Motorized marine vessel disablement system

Abstract

An apparatus for disabling of motor vessels moving in a waterbody. An energetic (i.e. explosive), as part of a floating assembly, is brought into contact with a motorized marine vessel's propulsion unit(s) and / or steering system, referred to generally as the underwater drive unit, due to the vessel's own motion relative to a floating line. The energetic then detonates and disables the underwater drive unit, thereby halting progress of the vessel while not harming any occupants thereof.

Description

[0001] Motorized Marine Vessel Disablement System

[0002] Inventor: Matthew John Searle

[0003] Applicant: Maritime Arresting Technologies LLC Cross reference to related applications

[0004] This United States non-provisional patent application claims priority to United States provisional patent application SN 63 / 555571, for all purposes. The disclosure of that provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent with this application.

[0005] Background - Field of the Invention

[0006] The apparatus, and methods of use thereof, disclosed herein relate to the disabling of motor vessels moving in a waterbody.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to an energetic (i.e. explosive), as part of a floating assembly, which is brought into contact with a motorized marine vessel’s propulsion unit(s) and / or steering system, referred to generally as the underwater drive unit, due to the vessel’s own motion relative to a floating line. The energetic then detonates and disables the underwater drive unit, thereby halting progress of the vessel while not harming any occupants thereof. Various means of deployment of the energetic and the floating assembly are disclosed.

[0009] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a view of the floating assembly.

[0011] Fig. 2 is an overhead view of the floating assembly, in position on the surface of a waterbody.

[0012] Figs. 3 - 5 are sequential views of a motorized vessel contacting the floating assembly, the line of the floating assembly wrapping around the propulsion unit and / or steering system thereof, and ultimately pulling the activation device into contact with the motorized vessel.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a cross section view of a launch assembly with the floating assembly inside.

[0014] Figs. 7 - 9 are sequential views of the activation device in different positions.

[0015] Figs. 10 and 11 are sequential views of one embodiment of deployment of the floating assembly.

[0016] Fig. 12 is a view of a motorized vessel approaching the floating assembly, in position on the surface of a water body.

[0017] Fig. 13 is a cross section view of a second embodiment of the launch assembly.

[0018] Figs. 14 and 15 show a second embodiment of the activation device.

[0019] Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiment(s)

[0020] While various apparatus, and methods of use thereof, can embody the principles of the present invention, with reference to the drawings some of the presently preferred embodiments can be described.

[0021] A first embodiment

[0022] Floating assembly, including energetic and drogue system

[0023] With reference to Figs. 1 - 12, a first embodiment of the motorized marine vessel disablement system can be described.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 1, the motorized vessel disablement system comprises a floating assembly 10 comprising, in its fundamental form, a floating line 12 comprising a drogue 20 at a first end and an activation device 40 at a second end.

[0025] Figs. 2 - 5 show floating assembly 10 in several positions; it is understood that Figs. 2 - 5 are bird’s-eye views. In Fig. 2, floating assembly 10 is shown in a deployed position, for illustrative purposes shown with floating line 12 in a more-or-less straight line position on or near the surface of a waterbody. A motorized marine vessel 200, which for illustration is a threat vessel, is shown approaching but not yet in contact with floating line 12. The arrow indicates the line of travel of vessel 200.

[0026] In Fig. 3, motorized marine vessel 200, or more particularly the underwater drive unit 210 thereof (propulsion unit and / or steering unit) has contacted floating line 12 but proceeds onward. Drogue 20, being of a configuration that is a high drag structure that resists movement through the water, remains relatively stationary; it is understood that drogue 20 must necessarily move to a degree, as can be seen in the figures. It can be readily understood that as vessel 200 proceeds, with the relative stationary position of drogue 20, floating line 12 will slide around underwater drive unit 210, and activation device 40 is pulled toward underwater drive unit 210, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The annotated dotted line between Figs. 2 and 3 show the track of activation device 40. Upon contact with underwater drive unit 210, activation device 40 detonates, as shown in Fig. 5, rendering the propulsion and / or steering inoperable and arresting progress of vessel 200.

[0027] While the components of floating assembly 10 may take various forms, in conjunction with the figures, especially Figs. 1 and 6, one presently preferred embodiment can be described.

[0028] Floating assembly 10 comprises a line 12, preferably a floating line, comprising a drogue 20 at one end, which in a preferred embodiment comprises an umbrella-shaped fabric member. As line 12 is pulled, drogue 20 opens up and resists movement through the water. A ring 22, preferably a steel ring, provides weight to pull drogue 20 down into the water column. A float 24 counters the downward force by ring 22. By way of example only, line 12 may be 200 to 600 feet long, of a high strength, floating braided configuration.

[0029] A section of detonator cord 26 is next attached to line 12. It is understood that detonator cord 26 provides additional explosive, in addition to that in activation device 40, to disable the vessel.

[0030] Activation device 40 is attached to detonator cord 26; further detail on one embodiment of activation device 40 is set out below. Preferably, a float 28 is attached to activation device 40 to keep activation device 40 on the surface of the water before being engaged. Finally, a tail 30, which may be a section of line, is preferably attached to activation device 40 to provide some drag on activation device 40 and help maintain stability, as it is pulled toward the vessel. Float 28 is stripped off of activation device 40 as it is pulled through the water.

[0031] While activation device 40 may take various forms, with reference to Figs. 7 - 9 one embodiment may be described. Fig. 7 shows activation device 40 in its initial configuration, typically packed inside a launch tube and before deployment. A housing 41 contains a quantity of explosive charge or energetic 42. Detonator cord 26 connects to housing 41 and energetic 40. A nose cone 43 reduces provides a streamlined leading shape as activation device 40 is pulled through the water. Activation device 40 comprises arms 48 hingedly connected to housing 41 , and which are operatively coupled to a trigger mechanism comprising an internal carriage 56, by a rack and pinion system 50, 52. End caps 49 on arms 48 aid in providing resistance to water passage and in opening arms 48, as the device is pulled through the water. A detonator 46 is connected to energetic 42. The trigger mechanism further comprises a firing pin 58 and spring 54 are positioned within carriage 56, and a breakable tether 60 connects firing pin 58 to the end of carriage 56. Spring 54, carriage 56, firing pin 58, and tether 60 all form a trigger mechanism.

[0032] Fig. 8 shows activation device 40 in a second position, after it has been pulled through the water by line 12 and detonator cord 26 engaging vessel 200, under way. Water force against end caps 49 and arms 48 cause arms 48 to rotate to their open position, which in turn forces carriage 56 toward energetic 42, by action of the rack and pinion mechanism. End caps 49 preferably wash off once arms 48 are fully open. O-rings 62 provide a seal between carriage 56 and the bore of housing 41. As carriage 56 moves, firing pin 58 is restrained from moving due to tether 60, thereby placing spring 54 in compression. Tether 60 may be a pin with a reduced diameter section; tether may screw into firing pin 58 and a rear end cap of activation device 40. Preferably, a ratchet mechanism comprising spring washers 64 engaging teeth 66 is provided, which prevents carriage 56 from moving backward should water forces on arms 48 cease, for example if activation device 40 is pulled out of the water.

[0033] Fig. 9 shows activation device 40 in its final, “firing” position. Arms 48 are forced backward due to contact with the vessel; the further movement of carriage 56 and force of impact of activation device 40 on the vessel breaks tether 60. Firing pin 58 is then forced forward by spring 54, striking detonator 46, setting off an explosive train of first energetic 42 and then detonator cord 26. The resulting explosions render vessel 200 inoperative, as previously described.

[0034] Deployment system In a first embodiment, floating assembly 10 is deployed from a launch assembly 70.

[0035] Launch assembly 70 may be mounted on or carried by various means: a fixed platform, a remote or otherwise controlled surface vessel, or a remotely controlled aerial drone. An embodiment of launch assembly 70, with floating assembly 10 therein, and deployment of floating assembly 10 via aerial drone can now be described.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a cross section of a launch assembly 70, comprising a cylindrical launch tube 71 with a bore and first and second ends, with floating assembly 10 packed within the bore. As shown in Fig. 6, starting at the left hand side, drogue 20 and attached shroud lines are shown. Ring 10 and float 24 are next in sequence. Line 12, which as previously described is a floating line and by example 200 - 600 feet long, with a tensile strength of c. 1000 lb., is coiled up within launch tube 71.

[0037] Next in sequence is a length of detonator cord 26, which is attached to activation device 40 (shown in simplified form). Float 28 and tail 30 are attached to activation device 40. A piston 72 is positioned within the bore of launch tube 70, with a pyrotechnic gas generator and electric match 74 at the end of launch tube 70.

[0038] Figs. 10 and 11 show an exemplary launch sequence. In Fig. 10, launch tube 71 is being carried by unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) 76. Pyrotechnic gas generator 74 has been activated, and piston 72 has ejected drogue 20 and its related elements from launch tube 71.

[0039] Vent holes may be provided in launch tube 71 to limit travel of piston 72. Fig. 11 shows drogue 20 in the water, and with movement of unmanned aerial vehicle 76 line 12 is pulled from launch tube 71. With continued movement of unmanned aerial vehicle 76, floating assembly 10 (drogue, floating line, detonation cord, activation device) are all pulled from launch tube 71 and floating on the water’s surface, as shown in Fig. 12. Unmanned aerial vehicle 12 can leave the location. Motorized marine vessel 200 is moving toward floating assembly 10, as indicated by the arrow, and about to strike same. Line 12 and / or detonator cord 26 runs around, wraps around, or otherwise contacts the underwater drive unit 210 (propeller and / or steering mechanism), setting into motion the movement of activation device 40 into contact with motorized marine vessel 200 and / or its underwater drive unit 210, and the explosion of detonator cord 26 and the energetic within activation device 40, and the ultimate disablement of motorized marine vessel 200.

[0040] A second embodiment

[0041] Figs. 13 - 15 show second embodiments of the launch assembly 70 and activation device 40. Other various aspects of the system, as shown in Figs. 1 - 5 and 10 - 12, may remain substantially as shown in those figures. In the figures, certain of the element numbers are common to the first and second embodiments.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 13, a second embodiment of the launch assembly 70 is shown. In this embodiment, launch assembly 70 comprises first and second launch tubes 100 and 110, which may be connected to one another. As shown in Fig. 13, first launch tube 100 houses drogue 20 and connected ring 22 within a bore thereof. Piston 72 and attached piston rod 73 is disposed within the bore of first launch tube 100. In the position shown in Fig. 13, spring 80 is held in a compressed position by piston rod 73 engaged by a piston rod release mechanism 82, which may comprise a solenoid. An internal cap 84 may cover the end of spring 82. An end cap 86 serves to hold drogue 20, ring 22 and line 12 connecting those two elements in place within first launch tube 100.

[0043] Line 12, which may be of any desired length, for example 200’ to 600’ long, with a tensile strength of (by way of example) 1000 lbs., is connected to ring 22 and drogue 20 and runs into second launch tube 110. As can be seen in Fig. 13, the majority of the length of line 12 is coiled within the bore of second launch tube 110. Line 12 connects to a length of linear energetic or detonator cord 26, which connects to activation device 40 (activation device 40 being described in more detail below). A tail 30 may be attached to the trailing end of activation device 40. A mount 140, for example a Picatinny clamp, may be attached to launch assembly 70.

[0044] Deployment of the floating assembly 10 may be substantially as described in connection with the first embodiment above, and Figs. 10 - 12.

[0045] In operation, by way of example, release mechanism 82 is actuated by various means known in the relevant art, for example a wireless signal received from a remote transmitter, shown schematically in Fig. 13 as transmitter 90. It is understood that the scope of the invention comprises any manner of actuation of release mechanism 82. Actuation of release mechanism 82 releases piston rod 72. Spring 80, initially in compression, is then free to expand, forcing piston 72 forward and pushing ring 22 and drogue 20 out of first launch tube 100, in the process pushing out end cap 86. It is understood that spring 80 has sufficient energy and exerts sufficient force to eject drogue 20 and ring 22 a suitable distance into a waterbody, where continued movement of launch assembly 70 (for example, being carried by unmanned aerial vehicle 76), including second launch tube 110, pulls line 12 from second launch tube 110.

[0046] Ultimately, the linear energetic or detonator cord 26, activation device 40, and tail 30 are all pulled from second launch tube 110, in the manner described in connection with the first embodiment.

[0047] With this second embodiment, rather than ejecting the entire pay load of drogue 20, ring 22, activation device 40 and line 12, all from a single launch tube; only drogue 20 and ring 22, and a section of line 12, need be ejected from first launch tube 100.

[0048] Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, a second embodiment of activation device 40 is shown. In this embodiment, a plurality of detachable floats 120 are releasably attached to activation device 40, namely fitting over at least some of arms 48. Preferably, a detachable float 120 fits over each of arms 48. Detachable floats 120 preferably contain a groove, slot, or socket into which arms 48 fit. In Fig. 14, arms 48 are in their initial or collapsed position. An elastic band 130 may be fitted around floats 120 and arms 48, holding floats 120 in place. Each of floats 120 preferably comprises a front face shape which resists being pulled through the water, such as an angled or concave front face 122. It is understood that floats 120 will float activation device 48 once it is in the water.

[0049] After a vessel runs over line 12, activation device 40 is pulled through the water. Water flowing against concave front face 122 of floats 120 results in a force which opens arms 48, compressing the firing spring 54 and cocking firing pin 58, as described in detail in connection with the first embodiment. As arms 48 fully open, floats 120 are moved against protrusions 124 on activation device 48. With continued rotation of arms 48, protrusions 124 (along with the force of water moving against them) push floats 120 off of arms 48. In other respects, the embodiment of activation device 48 in Figs. 14 and 15, and its operation, are substantially the same as the previously described embodiment in Figs. 7 - 9, and the accompanying written description.

[0050] Conclusion

[0051] While the preceding description contains many specificities, it is to be understood that same are presented only to describe some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and not by way of limitation. Changes can be made to various aspects of the invention, without departing from the scope thereof.

[0052] Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined not by the illustrative examples set forth above, but by the appended claims, and their legal equivalents.

Claims

I claim:

1. An apparatus for disablement of motorized marine vessels having an underwater drive unit, comprising: a floating assembly comprising a line, a drogue attached to said line and an activation device attached to said line, said drogue and said activation device spaced apart from one another; said activation device comprising a volume of energetic therein and a trigger mechanism, said trigger mechanism actuated upon contact with said underwater drive unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said trigger mechanism comprises: a plurality of arms hingedly attached to said activation device, said plurality of arms opening when said activation device is pulled through a water body due to water drag forces thereon, said arms operatively coupled to a trigger mechanism and a detonator, whereby when said floating assembly is floating at or near the surface of a waterbody, upon passage of said motorized marine vessel over said line, said motorized marine vehicle and / or said underwater drive unit engages said line, said drogue gives sufficient resistance to pulling through the water that said activation device is pulled through said water body with said line sliding over said underwater drive unit, said plurality of arms opens and cocks said trigger mechanism, whereby when said activation device contacts said underwater drive unit said detonator detonates said energetic, thereby disabling said underwater drive unit and halting continued powered movement of said motorized marine vessel.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said floating assembly further comprises: a ring disposed on said line proximal said drogue;a float attached to said line proximal said ring; a section of detonator cord disposed between said line and said activation device; and a float and a section of cord, forming a tail, attached to said activation device.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a launch assembly comprising: a cylindrical launch tube having a bore and first and second ends, and adapted to contain said floating assembly within said bore, wherein said floating assembly is loaded into said launch tube bore in a collapsed position, with said drogue proximal a first end of said launch tube and said activation device proximal a second end of said launch tube; a piston disposed in said bore of said launch tube, between said floating assembly and said second end; and a volume of pyrotechnic gas generator material and an electric match, positioned in said bore of said launch tube proximal said second end, whereby upon ignition of said pyrotechnic gas generator material by said electric match, said piston is forced toward said first end of said launch tube, forcing said floating assembly out of said launch tube and into a deployed position in a waterbody.

5. An apparatus for disablement of motorized marine vessels having an underwater drive unit, comprising: a floating assembly comprising a line, a drogue attached to said line and an activation device attached to said line, said drogue and said activation device spaced apart from one another;said activation device comprising a volume of energetic therein and a trigger mechanism, said trigger mechanism actuated upon contact with said underwater drive unit, said activation device further comprising: a plurality of arms hingedly attached thereto, one or more elongated floats detachably attached to one or more of said plurality of arms, a forward face of said elongated floats having a shape which resists passage through a water body, thereby causing said plurality of arms to open when said activation device is pulled through a water body due to water drag forces thereon, said arms operatively coupled to a trigger mechanism and a detonator, one or more protrusions on said activation device, positioned so as to contact said elongated floats when said arms open, whereby when said floating assembly is floating at or near the surface of a waterbody, upon passage of said motorized marine vessel over said line, said motorized marine vehicle and / or said underwater drive unit engages said line, said drogue gives sufficient resistance to pulling through the water that said activation device is pulled through said water body with said line contacting said underwater drive unit, water passage over and against said forward face of said detachable floats forces said plurality of arms open and cocks said trigger mechanism, whereby said one or more protrusions force said elongated floats to detach from said arms, and whereby when said activation device contacts said underwater drive unit said detonator detonates said energetic, thereby disabling said underwater drive unit and halting continued powered movement of said motorized marine vessel.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said floating assembly further comprises:a ring disposed on said line proximal said drogue; a float attached to said line proximal said ring; a section of detonation cord disposed between said line and said activation device; and a section of cord, forming a tail, attached to said activation device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a deployment system comprising: a launch assembly comprising first and second launch tubes; said first launch tube having a bore and first and second ends, and proximal said second end comprising a piston and piston rod attached thereto, a spring bearing against said piston, and a piston rod release mechanism, whereby when said spring is compressed said piston rod release mechanism grips said piston rod and said piston is held in a retracted position, against compression of said spring; wherein said drogue is contained within said bore of said first launch tube between said first end and said piston; said line attached at a first end to said drogue and running into said second launch tube, with a desired length of said line contained within said second launch tube; said line connected at a second end to said activation device contained within said second launch tube, whereby, upon release of said piston rod by said piston rod release mechanism, said spring forces said piston toward said first end of said first launch tube, thereby launching said drogue and said attached line into a waterbody.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said piston rod release mechanism comprises a solenoid.

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