High speed, multi-unit, articulated surface effect ship
US7685954B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi segment articulated Surface Effect Ship. Flexible air seals are formed between hull modules with a gas cushion contained between the side hulls under the entire length of the ship. In one embodiment the cushion formed may act as one continuous gas cushion whereby air cushion pressure generated or flowing from a leading car, or modular segment, flows rearward to supply or augment the cushion pressure necessary to support the following modules at the required operational draft. Hull configurations adaptable to the multi-unit, articulated surface effect ship described in the invention include conventional and air cushion assisted catamaran, trimaran and quadramaran designs and configurations. The ability to vary the cushion pressure at any point or area underneath the length of the ship gives the craft unique and novel passage-making abilities and extreme shallow draft capabilities that can be easily altered while underway to suite the routes and areas it serves in addition by dynamically adapting to varying sea states or other wave type and wave height conditions encountered during transit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.