Apparatus and method for assessing damage and patching openings in hulls of marine vessels
US5562064A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49739
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A remotely-operated unmanned vehicle attached to the hull of a marine vessel by electromagnets surveys the hull for damage. The vehicle attached to the hull is electronically controlled from a remote location. An imaging system on the vehicle provides an operator with images of the vessel's hull and the surrounding environment. Once damage has been found and assessed, the vehicle applies a patch over the damaged opening in the hull to prevent cargo outflow and water inflow. The patch, which resists puncturing and tearing, is constructed from one or more sheets of flexible material having dimensions appropriate to cover most openings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.