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US 12,012,183 B2Granted
Shallow draft container carrier
OwnerGregg George Creppelinventor
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OwnerGregg George Creppelinventor
Estimating the term…
A long, wide, and low-profile mono-hull vessel able to meet the requirements for an efficient, rapid, and reliable inland waterway container transport system. A shallow draft container carrier may comprise a self-propelled semi-monocoque mono-hull vessel having a double radius ogive bow and octet truss space frame structure. Additional features such as a forward bridge, full beam stern, and distributed electric propulsion system elements may be included. The design provides a vessel that is large, strong, ridged, and fast, able to operate in shallow water, resistant to debris accumulation, with large cargo capacity and low wind load, and potentially with zero-turn radius capability. The aspect ratio provides high capacity with high speed, low drag and fuel-efficient hull form. Integral bow and stern thrusters may provide enhanced safety, control, speed, maneuverability, and zero-turn radius capability. An electric propulsion system combined with traction motors and full beam stern layout may provide greater power while maintaining shallow draft operating capability and flexibility in cargo hold design.
A container carrier ship having a semi-monocoque mono-hull including a shell cladding an internal lattice truss space frame, a midship cargo hold area including a plurality of open cargo hold cavities for receiving standardized container units, and a double radius ogive bow, wherein the shell carries a major part of the stresses on the semi-monocoque mono-hull, wherein the double radius ogive bow includes two sides having a rounded profile defined by a first radius and a roundly tapered end or ogive portion defined by a second radius,
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.