Carrier and flow-through ship

US7621230B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• Robert W. Anderson · Fairport, US
• Stuart G. Ullman · Kensington, US
• Kellie L. Redcay · Pottstown, US
• Ryan T. Hayleck · Fulton, US
• John F. O'Dea · Laurel, US
• Sean M. Gallagher · Philadelphia, US
• Christopher Doyle · Panama City Beach, US
• Donald R. Jacobson · Middleton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 20, 2007
• Grant date: Nov 24, 2009
• Expiry date: Apr 20, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B27/143
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for cargo transfer at sea, more particularly, a flow-through vessel and related method for the at-sea and underway launching and loading of air-cushion vehicles. The vessel includes a hull having a forward end and an aft end, a continuous deck extending from the forward end to the aft end of the hull, a forward ramp attached to the continuous deck at the forward end of the hull, and an aft ramp attached to the continuous deck at the aft end of the hull. At least a portion of the continuous deck is uncovered and accessible from above the deck.