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US 2016/0101832 A1Published application
Autonomous maritime container system
AssigneeAeplog, Inc.
InventorsWilliam M. Teppig, JR., James Whang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.
Claims23
1-3. (canceled)
An autonomous maritime container system comprising:
- a commercial container,
- a transporter, including a propulsion apparatus;
- and a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location over water;
- a first insertable module detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter, and including a first assembly, operatively connected to the control apparatus, and connected to move the container.
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a bow unit;
- a second insertable module detachably and mechanically connect between another end of the commercial container and the bow unit, and including a second assembly, operatively connected to the control apparatus, and connected to move the container.
4 more elements
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising:
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- and
- a deployable pneumatic assembly, operatively connected to the control apparatus and position on a bottom portion of the container.
3 more elements
A submersible autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container and including a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location, and at least one thruster operatively connected to the control apparatus;
- and
- a bow unit detachably connected to the commercial container and including at least one thruster operatively connected to the control apparatus.
1 more element
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising:
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- and
- a bow unit
- wherein the transporter has a configuration to mechanically and detachably receive a bow unit therein.
4 more elements
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- connectors position at ends of the container and structured to connect to other container;
- and
- wherein the container includes at least one alignment insert assembly on a side thereof, and includes at least one fitting on another side thereof for receiving and detachably connecting to an alignment insert assembly of another container.
2 more elements
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising:
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- wherein the container includes at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and wherein the container is structured to store and pump a fluid.
2 more elements
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising:
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- wherein the container includes a water storage assembly, a pump assembly and a nozzle for dispensing the water.
2 more elements
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising:
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- wherein the container includes:
- at least one roller assembly
- a storage compartment;
- and
- a medium assembly operatively connected to one of the at least one roller assembly and deployable to contact water about the container.
6 more elements
An autonomous maritime container system, 19, wherein the medium assembly includes scuppers for collecting debris.
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising:
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- wherein the container includes a deployable robot and a communication system for communicating with the deployable robot, wherein the deployable robot includes at least one propulsion unit, sensors, and a control unit operatively connected to the at least one propulsion unit and the sensors.
2 more elements
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising:
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- wherein the container includes a plurality of storage compartments, and sides of the container have respective opening corresponding to at least some of the storage compartments and position to allow access to a corresponding storage compartment.
2 more elements
An autonomous maritime container system, including:
- a transporter detachably connected to the commercial container so as to move the commercial container through a body of water, comprising:
- a connector apparatus positioned between the commercial container and the transporter so as to detachably and mechanically connect an end of the commercial container to the transporter;
- a propulsion apparatus;
- a control apparatus operatively connected to the propulsion apparatus so as to move the commercial container toward a desired location;
- wherein the container includes:
- deployable side walls,
- a flotation assembly;
- and
- ballast.
6 more elements
An autonomous maritime container collector, comprising:
- a plurality of thruster units;
- a capture assembly, operatively connected to at least one of the thruster units, and including a plurality of deflectors;
- a recovery tether assembly operatively connected to the capture assembly, and including a recovery tether including a connector for connecting to an autonomous maritime container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.