US3508510A - Lighter hydrolift device - Google Patents
Lighter hydrolift device Download PDFInfo
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- US3508510A US3508510A US754351A US3508510DA US3508510A US 3508510 A US3508510 A US 3508510A US 754351 A US754351 A US 754351A US 3508510D A US3508510D A US 3508510DA US 3508510 A US3508510 A US 3508510A
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- well
- bottom section
- section
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- hull
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
- B63B27/14—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders ; Pilot lifts
- B63B27/143—Ramps
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
- B63B27/36—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for floating cargo
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
- B63B35/40—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for for transporting marine vessels
Definitions
- a marine vessel having a cargo-Well construction which is adapted to load and unload buoyant cargo by using a hull section which is pivotally connected to a bottom section which is pivotally connected to the vessel for opening the Well whereby the sections act as gates and ramps and, in addition, the bottom section in combination with integral ballast compartments and power means acts as a hydrolift device.
- the loading and unloading method involves opening the Well by turning and submerging the hull section and activating the hydrolift device for raising cargo into, or lowering cargo out of, the well.
- This invention relates to an improved device and method for loading and unloading a marine vessel and, more particularly, to an operable well construction and associated operational method which launches, docks and retrieves buoyant cargo or vehicles, such as lighters, barges, etc., in the hull of the marine vessel.
- the present invention does not use powerful mechanical towing or conveying devices nor does it need the overall ballasting requirements as needed by the dry solid ramp or wet-well configuration, respectively. It achieves the ad vantages of both types of cargo-handling systemswithout these noted disadvantages.
- the present invention wherein ya freighter carries its own lighters or barges for loading and unloading purposes and where the method of launching, docking and retrieval of these lighters can be done by a simple method, offers a very important financial and time-saving advantage which -will undoubtedly be attractive to the shipping business of the future.
- the construction of the device comprises at least one well which is a distinct part of the hold of the ship.
- the hold of the ship is meant herein to comprise the whole interior of the ship below deck.
- the iocation of the iwell could be anywhere in the hold, provided that one side of the well is part of the outboard hull-side of the vessel.
- the well may have a horizontal or slightly inclined bottom inboard surface, depending on the ships characteristics and cargo-handling operations, and one section of the bottom is pivotally hinged and connected to a portion of the bottom of the vessel.
- the hinged bottom section can either form a part of the underwater buoyancy portion of the ships displacement body when in its retracted position or be designed to partially or completely be above the mean water level and form all or part of the closure of the ships Well.
- the level of the hinge may be at the mean water level or a few feet above or below the mean water level, depending on the ships hull characteristics and operating requirements.
- the hinged bottom section is provided with internal ballast compartments divided in an appropriate manner to permit adjusted sinkage of this well bottom section to any degree required.
- ballasting this bottom section not only is it submerged by rotationl about the hinge, but the added weight introduced by ballasting will result in parallel sinkage of the ship and cause a positive gradient of the ships draft towards the well. This declining gradient will effectively aid the unloading of cargo or the launching of lighters.
- the lighter For retrieval operations the lighter is moved onto the submerged hinged sloping bottom section of the well until the bow touches the inboard surface of the bottom section. Thereafter, the water ballast within the ballast compartments of the bottom section is discharged by the use of a pump, pneumatic pressure or other means causing a positive buoyancy to the bottom section which will lift the lighter into the ships well.
- a pump, pneumatic pressure or other means causing a positive buoyancy to the bottom section which will lift the lighter into the ships well.
- one sidewall of the wall being a side-hull section will be pivotally connected to the bottom section and during loading and unloading or launching and retrieval operations will be submerged to form an auX- iliary ramp or guiding means.
- the present invention relates to a marine vessel which has as part of its hold a separate cargo-well construction which is adapted to convey lading.
- a bottom section of the well is provided with integral ballast compartments which are pivotally connected to the vessel.
- a side-hull section is pivotally connected to the bottom section and power means are connected to the ballast compartments of the bottom section for regulating the contents of these compartments.
- a pump for regulating the water contents of the ballast compartments is used so that the pivotally connected bottom section can be submerged and positioned into a predetermined ramp slope.
- the pivotally connected bottom section in combination with the pump comprises a hydrolift means for raising and lowering cargo positioned on said bottom section. It will be an advantage to have the upper surface of the bottom section declining toward the pivoting arrangement so that when the cargo is within the well the transportation thereof is aided by gravitation.
- the pivotally connected side-hull section When the well is opened by turning outboard the pivotally connected side-hull section, the latter section may be submerged into a predetermined position with respect to the 4pivotally connected submerged bottom section and used as an auxiliary ramp.
- Floating means may be connected to the hull section to serve as guiding or additional lifting components.
- the well construction is located at the stern or bow portion of a ship, in which case the stern or bow side acts as a movable sidehull section. This movable side-hull section and a bottom well section are pivotally connected, and the -bottom section and the remainder of the vessel are pivotally connected by a first and a second substantially horizontal athwartship-mounted watertight hinge assembly
- the side-hull and the bottom sections are substantially rectangular shaped and their upper surfaces are substantially level shaped at the inboard side. and, depending on the operational requirements, could be provided with antifrictional means for transporting cargo.
- the loading and unloading procedures comprise a few simple steps such as: opening the cargo well by turning outwardly the side-hull section, submerging the bottom section, and activating pumping means to regulate the buoyancy of that section for hydrolift purposes.
- FIG. l is a schematic side view of a freighter which has a partly broken-away section showing, in the stern portion of the vessel, a well constructed in accordance with the present invention
- FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are enlarged schematic views of the well shown in FIG. l wherein the figures sequentially illustra-te the steps for launching or retrieving a lighter;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic View of a bow or stern section which illustrates a slightly different embodiment of the invention.A
- FIG. 1 a marine vessel 10 having holds 12 in which, if required by bulkhead deck requirements, is mounted a vertically closed bulkhead 14 which extends substantially athwartship and separates the holds 12 in a specially constructed we'll area 16 and a remander area 18. This separation, if required, can be penetrated by watertight doors (not shown).
- a lighter 20 is shown in the position of being launched or retrieved while another lighter 22 is floating independently. Both lighters 20 and 22 were stored side by side in the well area 16 in such a Way that their longitudinal axes extended parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. However, it should be understood that the manner of storing the lighters or cargo is not part of the invention and also that efficient storing could beI accomplished by positioning the lighters with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. Similarly depending on the width of the well, a single lighter may be stored only in the athwartship direction.
- the lighter 20 is partly positioned on an auxiliary submerged ramp 30 and a submerged bottom section 32, which are both part of the construction of the well 16 and which operate in a special way which is more clearly illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 2 there is shown an enlarged stern portion 40 of a marine vessel.
- Part of the stern portion 40 comprises a well 42, which is part of a hold of a marine vessel similarly described in FIG. l.
- the bottom of the well area comprises a pivotally connected bottom section 44 and a permanently stationary mounted bottom portion 46.
- the bottom section 44 comprises a plurality of integrally mounted ballast compartments 48 which capacity is divided in an appropriate manner to permit adjusted draft sinkage, or submergence, of the movable bottom section 44 to any degree required.
- a regulating means 50 such as a pump operating on a hydraulic, pneumatic pressure, electric or on any other well-known system, is installed in the vessel and connected with a flexible coupling 52 to the ballast compartments 48 for adding or removing water ballast to or from the ballast compartments 48 upon activation of the. regulating means 50.
- the stern closure, or side-hull section 54 is pivotally connected to the bottom section 44.
- the pivoting connection with the side-hull section 54 and the bottom section 44 comprises a substantially horizontally athwartship watertight mounted hinge assembly 56, which is more or less "similar to the hinge assembly 58, mounted between the movable bottom section 44 and the stationary bottom section 46.
- the side-hull section S4 is equipped with an optionally mounted, deated floating means 59,
- lighters 6'8 and 70 are illustrated to be docked in the well 42, as during a regular voyage of the marine vessel having a pre determined draft A at the stern portion, as indicated.
- FIG. 3 the launching operation of the lighter 68 from the well 42 is illustrated.
- the side-hull section 54 has been turned outwardly about the hinge assembly S6, as shown by the arrow, thus, opening the well 42.
- the bottom section 44 has been submerged, by adding water to the ballast compartments ⁇ 48, into a sloping position.
- the outside water 72 will partly llood the well area 42, making it a wet-well configuration.
- Launching of the lighters 68 and 70 can be easily accomplished by moving same along the declining sloping surfaces 64, 62 and 60, respectively.
- the lighter 68 or 70 is moved onto the submerged sloping surfaces 62 and 64, then the water within the ballast compartments 48 is discharged by the pump 50 which causes a positive buoyancy to the bottom section 44 which, in turn, will retract itself into its former position, thereby lifting the lighter 68 into the well area 42.
- the pivotally connected bottom section 44 in combination with the pump 50 comprises a hydrolift means for raising and lowering cargo or lighters positioned on the bottom section 44 into and out of the well, respectively.
- the surface 62 of the 'bottom section 44 has a declining slope toward the hinge assembly 58 when the bottom section is in a retracted or closed position, which aids in the stowing and docking of the lighter into the well as gravitational force.
- the normal draft A of the marine vessel has been increased to a certain depth B, as indicated, as a result of the flooded well and the ballasted bottom section 44.
- the ⁇ movable bottom section comprises part of the underwater buoyancy of the vessel, this variation of draft may become disturbing to certain hull stress limits.
- the ships draft increase B has been elimi nated by the adjusted inflation of the deflated flooding means 59 so that draft B1 is substantially equal to the normal draft A.
- two vertical inflated buoyant surface-piercing cylinders are attached at the port and starboard aft corners of the submerged side-hull section, forming the auxiliary ramp 54, which both provide a controlled uplift and simultaneously a fendering or guidance to the lighterage.
- various retractable guides or floating means can be installed at various locations along the movable ramp 54 and the bottom section 44.
- the slightly different embodiment of the invention shown in FI-G. 5 has a bottom section 80 which raises partly above the mean water level when in its retracted or closed position.
- a customary flat-bottom type lighter 82 having low frictional means 83 mounted underneath its bottom as a preferred ⁇ but optional means for handling, is shown in three different positions. The three positions shown are from left to right, a free-lloating, a retrieving or launching, and a docking position.
- the lighter 82 is docked, launched and/or retrievedvwith its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel 84.
- the side-hull section 86 is mounted to the vessel 84, since the well 88 opens :through the submerging of bottom section 90 providing suflicient height for the passing of the lighter 82.
- the well 88 will not be flooded during launching or retrieval periods since the mean water level is kept below the hinge assembly 92.
- a mechanical lift-damper or buoyancy adjusting means (not shown) is attached to the cable 94, which cable also operates a pumping means 96 mounted with the bottom section 90.
- the pivotally connected bottom section acts as a door for said well
- the side-hull section 86 is adapted to be engaged by the bottom section for closing of the well and to be disengaged for opening of the well 88 upon activation of the regulating or pumping means 96.
- ballast compartments within the bottom section can be designed to assure proper distribution of forces and movements to obtain the required damping of lighter impact forces, and lifting ⁇ 'forces for the retrieval of various lighters which can be loaded in a multitude of fashions.
- the invention presents a device capable of safely handling a multitude of buoyant cargo or lighter sizes and :configurations which can be equipped with low friction means, such as rubber rollers or other devices, for easy handling.
- marine vessels are equipped with lifeboats or floats which are mandatory and in accordance with the international safety regulations for merchant marine vessels.
- the present invention which enables a marine vessel to carry its own lighters which can be launched in a minimum of time may be an added safety system and, if regarded as such, may reduce the financial burden by incorporating the safety provisions with the lighter-handling system, as disclosed.
- a marine vessel having as part of its hull, a well adapted to receive and discharge cargo, comprising:
- adjustable oating means for stabilizing said side-hull section when in a submerged state into the required position with respect to said pivotally connected bottom section
- said oating means are adapted to serve as guiding means during loading and unloading activities.
- a method for handling cargo in a marine vessel for loading and unloading purposes comprising the steps of:
- a method for handling cargo in a marine vessel, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the step of submerging the bottom section comprises:
- activating pumping means for removing the water from the ballast compartments of the bottom section, thereby increasing the buoyancy of said bottom section for lifting the cargo into said well during loading activities.
- a method for handling cargo in a marine vessel, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step of moving cargo on the sloping bottom section comprises:
Description
April 28,7 1970 E. G. FRANKEL 3,508,510
LIGHTER HYDROLIFT DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 21, 1968 OOGOO April 28, 1970 E. G. FRANKEL LIGHTER HYDROLIFT DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 2l, 1968 O 6 m M 4 m l A o m m o l/ O l 2 u. 4 3 ...Ilm 4 u. .w o 8 o I n n L 9 \IF, 5
INVENTOR.
ERNST G. FRANKEL BY wum. Q. ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,508,510 LIGHTER HYDROLIFT DEVICE Ernst G. Frankel, Boston, Mass., assignor to Litton Systems, Inc., Beverly Hills, Calif., a corporation of Maryland Filed Aug. 21, 1968, Ser. No. 754,351 Int. Cl. B63b 35/44 U.S. Cl. 114-435 11 `Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A marine vessel having a cargo-Well construction which is adapted to load and unload buoyant cargo by using a hull section which is pivotally connected to a bottom section which is pivotally connected to the vessel for opening the Well whereby the sections act as gates and ramps and, in addition, the bottom section in combination with integral ballast compartments and power means acts as a hydrolift device. The loading and unloading method involves opening the Well by turning and submerging the hull section and activating the hydrolift device for raising cargo into, or lowering cargo out of, the well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an improved device and method for loading and unloading a marine vessel and, more particularly, to an operable well construction and associated operational method which launches, docks and retrieves buoyant cargo or vehicles, such as lighters, barges, etc., in the hull of the marine vessel.
As by introduction, it might be Well to point out that throughout history ships have been built which can load and unload substantial, large objects into their holds without hoisting those objects over the ships side (or railing). Such ships can be divided into two different types; the first type uses a so-called dry solid ramp or well with an outside gate, and the second type uses a wet-well configuration. As known to stevedores in particular, the use of a dry ramp or well requires powerful mechanical towing or conveying devices while the use of a wet-fwell requires massive ballasting requirements and associated pumping equipment to stabilize and trim the ships draught.
The present invention does not use powerful mechanical towing or conveying devices nor does it need the overall ballasting requirements as needed by the dry solid ramp or wet-well configuration, respectively. It achieves the ad vantages of both types of cargo-handling systemswithout these noted disadvantages.
Besides being able to dock, launch and retrieve lighters within the hull of a marine vessel by a method comprising a few simple steps, an additional advantage of greater magnitude and importance resides in the potential usefulness and application of the invention, This important advantage can be easily recognized when comparing the invention with the systems mentioned above, wherein it is a known fact that a marine vessel which has a construction employing a wet or dry well classifies the vessel into a distinct minority group of special ships built for particular purposes, i.e., such as oating docks, whale-fishing factory vessels, etc. However, that fact may change soon since the present invention through its uniqueness, simplicity and compactness can be used in almost every existing freighter. As is well-known through the merchant marine industry, one of the largest financial losses occurs ywhen a freighter is delayed through circumstances such as: waiting for pilot services, waiting in line until the harbor is clear, or as is customary in many ports with poor harbor facilities, having to anchor offshore ice while waiting to make arrangements with stevedores for loading or unloading purposes. Furthermore, sea conditions and/or weather conditions such as fog and rain can prevent the entering of the port, often causing excessive delays. In addition, the expense and the availability of longshoremen and possible sudden strikes have many times turned a promising profitable cargo haul into a heavy financial loss. As known to people having experience in the merchant marine business, one or more of the above-mentioned delay-causing occurrences do happen quite frequently and do occur on practically every regular freighter voyage. Thus, it will be understood that the present invention, wherein ya freighter carries its own lighters or barges for loading and unloading purposes and where the method of launching, docking and retrieval of these lighters can be done by a simple method, offers a very important financial and time-saving advantage which -will undoubtedly be attractive to the shipping business of the future.
In general, the construction of the device comprises at least one well which is a distinct part of the hold of the ship. The hold of the ship is meant herein to comprise the whole interior of the ship below deck. The iocation of the iwell could be anywhere in the hold, provided that one side of the well is part of the outboard hull-side of the vessel. The well may have a horizontal or slightly inclined bottom inboard surface, depending on the ships characteristics and cargo-handling operations, and one section of the bottom is pivotally hinged and connected to a portion of the bottom of the vessel. The hinged bottom section can either form a part of the underwater buoyancy portion of the ships displacement body when in its retracted position or be designed to partially or completely be above the mean water level and form all or part of the closure of the ships Well. The level of the hinge may be at the mean water level or a few feet above or below the mean water level, depending on the ships hull characteristics and operating requirements. Preferably, the hinged bottom section is provided with internal ballast compartments divided in an appropriate manner to permit adjusted sinkage of this well bottom section to any degree required. As a result of ballasting this bottom section, not only is it submerged by rotationl about the hinge, but the added weight introduced by ballasting will result in parallel sinkage of the ship and cause a positive gradient of the ships draft towards the well. This declining gradient will effectively aid the unloading of cargo or the launching of lighters.
For retrieval operations the lighter is moved onto the submerged hinged sloping bottom section of the well until the bow touches the inboard surface of the bottom section. Thereafter, the water ballast within the ballast compartments of the bottom section is discharged by the use of a pump, pneumatic pressure or other means causing a positive buoyancy to the bottom section which will lift the lighter into the ships well. When the bottom section is in its retracted position, the existence of a declining inboard surface and/or anti-frictional devices mounted thereto will greatly assist in properly docking the lighter. In the preferred and most practical design of this invention, one sidewall of the wall being a side-hull section will be pivotally connected to the bottom section and during loading and unloading or launching and retrieval operations will be submerged to form an auX- iliary ramp or guiding means.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved well construction in a marine vessel which construction is adapted to accomplish a variety of functions such as loading, transporting and unloading of objects into and out of the well area.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved well construction in a marine vessel wherein the construction is adapted to transport cargo in a simple manner without requiring heavy power means or massive balance systems.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved well construction in a marine vessel which is applicable to most marine freighters and does not require heavy capital investments.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved well construction for marine vessels which is applicable for installation in most existing freighters and the well construction is used for the launching, docking and retrieval of lighters in order to provide the freighter with independent cargo-handling means.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved well construction in which the construction itself employs a small power means to actuate a hydrolift means which can handle the transporting of large objects.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for loading and unloading of buoyant lading into or out of the ships hull mainly through the aid of gravitation and the regulation of buoyancy forces.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for launching and retrieval of buoyant objects into and out of a marine vessel during almost all weather and sea conditions.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds but, in general, the present invention relates to a marine vessel which has as part of its hold a separate cargo-well construction which is adapted to convey lading. A bottom section of the well is provided with integral ballast compartments which are pivotally connected to the vessel. Preferably, a side-hull section is pivotally connected to the bottom section and power means are connected to the ballast compartments of the bottom section for regulating the contents of these compartments. Most likely, a pump for regulating the water contents of the ballast compartments is used so that the pivotally connected bottom section can be submerged and positioned into a predetermined ramp slope. Also, the pivotally connected bottom section in combination with the pump comprises a hydrolift means for raising and lowering cargo positioned on said bottom section. It will be an advantage to have the upper surface of the bottom section declining toward the pivoting arrangement so that when the cargo is within the well the transportation thereof is aided by gravitation. When the well is opened by turning outboard the pivotally connected side-hull section, the latter section may be submerged into a predetermined position with respect to the 4pivotally connected submerged bottom section and used as an auxiliary ramp. Floating means may be connected to the hull section to serve as guiding or additional lifting components. In the preferred embodiment, the well construction is located at the stern or bow portion of a ship, in which case the stern or bow side acts as a movable sidehull section. This movable side-hull section and a bottom well section are pivotally connected, and the -bottom section and the remainder of the vessel are pivotally connected by a first and a second substantially horizontal athwartship-mounted watertight hinge assembly, respectively.
The side-hull and the bottom sections are substantially rectangular shaped and their upper surfaces are substantially level shaped at the inboard side. and, depending on the operational requirements, could be provided with antifrictional means for transporting cargo.
Thus, in accordance with the above-described well construction, it will be obvious that the loading and unloading procedures comprise a few simple steps such as: opening the cargo well by turning outwardly the side-hull section, submerging the bottom section, and activating pumping means to regulate the buoyancy of that section for hydrolift purposes.
The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like character references are used to indicate like parts for each embodiment, and wherein:
FIG. l is a schematic side view of a freighter which has a partly broken-away section showing, in the stern portion of the vessel, a well constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are enlarged schematic views of the well shown in FIG. l wherein the figures sequentially illustra-te the steps for launching or retrieving a lighter;
FIG. 5 is a schematic View of a bow or stern section which illustrates a slightly different embodiment of the invention.A
BRIEF DESCRIPTION oF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a marine vessel 10 having holds 12 in which, if required by bulkhead deck requirements, is mounted a vertically closed bulkhead 14 which extends substantially athwartship and separates the holds 12 in a specially constructed we'll area 16 and a remander area 18. This separation, if required, can be penetrated by watertight doors (not shown).
As illustrated in FIG. l, a lighter 20 is shown in the position of being launched or retrieved while another lighter 22 is floating independently. Both lighters 20 and 22 were stored side by side in the well area 16 in such a Way that their longitudinal axes extended parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. However, it should be understood that the manner of storing the lighters or cargo is not part of the invention and also that efficient storing could beI accomplished by positioning the lighters with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. Similarly depending on the width of the well, a single lighter may be stored only in the athwartship direction.
The lighter 20 is partly positioned on an auxiliary submerged ramp 30 and a submerged bottom section 32, which are both part of the construction of the well 16 and which operate in a special way which is more clearly illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an enlarged stern portion 40 of a marine vessel. Part of the stern portion 40 comprises a well 42, which is part of a hold of a marine vessel similarly described in FIG. l. The bottom of the well area comprises a pivotally connected bottom section 44 and a permanently stationary mounted bottom portion 46. The bottom section 44 comprises a plurality of integrally mounted ballast compartments 48 which capacity is divided in an appropriate manner to permit adjusted draft sinkage, or submergence, of the movable bottom section 44 to any degree required. In order to regulate the water contents of the ballast compartments 48, a regulating means 50, such as a pump operating on a hydraulic, pneumatic pressure, electric or on any other well-known system, is installed in the vessel and connected with a flexible coupling 52 to the ballast compartments 48 for adding or removing water ballast to or from the ballast compartments 48 upon activation of the. regulating means 50.
The stern closure, or side-hull section 54, is pivotally connected to the bottom section 44. The pivoting connection with the side-hull section 54 and the bottom section 44 comprises a substantially horizontally athwartship watertight mounted hinge assembly 56, which is more or less "similar to the hinge assembly 58, mounted between the movable bottom section 44 and the stationary bottom section 46. In addition, the side-hull section S4 is equipped with an optionally mounted, deated floating means 59,
with anti-frictional means 66 to aid in the launching and retrieval of lighters 6'8 and 70. In FIG. 2 the lighters 68 and 70 are illustrated to be docked in the well 42, as during a regular voyage of the marine vessel having a pre determined draft A at the stern portion, as indicated.
In FIG. 3 the launching operation of the lighter 68 from the well 42 is illustrated. The side-hull section 54 has been turned outwardly about the hinge assembly S6, as shown by the arrow, thus, opening the well 42. The bottom section 44 has been submerged, by adding water to the ballast compartments `48, into a sloping position. The outside water 72 will partly llood the well area 42, making it a wet-well configuration. Launching of the lighters 68 and 70 can be easily accomplished by moving same along the declining sloping surfaces 64, 62 and 60, respectively.
For retrieval operations, the lighter 68 or 70 is moved onto the submerged sloping surfaces 62 and 64, then the water within the ballast compartments 48 is discharged by the pump 50 which causes a positive buoyancy to the bottom section 44 which, in turn, will retract itself into its former position, thereby lifting the lighter 68 into the well area 42. Thus, the pivotally connected bottom section 44 in combination with the pump 50 comprises a hydrolift means for raising and lowering cargo or lighters positioned on the bottom section 44 into and out of the well, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 2, the surface 62 of the 'bottom section 44 has a declining slope toward the hinge assembly 58 when the bottom section is in a retracted or closed position, which aids in the stowing and docking of the lighter into the well as gravitational force.
As shown in FIG. 3, the normal draft A of the marine vessel has been increased to a certain depth B, as indicated, as a result of the flooded well and the ballasted bottom section 44. Depending on the size of the marine vessel and other characteristics, it might be objectionable in some cases to increase the draft at the stern section. In particular, in cases where the `movable bottom section comprises part of the underwater buoyancy of the vessel, this variation of draft may become disturbing to certain hull stress limits.
In instances where the well is a relatively small section of a hold, i.e., in a large marine vessel, the increase in draft at the stern section will be practically insignificant.
In FIG. 4, the ships draft increase B has been elimi nated by the adjusted inflation of the deflated flooding means 59 so that draft B1 is substantially equal to the normal draft A. As shown in the preferred embodiment, two vertical inflated buoyant surface-piercing cylinders are attached at the port and starboard aft corners of the submerged side-hull section, forming the auxiliary ramp 54, which both provide a controlled uplift and simultaneously a fendering or guidance to the lighterage. It is, of course, obvious that various retractable guides or floating means can be installed at various locations along the movable ramp 54 and the bottom section 44.
The slightly different embodiment of the invention shown in FI-G. 5 has a bottom section 80 which raises partly above the mean water level when in its retracted or closed position. A customary flat-bottom type lighter 82, having low frictional means 83 mounted underneath its bottom as a preferred `but optional means for handling, is shown in three different positions. The three positions shown are from left to right, a free-lloating, a retrieving or launching, and a docking position. The lighter 82 is docked, launched and/or retrievedvwith its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel 84. The side-hull section 86 is mounted to the vessel 84, since the well 88 opens :through the submerging of bottom section 90 providing suflicient height for the passing of the lighter 82. The well 88 will not be flooded during launching or retrieval periods since the mean water level is kept below the hinge assembly 92. As an additional or optional feature, a mechanical lift-damper or buoyancy adjusting means (not shown) is attached to the cable 94, which cable also operates a pumping means 96 mounted with the bottom section 90.
Accordingly, the pivotally connected bottom section acts as a door for said well, and the side-hull section 86 is adapted to be engaged by the bottom section for closing of the well and to be disengaged for opening of the well 88 upon activation of the regulating or pumping means 96.
Thus, a slightly different well construction with hydrolift means, substantially similar in operation as explained above in the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, has been presented in FIG. 5.
Various configurations of the ballast compartments within the bottom section can be designed to assure proper distribution of forces and movements to obtain the required damping of lighter impact forces, and lifting `'forces for the retrieval of various lighters which can be loaded in a multitude of fashions.
Thus, the invention presents a device capable of safely handling a multitude of buoyant cargo or lighter sizes and :configurations which can be equipped with low friction means, such as rubber rollers or other devices, for easy handling.
As is generally known, marine vessels are equipped with lifeboats or floats which are mandatory and in accordance with the international safety regulations for merchant marine vessels. The present invention which enables a marine vessel to carry its own lighters which can be launched in a minimum of time may be an added safety system and, if regarded as such, may reduce the financial burden by incorporating the safety provisions with the lighter-handling system, as disclosed.
This completes the description of the embodiments of the invention illustrated herein. However, many modifications thereof will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, Applicant does not wish to be limited to the particular details of the modifications of the invention illustrated herein.
What is claimed is:
1. A marine vessel having as part of its hull, a well adapted to receive and discharge cargo, comprising:
(a) a bottom section designed to act as a door for said well and including integral ballast compartments;
(b) regulating means connected to said ballast compartments for regulating the contents thereof to cause pivoting of said bottom section; and
(c) a side-hull section pivotally connected to said bottom section and adapted to be engaged by said bottom section for closing said well and to be disengaged for opening said well upon activation of said regulating means. i
2. A marine vessel having a well construction, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means connected to said ballast compartments comprises a pump for regulating the water contents in said compartments so that said pivotally connected bottom section can be submerged and positioned into a predetermined slope.
3. A marine vessel having a well construction, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pivotally connected bottom section in combination with said pump comprises a hydrolift means for raising and lowering cargo positioned on said bottom section.
4. A marine. vessel having a well construction as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bottom section has an upper surface which slopes toward said pivoting connection, located between said bottom section and said vessel when said bottom section is in a closed position with respect to said cargo well so that transportation of said cargo from said surface into said cargo well is aided by gravitation.
5. A marine vessel having a well construction, as claimed in claim 4, wherein said side-hull section comprises:
adjustable oating means for stabilizing said side-hull section when in a submerged state into the required position with respect to said pivotally connected bottom section; and
wherein said oating means are adapted to serve as guiding means during loading and unloading activities.
6. A marine vessel having a well construction, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pivoting connection, between said-hull section and said bottom section and said pivoting connection between said bottom section and said vessel comprises a first and second substantially horizontally athwartship mounted watertight hinge assembly, respectively.
7. A marine vessel having a well construction, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said side-hull section and said bottom section each includes a substantially at surface inboard of said marine vessel having anti-frictional means associated therewith for facilitating the movement of cargo in contact with said surfaces.
8. A method for handling cargo in a marine vessel for loading and unloading purposes, comprising the steps of:
(a) opening a cargo well of said vessel by turning outwardly a side-hull section about a first pivitally ar-I ranged junction located between the side-hull section and a bottom section;
(b) submerging the bottom hull section about a second pivotally arranged junction located between the bottom section and the remainder of the bottom of said vessel into a sloping position;
(c) submerging the turned side-hull section;
(d) rendering positive buoyancy to buoyancy means connected to the hull section;
(e) adjusting the buoyancy of the buoyancy means for stabilizing the position of the submerged hull section at a pre-determined angle with respect to the sloping of the bottom section; and
(f) moving cargo on and off the sloping bottom section for loading and unloading purposes, respectively.
9. A method for handling cargo in a marine vessel, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the step of submerging the bottom section comprises:
rendering the bottom section heavier than the weight of the water displaced by adding water to ballast compartments in said bottom section; and
monitoring the quantity of added water in order to obtain a required sloping position of said bottom section. 10. A method for handling cargo in a vessel, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step of moving cargo 0n the sloping bottom section comprises:
positioning the cargo on the sloping bottom section in a predetermined location;
activating pumping means for removing the water from the ballast compartments of the bottom section, thereby increasing the buoyancy of said bottom section for lifting the cargo into said well during loading activities.
11. A method for handling cargo in a marine vessel, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step of moving cargo on the sloping bottom section comprises:
positioning the cargo on the bottom section in a predetermined location;
moving said cargo from said sloping bottom section over said hull section toward a predetermined destination during unloading purposes.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,694,996 ll/l954 Poche 114-435 X 3,411,169 11/1968 Guerke 114-435 X FOREIGN PATENTS 185,821 9/1922 Great Britain.
TRYGVE M. BLIX, Primary Examiner
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US75435168A | 1968-08-21 | 1968-08-21 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3508510A true US3508510A (en) | 1970-04-28 |
Family
ID=25034413
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US754351A Expired - Lifetime US3508510A (en) | 1968-08-21 | 1968-08-21 | Lighter hydrolift device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3508510A (en) |
DE (1) | DE1921770A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2016026A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB1204656A (en) |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3629963A (en) * | 1968-12-23 | 1971-12-28 | Japan Construction And Dev Co | Apparatus for levelling underwater ground |
JPS49120382A (en) * | 1973-03-26 | 1974-11-18 | ||
US3865062A (en) * | 1970-11-09 | 1975-02-11 | Seiscom Delta Inc | Marine geophysical exploration system |
US3883910A (en) * | 1974-01-16 | 1975-05-20 | Iii Bertram L Naylor | Boat for scuba divers and the like |
WO1982002029A1 (en) * | 1980-12-08 | 1982-06-24 | William E Kirby | Barge-carrying vessel |
US5941192A (en) * | 1996-08-06 | 1999-08-24 | John H. Tavone | Ship borne lifts for tenders and methods for using same |
US6502525B2 (en) * | 2000-05-15 | 2003-01-07 | Roy David Burke | Marine carrier |
US6843198B1 (en) | 2002-07-31 | 2005-01-18 | Columbia Research Corporation | Transport, launch and recovery craft |
US20080202405A1 (en) * | 2007-02-26 | 2008-08-28 | Physical Sciences, Inc. | Launch and Recovery Devices for Water Vehicles and Methods of Use |
US20090056611A1 (en) * | 2005-05-13 | 2009-03-05 | Tsugukiyo Hirayama | Apparatus and method for drop-down/lift-up boat mounted on marine vessel |
US20120192780A1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2012-08-02 | Thales | System for launching and recovering underwater vehicles, notably towed underwater vehicles |
US20130025521A1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2013-01-31 | Thales | System for launching and recovering underwater vehicles, notably towed underwater vehicles |
EP2559614A3 (en) * | 2011-08-19 | 2013-09-04 | Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland SE | Vessel and method for removal and/or installation of at least a part of a sea platform |
US20140116312A1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2014-05-01 | Atlas Elektronik Gmbh | System And Method For Recovering A Submarine Vehicle |
US9944354B1 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2018-04-17 | Quadratoon Company Llc | Extendable multihull boat |
JP2018131016A (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2018-08-23 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Control device, boat carrying device and driving method of carrier |
US10232915B2 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2019-03-19 | Thales | System for launching and recovering marine and submarine devices assisted by tiltable protective components |
US10308320B1 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2019-06-04 | Quadratoon Company Llc | Extendable multihull boat |
US11679841B2 (en) * | 2020-03-20 | 2023-06-20 | Ockerman Automation Consulting, Inc. | Marine vessel with aft extension |
EP4201796A1 (en) * | 2021-12-22 | 2023-06-28 | X-Treme Yachts B.V. | Water craft and method for manufacturing such a water craft |
NL2030224B1 (en) * | 2021-12-22 | 2023-06-29 | X Treme Yachts B V | Water craft and method for manufacturing such a water craft |
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---|---|---|---|---|
JPS4933384A (en) * | 1972-08-04 | 1974-03-27 | ||
JPS4933383A (en) * | 1972-08-04 | 1974-03-27 | ||
NL8103108A (en) * | 1981-06-26 | 1983-01-17 | Wijsmuller Bv | TRANSPORT SHIP. |
FR2567842A1 (en) * | 1984-07-17 | 1986-01-24 | Normandie Const Meca | DEVICE FOR EMBARKING VESSELS ON BOARD VESSELS |
DE3834174A1 (en) * | 1988-10-07 | 1990-04-12 | Adolf Janssen | DEVICE FOR A SHIP FOR BOARDING AND DISTRIBUTING SWIMMING OR DIVE OBJECTS, ESPECIALLY BOATS |
DE19500182C2 (en) * | 1995-01-06 | 1999-07-15 | Adolf Janssen | Device for a watercraft for receiving and launching boats |
FR2849639B1 (en) | 2003-01-08 | 2006-11-03 | Serge Menard | SAVING VESSEL FOR DISTRESSED VESSEL, SAVING METHOD FOR VESSEL, AND APPLICATION OF SAILING VESSEL |
FR2991284B1 (en) * | 2012-06-01 | 2015-05-15 | Thales Sa | SYSTEM FOR LAUNCHING AND RECOVERING SUBMARINE GEARS, IN PARTICULAR TRACT SUBMARINE GEARS |
CN104443277A (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2015-03-25 | 中国人民解放军73653部队 | Floating guiding device for boat |
CN106394811B (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2017-12-01 | 常熟华东汽车有限公司 | The vessel slideway structure of ship |
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GB185821A (en) * | 1921-06-08 | 1922-09-08 | Fairey Aviat Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to the construction of ships for use with aerial machines |
US2694996A (en) * | 1951-09-27 | 1954-11-23 | Poche John Morris | Ship-carried vehicle landing apparatus |
US3411169A (en) * | 1967-01-06 | 1968-11-19 | Miami Beach Yacht Corp | Cargo ramp assembly |
-
1968
- 1968-08-21 US US754351A patent/US3508510A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1969
- 1969-04-29 DE DE19691921770 patent/DE1921770A1/en active Pending
- 1969-06-04 FR FR6918421A patent/FR2016026A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
- 1969-06-12 GB GB29927/69A patent/GB1204656A/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB185821A (en) * | 1921-06-08 | 1922-09-08 | Fairey Aviat Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to the construction of ships for use with aerial machines |
US2694996A (en) * | 1951-09-27 | 1954-11-23 | Poche John Morris | Ship-carried vehicle landing apparatus |
US3411169A (en) * | 1967-01-06 | 1968-11-19 | Miami Beach Yacht Corp | Cargo ramp assembly |
Cited By (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3629963A (en) * | 1968-12-23 | 1971-12-28 | Japan Construction And Dev Co | Apparatus for levelling underwater ground |
US3865062A (en) * | 1970-11-09 | 1975-02-11 | Seiscom Delta Inc | Marine geophysical exploration system |
JPS49120382A (en) * | 1973-03-26 | 1974-11-18 | ||
US3883910A (en) * | 1974-01-16 | 1975-05-20 | Iii Bertram L Naylor | Boat for scuba divers and the like |
WO1982002029A1 (en) * | 1980-12-08 | 1982-06-24 | William E Kirby | Barge-carrying vessel |
US4361105A (en) * | 1980-12-08 | 1982-11-30 | Wharton Shipping Corporation | Barge-carrying vessel |
US5941192A (en) * | 1996-08-06 | 1999-08-24 | John H. Tavone | Ship borne lifts for tenders and methods for using same |
US6502525B2 (en) * | 2000-05-15 | 2003-01-07 | Roy David Burke | Marine carrier |
US6843198B1 (en) | 2002-07-31 | 2005-01-18 | Columbia Research Corporation | Transport, launch and recovery craft |
US7827925B2 (en) * | 2005-05-13 | 2010-11-09 | National University Corporation Yokohama National University | Apparatus and method for drop-down/lift-up boat mounted on marine vessel |
US20090056611A1 (en) * | 2005-05-13 | 2009-03-05 | Tsugukiyo Hirayama | Apparatus and method for drop-down/lift-up boat mounted on marine vessel |
US7581507B2 (en) * | 2007-02-26 | 2009-09-01 | Physical Sciences, Inc. | Launch and recovery devices for water vehicles and methods of use |
US20080202405A1 (en) * | 2007-02-26 | 2008-08-28 | Physical Sciences, Inc. | Launch and Recovery Devices for Water Vehicles and Methods of Use |
US8967067B2 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2015-03-03 | Thales | System for launching and recovering underwater vehicles, notably towed underwater vehicles |
US20130025521A1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2013-01-31 | Thales | System for launching and recovering underwater vehicles, notably towed underwater vehicles |
US8752494B2 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2014-06-17 | Thales | System for launching and recovering underwater vehicles, notably towed underwater vehicles |
US20120192780A1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2012-08-02 | Thales | System for launching and recovering underwater vehicles, notably towed underwater vehicles |
US20140116312A1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2014-05-01 | Atlas Elektronik Gmbh | System And Method For Recovering A Submarine Vehicle |
EP2559614A3 (en) * | 2011-08-19 | 2013-09-04 | Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland SE | Vessel and method for removal and/or installation of at least a part of a sea platform |
US9944354B1 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2018-04-17 | Quadratoon Company Llc | Extendable multihull boat |
US10308320B1 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2019-06-04 | Quadratoon Company Llc | Extendable multihull boat |
US10232915B2 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2019-03-19 | Thales | System for launching and recovering marine and submarine devices assisted by tiltable protective components |
JP2018131016A (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2018-08-23 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Control device, boat carrying device and driving method of carrier |
US11679841B2 (en) * | 2020-03-20 | 2023-06-20 | Ockerman Automation Consulting, Inc. | Marine vessel with aft extension |
EP4201796A1 (en) * | 2021-12-22 | 2023-06-28 | X-Treme Yachts B.V. | Water craft and method for manufacturing such a water craft |
NL2030224B1 (en) * | 2021-12-22 | 2023-06-29 | X Treme Yachts B V | Water craft and method for manufacturing such a water craft |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE1921770A1 (en) | 1970-09-03 |
GB1204656A (en) | 1970-09-09 |
FR2016026A1 (en) | 1970-04-30 |
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