Ground effects vehicle and an air terminal

• US 3,893,538 A
• Filed: 08/10/1970
• Issued: 07/08/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Deceased Thompson, Executrix Thompson
• Original Assignee: Deceased Thompson, Executrix Thompson
• Inventors: Thompson, deceased, Thompson, executrix
• Primary Examiner(s): Betts, Kenneth H.
• Application Number:
  US05/062,307
• Time in Patent Office: 1,793 Days
• Field of Search: 180/116-121 214/85 244/114,5D 14/71,72 104/23FS
• US Class Current: 180/117
• CPC Class Codes: B60V 3/025 co-operating with a flat surface, e.g. transporting loads on platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/00 Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/80 Energy efficient operational measures, e.g. ground operations or mission management

Abstract

This invention is directed to a ground effects vehicle capable of resting on and moving on a cushion of gas such as air or nitrogen or other suitable gases. This ground effects vehicle is capable of moving and maneuvering heavy objects over a relatively smooth terrain such as concrete and asphalt and, also, over an unfriendly terrain such as a rough terrain like earth and terrains with a low load-carrying capability such as soft ground, a marsh, snow and relatively thin concrete.

Claims

1. An assembly of a primary section and a ramp section, said assembly comprising:

a. said primary section comprising a structural frame;

b. an air-tight base;

c. an upper surface deck;

d. a first means, free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said section;

e. said ramp section comprising a structural frame;

f. an upper surface deck;

g. a zero side;

h. a connection side;

i. a zero end;

j. a connection end;

k. said connection side being of greater thickness than said zero side;

l. said connection end varying in thickness from said connection side to said zero side;

m. said zero end being of substantially uniform thickness;

n. said connection side, in the vicinity of said zero end, varying in thickness from the average thickness of said connection side to the thickness of said zero end;

o. said zero side being of substantially uniform thickness;

p. means to join said primary section to said ramp section at said connection side; and

g. said first means comprising a source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said air-tight base.

2. An assembly of a primary section and a ramp section, said assembly comprising:

a. said primary section comprising a structural frame;

b. an air-tight base;

c. an upper surface deck;

d. a first means free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said section;

e. said ramp section comprising a structural frame;

f. an upper surface deck;

g. a zero side;

h. a connection side;

i. a zero end;

j. a connection end;

k. said connection side being of greater thickness than said zero side;

l. said connection end varying in thickness from said connection side to said zero side;

m. said zero end being of substantially uniform thickness;

n. said connection side, in the vicinity of said zero end, varying in thickness from the average thickness of said connection side to the thickness of said zero end;

o. said zero side being of substantially uniform thickness;

p. means to join said primary section to said ramp section at said connection side;

q. said air-tight base having a recess in the central part so that the perimeter of the base defines a depending skirt around said recess;

r. a flexible apron positioned in said recess; and

, s. said first means comprising a self-contained source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said recess.

3. An assembly of a primary section and a ramp section, said assembly comprising:

a. said primary section comprising a structural frame;

b. an air-tight base;

c. an upper surface deck;

d. a first means, free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said section;

e. said ramp section comprising a structural frame;

f. an upper surface deck;

g. a zero side;

h. a connection side;

i. a zero end;

j. a connection end;

k. said connection side being of greater thickness than said zero side;

l. said connection end varying in thickness from said connection side to said zero side;

m. said zero end being of substantially uniform thickness;

n. said connection side, in the vicinity of said zero end, varying in thickness from the average thickness of said connection side to the thickness of said zero end;

o. said zero side being of substantially uniform thickness;

p. means to join said primary section to said ramp section at said connection side;

q. said primAry section at a second end having a relief ramp;

r. said relief ramp having a surface deck; and

, s. said relief ramp on its underneath part having sound attenuation means.

4. An assembly of a primary section and a ramp section, said assembly comprising:

a. said primary section comprising a structural frame;

b. an air-tight base;

c. an upper surface deck;

d. a first means, free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said section;

e. said ramp section comprising a structural frame;

f. an upper surface deck;

g. a zero side;

h. a connection side;

i. a zero end;

j. a connection end;

k. said connection side being of greater thickness than said zero side;

l. said connection end varying in thickness from said connection side to said zero side;

m. said zero end being of substantially uniform thickness;

n. said connection side, in the vicinity of said zero end, varying in thickness from the average thickness of said connection side to the thickness of said zero end;

o. said zero side being of substantially uniform thickness;

p. means to join said primary section to said ramp section at said connection side;

g. a second means connecting with said ramp section for moving said section.

5. An assembly according to claim 4 and comprising:

a. said second means being a tow socket.

6. An assembly of a primary section and a ramp section, said assembly comprising:

a. said primary section comprising a structural frame;

b. an air-tight base;

c. an upper surface deck;

d. a first means, free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said section;

e. said ramp section comprising a structural frame;

f. an upper surface deck;

g. a zero side;

h. a connection side;

i. a zero end;

j. a connection end;

k. said connection side being of greater thickness than said zero side;

l. said connection end varying in thickness from said connection side to said zero side;

m. said zero end being of substantially uniform thickness;

n. said connection side, in the vicinity of said zero end, varying in thickness from the average thickness of said connection side to the thickness of said zero end;

o. said zero side being of substantially uniform thickness;

p. means to join said primary section to said ramp section at said connection side;

q. a control center for an operator for controlling the direction of movement of said assembly.

7. An air dock comprising a plurality of ramp sections and a plurality of primary sections:

a. each ramp section comprising a structural frame;

b. said ramp section having an upper surface deck secured to said structural frame;

c. a zero side;

d. a connection side;

e. a zero end;

f. a connection end;

g. said connection side being of greater thickness than said zero side;

h. said connection end varying in thickness from said connection side to said zero side;

i. said zero end being of substantially uniform thickness;

j. said connection side, in the vicinity of said zero end, varying in thickness from the average thickness of said connection side to the thickness of said zero end;

k. said zero side being of substantially uniform thickness;

l. means to join said two ramp sections at adjacent said connection ends to form an assembly of ramp sections;

m. each primary section comprising a structural frame;

n. said primary section an air-tight base secured to said frame;

o. an upper surface deck secured to said frame;

p. a first means, free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said section;

q. said primary section having a first side and a second side, an inner end and an outer end;

r. means to join two primary sections at their adjacent inner ends to form an assembly of primary sections; and

, s. means to join said assembly of ramp sections to said assembly of primary sections with the connection sides of said ramp sections joined to first sides and the second sides of said primary sections in said assembly of primary sections to have at least two primary sections joined at their ends and to have ramp sections joined to said primary sections at the sides of the primary sections and with the assembly of primary sections between the assemblies of ramp sections.

8. An air dock according to claim 7 and comprising:

a. a plurality of said assembly of primary sections between said assembly of ramp sections.

9. An air dock according to claim 7 and comprising:

a. said first means comprising a source of compressed gas and controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said air-tight base.

10. An air dock according to claim 9 and comprising:

a. said controlled release means being quick acting for quick cessation of the flow of gas from said source of compressed gas; and

, b. a quick dump means connecting with said air-tight base for allowing the quick release of said gas from said air-tight base.

11. An air dock according to claim 9 and comprising:

a. a first means connecting with the source of compressed gas for controlling the flow of said gas;

b. a second means connecting with said first means for a first reduction in the pressure of said gas;

c. a third means connecting with the second means for a second reduction in the pressure of said gas; and

, d. a fourth means connecting with said third means for controlling the flow of said gas.

12. An air dock according to claim 11 and comprising:

a. a fifth means connecting with said second means and said third means for controlling the flow of said gas.

13. An air dock according to claim 12 and comprising:

a. said fifth means connecting with a quick dump means for allowing the escape of said compressed gas after said compressed gas had flowed past said third means.

14. An air dock according to claim 11 and comprising:

a. said second means results in a first gas at a first pressure;

b. said third means results in a second gas at a second pressure;

c. a sixth means connecting with said fourth means for controlling the flow of said second gas;

d. a seventh means connecting with said first gas at said first pressure for controlling the flow of said first gas; and

, e. said seventh means controls said sixth means for controlling the flow of said second gas.

15. An air dock according to claim 14 and comprising:

a. said sixth means in controlling the flow of said second gas at said second pressure produces a third gas at a third pressure;

b. said seventh means being responsive to the flow of said third gas;

c. said seventh means having a first outlet and a second outlet; and

, d. said seventh means through said first outlet and said second outlet controlling said sixth means.

16. An air dock according to claim 14 and comprising:

a. said fourth means connects with said third means for controlling the flow of said second gas and connects with said second means for controlling the flow of said first gas;

b. said first gas being a control gas and said second gas being the lifting gas; and

, c. said seventh means connects with said fourth means for receiving said first gas.

17. An air dock according to claim 16 and comprising:

a. said seventh means being responsive to the ambient gaseous pressure;

b. said seventh means being responsive to said third gas at said third pressure and to said ambient gaseous pressure to control the flow of gas through said first outlet and said second outlet. 18. An air dock according to claim 11 and comprising;

a. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, b. said elevation sensing means being a transducer for conveying information to the fourtH means to control the flow of said gas.

19. An air dock according to claim 11 and comprising:

a. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, b. said elevation sensing means controlling said fourth means for controlling the flow of said second gas.

20. An air dock according to claim 11 and comprising:

a. said second means results in a first gas at a first pressure;

b. said third means results in a second gas at a second pressure;

c. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, d. said elevation sensing means being a transducer for conveying information to the fourth means to control the flow of said second gas.

21. An air dock according to claim 11 and comprising:

a. said second means results in a first gas at a first pressure;

b. said third means results in a second gas at a second pressure;

c. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, d. said elevation sensing means controlling said fourth means for controlling the flow of said second gas.

22. An air dock according to claim 11 and comprising:

a. a fifth means connecting with said second means and said third means for controlling the flow of said gas;

b. said fifth means connecting with a quick dump means for allowing the escape of said compressed gas after said compressed gas had flowed past said third means;

c. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, d. said elevation sensing means being a transducer for conveying information to the fourth means to control the flow of said gas.

23. An air dock according to claim 11 and comprising:

a. a fifth means connecting with said second means and said third means for controlling the flow of said gas;

b. said fifth means connecting with a quick dump means for allowing the escape of said compressed gas after said compressed gas had flowed past said third means;

c. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, d. said elevation sensing means controlling said fourth means for controlling the flow of said second gas.

24. An air dock according to claim 9 and comprising:

a. source of compressed gas being positioned away from said plurality of ramp sections and said plurality of primary sections and connecting with said plurality of primary sections.

25. An air dock according to claim 9 and comprising:

a. said source of compressed gas being a compressor on a mobile support.

26. An air dock according to claim 7 and comprising:

a. said air-tight base having a recess in the central part so that the perimeter of the base defines a depending skirt around said recess;

b. a flexible apron positioned in said recess; and

, c. said first means comprising a self-contained source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said recess.

27. An air dock according to claim 26 and comprising:

a. said flexible apron being hinged to said section;

b. said flexible apron depending from said section;

c. said apron on its lower part having a sealing band for being juxtapositioned with respect to said surrounding area; and

, d. said apron and said sealing band being directed inwardly and into said recess for moving under said section when said section is lowered onto said surrounding area.

28. An air dock according to claim 27 and comprising:

a. said apron being an endless flexible apron.

29. An air dock according to claim 26 and comprising:

a. said controlled release means being quick acting for quick cessation of the flow of gas from said source of compressed gas; and

, b. a quick dump means connecting with said recess for allowing the quick dump of said gas from said recess for the rapid settling of said primary section to the surrounding area.

30. An air dock according to claim 7 and comprising:

a. said section at a second end having a relief ramp;

b. said relief ramp having a surface deck; and

, c. said relief ramp on its underneath part having sound attenuation means.

31. An air dock according to claim 30 and comprising:

a. said controlled release means being quick acting for quick cessation of the flow of gas from said source of compressed gas; and

, b. a quick dump means connecting with said recess for allowing the quick dump of said gas from said recess for the rapid settling of said primary section to the surrounding area.

32. An air dock according to claim 7 and comprising:

a. a second means connecting with said ramp section for moving said section.

33. An air dock according to claim 32 and comprising:

a. said second means being a tow socket.

34. An air dock according to claim 32 and comprising:

a. said second means being a motorized friction drive.

35. An air dock according to claim 34 and comprising:

a. a source of electrical energy;

b. an electrical motor connecting with said source;

c. a ground engaging traction means;

d. said electrical motor connecting with and in driving relation with said ground engaging traction means; and

, e. a third means for varying the elevation of said ground engaging traction means.

36. An air dock according to claim 35 and comprising:

a. said source of electric energy being an electric storage battery;

b. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to an external source of electric energy for charging said electric storage battery; and

, c. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to a user of electrical energy.

37. An air dock according to claim 32 and comprising:

a. a control center for an operator for controlling the horizontal attitude of said air dock.

38. An air dock according to claim 7 and comprising:

a. an electric storage battery;

b. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to an external source of electrical energy for charging said electric storage battery; and

c. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to said first means to operate said first means.

39. An air dock according to claim 7 and comprising:

a. a leveling means for said air dock and comprising;

b. a first level sensing means;

c. a second level sensing means;

d. said air dock comprising a plurality of cells for creating an air cushion; and

, e. said first and second means controlling the flow of air to said cells for controlling the pitch and yaw of said air dock.

40. An air dock according to claim 39 and comprising:

a. said plurality of cells comprising a first cell;

b. a second cell;

c. a third cell;

d. a fourth cell;

e. said first sensing means controlling the flow of air to said first and third cells; and

, f. said second sensing means controlling the flow of air to said second and fourth cells.

41. An air dock according to claim 40 and comprising:

a. said first and second sensing means being at substantially right angles to each other;

b. said first sensing means being on a diagonal between said first and third cells; and

, c. said second sensing means being on a diagonal between said second and fourth cells.

42. An air dock according to claim 40 and comprising:

a. said sensing means comprising single pole double throw mercury switches.

43. An air dock according to claim 41 and comprising:

a. said sensing means comprising single pole double throw mercury switcheS.

44. An air dock according to claim 7 and comprising:

a. a plurality of said assembly of primary sections between said assembly of ramp sections;

b. said air-tight base having a recess in the central part so that the perimeter of the base defines a depending skirt around said recess;

c. a flexible apron positioned in said recess;

d. said first means comprising a self-contained source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said recess;

e. said flexible apron being hinged to said section;

f. said flexible apron depending from said section;

g. said apron on its lower part having a sealing band for being juxtapositioned with respect to said surrounding area;

h. said apron and said sealing band being directed inwardly and into said recess for moving under said primary section when said primary section is lowered onto said surrounding area;

i. said apron being an endless flexible apron;

j. a second means connecting with said ramp section for moving said section;

k. an electric storage battery;

l. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to an external source of electrical energy for charging said electric storage battery; and

, m. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to said controlled release means.

45. A moving pad, said moving pad comprising:

a. a primary section having a structural frame;

b. an air-tight base secured to said frame;

c. an upper surface deck secured to said frame;

d. said primary section having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side;

e. a peripheral relief ramp on said primary section and on said first end, said second end, said first side and said second side;

f. said peripheral relief ramp having a surface deck; and

, g. a first means, free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said moving pad.

46. A moving pad according to claim 45 and comprising:

a. said first means comprising a source of compressed gas and a controlled release a means for said gas for releasing said gas to said air-tight base.

47. A moving pad according to claim 46 and comprising:

a. said air-tight base having a recess in the central part so that the perimeter of the base defines a depending skirt around said recess; and

, b. a flexible apron positioned in said recess.

48. A moving pad according to claim 47 and comprising:

a. said flexible apron being hinged to said section;

b. said flexible apron depending from said section;

c. said apron on its lower part having a sealing band for being juxtapositioned with respect to said surrounding area; and

, d. said apron and said sealing band being directed inwardly and into said recess for moving under said section when said section is lowered onto said surrounding area.

49. A moving pad according to claim 48 and comprising:

a. said apron being an endless flexible apron.

50. A moving pad according to claim 46 and comprising:

a. said relief ramp on its underneath part having sound attenuation means.

51. A moving pad according to claim 47 and comprising:

a. said first means comprising a self-contained source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said recess.

52. A moving pad according to claim 51 and comprising:

a. said controlled relrease means being quick acting for quick cessation of the flow of gas from said source of compressed gas; and

, b. a quick dump means connecting with said air-tight base for allowing the quick release of said gas from said air-tight base.

53. A moving pad according to claim 45 and comprising:

a. said first means comprising a source of compressed gas positioned away from said moving pad and connecting with said moving pad.

54. A moving pad according to claim 53 and comprising:

a. said source of compressed gas being a compressor on a mobile support.

55. A moving pad according to claim 45 and comprising:

a. a second means connecting with said moving pad for moving said pad.

56. A moving pad, said moving pad comprising:

a. a plurality of primary sections;

b. said primary section being connected together into an integral unit;

c. said primary section having a structural frame;

d. an air-tight base secured to said frame;

e. an upper surface deck secured to said frame;

f. said primary section having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side;

g. a peripheral relief ramp on said primary sections and said integral unit;

h. said peripheral relief ramp having a surface deck; and

, i. a first means, free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said moving pad.

57. A moving pad according to claim 56 and comprising:

a. said first means comprising a source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said airtight base.

58. A moving pad according to claim 57 and comprising:

a. said airtight base having a recess in the central part so that the perimeter of the base defines a depending skirt around said recess; and

, b. a flexible apron positioned in said recess.

59. A moving pad according to claim 58 and comprising:

a. said flexible apron being hinged to said section;

b. said flexible apron depending from said section;

c. said apron on its lower part having a sealing band for being juxtapositioned with respect to said surrounding area; and

, d. said apron and said sealing band being directed inwardly and into said recess for moving under said section when said section is lowered onto said surrounding area.

60. A moving pad according to claim 59 and comprising:

a. said apron being an endless flexible apron.

61. A moving pad according to claim 57 and comprising:

a. said relief ramp on its underneath part having sound attenuation means.

62. A moving pad according to claim 58 and comprising:

a. said primary sections being connected in an end to end relationship.

63. A moving pad according to claim 58 and comprising:

a. said primary sections being connected in a side by side relationship.

64. A moving pad according to claim 58 and comprising:

a. said first means comprising a self-contained source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said recess.

65. A moving pad according to claim 62 and comprising:

a. said controlled release means being quick acting for quick cessation of the flow of gas from said source of compressed gas; and

, b. a quick dump means connecting with said airtight base for allowing the quick release of said gas from said airtight base.

66. A moving pad according to claim 56 and comprising:

a. said first means comprising a source of compressed gas positioned away from said moving pad and connecting with said moving pad.

67. A moving pad according to claim 66 and comprising:

a. said source of compressed gas being a compressor on a mobile support.

68. A moving pad according to claim 56 and comprising:

a. a second means connecting with said moving pad for moving said pad.

69. A combination of an air dock and a load, said combination comprising:

a. said air dock comprising a plurality of ramp sections and a plurality of primary sections;

b. each ramp section comprising a structural frame;

c. an upper surface deck secured to said frame;

d. a zero side;

e. a connection side;

f. a zero end;

g. a connection end;

h. said connection side being of greater thickness than said zero side;

i. said connection end varying in thickness from said connection side to said zero side;

j. said zero end being of substantially uniform thickness;

k. said connection side, in the vicinity of said zero end, varying in thickness from the average thickness of said connection sidE to the thickness of said zero end;

l. said zero side being of substantially uniform thickness;

m. means to join said two ramp sections at adjacent said connection ends to form an assembly of ramp sections;

n. each primary section comprising a structural frame;

o. an airtight base secured to said frame;

p. an upper surface deck secured to said frame;

q. a first means, free of contact with the surrounding area, for varying the elevation of said section;

r. said primary section having a first side and a second side, an inner end and an outer end;

s. means to join two primary sections at their adjacent inner ends to form an assembly of primary sections;

t. means to join said assembly of ramp sections to said assembly of primary sections with the connection sides of said ramp sections joined to first sides and the second sides of said primary sections in said assembly of primary sections to have at least two primary sections joined at their ends and to have ramp sections joined to said primary sections at the sides of the primary sections and with the assembly of primary sections between the assemblies of ramp sections; and

, u. said load being on said air dock and supported by said air dock.

70. A combination according to claim 69 and comprising a. said first means comprising a source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas of releasing said gas to said airtight base.

71. An air dock according to claim 70 and comprising:

a source of compressed gas being positioned away from said moving pad and connecting with said moving pad.

72. An air dock according to claim 70 and comprising:

a. said source of compressed gas being a compressor on a mobile support.

73. A combination according to claim 69 and comprising:

a. said airtight base having a recess in the central part so that the perimeter of the base defines a depending skirt around said recess;

b. a flexible apron positioned in said recess; and

, c. said first means comprising a self-contained source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said recess.

74. An air dock according to claim 73 and comprising:

a. said controlled release means being quick acting for quick cessation of the flow of gas from said source of compressed gas; and

, b. a quick dump means connecting with said airtight base for allowing the quick release of said gas from said airtight base.

75. A combination according to claim 69 and comprising:

a. said load being an airplane.

76. A combination according to claim 69 and comprising:

a. an electric storage battery;

b. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to an external source of electrical energy for charging said electric storage battery; and

, c. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to a user of electrical energy.

77. A combination according to claim 69 and comprising:

a. a plurality of said assembly of primary sections between said assembly of ramp sections;

b. said airtight base having a recess in the central part so that the perimeter of the base defines a depending skirt around said recess;

c. a flexible apron positioned in said recess;

d. said first means comprising a self-contained source of compressed gas and a controlled release means for said gas for releasing said gas to said recess;

e. said flexible apron being hinged to said section;

f. said flexible apron depending from said section;

g. said apron on its lower part having a sealing band for being juxtapositioned with respect to said surrounding area;

h. said apron and said sealing band being driected inwardly and into said recess for moving under said section when said section is lowered onto said surrounding area;

i. said apron being an endless flexible apron;

j. a second means connecting with said ramp section for moving said section;

k. an electric storage baTtery;

l. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to an external source of electrical energy for charging said electric storage battery; and

, m. a means for connecting said electric storage battery to a user of electrical energy.

78. An air dock according to claim 69 and comprising:

a. said primary section at a second end having a relief ramp;

b. said relief ramp having a surface deck; and

, c. said relief ramp on its underneath part having sound attenuation means.

79. An air dock according to claim 77 and comprising:

a. said controlled release means being quick acting for quick cessation of the flow of gas from said source of compressed gas; and

, b. a quick dump means connecting with said recess for allowing the quick dump of said gas from said recess for the rapid settling of said primary section to the surrounding area.

80. An air dock according to claim 69 and comprising:

a. a second means connecting with said ramp section for moving said section.

81. An air dock according to claim 80 and comprising:

a. said second means being a tow socket.

82. An air dock according to claim 80 and comprising:

a. said second means being a motorized friction drive.

83. An air dock according to claim 82 and comprising:

a. a source of electrical energy;

b. an electrical motor connecting with said source;

c. a ground engaging traction means;

d. said electrical motor connecting with an in driving relation with said ground engaging traction means; and

, e. a third means for varying the elevation of said ground engaging traction means.

84. An air dock according to claim 80 and comprising:

a. a control center for an operator for controlling the horizontal attitude of said air dock.

85. An air dock according to claim 69 and comprising:

a. a first means connecting with the source of compressed gas for controlling the flow of said gas;

b. a second means connecting with said first means for a first reduction in the pressure of said gas;

c. a third means connecting with the second means for a second reduction in the pressure of said gas; and

, d. a fourth means connecting with said third means for controlling the flow of said gas.

86. An air dock according to claim 85 and comprising:

a. a fifth means connecting with said second means and said third means for controlling the flow of said gas.

87. An air dock according to claim 86 and comprising:

a. said fifth means connecting with a quick dump means for allowing the escape of said compressed gas after said compressed gas has flowed past said third means.

88. An air dock according to claim 85 and comprising:

a. said second means results in a first gas at a first pressure;

b. said third means results in a second gas at a second pressure;

c. a sixth means connecting with said fourth means for controlling the flow of said second gas;

d. a seventh means connecting with said first gas at said first pressure of controlling the flow of said first gas; and

, e. said seventh means controls said sixth means for controlling the flow of said second gas.

89. An air dock according to claim 88 and comprising:

a. said sixth means in controlling the flow of said second gas at said second pressure produces a third gas at a third pressure;

b. said seventh means being responsive to the flow of said third gas;

c. said seventh means having a first outlet and a second outlet; and

, d. said seventh means through said first outlet and said second outlet controlling said sixth means.

90. An air dock according to claim 88 and comprising:

a. said fourth means connects with said third means for controlling the flow of said second gas and connects with said second means for controlling the flow of said first gas;

b. said first gas being a control gas and said second gas being the lifting gas; and

, c. said seventh means connects with said fourth means for receiviNg said first gas.

91. An air dock according to claim 90 and comprising:

a. said seventh means being responsive to the ambient gaseous pressure; and

, b. said seventh means being responsive to said third gas at said third pressure and to said ambient gaseous pressure to control the flow of gas through said first outlet and said second outlet.

92. An air dock according to claim 91 and comprising:

a. said sixth means being a pneumatic vortex amplifier; and

, b. said seventh means being a pneumatic mono-stable proportional amplifier.

93. An air dock according to claim 85 and comprising:

a. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, b. said elevation sensing means being a transducer for conveying information to the fourth means to control the flow of said gas.

94. An air dock according to claim 85 and comprising:

a. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, b. said elevation sensing means controlling said fourth means for controlling the flow of said second gas.

95. An air dock according to claim 85 and comprising:

a. said second means results in a first gas at a first pressure;

b. said third means results in a second gas at a second pressure;

c. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, d. said elevation sensing means being a transducer for conveying information to the fourth means to control the flow of said second gas.

96. An air dock according to claim 85 and comprising:

a. said second means results in a first gas at a first pressure;

b. said third means results in a second gas at a second pressure;

c. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, d. said elevation sensing means controlling said fourth means for controlling the flow of said second gas.

97. An air dock according to claim 85 and comprising:

a. a fifth means connecting with said second means and said third means for controlling the flow of said gas;

b. said fifth means connecting with a quick dump means for allowing the escape of said compressed gas after said compressed gas had flowed past said third means;

c. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, d. said elevation sensing means being a transducer for conveying information to the fourth means to control the flow of said gas.

98. An air dock according to claim 85 and comprising:

a. a fifth means connecting with said second means and said third means for controlling the flow of said gas;

b. said fifth means connecting with a quick dump means for allowing the escape of said compressed gas after said compressed gas has flowed past said third means;

c. an elevation sensing means for said gaseous lifting means for sensing the elevation of said gaseous lifting means with respect to the underlying surrounding area; and

, d. said elevation sensing means controlling said fourth means for controlling the flow of said second gas.

99. An air dock according to claim 69 and comprising:

a. a leveling means for said air dock and comprising;

b. a first level sensing means;

c. a second level sensing means;

d. said air dock comprising a plurality of cells for creating said air cushion; and

, e. said first and second means controlling the flow of air to said cells for controlling the pitch and yaw of said air dock.

100. An air dock according to claim 99 and comprising:

a. a first cellS;

b. a second cell;

c. a third cell;

d. a fourth cell;

e. said first sensing means controlling the flow of air to said first and third cells; and

, f. said second sensing means controlling the flow of air to said second and fourth cells.

101. An air dock according to claim 100 and comprising:

a. said first and second sensing means being at substantially right angles to each other;

b. said first sensing means being on a diagonal between said first and third cells; and

, C. said second sensing means being on a diagonal between said second and fourth cells.

102. An air dock according to claim 100 and comprising:

a. said sensing means comprising single pole double throw mercury switches.

103. An air dock according to claim 101 and comprising:

a. said sensing means comprising single pole double throw mercury switches.