Patent ID: 6530444
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: B60V

Abstract:
A controlled levitation vehicle having a levitating apparatus comprising a blower driven by a motor, multiple air pads, a duct connecting the blower and the air pads, a brake skid attached to the vehicle for contact with a track, characterized in that said vehicle further includesmeans for driving the blower motor, a first damper valve disposed in the duct for venting air therefrom, means for closing the first damper valve upon an instruction to levitate the vehicle, and opening the first damper valve upon an instruction to land the vehicle means for regulating the driving means to drive the blower motor at a levitation speed in response to an instruction to levitate the vehicle and at a non-zero standby speed in response to an instruction to land the vehicle, said standby speed selected so as to maintain sufficient contact between said brake skid and the track to prevent horizontal movement of the vehicle.