US3875887A - Apparatus and system for transporting and positioning prefabricated modules in the construction of seagoing ships - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a system including both a method and apparatus for use in the transport and positioning of prefabricated modules during the construction of seagoing ships. The system consists of a rotatable cradle for receiving port or starboard bound modules on their side. Rotation of the cradle into a dock positions and uprights the module for reception by a set of hydraulically operated transverse rail cars to traverse the dock between its port and starboard positions and having lift and descend mode functions incorporated as part of its internal structure. The transverse cars lift the module from the cradle and move it to the opposite side of the dock where it deposits the module on blocks by the descend or lowering function, then moves out of the way. A set of longitudinal rail mounted transport cars, tended by a power and control car moves under the deposited module, lifts it and transports it to either a second deposit zone for return to the cradle side of the dock for movement to the ship or transports the module to the ship at the side of the dock where the module was initially deposited. If the longitudinal transport cars deposit the module in the second deposit zone, it is then lifted, traversed across the dock to a third deposit zone by the transverse cars which are again removed and the longitudinal transport cars are again used to lift and transport the module to final position on that side of the ship. While transverse cars need only have forward, reverse, lift and descend functions, the longitudinal cars, which travel along the axis of the ship under construction, have forward, reverse, lift, descend, lateral movement, roll, pitch and yaw functions incorporated therein. These functions are powered and controlled by the attending power and control car. In the preferred embodiment, all systems are operated hydraulically.

Description

Apr. s, 1975 United States Patent Futtrup et al.

l l APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR and apparatus for use in the transport and positioning TRANSPORTING AND POSITIONING of prefabricated modules during the construction of PREFABRICATED MODULES IN THE Seagomg p CONSTRUCTION OF SEAGOING SHIPS The system consists of a rotatable cradle for receiving [75] Inventors: Harold A. Futtrup, Whittier; Oliver port Starboard bounii modules h JohnstoneDiamond Barboth of Rotation of the cradle Into a dock posmons and uprights the module for receptlon by a set of hydraulically operated transverse rail cars to traverse 1 Assignees: Ralph M- Parsons C mpany, L s the dock between its port and starboard positions and g t Calm; Mitsui p l g having lift and descend mode functions incorporated and Engineering p y as part of its internal structure. Tokyo Japan; mares! to each The transverse cars lift the module from the cradle [22] Filed: Jan. 24, 1972 and move it to the opposite side of the dock where it de osits the module on blocks b the descend or Appl' 220306 lov ering function, then moves out (if the way.

A set of longitudinal rail mounted transport cars, 1t4/77 R3 ll4/65 R; 105/57 R; tended by a power and control car moves under the 105/455? l/2l8 A deposited module, lifts it and transports it to either a In. C].

second deposit one fur return to the cradle side of i 1 Field Search 114/77- 65 R; 61/67- 66; the dock for movement to the ship or transports the 2|4/l52? 105/57 R 455, module to the ship at the side of the dock where the 182 R module was initially deposited. If the longitudinal transport cars deposit the module in the second References Cited deposit zone, it is then lifted, traversed across the UNITED STATES PATENTS dock to a third deposit zone by the transverse cars 1.522.726 1/1925 105/190 R which are again removed and the longitudinal 2.039.274 4/1936 Latshaw 105/218 A an p ar are aga n d to lift an nsp the 2.545.956 3/1951 Julien 105/182 R module to final position on that side of the ship.

............ 2.875.871 3/1959 Govan et =11. 105/902 and descend funfmons' l9ngmdmal cars l' 2,907,283 10/1959 Murkestein et 105/1112 R long the constructtont 2,986,075 5/1961 105/33 have forward, reverse lift desoohd. lateral move-monk 3,429,288 2/1969 Suit 114/65 0 1. p t h an ya functions rp a d in. 3.703.153 11/1972 Mueda 114/77 R These functions are powered and controlled by the attending power and control car. In the preferred Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix embodiment, all systems are operated hydraulically.

Assistant Exan1inerSherman D. Basinger Attorney. Agent, or FirmChristie, Parker & Hale Claims, 13 Drawing Figures [57] ABSTRACT There is provided a system including both a method la R'JEMEUAFR 81975 3,875,887

sum UlUF 11 PCTENTEUAPR 81s? SHEET CUDF 11 PATENTED APR 8 I975 SHEET C5 0F 11 PATENTEDAPR 8i975 SHEET CEUF 11 PATENTEUAPR 8l975 SHEEI L8 1F l wli APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING AND POSITIONING PREFABRICATED MODULES IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEAGOING SHIPS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With the construction of passenger ships virtually at a standstill, most shipbuilding operations today are concerned with the construction of cargo ships.

Because of the economics involved, cargo ships are ever growing in size to maximize the amount of cargo, such as fuel oil, which can be transported in a single trip. In the construction of such ships, the bow and stem sections are the most time consuming to construct. The modules which connect the bow and stem. and which become progressively, the port and star board sections ofa ship hull, are fairly easy to fabricate.

Their fabrication within the dock however is always hampered by changing weather conditions often involving lost time. It has therefore been found that the most economical way to rapidly construct a tanker is to prefabricate the port and starboard modules at a work center protected from changing climatic conditions. These modules are of a size comparable to an 8 story building and weigh as much as 1,500 tons or more. This permits full time utilization of workers assigned to construct the port and starboard modules for the ship or tanker. In addition, it has been found most economical to construct the modules on their side.

The problem then arises of transporting the modules from the point of fabrication to dock-side, to position them within the dock and align them with the bow or stem of the ship, or to modules which have been already affixed to the bow or stem.

The problem of transporting a module to dock-side has been resolved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a system for receiving a prefabricated module on its side at dockside, positioning it upright within the dock and moving the module to the location where it is to be joined to either the port or starboard side of a ship under construction and apparatus employed in this system.

The method, in general, consists of positioning a module on its side onto a rotary positioning fixture. By rotation of a portion of the fixture, the module is lowered into the dock and simultaneously placed in an upright position where construction of the ship is under way.

The module is then lifted from the rotary positioning fixture by a set of synchronized rail mounted transverse cars which pass between port and starboard sides of the dock. The cars transport the module from the rotary positioning fixture to a predisposed location aligned with longitudinal tracks on the opposed side of the dock and deposit the module on blocks.

A set of longitudinally oriented rail mounted transport cars with an attending power and control car are brought under the deposited module and by built in lift and lowering functions, lift the module from the blocks and move it along one side of the dock forjoining to the ship or to a second point of drop where the longitudinally oriented cars deposit the module on blocks and move out of position.

The module is then picked up by a second set of traversing cars and returned to the side of the dock where the rotary positioning fixture is located and deposit the module on blocks and move out of the way.

A companion set of transport cars, with their attending power and control car, then pick up the module and move it along a companion rail system for joining to the opposed side of the ship under construction.

In this system, it is preferred that the rotary positioning fixture and the traversing and longitudinal transport cars be hydraulically operated, although other mechanical and electrical means may be employed.

The apparatus associated with the operation, preferably, consists of a rotary positioning fixture which operates in cooperation with two sets of transverse cars, and two sets of longitudinal transport cars with their attending control power and control cars. However, it is feasible to operate with one set of each type of car simply by shifting cars between rails by available cranes.

As a minimum, the rail mounted transversing cars have the capability of moving in a forward and reverse direction, lifting a module from the cradle of the rotary positioning fixture or blocks and lowering a module onto blocks.

Each set of rail mounted longitudinal transport cars having an attending control power car to operate them in synchronization have forward, reverse, lift lowering functions which make them useful as transverse cars, and the capacity to impart pitch, roll and yaw to a carried module to accurately align the carried module with that portion of a ship which has already been assembled.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a schematic illustration of the overall module transport system employed in the practice of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a typical layout for a track system for the module transport system showing the inter-relationship of both the traversing and longitudinal module moving cars.

FIG. 3 is atop view of a portion of one of the longitudinal moving cars which may be used also as traversing car as such, or with minor delineations of apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the longitudinal car shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a detail drawing of the suspension system used for all wheels for both the transverse and longitudinal cars whether powered or not.

FIG. 6 is a detail top view of the drive system for both the longitudinal transport and transverse cars.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the drive system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of the drive mechanism shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a diagramatic plan view of the hydraulic control system of a pair of longitudinal transport cars.

FIG. I0 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system of any one transport car.

FIG. 11 is a schematic wiring diagram relay control system of any one transport car.

FIGS. 12 and 13 combined are a schematic wiring diagram of the hydraulic valve control circuit of any one transport car.

DESCRIPTION According to the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for use in transporting port and starboard modules for a seagoing ship, typically a cargo ship. prefabricated on their side. from dock-side into the dock in an upright position and onward for exact positioning with the ships hull under construction.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is provided a general outline of the total module transport system.

With reference first to FIG. 1, there is provided as part of the general dock-side facility, a conveyor system for bringing modules 12 on their side to dockside for insertion into, and positioning them in proper alignment with ships under construction in construction dock 14. Associated with a typical ship building operation, there are provided track mounted cranes 16 which are used both in the construction of the vessel and in the assembling and disassembling of the module transport system of this invention. These cranes are however, at present, incapable of handling the weight of a prefabricated module. There is also shown for reference purposes, tanker bow l8, constructed or under construction and a portion of the stern section 20, in which there is illustrated a number of modules already secured in place by a welding operation.

In accordance with the present invention, the transport system is particularly adapted for the movement of port and starboard modules 22 and 24, with the construction of the intermediate sections 26 being carried out in a conventional manner. The systme, however, by the addition of an additional set of tracks may be used for installation of center sections 26 when they are adaptable to prefabrication outside the construction dock.

In the system illustrated, module transport is shown taking place from the starboard side of the ship. It will be appreciated, however, that the reverse of the operation is equally feasible to permit module movement from port side. However, for ease in description, the operation of the system will be described in terms ofa starboard positioned operation.

The initial point of the operation is to bring a prefabricated module unit 12, shown in the drawing for ultimate positioning along the starboard side of the vessel to rotary positioning fixture 28. It will be appreciated that if the prefabricated module 12 were destined for port positioning, it would be delivered in a 180 position relative to the position illustrated.

There is shown on the rotary position fixture 28 a module 24 destined for alignment along the starboard side of the vessel. Rotary positioning fixture 28 consists of support structure 30 having at the upper end thereof a pair of parallel rails 32, each of which contain a plurality of teeth 34 intermeshed with the teeth of a pair of rotary quadrant gears 35 secured to block 36 which is in turn secured by arms 38 to cradle 40 having module support arms 42 at one end and counter balanced at the opposed end. Both cradle 40 and support structure 30 are readily dismantleable for removal from the dock when the last section(s) of the ship are installed in the zone initially occupied by them.

By cooperative actuation of forward and aft hydraulic cylinders 44 and 46 their mates being on the opposed parallel rail 32 of the support structure 30, quadrant gears 35 are rotated which causes cradle 40 to move forward and simultaneously rotate to position upon termination of rotation module 24 in an upright position against a stop (not shown) at a level above the tracks to permit, with reference to FIG. 2, transverse synchronized cars 48 and 50 which have at least the mode capabilities of moving forward, reverse, upwards and downwards to engage in a lowered position the underside of a cradle held module 24.

There is also provided as part of the system, cradle wells 52 to receive the cradle of rotary positioning fixture 28.

Associated with rail mounted transverse cars 48 and 50 and 49 and 51 which are respectively interconnected by an umbilical cords 54 and 55 to permit synchronous operation of both cars by a control center on one (not shown), with one car of each set being connected to a dock-side source of power (not shown). Operation of a pair is generally carried out by an operator walking with the cars. The cars are moved along their respective track systems 56 and 58 between the cradle of rotary positioning fixture 28 to deposittransfer area 60.

The transverse cars 48 and 50 (as indicated) have a lift mode of sufficient elevational capacity to lift a module 24 from the rotated cradle. The transverse cars 48 and 50 then transport the module to area 60, in which are located platforms 62 having a required number of elevated cross over plates 64, which exist at the intersections of all tracks.

The tracks are in both the transverse and longitudinal direction and are spaced from cross over plates 64 to account for thermal expansion. The height of cross over plates 64 is sufficient such that the flanged portions of the wheels of both the transverse cars 48 and 50, and 49 and 51, as well as longitudinal transport cars 66 and 68 may ride over them in a manner such that the rail tread portions of the wheels of each car will engage a rail after passage of the wheels over cross over plates 64.

As shown in FIG. 2, there is provided a set of three longitudinal rail systems 700, 72a and 74a and 70b, 72b and 74b. This, as illustrated in FIG. 2 allows the longitudinal cars to be spaced depending on the width of the module to be transported for interconnection with the ship. As illustrated in FIG. 2, port side longitudinal cars 66 and 68 are on outer tracks 70a and 74a for transport of a large module whereas companion starboard side longitudinal cars 66 and 68 are on tracks 72b and 74b for transport of a more narrow module so that the center of gravity of a module shall be between the longitudinal cars.

Returning now to the operation, transverse cars 48 and 50 enter under the module deposited in an upright position by the rotary positioning fixture 28 and raise.

the module by hydraulic action from the cradle. It is then transported across tracks 56 and 58 to zone and lowered by transverse cars 48 and 50 in a synchronous manner into pre-set blocks (not shown). The platens of the traversing cars are then lowered and the cars removed to a neutral zone as shown in FIG. 2 or returned to pick up another module.

Longitudinal cars 66 and 68 with their attending power car 76 with their platens lowered below the level of the deposited module pass under the module and lift it from its blocks.

With reference to FIG. 1 where the module is to be transported to the port side of the ship, it is lifted from the blocks, carried by a set of longitudinal transport cars 66 and 68 along any preselected pair of tracks.

Where instead, the module is destined for positioning along the starboard side of the ship under construction,

transport cars 66 and 68 only transport the module to the opposed end of zone 60 where it is again deposited on prepositioned blocks, the platens of cars 66 and 68 then being lowered from the deposited module and the cars moved out of place. Transverse cars 49 and 51 generally operated in the same manner as cars 48 and 50 interconnected by umbilical cord 55 then come into play and are driven along tracks 57 and 59, with their platens in a down mode position, and pass under the deposited module, lift the module from its blocks and transport the module along tracks 57 and 59 to area 78 where it is again deposited on a pair of predeposited blocks (not shown) and cars 49 and S1 moved out of place.

Starboard side longitudinal cars 66 and 68 as powered by control and power car 76 then move under the module, lift it and transport it along the starboard side of the dock as shown in FIG. 2 to the stern section of the ship.

It will be appreciated that a companion transfer system may be positioned on the bow side of tracks 56 and 58 for carrying out the same operation with respect to the starboard bow section of the ship.

When the cradle is positioned in the starboard side of the dock a companion set of longitudinal cars may be employed on the starboard bow directed tracks corresponding to tracks 70b, 72b and 74b for operations connected with the starboard construction of the ship.

To that extent, once the utility of the longitudinal cars associated with the construction of the starboard side of the stern portion of the tanker has ended, they may be moved by cranes 16 to the bow side of the ro tary positioning fixture to position modules against the starboard side of the bow portion of the ship.

Before attending to the flexible utility of transport cars 66 and 68 whose operation is modulated by attending power and control car 76, some detail of their construction and subconstruction be dealt with.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there will be described general elements of the transverse and longitudinal transport cars with particular emphasis being directed to the elements ofa longitudinal transport car as it includes all the modes of operation but is more complex than a transverse car.

Referencing it to transport car 68 or its companion 66 of HO. 2, it consists in general ofa rigid chassis 80 consisting of longitudinal structural beams 82 and a plurality of transverse support beams 84. These support a platen 68 consisting of frame 87 carrying a plurality of spaced module support units 88. Platen 86 is supported on and spaced from chassis 80 by slide bearing spacers 90 between beams 82 and frame v87.

A plurality of port and starboard oriented hydraulic cylinders 92 are positioned at the forward and aft ends of each longitudinal transport car and connect to beams 84 and frame 87 of platen 86.

When hydraulic cylinders 92 are actuated. the platen 86 is moved laterally on the slide bearing surfaces 90. If the forward cylinder 92a is actuated in one direction and the aft cylinder 92b is actuated in the opposite direction, the platen is rotated;

There is also contained on chassis 80 hydraulic power system 98, the energy to which is supplied from attending control car 76 (not shown) and the necessary hydraulic control valves (not shown) and hydraulic piping (not shown). The hydraulic valves are electrically controlled from the control car 76.

The attending control car 76 consists primarily of a rail mounted diesel generator and a control unit for a set of longitudinal cars. In operation, the attending car 76 provides power to a set of longitudinal cars but is not self driven, rather it is carried along by the longitudinal transport car to which it is connected.

The cars, whether transverse or longitudinal trans port in nature, generally have 12 sets of axle connected wheels adapted to engage a track in the tread sections thereof and roll over a rail crossover plate on machined flanges. For the operation approximately normally onethird of the total wheel units are powered by hydraulic motors secured to beams 84. As illustrated in FIG. 3, three such motors are shown, a fourth being hidden by the platen 86.

Although the driven wheels may be positioned at any point along the length of the car, they are preferably positioned at the central portion of the car with two motors, where 12 wheel units are employed, being positioned on each side of the center line (G) of the car. The suspension system for each set of wheels whether driven or not is indicated by 102 in FIG. 4.

In considering a transverse car, since only upward and downward movements are required, in addition to forward and reverse, and lateral movement unnecessary, hydraulic cylinders 92a and 92b, as well as slide bearings 90, may be eliminated and platen 86 secured directly to chassis 80 of the car. In the alternative, the frame 87 of platen 86 may be eliminated and support members 88 connected directly to chassis 88 of the transverse cars.

While this will minimize construction costs for the transverse cars, it is possible, however, that all cars have identity of construction in so far as the car elements are concerned in order that they may be utilized as both transverse and longitudinal cars.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5 and particularly FIG. 5, there is shown the detail of the suspension sys tem provided for each wheel ofa transverse or longitudinal car whether driven or merely a rolling support wheel.

Suspension system 102 is connected to longitudinal beam 82 of chassis structure 80 by support structure 104, shown in FIG. 7 and secured to it by torsion bar 106 which is keyed to member I08 secured to suspension frame 110. There is also secured to frame 110 parallel to torsion bar 106 the axle of wheel 112 which engages track 114.

The opposed end of suspension frame 110 is connected to hydraulic cylinder 116 which is in turn pivotally connected to frame 110 and transverse beam 84.

A companion structure appears on the reverse side of the car with its track supported wheel interconnected to wheel 112 by a common axle.

In this suspension system, torsion bar 106 tends to hold chassis 80 level while at the same time permitting, by torsional deflection, one wheel 112 to be higher or lower than its companion axle coupled wheel by an amount of elevation difference to be expected in the setting of rails 114. While the resulting wheel loads will be slightly different due to the resulting torque in torsion bar 106, the loads on the hydraulic cylinders I16 will remain constant since they are hydraulically interconnected. The suspension system employed for each pair of axle wheels 112 plays an important part in the various mode functions for both the transverse and longitudinal cars.

As a minimum, all hydraulic cylinders 116 may be employed in conjunction to raise or lower the platform 80. and other members on it, of each car to receive or deposit a module at a desired position along the module transport system.

This is accomplished, where a raised function is, for instance. required by forcing fluid into hydraulic cylinders 116 associated with each pair of rail engaged wheeis 112. Since the tracks 114 are firmly affixed to the floor of the dock. the only member which may move is frame 80 of the car causing rising of the car relative to the wheel by pivoting of suspension frames 110. In a reverse function, lowering of the car relative to the wheels is achieved by uniformly exhausting hydraulic cylinders 116. The position of the wheels which engage the rails. however, remains unchanged. Therefore pivot occurs about the axle of the wheels. Any tendency for frame 80 to rise at one side more than the other is opposed by torsion bar 106.

With reference now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 there is described the drive mechanism employed for any one of the driven rail engaging pairs of wheels on either the longitudinal or transverse cars.

With reference first to FIG. 6, there is shown the top view of the mechanism involved in the raising and lowering functions as well as the forward and reverse mode of operation of one of the driven rail engaging wheel pairs which differs from a traveling axle connected wheel pair only by the drive mechanism employed.

There is provided as part of chassis 80, longitudinal structural members 82 and transverse beams 84, a companion pair of hydraulic cylinders 116 attached in pivotal relation to longitudinal structural members 82 and suspension frames 110.

As indicated. the principal mode of function to be described is that associated with driving a car in either a forward or reverse direction employing driven wheels.

As part of the system, there is secured to beam 84 a reversible hydraulically driven motor 100. Through a reduction gear box 101, it supplies by a chain drive, power from sprocket 120 to sprocket 122 secured to annular drive shaft 124 which surrounds the torsion bar 106. The power is in turn transmitted to sprocket 126 also secured to annular drive shaft 124 and transmitted in turn by a chain drive to sprocket 128 on axle 130 connecting a pair of wheels 112.

With reference now to FIG. 7 which is the rear view of FIG. 6 and with additional reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, there is shown all the common members. Here again, hydraulically driven motor 100 through gear box 101 drives sprocket 120 connected by chain drive to sprocket 122 which through annular drive shaft 124 transmits power to sprocket 126 which, with reference to FIG. 6, transmits by a chain drive. power to sprocket 128, attached to axle 130 to propel axle coupled wheels 112 in either a forward or reverse direction. By means of support structure 104, the entire system is pivoted about torsion bar 106 to maintain the point of pivot during lift and descend modes about the axle 130 connecting wheel pairs 112 in order that axle connected wheels 112 may be maintaining in a stationary position while chassis 80 may be raised and lowered relative to axle connected wheels 112 by coaction of hydraulic cylinders 116 in cooperation with torsion bar 106.

With reference now to FIG. 8, there is provided a schematic representation of the drive mechanism employed. To rigid chassis 80 consisting of longitudinal beams 82 and transverse beams 84, there is secured thereto hydraulically driven motor connected to a reduction gear box 101. Power is transmitted to sprocket connected by a chain drive to sprocket 122 secured to annular drive shaft 124 which rotates about torsion bar 106. This power is then transmitted through annular drive shaft 124 to the companion sprocket 126 (not shown) and by a chain drive to sprocket 128 attached to axle 130 interconnecting wheels 112 maintained in contact with rails 114.

This drive mechanism permits the use of the hydraulic system to raise and lower the chassis 80 relative to wheels 112 without changing the contact force between wheels 112 and track 114.

As to the multiplicity of paired wheels 112, the only difference between the driven wheels and rolling wheels is that the motor drive mechanisms are eliminated. Apart from them, every element shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is present with the wheels coupled to torsion bar 106 by frame members 110 which are rotatably con nected to axle 130 of wheels 112 and which are in turn pivotably connected to hydraulic cylinders 116 attached to transverse beam 84 of chassis 80 which again permits raising and lowering of chassis 80 relative to wheels I12 supported on rails 114.

Considering now FIGS. 2 through 8, there will be described the several functional modes available to each of the rail engaged longitudinal cars 66 and 68 as controlled by attending cars 76.

Traverse movement of a contained module on a set of cars has already been described with reference to, in particular, FIGS. 3 and 4.

Forward and reverse operation of any car alone or in conjunction with another is simply accomplished by employing the drive mechanism of the driven wheels of any one of or set of the longitudinal transport or transversing cars.

With respect to longitudinal transport cars 66 and 68, control is by attending control and power car 76 which is connected directly to one of the longitudinal cars which is connected to the other by a for or aft umbilical cord 132. This permits entry under and removal from underneath modules under all patterns of blocking.

As indicated with respect to transversing cars, operated as a pair, the minimum mode functions are forward and reverse operations as well as raising and lowering ofchassis 80 of the cars through action of hydraulic cylinders 116 associated with the suspension mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5. A set of transverse normally cars operate in unison to maintain chassis 80 level with,

respect to their longitudinal and transverse axis.

Longitudinal transport cars operating as a pair are adaptive to move complex modes of operation.

There is, of course. forward and reverse, as well as raising and lowering of chassis 80 of each car alone or in conjunction with the other by means of hydraulic cylinders 116 and drive mechanism as has been described above and the sideward motion of the platen by hydraulic cylinders 92a and 92b.

For proper alignment of a transported module with a companion module already attached to either the bow or stem ofa ship under construction, there are incorporated additional functions.

One involves roll. This involves rotation of the module supported by a pair of companion cars 66 and 68 about the longitudinal axis. This is achieved by raising or lowering the chassis 80 of one of the cars relative to the other. The slight angular rotation of the platen 86 and chassis 80 of each car relative to the longitudinal axes of the cars that occurs during this motion, while the axles 130 remain parallel to the dock floor, causes a small relative extension of the hydraulic cylinders 116 on the rising side and a retraction of those on the lowering side of each car and there is a slight twist of the torsion bars 106. The differential motion of the opposed hydraulic cylinders of a pair is accommodated by exchange of hydraulic fluid through their common manifold. The torsion bar accepts the twist elastically and returns to its original shape after the load is removed.

The next function available is pitch. This involves pivoting of rigid chassis 80 about a transverse axis relative to tracks by hydraulic forces introduced through hydraulic cylinders 116. The cylinders 116 are interconnected in two groups, the groups, with reference to FIG. 3, being all hydraulic cylinders 116 associated with all wheels forward of center line (C) and all hydraulic cylinders of all wheels aft of the center line (C).

If an upward pitch is desired, hydraulic fluid is pumped into all of the hydraulic cylinders 116 connected to the suspension systems of all wheels forward of the center line (C) of the transport cars 66 and 68. Each suspension system associated with each pair of whcels will raise in the amount required to maintain the platen in intimate contact with the module.

In the aft portion of the cars, there is an interchange of hydraulic fluid from the forward half of the aft group of cylinders 116 to the rear half of the group 112. Again, in proportion to the degree of angular rotation imposed, there will be extension or retraction of all transverse pairs of cylinders 116 as required to maintain the platen in intimate contact with the module. In this mode of operation pivot will be, in general, about the center of the rear group of cylinders.

It will be appreciated that the reverse will occur if pitch in the opposed direction is desired and that similar results could be achieved by raising or lowering the rear group of cylinders [16 or by actuating the forward and rear groups oppositely and simultaneously.

The next function is yaw which produces a rotation of the module about a vertical axis. With particular ref erence to FlGS. 2, 3 and 4, for clockwise yaw employing port side longitudinal cars 66 and 68, this is induced in part, by activation of hydraulic cylinders 92a and 92b. Cylinders 92b in the aft portion of both cars can be activated to move the platen toward the port side and activation of the hydraulic cylinders 92a in the forward portion of each car can be activated to move the platen toward the starboard side. Simultaneously, longitudinal car 66 is driven aft while longitudinal car 68 is driven forward. The clockwise rotation of the platens produces the clockwise rotation of the module while the aft motion of car 66 and the forward motion of car 68 produce the forward and aft motions of the port and starboard sides of the module which occur as a natural result of the clockwise rotation.

It will be appreciated that if the actuation of hydraulic cylinders 92a and 92b and the longitudinal drives of cars 66 and 68 are all reversed from the directions indicated above that a counter clockwise motion of the module will result.

It will further be appreciated, however, that the degree of yaw will normally be minimal as the major alignment of the module on the set of longitudinal cars is established and maintained throughout the assembly, rotation and transport of the module.

By imparting the several degrees of motion, each in the proper amount, a module to be connected to a vessel may be accurately aligned with a previously positioned module within the degree of precision required by the industry and that it can then be blocked in that position preparatory to welding to its neighbors.

The longitudinal cars may then be relaxed to their normal position. frame and platen 86 thereby lowered, and the companion pair of cars removed out of position for reception of another module.

Although the operation of the entire system has been described as being hydraulically powered, there are provided electrical control systems for the various hydraulic power systems. It will be appreciated that pneumatic or hydraulic control systems could be employed in lieu of the electrical. The electrical control system facilitates engagement and disengagement of the sets of cars and facilitates the control of sets of cars by one operator from one control console. It will be further appreciated that both types of cars can be operated either singly or in sets.

in addition, while the system has been described as operated hydraulically, there may be employed any other operative means such as DC driven motors with screw drive to supplant hydraulic cylinders as well as induction AC motors again associated with screw drives to achieve the various functions accomplished hydraulically. Some special provision would have to be made to achieve the synchronization and load equalization that is essentially automatic in the hydraulic sys tems. Electrical motor drives may also be used to propel the cars.

While it is preferred that the driven wheels occupy the central portion of each car, it will also be appreciated that each wheel may be equipped with a drive mechanism or that drive mechanisms may be associated with wheels other than those centralized with respect to the center line of each car.

Further, more than one-third of the available wheel pairs may be driven or less than one-third of the available wheel pairs of each car may be driven depending upon the traction and power requirements for each car employed.

While it is preferred, in the system described, that a set of cars consist of two cars, it will be appreciated that any number of cars can be included in a set, according to the load and space requirements.

The transport system of this invention is capable of accurately positioning modules during the construction of ships having a dead weight tonnage ranging from about 200,000 tons to about 580,000 tons or more. The modules employed in their construction will generally range in weight from about 675 tons to about l,500 tons.

To accomplish this task, both the transverse and transport cars have an overall average length of about 70 feet and an average width of about 6.5 feet.

Car dimensions, however, are subject to change de pending upon the size and weight of a module to be transported within a dock during a shipbuilding operation.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown the basic power control system of the longitudinal cars 66 and 68. Each car includes a pair of hydraulic pumps a and 140b, each driven by an electric motor 142. Electric power and control lines extend from the tender car 76, which has a diesel-powered generator 143 and a central control panel 145. The plan view of the car 66 in FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically 24 hydraulic lifing cylinders 116 arranged with 12 lifting cylinders 116a forward of the centerline of the car and I2 lifting cylinders 11612 aft of the centerline. Also for control purposes, the lateral cylinders 92 are arranged in two groups, a forward group 92a of four and an aft group 92!) of four. The position of the four load motors 100 is also shown. While the lift cylinders 116 have been indicated in relation to the inboard car 66 and the lateral control cylinders and the drive motors have been shown in the outboard car 68 in FIG 9, it will be understood that both cars include all of the lift cylinders. lateral control cylinders and drive motors arranged as shown for each car.

Referring to FIG. 10, the hydraulic control system for one longitudinal car is shown diagrammatically. The two pumps, designated at 140a and 1401), pump hydraulic fluid from a common reservoir 146. Bypass valves 148a and 148b return fluid from the outlet side of the pumps directly to the reservoir until the control system requires hydraulic power to be delivered to any of the motors and/or control cylinders, at which time the valves 148 are closed. The fluid from the pump 1400 is supplied by a high-pressure hydraulic line to each of the three control valves 150, 152,-and 154. The output of the pump l40b is similarly supplied by a highpressure hydraulic line to two other control valves 156 and 158, and also to the control valve 154. Each of the control valves 150 158 has a lowpressure return line going back to the reservoir 146.

Each of the control valves 150 158 has three control positions. The intermediate or neutral position, shown in FIG. 10, is an OFF position in which fluid does not flow through the control valve. The control valves, which are each solenoid-actuated by a pair of solenoids. such as indicated at 1500 and 15011, 152a and 152b, 1540 and 154b, 156a and 156b, and 158a and 158b, can be moved in either direction from the intermediate position, so as to direct fluid through the valve to one outlet port or the other outlet port of the control valve, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 10.

The control valve 150 is used to control the flow of fluid to the twelve forward lift cylinders I160. The l2 cylinders are connected in paralled across a pair of hydraulic lines extending back to the two outlet ports of the control valve 150. Thus when the control valve 150 is actuated to move it to a RAISE position by solenoid 150a, fluid pressure is applied to one side of all of the l2 cylinders to cause movement of the forward end of the car frame in a lifting direction. When the control valve 150 is moved to the LOWER" position by solenoid 150b, the hydraulic pressure is applied to the other side of all twelve cylinders 116a, causing a net movement of the forward end of the car frame in the lowering direction. By connecting the cylinders 1160 in parallel. the fluid pressure equalizes among the cylinders so that if a greater external force is applied to some of the cylinders providing a net increase in fluid pressure, fluid will be forced into the remaining cylinders until the load is equalized. This permits the unequal movement of the lift cylinders when a pitch movement is applied to the car frame by actuating the forward lift cylinders 1160 but not the aft cylinders [16b or to permit adjustment of the wheels in passing over high points on the rails.

Similarly the control valve 156 controls the twelve aft lift cylinders 116b, the twelve cylinders being connected in parallel across the alternate outlet ports of the control valve 156, permitting the control valve 156 to provide fluid under pressure selectively to either side of all of the aft lift cylinders to produce a net lowering or raising movement of the aft portion of the longitudinal car.

The control valve 152 similarly provides fluid under pressure to either side of the four forward lateral cylinders 920 connected in parallel. By moving the control valve either to a starboard" or port" position by means of solenoids 152a or 152b, the fluid under pressure is applied to the lateral cylinders to produce a net movement either in the starboard direction or the port direction. Again, by connecting the cylinders in parallel, the pressure is equalized and the cylinders adjust automatically to equalize the load on each cylinder.

The control valve 158 by means of solenoids 158a and 15% similarly controls the four aft lateral cylinders 92b.

The control valve 154 by means of solenoids 154a and l54b controls the direction of flow of hydraulic fluid through the drive motors 100, which are also connected in parallel, the control valve 154 having a forward" position and an aft position in which the drive motors operate respectively to drive the car in a forward direction or in an aft direction.

A lift leveler control is provided by a solenoidoperated valve 155 which bypasses the output of the pumps a and 14% through check valves 157 and 159 and through a pressure-relief valve 159 back to the reservoir 146. The valve 159 is set to open when the pressure reaches a predetermined level, for example 500 psi, so as to limit the pressure of the fluid in the system whenever the valve 155 is open. This arrangement is used when initially raising' the platens of the two cars against the module. The platens, under limited pressure, are pressed against the module so as to take up any lost motion without applying sufficient force to actually lift the module off its supports. The leveler control is then turned off and full pressure applied to all the lift cylinders to raise the module. The initial leveling action insures that the load is equally distributed to all four groups of lifting cylinders 116.

Operation of the control valves 158 to properly position a module is shown by the schematic wiring diagrams of FIGS. 11 and 12. The control circuit controls and coordinates the operation of both the inboard car and the outboard car which together support and posi-. tion a single ship module 24. FIGS. 11 and 12 show two electrical circuits, one for operating a series of relays in response to manually controlled switches, and the second circuit for controlling the hydraulic control valves 150 158 in both the inboard and outboard longitudinal cars in response to the relays in the first circuit.

Considering first the relay control circuit, the relays are driven from a relatively low voltage, for example 50 volts, derived from the secondary of a transformer 160, the primary of which is connected to the electrical power source provided by the generator 143. All operations can be controlled from either a remote control panel or a local control panel which provide duplicate control push buttons for controlling the various positioning movements which can be imparted to the module by the inboard and outboard longitudinal cars. In

the drawing, all relay contacts operated by the same relay bear the same reference number followed by a letter. Normally closed relay contacts are represented by a pair of parallel lines with a slant line through them. thus Normally open relay contacts are represented by a pair of parallel lines without the slant line. thus -l Forward and aft movement of the module is controlled by a group of push-button switches, including local and remote STOP switches. local and remote FWD switches. local and remote AFT switches, local and remote .IOG FWD switches and local and remote .lOG AFT switches. The STOP switches have normally closed contacts connected in series circuit with normally closed contacts of the .lOG FWD switches, the normally open relay contacts 162a, normally closed relay contacts 164b, and the coil of relay 162 across the (J-volt voltage source. Normally open contacts operated by FWD push-button switches are connected in parallel across the contacts 1620: so that pushing either of the FWD switches completes a circuit energizing the relay 162 to close the contacts 1620. The relay 162 then remains energized until one of the STOP switches is actuated, breaking the circuit through the relay 162. The relay 162 is also energized by depressing either of the JOG FWD switches to close normally open contacts to complete a circuit through the relay coil 162 that bypasses the contacts 162a. Thus when a .lOG FWD switch is released, the relay 162 is immediately deenergized without operating the STOP switches.

The two STOP switches are also series connected through normally closed contacts operated by the JOB AFT switches, the normally open contacts 164a, normally closed contacts 162b, and the coil of a relay 164. The AFT switches have normally open contacts connected in parallel across the contacts 1640 so that depressing either AFT switch energizes the relay coil 164. The JOG AFT switches also include normally open contacts which, when closed, complete a circuit through the relay coil 164, but bypass the contacts [640 so that the relay is de-energized when the JOG AFT switches are released.

It should be noted that the normally closed contacts 164]; and 162b provide an interlock arrangement so that both the forward and aft drives cannot be operated at the same time by someone attempting to close both the FWD switch and the AFT switch at the same time.

The relays 162 and 164, when activated, operate the hydraulic control valve 154 to operate the hydraulic drive motors 100 in direction to move the longitudinal cars in a forward or in an aft direction. To this end, solenoids of the control valves are connected by particular relay-operated contacts in a second circuit shown in FIG. 12. All relay contacts have the same reference numberal as the associated relay in the relay circuit of FIG. 11 with an added letter for identification. The relay 162 has normally open contacts 1626 which connect the solenoid 154a associated with the control valve 154 of the outboard car across the voltage source. Thus when the relay 162 is energized, closing the contacts 1626, the solenoid 154a moves the control valve 154 to a position to pass hydraulic fluid to the drive motors in a direction to move the outboard car 68 in a forward direction. Similarly normally open contacts 162d connect the solenoid 1540 of the control valve 154 in the inboard longitudinal car 66 to the forward position when the relay coil 162 is energized.

To drive the two cars in the aft direction. normally open contacts 164( and 164d energize the reverse solenoids l54b of the control valves 154 in both the outboard and inboard longitudinal cars.

To raise and lower the module, the control circuit of FIG. 11 includes a pair of relays 166 and 168. The relay 166 is activated by either a local or remote UP pushbutton switch, the normally open contacts of the UP switches being connected in parallel across the nor mally open contacts 166(' operated by the relay 166. Similarly the relay 168 is energized by operating either one of a pair of DOWN push-button switches having normally open contacts connected in parallel across the normally open contacts 168C operated by the relay 168.

The relay 166 when energized closes normally open contacts 166C to lock the relay 166 while relay 168 when energized closes normally open contactss 168C to lock the relay 168. Either relay is released by either one of two STOP switches having normally closed contacts connected in series with both relays.

Referring to FIG. 12, the relay 166 operates normally open contacts 166d to complete a circuit through the solenoid 1560 operating the control valve 156 to raise the aft section of the outboard car. A pair of normally open contacts 1660 operated by the relay 166 at the same time complete a circuit through the solenoid 1560 of the control valve 156 in the inboard car for raising the aft section on the inboard car. The outboard car forward section is raised by closing normally open contacts 166f, operating energizing solenoid 1500 to operate valve 150. The inboard car forward section is also raised by closing contacts 166g.

Similarly, the relay 168 closes normally open contacts 168d and 168a to operate the solenoids 15619 associated with the valves 156 for lowering the aft section of the outboard and inboard cars. Closing of normally open contacts 168f and 168g operates solenoids 15% for lowering the forward sections of the outboard and inboard cars.

The roll control includes a pair of relays 170 and 172. The relay 170 is energized by pushing either one of a pair of ROLL STBD switches to close normally open contacts. Normally closed contacts 172a are connected in a series with the relay 170, while normally closed contacts 170a are connected in series with the relay 172 to provide an interlock to prevent both the starboard and port roll to be initiated at the same time. The relay 172 is energized by closing one of two ROLL PORT push-button switches to actuate a pair of normally open contacts.

As shown in FIG. 12, relays 170 and 172 cause the outboard car aft section to be raised or lowered by operating respectively normally open contacts 170b connected in parallel with the normally open 166d contacts and by the normally open contacts 172b connected in parallel with the normally open contacts 168d. Also the outboard car forward section is raised and lowered at the same time by control valve by normally open contacts C and 1726 respectively. Thus it will be seen that a roll starboard is accomplished by raising the aft and forward sections of the outboard longitudinal car together while the aft and forward sections of the inboard car remain at the same level.

Pitch is controlled by a pair of relays 174 and 176 (see FIG. 11). Closing the normally open contacts of either one of the PITCH AFT switches completes a circuit through the relay 174 and the normally closed contacts 176a. Closing either one of the PITCH FWD switches similarly energizes the relay 176 through the normally closed contacts 174a. The contacts 174a and 1760 provide an interlock between the two relays to prevent both relays from being energized at the same time.

To effect a pitch aft. as shown in FIG. 12, the relay 174 closes normally open contacts 174]) and 1740. These contacts, when closed, complete a circuit through the solenoids 150a associated with the control valves 150 to raise the forward section of both the outboard longitudinal car and the inboard longitudinal car at the same time. To achieve a pitch forward, the relay 176 closes a pair of normally open contacts 176b and 176c for energizing the solenoids l50h associated with the control valves 150, which causes the forward sections to be lowered on both the outboard car and the inboard car at the same time.

To achieve lateral positioning of the vessel module either to the starboard side or to the port side, two relays I78 and 180 are respectively energized by closing one of the LAT STBD push-button switches or one of the LAT PORT switches. The normally closed contacts 1800 in series with the relay 178, and the normally closed contacts 178a in series with the relay 180 provide an interlock to prevent both relays from being en ergized at the same time.

To achieve lateral movement to starboard, the relay 178 closes normally open contacts 178b, 178C, 178d and 1780. Closing of the contacts 178b completes the circuit through the solenoid 152a associated with the control valve 152, to operate the forward lateral hydraulic cylinders 920 on the outboard car in the starboard direction. Similarly closing of the contacts 178(- operates the corresponding valve 152 in the inboard car. Closing the contacts 178d and 178s closes the control valves 158 in the outboard car and the inboard car to effect the starboard movement of the aft lateral hydraulic cylinders 92b on both cars simultaneously.

Similarly the normally open contacts 1801), 180e, 180a. and 1806 are closed by the relay 180 to operate the control valves 152 and 158 in both the inboard and outboard cars simultaneously, providing lateral movement to the port side by the platens of both cars.

Finally the yaw control of the module in either the clockwise (CW) or counter-clockwise (CCW) direction is controlled respectively by a relay 182 and a relay 184 (See FIG. 11). The relay 182 is energized by actuating either the remote or local CW push-button switch. energizing the relay 182 through a pair of normally closed contacts 184a. Similarly the relay 184 is energized by operating either one of the CCW pushbutton switches through the normally closed contacts 182a. Again the contacts 182a and 184a provide an interlock preventing both relays from being energized at the same time.

Referring to FIG. 13, with the relay 182 closed to provide a clockwise yaw. normally open contacts 182!) are closed. energizing the solenoid 154a and operating the control valve 154 to provide a forward car drive of the outboard longitudinal car. At the same time normally open contacts 182C are closed completing a circuit energizing the solenoid 154b associated with the control valve 154 on the inboard car so as to cause the inboard car to drive in an aft direction. Also the relay 182 closes normally open contacts 182d, energizing the solenoid 152a associated with the control valve 152 and causing the outboard car forward lateral control to move the forward end of the platen in a starboard direction. Normally open contacts 182f at the same time energize the solenoid l58b of the control valve 158 on the outboard car to cause the aft lateral control to move in the port direction. Thus the platen on the outboard car is caused to pivot in a clockwise direction. At the same time normally open contacts 182e and 182g operate the control valves 152 and 158 on the inboard car to move the forward end of the platen in a lateral direction to the starboard side and the aft end to the port side. thereby rotating the platen on the inboard car also in a clockwise direction.

The relay 184, when energized, produces at counterclockwise yaw of the module by means of normally open contacts 184b and 1846 which cause solenoids 154b in the outboard car and 154a in the inboard car to be energized. This causes the outboard car to move aft and the inboard car to move forward. At the same time contacts 184a and l84f operate solenoids 1521) and 158a on the outboard car to produce counterclockwise rotation of the outboard car platen. The contacts 184e and 184g at the same time complete a circuit to solenoids l52b and 158a of the inboard car to produce counter-clockwise rotation of the inboard car platen.

The lift leveler control portion of the circuit of H6. 11 includes a relay 186 operated by a pair of STOP switches having normally closed contacts in series with normally open contacts 186a operated by the relay 186. A pair of LEVEL switches have normally open contacts connected in parallel with the contacts 1860 so that operation of either LEVEL switch activates relay 186, closing contacts 1860. Operating either STOP switch breaks the circuit, releasing relay 186. The relay 186 operates normally open contacts 186!) to complete a circuit through solenoid b to operate valve 155 in both the inboard and outboard cars 66 and 68.

Each of the relays 162 184 of the relay control circuit of FIG. 11 operates normally open contacts, as shown in FIG. 12, for completing a circuit through the bypass valves 148a and 148b associated with the pumps 140a and 14% respectively. These normally open contacts are indicated at 162' through 186' in the outboard car and 162" through 186" in the inboard car. It should be noted that the inboard car does not include contacts for the roll control relays and 172, since only the outboard car platen is raised and lowered dur-. ing the roll operation. Thus it will be seen that when many of the control relays are actuated. the bypass valves are closed to provide hydraulic fluid from the pumps to the various control cylinders and drive motors.

Since the forward and aft drive of the two longitudinal cars 66 and 68 results in the movement of a considerable mass, it is desirable that there be a braking action for decelerating the mass when the STOP buttons are actuated. This is accomplished hydraulically by means of a pressure relief valve arrangement as shown in FIG. 10. The relief valve, indicated at 190, is arranged to be normally closed to the flow of hydraulic fluid but is forced open when the pressure of the hydraulic fluid exceeds some predetermined limit, for example, 3,000 psi. The valve 190 is connected across the drive motors 100 by means of four check valves 192,

Claims (20)

1. A car for use in the transport of prefabricated hull modules during the construction of seagoing ships within a construction dock which comprises: a. a chassis; b. a multiplicity of associated pairs of axle mounted rail engaging wheels, each pair of wheels coupled in rotational relationship to a pair of oppositely spaced frames, each pair of said frames connected by torsion means to one another and to said chassis in pivotal relationship at one end thereof and each frame of a pair coupled at the opposed end thereof to said chassis by control means, said control means adapted to pivot said frames about the axis of rotation of associated pairs of wheels to permit controlled raising and lowering of said chassis relative to the wheels to a selected position while capable of maintaining said chassis essentially level in a transverse direction, at least a portion of the multiplicity of the pairs of axle mounted wheels being provided with means to propel said car in a forward and reverse direction; and c. means associated with said chassis to support said modules.

2. A car as claimed in claim 1 in which the means associated with said chassis to support said modules comprises a module supporting platen spaced from said chassis by a plurality of slide bearing surfaces and connected to the fore and aft portions of said chassis by means adapted to move said platen in a horizontal plane laterally relative to said chassis and rotationally relative to said chassis without raising or lowering of said platen relative to said chassis.

3. A car as claimed in claim 2 in which the multiplicity of associated frame mounted pairs of axle mounted rail engaging wheels are divided into forward and aft groups, each group interacting in conjunction through the control means provided for each associated pair of wheels to provide a selected degree of pitch to the car.

4. A car as claimed in claim 2 in which the control means to pivot said frames about the axis of said associated pairs of axle mounted wheels and the means to propel said car are hydraulically actuated.

5. A car as claimed in claim 4 in which the means adapted to move said platen laterally and rotationally relative to said chassis is hydraulically activated.

6. A car as claimed in claim 1 in which the multiplicity of associated frame mounted pairs of axle mounted rail engaging wheels are divided into forward and aft groups, each group interacting in conjunction through the control means provided for each associated pair of wheels to provide a selected degree of pitch to the car.

7. A car as claimed in claim 6 in which the forward and aft groups of wheels are separately activated by an interconnected hydraulic system to provide pitch to the car and with an hydraulically operated drive system associated with a portion of the axle mounted wheels of each group.

8. A car as claimed in claim 1 in which the control means to pivot said frames about the axis of said associated pairs of axle mounted wheels and the means to propel said car are hydraulically actuated.

9. A method for transporting hull modules from dockside to a seagoing ship under construction which comprises: a. depositing the module onto a supporting cradle and rotating said cradle into a construction dock to position the module above a set of transverse tracks in an upright position; b. moving a set of rail mounted transverse cars having a module supporting chassis and at least the operational functional modes of forward, reverse, and lift and descent of the chassis relative to the tracks under the module, the chassis of the set of cars being in a descent mode when moved under the module; c. lifting the module from the cradle by raising the chassis of said transverse cars and moving the module transversely across the dock; d. depositing the module onto preset supports by lowering the chassis of the set of transverse cars and moving the transverse cars from under the module; e. moving under the module a set of rail mounted transport cars having module supporting chassis attended by at least one power-control car for said transport cars, the set of transport cars, as controlled by the power-control car, having the functional modes of forward, reverse, and with respect to the chassis thereof lift, descent, pitch, roll and yaw, the chassis of the transport cars being in the descent mode when brought under the module; f. lifting the module from the supports by raising the chassis of the transport cars and moving the module supporting transport cars along a longitudinal set of rails; g. positioning the module against a preassembled existing portion of the ship hull by manipulation of the operational modes of the transport cars for securement to the existing portion of the hull.

10. A method for transporting hull modules from dockside to a seagoing ship under construction which comprises: a. depositing the module onto a supporting cradle and rotating said cradle into a construction dock to position the module above a set of transverse tracks in an upright position; b. moving a set of rail mounted transverse cars having a module supporting chassis and at least the operational functional modes of forward, reverse, and lift and descent of the chassis relative to the tracks under the module, the chassis of the set of cars being in a descent mode when moved under the module; c. lifting the module from the cradle by raising the chassis of said transverse cars and moving the module transversely across the dock; d. depositing the module onto preset supports by lowering the chassis of the set of transverse cars and moving the transverse cars from under the module; e. moving under the module a set of rail mounted transport cars having module supporting chassis attended by at least one power-control car for said transport cars, the set of transport cars, as controlled by the power-control car, having the functional modes of forward, reverse, and with respect to the chassis thereof lift, descent, pitch, roll and yaw, the chassis of the transport cars being in the descent mode when moved under the module; f. lifting the module from the supports by raising the chassis of the transport cars and moving the module supporting transport cars along longitudinal rails and depositing the module onto another set of supports associated with a second set of transverse rails by lowering the chassis of the transport cars; g. moving the set of transport cars from under the deposited module; h. moving a set of transverse cars with the chassis thereof in a descent mode under the module and lifting the module from the supports by raising the chassis of transverse cars and moving the module supporting transverse cars to return the module transversely across the dock; i. depositing the module onto another set of supports by lowering the chassis of the transverse cars and moving the transverse cars from under the deposited module; j. moving a set of transport cars with at least one attendant power-control car said transport cars as controlled by the power-control car having the functional modes defined in under the module with the chassis of the transport cars being in the descent mode when moved under the module; k. lifting the module from the supports by raising the chassis of the transport cars and moving the module supporting transport cars along a longitudinal set of rails; l. positioning the module against a preassembled existing portion of the ship hull by manipulation of the operational modes of the transport cars for securement to the existing portion of the hull.

11. A system for transporting hull modules in an upright position within a construction dock which comprises: a. at least one set of transverse rail mounted transverse cars having at least the operational modes of forward, reverse, and with respect to the chassis of said transverse cars the modes of lift and descent, said transverse cars adapted to traverse the interior of a construction dock and transport a module on associated sets of transverse rails contained within the dock; b. at least one set of longitudinal rail mounted transport cars having at least one attending power-control car, the transport cars adapted to move longitudinally on associated pairs of associated sets of longitudinal rails contained within the construction dock along the port and starboard sides of the interior of the construction dock, said power-control car having the capacities of forward and reverse modes of operation as well as with respect to a module supported by the chassis of the set of transport cars of imparting forward and reverse modes of operation through said transport cars and through the chassis of said transport cars, the modes of lift, descent, pitch, roll, lateral movement and yaw, the modes of lateral movement and yaw being impartable without raising or lowering of said module.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11 in combination with a rotary positioning fixture associated with a set of transverse rails employed by the transverse cars which comprises a framework contained within the dock and having thereon a rotatable el-shaped cradle adapted to accept a hull module in a side position and by rotation of the cradle deposit the module within the dock in an upright position at a predetermined elevation for reception by a set of transverse cars.

13. Ship building apparatus for constructing a hull from prefabricated modules within a construction dock comprising first and second rail mounted movable support platforms each platform comprising a chassis and a platen separated from the chassis by slide bearing surfaces and a multiplicity of axle connected associated wheel pairs, each wheel pair coupled in rotational relationship to a pair of oppositely spaced frames, each pair of said frames connected by torsion means to one another and to said chassis in pivotal relationship at one end thereof and each frame of a pair coupled at the opposed end thereof to said chassis by control means, said platforms supporting one of said modules; means for moving said platforms along parallel paths extending lengthwise of the hull being constructed for positioning the module longitudinally; said control means for controllably raising or lowering one platform relative to the other for rotating the module about a horizontal longitudinal axis to impart roll, and for tilting both platforms simultaneously in a fore or aft direction for rotating the module about a horizontal lateral axis to impart pitch; and means for transversely moving the platens of each platform relative to the chassis without raising and lowering the platens of each platform relative to the chassis and for rotating the platens of both platforms in a horizontal plane and in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and simultaneously moving one platform longitudinally relative to the other for rotating the module about a vertical axis without raising and lowering of the module to impart yaw.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 in which said control means comprise first and second groups of hydraulic lift cylinders pivotably interconnecting the spaced frames to the chassis, the groups of lift cylinders being positioned adjacent opposite ends of the chassis, and means for imparting transverse movement and yaw comprising first and second groups of hydraulic lateral cylinders interconnecting the chassis and the platen, the groups of lateral cylinders being positioned adjacent opposite ends of the chassis.

15. Apparatus for positioning a load comprising a car movable along parallel rails, the car including a multiplicity of rotatable axle connected rail engaging wheel pairs and a chassis; each wheel pair rotatably coupled to a pair of oppositely spaced frames, each pair of said frames connected by torsion bars and to said chassis in pivotal relation at one end thereof and at the opposed end thereof to said chassis through a pair of pivotable hydraulic cylinders, the hydraulic cylinders of the wheel pairs divided into first and second groups of hydraulic cylinders for controllably raising, lowering, rolling and pitching the chassis relative to the rails, and hydraulic drive means for driving the car in either direction along the rails; the load being applied to the chassis, the first group of hydraulic cylinders being positioned adjacent the front end of the car and the second group of hydraulic cylinders being positioned adjacent the back end of the car, all the cylinders in a group being interconnected hydraulically to each other so that hydraulic fluid pressure is equalized in all the cylinders of a group, the cylinders of each pair being positioned adjacent opposite sides of the car, means controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure separately to the two groups of cylinders; said torsion bars resisting unequal vertical movement of the opposite sides of the chassis relative to the wheels.

16. Apparatus as defined in claim 15 further comprising a separate hydraulic fluid source for each group of cylinders, means for limiting the output pressure of each of said sources to a level insufficient to lift the chassis when subject to the full weight of the load, and means for selectively connecting and disconnecting said pressure limiting means and said sources.

17. A car for use in the transport of prefabricated hull modules during the construction of seagoing ships within a construction dock which comprises: a. a chassis; b. means associated with said chassis to support said modules comprising a module supporting platen spaced from said chassis by a plurality of slide bearing surfaces and connected to the fore and aft portion of said chassis by means adapted to move said platen in a horizontal plane laterally to said chassis and rotationally relative to said chassis without raising or lowering of said platen relative to said chassis; c. a multiplicity of associated pairs of axle mounted rail engaging wheels, each pair of wheels coupled in rotational relationship to a pair of oppositely spaced frames, each pair of said frames connected by torsion means to one another and to said chassis in pivotal relationship at one end thereof and each frame of a pair coupled at the opposed end thereof to said chassis by control means, said control means adapted to pivot said frames about the axis of rotation of associated pairs of wheels to permit controlled raising and lowering of said chassis relative to the wheels to a selected position while capable of maintaining said chassis essentially level in a transverse direction, at least a portion of the multiplicity of the pairs of axle mounted wheels being provided with means to propel said car in a forward and reverse direction; and d. means associated with said chassis to support said modules.

18. A car as claimed in claim 17 in which the multiplicity of associated frame mounted pairs of axle mounted rail engaging wheels are divided into forward and aft groups, each group interacting in conjunction through the control means provided for each associated pair of wheels to provide a selected degree of pitch to the car.

19. A car as claimed in claim 17 in which the control means to pivot said frames about the axis of said associated pairs of axle mounted wheels and the means to propel said car are hydraulically actuated.

20. A car as claimed in claim 17 in which the means adapted to move said platen laterally and rotationally relative to said chassis is hydraulically actuated.

Images