Importance

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Abstract

The multi-mode ship uses bulk cargo flow-through vehicle decks that are capable of supporting commercial vehicles, military vehicles, and other general cargo. Bulk cargo is loaded into the multi-mode ship with a bulk cargo transport system. Bulk cargo is loaded on board the multi-mode ship and is discharged from some or all of the vehicle decks, where the bulk cargo flows downward through the vehicle decks and settles on the bottom of the multi-mode ship. The bulk cargo then piles upward through the vehicle decks until it reaches the desired load. The bulk cargo transport system includes conveyors, upper and lower, and at least one vertical conveyor for transporting bulk cargo to, from, and within a cargo hold of the multi-mode ship. Further, the multi-mode ship preferably includes liquid storage tanks that are shaped to provide a preferably funnel-like storage area within the cargo hold for funneling bulk cargo toward the lower conveyors of the bulk cargo transport system to further provide efficient and complete unloading of the cargo hold of bulk cargo.

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First Claim