US 2019/0225307 A1 · TOWBOAT AND OPERATIONS THEREOF

Abstract

An integrated tow system may include one or more unmanned towboat modules that may be used to improve maneuvering of tows on an inland waterway, such as a river. To reduce environmental stresses on operators, a command module that includes control and communications equipment for controlling operation of the unmanned towboat modules may provide living quarters for the operators, but not include a propulsion system for maneuvering a tow. The control and communication equipment may monitor for rotation commands by an operator that exceed rotational capabilities of the unmanned towboat modules, and provide for non-linear controls that include changing position of a rotational point that is centrally located longitudinally along the tow so as to provide for 1:1 rotational control of the tow by a tow drive system (e.g., bow and stern unmanned towboat modules). River tracking and river parking features may be supported by the control and communications equipment.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A method of controlling a set of barges, said method comprising:

in response to receiving a rotation command, determining whether the rotation command is to result in a rotational force that exceeds a threshold rotational force, and if not:
calculating a first transverse force to apply to the set of barges from a first location;
calculating a second transverse force to apply to the set of barges from a second location aft of the first location, the first and second transverse forces and corresponding locations defining a first rotation point longitudinally along the set of barges;
applying the first and second transverse forces to the set of barges at the respective first and second locations;
otherwise, if the rotation command is to result in a force that exceeds the threshold rotational force:
recalculating the first and second transverse forces that, if applied to the set of barges, would cause the rotation point to move to a second rotation point;
and
applying the recalculated first and second transverse forces to the first and second locations;
and
otherwise, continue applying the calculated first and second transverse forces to the set of barges at their respective first and second locations.

7 more elements

A system for controlling a set of barges, said system comprising:

a user interface configured to enable a user to control operation of a towboat;
and
an operator computer in communication with the user interface, and configured to receive signals from the user interface and generate commands, the operator computer configured to:
in response to receiving a rotation command signal from the user interface, determine whether the rotation command is to result in a rotational force that exceeds a threshold rotational force, and if not:
calculate a first transverse force to apply to the set of barges from a first location;
calculate a second transverse force to apply to the set of barges from a second location aft of the first location, the first and second transverse forces and corresponding locations defining a first rotation point longitudinally along the set of barges;
apply the first and second transverse forces to the set of barges at the respective first and second locations;
otherwise, if the rotation command is to result in a force that exceeds the threshold rotational force:
recalculate the first and second transverse forces that, if applied to the set of barges, would cause the rotation point to move to a second rotation point;
and
apply the recalculated first and second transverse forces to the first and second locations;
and
otherwise, continue to apply the calculated first and second transverse forces to the set of barges at their respective first and second locations.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Towboat and operations thereof

Life of this patent

Towboat and operations thereof

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23