Underwater towing of marine vessels
US6416369B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B35/665
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A marine vessel is propelled under maneuvering control in a selected direction and travel speed through a body of seawater, by propulsion exclusively provided for by one or more submerged towing module pods attached to the underside of the vessel hull at locations between its bow and stern. Each of such towing pods may be attached to the vessel and spaced therebelow by an elongated cable so constructed for enclosure within a drag reducing fairing. Each of such cables has internal portions thereof arranged to electrically conduct current between the marine vessel and the towing pod for controllable operation of its propulsive equipment, while transferring the mechanical towing force so produced to the vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.