Lifting platform
AssigneeVortex Holding Company
InventorLewis Illingworth
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A novel drive for a lifting platform utilizing a simple propeller, impeller, or gas turbine is disclosed. The axial air rotation from the drive is eliminated in order to permit the development of a partial toroidal vortex which efficiently maintains a raised air pressure zone beneath the lifting platform. The axial components are eliminated by means such as flow straightening vanes, which may also serve to control lateral motion of the lifting platform. The system can also be easily modified to function as an attractor device. Overall, the present invention explores the effect of vortices, both cylindrical and toroidal, and seeks to optimize their effects.
Claims40
A lifting platform optimized for both high and low altitude operation, said platform utilizing a fluid flow from which cylindrical vortices have been substantially eliminated, said platform comprising:
- flow means for generating a fluid flow toward a surface, said fluid flow comprising cylindrical vortex components;
- straightening means for substantially eliminating said cylindrical vortex components of said fluid flow;
- and
- platform structure for arranging said flow means and said straightening means such that said fluid flow travels through said straightening means, toward said surface, further wherein said straightening means are arranged such that said fluid flow is straightened immediately before exiting said platform.
A lifting platform optimized for both high and low altitude operation, said platform utilizing a fluid flow from which cylindrical vortices have been substantially eliminated, said platform comprising:
- motor means for generating a rotational force;
- fan means, coupled to said motor means, for generating a fluid flow upon rotation, said fluid flow directed toward a surface and further comprising cylindrical vortex components;
- straightening means for substantially eliminating said cylindrical vortex components of said fluid flow;
- platform structure for arranging said straightening means, said fan means and said motor means such that said fluid flow travels through said straightening means, toward said surface, and further wherein said straightening means are arranged such that said fluid flow is straightened immediately before exiting said platform;
- and
- control means, coupled to said straightening means, for effecting a lateral component in said fluid flow to effect lateral travel of said lifting platform.
A method for efficiently providing two modes of lift in a dual-lift apparatus, comprising the steps of:
- providing a fluid flow directed toward a surface, said fluid flow comprising cylindrical vortex components;
- eliminating said cylindrical vortex components of said fluid flow immediately before said fluid flow exits said apparatus;
- effecting low-altitude lift by generation of a high-pressure region due to the formation of a partial toroidal vortex circumferentially surrounding the confines of said dual-lift apparatus;
- and
- effecting high-altitude lift by the change in momentum of said fluid flow directed toward said surface;
- wherein said effecting high-altitude lift dominates in cases wherein said dual-lift apparatus rises above a critical height in which the pressure of said high-pressure region drops to ambient level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.