Hybrid drive powered lift platform
First Claim
1. A lift platform comprising:
- a primary drive system, comprising;
an engine;
a transmission coupled to said engine;
a first fixed-pitch propeller coupled to said transmission;
a first over-running clutch interposed between said transmission and said first fixed-pitch propeller;
a second fixed-pitch propeller coupled to said transmission; and
a second over-running clutch interposed between said transmission and said second fixed-pitch propeller; and
an auxiliary drive system, comprising;
an air compressor coupled to said engine;
an air storage tank coupled to said air compressor;
a thrust recovery system coupled to said air storage tank; and
at least one valve for controlling air flow from said air storage tank to said thrust recovery system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An air-based thrust recovery system for use in a powered lift platform utilizing fixed-pitch propellers is provided. The system utilizes an air compressor coupled to the drive motor of the platform and an on-board, high pressure tank for air storage. The fixed-pitch propellers are coupled to the primary drive system with over-running clutches, thus allowing the thrust recovery system to rotate the propellers faster than if driven solely by the primary drive system. Preferably the propellers are surrounded by air ducts. The thrust recovery system uses individually, or in combination, cold air jets mounted at the tips of the propellers, a circulation control system which blows out the leading or trailing edge of the propellers, and one or more perforated tubing segments surrounding at least a portion of the platform'"'"'s air ducts.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A lift platform comprising:
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a primary drive system, comprising;
an engine;
a transmission coupled to said engine;
a first fixed-pitch propeller coupled to said transmission;
a first over-running clutch interposed between said transmission and said first fixed-pitch propeller;
a second fixed-pitch propeller coupled to said transmission; and
a second over-running clutch interposed between said transmission and said second fixed-pitch propeller; and
an auxiliary drive system, comprising;
an air compressor coupled to said engine;
an air storage tank coupled to said air compressor;
a thrust recovery system coupled to said air storage tank; and
at least one valve for controlling air flow from said air storage tank to said thrust recovery system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification