Patents Assigned to Textron Inc. (a Delaware, US, corporation)
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Publication number: 20070151495Abstract: A vessel designed to operate efficiently as both a catamaran and air cushion vessel can travel at low speed in a catamaran or displacement mode, high speed in an air cushion mode, and amphibiously with the aid of deployable side seals. The vessel includes catamaran hulls and flexible air cushion bow and stern seal systems together with retractable side seals having hinged doors containing inflatable, retractable flexible components. The doors form part of the side seal system in the deployed position, and protect the flexible components of the seal in the retracted position. The arrangement reduces the drag associated with the side seals while the vessel operates in its catamaran or surface effect ship modes, and prevents damage to the seals during operation in the high speeds SES mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: TEXTRON, INC. (a Delaware, US, corporation)Inventors: Kenneth Maloney, W. Dubose, E. Whittaker, Robert Moore, Jared Acosta
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Publication number: 20070151499Abstract: A vessel transfer system utilizes a larger, surface effect vessel with a hull and a cargo deck, having a pressurized volume of air under its hull. The larger vessel cargo deck is lowered relative to a water surface in order to receive a smaller vessel. Lowering is achieved by depressurizing the volume of pressurized air under the hull. Movable propulsors on an air cushion vehicle permit efficient operation under way in an outer position, while minimizing the envelope dimensions for stowage in a well deck, providing clearance from bridges, docks, etc. in an inner position. In the outer position, the propellers operate in more uniform inflow conditions, resulting in improved performance and lower noise levels. In addition, the craft can be arranged to use a full width stern ramp resulting in time saved during cargo loading/unloading. The propellers will be less likely to ingest green water in high sea states.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: TEXTRON INC. (a Delaware, US, corporation)Inventors: Kenneth Maloney, W. Dubose, E. Whittaker, Brett Martin, Robert Moore
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Publication number: 20050211150Abstract: A vessel (10) designed to operate efficiently as both a catamaran and air cushion vessel can travel at low speed (e.g. Froude number (Fn)=0-0.3) in a catamaran or displacement mode and at high speed (e.g. Froude numbers (Fn)=0.3 or more) in an air cushion or dynamically supported mode. The vessel (10) includes molded catamaran hulls (11, 12) with parabolic waterlines, a flexible, air cushion seal system (16, 17), surface piercing propellers (20) and a propulsion system (e.g. combined diesel and gas turbine). There are preferably auxiliary gas turbines for generating lift air pressure. Forward mounted independently stabilizing foils (30), can optionally facilitate ride stabilization and load compensation at high and low speeds. The foils also generate transverse roll forces to improve high speed maneuvering.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2005Publication date: September 29, 2005Applicant: Textron Inc. (a Delaware, US, corporation)Inventors: Kenneth Maloney, Charles Whipple
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Publication number: 20040123789Abstract: The rescue boat has a hull with an upper deck area that includes bow and stern areas, port and starboard sides, a pilot house mounted upon the hull and extending above the upper deck area amidships. The pilot house has a deck, a front, a rear, side portions and a pilot house length measured from the front to the rear. A pair of rescue wells or recesses in the hull below the deck and inside of the hull port and starboard sides, each rescue well having a length. A majority of the length of each rescue well is in front of the rear of the pilot house. A propulsion system is provided for propelling the hull. The propulsion system preferably employs jet pumps that are positioned entirely above the keel of the hull. Stern buoyancy chambers are provided that add reserve buoyancy and add planing lift during acceleration to keep the nose down. These stern buoyancy chambers also provide standoff protection for the propulsion units when the vessel backs up.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Textron Inc. (a Delaware, US, corporation)Inventors: Angelique M. Brignac, Kirk A. Magnusen, Mark W. Shirley, Charles S. Whipple
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Publication number: 20040112268Abstract: A vessel (10) designed to operate efficiently as both a catamaran and air cushion vessel can travel at low speed (e.g. Froude number (Fn)=0-0.3) in a catamaran or displacement mode and at high speed (e.g. Froude numbers (Fn)=0.3 or more) in an air cushion or dynamically supported mode. The vessel (10) includes molded catamaran hulls (11, 12) with parabolic waterlines, a flexible, air cushion seal system (16, 17), surface piercing propellers (20) and a propulsion system (e.g. combined diesel and gas turbine). There are preferably auxiliary gas turbines for generating lift air pressure. Forward mounted independently stabilizing foils (30), can optionally facilitate ride stabilization and load compensation at high and low speeds. The foils also generate transverse roll forces to improve high speed maneuvering.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: Textron Inc. (a Delaware, US corporation)Inventors: Kenneth J. Maloney, Charles S. Whipple