Abstract: An apparatus for permanently securing a grating sheet having parallel and transverse bars that form a pattern of openings to a structural member. The apparatus includes an elongated generally L-shaped connector having an upper plate section generally rectangular in shape for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheet and a downwardly extending sidewall formed integrally with the plate section and adapted to extend along a longitudinal edge of the grating sheet. The L-shaped connector also can include a plurality of downwardly extending teeth formed integrally with the plate section and spaced apart from each other for insertion in between the grating bars. At least one generally right-angled brace is attached to the outer surface of the sidewall for permanently securing the L-shaped connector to the structural member.

Abstract: A mudmat assembly for supporting a portion of a subsea offshore platform on a soft, unconsolidated underwater surface is described. The mudmat assembly includes at least one fiberglass plank, a mudline framing plane that is attached to and provides support for the fiberglass plank, and integral framing beams attached to and providing support for the fiberglass plank. The fiberglass mudmat assembly of the present invention requires minimal cathodic protection, has a high flexural strength, and is lighter than conventional mudmats.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple system for in-water dry docking pleasure boats using existing boat slips. The system includes a dry-dock basin having one or more ballast tanks mounted below the bottom surface of the basin. The basin is submerged along guide pipes below the boat slip where the boat is typically stored. The basin comprises a port hull half and a starboard hull half that abuttingly engage at a seam which preferably comprises an insert. The insert is preferably flexible and may be formed as a keel well.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple system for in-water dry docking pleasure boats using existing boat slips. The system includes a dry-dock basin having a pair of ballast tanks mounted below the bottom surface of the basin. The basin is submerged using guide pipes below the boat slip where the boat is typically stored.