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Method and system for a towed vessel suitable for transporting liquids

  • US 9,017,123 B2
  • Filed: 10/09/2013
  • Issued: 04/28/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/15/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for storing and conveying fluids, said method comprising:

  • (a) providing;

    a non-rigid, water-impermeable device with an elongate shape having a first end, a second end and having a generally streamlined shape in plan view;

    the first end comprising a first attachment device;

    the second end comprising a second attachment device;

    at least two ports for intake and exhaust of fluids;

    at least one of the at least two ports comprising a valve for a user to adjust buoyancy of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device;

    at least a portion of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device containing a fluid of lower density than a fluid through which said non-rigid, water-impermeable device is transported;

    one or more valves in two-way communication with at least a portion of an interior volume of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device and an outside environment;

    a transmitter for conveying information related to the geographic position of the device;

    at least a portion of an internal surface area of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device being comprised of a flexible and tear resistant material;

    at least two mooring devices; and

    an anchored member having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal length;

    (b) securing the first attachment device of the first end to one of the at least two mooring devices;

    (c) securing the second attachment device of the second end to the second of the at least two mooring devices;

    (d) storing an entirety of the fluid of lower density in said non-rigid, water impermeable device;

    (e) stabilizing the non-rigid, water-impermeable device by mooring the non-rigid, water-impermeable device to a fixed or floating object;

    (f) signaling a physical position of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device;

    (g) tracking the non-rigid, water-impermeable device;

    (h) conveying the non-rigid, water-impermeable device to a predetermined destination through salt water;

    (i) emptying the non-rigid, water-impermeable device of fluids through one of said at least two ports; and

    (j) providing one or more photovoltaic arrays to collect solar energy, said arrays being adapted to contact a non-submerged surface of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device during said conveying step.

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