Abstract
The invention relates to a system and method of sail propulsion for sailing vessels and tugboats, consisting of one or more rows of sails secured at their upper vertices or corners by means of the ends of masts, and cables or ropes located between the upper ends of the masts, or the ends of the radial arms of said masts, with masts provided in the bow and others in the stern. The sails are secured at their lower vertices or corners to rings fixed to the deck, to ropes or cables, the ends of which are attached to the deck, to small posts, to the lower region of the main masts, to the ends of radial arms fixed in the lower region of the masts, or to pulleys on which the cables are wound using motors. The rows of sails, aligned from bow to stern, include a mast at the end sails. Cables or ropes form the upper ends of the intermediate sails.
Claims
1.-29. (canceled)
30. A system for propulsion of a vessel having a length and a width, comprising: a plurality of sails having a vertice or upper edge and a base or lower edge, each sail supported at the vertices or upper edges by a first cable, said first cable extending between one or more masts, said masts extending from said vessel generally along the longitudinal axis of said vessel, the base of each sail extending across said vessel, a first portion of said base of each sail attached to a second cable, said second cable extending along a first edge of said vessel, a second portion of said base of each sail attached to a second edge of said vessel, said second cable movable along the length of said vessel, to move the first portions of said base of said sails forward toward the bow of said vessel or rearward toward the stern of said vessel.
31. The system according to claim 30, wherein said masts have radial arms, said radial arms for rotation about the vertical axis of said masts, a motor connected to said masts for rotating said arms and for simultaneously adjusting all the sails in the same manner.
32. The system according to claim 30, wherein the masts are tilted with an inclination towards the stern between 10 and 30 with respect to the vertical.
33. The system according to claim 30, wherein at least two or more sails are aligned from bow to stern, between at least two masts, one said mast at the bow and a second said mast at the stern of said vessel, and intermediate sails between said masts are supported by said first cable between said masts.
34. The system according to claim 30, wherein said sails are in approximate parallel planes.
35. The system according to claim 30, wherein the sails are triangular or rectangular.
36. The system according to claim 30, wherein the sails are trapezoid shape and the masts have their upper ends inclined towards the outside of said vessel.
37. The system according to claim 30, wherein the sails are triangle rectangular and are held from the masts supported on their upper vertex by a cable disposed longitudinally at points and the lower vertices of the sails are joined on one side, rectangular vertex, fixed to shackles on the vessel deck or to the lower ends of the masts, and on the other to the points of the cables arranged between the pulleys or between the ends of the radial arms driven by motors to adjust the inclination of the sails.
38. The system according to claim 30, wherein the masts are telescoping and are tilted or fully collapsed articulating them in their lower zone, with hydraulic rams or motors and gear reducers.
39. The system according to claim 30, wherein the surface of the sails is reduced by lowering their top vertex attached to a closed circuit cable and driven by an electric motor.
40. The system according to claim 30, wherein the sails are triangle rectangular and are held from the masts supported on their upper vertex by a cable disposed longitudinally at points, and the lower vertices of the sails are joined on one side, rectangular vertex, fixed to shackles on the vessel deck or to the lower ends of the masts, and on the other to the points of the cables arranged between the pulleys or between the ends of the radial arms driven by motors (16d) to adjust the inclination of the sails.
41. The system according to claim 30, wherein the sails carry rings at their apexes which slide around said first cable between masts and the second cable fixed to the ground at their ends by means of a shackle, and a motor is used, driving pulleys moving a cable in a closed circuit and thus the sails, being that of one end, attached to said circuit, the corners of the sails are connected to each other with the adjacent ones with cords so that once extended they maintain identical distances between them.
42. The system according to claim 30, wherein the sails are triangular and their lower vertices are connected to points of cables placed between pulleys on both sides of said vessel and driven with motors adjust the inclination of the sails.
43. The system according to claim 30, wherein the sails are triangular and the ends of both cables supporting their lower vertices are joined together by forming a closed circuit between four pulleys, driving said pulleys and tilting the sails with motors.
44. The system according to claim 30, wherein the sails are rectangular or of trapezoid shape and are attached to and secured to four ropes or cables, two upper and two lower, arranged along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel or tugboat and are supported between two pairs of masts or a mast with four radial arms in the trapezoid shape, each pair has a mast in the bow and another in the stern.
45. The system according to claim 30, wherein a microprocessor receives signals from the ship's course, the route to be followed, GPS, direction and intensity of wind and wave, control knobs, manual actuation of the sails and total or partial retraction of the sails, sending signals to the servo systems whose hydraulic rams or motors direct or retract the sails according to the applied data.
46. The system according to claim 30, further having a propeller system of paragliding kites supported by an upper helium chamber, for pulling the vessel, said paragliding kites held with cords and cables or cords directed with the resultant of the forces applied with the wind, the upper end carries a helium chamber and the assembly is wound on a roller-pulley with an electric motor.
47. The system according to claim 30, characterized by a multi-parachute propulsion system in series, which pulls the vessel or tugboat when inflated, traversed with a cable or rope by its axis of symmetry, to which are also attached cords, the upper end carries a helium chamber and the assembly is wound onto a roller-pulley driven by an electric motor.
48. The system according to claim 30, multiple vessels are hinged to each other, with multiple rectangular or trapezoid shaped sails supported by four cables on the multiple vessels, two upper ones attached to the ends of the masts and two lower ones attached to a pulley where they are rolled up or unrolled with motors.
49. A method of sail propulsion for sailing vessels and tugboats comprising: using one or more sails or rows of sails applied to a vessel and tugboats, having said sails attached to their vertices or upper edges by the ends of one or more masts and/or cables or ropes placed between the upper ends of masts or radial arms thereof, masts at the bow and others at the stern, said sails being held by their lower vertices or edges to rings fastened to the cover or to ropes or cables, whose ends are attached to the deck, to a few small posts, to the lower area of the main masts, to the ends of radial arms fixed in the lower area of the masts, or to pulleys and rolled with motors, and moving said sails from one position to another position to catch the wind and propel said vessel.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] FIG. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of a vessel with the sails of the system of the invention.
[0058] FIGS. 2, 3, 7 through 10, 15, 16 and 18 show schematic and perspective views of vessels with sails variants of the system of the invention.
[0059] FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 14 show schematic and in elevation views of variants of vessels with variants of the system of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of an actuator system of the cables by a servo motor.
[0061] FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a hollow mast portion and the sail actuation cables.
[0062] FIG. 13 shows a view of a system of actuation of the sails.
[0063] FIG. 19 shows a schematic and partial view of a sail collecting and spreading system.
[0064] FIG. 20 shows in elevation and slightly perspective view of a variant of the system of the invention.
[0065] FIGS. 17 and 21 show schematic and plan views of a vessel with a variant of the system of the invention.
[0066] FIG. 22 shows a block diagram of a possible mode of operation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0067] The invention, FIG. 7 shows the ship (1), with the triangular sails (4) supported from its upper apex (12) with the cable (11) arranged longitudinally along the ship and between the ends of the front masts (5f) and rear (5r) at the points (10a and 10b). The lower vertices of the sails are attached to the points (15d) of the cables (14d) placed between the pulleys (23d and 23f) on both sides and are driven by the motors (16d) which adjust the inclination of the sails. The ends of both cables (14d) are joined together by forming a closed circuit between four pulleys (23d and 23f), driving and tilting the sails with the motors (16d).
[0068] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the container ship (1), the rectangular sails (4g) supported and inclined with the cables (11g and 14g) on the pulleys (23f) and (23r) on the four rotating masts (5g) with the motors (6d). In FIG. 2 it adds the rows of side sails (4d) supported between the masts (5g) the radial arms (2g) and the cables (14d). It is valid for all types of ships.
[0069] FIG. 3 shows the vessel (1) with the rectangular triangular sails (4r) supported from its upper vertices (12) by the cable (11) arranged longitudinally along the vessel and on one side thereof, between the ends of the front (5t) and rear (5s) mast, at points (10r and 10s). The lower corners of the sails are fixedly attached to rings (7d) on the deck of the boat at right angles, and to the points (15d) of the cable (14d) arranged between the pulleys (23d and (23f) driven with the motors (16d) for tilting the sails.
[0070] FIG. 4 shows a vessel (1) with triangular sails (4) secured at its apex by the cable (11) arranged longitudinally along the vessel and between the ends of two masts, the front (5f) and the rear (5r), at the points (10a and 10b). The paragliding kite (31) pulling from the boat are attached with the strings (35), cables or ropes (34) directed with the resultant of the forces when they are inflated with the wind, the one of the upper end carries a helium chamber, and the assembly is wound onto a roller-pulley driven by the electric motor (16p). Paragliding kite are replaced by parachutes, traversed with the cable (34) by its axis of symmetry, to which the cords (35) are also attached. They are only used with the aft or aft side wind.
[0071] FIG. 5 shows the ship (1) of FIG. 4 with the triangular sails (4) supported from its upper apex (12) by the cable (11) arranged longitudinally along the ship and between the ends of two masts (5f), one front and one rear (5r) at the points (10a) and 10b). The large arrow shows the bow wind, the masts (5) and the intermediate vertical cables (5a). The sails are extended and supported from their lower vertices with ropes or cables (14) secured at their ends between the rings (13a) and (13b).
[0072] FIG. 6 shows the ship (1) of FIG. 4 with the triangular sails (4) supported from its upper apex (12) by the cable (11) disposed longitudinally along the ship and between the ends of the front mast (5f) and the rear (5r) at the points (10a and 10b). The large arrow shows the side wind. The sails are supported from their lower vertices with ropes or cables (14) located between the rings (13a and 13b) attached to the deck.
[0073] FIG. 8 shows the ship (1) with the rectangular sails 4p) supported from its upper vertices (12p) by means of the cables (11p) placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship and between the ends of the masts, some forward (5p), and the other rear (5n) at the points (10p and 10n) and the lower vertices of the sails are attached to the points (15) of the cables (14) arranged between the lower areas of the masts. The ends of both cables (14) can be joined by forming a closed circuit between four pulleys such as (23d and 23f), driving and tilting the sails with the motors (16d). The inclination of the sails allows to advance with lateral wind or sail bowling or tight with wind something more frontal.
[0074] FIG. 9 shows the oil tanker (1), with the trapezium sails (4z) supported from their upper vertices (12p) by means of the closed circuit cables (11p) placed between the ends of the masts inclined outwards, some forwards (5s) and other rear (5t) on pulleys at the points (10p and 10n) upper ends of the masts. The lower vertices of the sails are attached to the points (15) of the cables (14) arranged between the lower areas of the masts. The cables (14) form a closed circuit between four pulleys (23d and 23f) in the lower area of the masts, driving and tilting the sails with the motors (16d). The upper loop can be rotated by tilting or rotating the masts, the lower loop rotating the pulleys with the motor (16).
[0075] FIG. 10 shows the vessel (1), with the triangular sails (4t) supported from their upper vertices (12t) by the cable (11) placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship and between the ends of the rotating masts, the front (5g) and the rear (5n) at the points and the lower vertices of the sails are joined to the points (15t) of the cables (14t) disposed between the ends of the radial arms (19) carrying the masts (5g), in its low zone. The masts are rotated or tilted with the motors (16) with rpm reducers or gears (17) and controlled all by a microprocessor. They can be turned and tilted with hydraulic rams.
[0076] FIG. 11 shows the cables (6, 11 and 14) driven by a pulley (18) and the motor (16a) not shown in the figures, to not hinder their viewing. Their mission is to raise or lower the sails or to retract them by putting them together.
[0077] FIG. 12 shows a hollow mast (5) through which the cable or rope (22) circulates in a closed circuit between the pulleys (20 and 21), which has a point attached to the cable (11) so that when it is driven the motor (16b) raises or lowers the end of the cable (11) and therefore the sails.
[0078] FIG. 13 shows the sails (4) partially retracted by the rings (25) at their apexes which slide around the upper cable (11v) between the upper ends of the masts (5f and 5r) and the side cables (14v) fixed to the ground with the rings (7v). For its displacement, a motor 16v is used which drives the pulleys (18v) by moving the cable (22v) in a closed circuit and thus to the sails, since the sail of one end is attached to said circuit. The corners or vertices of the sails must be joined together with cords so that once extended they maintain identical distances between them.
[0079] FIG. 14 shows a towed vessel (1) with the cable or rope (30), the tug (1r) with the triangular sails (4) supported from its upper apex by the cable (11) arranged longitudinally along the ship and between the ends of two masts, one front (5f) and one rear (5r) at the points (10a and 10b). It adds a propulsion system for paragliding kites (31) which pull the boat and are supported by cables or cables (34) directed with the resultant of forces applied to the wind, the upper end carries a helium chamber or bag (33) and the assembly is wound onto a roller-pulley (32) driven by the electric motor (16p). These are only used with favorable winds. Paragliding kites are replaced with parachutes crossed with the cable (34) by its axis of symmetry, to which the cords (35) are also attached, they also carry the helium chamber or bag at its upper end. They are only used with the aft or stern wind. The large arrow shows the wind tilted aft.
[0080] FIG. 15 shows a towed vessel (1) with the cable (30), the tug (1r) with the triangular sails (4) supported from its top vertices (12) by the cable (11) arranged longitudinally of the ship and between the ends of the masts one front (5f) and one rear (5r) at the points (10a and 10b) and the lower vertices of the sails are attached to the points (15d) of the cables (14d) arranged between the pulleys (23d and 23f) on both sides and driven by the motors (16d), adjusting the inclination of the sails. The ends of the cables (14d) on both sides can be joined together forming a loop or closed circuit between four pulleys such as (23d and 23f), synchronously actuating and tilting the sails with the motors (16d). The tug must have a large surface and a low draft, since it does not have to carry cargo.
[0081] FIG. 16 shows a towed vessel (1), tugboat (1r) with rectangular sails (4p) supported from its top vertices (12p) by cables (11p) placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship and between the ends of masts, some front (5p) and other rear (5n) at the points (10p and 10n) and the lower vertices of the sails are attached to the points (15) of the cables (14) arranged between the lower areas of the masts. The ends of both cables (14d) can be joined by forming a closed circuit between four pulleys such as (23d and 23f), driving and tilting the sails with the motors (16d). The inclination of the sails allows to advance with lateral wind or sail of bowling or tight with wind something more frontal.
[0082] FIG. 17 shows a towed boat (1), the tugboat (1c) a catamaran with the rectangular sails (4p) supported from their vertices with the cables (11p) and (14p) placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship and between the ends of the masts (5p) placed near four corners of the catamaran. The cables (11p and 14p) are wound onto pulleys with motors not shown in the figure, adjusting the inclination of the sails.
[0083] FIG. 18 shows a towed vessel (1) with the cable (30), the tugboat (1r) with the triangular sails (4) supported from its top vertices (12) by the cable (11) arranged longitudinally along the ship and between the ends of the rotating masts (5g) at the points (10a) and (10b) and the lower vertices of the sails are attached to the points (15d) of the cables (14d) disposed between the ends of the radial arms (19). The masts can be rotated with hydraulic actuators or rams, or with electric motors.
[0084] FIG. 19 shows the sails (4) partially retracted by the rings (25) at their apexes which slide around the upper cable (11v) between the upper ends of the masts (5f) and (5r) and the side cables (14v) fixed to the ground with the rings (7v). For its displacement, a motor (16v) is used which drives the pulleys (18v) by moving the cable (22v) in a closed circuit and thus to the sails, since one end of the sail is attached to said circuit. The corners or vertices of the sails must be joined together with cords so that once extended they maintain identical distances between them.
[0085] FIG. 20 shows a tug system of large length formed by multiple catamarans (1c) and hinged to each other, hinged or with ball joints (37), with multiple rectangular sails (4p) between the four cables (11p) and (14p) the upper two attached to the ends of the masts (5p) and the two lower ones to pulleys where they are wound or unrolled with motors, not shown in the figure, in order to tilt the sails. Due to the great length and strength to resist it may be necessary to place other intermediate masts.
[0086] FIG. 21 shows a large tug system consisting of multiple catamarans (1c) and hinged to each other, hinged or with ball-and-socket (37), with multiple trapezium sails (4p) between the four cables (11p and 14p) fastened to the four radial arms (2f and 2r) of the rotating masts (5g). Hydraulic rams or motors, not shown in the figure, rotate or tilt the masts, in order to tilt the sails. Due to the great length and strength that must be resisted it may be necessary to place other intermediate masts.
[0087] FIG. 22 shows in the block diagram the ship's course signals, the route to follow, GPS, direction and intensity of the wind and waves, control knob and manual control of the sails, total or partial retraction of sails, etc. Which are applied to a microprocessor, or to the main processor, which sends the signals to the servo systems whose motors retract or direct the sails and rudder of the boat, tugboat or tugboats according to the applied data. The sails can be partially or totally retracted.
[0088] The sails can also be extended automatically with the action of the wind, or manually operated with a remote control, and taking into account the direction of the wind and the waves, this for small boats.
