US20130333608A1

US20130333608A1 - FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft

Info

Publication number: US20130333608A1
Application number: US13/969,842
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Charles Bertsch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-17
Filing date: 2013-08-19
Publication date: 2013-12-19

Abstract

A new configuration for the present invention provides a marine rescue craft completely spherically shaped. A marine rescue craft having an inner hull and an outer hull with both hulls of hemispherical shape. Universal bearings and/or roller bearings fastened to such inner hull wherein are pressed tightly against such outer hull permitting universal joint, coupling movement. Fastened by means to such inner hull a device consisting of a wheel or disk mounted so that it can spin rapidly about an axis that is itself free to alter in any direction. The orientation of the inner hulls axis is not affected by tilting of such outer hull thus providing a stabilized chamber for such rescued occupants within such inner hull.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation in part application that claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/275,125 filed on Oct. 17, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61,464 568 filed on Mar. 7, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a life boat, and more particularly to an innovative one which is designed into a spherically shaped marine rescue craft. The design of a marine craft conventionally employs a hull which is designed to ride in the water in only one orientation, that is to say with its keel or center portion of the hull lowermost, and with the sides of the hull projecting above the water. The crew, passengers, cargo, etc. are intended to be contained within the hull. In smaller craft the hull is simply open, and in larger craft a deck conventionally covers in the open upper portion of the hull. Structure within the interior of the hull is normally fixed to the hull. When the hull rolls, any structure attached within the hull will, of course, roll with it. The design of ships lifeboats and other rescue craft has followed these lines. As a result, passengers and crew attempting to leave a vessel in distress are required to climb into what is essentially an open boat, which is then lowered by ropes into rough water immediately alongside the rolling vessel, after which the ropes are cast off, and an attempt is made to propel the lifeboat either with oars or under power away from the side of the sinking vessel. It is well known that this is a most hazardous undertaking, and that it is almost never practiced in rough weather, and that in all probability more lives are lost attempting to leave a vessel than would be lost if they remained on board. Other forms of life-saving craft involve life rafts, and inflatable craft. Life rafts are generally speaking unsuitable since persons on them are totally exposed to the elements. In addition, in rough weather a life raft may tumble over and over, and it is almost impossible for a person to maintain his grasp in those circumstances. Inflatable rafts are provided having complex designs incorporating inflatable canopies and or hoods. These inflatable craft do not appear to be entirely satisfactory. Experience of persons attempting to use them in rough weather indicates that they too are easily overturned. In addition, the rough handling likely to be experienced during an escape from a sinking vessel in rough weather is likely to puncture the craft or damage the fabric of such inflatable craft rendering them useless. Lifeboats may be constructed with decks to enclose the hull but this is generally impractical. Such craft must be small enough to be carried on a larger' vessel, and launched from it. Hull design conventionally requires an outer skin, and an inner frame work of ribs, which support the outer skin. Where the hull is to be totally enclosed with a deck, the construction of the deck will have to follow the same general principle, that is to say, it will have to incorporate an outer skin, and ribs extending across its interior. This will severely restrict the space available in the interior of the hull, and the seating accommodation will be limited. Even when fully decked-in, such a lifeboat could be capsized in rough weather, and while it might continue to float, it would be unmanageable and endanger the occupants. It is urgently needed to develop a new marine rescue craft that can withstand rough weather situations at sea after escaping from an accident, while overcoming the problems found in the conventional lifeboats and or marine rescue crafts presently available.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a spherically shaped marine rescue craft having an inner hull and an outer hull suitable both for life-saving purposes and many other uses. The invention comprises an outer hull of completely spherical shape, and an inner load carrying structure of hemispherical shape, and universal bearing and/or wheeled roller type apparatus by means between such inner structure and such outer hull, supporting such inner structure within such outer hull, and permitting universal movement or universal joint, coupling of such inner structure relative to such outer hull, and mass means in said inner structure, biasing the same into a predetermined reference position regardless of movement of such outer hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having foregoing advantages incorporating one or more electrically powered devices consisting of a spinning mass fastened by means in such to inner structure within such inner hull, typically a disk or wheel, mounted on a base so that its axis can turn freely in one or more directions and thereby maintain its orientation regardless of any movement of the base, commonly referred to as gyroscope, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including one or more ballast water release holes each independently located with openings to such exterior of such marine rescue craft within such inner structure within outer hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having one or more hatchway by means for entrance through said top exterior of such outer hull into such inner structure of within such inner hull, and cover means for sealing such hatchway against the entrance of water.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more electrically powered pressure controlled apparatus by means, and closure means therefore, in such outer hull and relative to inner hull, whereby air pressure may be admitted and excluded. engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more oxygen storage tanks by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, for carrying a quantity of breathable oxygen, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including one or more electrically powered CO2 sensor control apparatus by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including one or more electrically powered rechargeable battery system apparatus by means in such said inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure of within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including one or more electrically powered auxiliary rechargeable battery apparatus by means in such said inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having foregoing advantages incorporating one or more folding swivel eye hooks fastened by means to such exterior structure of such outer hull, whereby a helicopter or sea vessel may retrieve the marine rescue craft for life-saving purposes or maintenance. engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including one or more portable fire-extinguisher by means in such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including an apparatus of one or more devices which absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having foregoing advantages incorporating one or more ballasts by means in such inner structure within such outer hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having foregoing advantages incorporating one or more electrically powered multi colored waterproof lights fastened by means to exterior structure of such outer hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more electrically powered pumps by means to exclude bilge water from such internal compartments located in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having foregoing advantages incorporating one or more safety seats and one or more assemblies for safely supporting one or more occupants by means in such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more safety belts with one or more buckles and one or more upper body belts with one or more buckles for securing one or more occupants by means in such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including one or more electrically ignited waterproof distress and or illumination flares independently located each within such inner structure within such outer hull by means having access to exterior of marine rescue craft, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more electrically powered GPS devices by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more rechargeable battery and or auxiliary power line connector by means permitting electrical power to enter to such exterior of such outer hull by means for recharging rechargeable batteries and or auxiliary batteries, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more electrically powered oxygen release devices by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more electrically powered heating apparatus by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more flexible air ducts by means, and closure means therefore, whereby oxygen may be admitted to such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including one or more storage cabinets by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including one or more electrically powered ballast Intake apparatus by means, and closure means therefore, in such outer hull, whereby water may be admitted or excluded from such outer hulls ballasts.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide such a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages including one or more access doors to provide maintenance by means from such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.
More particularly, the invention seeks to provide a marine rescue craft having the foregoing advantages, including a ladder attached by means to such exterior structure of such outer hull for boarding such marine rescue craft. The attachment means cooperates with the marine rescue craft such that the attachment means cannot be detached from the marine rescue craft.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a front cutaway view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 depicts a front view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 depicts a side—cutaway view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Embodiments of the present invention may be best understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings, which illustrate such embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a front—cutaway view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a front view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a side—cutaway view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention; The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components, steps, and the like. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a spherically shaped marine rescue craft having an inner hull and an outer hull suitable both for life-saving purposes and many other uses. The marine rescue craft includes an outer hull of completely spherical shape, and an inner load carrying structure of hemispherical shape, and universal bearing and/or wheeled roller type apparatus by means between such inner structure and such outer hull, supporting such inner structure within such outer hull, and permitting universal movement or universal joint, coupling of such inner structure relative to such outer hull, and mass means in said inner structure, biasing the same into a predetermined reference position regardless of movement of such outer hull.
The marine rescue craft can easily withstand rough weather situations at sea after escaping from an accident with greater safety and ease. The marine rescue craft is lightweight and provides a gyroscope for stabilizing the inner structure relative to such inner hull. The marine rescue craft can be used on Oil rigs, passenger ships, commercial fishing ships, cargo ships, oil tanker ships and/or any other sea vessel. Once deployed with one or more rescued occupants therein, the marine rescue craft can be easily hoisted from sea by a helicopter, sea vassal and/or other rescue transport.
The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims made herein. The referenced items are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such material by virtue of prior invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries, for example, Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., Springfield, Mass., 1993 and The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Houghton Mifflin, Boston Mass., 1981. References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.
As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only,” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.
As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.
As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.
However, 10 other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention. As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.
FIG. 1 depicts a front cutaway view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention; 100 with outer hull 131 of completely spherical shape; an inner load carrying structure 132 of hemispherical shape; 100 marine rescue craft 100 has in this embodiment one or more access ports or hatches 107 and 128 such ports 107 and 128 may be provided with a hatch cover which may be swingably mounted on such inner hull 132 and outer hull 131, and may be fastened by any suitable locking or fastening means or planting means of a type well known in the drawing (not shown). Such hatches will incorporate suitable sealing means to prevent entry of water. The outer hull 131 may also be provided with one or more folding swivel eye hooks 101 fastened by any suitable locking or fastening means or planting means of a type well known (not shown) by means to such exterior of such outer hull 131 whereby the entire structure may be lifted out of the water, or lowered into it, as desired. The outer hull exterior 131 may be provided with one or more folding swivel eye hooks 102 fastened by means to such exterior sides of such outer hull 131 by means of which the entire marine rescue craft 100 can be towed or lifted by one or more lines or cables, and so can be manipulated by a larger ship or smaller vessel. The outer hull 131 may also be provided with one or more electrically powered multi colored waterproof lights 103 including waterproof housing for enclosing a light source (not shown) fastened by means to such exterior structure of such outer hull 131, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull 132. The inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132 may be provided with one or more GPS (global positioning system) unit, 104 an inertial navigation unit, a compass, a tilt sensors, wind and current sensors, generating navigational output signals indicating the navigational parameters or vectors of the marine rescue craft 100 such as marine rescue craft 100 orientation and heading, marine rescue craft 100 axial and lateral speeds, marine rescue craft 100 axial and lateral accelerations to describe the location and motions of the marine rescue craft 100. The inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132 may be provided with one or more access doors 105 to provide maintenance by means from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within 137 such inner hull 132. In the embodiment shown, may also be provided with one or more underwater light 106 including waterproof housing for enclosing a light source (not shown) fastened by means to exterior structure of such outer hull 131, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132 may be provided with one or more floor access doors 108 space beneath the floor which is occupied by the oxygen storage tanks 106, rechargeable batteries 133, auxiliary batteries 134, gyroscope 118 and power line connectors 138. This being the lowermost point of the inner hull 132, it will be apparent that this mass will bias the inner hull so that it always adopts a reference position due to gravity regardless of rotational movement of the outer hull 131 relative to the inner hull 132. In the embodiment shown, may also be provided with one or more electrically powered heating apparatus 109 by means in such inner structure within such inner hull 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The outer hull 131 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more electrically powered ballast Intake apparatus 111 by means, and closure means therefore, in such outer hull 131, whereby water may be admitted or excluded from such outer hulls ballasts 110, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull. 132 The outer hull 131 may also be provided with one or more ballast water release holes 113 each independently located with openings to exterior of marine rescue craft 100 within such inner structure 137 of such outer hull 131, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull 132 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more flexible air ducts 114 by means, and closure means therefore, whereby oxygen or ventilation air either cool or heated may be admitted to such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The outer hull inner structure 131 is provided with, one or more electrically powered pumps 115 by means to exclude bilge water from internal compartments within such inner structure of such outer hull 131, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull. 132 The inner hull 132 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more oxygen storage tanks 116 by means in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, for carrying a quantity of breathable oxygen, engageable with and disengageable in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The outer hull inner structure 131 is provided with, one or more electrically powered pressure controlled apparatus 117 by means, and closure means therefore, in such outer hull 131 and relative to inner hull 132, whereby air pressure may be admitted and excluded, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull inner structure 132 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more gyroscopic devices 118 by means on said inner structure 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner hull, whereby such outer hull 131 may be rotated relative to such inner hull 132 along a predetermined axis of such inner structure for stabilizing movement of such inner hull 132. The outer hull 131 may also be provided with one or more electrically ignited waterproof distress and illumination flares 119 independently located each within the inner structure of such outer hull 131 by means having access to exterior of marine rescue craft 100, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull 132 is provided with, one or more safety belts with one or more buckles and one or more upper body belts with one or more buckles 120 for securing one or more occupants by means in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull 132 is provided with, one or more electrically powered pressure controlled apparatus 121 by means, and closure means therefore within such inner hull 132, whereby air pressure may be admitted and excluded, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull 132 is provided with, one or more electrically powered oxygen release devices 122 by means in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull. 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull 132. The inner hull inner structure 132 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more portable fire-extinguisher 123 by means in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull inner structure 132 is provided with, one or more electrically powered CO2 sensor control apparatus 124 by means in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull 132 is provided with, an apparatus of one or more devices which absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) 125 by means in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull 132. The inner hull 132 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more scrubber oxygen return units 126 by means, and closure means therefore, whereby scrubbed oxygen may be admitted to such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. between such inner structure 139 is provided with, one or more universal bearing or wheeled roller type apparatus 127 by means between such inner structure 132 and such outer hull 131 supporting such inner structure within such outer hull 131 and permitting universal movement of such inner structure relative to such outer hull 131, and, mass means in said inner structure, biasing' the same into a predetermined reference position regardless of movement of such outer hull 131. The inner hull 132 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more safety seats 129 and one or more assemblies (not shown) for safely supporting one or more occupants by means in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull 132 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more consoles with one or more storage compartments, 130 by means in such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and is engageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull inner structure 132 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more electrically powered rechargeable battery system apparatus 133 by means in such said inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and is disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner hull 132 is provided with, one or more electrically powered auxiliary rechargeable battery apparatus 134 by means in such said inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and is disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. In the embodiment shown, one or more flexible air ducts and or lines 135 by means, and closure means therefore, whereby oxygen may be admitted to such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and is disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132.
The inner hull 132 is provided with, one or more scrubbed oxygen flexible air ducts and or lines 136 by means, and closure means therefore, whereby oxygen that has been scrubbed may be admitted to such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132, engageable with and is disengageable from such inner structure 137 within such inner hull 132. The inner structure 137 of completely spherical shape within such inner hull 132 is provided with, in this embodiment, one or more floors with decks. The inner hull 132 is provided with, one or more rechargeable battery 133 and or auxiliary power battery 134 line connectors 138 by means permitting electrical power to enter to such exterior of outer hull by means for recharging rechargeable batteries 133 and auxiliary batteries 134, engageable with and is disengageable from such inner structure 137 within inner hu11.132
In the embodiment shown such marine rescue craft is provided with one or more universal bearing or wheeled roller type apparatus 127 by means between 139 such inner structure 137 and such outer hull 131 supporting such inner structure 137 within such outer hull 131 and permitting universal movement of such inner structure 137 relative to such outer hull 131, and, mass means in said inner structure, biasing' the same into a predetermined reference position regardless of movement of such outer hull 131. In the embodiment shown, a ladder 140 attached to exterior structure of outer hull 131 for boarding such marine rescue craft. 100 The attachment means cooperates with the marine rescue craft 100 such that the attachment means cannot be detached from the marine rescue craft 100.
FIG. 2 depicts a front view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention; 200 with exterior outer hull 231 of completely spherical shape; 200 marine rescue craft 200 has in this embodiment one or more folding swivel eye hooks 201 fastened by any suitable locking or fastening means or planting means of a type well known (not shown) by means to such exterior of such outer hull 231 whereby the entire structure may be lifted out of the water, or lowered into it, as desired. In the embodiment shown, may also be provided with one or more folding swivel eye hooks 202 fastened by means to such exterior sides of such outer hull 231 by means of which the entire marine rescue craft 200 can be towed or lifted by one or more lines or cables, and so can be manipulated by a larger ship or smaller vessel. The outer hull 231 may also be provided with one or more electrically powered multi colored waterproof lights 203 including waterproof housing for enclosing a light source (not shown) fastened by means to such upper exterior structure of such outer hull 231, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull (not shown). In the embodiment shown, may also be provided with one or more underwater light 206 including waterproof housing for enclosing a light source (not shown) fastened by means to lower exterior structure of such outer hull 231, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure (not shown) within such inner hull (not shown). In the embodiment shown, may also be provided with one or more electrically ignited waterproof distress and illumination flares 219 independently located each within the inner structure within such outer hull (not shown) by means having access to exterior of marine rescue craft 200, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull. In this embodiment one or more ballast water release holes 238 each independently located with openings to exterior of marine rescue craft 200 within such inner structure within outer hull (not shown), engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull. Marine rescue craft 200 has in this embodiment the exterior of such outer hull 231 of complete spherical shape and may be substantially completely smooth. The outer hull 231 may also be provided with one or more electrically powered multi colored waterproof lights 203 including waterproof housing for enclosing a light source (not shown) fastened by means to such exterior structure of such outer hull 231, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull (not shown). In the embodiment shown, a ladder 240 attached to exterior structure of outer hull 231 for boarding such marine rescue craft 200. The attachment means cooperates with the marine rescue craft 200 such that the attachment means cannot be detached from the marine rescue craft 200.
FIG. 3 depicts a side—cutaway view drawing illustrating an exemplary of the FH2 1 Ocean Rescue Craft according to the present invention; 300 with outer hull 331 of completely spherical shape; an inner load carrying structure 332 of hemispherical shape; 300 marine rescue craft 300 has in this embodiment one or more access ports or hatches 307 and 328 such ports 307 and 328 may be provided with a hatch cover which may be swingably mounted on such inner hull 332 and outer hull 331, and may be fastened by any suitable locking or fastening means or planting means of a type well known in the drawing (not shown).
Such hatches will incorporate suitable sealing means to prevent entry of water. The outer hull 331 may also be provided with one or more folding swivel eye hooks 301 fastened by any suitable locking or fastening means or planting means of a type well known (not shown) by means to such exterior of such outer hull 331 whereby the entire structure may be lifted out of the water, or lowered into it, as desired. The outer hull 331 may also be provided with one or more electrically powered multi colored waterproof lights 303 including waterproof housing for enclosing a light source (not shown) fastened by means to such upper exterior structure of such outer hull 331, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull 332. The inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332 may be provided with one or more GPS (global positioning system) unit, 304 an inertial navigation unit, a compass, a tilt sensors, wind and current sensors, generating navigational output signals indicating the navigational parameters or vectors of the marine rescue craft 300 such as marine rescue craft 300 orientation and heading, marine rescue craft 300 axial and lateral speeds, marine rescue craft 300 axial and lateral accelerations to describe the location and motions of the marine rescue craft 300. The inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332 may be provided with one or more access doors 305 to provide maintenance by means from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within 337 such inner hull 332. In the embodiment shown, may also be provided with one or more underwater light 306 including waterproof housing for enclosing a light source (not shown) fastened by means to exterior structure of such outer hull 331, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332 may be provided with one or more floor access doors 308 space beneath the floor which is occupied by the oxygen storage tanks 306, rechargeable batteries 333, auxiliary batteries 334, gyroscope 318 and power line connectors 338. This being the lowermost point of the inner hull 332, it will be apparent that this mass will bias the inner hull so that it always adopts a reference position due to gravity regardless of rotational movement of the outer hull 331 relative to the inner hull 332. The outer hull 331 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more electrically powered ballast Intake apparatus 311 by means, and closure means therefore, in such outer hull 331, whereby water may be admitted or excluded from such outer hulls ballasts 310. engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The outer hull 331 may also be provided with one or more ballast water release holes 313 each independently located with openings to exterior of marine rescue craft 300 within such inner structure 337 of such outer hull 331, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner hull 332 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more flexible air ducts 314 by means, and closure means therefore, whereby oxygen or ventilation air either cool or heated may be admitted to such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The outer hull inner structure 331 is provided with, one or more electrically powered pumps 315 by means to exclude bilge water from internal compartments within such inner structure of such outer hull 331, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner hull 332 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more oxygen storage tanks 316 by means in such inner structure 337 within such inner hull, 332 for carrying a quantity of breathable oxygen, engageable with and disengageable in such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The outer hull inner structure 331 is provided with, one or more electrically powered pressure controlled apparatus 317 by means, and closure means therefore, in such outer hull 331 and relative to inner hull 332, whereby air pressure may be admitted and excluded, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner hull inner structure 332 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more gyroscopic devices 318 by means on said inner structure 332, engageable with and disengageable from such inner hull, whereby such outer hull 331 may be rotated relative to such inner hull 332 along a predetermined axis of such inner structure for stabilizing movement of such inner hull 332. The outer hull 331 may also be provided with one or more electrically ignited waterproof distress and illumination flares 319 independently located each within the inner structure of such outer hull 331 by means having access to exterior of marine rescue craft 300, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner hull 332 is provided with, one or more safety belts with one or more buckles and one or more upper body belts with one or more buckles 320 for securing one or more occupants by means in such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner hull 332 is provided with, one or more electrically powered pressure controlled apparatus 321 by means, and closure means therefore within such inner hull 332, whereby air pressure may be admitted and excluded, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner hull 332 is provided with, one or more electrically powered oxygen release devices 322 by means in such inner structure 337 within such inner hull. 332, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull 332. The inner hull inner structure 332 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more portable fire-extinguisher 323 by means in such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner hull 332 is provided with, an apparatus of one or more devices which absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) 325 by means in such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull 332. Between such inner structure 339 is provided with, one or more universal bearing or wheeled roller type apparatus 327 by means between such inner structure 332 and such outer hull 331 supporting such inner structure within such outer hull 331 and permitting universal movement of such inner structure relative to such outer hull 331, and, mass means in said inner structure, biasing' the same into a predetermined reference position regardless of movement of such outer hull 331. The inner hull 332 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more safety seats 329 and one or more assemblies (not shown) for safely supporting one or more occupants by means in such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner hull 332 is provided with, in this embodiment one or more consoles with one or more storage compartments 330, by means in such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332, engageable with and is engageable from such inner structure 337 within such inner hull 332. The inner structure 337 of completely spherical shape within such inner hull 332 is provided with, in this embodiment, one or more floors with decks. The inner hull 332 is provided with, one or more rechargeable battery 333 and or auxiliary power battery 334 line connectors 338 by means permitting electrical power to enter to such exterior of outer hull by means for recharging rechargeable batteries 333 and auxiliary batteries 334, engageable with and is disengageable from such inner structure 337 within inner hull 332. In the embodiment shown such marine rescue craft is provided with one or more universal bearing or wheeled roller type apparatus 327 by means between 339 such inner structure 337 and such outer hull 331 supporting such inner structure 337 within such outer hull 331 and permitting universal movement of such inner structure 337 relative to such outer hull 331, and, mass means in said inner structure, biasing' the same into a predetermined reference position regardless of movement of such outer hull 331. In the embodiment shown, a ladder 340 attached to exterior structure of outer hull 331 for boarding such marine rescue craft 300. The attachment means cooperates with the marine rescue craft 300 such that the attachment means cannot be detached from the marine rescue craft 300.
Similarly, except as explicitly required by claim language, a single substance or component may meet more than a single functional requirement, provided that the single substance fulfills the more than one functional requirement as specified by claim language.
All patents, patent applications, publications, scientific articles, web sites, and other documents and materials referenced or mentioned herein are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and each such referenced document and material is hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had been incorporated by reference in its entirety individually or set forth herein in its entirety. Additionally, all claims in this application, and all priority applications, including but not limited to original claims, are hereby incorporated in their entirety into, and form a part of, the written description of the invention.
Applicant reserves the right to physically incorporate into this specification any and all materials and information from any such patents, applications, publications, scientific articles, web sites, electronically available information, and other referenced materials or documents. Applicant reserves the right to physically incorporate into any part of this document, including any part of the written description, the claims referred to above including but not limited to any original claims.

Claims

1. A marine rescue craft comprising; an outer hull of completely spherical shape; an inner load carrying structure of hemispherical shape; universal bearing and/or wheeled roller type apparatus means between such inner structure and such outer hull supporting such inner structure within such outer hull and permitting universal movement of such inner structure relative to such outer hull, and, mass means in said inner structure, biasing' the same into a predetermined reference position regardless of movement of such outer hull.

2. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising a gyroscope by means in such inner structure, engageable with and disengageable from such inner hull, whereby such outer hull may be rotated relative to such inner hull along a predetermined axis of such inner structure for stabilizing such movement of such inner hull.

3. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising hatchway by means for entrance through said top exterior of such outer hull into such inner structure within such inner hull, and cover means for sealing such hatchway against the entrance of water.

4. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrically powered pressure controlled apparatus by means, and closure means therefore, in such outer hull and relative to inner hull, whereby air pressure may be admitted and or excluded and cover means for sealing such against the entrance of water, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

5. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more oxygen storage tanks by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, for carrying a quantity of breathable oxygen, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

6. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more said universal bearing means comprises a plurality of ball bearing and/or wheeled roller type apparatus, and space means therefore.

7. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more said universal bearing and/or wheeled roller type apparatus means comprises a fluid medium captive between said inner and outer hulls.

8. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising wherein said fluid medium is a liquid.

9. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrically powered CO2 sensor control apparatus by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

10. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrically powered rechargeable battery apparatus with assembly by means in such said inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

11. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrically powered auxiliary rechargeable battery apparatus by means in such said inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

12. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more folding swivel eye hooks fastened by means to such exterior structure of such outer hull, whereby a helicopter or sea vessel may retrieve the marine craft for life-saving purposes and/or maintenance, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

13. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising an apparatus of one or more devices which absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) by means in such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

14. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more ballasts by means in such inner structure within such outer hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

15. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrically powered multi colored waterproof lights with assembly fastened by means to such exterior structure of such outer hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

16. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrically powered pumps by means to exclude bilge water from such internal compartments within such inner structure of such outer hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

17. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more safety belts with one or more buckles and/or one or more upper body belts with one or more buckles for securing one or more occupants by means in such inner structure within such inner hull.

18. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more flexible air ducts by means, and closure means therefore, whereby oxygen may be admitted to such inner structure within such inner hull, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

19. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising one or more folding swivel eye hooks with assembly fastened by means to such exterior sides of such outer hull by means of which the entire marine rescue craft can be towed or lifted by one or more lines or cables, and so can be manipulated by a larger ship or smaller vessel, engageable with and disengageable from such inner structure within such inner hull.

20. The marine rescue craft of claim 1, further comprising a ladder attached to exterior structure of such outer hull for boarding such marine rescue craft. The attachment means cooperates with the marine rescue craft such that the attachment means cannot be detached from the marine rescue craft.