Title:
AUTONOMOUS SWIMMING CARGO CONTAINERS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2004103830
Kind Code:
A3
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 105 with a detachable propulsion system 120, having a motor 127 and navigation and steering controls 135, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units 160, deployment systems 171-176 and control via remote units 181 are also disclosed. These improvements allow the containers 105, 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 modem pier facilities, and expedites the delivery of such cargo wherever needed.
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Inventors:
TREPPIG WILLIAM M JR (US)
CLARKE ROBERT A (US)
CLARKE ROBERT A (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2004/015545
Publication Date:
February 23, 2006
Filing Date:
May 18, 2004
Export Citation:
Assignee:
AEPCO INC (US)
TREPPIG WILLIAM M JR (US)
CLARKE ROBERT A (US)
TREPPIG WILLIAM M JR (US)
CLARKE ROBERT A (US)
International Classes:
B63H20/00; B65D88/78; B63H21/22; B63H25/02; (IPC1-7): B63B27/00
Foreign References:
| US4421050A | 1983-12-20 | |||
| US3841254A | 1974-10-15 | |||
| US4898112A | 1990-02-06 | |||
| US2988036A | 1961-06-13 | |||
| US6354235B1 | 2002-03-12 | |||
| US6129506A | 2000-10-10 |
Other References:
See also references of EP 1633636A4
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