airflow plenum including a first vertical member, an upper horizontal member, a second vertical member, and a lower horizontal member; means for providing an air flow through the air flow plenum and upwardly within the first vertical member; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of the airflow plenum; a corner section connecting the lower horizontal member and the first vertical member, the lower horizontal member having a first section and a second section, the lower horizontal member extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member, and the second section connected to the corner section connecting the lower horizontal member to the first vertical member; a second section of the lower horizontal member constricting an airflow moving through the lower horizontal member between the first section and its exit into the corner section; A vertical wind tunnel in which a corner section further constricts the airflow exiting the second section of the lower horizontal member toward the first vertical member. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein a corner section connecting the lower horizontal member to the first vertical member includes a ridge at its bottom, the ridge directing at least a portion of the airflow passing through the corner section toward the inlet of the first vertical member. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 2, wherein the ridge has a concavely curved surface on its side facing the airflow. 4. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3, wherein the curved surface transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 5. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the ridges extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air flow through the lower horizontal plenum. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the converging corner section comprises a rotating vane structure. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 6, wherein the rotating vane structure is disposed within an arch portion having at least one arch in the corner section. 8. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base of at least one arch is arranged on or adjacent to a ridge and extends at an upward inclination with respect to the horizontal plane at an inclination of less than 60 degrees, in particular about 45 degrees. 9. A vertical wind tunnel as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the wall of the corner section forms an at least partially S-shaped profile between its exit to the first vertical member and at least one arch of the rotating vane structure. 10. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet of the corner section has a semicircular or semi-oval cross-sectional geometry with a flat bottom. 11. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section of the lower horizontal member includes one or more corner transitions, the one or more corner transitions transitioning between a hard corner near the second vertical member and a rounded corner near the second section of the lower horizontal member. 12. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 11, wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along at least a majority of the length of the first section. 13. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a significant contraction of the air flow as it travels through the lower horizontal member occurs in the second section of the lower horizontal member. 14. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections below the centerline of the flight chamber have an S-shaped profile. 15. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom of the flight chamber is located at or near the inlet of a first vertical member connected to the outlet of the corner section. 16. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet constriction about the central axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber. 17. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet constriction is attached directly to one or more arches of the rotating vane structure. 18. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more arches of the rotating frame structure at least partially define a recirculating airflow plenum through the section. 19. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a corner section connects the flight chamber to the two lower horizontal plenums, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the corner section between the two lower horizontal plenums and the flight chamber constricts in a ratio of approximately 2:1. 20. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a rotating vane extending across each arch of one or more arches of the rotating vane structure, the rotating vane being configured to redirect airflow from the lower horizontal plenum upwardly into the flight chamber. 21. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel. 22. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising two recirculating airflow plenums, both lower horizontal members connected to a corner section disposed below the first vertical member. 23. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 22, wherein both recirculation plenums are disposed and extend in opposite directions relative to a first vertical member common to both recirculation plenums. 24. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 22 or 23, wherein the ridge of the rotating vane structure is aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber. 25. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for providing an air flow comprises a fan assembly arranged at the inlet side of the flight chamber such that the distance travelled by the air flow from the fan assembly to the inlet of the flight chamber is greater than the distance from the outlet of the flight chamber to the fan assembly. 26. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 25, wherein the fan assembly is disposed on top of the second vertical member of the airflow plenum. 27. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 25, wherein the fan assembly is disposed in the upper horizontal member of the airflow plenum.

[0103] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A rotating vane structure for a corner of a vertical wind tunnel, the vertical wind tunnel forming a recirculation airflow plenum, the rotating vane structure: a frame structure disposed at least partially outside of the recirculation airflow plenum, the frame structure having two arches; The arch spans between the ends of the ridges; Each arch is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, a frame structure in which the arches extend in opposite directions; a rotating vane mounted along each of the two arches, the rotating vane being positioned inside the recirculating airflow plenum and configured to redirect the airflow around the corners; 2. The rotating vane structure of the preceding claim, wherein a corner of the vertical wind tunnel is located below the flight chamber, and the rotating vane redirects airflow from the horizontal plenum of the vertical wind tunnel upward into the flight chamber. 3. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apex of each arch is connected to a cross beam extending between the columns of the frame structure. 4. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame structure comprises four pillars and two cross beams arranged outside the recirculation airflow plenum, each cross beam extending between two pillars of the frame structure. 5. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each cross beam extends across a portion of the recirculating airflow plenum. 6. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arch forms at least a portion of a recirculating airflow plenum. 7. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure structurally supports a plenum structure of a vertical wind tunnel. 8. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plenum wall of the vertical wind tunnel is directly connected to the arch of the rotating vane structure. 9. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arch is inclined at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. 10. A rotary vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary vane includes one or more channels for flowing a cooling fluid. 11. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable floor structure is attached to a frame structure. 12. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure is incorporated into a vertical wind tunnel, a constricting corner, and / or a cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the other sets of claims herein.

[0104] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A rotating vane structure for a corner of a vertical wind tunnel, the vertical wind tunnel forming a recirculation airflow plenum, the rotating vane structure: a frame structure disposed at least partially outside of the recirculation airflow plenum, the frame structure having two arches; The arch spans the centerline between the ends, Each arch is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, a frame structure in which the arches extend in opposite directions; a rotating vane mounted along each of the two arches, the rotating vane being positioned inside the recirculating airflow plenum and configured to redirect the airflow around the corners; 2. The rotating vane structure of the preceding claim, wherein a corner of the vertical wind tunnel is located below the flight chamber, and the rotating vane redirects airflow from the horizontal plenum of the vertical wind tunnel upward into the flight chamber. 3. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apex of each arch is connected to a cross beam extending between the columns of the frame structure. 4. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame structure comprises four pillars and two cross beams arranged outside the recirculation airflow plenum, each cross beam extending between two pillars of the frame structure. 5. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each cross beam extends across a portion of the recirculating airflow plenum. 6. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arch forms at least a portion of a recirculating airflow plenum. 7. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure structurally supports a plenum structure of a vertical wind tunnel. 8. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plenum wall of the vertical wind tunnel is directly connected to the arch of the rotating vane structure. 9. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arch is inclined at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. 10. A rotary vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary vane includes one or more channels for flowing a cooling fluid. 11. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable floor assembly is mounted to a frame structure. 12. A rotating vane structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centre line is provided by a ridge. 13. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ridge comprises two opposing curved surfaces that transition from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 14. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure is incorporated into a vertical wind tunnel, a constricting corner, and / or a cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the other sets of claims herein.

[0105] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A rotating vane structure for a corner of a vertical wind tunnel, the vertical wind tunnel forming a recirculation airflow plenum, the rotating vane structure: a frame structure disposed at least partially outside of the recirculation airflow plenum, the frame structure having at least one arch; At least one arch spans between the ends of the ridge; A rotating vane structure comprising: a frame structure having at least one arch inclined at an angle relative to a horizontal plane; and a rotating vane mounted along the at least one arch, the rotating vane being positioned inside a recirculating airflow plenum and configured to redirect airflow around a corner. 2. The rotating vane structure of the preceding claim, wherein a corner of the vertical wind tunnel is disposed below the flight chamber, and the rotating vane redirects airflow from at least one horizontal plenum of the vertical wind tunnel upwardly into the flight chamber. 3. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apex of at least one arch is connected to a cross beam extending between columns of a frame structure. 4. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame structure comprises four pillars and two cross beams arranged outside the recirculation airflow plenum, each cross beam extending between two pillars of the frame structure. 5. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each cross beam extends across a portion of the recirculating airflow plenum. 6. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one arch forms at least a portion of a recirculating airflow plenum. 7. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to a plenum structure of a vertical wind tunnel. 8. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plenum wall of the vertical wind tunnel is directly connected to at least one arch of the rotating vane structure. 9. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one arch is inclined at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. 10. A rotary vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary vane includes one or more channels for flowing a cooling fluid. 11. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable floor assembly is mounted to a frame structure. 12. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one arch is two arches extending in opposite directions to each other. 13. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ridge comprises at least one curved surface that transitions from horizontal or substantially horizontal to vertical or substantially vertical. 14. A rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure is incorporated into a vertical wind tunnel, a constricting corner, and / or a cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the other sets of claims herein.

[0106] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A cable floor assembly for a vertical wind tunnel, the vertical wind tunnel forming a recirculating airflow plenum containing a flight chamber, the cable floor assembly comprising a frame structure supporting a weld, the weld being disposed around a base of the flight chamber; each weld has at least a plenum wall fairing and a cable attachment plate; the plenum wall fairing forms a flush or substantially flush surface with an adjacent plenum wall of the recirculation airflow plenum; the plenum wall fairing includes slots for accommodating a plurality of cables extending through the plenum wall fairing; a cable extending across the recirculation airflow plenum to form a cable bed at a base of the flight chamber; The ends of each cable are secured to the mounting plate at opposing welds; A cable floor assembly in which each of the cables is the same or substantially the same length. 2. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame structure includes support columns located outside of the recirculating airflow plenum of the wind tunnel, and the welds are attached to the support columns. 3. A cable floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the welds are accessible from below during cable maintenance. 4. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame structure supports one or more user platforms outside of the recirculating airflow plenum of the wind tunnel, the user platforms being positioned below the one or more welds to facilitate access during cable maintenance. 5. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover plate forms a floor surface adjacent the flight chamber. 6. a plurality of eyebolts extending through openings in the cable mounting plate, with an end of each cable being attached to an eyebolt on an opposing weld; a plurality of compression springs disposed along the cable mounting plate opposite the flight chamber, each compression spring configured to bias the eyebolt away from the flight chamber; The cable is thereby pulled in tension across the flight chamber by tension introduced into the cable from the compression spring through the eyebolt, 10. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression spring is compressed when a sufficient opposing force is applied to the cable, allowing the eyebolt to be displaced towards the flight chamber, thereby providing more flexion to the cable. 7. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a bushing for mounting an eyebolt is provided in the opening in the cable mounting plate. 8. A cable floor assembly as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein a nut and washer are provided on an end of each eye bolt opposite the cable, and a compression spring is disposed between the cable mounting plate and the nut and washer, the compression spring operatively joining with the eye bolt via the nut and washer. 9. A cable floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable floor assembly has four welds. 10. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable floor assembly has four welds and the cable mounting plates of the welds form a square or substantially form a square. 11. A cable floor assembly as described in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable attachment plate of one weldment is parallel or substantially parallel to the cable attachment plate of an opposing weldment across the flight chamber. 12. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable mounting plate of one weld is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the cable mounting plate of an adjacent weld. 13. A cable floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable floor formed between the welds is square or substantially square. 14. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cables intersect perpendicularly with other cables as they extend across the flight chamber. 15. A cable floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cables extend in two directions across the flight chamber, the two directions being perpendicular to each other. 16. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cables extending between two opposing welds are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. 17. A cable floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight chamber is circular or substantially circular in cross section. 18. A cable floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intersecting cables forming the cable floor are interwoven. 19. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each weld further comprises a cover plate, the cover plate extending across the plenum wall fairing and the cable mounting plate, the cover plate not configured for removal during cable maintenance. 20. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover plate is provided with a retention angle for mounting a wall panel of the flight chamber, the wall panel being positioned above the cover plate between the retention angle and the plenum wall fairing at the weld. 21. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent plenum walls are shaped to accommodate the plenum wall fairing and extend at least partially across adjacent plenum walls, and wherein adjacent plenum walls are shaped to accommodate the plenum wall fairing to form a flush or substantially flush surface. 22. A cable floor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable floor assembly is incorporated into a vertical wind tunnel, converging corner, and / or rotating vane structure as claimed in any one of the other claim sets herein.

[0107] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A wind tunnel comprising: a plenum connected to at least one second plenum via a corner section, the corner section redirecting airflow through the wind tunnel from the first plenum to the second plenum; the corner section has at least one outlet side, the outlet side being connected to two or more ducts of the second plenum, and a rotating vane structure disposed along the outlet side of the corner section to redirect airflow from the first plenum directly into the ducts of the second plenum; The exit side of the corner section includes a stepped turn, A stepped turn divides the airflow into a second plenum duct; the ducts of the second plenum are separated from each other in a direction of air flow through the first plenum; A wind tunnel whereby a clearance space is formed on the exit side of the corner section between adjacent ducts of the second plenum. 2. A wind tunnel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wind tunnel has two second plenums. 3. The wind tunnel according to the preceding claims, wherein each of the two second plenums has two or more ducts connected to the corner sections via stepped turns. 4. A wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second plenum has exactly two ducts. 5. A wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet side of the corner section joins with a duct of the second plenum at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the direction of airflow through the first plenum. 6. The wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating vane structure is disposed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the direction of airflow through the first plenum. 7. A wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when connecting to the outlet side of the corner section, a duct of the second plenum furthest from the first plenum extends closer to the longitudinal axis of the first plenum than an adjacent duct of the second plenum extends to the longitudinal axis of the first plenum. 8. A wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each duct of the second plenum is of the same or substantially the same size in cross section. 9. A wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each duct of the second plenum houses a fan for generating an air flow. 10. A wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clearance spaces formed by the stepped turns between adjacent ducts accommodate one or more structural elements of a wind tunnel installation for the wind tunnel. 11. A wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wind tunnel is a vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving. 12. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the other claim sets herein.

[0108] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; A vertical wind tunnel, wherein the second vertical member includes a first return air tower and a second return air tower, and a recirculation air flow plenum is separated between the first return air tower and the second return air tower via the second vertical member. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein the upper horizontal member is separated into a first plenum member and a second plenum member, and a recirculating airflow plenum is separated between the first plenum member and the second plenum member via the upper horizontal member. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 2, wherein each of the first plenum member and the second plenum member includes a fan. 4. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a separation of the recirculation air flow plenum between the first return air tower and the second return air tower extends through the upper horizontal member to the first vertical member. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculation air flow plenums separated between the first return air tower and the second return air tower are recombined at the lower horizontal member. 6. The vertical wind tunnel described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the recirculation air flow plenum separated between the first return air tower and the second return air tower is rejoined at a corner between the lower horizontal member and the second vertical member. 7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first return air tower and the second return air tower are separated from each other by a gap. 8. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the other sets of claims herein.

[0109] Another possible set of claims according to the present disclosure may include: 1. A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of an airflow plenum, 1. A fryer exchange system having an enclosed chamber with a first door and a second door, the first door facing an observation area outside a recirculating airflow plenum; a flyer exchange system, the second door opening onto an enclosed corridor connecting to the flight chamber; the first door is configured to open only if the second door is closed; The vertical wind tunnel, wherein the second door is configured to open only when the first door is closed. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of the preceding claims, further comprising an RFID or bar / QR reader proximate to the first door for controlling access from the observation area to the flyer exchange system, the first door being configured to remain closed unless the RFID or bar / QR code reader detects an authorized RFID chip or bar / QR code. 3. The vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening / closing of the first and second doors is automatically controlled via a time delay. 4. A vertical wind tunnel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening / closing of the first and second doors is controlled from a separate control room. 5. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a manual user input is provided within the enclosed chamber of the flyer exchange system to control operation of the first and second doors. 6. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vent in aerodynamic communication with the corridor. 7. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein an opening is formed in the floor of the corridor between the vent and the corridor. 8. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is housed inside a building and the vents are also in aerodynamic communication with the external environment outside the building. 9. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a vertical wind tunnel as claimed in any one of the other sets of claims herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 100 wind tunnel 101 Flight Chamber 102 Diffuser 103 First Corner 104 Upper Horizontal Plenum 105 Second Corner 106 Vertical return plenum 107 Third Corner 108 Lower Horizontal Plenum 109 Fourth Corner 110 Inlet contraction 111 First section of lower horizontal plenum 112 Second Section of Lower Horizontal Plenum 113 Rotating Vane 200 wind tunnel 201 Flight Chamber 202 Diffuser 203 First Corner 204 Upper Horizontal Plenum 205 Second Corner 206 Vertical Return Plenum 207 Third Corner 208 Lower Horizontal Plenum 209 Fourth or Contraction Corner 210 Fan 211 First Section of Lower Horizontal Plenum 212 Second Section of Lower Horizontal Plenum 213 Corner transition 214 Contraction Corner Arch 215 Prominence 216 Bottom or Floor 217 Low Spot on the Floor 218 Second Section Contraction 219 Transition of the Second Section 220 Frame Structure 221 Rotating Vane 222 Cable Floor Assembly 223 Cable 224 Welding 225 Mounting Plate 226 Fairing 227 Cover Plate 228 Flight Chamber Wall Panels 229 Eyebolt 230 Compression spring 231 Nut 232 Washer 233 Bushing 300 wind tunnel 301 Step Turn 302 Corner 303 Plenum 304 Duct 305 Fan 306 Rotating vane structure 307 Space or Clearance 400 recirculating wind tunnel 402 First return air tower 404 Second return air tower 500 Flyer exchange system or device 502 Flight Chamber 504 Control Room 506 Corridor 508 Observation Area 510 Exterior Door 512 Interior Door 514 Vent

Claims

1. A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, comprising: a recirculation airflow plenum; a flight chamber contained within a first vertical member of the recirculation airflow plenum, a flight chamber, the recirculating airflow plenum including an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a second vertical member; a corner section disposed below the flight chamber and connecting the lower horizontal member to the flight chamber, the corner section comprising a rotating vane structure including a centerline and an arch; the lower horizontal member has a first section and a second section extending from the second vertical member to the first vertical member, the first section connected to the second vertical member and the second section connected to the corner section; the first section has a generally rectangular cross-section; the second section constricts an air flow between the first section and the corner section, the second section having an upper surface; a wall of a second section comprising a transition between the first section and the corner section; the corner section constricts the airflow between the second section and the flight chamber; a wall of the corner section provides a transition between the second section and the flight chamber, thereby reducing a height of the recirculation airflow plenum; a top surface of the second section having an arch shape that substantially corresponds to the arch of the corner section, the top surface having an arch shape that extends from the centerline at least partially in the direction of the first section.

2. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, further comprising another lower horizontal member, the corner sections connecting the flight chamber to each lower horizontal member, and the rotating vane structure having one or more arches.

3. 3. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first section comprises one or more corner transitions, the one or more corner transitions transitioning between a corner with a rectangular cross section of the flow passage near the second vertical member and a corner with a rounded cross section of the flow passage in the second section of the lower horizontal member.

4. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 , wherein the one or more corner transitions extend along substantially the entire length of the first section.

5. 5. The vertical wind tunnel according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the one or more corner transitions are formed by a wall of the first section.

6. 5. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 3 or 4, wherein the one or more corner transitions are formed by separate structures mounted within the first section.

7. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the floor of the lower horizontal member comprises a bowl shape configured to drain liquid that accumulates within the vertical wind tunnel.

8. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 7, wherein a lowest point of the floor of the lower horizontal member is located at a junction between the first section and the second section.

9. 9. A vertical wind tunnel as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the bowl shape of the floor of the lower horizontal member extends to a base of the second vertical member.

10. The vertical wind tunnel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a base of the second vertical member is positioned vertically higher than a base of the corner section.

11. 8. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein the flight chamber comprises a circular cross-section at the junction with the corner section.

12. 12. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein the walls of the corner sections form a vertically oriented inlet contraction about a central vertical axis of the flight chamber between the rotating vane structure and the flight chamber.

13. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 12 , wherein the inlet contraction is attached directly to one or more of the arches of the rotating vane structure.

14. The vertical wind tunnel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10, 11 to 13, wherein the lower horizontal member is directly connected to the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure.

15. The vertical wind tunnel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10, 11 to 14, wherein one or more arches of the rotating vane structure at least partially define the recirculating airflow plenum through the corner section.

16. The vertical wind tunnel according to any one of claims 2 to 7, 10, 11 to 14, wherein the walls of the corner sections form an at least partially S-shaped S-shaped profile between the flight chamber and the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure.

17. 15. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein the corner sections connect the flight chamber to two lower horizontal members, and the recirculating airflow plenum through the corner sections has a semi-oval cross section in each of the two lower horizontal members to a circular cross section in the flight chamber.

18. 17. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 2, 13 or 16, wherein each arch of the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure is inclined upwardly at approximately 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

19. 17. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 2, 13, or 16, wherein the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure include a first arch and a second arch, the first arch extending in an opposite direction to the second arch.

20. The vertical wind tunnel of any one of claims 1 to 7, 10, 11 to 14, wherein the rotating vane structure provides structural support to one or more plenum structures of the vertical wind tunnel.

21. 15. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein the centerline of the rotating vane structure is aligned with a horizontal centerline through the flight chamber.

22. 15. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein the centerline of the rotating vane structure comprises a ridge having a curved surface that transitions from horizontal to vertical.

23. The vertical wind tunnel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10, and 10 to 14, wherein the rotating vane structure includes a frame structure provided outside the recirculation airflow plenum, and the one or more arches of the rotating vane structure are attached to the frame structure.

24. 24. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 23, wherein a cable floor assembly is attached to the frame structure of the rotating vane structure, the cable floor assembly including a plurality of cables extending across the flight chamber.

25. 15. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a double loop recirculating wind tunnel and the height between a cable floor assembly across the flight chamber and the base of the corner section is ≦(diameter of the flight chamber×1.3).

26. 2. The vertical wind tunnel of claim 1, wherein the vertical wind tunnel is a single loop recirculating wind tunnel and a height between a cable floor assembly across the flight chamber and a base of the corner section is ≦(diameter of the flight chamber×1.9).

27. The vertical wind tunnel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10, 11 to 14, wherein the wall of the second section of the lower horizontal member forms a horizontally oriented inlet constriction between the corner section and the first section of the lower horizontal member.

28. The vertical wind tunnel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10, 11 to 14, wherein the recirculation airflow plenum through the second section of the lower horizontal member includes a generally rectangular cross-section of the first section and a semi-oval cross-section of the corner section.

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