Vessel having improved wave response characteristics
US3965837A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B39/03
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A barge includes port and starboard sides in which longitudinal troughs are formed. Each trough is bounded at its top by an outwardly directed undersurface of an upper wing section and bounded at the bottom by an outwardly directed topsurface of a lower wing section. The topsurface of the lower wing section is located for submersion during offshore operations to oppose heave and roll motions of the barge. An upper ballast system is provided in the upper wing sections to carry ballasting fluid above the center of the barge. A lower ballast system is provided in the lower wing sections to carry ballast fluid below the barge center. Operation of the upper and lower ballast systems enables a unique control of floatation characteristics to be provided. Namely, by ballasting the upper ballast tanks, the center of gravity is raised and the metacentric height is reduced. Deballasting of the upper ballast tanks causes a lowering of the center of gravity and an increase of the metacentric height. By ballasting the lower ballast tanks, the center of gravity is lowered and the metacentric height is increased. Deballasting of the lower ballast tanks causes the center of gravity to be raised and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.