Arrangement for fueling a water vessel

A method and apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a floating station, attached to and remote from a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a probe and the floating station includes an opening for receiving the probe therein. The floating station includes a fuel-delivering arrangement for feeding fuel from the parent ship to the water vessel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following description relates generally to an apparatus for fueling a surface water vessel, and in particular, an arrangement for latching and fueling a surface water vessel at a floating station that is remote from a parent ship.

BACKGROUND

The recovery of smaller surface water vessels, such as manned or unmanned surface water vessels (USVs), by larger parent ships is an emerging technology. Once recovered by the parent ship, servicing operations such as fueling may be performed. Typically, the recovery of a smaller vessel is accomplished by driving the smaller vessel alongside a stationary parent ship and lifted by davit into the ship. Alternatively, the smaller water vessel may be driven up a ramp into the larger ship.

Traditional methods of capturing smaller surface water vessels can cause damage to the hull of the smaller vessel. For example, some USVs weigh about 20,000 lbs and are made from materials such as aluminum. A capturing method that for example, requires the USV to be driven into a parent ship or be lifted and dropped onto the parent ship can cause damage to the aluminum hull, resulting in expensive repairs. The prior art does not teach a method and apparatus that captures the smaller vessel in a controlled manner away from the parent ship in order to perform servicing operations such as fueling.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention is a fueling system for securing and fueling a water vessel at a floating station. The fueling system includes a parent ship having a fuel supply and a pump for delivering fuel from the fuel supply. The fueling system also includes a floating station remote from the parent ship. In this aspect, the floating station includes a tow opening, a fuel-delivering arrangement connected to the fuel supply of the parent ship. The fuel-delivering arrangement includes a hose, and a hose feeder for feeding the hose. The fueling system further includes a water vessel having a bow end and a stern end. The water vessel has a latching probe extending from the bow end, releasably latched within the tow opening of the floating station, and a fueling port for receiving fuel via the fuel-delivering arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is an exemplary schematic illustration of a fueling system101for securing and fueling a water vessel200at a floating station300, according to an embodiment of the invention. The fueling system101is for the at sea fueling of a water vessel such as a manned or an unmanned surface vessel. The fueling system101also includes a parent ship100in addition to the floating station300, with the floating station300being remote from the parent ship100. The floating station300supplies fuel from the parent ship100to the water vessel200, by means of a fuel-delivering arrangement301, outlined below. The fueling system101also includes a control system400for controlling fueling operations.

FIG. 1shows the floating station300having a substantially V-shaped receiving portion203for receiving and guiding the bow end of a water vessel200towards a latching arrangement310. As will be outlined below, the latching arrangement310is for latching the water vessel200to the floating station300before commencing with servicing operations such as fueling. The latching arrangement310includes a tow opening312that receives a latching probe210that projects from the bow of the water vessel200. As shown, the tow opening312may have a funnel shaped outer portion for guiding the probe210therewithin. The floating station300may be a solid structure or an inflated structure. The floating station300preferably has a weight and dimensions that allows it to ably support an attached water vessel200. When the floating station201is an inflated structure, the body may be made from a material such as natural rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, silicone rubber, elastomers, plastics, and the like.

FIG. 1shows the floating station300connected to the parent ship100by a tow line120.FIG. 1also shows a fuel conduit/line130such as a hose, running from the parent ship100to the fuel-delivering arrangement301of the floating station300. The conduit130delivers the fuel from the parent ship100to the floating station300, where vessels such as water vessel200are supplied with the fuel. The fuel on the parent ship100may be stored in a tank150, to which the conduit130is connected. A pump155, such as a centrifugal pump is also connected to the tank150and the conduit130for pumping fuel from the tank150to the floating station300. In one embodiment, the pump may be a 1.5 HP high head centrifugal pump capable of supplying about 27 gallons per minute at about 65 psi. As shown, the fuel conduit130is equipped with one or more valves140for controlling the flow of fuel to the floating station300. The valves140may lock off the flow of fuel in circumstances when the conduit130fails, thereby preventing undue spillage of fuel into the surrounding water. According to the invention, the water vessel200may be supplied with fuel only after the probe210is fully inserted and secured into the latching arrangement310.FIG. 1Ashows arrow X1indicating the direction in which the water vessel200travels with respect to the floating station300, in order to be secured therewithin.

FIG. 2Ais an exemplary schematic illustration of a water vessel200, according to an embodiment of the invention. As outlined above, the water vessel200may be used in the fueling system101, and may be a manned or an unmanned surface vessel. As shown, the vessel200has a bow end201and a stern end203. As stated above, the water vessel200includes a latching probe210projecting forwardly at the bow end201. The latching probe210, which may be pivotally attached at the bow end201, is provided for insertion into the latching arrangement310of the floating station, for securing the water vessel200to the floating station300. The latching arrangement310includes a sensor315(shown inFIG. 4) for detecting when the probe is properly latched. The operation of the probe210in relation to the latching arrangement310and associated sensor315as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/079,063, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,505, entitled “Probe Receiver Device for Recovering Surface Water Vessels”, which as stated above, is incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the water vessel200further includes a fueling port220for receiving fuel from the parent ship100, via the floating station300. The fueling port220includes a port probe230and a conduit relay240. The port probe230is at the front end of the fueling port220, and the conduit relay240is the elongated portion of the fueling port220that may extend the length of the water vessel200towards a fuel tank250. The port probe230is hollow, and may be made from a double braided semi-rigid material, and the conduit relay240may be a metallic piping material such as aluminum or the like. Although the fuel tank250is illustrated towards the stern end203of the water vessel200, the fuel tank250may be positioned at any desired location.

FIG. 2Ashows the port probe230projecting forwardly over the bow end201of the water vessel200. The port probe230is provided to establish a working engagement with the fuel-delivering arrangement301on the floating station300. The semi-rigid/flexible probe230allows for relative motion between the water vessel200and the floating station300. As will be outlined below, after a working engagement is established, the port probe230receives a fueling hose therethrough, which is fed through to the conduit relay240through to the fuel tank250.FIG. 2Aalso shows one or more piping valves225along the conduit relay240, the one or more piping valves sealing the conduit relay240, and regulating when a fuel hose can be fed through the conduit relay240to the fuel tank250.FIG. 2Ashows the fueling port220being substantially external, and above the surface of the water vessel200. Alternatively, the fueling port220may be substantially within the hull of the water vessel200, as illustrated by the dotted lines, with the port probe230above the hull surface, and the alternative conduit relay241primarily within the hull.

The fuel tank250may include a fuel level sensor255for monitoring the level of fuel in the tank250. Fueling operations may be controlled based on the level of fuel in the tank250. A known liquid level sensor may be used in tank. For example, the sensor255may be a two-part sensor including a floating arm that floats at the surface of the fuel, and a stationary arm that is fixed. Electrical contacts associated with both parts may communicate resistance changes based on the relative distances between the floating arm and the stationary arm.

FIG. 2Bis an exemplary schematic illustration of a water vessel275, according to an embodiment of the invention. The water vessel275is similar to that of water vessel200, and may be used interchangeably with vessel200in the fueling system100illustrated inFIG. 1. Similar to water vessel200, water vessel275has a hull having a bow end201and a stern end203, and a latching probe210pivotally attached at the bow end201. Water vessel275also includes a fueling port280, the fueling port280having a receiver flap260and a connected conduit relay270, which is an elongated portion of the fueling port280that may extend the length of the water vessel275towards a fuel tank250. According to the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, the receiver flap260is the only portion of the fueling port280that is exposed at or above the hull surface of the water vessel275.

The receiver flap260is a pivotable flap, which lays flat along the hull surface when closed. A flap actuator265attached to the flap260moves the flap in direction R into a deployed position. In a deployed position the receiver flap260pivots upwards, revealing a rectangular funnel-like opening for receiving a fuel-feeding hose from fuel-delivering arrangement301on the floating station300. As will be outlined below, the fuel-feeding hose is snaked down through the deployed flap through to the conduit relay270and into the tank250, after the latching probe210is properly clamped within the latching arrangement310of the floating station300. The fueling port280may also include one or more piping valves225along the conduit relay270, the one or more piping valves225sealing the conduit relay270, and regulating when a fuel hose can be fed through the conduit relay270to the fuel tank250.

FIG. 3is an exemplary sectional schematic illustration of floating station300including the fuel-delivering arrangement301, according to an embodiment of the invention. In ghost dashed lines,FIG. 3also illustrates how the various elements of the water vessels200and275interconnect with the floating station300.FIG. 3shows the latching arrangement310, which includes the tow opening312that receives the latching probe210of the water vessel200, as outlined above. The fuel-delivering arrangement301includes an inlet320(shown inFIG. 1) through which the fuel-delivering arrangement receives fuel that is fed from the parent ship100via a fuel conduit130. The fuel-delivering arrangement301further includes a hose333through which fuel from the parent ship100is transported to the water vessel200. The delivering arrangement also includes a hose reel330and a hose drive system340, which combine to drive the hose333into the fueling port220of the water vessel200. The hose reel330may be a constant tension device. The hose drive340may be a bidirectional drive, such as a 12V DC drive, capable of advancing and retracting the cable at about 0.3 ft/sec. The forward tip of the hose333may include a dispensing valve334to properly retain fuel within the hose333and to properly discharge fuel from the hose. The valve334may be a low-bias check valve, which may be opened when a predetermined supply pressure is applied. The dispensing valve334may also aid in the routing of the hose333as the hose333is fed through the fueling port220.

The hose reel330may include a hose reel sensor335(shown inFIG. 4), for detecting when a predetermined length of the hose333has been dispensed. The predetermined length is the length of the hose333required to be unwound from the reel, in order for the hose333to properly snake through the fueling port220and into the tank250to allow for the safe and secure fueling of the water vessel200. According to an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined length is about 18 m. The sensor335may be a ball clamp in combination with one or more electrical contacts. The ball clamp may be positioned so that when the predetermined length of hose333is dispensed, the ball clamp trips the one or more contacts, thereby producing the desired signal.

FIG. 3also shows a funnel350for aligning the hose333with the fueling port220of the water vessel200. A funnel actuator360as shown is used to drive the funnel350is movable in direction X2towards the probe230. Because of the positioning of the funnel350on the floating station300in relation to the probe230of the water vessel200, when the latching probe210is properly clamped within the latching arrangement310, the funnel350is automatically vertically aligned with the probe230. Thereafter, the funnel actuator360moves the funnel350to a forward-most position, so that the funnel350captures the port probe230therewithin. A funnel sensor355(shown inFIG. 4), such as a photo sensor, is located within the funnel, which based on changes in photo levels, light reflection readings, combinations thereof and the like, detects when the port probe is full captured within the funnel350. When captured, a continuous hose-feeding channel is formed between the funnel and the hollow port probe230.

In embodiments in which the water vessel275is employed, the funnel350is movable in directions X2towards the flap260. Because of the positioning of the funnel350on the floating station300in relation to the deployed receiver flap260of the water vessel275, when the latching probe210is properly clamped within the latching arrangement310, the funnel350is automatically vertically aligned with the flap260. Thereafter, the funnel actuator360moves the funnel350to a forward-most position, so that the funnel350is adjacent to the receiver flap260. The funnel sensor355, such as a photo sensor, may be used to detect when the funnel350is adjacent to the deployed receiver flap260, thereby creating a continuous hose-feeding path. The continuous hose-feeding path allows the hose333to be fed from the funnel350of the fuel-delivering arrangement301through the deployed flap opening260of the water vessel275. It should be noted that with the exception of the capturing of the probe230within the funnel350, all aspects of the fueling operation between water vessel200and the floating station300are equally applicable to the fueling operations between the water vessel275and the floating station300.

FIG. 4is an exemplary schematic illustration of control system400for controlling fueling operations, according to an embodiment of the invention. The control system includes a controller401, which is preferably wireless. The controller401executes a control program to read inputs from sensors throughout the system100, and based on the values of those inputs and control logic of the control program, produces outputs to actuators to control the fueling operations. As shown inFIG. 4, the controller401is connected to tank level sensor255, the latching sensor315, the funnel sensor335, and hose reel sensor355. In addition to the sensors, the controller401is operatively connected to a user input/output device410such as a touchpad or keypad, in which a user may input command signals and also monitor the operation of the control system400.FIG. 4also shows the controller401operatively attached to the parent ship pump155, the one or more piping valves225, the flap actuator265, the hose drive340, and the funnel actuator360. The controller401may also be connected to other sensors and actuators throughout the system100.

The operation of the system101is hereby outlined. As shown inFIG. 1, the fueling system100includes a parent ship100, a floating station300that is remote from the parent ship100, and a water vessel200. As noted above, water vessel275may be alternatively used in the system101. The floating station300receives fuel from the parent ship100via the conduit130. This fuel may be delivered to the water vessel (200,275) through the hose333located at the floating station. In operation, the water vessel (200,275) approaches the floating station300in the direction X1to be latched therein, where servicing operations, such as fueling may commence. The water vessel (200,275) is latched to the floating station300when the probe210at the hull of the vessel is fully inserted into the tow opening312of the latching device310, and properly clamped within the latching arrangement310. The latching of the probe210within the latching device310serves to vertically align the funnel350with either the probe230(of vessel200) or the deployed receiver flap260(of vessel275). Alternatively, the funnel may be vertically adjustable, if desired.

The latch sensor315detects the proper latching of the probe210in the latching device310, and transmits a signal to the controller401indicating that the water vessel (200,275) is properly secured to the floating station. The sensor315may be a movable mechanical arm or poppet that is pushed in a predetermined direction only when the probe210is securely clamped in the latching arrangement. If fueling is desired, a user may input a “fuel” command signal via the input device410initiating the fueling process. The user may enter this command before or after the water vessel (200,275) has been secured at the floating station. However, fueling would only be initiated after the controller401receives a signal indicating that the vessel is properly secured.

In response to the user input and the signal from sensor315, the controller initiates the funnel actuator360which moves the funnel350in the direction X2to an extended position. In the embodiment in which water vessel200is employed, as the funnel moves in direction X2, the funnel350captures the hollow port probe230within, as shown inFIG. 3. As stated above, the funnel sensor355, which may be a photosensor, detects when the hollow port probe230is fully captured within the funnel350. When the hollow port probe230is fully captured, a continuous hose passage is formed between the funnel350and the fueling port220, allowing for the smooth feeding of the hose333from fuel-delivering arrangement301to the water vessel200. In response to a “fully captured” signal by the funnel sensor355, the controller401initiates the hose drive340which then feeds the hose333from around the hose reel320through the funnel350into the fueling port220, i.e., through the hollow port probe230and the conduit relay240, into the fuel tank250of the water vessel200.

Alternatively, in the embodiment in which water vessel275is employed, when fueling is initiated, the funnel350moves in direction X2, towards the receiver flap260of the vessel275; to position the funnel350adjacent to the receiver flap260. Before the funnel350is moved to the forward in direction X2, the receiver flap260may be pivoted to the deployed position in response to either the controller401or the user input via device410. The funnel sensor355, which may be a photosensor, detects when the funnel350is positioned adjacent to the deployed receiver flap260, thereby creating a continuous hose path formed between the funnel350and the flap260, allowing for the smooth feeding of the hose333from fuel-delivering arrangement301to the water vessel275. When the funnel sensor355signals that funnel350has attained a working position adjacent to the flap260, the controller401initiates the hose drive340which then feeds the hose333from around the hose reel320through the funnel350into the fueling port280and into the fuel tank250of the water vessel200.

In all system embodiments, i.e., employing either water vessel200or water vessel275, the hose333is fed only to a predetermined length, i.e., a length that enables the hose333to reach the fuel tank250and to properly fill the tank with the fuel. As stated above, the hose reel330includes a hose reel sensor335, which may be a ball clamp in combination with one or more electrical contacts. The ball clamp may be positioned so that when the predetermined length of hose333is dispensed, the ball clamp trips the one or more contacts, thereby producing the desired signal terminating the feeding of the hose333. As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, water vessels200and275may each include one or more piping valves225. Thus, when piping valves are included, the controller opens these one or more valves to allow the hose333into the respective fueling ports.

In response to the termination of the feeding of the hose333, the controller401actuates the pump155on the parent ship100. As stated above, the pump155may be a 1.5 HP high head centrifugal pump capable of supplying about 27 gallons per minute at about 65 psi. The pump begins pumping fuel from the parent ship tank150to the floating station300, which is received by the fuel-delivering arrangement301. The fuel is then fed through the hose333to the fuel tank250in water vessel (200,275). As stated above, the hose333may include a delivery valve that opens at a predetermined supply pressure of about 5 psi.

The fuel level sensor255detects when the fuel level in the tank250reaches a “full” level, and transmits to the controller401a signal indicating that the tank250is full. In response to this signal, the controller401cuts off the pump and terminates the delivery of fuel. Additionally, the controller401actuates the hose drive340, which reverses rotation direction and pulls the hose333from the fueling port (220,280). The hose is thus rewound about the hose reel330. This ends the fueling operation, after which the water vessel (200,275) may be retained for towing or for further servicing operations, or the alternatively, the water vessel (200,275) may be released by unlatching and withdrawing the probe210from the latching device310.