Abstract:
The invention discloses an apparatus for reducing maneuverability of a moving ship. The apparatus comprises a propeller fouling element, mountable upon the bow of a second ship. The proper fouling element is deployable towards a propeller of a moving ship. The invention further discloses a rudder engaging component. In one embodiment, the rudder engaging component is U-shaped for accepting a rudder within. The invention also provides a method for reducing the maneuverability of a moving ship, by providing the rudder engaging component and/or the propeller fouling element. The rudder engaging component, when present, is advanced to engage and surround the rudder of the ship. The propeller fouling element is advanced towards a propeller of a ship until it contacts the propeller; thereby reducing the maneuverability of said ship.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention pertains to means for effectively reducing maneuverability and speed of a moving ship. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    At times the need arises to slow moving vessel mid-water. It is difficult for a third party to compel a large vessel to slow due to the mass and velocity that a large ship may have. The steering and propulsion machinery is usually located at the transom (rear end) of the vessel, making access to them difficult for a third party wishing to effectively reduce the maneuverability and speed of the moving vessel. The force generated by the engines is immense, and in some vessels can be measured in the tens thousands of horsepower. 
         [0003]    The need exists for an effective device and method for effectively and subtly reducing the maneuverability and speed of a moving vessel. The device should be deployed without causing damage to the hull of the target vessel. It is the object of the present invention to provide an effective device and method of slowing a moving ship, and limiting its maneuverability. These and other objects will be discussed in greater detail in the detailed description that follows. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The invention hereby provides an apparatus for reducing maneuverability of a moving ship. The apparatus comprises a propeller fouling element, mountable upon the bow of a high speed small craft, which may be controlled remotely. The proper fouling element is deployable towards a propeller of a moving ship. 
         [0005]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a rudder engaging component, mountable upon the high speed small craft. 
         [0006]    In one aspect of the invention, the rudder engaging component has an open position for accepting a rudder within, and an engaged position for holding a rudder within. 
         [0007]    Further, the rudder engaging component may be U-shaped, having two arms for accepting a rudder within. Optionally, a locking pin may be present, movable to engage the two arms and lock the rudder within. 
         [0008]    Moreover, the rudder engaging component may be mountable upon an unmanned surface vehicle (USV). 
         [0009]    In certain embodiments, an underwater camera is included, for transmitting images of a rudder of the moving ship. 
         [0010]    According to certain aspects of the invention, the angle and distance of the rudder engaging component from the second ship may be controlled by a user. 
         [0011]    Further, the angle and distance of the rudder propeller fouling element from the second ship may be controlled by a user. 
         [0012]    Still further, the rudder engaging component arms may be adjustable to be extended or retracted in any direction, to correspond to the length and width of the rudder of the moving ship. 
         [0013]    Moreover, the propeller fouling element may be spear shaped. 
         [0014]    According to one embodiment, the invention further comprises a propulsion mechanism for propelling the propeller fouling element towards a propeller. The propulsion mechanism may be selected from at least one of the following: compressed air, hydraulic pressure, pyrotechnic device, spring mechanism, and an electrical motor. 
         [0015]    Additionally, a plurality of propeller fouling elements may be present. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the propeller fouling element comprises at least one of the following: a plurality of anchoring spikes; detonation elements, and a foam. 
         [0017]    Further, the rudder engaging component may comprise a plurality of arms for engaging a rudder. 
         [0018]    Additionally, the rudder engaging component may include a mechanism for rapidly detaching the rudder engaging component from the second ship. 
         [0019]    Moreover, the rudder engaging component may be self propelled. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, the invention may include a timing mechanism for deployment of the propeller fouling element 
         [0021]    Additionally, the invention may include a deployment mechanism for deploying the propeller fouling element when a predetermined small craft speed is reached. 
         [0022]    The invention further provides a method for reducing maneuverability of a moving ship, comprising providing at least one of: 
         [0000]    a rudder engaging component or a propeller fouling element;
 
advancing the rudder engaging component to engage and surround the rudder of the moving ship; or advancing the propeller fouling element towards a propeller of a moving ship until the propeller fouling element contacts the propeller.
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the rudder engaging component and propeller fouling mechanism of the invention, mounted upon the bow of a high speed small craft. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates the rudder engaging component of the invention, surrounding the rudder of a target vessel. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates the rudder engaging component of the invention, after locking pin has closed around rudder. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of rudder engaging component, cross-bars, and locking pin of the invention, after rudder has been surrounded by rudder engaging component. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of rudder engaging component, with locking pin closed to engage both arms of rudder engaging component and thus lock rudder within. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a rudder engaging component including an upper limiter for engaging the top portion of a rudder. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a propeller fouling element. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6B  illustrates propeller fouling elements projecting into blades of propeller. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  illustrate propeller fouling element including a propulsion mechanism. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrates several propeller fouling elements. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10A  illustrates propeller fouling elements including spike anchors. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10B  illustrates one embodiment of a propeller fouling element. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10C  illustrates an embodiment of several propeller fouling elements, some of which are angled to correspond to the propeller pitch angle of the target vessel. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 11A ,  11 B illustrate use of the invention with various types of propellers located within a nozzle. 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  illustrates initialization of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0040]    The invention generally comprises a propeller-fouling element mounted on the bow of the high speed small craft. Upon its deployment, the propeller-fouling element is launched forcefully towards the propeller, and enters the gap between the propeller blades, where it acts to inhibit efficient maneuvering of the target vessel. 
         [0041]    In a presently preferred embodiment, a rudder engaging component is also included in the invention, and is mounted on the bow of a high-speed small craft operated or remote-controlled by third party personnel. The rudder engaging component can be advanced towards the rudder and propeller of the target ship, to act in combination with the propeller fouling element such that the rudder of the target vessel becomes dislocated from its rudder post mounting. The target vessel can then no longer be sailed efficiently, so that maneuverability and speed are reduced mid-water. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , rudder engaging component  10  is U-shaped, having arms  11   a ,  11   b . Rudder engaging component  10  is mounted on the bow of a high-speed small craft  15  via booms  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c , of which one or more may be hydraulic cylinders which allow adjustment of the angle, height and distance of rudder engaging component  10  in relation to small craft  15 . Cross-bars  22   a ,  22   b , and upper cross bar  39 , connect booms  17   a - c  to arms  11   a ,  11   b  of rudder engaging component  10 . 
         [0043]    Propeller fouling elements  19   a ,  19   b  extend forward of the rudder engaging component  10 . Propeller fouling elements  19   a ,  19   b  are pointed spears with ridges  20   a ,  20   b . Locking pin  28 , best described in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 3  may advance or retract within bores  30   a ,  30   b , located on front portion of arms  11   a ,  11   b  of rudder engaging component  10 . Thus, prior to deployment, locking pin  28  is retracted, leaving the interior of rudder engaging component  10  open to accept a rudder within. Movement of locking pin  28  within bores will be described further in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 2A , use of the invention will now be described, according to the method for reducing maneuverability of a moving ship. Small craft  15  sails astern of the target vessel towards the transom  65  (rear end) of the target vessel. Rudder engaging component  10  is advanced towards the rudder  40  of target vessel, using remote controls and images transmitted from cameras mounted on high speed small craft  15 , to correctly position rudder engaging component  10  at the ideal angle and location to engage the rudder  40  within both arms  11   a ,  11   b  of rudder engaging component  10 . Locking pin  28  is in open position, to allow entry of rudder  40  within arms  11   a ,  11   b  of rudder engaging component  10 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , rudder engaging component  10  is shown in cut-off view without additional elements of the invention, for illustrative purposes only. Rudder  40  is engaged within rudder engaging component  10 , while locking pin  28  is in open position. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , locking pin  28  has been closed by advancing it within its bores  30   a ,  30   b , to engage both arms  11   a ,  11   b  of rudder engaging component, and thus to lock the rudder  40  within rudder engaging component  10 . 
         [0047]    When both propeller fouling element and rudder engaging component are present, their joint action will prevent the maneuverability and reduce the speed of the moving target ship. In some instances, the rudder of the moving ship will be dislocated from its rudder post. 
         [0048]    Propeller fouling element  19   a  is seen projecting from rudder engaging component  10  towards propeller (not shown). 
         [0049]    In certain embodiments of the invention, rudder arms  11   a ,  11   b  are adjustable telescoping arms, which may be extended or retracted in any direction, to adjust for the length and width of different rudders which may be encountered. 
         [0050]    Without being bound by theory, the rudder engaging component and propeller fouling element of the invention utilize directional forces produced by target vessel, without need of additional massive forces to reduce maneuverability of target vessel. This is in contrast to prior art methods for stopping or reducing speed or maneuverability of a moving vessel. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, rudder engaging component includes a mechanism for rapidly detaching the rudder engaging component from the small craft. In use, after rudder engaging component has engaged and locked the rudder of the target vessel, rudder engaging component will be rapidly detached from the small craft, which may prevent impact of small craft with target vessel. 
         [0052]    Small craft  15  may be an unmanned surface vessel (USV), or may be a submersible vessel which is manned or unmanned. Use of unmanned vessels controlled by personnel at a distant location, lowers the chance of injury. As unmanned vessels may be costly and not present at a given time, the invention may be utilized with any type of craft. 
         [0053]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , small craft  15  is depicted as a high speed unmanned surface vessel (USV). USVs are well known in the art, and contain well known elements for ensuring remote control, and for advancement of the craft on its proper course. 
         [0054]    Camera  30  is located above the water surface and its images are transmitted to personnel to aid in positioning of the vessel. Underwater camera (not shown) may be included on the bow of small craft  15 , to transmit images of the rudder engaging component and aid personnel in precise positioning of rudder engaging component to engage the rudder of target vessel. 
         [0055]    Rear stabilizer  32  and fore-stabilizers  34   a ,  34   b  may be included in small craft  15  to promote stability of craft. Optionally, remote personnel may control angle of flap  37  on rear stabilizer  32 , which may aid in achieving a rapid approach to the target vessel, without capsizing the small craft  15 . 
         [0056]    Optionally, stabilizers may be included on the rudder engaging component  10  and/or on the propeller fouling elements  19   a ,  19   b.    
         [0057]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of rudder engaging component, cross-bars, and locking pin of the invention, after rudder  40  has been surrounded by rudder engaging component  10 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of rudder engaging component  10 , with locking pin  28  closed to engage both arms  11   a ,  11   b  of rudder engaging component  10  and thus lock rudder  40  within. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 5B , according to some embodiments, rudder engaging component  10  includes an upper limiter  64  for engaging a rudder. Upper limiter  64  is an adjustable bracket for engaging the top portion  44  of the rudder  40 , and acts to ensure alignment of rudder  40  within rudder engaging component  10 . Upper limiter  64  is attached to each of arms  11   a ,  11   b  of rudder engaging component  10 . The height of upper limiter  64  may be adjusted to suit various heights of rudders  40 . 
         [0060]    In certain embodiments, the rudder engaging component and/or the propeller fouling element may be self propelled. Optionally, a propulsion mechanism may be included to advance rudder engaging element rapidly towards the rudder of the moving vessel, or to advance propeller fouling element rapidly towards the propeller of the moving vessel. In some instances, these components are not mounted on a high speed craft, rather they are propelled towards the target vessel after being deployed either from shore or from a waiting vessel. 
         [0061]    In certain embodiments, deployment of a propeller fouling element is activated by a timing mechanism. In other cases, deployment is activated when a predetermined target vessel speed is reached. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , a spear shaped propeller fouling element  19  is illustrated, having ridges  20   a ,  20   b . In certain embodiments, ridges  20   a ,  20   b  ensure engagement of propeller and enact maximum damage on propeller. In other embodiments, propeller fouling element  19  is telescoping, to suit various distances between propeller and rudder, thereby allowing adjustment of the length of propeller fouling element  19  by the user, and guaranteeing that the propeller fouling element  19  will successfully engage the propeller. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 6B , two spear-shaped propeller fouling elements  19   a ,  19   b , are depicted projecting from rudder engaging component  10  after rudder  40  has been engaged and locked within rudder engaging component  10 . In this embodiment, propeller fouling elements  19   a ,  19   b  are static, and are held in place in arms  11   a ,  11   b  of rudder engaging component to project towards blades of propeller  42 , and interfere with rotation of the propeller  42 , and thus contribute towards stopping the vessel. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , in the embodiment shown, propeller fouling element  19  includes a propulsion mechanism, such as a compressed air canister (not shown), hydraulic pressure, pyrotechnic device, spring mechanism, electrical motor, which can be controlled at the proper moment to deploy the propeller fouling element  19  towards the propeller  42 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , propeller fouling element has been deployed and has begun to move underwater towards propeller  42 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , propeller fouling element  19  has reached propeller  42  and interferes with rotation of propeller  42 . 
         [0065]    Propeller fouling element, when deployed, is launched forcefully against the flow generated by the propeller. The propeller fouling element is propelled by its launching mechanism, or otherwise advanced, towards the gap between the propeller blades. 
         [0066]    In a presently preferred embodiment, the propeller fouling element is deployed at an angle corresponding to the propeller pitch angle of the target vessel. Thus the propeller fouling element will not strike the center of any of the propeller blades, rather will enter between the blades. 
         [0067]    Without being bound by theory, when the propeller fouling element contacts the fore-edge of one of the propeller blades, it is pulled by the immense propelling force into the propeller, which becomes inoperable or inefficient. Optionally, the rear end of the propeller fouling element remains attached to the rudder engaging component by a connecting cable, therefore joint action of the propeller fouling element and the rudder engaging component results in distortion of the rudder or dislocation of the rudder from its rudder post mounting. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , any number of propeller fouling elements  19   a ,  19   b  may be included in the apparatus of the invention, and may be statically projecting from the rudder engaging component or may be deployed and propelled towards the propeller. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 10A , propeller fouling element may include a spear head  50  which may be activated to release several spikes  54  which anchor propeller fouling element within propeller blades  56   a ,  56   b.    
         [0070]    Referring to  FIG. 10B , in some embodiments, propeller fouling element  19  has a forward portion  58  which is propelled towards propeller  42  upon deployment. Cable  60 , representing a middle portion of the propeller fouling element, remains attached to rear portion  62  of propeller fouling element. Rear portion  62  remains upon rudder engaging component  10  (not shown). 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 10C , several propeller fouling elements  19   a ,  19   b ,  19   c  are depicted, while certain of these ( 19   a ,  19   b ) are positioned at an angle corresponding to the propeller pitch angle of the target vessel, so that when deployed they will enter the gap between the propeller blades  56   a ,  56   b . Propeller fouling element  19   c  is parallel with the horizon, and will be deployed forward to enter between propeller blades  56   a ,  56   c . The propeller fouling elements may be deployed simultaneously or with a brief time delay between their deployment. 
         [0072]    In other embodiments, propeller fouling element may release a small detonation which will harm the propeller without breaching the hull of the moving vessel. In another embodiment, the propeller releasing element may release a foam which interferes with proper rotation of the propeller. 
         [0073]    In certain embodiments, the rudder engaging component and propeller fouling mechanism of the invention are towed upon tow ropes between two small craft high speed vessels, which surround the target vessel after approaching the target vessel from behind. This flanking action will bring the invention around the rudder of the target vessel located between the flanking small crafts. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 11A , certain propellers, of the water jet type, are located within a nozzle  50 , and are termed internal impellers  42 . Directional nozzle  52  replaces standard rudder. The propeller fouling element  19  will then be directed into the nozzle  50  to reach the impeller  42 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 11B , Kort nozzle type impeller  42  is illustrated, after propeller fouling element  19  has entered impeller and spikes  54  have been deployed. 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , initialization of the invention is shown. Booms  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c  are hydraulically lifting rudder engaging component  10  from its folded inactive position on the deck of the high-speed small craft  15 , to the active position shown in  FIG. 1 , where the invention projects from the bow of the small craft  15 . Optionally, rudder engaging component  10  may remain in the folded inactive position as illustrated in  FIG. 12  while high-speed small craft  15  travels rapidly towards the target vessel, to maximize the hydrodynamic nature of the small craft  15 . Once the small craft  15  nears the target vessel, booms  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c  hydraulically lift the rudder engaging component  10  from the deck, to the active position where rudder engaging component  10  projects from the bow of the small craft  15  and is advanced towards the rudder of the target vessel. 
         [0077]    According to some embodiments, the invention may further include a drift anchor attached the rudder engaging component. Drift anchor may folded and attached to the rear end of the rudder engaging component (where arms  11   a ,  11   b  join one another). Drift anchor may then be deployed after rudder has been engaged or after propeller fouling element has been deployed, to increase drag and aid in slowing the moving vessel. 
         [0078]    Having described the invention with regard to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, as further modifications will now become apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as are within the scope of the appended claims.