The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 02, 2010
Filed:
Dec. 06, 2006
Kenneth J. Maloney, Covington, LA (US);
W. Keith Dubose, Pensacola, FL (US);
E. Douglass Whittaker, Slidell, LA (US);
Brett G. Martin, Slidell, LA (US);
Robert G. Moore, Lacombe, LA (US);
Kenneth J. Maloney, Covington, LA (US);
W. Keith Dubose, Pensacola, FL (US);
E. Douglass Whittaker, Slidell, LA (US);
Brett G. Martin, Slidell, LA (US);
Robert G. Moore, Lacombe, LA (US);
Textron Inc., Wilmington, MA (US);
Abstract
A vessel transfer system utilizes a larger, surface effect vessel with a hull and a cargo deck, having a pressurized volume of air under its hull. The larger vessel cargo deck is lowered relative to a water surface in order to receive a smaller vessel. Lowering is achieved by depressurizing the volume of pressurized air under the hull. Movable propulsors on an air cushion vehicle permit efficient operation under way in an outer position, while minimizing the envelope dimensions for stowage in a well deck, providing clearance from bridges, docks, etc. in an inner position. In the outer position, the propellers operate in more uniform inflow conditions, resulting in improved performance and lower noise levels. In addition, the craft can be arranged to use a full width stern ramp resulting in time saved during cargo loading/unloading. The propellers will be less likely to ingest green water in high sea states.