US3067712A - Floating tank - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 11, 1962 E. H. DOERPINGHAUS 3,067,712

FLOATING TANK 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 18, 1957 IN VEN TOR.

Dec. 11, 1962 E. H. DOERPINGHAUS 3,06

FLOATING TANK Filed Sept. 18, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Dec. 11, 1962 E. H. DOERPINGHAUS 3,067,712

' FLOATING TANK Filed Sept. 18, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 I: INVENTOR. Q0 Q2 Aha/107N44 M Afr-W 7 Dec. 11, 1962 E. H. DOERPINGHAUS 3,067,712

FLOATING TANK 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 18, 1957 INVENTOR. D7NJM7AM h/z/wwl 1. 5

Dec; 11, 1962 E. H. DOERPINGHAUS 3,067,712

FLOATING max Filed Sept. 18, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 5 4 INVENTOR.

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The present invention relates to a floating tank for transporting liquid on water ways, and more particularly to a floating tank for transporting oil which is towed by a tugboat.

Transport of oil and other liquids, on Waterways, is generally carried out by tankers. it is known to connect several tankers by cables and to pull a train of tankers by tugboat. While the known tankers are loaded and unloaded, almost the entire machinery is unused, and consequently the operation is uneconomical. Another disadvantage of tankers resides in that almost the same machine power is needed for towing empty and filled tankers, since the empty tankers have to be filled with ballast. Water is used as ballast which requires again additional pumps and devices for cleaning the tanks be fore oil is filled into the same.

it is the object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of known arrangements for transporting liquids on waterways, and to provide a floating tank for transporting liquids in economical manner.

Another object of the present invention isto provide a floating tank which can be towed by a tugboat, and can be collapsed when not in use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a floating tank which is light and flexible, but nevertheless seaworthy.

With these objects, and other objects which will appear as the description of the invention proceeds, the present invention mainly consists in a floating tank for transporting liquid on waterways and which is towed by a tugboat. The floating tank according to the present invention mainly comprises container means including a plurality of closed container cells having flexible Walls and adapted to be filled through an opening with the liquid to be transported.

Preferably, a flexible casing and a net means envelop the container cells. The walls of the container cells and of the casing are preferably made of an artificial synthetic material and have an inner lining of a gummy substance which tends to close leaks in the respective walls.

Gne of the container cells is filled with air, and has a safety valve so that when the other liquid-filled cells are deformed by impact or pressure, the air-filled container cell is compressed and discharges air through the safety valve.

Since the container means roll in a heavy sea, a tow cable which connects the net means with the tugboat, is preferably provided with a coupling means including two relatively turnable coupling parts. In order to relieve the tow cable of extreme tensile forces, it is contemplated to provide additional propelling and rudder means which are attached to the tank and help to propel the same. Such additional propelling and rudder means are particulariy advantageous if a train is formed of several floating tanks, and in this event, the propelling and rudder means are arranged between two floating tanks and connected to the same by cables.

The novel featureswhich are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific grates Fatent ice embodiments when read in connection with the accom panying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of a floating tank according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of a train of two floating tanks according to the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of a cable enveloping the tank;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary plan view of a floating tank according to the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of a floating tank according to the present invention taken on line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4a is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken on line "4a4a in FIG. 4;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of a container according to a modified embodiment of the present invention taken on line 55 in FIG. 14;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 66 in FlG. 3 illustrating a preferred wall conruction on an enlarged scale;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view illustrating a detail of FIG. 5 on an enlarged scale;

F'iGURE 8 is an axial sectional view showing a detail of FIG. 1 and illustrating coupling means for coupling the container to the tugboat;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional View illustrating a propelling and rudder means as used in the arrangement of FIG- URE 10;

FIGURE 10 is a side elevation illustrating a train of floating tanks, a tugboat, and propelling and rudder means as shown in FIG. 9;

FIGURE 11 is a side elevation illustrating a train of floating tanks which are operated in submerged condition;

FIGURE 12. is a side elevation of a submerged floating tank;

FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 13 -13 and showing the tank in a raised floating position; and

lGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 14-44 in FIG. 5 and showing the floating tank provided with butfer means.

Referring now to the drawing, the embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGURE 1 is a floating tank which comprises four closed container cells 1, 2, 3, 4 which are towed by a tugboat 12. Each container cell has walls made of a flexible artificial synthetic material which is resistant against chemical action by the transported liquids, and also resistant against the action of salt water, light and atmospheric conditions. Synthetic resins are suitable, for example polyethylene, poiyisobutylene, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, polytrethalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, silcone resins, and synthetic rubber, such as butadrene rubbers.

The cell walls may consist of one or several layers of such materials, and are advantageously provided with fabric reinforcements which may consist of synthetic material or of organic substances. The layers may be made of different materials, for example the inner layers are made of materials resistant against the transported liquid and the outer layer, or layers, may be resistant against salt water and mechanical impacts.

The walls of the container cells are dimensioned in accordance with the volume and intended use of the floating tank, and the wall thickness may be a few milli-' meters. The cell walls may be made by pressing, blowing, or injection molding, or may be made of several pieces which are connected by fusion, or by an adhesive connection to form a closed cell.

Each cell is provided with .an opening 6 for supply and discharge of the transported liquid. A safety valve 7 is preferably provided on each container cell. The leading foremost container cell 1 has a bow-shaped forward end in order to facilitate passage through water.

The container cells 1, 2, 3, 4 are connected to each other by a net means which is formed by longitudinal cables 16 and transverse annular cables 17. The transverse cables 17 connect the longitudinal cables 16 and resist transverse forces which develop when the contents of the container cells expand. The longitudinal cables 16 are connected to end members 8 which have eyes to which the tow cable is connected. it is evident that the tensile forces which develop during towing, are taken up by the end member and by the longitudinal cables 16. The details of the construction are best seen 1n FIG- URE 3.

In the arrangement of FIGURE 1 the net means 16, 17 envelops the entire container means, that is all container cells, and the container cells 1-4 are arranged end to end in longitudinal direction of the floating tank and abut on their transverse end walls 1 which form bull'- heads in the container means. However, it is also possible to provide a net means for each container cell, and in this event the net means of adjacent container cells are connected to each other by shackles.

FIGURE 2 shows a modified arrangement in which two container cells are enveloped by a net means, whereas another container cell 4' is enveloped by a separate net means 16, 17 having end members 8, the leading end member 8 being connected by a cable 11 to the trailing end member 8 of the leading container cells 1 and 2. The cables of the net means are either made of steel wire, or are ropes made of synthetic material. It is also contemplated to use steel wire cables 16, 17 having an envelope of synthetic material 116 as shown in FIG. 2a in cross-section. As best seen in FIGURE 3, the cables .16 and 17 may be connected to each other by knots 18.

In the embodiment of FIGURES 4 and 4a, a transverse set of container cells a to g is arranged side-by-side, and enveloped by an outer casing 15 consisting of a flexible material to form container cells 1 to 4. Each inner cell a to g has at one end thereof an opening 26a for loading and unloading which is closed when the cell is filled. The outer casing 15 is also shown in FIGURE 3. It will be understood that each of the cells 1, 2, 3, 4 can e constructed in accordance with FIGURE 4 and include a set of container cells a to g. The uppermost cell a is not used for the transported liquid, but is filled with air so that the container means is raised higher above the water line 14. The cross-section of the smaller cells a to g is chosen is such a manner that the outer walls of the cells form a continuous surface which is engaged by the casing 15. As shown in FIG. 4a, a hose 12%) connects each opening 20a with the opening 6 in the outer casing 15 so that container cells b to g can be filled with a liquid, and air cell a can be filled with air.

In the event that in the cells b to g excess pressure develops, the air cell a is compressed so that air escapes through the safety valve 7. This arrangement prevents excess stress on the walls of the cells, or on the casing 15.

FIGURE illustrates a modified embodiment in which the container is not subdivided and the casing 15 con stitutes the cell wall. A container cell 21 is provided within the larger cell, and is filled with .air. A safety valve 7 connects the interior of the air cell 27. to the atmosphere. As described above, excess pressure in the large container cell which may be created by mechanical impact or by development by gas from the transported liquid, will compress the air cell 21 which equalizes the pressure by discharging air through the safety valve 7.

FIGURE 6 illustrates container cells b and c having walls 2%. The arrangement corresponds to the construction of FIGURE 4, but the casing wall 15 is provided with an inner lining 22, which, for example, consists of synthetic foam and which has such a consistency as to enter and close leaks occurring in the wall of the casing. This effect is similar to the known construction of automobile tires. Each of the cell walls 28 is preferably provided with a corresponding leak filling lining of gummy substance 29' particularly when no outer casing 15 is provided, and the container cells are directly 'LTr veloped by the net means 16, 17.

FIGURE 7 shows cables 16 connected to an end memher 8 which is provided with an eye 36 for the tow cable. Bolts 37 detachably connect the cables 16 to the end member 8 and engage threaded portions 19 of the end member. FIGURES 1 and 2 show a tow cable consisting of two parts which are connected by a coupling means 9. The forward part of the tow cable is attached to the tugboat 12 by means of a hook 13. The coupling means a" is shown in detail in FIGURE 8. The eye 36 of the end member 8 is connected to the coupling means 9 by a rod 39 which is pivotally connected at 33 to a coupling part 43. A corresponding coupling part 43' is attached by an eye 38' to the tow cable 11. Coupling parts 43 and 43' have flanges 44 and 44- respectively, and are connected to each other by a connecting member 42. The flanges 44 and 44 limit longitudinal movement of the coupling members 43 and 43', but permit relative turning of the same in the connecting member 42. Consequently, the floating tank can roll without twisting the towing cable 11. The body of the coupling means 9 is made of a light material so that the coupling means 9 floats for example, the body of the coupling means 9 may be made of a synthetic foam material. A signal mast 1G is attached to the body of the coupling means and carries signal lamps as shown in FIGURES l and 2. An electric conductor 46 is connected to a source of electric power located on the tugboat 12, and is attached to the tow cable 11 by rings 49. A water-tight electric coupling connection 47 connects the conductor 46 to the conductor 48 which is connected to the signal lamps 10 on the mast 16, and a conductor passes from the electric coupling 47 through the hollow coupling part 43 to the end flange 44'. The end flange 44 of coupling member 43 is also connected to a conductor 40 which passes through the hollow coupling part 43 and has a portion 41 on the floating tank. The end flanges 44 and 44' are in sliding engagement with contact means which permit the current to pass from the tugboat to the floating tank although the two coupling parts may turn relative to each other during rolling motions of the floating tank. The conductor 49, 41 supplies current to signal lamps 41' on the floating tank. As will be described hereinafter, remote controlled elements are preferably associated with the floating tank, and such elements are supplied with electric current by the conductor 40, 41.

For example, FIGURE 10 illustrates a train of floating tanks including the two tanks 64 and 65. The leading tank 65 is connected by a tow cable 11 and coupling means 9 to the tugboat 12. A propelling and rudder means 50 is connected by cables to the floating tanks 64 and 65. The propelling means 50' and the rudder thereof is remotely controlled from the tugboat 12 and supplied with electric current through an electric cable as described above. The propelling force of the propelling means 59' relieve the tow cable 11 so that the tensile stress in the same is reduced.

FIGURE 11 illustrates a similar arrangement in which the floating tanks 64 and 65 are directly connected by a cable, and in which the propelling and rudder means is placed between the leading floating tank and the tugboat. In this arrangement, the tugboat does not tow the floating tanks, but serves only as a station from which electric power is provided to the propelling means 50. An electric cable 63 connects the tugboat with the propelling means 50. It will be noted that in the arrangement of FIGURE 11, the floating tanks are submerged which can be produced by suitable ballast in one of the container cells, or by attaching heavy ballast elements 67 to the acearia floating tanks as described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. This arrangement has the advantage that high waves cannot pound the floating tanks in a heavy sea. The electric cable connection 63 can be so slack that the tugboat can follow all movements of the waves on the water surface, whereas the floating tanks 64 follow a continuous path. The extent of submersion can be controlled by suitable means on the tugboat and on the floating tanks, as will be described hereinafter.

FIGURE 9 illustrates the construction of a propelling and rudder means. The outer body 50 is water-tight and floats. Connecting members 51 and 52 are attached to the body 50 and have eyes for connection to tow cables in a manner illustrated in FIGURES l and 11. A propeller 56 is mounted on a propeller shaft '57 which is driven from a motor 59 through transmission gears 58. The electric conductor 61 connects motor 59 with the electric coupling 62 which is connected by an electric conductor 63 to the source of current on the tugboat 12 as shown in FIGURE 11. The rudder 53 is turnably mounted on a shaft 54 and controlled by an operating means 55 through suitable transmission means schematically indicated at 55. Operating means 55 is electrically operated and supplied with electric current through an electric conductor. 60 which is also connected to the electric coupling 62. A horizontal flap '53 is turnable about a shaft 54 and is operated by an operating means 551 connected to flap 53 by suitable transmission means schematically indicated at SS'a which is remotely controlled from the tugboat to effect downward or upward movement of the propelling means 50 for the purpose of submerging or surfacing the floating tanks 64 and 65.

FIGURE 12 illustrates a floating tank in submerged condition, which is connected by a cable 71 to a buoy 73. Ballast means 67 are attached to the transverse cables 17 of the net which envelops the container means 66. The ballast means is so arranged that the container is held in submerged condition, and in the illustrated position. A container 68 for compressed air is also secured to the floating tank, and is connected to a valve 69 which is remotely controlled. An air hose 70 connects valve 69 with the container cell which contains air as is described with reference to FIGURE 4 so that upon operation of valve 69 the air cell is inflated. The cable means 71 include a conductor which is connected to the remotely controlled valve 69, and such conductor is either directly connected to suitable control means on a boat, or to an antenna 74 on the buoy '73. Electrical control impulses may be transmitted from a control boat to the antenna 74 for operating the valve 69. When the valve 69 is opened, the respective container cell is inflated, and the floating tank rises to the surfaces of the water. The ballast element 67 is preferably a closed container filled with sand, and is advantageously provided with a discharge valve 67 which is remotely controlled in the same manner as disclosed by the reference to the air valve 69. The air valve 69 can also be remotely controlled to permit discharge from the inflated air cell whereby submerizing of the floating tank is obtained.

FIGURE 13 illustrates the floating tank in raised position, .and clearly shows the air cell 21. It will be understood that although a floating tank of the type illustrated in FIGURE is shown in FIGURES l2 and 13, it is also possible to use container means of the typ shown in FIGURES l and 4 and provided with a lining as shown in FIGURE 6, in the arrangement of FIGURES i2 and 13 in which the inflating of the air cell is remotely controlled, and which the discharge of ballast may be remotely controlled.

FIGURE 14 shows a container of the type shown in FIGURE 5 in cross-section. In order to prevent damage to the flexible walls of the container means when the same is thrown against a pier, elongated buffer means 76 are secured to the floating tank and extend along the sides thereof for the entire length of the floating tank.

6 Similar buifer elements 75 are preferably provided at the bottom of the floating tank in order to prevent damage to the tank when the same engages the bottom of the sea in submerged condition. The buffer elements 75 may also serve as ballast if made of suitable heavy material.

The floating tanks according to the present invention are particularly well adapted for the transportation of oil and liquid fuels which have specific density of about 0.8. Floating tanks loaded with such liquid will be 80 percent submerged and will project with about 20 percent of its volume above the water surface since the static pressure in the contatiner means depends only on the height of the liquid above the water surface, the pressure in the container means is relatively low permitting the use of cozrpara-tively thin material for the walls of the container cells. The shape of the floating tanks will *be designed in accordance with hydrodynamic requirements, and an elongated shape as shown in the drawings or a torpedo shape has been found advantageous. It is evident that the shape and draft of the floating tanks will be designed in accordance with the type of waterways the floating tanks are to be used. Certain constructions will be more advantageous for the ocean, and other constructions will be chosen for inland Waters.

While the net means 16 and 17 is illustrated to envelop the container means, it will be understood that it can be embedded into the outer casing 15, or in a further casing which envelops the casing 15.

. Due to the fact that the floating tanks of the present invention are flexible, they are much easier navigated than rigid tankers. The flexible tanks give under the impact of waves, and locally produced excess pressure i equalized by the air cells as described above, without any damage being caused to the walls of the container cells and to the casing.

The casing 15 is also flexible, so that it acts as a buffer for the container cells enveloped thereby.

A particular advantage of the floating tanks according to the present invention resides in that they can be separated from the tugboat for the purposes of loading and unloading, while during such loading and unloading time, the tugboat is available for further trips. Since the tugboat does not have to stand by, slow working pumps can be used for loading and unloading, and empty containers can be either towed in collapsed condition with the air .cells partly filled, or can be completely collapsed and transported aboard the tugboat.

The weight of the container means is less than 1 percent of the weight of the total load, which of course is highly advantageous. Furthermore, the floating tanks according to the present invention do not require pumps mounted thereon as is the case with towed tanker boats.

It will be understood that the synthetic material of the container walls is not only flexible but also elastic. Consequently sudden increase in pressure, as may occur durmg acceleration from start or by sudden impacts, are taken up by the container walls. The net means enveloping the contatiner means prevents excess stress on a single point of the container walls.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of floating tanks differmg from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a floating tank including a plurality of container cells having flexible walls, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without depigilting in any way from the spirit of the present inven- W1thout further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following cl ims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. Floating tank for transporting liquid on waterways and comprising, in combination, container means including a plurality of elongated cells arranged in end-to-end relationship, each cell including a plurality of closed container cells having flexible walls, each container cell having an opening for supply and discharge; and flexible net means enveloping said container means and having a portion adapted to be connected to a tugboat.

L. Floating tank for transportng liquid on waterways and comprising, in combination, container means including a plurality of elongated cells arranged in end-to-end relationship, each cell including a plurality of closed container cells having flexible walls, each container cell having an opening for supply and discharge, one of said container cells being adapted to contain air; means for supplying air to said one container cell and for discharging air from the same; and flexible net means enveloping said container means and having a portion adapted to be connected to a tugboat.

3. Floating tank comprising, in combination, a plurality of elongated container cells arranged side-by-side and having flexible Walls, one of said container cells being adapted to contain air, and the other container cells having openings for receiving and discharging a liquid; means for supplying air to said one container cell and for discharging air from the same; and flexible means including a flexible casing enveloping said container cel s and having an inner lining of a substance adapted to close leaks in the wall of said casing, and net means enveloping said casing and having a portion adapted to be connected to a tugboat.

4. Floating tank for transporting liquid on waterways and comprising, in combination, container means including a plurality of closed container cells having flexible walls, each container cell having an opening for supply and discharge, one of said container cells being adapted to contain air; means for supplying air to said one container cell and for discharging air from the same; flexible net means enveloping said container means; a tow cable having two parts respectively attached to said net means and adapted to be attached to a tugboat; and coupling means connecting said parts of said tow cables and including two coupling parts turnable relative to each other and respectively connected to said parts of said tow cables to permit rolling movements of said container means.

5. A floating tank as set forth in claim 4 and including electrical conductor means supported on said tow cable, on said coupling means and on said container means, said conductor means being connected to said means for supplying and discharging air so that the same can be operated from the tugboat, said electric conductor means 'rcluding slide contacts and stationary contacts cooperating with said slide contacts, said slide contacts being respectively mounted on said coupling parts to maintain electrical connection during rolling movements of said container means.

6. Floating tank for transporting liquid on waterways comprising, in combination, elongated container means including a plurality of elongated closed container cells arranged side-by-side, said container cells having flexible walls consisting of a synthetic material and including an inner lining of a substance adapted to close leaks in said walls, each container having an opening for supply and discharge, one of said container cells being filled with air and having a safety valve; means for controlling the supply of air to said one container cell; a flexible casing enveloping said container cells and having a flexible wall consisting of a synthetic material and having an inner lining of a substance adapted to close leaks in said wall of said casing; ballast means attached to said casing; net means enveloping said casing and said container cells in the same, said net means including a set of transversely spaced cables extending in longitudinal direction of said container means, annular transverse cables connecting said longitudinal cables, and end members located at the ends of said container means and attached to the ends of said longitudinal cables, one of said end members being adapted to be attached to a tugboat.

7. Floating tank for transporting liquid on waterways comprising, in combination, elongated container means including a plurality of elongated closed container cells arranged side-by-side, said container cells having flexible walls, each container having an opening for supply and discharge, one of said container cells being filled with air and having a safety valve; means for controlling the supply of air to said one container cell; a flexible casing enveloping said container cells and having a flexible wall; net means enveloping said casing and said container cells in the same, said net means including end members located at the ends of said container means, one of said end members being adapted to be attached to a tugboat.

8. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on waterways, comprising, in combination, an elongated closed cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of individual container cells having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having means for the supply and discharge of fluid, said container cells being located in said closed cover casing, at least one container cell being adapted to contain air and extending substantially along the length of said casing and pulling means attached to said cover casing and including means located at at least one end of said elongated cover casing and adapted to be connected to a towing means.

9. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on waterways, comprising, in combination, an elongated closed cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of individual elongated container cells having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having means for the supply and discharge of a transported liquid, said container cells being located in and confined by said closed cover casing in a position extending in longitudinal direction of said cover casing and abutting each other and the inner surface of said closed cover casing; elongated container means adapted to contain air, said container means being located in said closed cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction of said cover casing; and flexible means attached to said cover casing and including means located at at least one end of said elongated cover casing and adapted to be connected to a towing means.

10. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on waterways, comprising, in combination, an elongated closed cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of individual container cells having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having means for the supply and discharge of a transported liquid, said container cells being located in said closed cover casing; elongated container means adapted to contain air, said container means being located in said closed cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction of the same; means for controlling the supply of air to said container means; and flexible net means enveloping said cover casing and including a plurality of elongated flexible elements extending longitudinally along said elongated closed cover casing transversely spaced from each other about the periphery of said cover casing, and end members respectively located at the ends of said cover casing secured to said elongated flexible elements, at least one of said end members being adapted to be connected to a towing means.

11. A floating tank as set forth in claim 10 and including a plurality of buffer means spaced from each other around the outer surface of said container means and being located outwardly of said flexible net means.

t2. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on waterways, comprising, in combination, an elongated closed cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of individual elongated container cells arranged side by side and having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having means for the supply and discharge of a transported liquid, said container cells being located in said closed cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction of the same; elongated container means adapted to contain air, said container means being sated in said closed cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction of the same; means for controlling the supply of air to said container means; and flexible net means enevloping said cover casing and including a plurality of elongated flexible elements extending ton 'gitudinally along said elongated closed cover casing transversely spaced from each other about the periphery of said cover casing, and end members respectively located at the ends of said cover casing secured to said elongated flexible elements, at least one of said end members being adapted to be connected to a towing means.

13-. A flexible tank tor transporting liquid on Waterways, comprising, in combination, an elongated closed cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of individual elongated container cells arranged side by side and having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having means for the supply and discharge of a transported liquid, said container cells being located in and confined by said closed cover casing in a position abutting each other and the inner surface of said closed cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction of the same; elongated container means adapted to contain air, said container means being located in said closed cover casing abutting the inner surface of said cover casing and adjacent container cells and extending in longitudinal direction of the same; means for controlling the supply of air to said container means; and flexible net means enveloping said cover casing and including a plurality of elongated flexible elements extending longitudinally along said elongated closed cover casing transversely spaced from each other about the periphery of said cover casing, and end members respectively located at the ends of said cover casing secured to said elongated flexible elements, at least one of said end members being adapted to be connected to a towing means.

14. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on Waterways, comprising, in combination, an elongated cover casing made of a flexible material and including a wall having an inner lining of a substance adapted to close leaks in said wall; a plurality of container cells having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having an opening for the supply and discharge of a transported liquid, said container cells being located in said cover casing; and an elongated container cell adapted to contain air and being located in said elongated cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction in the upper part of the same.

15. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on waterways as set forth in claim 10 and including ballast means suspended from said casing; and remotely controlled means operatively connected to said ballast means for effecting discharge of ballast.

16. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on waterways comprising, in combination, an elongated cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of container cells having Walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having an opening for the supply and discharge of a transported liquid, said container cells being located in said cover casing; an elongated container cell adapted to contain air and being located in said elongated cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction in the upper part of the same; and a i0 plurality of elongated butter means supported on the outside of said casing and extending in longitudinal direetion of the same, said buffer means being adapted to serve as ballast. f v

17. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on 'waterways, comprising, in combination, an elongated cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of container cells having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having an opening for the supply and discharge of a transported liquid, said container cells being located in said cover casing; an elongated container cell adapted to contain air and being located in said elongated cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction in the upper part of the same; net means enveloping said casing and including a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending elements, and end members at the ends of said casing and respectively connecting the ends of said longitudinal elements of said net means; and a coupling means having a first part connected to one of said end members and a second part adapted to be connected to towing means for the tank, said first and second parts being turnable relative to each other.

18-. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on water'- ways, comprising, in combination, an elongated cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of container cells having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having an opening for the supply and discharge 05 a transported liquid, said container cells being located in said cover casing; an elongated container cell adapted to contain air and being located in said elongated cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction in the upper part of the same; net means enveloping said casing and including a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending elements, and end members at the ends of said casing and respectively connecting the ends of said longitudinal elements of said net means; and a floating means connected to one of said end members and including a rudder means and propelling means, and having remotely controlled means for operating said rudder means and said propelling means.

19. A flexible tank for transporting liquid on waterways, comprising, in combination, an elongated cover casing made of a flexible material; a plurality of container cells having walls made of a flexible material, each container cell having an opening for the supply and discharge of a transported liquid, said container cells being located in said cover casing; an elongated container cell adapted to contain air and being located in said elongated cover casing and extending in longitudinal direction in the upper part of the same; and net means enveloping said casing, said net means being made of steel wire cables having an envelope of a synthetic material.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 334,481 Sone Jan. 19, 1886 1,176,526 Doxford Mar. 21, 1916 1,312,356 Reid Aug. 5, 1919 1,389,245 Gaertner Aug. 30, 1921 1,426,726' Gilbert Aug. 22, 1922 2,191,879 Dunajeff Feb. 27, 1940 2,359,366 Katcher et al. Oct. 3, 1944 2,377,442 Osterhoudt June 5, 1945 2,391,926 Scott Jan. 1, 1946 2,394,607 Gray et al. Feb. 12, 1946 2,492,699 Hcuwink Dec. 27, 1949 2,514,409 Mulick July 11, 1950 2,725,027 Brandon et al. Nov. 29, 1955 2,727,485 Combs Dec. 20, 1955 2,753,829 Agra July 10, 1956 2,754,992 Wilson July 17, 1956 2,875,721 Downey Mar. 3, 1959

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