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Method and Apparatus for Ballast-Assisted Reconfiguration of a Variable-Draft Vessel

a technology of variable-draft vessels and ballasts, which is applied in the field of seafaring vessels, can solve the problems of affecting the performance of deep-water vessels, incurring penalties for added weight, cost, space allocation, etc., and achieves the effect of reducing or no reliance on lifting mechanisms

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-02-22
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention provides a way to reconfigure the hull form of a reconfigurable variable-draft vessel with reduced or no reliance on a lifting mechanism.
[0009] In a method in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, ballasting and de-ballasting operations assist in the vertical translation of the center hull. Accomplishing at least some of the required vertical translation in this manner reduces the range-of-motion requirements on the lifting mechanism.

Problems solved by technology

If a vessel is designed for use in shallow waters, its performance in deep waters will be compromised, and vice-versa.
Regardless of the specifics of the lifting mechanism, if all vertical translation of the center hull is performed using the lifting mechanism, the vessel will incur penalties of added weight, cost, and space allocation.

Method used

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  • Method and Apparatus for Ballast-Assisted Reconfiguration of a Variable-Draft Vessel

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Embodiment Construction

[0021]FIG. 1 depicts re-configurable, variable-draft vessel 100 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Vessel 100 includes side hulls 102, struts 104, sponson 106, and deck house 108. The deck house, which is also referred to as the center hull, incorporates a pilot house, and, internally, a (lower) deck for vehicles and an (upper) deck for passengers.

[0022] Vessel 100 has a lifting mechanism for moving the center hull 108 relative to side hulls 102. In the illustrative embodiment, four lifting mechanisms 110 are used, wherein two mechanisms are disposed on each side of center hull 102, one located aft and one located toward the stern.

[0023] In conjunction with lifting mechanism 110, center hull 108 can be placed in a state in which it is locked to side hulls 102 such that the center hull and side hulls move in unison. Also, center hull 108 can be decoupled from side hulls 102 via lifting mechanism 110 so that the center hull and side hulls can mo...

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Abstract

A method for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable variable-draft vessel having a side hull and a center hull. In a method in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, ballasting and de-ballasting operations assist in the vertical translation of the center hull relative to the side hull.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES [0001] This case claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application 60 / 710,049, which was filed on Aug. 22, 2005 and is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to sea-faring vessels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vessel having a multiple, reconfigurable hulls and a variable draft. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Vessel hulls have traditionally been optimized for use in either shallow water or in deep water. For example, to navigate shallow waters, a relatively flat hull is used to maximize displacement and minimize draft. On the other hand, vessels that operate in deep waters frequently have v-shaped hulls that provide deep draft for good seakeeping. [0004] If a vessel is designed for use in shallow waters, its performance in deep waters will be compromised, and vice-versa. This has spurred the development of variable-draft vessels, which are designed to operate well in bot...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B63B1/00B63B43/06B63B43/08B63B9/08
CPCB63B1/107B63B1/121B63B1/125B63B2003/485B63B43/06B63B43/08B63B2001/145B63B15/00
Inventor MADDEN, LEWIS D.BAILEY, STEPHEN L.
Owner LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
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