Apparatus for Performing Overhead Work Using Air-Propelled Vessel with Articulating Member

Abstract

A wide, flat-bottom, buoyant, amphibious hull with a powered articulating member mounted on the deck. The hull has a shallow draft and distributes its weight over a large area and is propelled by at least one engine-driven propeller rotating above the hull. These features cooperatively provide a vehicle capable of performing overhead work, such as installing or servicing power transmission poles, towers, or other structures located in environmentally sensitive wetlands, swamps, marshes, shallow water, or terrain which is not efficiently accessible by other means.

1 . A vessel comprising:
 a. a hull having a low draft and an upper surface;   b. at least one drive motor disposed on said hull;   c. a propeller affixed to said at least one drive motor;   d. at least one rudder positioned aft of said propeller; and   e. an articulating boom pivotally disposed on the upper surface of said hull.   
     
     
         2 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein said articulating boom further comprises:
 a. a first rigid member;   b. a second rigid member, pivotally connected to said first rigid member; and   c. at least one hydraulic cylinder assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is connected to said first rigid member and said second end is connected to said second rigid member.   
     
     
         3 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein said articulating boom is positioned near the bow of said hull. 
     
     
         4 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein said articulating boom is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. 
     
     
         5 . A vessel comprising:
 a. a hull having a low draft and an upper surface;   b. at least one drive motor disposed on said hull;   c. a propeller affixed to said at least one drive motor;   d. at least one rudder positioned aft of said propeller;   e. a pedestal disposed on the upper surface of said hull; and   f. an articulating boom pivotally connected to said pedestal.   
     
     
         6 . The vessel of  claim 5 , wherein said articulating boom further comprises:
 a. a first rigid member connected to said pedestal;   b. a second rigid member, pivotally connected to said first rigid member; and   c. at least one hydraulic cylinder assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is connected to said first rigid member and said second end is connected to said second rigid member.   
     
     
         7 . The vessel of  claim 6 , wherein said pedestal is positioned near the bow of said hull. 
     
     
         8 . The vessel of  claim 5 , further comprising a basket attached to said second rigid member of said articulating boom. 
     
     
         9 . The vessel of  claim 5 , wherein said articulating boom is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis.