Cache boat
AssigneeStidd Systems, Inc.
InventorRobert DiGregorio
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A submersible surface-planing vessel has the capability to operate with a lowered profile on surface propulsion to lessen the visibility of the vessel, and sink to the bottom for temporary storage, followed by resurfacing and dewatering to operate as a planing craft. Surface propulsion is provided by an engine system which can be totally sealed when the vessel submerges. A buoyancy system, which may include both open and closed ballast tanks, permit the vessel to sink, refloat or to be of neutral buoyancy as required. The vessel is constructed to maintain the center of buoyancy above the vessel's center of gravity irrespective of the degree of fill of the ballast tanks to maintain the vessel in an upright orientation at all times when under water and transitioning between surface and submerged states.
Claims13
A surface-planing vessel having submersion/resurfacing capabilities, comprising:
- a floodable hull having provision for a payload;
- a single propulsion system having a single engine means, said means adapted and provided solely for driving the vessel only during surface operation and not during submerged operation;
- means for selectively isolating the engine from internal ambient water ingress and external ambient water contact within a surrounding engine enclosure when the vessel is submerged;
- a ballast system for controlling underwater descent and ascent of the vessel;
- and
- means for effecting a buoyancy distribution to maintain vessel stability during transition between surface and submerged states.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.