Abstract:
A marine port monitoring system including a plurality of inspection apparatus, either fixed, mobile, wired or wireless for intercepting data on and of vessels entering or leaving a port or canal. The system includes sensors placed in a shipping channel for examination of a hull of a passing vessel to detect externally mounted weapons, explosives or contraband and, the recording of the vessels acoustical signature for purpose of identification and mechanical validation and verification. The inspection apparatus includes devices for the removing of cargo containers from vessels, non-intrusive inspection of containers and isolating containers having suspect cargo. The apparatus includes explosive containment including a separable containment system for protecting the apparatus. The system includes a remote buoy reporting the arrival and departures of vessels at a predetermined distance from said apparatus for maritime domain awareness and protection of said apparatus.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to homeland security and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for protecting marine ports from clandestine attacks utilizing weapons hidden on incoming maritime vessels. 
         [0002]    It is recognized that terrorist activities could be directed to marine ports for the purposes of disabling marine transportation of goods. In order to provide such protection, there needs to be provided some structure that has the assets to conduct surveillance, be capable of defending itself and be able to escort military and commercial vessels into an associated port. The present invention is directed to a structure that provides these capabilities. 
         [0003]    The present invention contemplates one or more structures that would be placed just outside an entrance to a port or other marine access route for the purposes of monitoring and inspecting incoming and outgoing traffic. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, a pair of structures could be located on opposite sides of a shipping channel entering into the port or other waterway with sensors positioned laterally across the waterway so that the sensors could monitor traffic passing in the waterway from each of the structures. The sensors could include video and electromagnetic sensors positioned for the purposes of examining the hulls of vessels passing between the structures so as to be able to detect externally mounted devices that may be used to damage the port or waterway to prevent its use. Each structure would also include sufficient crews and equipment to enable rapid inspection of any suspect vessels and sufficient weaponry to assure compliance with any orders to stop such vessels. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  illustrates one exemplary form of a structure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a pontoon ballast system used in the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is one embodiment of an arrangement of a pair of the structures of  FIG. 1  used to guard a shipping channel; 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the buoyancy system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  illustrates a configuration of connecting tanks for the buoyancy tanks of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  illustrates a variable height floor arrangement for the buoyancy tanks of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  illustrates one form of cabling connection system supporting the columns and support mechanism for the buoyancy system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11  illustrate various different layout configurations for the decks of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 12A-12F  illustrate the anchors and associated augers for maintaining the structure of  FIG. 1  in a fixed location; 
           [0013]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view and  FIG. 13A  is an elevation view of one embodiment of the top level of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 14  illustrates a joining process for deck sections for the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 15  illustrates formation of the deck sections of  FIG. 14  in equal 90 degree segments; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate detailed views of the center column supporting the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 17  is an expanded view of the center column of  FIG. 16A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 18  illustrates one form of attachment of columns to cross-sections for the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 19  illustrates another form of attachment of a column support base to the ballast system of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 20  shows one illustration of a maritime crane added to the top deck of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 21  illustrates a mobile embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 22  is a side view of the structure of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 23  is an end view of the structure of  FIG. 21 ; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 24  illustrates the innovative grapplers utilized to connect the structure of  FIG. 21  to a container vessel. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown one example of an embodiment of a structure that may be used to implement the functions described above. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the structure has some similarity to a conventional offshore well drilling platform in that there is a significant underwater component used as a ballast and a multi-level structural portion above the water surface. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the structure is held in position by two or more anchors  12  which are anchored to the sea bed indicated generally at  14  by means of power driven augers  16 . The anchors  12  serve to hold the structure indicated generally at  10  in position to prevent drifting away from a desired anchor point. The structure  10  includes a pontoon ballast system  18 . The pontoon ballast system  18  is coupled to the anchors  12  by means of cable anchors and current damping systems  20 . Each of the damping systems  20  includes a damping function for compensating for ocean currents and swells that tend to cause motion or movement of the structure  10 . 
         [0026]    The upper part of the structure  10  is supported on the ballast system  18  by means of a plurality of columns  22 . In an exemplary embodiment, the columns  22  are arranged at four corners of a rectangle with a center column at the midpoint so that there is a total of five vertical columns. However, the center column may not extend fully through all levels of the structure in order to provide, as will be seen in later cross-sectional views, more open space with the various levels As shown in  FIG. 1 , the columns  22  extend at least from the ballast system  18  up to a primary level  24 . The level  24  is fixed to the columns  22  and therefore maintains a fixed distance between that level and ballast system  18 . Below primary level  24  is a floating level  26  whose vertical position with respect to ballast system  18  can be adjusted so as to maintain level  26  at about the nominal height of the ocean&#39;s swells indicated by  28 . This adjustable height level  26  would typically be used as a storage area and a floating landing dock for unloading supplies for the structure. By having the level  26  adjustable, any marine vessel such as personal watercraft or pontoon-type boats could be allowed at the dock at the level and be brought onto the level for storage without the necessity of having onboard davits for raising the craft out of the water. Additionally, there may be provided a small boat ramp  30  to facilitate the movement of the smaller marine craft onto the level  26 . 
         [0027]    Above the primary level  24  there are three additional levels shown in this exemplary embodiment. The additional levels include levels  32 ,  34  and  36 . The top most level  36  may provide a landing surface for helicopters and a support surface for weaponry to be mounted on the structure. A guardrail  38  extends around the level  36 . Each of the levels  24 ,  26 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  are accessible by means of external ladders  40  and some internal ladders  42 . Lower level ladders  42  attached to deck  26  also provide access from the sea onto the lower deck  26  for persons entering from the water or smaller marine vessels that may be docking at the level  26 . 
         [0028]    The levels  24 ,  32  and  34  each include closed cabin structures formed into facilities for an onboard crew and for housing the main electronic equipment utilized for monitoring of vessels entering into an adjacent harbor or marine passageway. As illustrated in the view of  FIG. 1 , each of these sections are typical structural cabins  46 ,  48  and  50  each having large viewing windows  52  to enable observation of vessels passing near the structure. Each of the decks  24 ,  26 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  are structured with the guardrails  38  to minimize the likelihood of persons falling off the deck. In addition, various storage compartments are located below the primary deck  24  as indicated by utilities compartments  54 . In addition, a retractable floating boat dock and ramp may be attached underside of deck  24  so that it is deployable to assist in loading supplies or personnel onto the structure  10 . Still further, it is contemplated that additional storage space may be located within the pontoon ballast system  18  as will be described hereinafter. 
         [0029]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a top plan view of the pontoon ballast system  18 . The ballast system comprises a pair of tanks  60  coupled together by a plurality of cross connection tanks  62 . The columns  22  are shown mounted onto the tanks  60  and  62 . Water storage tanks  64  and  66  may be mounted within the outer pontoon tanks  60 . In one form, the water storage tank  64  may be designed for fresh water storage simply for buoyancy. 
         [0030]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown one conception of a pair of the structures  10  utilized to guard a shipping channel. As is shown, the structures are placed on opposite sides of a channel  70  so that when a vessel such as vessel  72  passes into the channel, the vessel can be monitored from the structures and from underneath using hull detection including video recording and lighting system  73 . The hull detection may comprise communication devices placed on the bottom of the channel and connected to each of the structures  10  for receiving data showing the hidden portions of the hull of the vessel  72 . The video recording devices may comprise commercially available devices including low light level video sensors or cameras. Each of the structures  10  includes other surveillance systems including radar as indicted by antennas  74  mounted on the structures. The structures preferably also include satellite communication equipment and may include weaponry such as indicated by block  78 . 
         [0031]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of the buoyancy system  18  taken transverse to the view of  FIG. 1 . As shown in this figure, the buoyancy tank  60  is essentially circular in cross-sectional configuration. As will be seen in  FIG. 5 , the connecting tanks  62  may also have a circular configuration. Each of the connecting tanks  62  are fitted with watertight doors at each end that allow access into the buoyancy tanks  60 . Each of the tanks  60  and  62  have access doors that allow access into the tanks.  FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 5  but also illustrates the variable height floor  26  and a portion of the adjusting cable connections which allow vertical movement of the floor  26  with respect to the buoyancy system  18 . Considering  FIG. 6  in conjunction with  FIG. 7 , it can be seen that the floor cabling connecting system indicated at  80  comprises tension wires extending from the base of each of the outer columns  22  to a support mechanism on center column  22 . It should be noted that the deck  26  as well as all other decks of the system are preferably constructed in a circular configuration rather than rectangular. The deck  26  has openings for passing  27  each of the columns  22  so that the deck can be moved vertically with respect to the columns. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11  illustrate various layout configurations for decks such as decks  24 ,  32  and  34  of the structure  10 .  FIG. 8  illustrates one example of a living area that could be used for a crew stationed on the structure  10 . The living area could include a table and chairs indicated generally at  81 , a restroom indicated at  82 , a cooking area indicated at  84 , and elevated sleeping areas indicated at  86 .  FIG. 9  indicates an arrangement that may be used for sleeping quarters indicated generally at  88  and with associated bathrooms indicated at  90 .  FIG. 10  illustrates an alternative arrangement for sleeping areas in which the area is defined by a large circular cabin divided up into four quadrants, each quadrant being substantially identical and including a sleeping area and restroom facilities.  FIG. 11  shows one form of work area in which the various consoles providing displays and indicators for external surveillance are positioned in a pair of arcs about the walls of the circular cabin with the crew&#39;s chairs positioned to face the various consoles. The work area may also include a restroom indicated at  92 . 
         [0033]    Turning now to  FIGS. 12A-12F , there are shown each of the individual anchors  12  with their associated augers  16 . Referring particularly to  FIG. 12A , it may be seen that the anchors are substantially rectangular in shape with four augers extending from opposite sides of each anchor. On top of the anchor there is provided an auger motor and worm gear assembly  93  that is coupled to each of the anchors  16  to enable the anchors to be rotated so as to be drives into the underlying bottom material of the port or channel.  FIG. 12E  illustrates the initial position of the anchor  12  with the augers and their raised or pre-anchoring positions. In  FIG. 12F , the anchors have been driven downward so as to fully anchor the anchor  12  to the underlying surface of the port or channel. Various motors and gear drive arrangements are available to concurrently drive multiple devices such as this and the particular arrangement of such devices is not considered to be within the scope of the present invention. What is unique to the present invention is the general concept of utilizing a device such as  12 , which can be anchored by remotely actuating an auger motor and worm gear assembly to drive the associated auger  16  downward to thereby firmly anchor the device  12  to an underlying substance. 
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view and  FIG. 13A  is an elevation view of one embodiment of the top level  36  of the structure  10 . In this embodiment, the level  36  includes a helicopter pad  94 , a watertight radar or satellite locker  96  and a water tank communications locker  98 . As described previously, level  26  may also include a mounting platform for appropriate weaponry to be maintained on the structure  10  such as the phalanx weapon system.  FIG. 13A  merely shows that the watertight cabinets extend upward above a surface of the level  36 . 
         [0035]    Considering now  FIGS. 14 and 15 , one of the concepts of the present invention is to create each of the decks  26 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  in pie-shaped sections. Each of the pie-shaped sections could be lifted and fitted together in order to create a completely round, circular deck. The advantage of this structure is that individual quadrants can be constructed on shore and then lifted into place so as to build the structure in situ. Accordingly, the initial structure  10  is built in a framework having an X-shaped configuration extending from the outer columns through the center column. The individual floors forming each of the quadrants can be fitted into the pie-shaped areas defined between the cross pieces  95  of the frame  97 .  FIG. 14  illustrates one form of joining the edges of the floors and also provides a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a floor structure. In this form as shown in  FIG. 14 , the floors include a stainless steel plate on upper and lower surfaces indicated at  100  with the space between the plates filled with an epoxy modified concrete. The concrete filler includes reinforcing bars also preferably of stainless steel indicated at  102 . The edges of the pie-shaped segments can be joined together using an overlapping joint as is illustrated in  FIG. 14  with the epoxy modified internal portions of the deck being connected together by pliable waterproof epoxy indicated at  104 . Thereafter, the steel splice plates  105  can be welded in place along the overlapping joint to provide the additional support needed for the decks. 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIGS. 16A and 16B , there is shown a more detailed view of the center column  22 . In  FIG. 16A , it can be seen that the center column  22  has a reinforced concrete center  110  to which is attached a circular stainless steel flange plate at each of the decks to provide connection between the column and the decks. Each of the columns  22  are constructed in the same fashion with the flanges on  12  attached to the columns by means of stainless steel pins  114  positioned in corresponding holes in a collar  116  forming part of the flange  112 . For the lower deck  26 , there is provided a tensioning spool and cable indicated generally at  118 . As can be seen, in the particular embodiment, the collar  116  is tensioned using the tensioning spools and cables which are attached from the collar  116  to each of the outer posts  22 .  FIG. 17  illustrates a somewhat larger view of the center column  22  showing the connection of the cross beams for support of the various decks. The cross beams  120  are preferably ten inch I-beams including weight reduction holes  122 . The I-beams are attached to the collar and flange  116 ,  112  to form the basic support for each of the decks.  FIG. 18  is a slightly different view of the structure of  FIG. 17 , showing the column anchor holes for attaching collar  116  of flange  112  to the outer columns  22 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 19  illustrates one form of attachment of the column support base  124  to the ballast system  18 . In essence, the attachment utilizes a structure similar to the flange and collar arrangements for attaching the decks to the column but in an inverted configuration. At the base, the collar faces upward while the flange  126  faces downward so that the flange can be attached to each of the buoyancy tanks  60  by either welding or bolting. Tensioning cables  128  are then used to create tension between the outer base of the columns  22  and the center column  22 . The tensioning maintains the alignment between the base of the column and the center of the structure. 
         [0038]      FIG. 20  shows one additional feature that may be added to the top deck  36  of the structure. In this embodiment, the deck is provided with a track indicated at  130  on which rides a conventional maritime crane or davit  132 . The use of this structure allows for objects to be loaded from the water level at deck  26  and brought, up to the top deck  36 . 
         [0039]    Many of the functions described above as being performed by a stationary structure located adjacent a shipping channel could also be performed by a mobile structure. Referring now to  FIG. 21 , there is shown one proposed design for a mobile structure that could be used to achieve the desired results of vessel inspection and analysis for detecting undesirable cargo. The structure of  FIG. 21  is designed as a tri-hull vessel which could be in the area of 220 feet in length by 100 feet wide and 65 feet high. Vessel  140  of  FIG. 21  utilizes three pontoons  142  which support three separate vertical walls  144 ,  146  and  148  which lead to a pair of upper decks  150 ,  152 . The pontoons  142  are connected by a sea level deck  154 . The deck  154  has the capability to be awash and provides easy access for boarding of the vessel  140 . 
         [0040]    The intermediate deck  150  may be a container operations deck and support container transport rails with appropriately positioned turn tables and isolation cart transport systems for container movement on board. The containers, indicated at  154  on the upper deck  152 , move through an onboard linear accelerator with back scatter capabilities so that they can be x-rayed in all dimensions. 
         [0041]    The upper deck  152  operates as a main deck to support control towers and a retractable container cargo crane system. The control towers are indicated at  156  and the crane system is indicated at  158 . The control towers  156  may be mirrored so as to allow control of the vessel from either a port or starboard location. In addition, there may be provided a helicopter flight deck between tire control towers at  160 . 
         [0042]    The port and starboard pontoons  142  are each provided with a pair of propulsion motors  162  to enable movement of the vessel. The engine pods  162  may each be on swivels to allow the vessel to be easily maneuvered in order to approach a suspect vessel in a shipping channel. The vessel  140  is capable of removing suspect containers from a container ship at a location removed from a marine port in order to assure safety measures for the port. In one form, the vessel  140  includes grapplers that are pneumatically operated to attach the vessel  140  to any container ship. 
         [0043]      FIG. 22  is a side elevation view of the vessel  140  of  FIG. 21 . The various features described with regard to  FIG. 21  are shown in profile in  FIG. 22 . The blast containment dome  164  at the rear of the vessel  140  is clearly visible in  FIG. 22 . The dome  164  is designed to be sufficiently large to accommodate a conventional cargo container so that a suspect container can be placed within the dome to contain any blast that might be generated by conventional explosives. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 23 , there is shown an elevation view of vessel  140 . Of significance in  FIG. 23  are the grapplers  166  located on each side of the vessel. Each of theses grapplers are designed to be pneumatically actuated so as to be capable of attaching to a container ship.  FIG. 24  illustrates one design of the grapplers  166 . As shown, each of the grapplers terminates in a pair of large cup-shaped fittings having openings for pneumatic or vacuum attachment of the cup-shape fittings  168  to a container vessel. The vacuum is created at the suction ends  168  by an on board pneumatic pump drawing air through each of the tubular conduits  170 . 
         [0045]    In the event that an explosive is identified in any cargo containers, the container can be moved into the blast containment dome  164 . Referring to  FIG. 22 , one design of the vessel  140  is to provide a vessel separation section  172  which separates at about the line  174  from the main vessel and thereby protect the main vessel so that the blast containment dome can be pushed aft of the main vessel and thereby protect the main vessel from damage if the containment dome  164  fails. In one form, it is anticipated that the containment dome could be moved up to 125 feet from the primary vessel and thereby protect the primary vessel  140  from damage upon failure of the dome  164 . Alternatively, the containment dome  164  can be arranged to not only be pushed aft of the vessel  140  but also be provided with means for submerging or sinking the separated section to further restrain explosive damage. Sinking may be achieved by using valves and/or shaped charges to admit water into the containment dome and the separate section. 
         [0046]    It will be recognized that all of the features described previously for use on the fixed structure of  FIG. 1  can be incorporated into the movable structure of  FIG. 21 . Further, while it is contemplated that either the structure of  FIG. 1  or the structure of  FIG. 21  would actually comprise manned structures, it is possible to provide remote control of either structure and thereby eliminate the risk to personnel on the structures in the event that an explosive is placed on a cargo container. 
         [0047]    While the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment, various modifications and improvements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is therefore intended that the invention not be limited to this specific disclosed embodiment but be interpreted within tire scope of the underlying concept.