Fluid-stream driven ground vehicle

Abstract

The vehicle has a body provided with ground-engaging portions and has an imaginary longitudinal medial vertical face of symmetry. At least one pair of devices which produce fluid streams is disposed substantially symmetrically on opposite sides of the face of symmetry. The devices have axes of rotation which parallel one another and the said face of symmetry. The body has further mounted thereon at least one pair of matching hydraulic motors whose rotors are connected with the fluid-stream producing devices to drive the same. The motors are supplied at the same rate of flow with streams of hydraulic pressure fluid, and consequently the fluid-stream producing devices are driven at equal velocities and, in turn, produce equal reaction thrusts symmetrically on both sides of the said face of symmetry. This stabilizes the attitude of the vehicle and produces forward movement in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The arrangement of the invention provides a controlled movement of the vehicle independent of the ground whereon the vehicle travels. Thereby it can travel on slippery ground. In addition the thrust-force of the vehicle is increased by means of utilizing a plurality of fluid stream producing devices. Such application of a plurality of fluid stream producing devices gives better efficiencies and considerable bigger thrust, than a single fluid-stream producing device would do at the same power installation. Thrust, control of movement and adaptability for travel on different grounds are increased.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.