Icebreaker attachment

US5660131A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Daniel L. Gulling · Sheboygan, US
• David Cassidy · Chelmsford, US
• Craig W. Rigby · Menominee, US
• Bernard Bentgen · Dexter, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 10, 1996
• Grant date: Aug 26, 1997
• Expiry date: May 10, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B35/70
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A self-powered icebreaker attachment for connection to a parent vessel. In the preferred embodiment, the icebreaker attachment includes a spoon-shaped bow, an ice knife positioned aft of the bow, and a propulsion system including fully rotatable Z-drives. Preferably, the icebreaker attachment is itself a flotable vessel whose propulsion system can be coordinated with the propulsion system of the parent vessel to minimize ice-breaking-related forces on the parent vessel. The propulsion systems of the two vessels can be controlled by either the crew of the parent vessel or of the icebreaker attachment vessel.