Escort Vessel Automatically Rotative Winch System

Abstract

The present invention discloses an escort vessel towline force responsive apparatus comprising a rotative winch system mounted to the deck of an escort vessel so that when the tow line between a distressed vessel and the winch system of an escort vessel angularly changes, the escort vessel winch system will automatically rotate until the line of force is substantially in linear alignment with the center line of the escort vessel winch system.

1 . A method of affecting line pull force between a distressed vessel and a powered escort vessel while simultaneously affecting the heeling angle of the escort vessel comprising:
 a) securing a line between the distressed vessel and an escort vessel winch;   b) mounting the escort vessel winch on a slewing ring; and   c) automatically rotating the escort vessel winch in the direction of the line pull force.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the heeling angle of the powered escort vessel is decreased for the same line pull force by rotating the escort vessel winch toward the escort vessel center of pressure. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  whereby the line pull force is increased as the heeling angle of the powered escort vessel is increased. 
   
   
       4 . Apparatus for affecting line pull force between a distressed vessel and a powered escort vessel while simultaneously affecting the heeling angle of the escort vessel comprising:
 a) a line secured between the distressed vessel and an escort vessel winch;   b) an escort vessel having a winch mounted on a slewing ring; and   c) means for automatically rotating the escort vessel winch in the direction of the line pull force.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the heeling angle of the powered escort vessel can be decreased for the same line pull force by rotating the powered escort vessel winch toward the escort vessel center of pressure. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the line pull force can be increased by rotating the powered escort vessel winch toward the escort vessel center of pressure and increasing the heeling angle of the powered escort vessel. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising an anti-slip bearing positioned between the inner race and the slewing ring. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further providing a safety mechanism for an escort vessel wherein an automatically rotative winch will reduce the potential for capsizing an escort vessel by moving the staple closer to the escort vessel center of pressure.