Joseph T Power

US Patent:

42905001, Sep 22, 1981

Filed:

Nov 5, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/091178

Inventors:

Harry C. Hopkins - White Plains NY
Bernhard H. Goethert - Manchester TN
Joseph K. Power - Alpine AL

International Classification:

A01C 2300
A01M 700
B60V 116

US Classification:

180117

Abstract:

A ground-effect vehicle having a base frame and a downwardly extending skirt, rides on an air cushion created by injecting air downwardly through the frame into the space beneath the vehicle. In order to prevent the down draft of the air injected under the vehicle from damaging fragile objects, such as young plants, a deflector is provided to divert the air flow parallel to the ground and to reduce its velocity, while still maintaining sufficient pressure in the air cushion to permit the vehicle to hover.