FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally concerned with an off-shore marine storage and tactic platform. More particularly the invention relates to towable and submergible vessel for conveying and storage of liquids, supplies and equipment, and for sheltering personnel and equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often required to furnish supplies to personnel working at marine sites remote from shores. This may be the case, for example, in remote sea oil wells, communication equipment repair/maintenance work, military missions, etc. Supplies which are frequently at demand at such instances are, for example, fresh water, fuel, food, equipment, medical supplies, etc. Even more so, at times it may be required to provide refuge to the personnel, e/g in case of rough seas, fire breakout at the site, hostile activity, etc.

Several arrangements have been disclosed, in particular for storage and conveyance of liquids by means of towable containers having various forms and structures and further differentiated also by their displacement/conveying mechanisms, distribution means, etc. The main purpose of the disclosed vessels is to provide readily available fuel at remote off-shore locations, for refueling of

marine vessels to thereby extend their range and mission time, without having to attend shore.

U.S Patent No. 6,550, 410 discloses a collapsible fluid container with an elongate shape with a flexible fluid conduit fixedly attached to the front end of the container. A towing/mooring device is attached to the conduit. A retarder/mooring device is attached to the container's second end. The system also includes container retrieval, storage and deployment devices.

U.S Patent No. 6,615,759 is concerned with a device for sea transport of liquids including a first enclosure, an at least partially flexible second enclosure disposed within the first enclosure and being adapted when filled, to generally fill the first enclosure, one of the first and second enclosures being a light liquid enclosure and the other of the first and second enclosures being a sea water enclosure, a light liquid port coupled to the light liquid enclosure for selectably filling it with a liquid lighter than sea water and a sea water port coupled to the sea water enclosure for selectably allowing sea water to fill it, thereby causing light liquid to be expelled against the force of gravity from the light liquid enclosure.

U.S Patent No. 6,101, 964 discloses a floatable fuel tank capable of serving as a barge or lifeboat/dingy. The tank comprises a plurality of bladders with each having a fuel chamber and air chamber running longitudinally from stern to a forward bladder. If used as a fuel storage device, tank is attached to boat using towing lines and fuel lines so boat consumes fuel held by fuel chambers. In emergency situations, tank is capable of use as a lifeboat by detaching towing lines, air lines and fuel lines and pumping fuel out of fuel chambers with air so that persons may reside on top of tank. Under normal conditions in this configuration, it could be used as a dingy for normal transportation to and from a boat at anchor.

U.S Patent No. 5,235,928 discloses a towable tank for holding a liquid said tank is collapsible, submergible, and steerable. A bladder for holding a liquid is disposed in a housing having openings formed therein. Horizontally mounted diving planes on the housing cause the tank to submerge when under tow. Hydrostatic pressure exerted on the bladder by water entering the openings in the

housing causes the liquid in the bladder to be pumped to a liquid user. A tow line from the towing vehicle is connected to a tow bar. The tow bar is connected through a connecting rod to a vertically mounted crankshaft. The crankshaft is connected to a steering plane mounted on the exterior of the housing. While the tank is under tow, the steering plane aligns with the longitudinal axis of the tank. A spring attached between the crankshaft and housing causes the steering plane to steer the tank away from a direction being towed when the towing force is removed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular submergible container vessel for deployment into a standby position at deep waters and being readily available at demand, for distributing of a pre-stored payload and/or for receiving and storing/sheltering of equipment and personnel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a submergible modular vessel comprising a body fittable with at least one cargo module, an anchor system comprising an anchor with a power unit for deploying and retracting it, a control unit comprising a signal receiving and processing module, a surfacing/diving module and control therefore, and an energy source for said modules; wherein said vessel is deployable at deep waters into a standby position below sea level, and whereby upon pickup of an activation signal said control module causes the vessel to surface (float).

The cargo module of the vessel may be any one or more of a large variety and are typically replaceable and water tight and designed to bear deepwater pressure. The modules may be for example, fuel modules (e.g. for re-fueling of maritime or airborne vessels, for which purpose it is possible to include fueling pumps and nozzle engaging arrangements for hovering fueling), supplies such as food and water, weapons, communication and tactic supplies, spare parts, vehicles (e.g. hangars for helicopters), medical supplies and equipment, etc. Another form of

a cargo module is, for example, a shelter/refuge for personal, a hospital, etc. Where the module is designed as an underwater shelter suitable breathing facilities are provided.

A vessel according to the invention may also include at least one helicopter- landing platform and accordingly also helicopter securing arrangements.

According to a specific embodiment of the invention the anchor system comprises a cable extractable between a towing position where a portion thereof is engagable with a tow arrangement of a towing vessel, an anchoring position where the anchor rests on the sea bed so as to anchor the vessel at the standby position, and a surfacing position where the vessel floats at sea level though remains anchored.

The modular vessel may be towed to its standby location by different towing vessels i.e. airborne or maritime vessels, typically towed at a submerged position, or it may be deployed from a hull of maritime vessel. According to some embodiments, the body comprises two or more parallely extending body frame sections articulated to one another and displaceable so as to alter an effective surface area a of the vessel, between a retracted body state used at the standby position, and an expanded state used at the surfacing position.

According to a particular design, the body is secured to the anchor system at least at two distinct positions to thereby manipulate leveling of the vessel between a substantial level position at the surfacing and standby positions, and an inclined

(referred to as a bow-up position) position suited for displacement between positions. By one embodiment, the anchor system comprises a first cable portion articulated to a bow portion of the vessel and a second cable portion articulated to a stern portion thereof, the length of said first and second cable portions being controllable so as to control tilt of the vessel.

A modular vessel according to the invention designed as a fuel storage, may also be fitted with a power fueling pump assembly and suitable automated capture and engaging mechanism for arresting a nozzle end of a fueling pipe extending

from a fueled vessel and engaging it in a fueling location, suitable in particular for fueling a hovering helicopter.

Such a capture and engaging mechanism comprises, according to one embodiment, a narrowing channel for arresting the nozzle and guiding it towards a narrow-most portion thereof, whereby the nozzle extends opposite a fuel outlet, and a locking member for bracing a portion of the nozzle when it is arrested at the fueling position.

According to another aspect, the present invention calls for a method for re- supplying a troop at deep waters, the method comprising the following steps: (a) transferring a submergible modular vessel to a standby location, said vessel comprising a body fittable with at least one cargo module, an anchor system comprising an anchor with a power and control unit for deploying and retracting it, a control unit comprising a signal receiving and processing module, a surfacing/submerging control module, and a power source for said modules;

(b) deploying the vessel into a standby position at deep waters by transmitting a diving signal to the control unit;

(c) transmitting an external activating and surfacing signal to the control unit; and

(d) surfacing the vessel, whilst remaining anchored to the sea bed.

It is appreciated that steps (b) to (d) are repeatable at demand. Step (b) is carried out by venting diving tanks of the vessel and in turn filling them with sea water, whilst retracting the anchor cable. Step (d) is carried out by compressing air into the diving tanks, so as to expel water therefrom and to thereby increase the buoyant force of the vessel.

By a particular embodiment, the activating signal is coded and at the standby position the control-unit is at receive-standby mode.

The signal receiver is an acoustic transducer (hydrophone) and according to an embodiment of the invention, the activating signal is generated by a submergible acoustic transmitter.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a submergible encoder for emitting an activating signal to a submerged modular vessel; said encoder comprising a water tight housing fitted with a buoy assembly, a power source, a signaling controller, a signal emitting unit for emitting a signal to a signal receiving and processing module of said vessel.

The buoy assembly comprises, according to an embodiment thereof, a float member suited for floating and retaining the housing suspended therefrom. Furthermore, the housing suspends from the float member by a deployable cable of controllable length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, some embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. Ia is a side schematic illustration of a vessel in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. Ib is a top schematic illustration of a vessel in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an anchor/towing system of the vessel in accordance with the present invention;

Figs. 3a to 3h represent principal steps in the deployment of the vessel into its standby position and recruiting it into its activated state; Fig. 4a is a schematic representation of an encoder useful for signaling to a vessel in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 4b illustrates the encoder of Fig. 4a in its operative position;

Fig. 5a illustrates the vessel of an embodiment of the present invention with a helicopter landed on a landing platform thereof;

Fig. 5b illustrates a vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention refueling a helicopter in a hovering position;

Figs. 6a to 6c illustrate a capture and engaging mechanism for an automated fuelling assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 7a to 7c illustrate an embodiment of a vessel in accordance with the present invention;

Figs. 8a to 8d illustrate another embodiment of a vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in a standby position (Figs. 8a and 8b) and in an operative position (Figs. 8c and 8d); Figs. 9a to 9d illustrate still another embodiment of a vessel in accordance with the present invention wherein:

Fig. 9a is a side representation of the vessel in its standby position;

Fig. 9b is a front view of the vessel in its standby position;

Fig. 9c is a top view of the vessel in its operative position; and Fig. 9d is a front view of the vessel in its operative position;

Figs. 10a and 10b illustrate how a vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is useful as a helicopter hanger;

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a rescue/shelter module for a vessel in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a control flow chart of vessel in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is first being made to Figs. Ia and Ib of the drawings, illustrating a vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention generally designated 20 comprising a rigid though light body frame 22 having a hydrodynamic shape, e.g., resembling that of a submarine, and comprising several assemblies including, among others, an anchor/paw assembly 24 (see hereinafter in more detail with reference to Fig. 2), a dive/float assembly 26, a trim and heel control unit 28, a rescue/shelter module 32, a plurality of replaceable cargo

modules 36, a plurality of fuel modules 38 interconnected to a fuel pump 42, a control unit including a signal receiving and processing module 44, power batteries 46, hydraulic generators 48, leveling tanks 52, float/diving tanks 56, leveling tank 58, and a water pump 60. Other components are not shown, e.g. valves est. A surfacing/submerging module comprises diving tanks fitted with water inlets and air vents, and are connected to pressurized air supplies. For diving (submerging) the air vents are opened to allow air escape there through, which volume is then replaced with sea water. However, for surfacing the air vents are closed and pressurized gas/air is introduced into the diving tanks by a suitable blowing off mechanism, to thereby expel water therefrom so as to increase the buoyant force of the vessel.

The vessel may be fitted with any one of the desired replaceable modules, as will be explained hereinafter, though it basically is fitted with some of the above essential components including the control system, power system, towing/anchor system, etc.

Referring now to Fig. 2, there is illustrated in more detail the anchoring/paw mechanism 24 comprising a cable 70 having one end thereof 72 secured adjacent a rear end of the vessel 20, extending through a pulley 74 with an anchor 76 extending at a float center line 80 of the vessel, whereby when the anchor 76 is lowered to the sea bed, the vessel 20 remains level. Cable 70 then extends through a set of pulleys 82a, 82b and 82c, with a towing eye 84 extending at a front end of the vessel, whereby the cable may be released such that the towing eye 84 may be captured by a towing vessel and may then be retracted into the standby position as in Fig. 2 by means of a anchor power unit 86 (see Figs. Ia and Ib) typically being a hydraulic winch mechanism.

For better understanding of the principles of operation of the vessel in accordance with the present invention, further attention is directed to Figs. 3a to 3h.

The vessel generally designated V in these figures is towed towards a standby location by means of a towing vessel which in the present embodiment is a ship S. However, the towing vessel may just as well be a submarine, a helicopter,

or, in accordance a different embodiment of the invention, the vessel V may be carried in the hull of a deploying vessel. However, if the vessel V is towed, the vessel connects to the towing vessel by means of the towing/anchor assembly 24, as discussed in connection with Fig. 2. When the vessel reaches its destination, it disengages from the ship S and the anchor 76 is then lowered to the sea bed (Fig. 3b) and by suitable manipulation of the cable 70 the vessel is leveled.

The vessel remains at the standby position for an extended period of time until it may be recruited and activated into its operative position. The standby position will typically be at a substantial depth of below 250 meters and typically all its systems are at a standby or "receive-only" state, i.e., not emitting any electric or acoustic signals.

When it is desired to use the vessel V and to recruit it into its operative position, an acoustic activating signal is emitted from an encoder E (Fig. 3). The encoder (which specific reference thereto will be made hereinafter with reference to Figs. 4a and 4b) is deployed from a vessel, e.g., a helicopter 94 and whereby the acoustic signal reaches the vessel V, causing excitement of the surfacing/submerged control module, causing the anchor system 24 to extend the cable 70 and to incline the vessel so that it begins a surfacing procedure in a bow- up position (Fig. 3d) until it reaches the sea level (Fig. 3e) whereby the leveling system comes into operation so as to level the vessel and retain it above sea level at an essentially horizontal position (Fig. 3f).

At this position the vessel becomes operative (Fig. 3g) whereby any of its modules may be used, e.g., for refueling a helicopter 94 (as will be referred to hereinafter with more detail with reference to Figs. 5 and 6) or for replacing a helicopter or providing shelter to its crew (Figs. 10a and 10b) as will be discussed hereinafter.

Upon completing the refueling of the helicopter 94 a suitable control signal is then emitted from the helicopter resulting in submerging of the vessel V into the standby position (Fig. 3h) as discussed hereinbefore. It is appreciated that this

procedure may be repeated several times depending on the supplies and modules of the vessel.

Turning now to Figs. 4a and 4b, there is illustrated in more detail a submergible encoder 100 comprising a buoy 102 linked to the transmitter assembly 104 by a cable 106 capable of suspension to a depth of at least about 10 meters. The encoder assembly 100 further comprises an electric battery 110, a control module

112 and a signal emitting unit 114.

The arrangement is such that the encoder assembly is water tight and is suited for submerging and may be deployed into its operative position, e.g., by throwing from a vessel, e.g., a passing helicopter, at a vicinity of the standby vessel (Fig. 3c). A short while after the encoder has been introduced into the water and as it reaches a surfacing state, the control until 112 generates a signal to dispense cable 106 whereby the encoder unit 104 submerges to a predetermined depth (as mentioned above typically about 10 meters and easily within the range of 10 to 20 meters) so as to reach a depth substantially below waves to minimize mirroring effects of the waves which may interfere in the generated signal emitted from the signal emitting unit 114. The arrangement enables transmitting of a relatively weak signal which will be well received even at a substantive depth of the submerged vessel. Preferably, the buoy 102 is colored with a bright color so that it may be easily recognizable by other vessels, e.g., helicopters, maritime vessels, etc. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the buoy 102 may further be provided with a location signaling unit, e.g., for transmitting a position beacon.

The encoder may be a disposable device having a predetermined lifetime or, it may be collected from the sea for re-use.

Fig. 5a illustrates a vessel in accordance with the present embodiment generally designated 122 fitted with a helicopter landing platform 124 and a refueling system (not seen). Typically, a helicopter landing platform comprises suitable arrangements for securing and arresting the helicopter H to the platform, fire extinguishing means, etc., as known for such helicopter landing platforms.

Fig. 5b illustrates the vessel 122 in its active position refueling a helicopter H, the latter hovering above the vessel. However, for such a refueling process it is required to provide the vessel with a suitable fueling system including, among others, an array of fuel modules, a fuel pump (typically, such refueling process should last a short time and thus a high flow rate pumping system is required) and further, suitable control means are required.

Figs. 6a to 6c schematically illustrate a capture and engaging mechanism for an automated fueling process wherein at Fig. 6a there is illustrated and end of a fuel hose 132 fitted at its end with a refueling nozzle 134 comprising an arresting and positioning arrangement 136. As will be appreciated, the engaging mechanism disclosed herein after is suitable also for a wavy sea.

It is appreciated that cable 132 is extendible from a vessel to be refueled such as a helicopter or a maritime vessel.

The modular vessel is fitted with a corresponding capture and engaging mechanism as illustrated in Figs. 6b and 6c generally designated 140 comprising a capture channel 142 having an inlet 144 narrowing towards an end 146 suited for arresting the nozzle 134 (Fig. 6a) as it is suspended from a hovering helicopter and guiding it towards the narrow-most portion adjacent the end 146, whereby the nozzle 134 has its inlet opening 148 extending opposite a fuel supply aperture 150 (Fig. 6c) once the nozzle 134 is received at the appropriate position, a locking member 156 embraces a portion of the nozzle 134 so as to retain it at the fueling position. Only after the nozzle is positioned and well secured at the fueling position the fueling pump is operated.

Upon completing the fueling process the pump ceases its operation, the brace 156 displaces into its open position of Fig. 6b whereby the nozzle 134 is withdrawn from the engaging mechanism 140 and the fuel hose 132 is then retracted to the refueled vessel.

Further attention will now be directed to Figs. 7 to 9 illustrating several embodiments of vessels in accordance with the present invention. Turning first to Figs. 7a-7c, there is illustrated a vessel generally designated 170 comprising two

articulated body members 171A and 171B. There is provided a hydraulic assembly comprising a first hydraulic mechanism 172 at a bow end 174 of the vessel and a second hydraulic mechanism 176 at a stern end 178 of the vessel capable of increasing the effective float area of the vessel from an initial, retractive state (identified by solid lines) and an expanded position (illustrated by dashed lines) thus having increased effective float area for increasing the stabilization of the vessel at its surfacing position (e.g., when fueling or while a helicopter is landed thereon). The vessel may be then retracted to its initial state (solid lines) towards redeployment of the vessel into its standby position. The embodiment of Figs. 8a to 8d discloses a vessel 180 comprising two hull sections 182 and 184 pivotally linked to one another at 186 (Fig. 8d) and each comprising a stabilizing-hydraulic fin 188 which at the collapsed position (Fig. 8b) extends essentially horizontally, and at the expanded, operative position extends essentially vertically (Fig. 8d). At the operative position of Figs. 8c and 8d there is formed a landing platform 190 whilst the storage modules 194 extend therebelow, said modules being, for example, fuel modules, supply modules (e.g., food, water, medical supply, firearms, ammunition, etc.).

Figs. 9a-9d illustrate still another embodiment of a vessel in accordance with the present embodiment suitable for altering its configuration between substantially narrow standby configuration (Fig. 9b) and an extended, operative position (Figs. 9c and 9d). The vessel generally designated 200 is constructed of two fuselages 202 and 204 interconnected by frame members 206 and displaceable between a retracted position (Fig. 9b) and an expanded position (Fig. 9d) by means of a hydraulic expansion system 210. Each of the fuselages 202 and 204 is fitted with diving tanks 214 and 216, respectively, to facilitate surfacing of the vessel and submerging thereof (by deflating said tanks) and further, there may be provided a central float 218 (Fig. 9d) extending between the fuselages 202 and 204 at the expanded position to thereby support the top surface 222 extending between the fuselages and supported by (206) and which may be useful as a landing platform.

It is appreciated that each of the fuselages 202 and 204 may be furnished with different supply modules 226, as explained hereinbefore.

It is further appreciated that the vessel is retained at the standby position whilst it is at its retracted/collapsed position of Fig. 9b whilst it is deformed into its expanded position (Figs. 9c and 9d) only upon deployment into the operative position.

Figs. 10a and 10b illustrate a particular embodiment of a vessel in accordance with the present embodiment generally designated 230 fitted on its upper surface with a landing platform 232 and a sealed hangar 234 suitable for stowing a helicopter H and also for offering shelter to its crew, e.g., at a crew section 236 or in a particular refuge module as will be disclosed hereinafter with reference to Fig. 11. The hangar is typically provided with means for arresting the helicopter and further with all necessary maintenance equipment as known per se.

Furthermore, there may be provided displacing means for displacing the helicopter into and out of the hangar 234.

This arrangement may be useful for replacement of a damaged helicopter or for tactic replacement depending on specific needs, etc.

It is thus appreciated that at the operative position the vessel 230 is maintained at its horizontal position as in Figs. 10a and 10b by means of the leveling system and the anchor mechanism, as disclosed hereinbefore.

Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a rescue module generally designated 246 comprising several assemblies and facilities which may be required for offering a helicopter crew or any other personnel shelter. For example, the rescue module 246 of Fig. 11 comprises a pressurized air container 248, reserves compressed air tanks 250, personal necessity storage compartment 254, emergency signal float launch duct 256, emergency signal float control unit 258, air purification assembly 260, water reservoir 262, sanitary equipment 264 and sanitary disposal tank 268, bunk beds 270, etc.

The rescue module 246 may be designed for accommodating at reasonable comfort several crew members for even an extended period of time, depending on the planned mission and on the type and equipment of the specific module.

Turning now to Fig. 12 of the drawings, there is a schematic representation of a control and command systems suitable for use in a modular vessel in accordance with the present invention, comprising an acoustic sensor 280, a recognition and acoustic command unit 282 receiving a signal from acoustic sensor and for generating a control unit to a battery activation mechanism 284 in association with a battery 286, the latter supplying power to an anchor/tow control unit 290 for activating and controlling the anchor/tow assembly 292. Battery 9 powers also a surface control unit 296 in charge of controlling the control unit 298.

Furthermore, battery 286 powers the fuel control unit 300 which in turn controls the capture and engaging mechanism 302 and the fueling pump 304.

Battery 286 energizes also the leveling control unit 308 which in turn controls the leveling assembly 312. The acoustic command unit 282 and the anchor/tow control

290 are powered by a separate battery 316.

Whilst the above scheme offers a general scheme for control and power supply it is appreciated that other arrangements are possible as well.

It is further appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples and that many other embodiments are possible, all of which fall within the spirit and the scope of the present invention.