Abstract: A Portable Dry Dock (PDD) system designed for commercial servicing of recreational vessels (RVs) in inland waterways (IW). This PDD is disassembled and transported from one IW to another. This PDD was designed specifically to improve the efficiency in the most typical maintenance jobs in RVs. The convenient layout of the equipment and the closed environment of the PDD reduce the execution time and improve the working conditions. The isolated environment created by the superstructure, deck and roof of the PDD significantly reduces the environmental impact. The isolated environment inside the PDD is controlled in temperature and humidity. The air filtering and waste water collection systems remove dust and other substances coming from the operation, stopping pollutants from getting into the IW.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning dirty waterlines on yachts, being robotic and self powered, capable of floating on its own, employing a rotating soft scrub brush, able to propel itself to the dirty waterline and once in contact supply sufficient force for cleaning, able to apply soap and water, contains various electronics for remote operation, is remote controlled and capable of being fully automatic with the use of a microcontroller, operated and carried by one person. The materials of the cleaner are corrosion resistant so that it can endure the corrosion-infested environments it will be in. The cleaner also has means of adjusting the cleaning brush so it can reach all areas of the waterline with ease.

Abstract: A marine through hull fitting (50) includes a cleanout housing (80, 204) attached thereto. The clean out housing (80, 204) is configured with a mechanical cleaning implement (94, 218) supported for movement through a first fluid conduit (59) that passes through a vessel hull (54) for scrapping debris from the side walls of the first fluid conduit when the conduit becomes fowled. The cleaning implement (94, 218) is attached to an actuator rod (92) which may be used to hand push the cleaning implement (94, 218) through the conduit (57).

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the hull of a watercraft includes a support. A submersible barrier assembly is connected to the support and is displaceable with respect to the support between an inoperative, submerged position and an operative surface position. The barrier assembly is configured to cover at least a submerged portion of the hull in the operative position. A displacement mechanism is operable on the barrier assembly to displace the barrier assembly between the inoperative and operative positions.

Abstract: Herein described is a marine plant for the automatic washing of boats, characterised in that it comprises a supporting structure (1) partially submerged, means (26, 28, 41) for cleaning the boat, means (13-14, 25-26, 40) for transmitting the motion commanded by at least one motor (18, 23, 34, 39) suitable for reciprocally positioning at least part of said cleaning means (26, 28, 41) in relation to the boat (8, 30), and a command unit (200) for the operator to control the marine plant.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for large ships where a flotation member is configured to bob along the water as the ship moves and the dragging action of the ship as it partially submerges provides relative motion of a large brush member attached to the flotation member.

Abstract: Fresh water rinsing of a boat hull of a boat occurs to remove contamination from the boat hull during each raising operation of the boat utilizing a boat lift. The contamination coming primarily from a body of water in which the boat operate. The contamination, if left on the boat hull while positioned on the boat lift and out of the body of water, will have an adverse effect upon the condition of the boat hull. A series of intermittent burst of fresh water from each fresh water discharge occur through a respective angle of discharge in a respective repetitive cycle of passes during the raising operation of the boat lift. Each fresh water discharge is generally fixedly positioned relative to a fixed portion of the boat lift. Rinsing of the boat cradle of the boat lift also occurs to remove contamination therefrom to reduce adverse effects to the cradle.

Abstract: A method includes providing a sampling device having a sampling chamber therein, a pump operatively coupled to the sampling chamber, and a drive means coupled to the sampling chamber; situating the sampling device against an underwater boat hull having contaminants attached thereto, wherein situating the sampling device against the underwater boat hull causes water to be disposed within the sampling chamber; activating the pump to remove a portion of the water from the sampling chamber, wherein negative pressure is created within the sampling chamber and a watertight seal is formed between the sampling chamber and the underwater boat hull; activating the drive means to remove a sample of the contaminants from the underwater boat hull, wherein the sample of the contaminants is collected in the sampling chamber; deactivating the mechanical drive means; and sealing the sampling chamber, wherein the sample of the contaminants is stored within the sampling chamber.

Abstract: An In-Water Hull Cleaning Sampling Device includes a sampling chamber, a drive shaft housing, a drive shaft sealing membrane, a drive shaft, a spring retainer, a pressure spring, a cleaning pad, a mechanical drive device and a chamber sealing means. The sampling chamber further includes a chamber sealing membrane coupled to a base; and a chamber wall coupled to the base and a chamber ceiling.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve a device for cleaning the outer hull side of a boat such that various types of hull contours with various types of embodiments in the form of profiled ribs or planking can be cleaned therewith in a simple and precise manner. According to the invention, the device for cleaning the outer hull side of a boat comprises a longitudinal buoyancy element provided with a handle which is secured on one end of said buoyancy element, wherein at least one cleaning means comprising a brush is arranged on a flat side of the buoyancy element, preferably in an interchangeable manner, and the brush respectively comprises a base or similar retaining element from which bristles which are disposed on the element extend in a partially oblique manner at an angle to the surface of the element.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for use during in-water scrubbing of a vessel hull, which system and method are designed to substantially reduce or eliminate environmental contamination of the water surrounding a vessel during in-water cleaning. The system includes a curtain formed of a substantially impermeable fabric material, the curtain being sized and configured whereby, upon installation into a body of water about a vessel, the curtain is capable of encircling the vessel in its entirety to define a confined region; a fluid pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the confined region defined by the curtain; and one or more ports that deliver water into the confined region during operation of the fluid pump.

Abstract: Decontamination systems, and methods of their use, for decontaminating boats of noxious marine life when the boat is pulled out of the water. The system is generally located at a boat launch site. Decontaminating water sprayed on the boat falls onto the ground, and runs along the surface back into the body of water. The system includes a water pump, a water intake line which extends, from the pump inlet port into the body of water. An outlet line extends from the pump outlet port to a spray nozzle. The spray nozzle sprays pressurized water onto the outside of the boat. The impact of the water removes unwanted marine life from the boat. After decontamination, the boat can be taken to a different body of water with little, if any, risk of infecting the different body of water with marine life from the first body of water.

Abstract: An automatic boat washing system including several brush assemblies mounted on a vertically movable cage supported by a mainframe assembly and side ballast tanks is disclosed. The vertical position of the movable cage and brush assemblies may be adjusted in relation to the mainframe and ballast tanks during operation of the system. Rollers are used for supporting and drawing boats through the automatic boat washing assembly. The automatic boat washing assembly of the present invention may be used to clean powerboats in areas below the waterline in order to improve boat performance.

Abstract: Improvements to a cleaning assembly include a support for a rotating object, a rotary brush, an apparatus for manoeuvring a floating vessel and an arm arrangement for cleaning a surface. Thus, an inventive cleaning assembly is provided, the cleaning assembly comprising a submersible framework, and two arms of the aforementioned arrangement pivoted to the submersible framework at the opposite end of the arm to the brush and gimbal arrangement, the arms having a substantially horizontal rest position and pivoted to allow the arms to move to move the brush to clean both sides of a floating vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that performs inspection and repair of an underwater structure, specifically core internals in a pressure vessel. An underwater vehicle is provided with a drive wheel, a contact force generating unit (e.g., thruster) that presses the drive wheel to a vertical wall of the underwater structure, an ascending force control unit (e.g., ballast) that controls the buoyancy of the vehicle, a guide roller that engages with and is pressed against an undersurface of the underwater structure by the ascending force controlled by the ascending force control unit. The underwater vehicle is appropriately positioned with respect to the vertical direction by the guide roller. The drive wheel is driven for rotation so that the underwater vehicle runs horizontally along the vertical wall to reach the inspection or repair site, where the inspection or repair is carried out by work tool mounted to the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: A method for treating an exposed surface. A treating apparatus is provided having an elongate support and at least one flexible surface contacting element at a distal region of the support. The elongate support is manipulated from a proximal region of the support so as to place the flexible surface contacting element at the exposed surface to be treated. The flexible surface contacting element is caused to be repeatedly moved to effect treatment at the exposed surface.

Abstract: Systems and processes for controlling and/or preventing fouling of marine vessel hulls and fixed structures are disclosed. The systems and processes deliver an anti-fouling composition through a dispersing means, such as dispersion tubing, to the surface of a vessel hull or fixed structure below the water line. Also disclosed are methods of controlling the delivery of an anti-fouling composition to the surface of a vessel hull or fixed structure below the waterline, including the steps of generating signals representative of parameters such as current flow direction and speed and water temperature, to identify and control the proper volume release rate of the anti-fouling solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing attachments deposited on a surface of an underwater structure and preventing that such attachments be deposited thereafter. The apparatus is floated on the water surface or underwater and with the aid of a natural force repeatedly impinges upon the surface of the structure to remove attachments deposited thereon. The apparatus has a first rope being provided around the surface of the structure at the water surface level, and at least one or more rotating members threaded with said first rope and being freely rotatable about the rope. The rotating members impinge upon the surface of the structure when the apparatus floats on the water surface level or underwater shaving off attachments deposited on the structure, and preventing any further attachments from being deposited thereafter. It is preferred to provide some protruding portions on the surface area of the rotating members where the rotating members impinge upon the surface of the structure.

Abstract: A coated surface for resisting or enhancing bioadhesion includes at least one patterned polymer including coating layer having a plurality of features attached to or projected into a base surface. The features each have at least one microscale (<1 mm) dimension and have at least one neighboring feature having a substantially different geometry. The patterned coating layer preferably provides an average roughness factor (R) of from 4 to 50. The coating layer resists or enhances bioadhesion as compared to the base surface.

Abstract: A dynamic coating includes at least one polymeric layer for attachment to a surface. The polymeric layer includes at least one electrically conducting polymer including layer, wherein under influence of a dynamic signal applied to the polymeric layer, a contact angle of the polymeric layer dynamically and substantially increases or decreases upon oxidation or reduction of the polymer. The polymeric layer can also expand or contract upon oxidation or reduction. The coating can be used for a variety of applications including a non-toxic biofouling preventative system and for forming low voltage electrowetting pumps.

Abstract: A stable, manually portable floating electronic platform for use in pools and spas is equipped with recesses for receiving beverage containers and is equipped with any of a variety of electronic audio/visual entertainment devices that are powered by an on-board battery, or a remote rechargeable battery or a conventional remote low-voltage power supply unit via a power cable. Solar power collector panels on the platform provide a recharging current to on-board or remote batteries via a power cable.

Abstract: A watercraft storage apparatus for protecting the hull of a watercraft both above and below the waterline without the need to lift or raise the watercraft out of a body of water. Inflatable side portion 11 protects the watercraft's hull above the waterline. A water-impervious lower sheet section 12 protects the watercraft's hull below the waterline. An aft section provides a drive-in ramp section 13 or a drop-down gate section 19 to provide ingress and egress of the watercraft from the storage apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inspection system for inspection of an object, comprising at least an image recording means carried by an inspector, a display unit, a storage unit and a contact free positioning unit. The storage unit is arranged to store at least an image taken by said imaged recording unit in relation to a position given by said positioning unit and/or a time index. The inspector may be an underwater diver, remote controlled robot, land vehicle, flight craft, person or the like. The object includes a ship, underwater pipeline, oil pipe, manmade or natural land features, submerged landmarks or the like.

Abstract: A marine vessel corrosion control system contemplates redundant protection for a marine vessel against the effects of galvanic corrosion. The vessel is equipped with typical zinc anodes interconnected together and attached to metallic components to be protected from galvanic corrosion. A reference electrode immersed in the water provides signals to a control box representative of electrode voltage as compared to an internal stabilized voltage standard. The control box compares the reference electrode voltage with the internal stabilized voltage standard and feeds current through a hull mounted anode into the water and through the submerged metal parts of the vessel. A relay allows selective interruption of the connection between the passive zincs and the vessel ground and selective closing of that circuit.

Abstract: A multilayered submersible structure has an outer coating that is disposed in contact with water in which the structure is submerged, a current distribution layer or charge distribution layer, an electrical conductor connectable in electrical communication to a source of electrical power, and a support structure. By selectively energizing the current distribution layer, or charge distribution layer, chemical and ionic changes can be caused in the water immediately adjacent the outer coating or layer to inhibit the growth of marine organisms on the outer surface of the submersible structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an object floating at the surface of water, e.g., a ship floating on the sea with ease and efficiency by use of a small amount of a cleaning agent is provided. This apparatus comprises a waterproof sheet having an area of covering a region to be cleaned of the object, and a buoyancy bag at its peripheral edge, air supply unit for supplying air into the buoyancy bag of the waterproof sheet laid under the object floating at the surface of water to float the waterproof sheet, so that a pool for accommodating the object is formed by the waterproof sheet, and a spacer for creating a clearance being filled with the cleaning agent between the waterproof sheet and the object accommodated in the pool. According to this apparatus, it is possible to clean the object floating at the surface of water on the spot without landing the object.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of buoyant support members having a plurality of cavities formed therein and are provided with a plurality of pivotal access panels to access the cavities. A plurality of elongated rocker arms and a plurality of associated scrubbing assemblies are operably attached thereto. Such rocker arms extend inwardly from the support members and are laterally adjustable such that the scrubbing assemblies can be positioned along alternating planes during operating conditions. A plurality of hydraulic separators are positioned between the support members and include associated pistons secured to the support members such that a spatial relationship between the support members can be adjusted. A mechanism, partially disposed in the cavities, is included for effectively discharging a volume of fluid through the scrubbing assemblies towards the boat hull.

Abstract: A system is provided which automatically calibrates a marine fouling prevention system. It responds to movements between fresh and saltwater bodies of water, detects damage to the hull or other submerged surface, and responds to the use of the fouling prevention system with different sizes of marine vessels.

Abstract: A thin laminate for application to a submerged object, such as a boat hull, to provide anti-fouling protection to the object. The laminate comprises a first layer of a transfer adhesive, a second strengthening layer of a plastic or synthetic rubber film, a third layer of a blended mixture of a synthetic rubber and cuprous oxide, and a removable fourth layer of a plastic film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing the growth on a ship's hull (2). This device comprises a cleaning element (3) and means for displacing this cleaning element over the hull (2), which means comprise at least one cable (4) which is arranged such that it passes underneath the keel of the hull (2) and to which the cleaning element (3) and means (5) for moving the cable (4) are connected. The cleaning element comprises at least one mat (3) comprising a flat base (13) consisting of an elastically deformable material, which at least at one side, is provided with a relief (14) of wear-and-tear-resistant, elastically deformable material. In the mat (3) at least one magnet (17) is provided.

Abstract: A marine vessel cleaning assembly (1) comprising cleaning means (5, 6) and displacement means (17a, 17b) supported on a framework (18) for location under the water, the cleaning means comprising a pair of brushes (5, 6) rotatably mounted on a pair of arms (3, 4) which are pivotable about a submerged axis (A—A). In use the brushes are caused to rotate and contact fouling on the hull of the vessel and are pivoted generally upwardly and downwardly of the hull, the vessel being conveyed with respect to the pivotal axis of the arms (3, 4) so that the entire hull of the floating vessel may be cleaned. The inventive cleaning assembly advantageously eliminates the significant financial costs associated with arranging for a marine vessel to remain on hard-standing and also reduces the time required to clean the hull of a marine vessel.

Abstract: A boat hull cleaner having a handle (not shown) and a knuckle (see FIG. 1), the knuckle 1 having a first portion 2 and a second portion 3, the first portion 2 having a first channel and the second portion 3 having a second channel, the first portion 2 having a first connector part 4 to be joined to a first tubular part of the handle, and the second portion 3 having a second connector part 5 joined to a second tubular part of the handle; the arrangement being such that a fluid can be caused to flow within the first tubular part of the handle, into the first and second channels of the knuckle 1, and then into the second tubular part of the handle, and wherein the first and second portions 2 and 3 of the knuckle 1 can be adjusted with respect to one another such that the first and second tubular parts of the handle assume an angle with respect to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the underwater portions of a boat having at least one cleaning unit with an ejection element for generating a jet of cleaning fluid under high pressure, and a manifold for generating jets of gas under low pressure. The manifold enables a space to be defined around the cleaning fluid jet in which space density is considerably reduced relative to the density of the surrounding water, such as a space that is free or practically free from water; this space extends from the ejection element to the surface for cleaning of the underwater portions. The apparatus is applicable to cleaning boats, such as sail boats, motor boats, and canal boats, without it being necessary to take them out of the water.

Abstract: A boat hull cleaner having a handle (not shown) and a knuckle (see FIG.

Abstract: A motor drives both a scrubbing brush and a propeller. Both rotate usually on the same shaft. The brush rotates against a surface to be cleaned and the propeller provides a thrust of the brush towards the surface. There is ample motion for scrubbing and cleaning combined with force to hold the brush firmly against the surface. A mechanically generated force against the surface is needed to remove debris, and when working underwater, such as against a boat hull, it is difficult to provide the force, since there is no ground on which to stand. The motor is electrical, or is pneumatic or hydraulic, with power brought in via flexible tubes, or power may come via flexible shaft. Manual controls may be underwater mounted on the unit or may transmit commands by electrical or radio signals to the above water power source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing the growth on a ship's hull (2). This device comprises a cleaning element (3) and means for displacing this cleaning element over the hull (2), which means comprise at least one cable (4) which is arranged such that it passes underneath the keel of the hull (2) and to which the cleaning element (3) and means (5) for moving the cable (4) are connected. The cleaning element comprises at least one mat (3) comprising a flat base (13) consisting of an elastically deformable material, which at least at one side, is provided with a relief (14) of wear-and-tear-resistant, elastically deformable material. In the mat (3) at least one magnet (17) is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for cleaning the underwater portions of a boat. The apparatus is remarkable in that it comprises at least one cleaning unit (1) comprising first generator means (10) for generating a jet of cleaning fluid (103) under high pressure, and second means (11) for generating jets of gas under low pressure, said second means (10) enabling a volume (114) to be defined around said cleaning fluid jet (103) in which space density is considerably reduced relative to the density of the surrounding water, such as a space that is free or practically free from water, said space (114) extending from said first generator means (10) to the surface for cleaning of said underwater portions (2). The invention is applicable to cleaning sail boats, motor boats, canal boats, without it being necessary to take them out of the water.

Abstract: An apparatus that attaches itself to a surface by negative pressure and that can move over the surface, in particular, for carrying out work, to prevent a risk, depending on the alignment of the surface, of the apparatus dropping downward if there is a decrease in an attachment force in the case of malfunctioning includes a safety configuration that monitors detachment of the apparatus from the surface and, in such a case, attaches a retaining configuration, preferably in the form of a suction cup, to the surface, the retaining configuration retaining the movable apparatus on the surface.

Abstract: The invention aims at a structure which counteract bio-fouling in aquatic environments and is principally characterized by the fact that the surface of an object has parallel ribs projecting from it (4, 5), close to each other, which are narrowing outward and whose height is less than two millimetres.

Abstract: A pool brush includes a hydrofoil moving on a hinge. The hydrofoil provides downforce on the surface being brushed regardless of the direction of the pool brush (pulled or pushed). Adjustable front and rear stops allow the amount of downforce to be adjusted and to compensate for larger and deeper pools. The hydrofoil also creates a method for laterally steering the pool brush by twisting the handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing coatings from the hull of a ship using a steered magnet vehicle supported by the adhesion force only of a permanent magnet to the surface to be treated. Using an ultra-high pressure water jet system and method for removing coatings, paint, deposits, organic and inorganic from hulls without harming the substrate material and to provide a superior surface for the application of subsequent coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inspection system for inspection of an object, comprising at least an image recording means carried by an inspector, a display unit, a storage unit and a contact free positioning unit. The storage unit is arranged to store at least an image taken by said imaged recording unit in relation to a position given by said positioning unit and/or a time index.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the thickness and topography of buoyant objects, especially ship's hulls (1), by means of a beam (2, 17) carrying an array of ultrasound sensors (3). The object (1) and the beam (2) are moved relative to each other in the object's longitudinal direction while the distance between the object and the beam are automatically adjusted by raising/lowering the beam (2) by means of lifting means (6) and/or distance elements secured by floating bodies (4). The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method permits unattended cleaning of a surface. A clamping mechanism engages features around a contaminated surface and is connected to a dome-shaped receptacle containing a gelled acid compound. The gelled acid compound is pressed and held against the contaminated surface during cleaning. Gelled acid ensures that the acid component for dissolving does not readily disburse into the ambient environment. Contamination exposed to the gelled acid compound is dissolved, and the clamping mechanism is disengaged for other cleaning tasks. More reliable attachment of instrumentation and other packages can be made to the cleaned surface. The uncomplicated apparatus and method of the invention allow a single diver to quietly attach packages underwater in the harsh marine environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a hull of a watercraft floating in a body of water includes a waterproof shroud of flexible sheet material suspended from a collar which is floatable in the body of water. The collar includes a buoyant forward section and a controllably buoyant rearward section pivotally connected to the rearward section for pivotal movement between a horizontal floating position and a sunken position. The rearward section includes an interior chamber and an opening or channel that extends from the chamber to provide a water flow path between the chamber and the surrounding body of water. Controllably, the chamber may be filled either with air from an external source of pressurized air or may be allowed to flood through the channel with water from the surrounding body of water. When the chamber is flooded, the rearward section is non-buoyant and pivots to its sunken position. When the chamber is filled with sufficient air, the rearward section becomes buoyant and pivots to its floating position.

Abstract: A simple apparatus for removing deposits such as marine organisms from underwater structures by utilizing natural force such as waves tides, comprises plural floating bodies linked together. The linked floating bodies repeatedly collide with the underwater structure to remove deposits. The linked bodies can be hollow or solid. A protective cover, comprising two cup-like parts, is preferably provided on the outer circumference of each of the linked bodies. The protective cover may have bridge-like projections for enhancing removal of attached matter, and may be surrounded by a socket ring. Freely rotating collars are provided to prevent accumulation of marine organisms and the like on parts of the removal apparatus that do not directly contact the underwater structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing coatings from the hull of a ship using a steered magnet vehicle supported by the adhesion force only of a permanent magnet means to a surface to be treated. Using an ultra-high pressure water jet system and method for removing coatings, paint, deposits, organic and inorganic from hulls without harming the substrate material and to provide a superior surface for the application of subsequent coatings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting an underwater surface (3) against pollution due to fouling, in particular a metal surface, upon which a coating (4) is applied, whereby the coating (4), in the presence of water, is brushed or polished smooth with at least one brush (8) having brushes (9) made of synthetic material in which a grinding agent (10) is embedded. In the coating (4), glass flakes (5) are embedded to which silver is bonded.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for keeping a structure such as a vessel, at least part of which is submerged, from being adhered to by aquatic organisms. In the method, the submerged part of the structure is covered up with a specific non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric preferably has such a METSUKE value that each of the gaps between the fibers has an area of 1-60 mm2, wherein the “METSUKE” means the weight of the fibers for one square meter of the non-woven fabric. The fabric typically has less than 1 mm thick.

Abstract: A pair of vertical guide supports are slidably received in horizontally spaced rails removably mounted on a vertical target surface to be treated, such as the hull of a ship. A rack support interconnects the vertical guide supports and is vertically displaceable relative thereto with a rack plate thereby positioned in spaced relation to the target surface. A treatment device such as a pressurized paint ejector is positioned on the rack plate for selectively imposed movement therewith along linear paths to positions at which it is aligned perpendicular to the target surface to be completely treated by application or removal of paint for example.