COMBINED PERIPHERAL JET AND PLENUM CHAMBER AIR CUSHION DEVICE

摘要

An air cushion device comprising a base and nozzle means for providing an endless jet curtain beneath the base to confine a cushion of air for supporting the base above a surface when air under pressure is supplied to the nozzle means. A flexible diaphragm is selectively extendable to form a plenum chamber beneath the base having a compliant peripheral wall projecting beneath the base a distance at least as far as the lower end of the nozzle means so as to confine a cushion of air for supporting the base above a surface when air under pressure is supplied to the plenum chamber and permitted to escape only through the clearance slot or gap between the compliant peripheral wall and the surface over which the base is supported.