| 摘要 |
<p>A load such as a container (13) is supported on a trailer (11) of a vehicle (10). A flexible skirt (20) depends below the container (13) through an opening in the trailer (11) so as to define a plenum chamber (22) between container and the ground (21) on which the vehicle (10) is travelling. A compressor (23) is supported below the container (13) in the chamber and directs compressed air into the chamber (22) so as to generate a load-bearing air cushion under said container (13). The air cushion supports the load, thereby reducing the weight carried by the vehicle (10). The chamber (22) is defined between rotating skirts (20) on each side and fore and aft rollers. The energy required to drive the compressor (23) is less than that required to transport the full weight of the load.</p> |
