Device for attaching propulsion units to a tabular iceberg
US4177748A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 1978 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B35/086
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flat flotation unit incorporates buoyancy chambers and has a lower portion adapted to be attached to a propulsion unit and an upper portion adapted to grip into the substantially horizontal lower surface of a tabular iceberg. The grip is provided by upstanding support members which are embedded in the iceberg during operation. The support members include heaters and are in the form of hollow right prisms with walls which are grooved to facilitate the escape of iceberg melt water during embedding and which have openings in the vicinity of their connection to the flotation unit to enable seawater to escape from their hollow interiors during embedding.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.