Retractable, Lever Action, Scroll Seal for a Surface Effect Ship.

Authors: Fred W. Wilson; Timothy D. Smith; DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON DC

Abstract:

This abstract discloses an improved seal design for a Surface Effect Ship, having an inflatable inner seal member, and outer seal member composed of a pliable sheet material scrollably affixed to the hull fore and aft of the inner seal member. The seal may be retracted for hullborne operation by deflating the inner seal member and scrolling the outer seal member tight to hull. The inner seal member has transverse webbing for stability. The outer seal member is periodically scrolled forward to expose an unworn section to the water surface thereby reducing seal failure due to wear. The present invention relates generally to an Air Cushion Vehicle. An Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) rides on a cushion of air contained below the ship by a flexible seal depending from the ship's periphery. A Surface Effect Ship (SES), an ACV comprising two sidehulls, a fore seal, and an aft seal, may operate in either the hullborne mode or the air cushion. Objects of the present invention are to reduce the wear and drag of an SES seal; to improve the safety of air cushion operation; to reduce the risk of damage and injury from seal failure due to excessive cushion venting, seal deflation, seal sweepback, and seal damage from wear; to improve the hullborne operating characteristics of an SES; and to reduce the frequency, expense, and difficulty of SES seal maintenance. Patents. (aw)

Description:

Patent, Filed 24 Feb 86, patented 29 Sep 87

Pages:

Report Date:

29 SEP 1987

Report Number:

D024410

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