Cache boat
US7255054B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G8/22
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A submersible surface-planing vessel has the capability to operate with a lowered profile on surface propulsion to lessen the visibility of the vessel, and sink to the bottom for temporary storage, followed by resurfacing and dewatering to operate as a planing craft. Surface propulsion is provided by an engine system which can be totally sealed when the vessel submerges. A buoyancy system, which may include both open and closed ballast tanks, permit the vessel to sink, refloat or to be of neutral buoyancy as required. The vessel is constructed to maintain the center of buoyancy above the vessel's center of gravity irrespective of the degree of fill of the ballast tanks to maintain the vessel in an upright orientation at all times when under water and transitioning between surface and submerged states.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.