Autonomous swimming cargo containers
First Claim
1. A maritime cargo system comprising plural autonomous containers, each autonomous container comprising:
- a transporter for moving a watertight commercial container through a body of water when at least partially submerged in water, comprising;
a propulsion system, comprising;
a connector apparatus for coupling the transporter to the commercial container;
a propulsion apparatus; and
a control apparatus operable for navigating the transporter;
a ballast apparatus operable for coupling to an opposite end of the container from the propulsion system and providing buoyancy to the commercial container with at least partially submerged in water, the ballast apparatus comprising;
a buoyancy unit,a capture unit,connectors operable for coupling the ballast apparatus to the container,a roller and a retrieval bracing coupled to the capture unit, wherein the buoyancy unit comprises one of an inflatable unit, a foam core, a fiberglass, and other fixed-shape unit, and the capture unit comprises one of a fixed or extendable ring, adapter unit, probe, and ball and socket member; and
a retrieval apparatus comprising connectors operable for coupling to at least one of the container, and the propulsion system and ballast apparatus.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for delivery of commercial cargo containers shore side without container terminals. 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. These improvements allow the containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, to approach a shore autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location and in a specific order of arrival, thereby reducing the number of cargo handlers required, speeding the delivery process to the shore, and eliminating the need for high-technology pier-side equipment. The present invention allows the transfer of cargo at primitive shore sites as well modern pier facilities, and expedites the delivery of such cargo wherever needed.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A maritime cargo system comprising plural autonomous containers, each autonomous container comprising:
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a transporter for moving a watertight commercial container through a body of water when at least partially submerged in water, comprising; a propulsion system, comprising; a connector apparatus for coupling the transporter to the commercial container; a propulsion apparatus; and a control apparatus operable for navigating the transporter; a ballast apparatus operable for coupling to an opposite end of the container from the propulsion system and providing buoyancy to the commercial container with at least partially submerged in water, the ballast apparatus comprising; a buoyancy unit, a capture unit, connectors operable for coupling the ballast apparatus to the container, a roller and a retrieval bracing coupled to the capture unit, wherein the buoyancy unit comprises one of an inflatable unit, a foam core, a fiberglass, and other fixed-shape unit, and the capture unit comprises one of a fixed or extendable ring, adapter unit, probe, and ball and socket member; and a retrieval apparatus comprising connectors operable for coupling to at least one of the container, and the propulsion system and ballast apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A self-propelled container (SPC), comprising:
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a watertight commercial container of a type used for transportation of cargo by both land and sea transportation systems; a maritime transporter coupled to and operable for moving the commercial container through water when both the maritime transporter and commercial container are moved into and at least partially submerged in a body of water, including; a propulsion apparatus and a control apparatus operable for navigating the SPC; and a ballast apparatus operable for coupling to an opposite end of the container from the propulsion system. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A maritime cargo container delivery system for moving a watertight cargo container of a type used for transportation of cargo by both land and sea transportation systems, comprising:
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a transporter that couples to a cargo container, the transporter comprising; a propulsion system operable to drive the coupled transporter and container through the water when both the maritime transporter and commercial container are moved into and at least partially submerged in a body of water; a controller operable for communications with remote units and controlling the travel of the container through the water; and a ballast unit coupled to the container opposite the propulsion system. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A self-propelled container (SPC), comprising:
a watertight intermodal container of a type used for transportation of cargo by both land and sea transportation systems; a maritime transporter coupled to and operable for moving the intermodal container through water when both the maritime transporter and intermodal container are moved into and at least partially submerged in a body of water; a deployment system including a ship, the ship comprising a deployment preparation apparatus and a launch apparatus; and remote control units operable for sending and receiving information from the SPC'"'"'s. - View Dependent Claims (16)
Specification