Importance

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Abstract

Two wheels of different modes are provided which add guidance capabilities to air cushioned vehicles. A tractor utilizes the wheel of the first mode, a wheel mounted upright upon a hollow tubular hub, being a half-torus. A trailer utilizes the wheel of the second mode, a wheel mounted upright upon a sphere which is cut off at the base to allow for ample platform clearance. Both vehicles are air cushioned, enabling them to hover above a support surface. Steering is affected by directing the tractor vehicle with the aid of a novel curved gear series on the inside rim of the wheel of the first mode. Twisting action upon the rim and wheel resulting from stress created between the steering sprocket and a drive sprocket, being synchronized when normal by a timing belt. The steering sprocket is effected by operator control and encounters the curved portions of the special gear teeth, thereby causing the tractor to turn. The wheels of both modes can be tilted by the operator's actions. Pressure differences in opposite chambers formed between the hub structures of the wheels and the outer shells at the sides of both wheels occur as fluid pressure is released from valves situated at the sides of both wheels in greater proportion on one side or the other.

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First Claim