Sectional Patents (Class 114/77R)
  • Patent number: 6162105
    Abstract: A two-part vessel for use in oil transport in waters where ice may occur, comprising a first part constituting a barge part having a bow portion and a stern portion and containing a number of loading tanks, the bow portion having a submerged receiving space for a mooring and loading buoy, and a second part constituting a propulsion part having a forward portion and a stern portion which is adapted for breaking ice, the forward portion having a forward end which is adapted for connection to the stern portion of the barge part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventor: Kare G. Breivik
  • Patent number: 6125780
    Abstract: A stable floating barge-platform for offshore operations and a method for assembling same. The barge-platform is assembled from a plurality of substantially identical, buoyant modules, all of which have substantially the same outer configuration. The buoyant modules are constructed onshore and transported to an offshore location where they are positioned and connected together to form the platform. When connected, an opening will be present through the center of the platform. This opening reduces the bottom area of the platform and accordingly substantially reduces the wave forces on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Sweetman, George Z. Gu, David L. Garrett
  • Patent number: 6012406
    Abstract: A portable seismic vessel which is truck transportable to remote survey sites. The vessel is assembled with multiple self-contained, autonomous modules. Different modules provide crew quarters, dining facilities, propulsion, fuel and equipment storage. The vessel is capable of storing and deploying acoustic energy sources, seismic streamers, and recording equipment for processing seismic data. A unique ballast system accommodates structural flexing of the vessel. The vessel is uniquely suitable to efficiently access previously inaccessible survey sites and provides design flexibility in customizing the seismic vessel to unique operating requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Dudley, Darrell F. VanMeter, Jeff N. Mayville
  • Patent number: 5967072
    Abstract: A vessel which can convert from a deep draft configuration to a shallow draft configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: John H. Leary
  • Patent number: 5924377
    Abstract: A modular enclosure system particularly suited for use aboard a ship comprises a modular enclosure which is easily installed into and removed from an exoskeletal frame that is shock-mounted to a fixed surface, such as the deck of a ship. An enclosure is installed by placing it within a respective frame via complementary guide rails. A securing mechanism locks the enclosure into place within the frame, and an ejection mechanism enables an enclosure to be easily removed for purposes of maintenance, repair or reconfiguration, or in the event of an emergency. The enclosures are preferably water-tight and float if ejected into the sea. Rubberized boots surrounding all points of entry enhance the survivability of the enclosures in a nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) environment. Shock-mounting the frames to the deck eliminates the need to shock-mount individual pieces of equipment and enables the use of cheaper and more readily available commercial off-the-shelf equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gregory P. Rausch, Ronald S. Gold
  • Patent number: 5915321
    Abstract: A multihull navigating structure, such as a catamaran, includes a floating base (10) comprising two hulls (12), means (14) to render integral the hulls, a motor (16) disposed in at least one of the hulls, fluid and electric power supply networks, a control station (20), a support platform (22) integral with the floating base (10) and adapted to operate in two operating modes. In the first mode passenger modules (24) are carried on the platform and in the second mode freight modules are carried on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Jean-Fran.cedilla.ois Fountaine
  • Patent number: 5746150
    Abstract: An improved small boat that allows various brands of narrow motorboats or jet propelled personal watercraft to enter a docking bay between twin rear hulls and be secured in the docking bay. The boat of this present invention is an open hull, fiberglass reinforced plastic unit with high, protective walls and comfortable seats to provide an enjoyable ride for passengers, and storage for their possessions. A U-shaped channel receives the bumper of a personal watercraft. A boomerang shaped ride plate assists in eliminating turbulence in the docking bay that might slow the boat down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventors: Daniel E. Beaulac, Trevor S. Hewison, Wayne Washington
  • Patent number: 5697313
    Abstract: A modular pump barge and walkway system having a modular subsystem of pump barges and a modular subsystem of walkways releasably attached thereto. Each of the pump barges has a top deck and four side walls, wherein each of two oppositely disposed side walls has a recess disposed therein with a bottom shelf and a pair of holes. Each of the barges has a link pin assembly for interconnecting with an adjacent barge, comprising a support plate and a pair of vertically disposed pins, the support plate arranged so as to be removably attachable to the top deck so as to cover the recess, the pins being disposed so as to be mated with and removably inserted into the pair of holes disposed within the bottom shelf of the recess when the support plate is attached to the top deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Laird Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Horn, Matthew Sheperd
  • Patent number: 5606929
    Abstract: Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes ft and second pontoons; a plurality of removable connector modules located in pockets on each end of the pontoons for absorbing impacts and for locking together joined pontoons; a plurality of retractable, resilient alignment pins located in the ends of the pontoons for initial alignment of the pontoons; and a winch operated bridal line attached to the alignment pins, via guide bores, for drawing together the pontoons in a joined fashion. Each connector module includes, on one end, a compressible locking pin that may be slidably located in the extended position (for joining and locking together with another pontoon) or in the retracted position (for storage). The other end of the connector module includes a receiver bore for receiving the locking pin of a mating pontoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Tsongshih Huang
  • Patent number: 5605110
    Abstract: A multi-use watercraft wherein one or more bays are formed in the aft portion thereof for respectively docking one or more personal watercraft (PWC). The PWCs are connected to provide propulsion for the multi-use watercraft when so docked in the bay. The multi-use watercraft and the PWCs may be separated and used independently while on the water. The PWCs may also be docked in the bay of the multi-use watercraft while on the water. A scoop proximal to the jet pump nozzle of each PWC is provided to enable the multi-use watercraft to go in the reverse direction. Also provided is the ability to sail the multi-use watercraft. Mast, rudders and dagger board may be installed while on the water thus allowing the multi-use watercraft to use wind for propulsion. The multi-use watercraft may be converted to sailing mode with or without the PWCs being docked. An inboard motor may also power the multi-use watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Aerotrans Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis W. Talbot
  • Patent number: 5577454
    Abstract: In a modularly constructed longitudinal midbody of a double-hulled tanker, each module is provided, along the vessel centerline, with a prefabricated subassembly including a keel portion of the double hull structure, and a pipe tunnel containing virtually all equipment, piping and nonstructural components required to be installed below the vessel's upper deck to serve the cargo tanks and ballast tanks within the respective module. Each subassembly extends throughout the length of the respective module and respective of its features are connectable at the module ends with the comparable features of adjoining modules. The subassembly may serve as the base for a longitudinal bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignees: Metro Machine Corp., Marinex International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Goldbach
  • Patent number: 5542370
    Abstract: A fishing deck kit provides for mounting a fishing deck including an elevated fisherman's chair and trolling motor to either the fore or aft end, or both ends of a pair of canoes or other pontoon members, or to a john boat or other single hulled boat. Also disclosed is a fishing boat and outboard motor with an aft mounted fishing deck. A hinged transom and power trim mechanism is also provided to facilitate mounting of an outboard motor for control by the fisherman without interfering with the mechanical arrangement for the aft fishing deck. The power trim includes limit switches for sensing an up position and a down position such that the outboard motor may be conveniently moved automatically from one position to the other under remote operator control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Morris D. Castleberry
  • Patent number: 5517940
    Abstract: A variable width boat includes a plurality of hulls and a width varying arrangement connected to and between the hulls for selectively moving the hulls between a closed, folded position and an extended, unfolded position in which the hulls are laterally spaced apart from one another. The variable width arrangement maintains the hulls in an upright, longitudinally fixed, substantially parallel relationship as the hulls are moved laterally between the closed and extended positions. In another aspect of the invention, a mast for use in a sailboat includes a mast assembly having a plurality of telescoping mast sections. The mast sections are arranged to collapse telescopically to permit the height of the mast to be reduced. The mast also includes a mast raising arrangement for raising and lowering the mast. In one preferred embodiment, the mast further includes a plurality of profiled sail supporting ribs each having a peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Jay R. Beyer
  • Patent number: 5479869
    Abstract: An oil spill recovery shuttle barge system is provided to clean up marine spills. A first barge includes at least two substantially identical pontoons detachably joined in side by side relationship. A second barge includes at least two additional, substantially identical pontoons detachably joined in side by side relationship. A detachable thrust unit and a detachable crane can be mounted to either of the two substantially identical barges, one barge serving as a powered pumping and receiving barge, and the other a nonpowered receiving barge, with the barges capable of being interchanged. The pontoons are flat bottomed, and the thrust unit has an adjustable-depth propeller. The thrust unit has a non-sparking electrical system. The detached pontoons are dimensioned to be transported overland to a marine spill site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Marine Spill Response Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. L. Coudon, George W. Dowell, III
  • Patent number: 5353727
    Abstract: The invention relates to marine vessels equipped with collision guards made in the form of a fender module secured to the exterior surface of the hull and supported thereby. The module, which can be one or more in number, is filled with lightweight buoyant material and protects the hull proper from collision damage, or it can be made in the form of a hollow shell divided into a plurality of watertight compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Jerome L. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5353730
    Abstract: A multi-use watercraft wherein a bay, or bays, is formed in the aft portion for docking a personal watercraft (PWC). The PWC are connected to provide propulsion for the multi-use watercraft when so docked in the bay. The multi-use watercraft and the PWC may be separated and used independently while on the water. The PWC may also be docked in the bay of the multi-use watercraft while on the water. Also provided is the ability to sail the multi-use watercraft. Mast, rudders and dagger board may be installed while on the water thus allowing the multi-use watercraft to use wind for propulsion. The multi-use watercraft may be converted to sailing mode with or without the PWC being docked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Dennis W. Talbot
  • Patent number: 5347944
    Abstract: A superport/vessel is disclosed that is capable of quickly and efficiently handling off shore cargo transportation and oil production problems. The super port/vessel is modularly constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventors: Joseph K. Dupre, William Lamb
  • Patent number: 5313903
    Abstract: The fixtures in which curved and reinforced flat plates are held while being welded, cleaned, coated and cured include fixedly mounted exterior towers and interior towers removably mounted on rollable bogies (i.e., rail cars or carriages) for ease of transport through a succession of work stations. Subcomponents fabricated on respective bogies are weldingly joined to form module subassemblies after coupling and maneuvering the respective bogies to align the subcomponents (i.e., units). A transverse bulkhead is supported on fluid cushion pallets beside the bogie-supporting rails, so that the transverse bulkhead can be positioned for welding of each subassembly thereto, to provide each respective double-walled vessel hull midbody module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignees: Metro Machine Corp., Marinex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Goldbach, Frank E. McConnell, J. Richard Salzer
  • Patent number: 5299520
    Abstract: Ship, in particular merchant ship, with at least one large power plant such as a main propulsion engine (11) located in the ship's steel hull, around which there are the necessary auxiliary spaces, such as access spaces, bunkers, tanks, compartments, control rooms, workshops, control devices, distribution centers, pumps, hydraulic power plants, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Thyssen Nordseewerke GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Wilts
  • Patent number: 5199368
    Abstract: A small ship made of plurality of prefabricated sections, which are made at a factory by a plastic deformation process, such as stamping or rolling, and of a dimension, size and shape such that an overland transportation by road thereof is possible. The sections are transported to a site located at a coastal zone, and connected to each other thereat to thereby build a ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Souda
  • Patent number: 5090351
    Abstract: An improved curved-plate, double-hull tanker construction is provided, having reduced or eliminated transverse reinforcing structure in its midbody, except for bulkheads. The hull, though double, can compare in weight to conventional single hulls, despite being entirely made of mild steel plate. It is made of significantly fewer pieces, with a reduction in welding footage. More of the steel is used in the form of plate, rather than more expensive shapes. Improved productivity is possible, resulting from standardization of parts, less scrap, greater use of jigs and fixtures, automated welding, blast-cleaning and painting, so that not so much staging is needed, the work environment can be safer, and the product can be produced at a lower unit labor cost. Preferably, cathodic epoxy painting is used for durability and reduction in problems due to blast cleaning, solvent evaporation and generation of refuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignees: Metro Machine Corporation, Marinex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Goldbach, Richard Salzer, Frank E. McConnell
  • Patent number: 5090346
    Abstract: A construction system for ships utilizing three basic units which are attached together to form an integrated streamlined hull design suitable for navigation. The hull unit has an open area or slot in the stern portion with two side arms or wings into which the propulsion unit is placed and to which the propulsion unit is securedly attached. The accommodation/navigation unit is fixedly attached to the deck of the propulsion unit and secured by self hardening material, such as concrete, polyurethane and the like. The basic three units are originally constructed as independent units and are integrated in accordance with ship's specifications to be used as cargo vessels or passenger vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Jerome L. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5085161
    Abstract: The parallel midbody for the hull of a tanker is fabricated of modules, each made of double-walled longitudinal subassemblies welded to one another and to a bulkhead. The subassemblies are made of outer cylindrically curved plates welded edge to edge, and inner cylindrically curved plates welded edge to edge. Longitudinal rib plates are extended between and are welded into joints between curved plates in the inner and outer hulls. The curved plates are convex towards the exterior of the vessel. At respective transitions between the bottom and sides, the inner and outer hulls have bilge radii which approximate in size the radii of curvature of others of the plates including ones both adjacent to and remote from the bottom-to-side transitions. A fixture for facilitating welding of the T-joints of the subassemblies is provided. The subassemblies and modules are fabricated in an up-ended orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignees: Metro Machine Corporation, Marinex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Cuneo, Charles Garland, Richard A. Goldbach, Robert D. Goldbach, Frank E. McConnell, Edmund G. Tornay
  • Patent number: 5080530
    Abstract: A freighter or coaster is temporarily converted for cable laying by an accommodation and power module, a stern side thruster and control and deployment equipment, all of which is removable after completion of the lay for the vessel to return to its normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: STP PLC
    Inventors: Stuart Crawford, Philip Sykes
  • Patent number: 4959933
    Abstract: Cabin unit arrangement for ships or the like comprising a number of cabin units located side by side on an even base, for instance on a ships deck. Said cabin units are separately mountable, whereby the self-supporting and box-like cabin unit comprises at least walls and a roof and is arranged for transport to the cabin mounting site at least mainly as a unique transport unit. Said transport unit is produced from at least two basic elements, whereby at least one external dimension of the transport unit is considerably smaller than the corresponding extension of the mounted cabin unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Wartsila Meriteollisuus Oy
    Inventor: Erkki Lappi
  • Patent number: 4960347
    Abstract: This invention teaches that when a section of a tanker is damaged, the ship being far from shore-based help, it is imperative that the liquid cargo be transferred from the ruptured tank to an undamaged tank on the ship as quickly as possible. By doing so, the contents of the damaged tank are less likely to escape in a sufficiently voluminous quantity to seriously befoul the environment. To that end, a normally-empty emergency holding tank is provided on the ship with means to provide for emergency transfer of the liquid cargo from the damaged section into the emergency holding tank. At the same time, the ruptured tank is enshrouded by a flexible barrier curtain to entrap whatever liquid cargo that may have leaked from the damaged tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Inventor: Booth B. Strange
  • Patent number: 4936238
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a boat having a self-propelled watertight intermediate propulsion section, a watertight bow section connectable to the front of the intermediate section, a stern section connectable to the rear of said bow and intermediate section and the stern section being watertight and buoyant and having steel flat bar framing outlining the perimeter of their transverse extremities welded to the end of each said section which it abuts. Spaced openings are drilled through the flat bar framing in alignment with each section for being selectively joined by bolts and nuts to make up a boat of variable length of bolted abutting sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph B. Childress
  • Patent number: 4889447
    Abstract: A marine pollution containment barge consists of two semi-circular hulls, which, when joined together at the extremities thereof, define an interior well that is open to the water. The semi-circular hulls may be separated. The hulls are self-propelled independently of each other and each may be dynamically positioned independently of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Booth B. Strange
  • Patent number: 4878451
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle may be connected end-to-end with a series of other similar vehicles to provide an amphibious vehicle train. Each vehicle has a hull with a plurality of wheels mounted on each side. Two drive trains are provided for driving the trains on respective sides of the hull. The drive trains can be driven at differential speeds to steer the vehicle. At each end of the vehicle are two power take-off means, one for each drive train coupled to a similar power take-off in the next adjacent vehicle. The power plant for the complete train is found in a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: Andy O. Siren
  • Patent number: 4825799
    Abstract: A foldable sink box consisting of a rigid plasticized hull and a buoyant platform having a large central aperture for engagement by the rigid hull in assembled condition. The hull defines a relatively deep well, for sitting engagement by a hunter. The platform defines two halves, interconnected by an intermediate lengthwisely-extending hinge member. Locking brackets releasably lockingly interconnect the platform to the top edge portion of the rigid hull, concurrently with releasably locking the platform halves in coplanar fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventors: Robert Bergeron, Jean-Pierre Morel
  • Patent number: 4722154
    Abstract: A room unit (1) and a method for the construction and the position mounting of the box-like room unit (1), for instance a cabin, a module assembled from room elements or the like. The room unit intended for an arrangement operable in marine enviroments, for instance for a ship, an offshore construction or the like. The room unit is located on an at least mainly even underlaying (14) of the arrangement, for instance on a ship's deck (14). The method comprises the inclusion of the room unit (1) with a roof (4), walls (2,3) and a floor (12), the lower portion of the wall (2,3) being attached at the outer edge of the self-supporting floor (12). The floor (12) is provided by adjustable damping appliances (21) operable from the interior of the room unit (1). The moving of the room unit (1) is carried out by supporting the unit (1) temporarily at a bag-like air cushion device and at one stabilizing device at least.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Oy Wartsila Ab
    Inventors: Hannu Virta, Unto Asikainen, Kari Kostiainen, Jarmo Wacker
  • Patent number: 4714042
    Abstract: Coupler assemblies for permitting the selective connection of two or more barges or other water borne floating vessels or structures wherein one or more pairs of vertically spaced coupler boxes are united in fluid tight communication with one another along one or more side walls of such vessels or structures in such a manner as to be open through the side walls, decks and bottom walls thereof and wherein upper and lower opposing coupler boxes of adjacent vessels or structures are united by upper and lower longitudinally extending connector pins which are retained in assembled relationship within opposing coupler boxes by first and second vertically oriented wedge pins which are accessible from the decks of the respective vessels or structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Inventor: Frank Schulte
  • Patent number: 4712499
    Abstract: A method of attaching a blister to the shell of a ship such as an aircraft carrier in a dry dock. The method comprises providing rails on the bottom of the dry dock along the dry dock side where the blister is to be attached to the ship shell such that the rails extend in the longitudinal direction of the dry dock, placing the blister member, with a guide member thereon, on a truck and moving the truck, with the blister member thereon, along the rails to a position where the blister block is to be fixed to the ship shell and, while engaging the guide member with the side of the dry dock, raising the blister member so as to engage the ship shell and fixing the raised blister member to the ship shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Haruguchi, Takuma Kohguchi, Osamu Sekiya
  • Patent number: 4678439
    Abstract: An engine installation for ships with a prefabricated box-like engine module container with an engine and a transmission installed therewithin. The module encloses the engine and the transmission, and has a shaft installation for connection to a main propeller of the ship. The prefabricated module is suspended from an upper portion thereof by force bearing members rigidly mounted on the ship. Between the module and torque transmission equipment rigidly mounted on the hull, there is an axial-radial alignment equalization torque transmitting link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Blohm & Voss AG
    Inventor: Norbert Schlichthorst
  • Patent number: 4658747
    Abstract: A maritime structure such as a ship, and in particular a warship, has a plurality of vertically spaced decks which bear foundation seatings, hatches and/or assembly openings; in the plane of each deck, longitudinal parallel support elements, and lateral support elements are arranged in the form of a unit grid, which has longitudinal and transverse grid lines forming a matrix of grid units. The longitudinal grid lines, as well as the transverse grid lines are located at predetermined uniform spacing, the spacing of the lateral grid lines being perferably twice the spacing of longitudinal grid lines. The load bearing longitudinal and transverse beams and girders of base support units and the functional units, pallets, support frames, modules, deck houses, etc., as well as the hatches, assembly openings and access openings are incorporated into the unit grid; in other words, said girders and beams are disposed to coincide with said longitudinal and transverse grid lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Blohm & Voss AG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Franz, Karl-Otto Sadler, Willi Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4627372
    Abstract: Flotation hulls are fabricated from at least one pontoon unit of block-like configuration having four flat side walls of rectangular configuration and bulkhead end walls positioned at the extremities of the side walls. Several pontoon units may be assembled end-wise by joinder of the bulkhead end walls. A nose piece is attached to each terminal end wall of a sequence of one or more pontoon units. The nose piece has a four sided pyramidal shape having a pointed extremity directed away from the pontoon units. Boats can be fabricated using one or more of the hulls by orienting the hulls V-shaped downwardly. When two or more hulls are utilized in a boat, the hulls are held together in parallel disposition by cross arms which penetrate the hulls and attach to the bulkhead end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Inventor: Otis W. Douglas, III
  • Patent number: 4618089
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling a structure comprising a framing and shell plates spread thereon. The apparatus has (a) a frame clamping device, which consists of a rectangular base, longitudinal girders arranged in parallel on both sides of the base and frame clamping jigs arranged on the base and longitudinal girders to place and clamp each member of the framing in given relative position, and (b) a structure assembling device, which consists of a stand whose top surface is of the same shape as a given outside surface of a shell plate, and shell tensioning jigs attached to the stand, to extend the roof shell plate placed on the stand while aligning the shell plate to proper position on the stand. The framing and shell plate are assembled by crowning the structure assembly device with the shell plate already set on it with the frame clamping device with the framing already set on it, placing the framing in relative position on the shell plate, and welding the shell plate to the framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadashi Hanada, Akira Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 4616587
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a self-dumping barge which can be opened and closed by means of hydraulic cylinders (18), comprises hooks (38) and transverse bolts (42) cooperating therewith. The transverse bolts (42) are connected to the hydraulic cylinders (18) in the area of a piston rod (20) for each cylinder. A hook support (26) is connected to an outer end of the piston rod. The device eliminates special arms or the like for receiving the locking mechanism and also the corresponding reinforcing attachments on the hull. Preferably the transverse bolts (42) are located at the outer end of the hydraulic cylinders (18) and the hook supports (26) coincide with the points of attachment for the piston rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Deggendorfer Werft und Eisenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Isidor Weiss
  • Patent number: 4610215
    Abstract: A construction component has a plurality of male and female lock assemblies for engagement with female and male lock assemblies of a similar construction component for locking the two components together. The male lock assemblies are arranged in vertical tandem pairs, as are the female lock assemblies. Each of the male lock assemblies includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to the component between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each female lock assembly defines a socket opening and includes a transversely reciprocable lock for locking a pin in the socket opening. The male lock assembly includes a similar transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. The locks of each tandem pair of assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when lowered, the lower lock engages its respective pin before the upper lock engages its pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Inventors: Alces P. Robishaw, Paul A. Robishaw
  • Patent number: 4579073
    Abstract: Rectangular base mounting-platform structures for removable combat-equipment, for example, guns and other support units like radar which are mounted on rectangular openings on a ship-deck, are provided with interchangeability. In order to achieve interchangeability of units which have mounting-platform structures of unequal size, the platform rectangular dimensions as well as the dimensions of the corresponding rectangular openings are so designed that the base length of the smallest unit is made equal to the width of the next bigger rectangle and so forth; in order to mount the smallest rectangular base on the immediate next larger rectangular opening, the length of the smallest rectangular base is aligned with the width of the larger opening; mounting is so done as to leave an open space towards only one side, leaving only one longer side of the smallest rectangular base unsupported within the area of the mounting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Blohm & Voss AG
    Inventors: Karl-Otto Sadler, Willy Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4556342
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for fabricating a broad-based submersible structure useful for deep water installations. In this method the lower portion of said structure is fabricated in two half-sections. The first half-section of said braod-based submersible structure is fabricated in a substantially horizontal position, and then raised from the ground to a height sufficient to enable a second half-section (also fabricated in a substantially horizontal position) to be moved therebeneath. The second half-section is aligned with said raised first half-section and said aligned half-sections are joined to provide the lower portion of the structure. The lower portion of the structure may be then joined to the upper portion of said structure to provide said broad-based submersible structure in a horizontal position, and the structure rotated from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Clifton A. Tannahill
  • Patent number: 4528928
    Abstract: A method for providing a floating structure with self-supporting box-like cabin elements. A deck or the like is prepared for receiving the cabin elements, which are built up with walls and a roof and with an open bottom. Transport units, by which the cabin elements are movable on the deck, are temporarily attached to the cabin elements below and inside their walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Oy Wartsila Ab
    Inventors: Hannu Virta, Joachim Grasbeck, Tapio Ritvanen
  • Patent number: 4491081
    Abstract: The method for assembling a complete module of a multideck ship in the assembly location an upper deck section, then lifting it to a height exceeding the height of a first 'tween deck, whereupon the 'tween deck is introduced under the upper deck section and they are joined together.This done, the assembled portion is again lifted to a height exceeding the height of a second 'tween deck, the second 'tween deck is introduced under the assembled portion of the module and joined thereto. Following the indicated procedure the remaining 'tween deck sections are installed and joined in succession to the already assembled portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Jury P. Ivanov
  • Patent number: 4476797
    Abstract: The invention relates to shipbuilding. A method for assembling a ship hull module comprising a transverse bulkhead section and two pairs of sections perpendicular thereto, consisting in that first the transverse bulkhead section is installed in a horizontal position, then the section of one of the pairs of sections perpendicular to the transverse bulkhead is installed in a vertical position and joined to the transverse bulkhead section. The assembled portion of the module is turned about the vertical axis, the section of the other pair is installed in a vertical position and joined to the already assembled portion of the module. The assembled portion of the module is again turned about the vertical axis, the remaining section of the first pair is installed in a vertical position and joined to the assembled portion of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventors: Jury P. Ivanov, Anatoly B. Averbukh, Evgeny A. Evstafiev, Alexandr E. Tarasov
  • Patent number: 4476798
    Abstract: An integral hull and module system (10) includes a universal hull (12) configured to conveniently accept various modules (100) to convert the system (10) to different operational functions. Hull (12) includes an inner hull structure (24) for downwardly, slidably receiving the outer shell (102) of module (100) which is common to each module (100). To facilitate insertion of module outer shell (102) within inner hull structure (24), the side and end walls (126, 128 and 130) of the module outer shell are sloped inwardly to match the slope of side walls and end walls (26, 28, 30) which compose the sides of inner hull structure (24). Vertical keys (138) are formed on the exterior portions of the side walls of module outer shell (102) to slidably engage within corresponding keyways (42) formed in the side and end walls of inner hull (24) to properly align and prevent lateral movement of module (100) relative to hull (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: Consolidated Olympic Corporation
    Inventor: George S. Backus
  • Patent number: 4474131
    Abstract: A convertible boat/canopy adapted to be selectively utilized as a partial boat hull or as a vehicle canopy including a body defined by a first wall forming a top wall of the canopy and a bottom wall of the partial boat hull, two longitudinal walls defining opposite sides of the boat/canopy, two end walls defining opposite ends of the boat/canopy, the longitudinal walls and end walls collectively defining a terminal peripheral edge adapted to fit upon a vehicle panel and defining a gunwale of the partial boat hull, at least one bow extension adapted to be secured to one of the end walls when the boat/canopy is utilized as a partial boat hull, mechanical interconnectors for releasably securing the boat extension to the one end wall, at least a portion of one of the end walls being movable between two different positions, and the bow extension includes elements for limiting the movement of the one end wall portion to one of the two different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Cat-A-Van Associates
    Inventors: David P. Buirski, Peter H. Hedley
  • Patent number: 4452163
    Abstract: An arrangement consisting of coupling elements allowing both pitch and yaw pivotal motion between two coupled modules or coaches, is disclosed. A transverse rod located at the end portion of one module is rigidly secured to a pair of arms and is supported thereby. These arms are rigidly connected to a king-post located in a casing. The king-post is adapted to pivot about its vertical axis. The end portion of the other module is provided with a pair of longitudinally-oriented shafts, each having an outer end provided with a pair of jaw members. The latter can open and close to effect coupling of the modules and are adapted to pivotally grip jaw-receiving portions on the transverse rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Inventor: Aboudourahim Ayeva
  • Patent number: 4426949
    Abstract: Floating dock for making elongate, cast concrete constructions by producing in sequence sections of the construction in a drainable work chamber. The dock has a base and a pair of permanent upstanding sides facing inwardly towards each other provided with a first set of fixed fastening members for locating anchoring members for the fastening of boarding members with associated reinforcing elements in a first position in the dock where a first section of the construction is cast. A second set of fixed fastening members in series with the first set is for fastening by way of corresponding anchoring members at least portions of the first section in a second position in the dock where a second section of the construction is moulded as a continuation of the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: Einar Knutsen
  • Patent number: 4407214
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for coupling first and second vessels wherein the apparatus minimizes roll of one vessel relative to the other while permitting freedom of movement for pitching and heaving of one vessel relative to the other. The apparatus comprises a linkage frame pivotally secured to one end of the first vessel along a substantially horizontal axis. The frame defines a recess generally facing the second vessel and having inner elongated opposing surfaces. Outer opposing surfaces are included, typically mounted on the second vessel, for aligning one end of the second vessel between the inner opposing surfaces of the linkage frame such that roll of the second vessel is minimized relative to the first vessel. Additionally, a connector for securing the second vessel to the linkage frame may be included, the connector being such that freedom of movement of the second vessel relative to the first vessel for pitching and heaving is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Inventor: Masasuke Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 4398484
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an assembly for a equipping vessel propelled by nuclear power. In accordance with the invention, a vessel is made in two prefabricated parts (2,3) and a chamber (5) is provided in the part (2). A nuclear reactor block (6) is placed in said chamber before assembling the two parts. The invention applies to building diverse nuclear powered vessels such as ice-breakers for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Ateliers et Chantiers de Bretagne-ACB
    Inventor: Robert Pierart