Abstract: The modular floating bar with optional canopy mounts is a floatation device with optional canopy mounts therefor. The device includes a plurality of modular segments that can be assembled and arranged in a various patterns to create a floating structure that is usable in pools, lakes and ponds or in any water that is relatively calm and devoid of strong current pulls. The modular segments are provided with a hinge and pin arrangement that permits easy assembly. The segments incorporate structure for retaining cups and beverage coolers therein. Support structure is also provided for mounting a canopy on the assembled segments.

Abstract: A vertically installed Spar-type floater for offshore wind turbine and related construction method are provided. The floating system is a gravity stabilized deep-draft floater including a plurality of vertically extending columns, each column containing a ballast material; a ballast tank coupled to the lower end of each of the columns; a top deck having a plurality of through-bores approximate its periphery coupled to the upper end of each of the columns; a wind turbine assembly supported by the top deck at the center; a plurality of mooring lines linking the floating system to the sea floor. The floating system has a temporary vertically towing configuration which allows the entire floating wind turbine system to be assembled at a quayside and towed vertically to an offshore site, and self-installed into operating configuration.

Abstract: A construction barge having a body with a generally rectilinear configuration, including two substantially vertical side walls and two substantially vertical end walls, together with a top support platform and a bottom platform. The top and bottom platforms may be made of a rigid, yet relatively lightweight construction including a plurality of elongate roll-formed metal sections connected to one another. The side and end walls each include a pair of vertically-spaced connection angles each having a horizontal flange with a plurality of spaced openings. The dimensions of the barge and the configuration of the connection arrangement are designed such that the barge may have a reduced size and/or weight compared to existing barges, yet may be connected to existing barges while floating in a body of water with the top support platforms of the barges properly aligned.

Abstract: An air direction device is submerged under a dry dock. The device imitates the orientation of the dry dock and is in communication with an air source, which pipes air under the device. The air travels to the most elevated portion of the device, which in turn directs the air into a depressed tank to correct dry dock imbalance.

Abstract: A floating wind farm includes a plurality of floating rafts connected with one another and being disposed in a body of water below the water by a predetermined distance; a plurality of wind turbines connected to the floating rafts respectively and being configured to be driven by wind and thereby generate power; a power generator connected to the floating rafts; a plurality of anchors connected to the floating rafts respectively and disposed in the body of water for confining the location of the floating rafts. Each of the floating rafts includes at least three pipes and a plurality of ballast blocks attached to the pipes. The pipes are configured to store air compressed by the power generated by the wind turbines. The power generator is configured to generate and output electricity from the compressed air stored in the pipes.

Abstract: A method of constructing a semi-submersible unit with a side wall. To construct the semi-submersible unit, the method can include placing a hull in a body of water and connecting a deck structure to the hull. In addition, there is a kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit, with a side wall.

Abstract: A modular dock unit and system for making large modular dock systems is disclosed. The dock unit includes a molded floatation shell, a molded decking piece and a molded dri-loc retainer ring. The floatation shell has column supports molded therein suitable for holding support members. In use, support member are placed in flanges molded into the support columns and the floatation shell rim. The dri lock retainer is placed on the side support members and the decking piece is opposed to the dri-loc retainer. Mounting aids such as tongue and groove members are molded in opposing pieces of floatation shell, retainer and deck and secured where necessary. The dock unit also includes a boat bumper system that mates with the dock units to surround the modular dock system. When assembled, the dock unit comprises a water-tight flotation cavity protecting the internal components and providing buoyancy to the dock unit.

Abstract: A three dimensional floating structure is formed of interconnected sealed pipes. Large tires are filled with foam, sealed and arranged side by side on the lowest horizontal pipes. A deck supports activities. Structures on sides at a water surface trap floating substances. Offset hinged plates connect modules, forming large structures. Wind redirectors are mounted on plural levels. Windmill pumps draw cool deep water and spray water to disrupt wind energy, cool the surface and concentrate floating substances. The windmills drive turbine generators directly by pumping water to storage tanks and discharging the water through penstocks to drive hydro-electric turbine generators. Excess power is transmitted through cables to onshore power grids. The floating structures provide oil recovery and wind de-energizing, water and waste treatment and residential and recreational activities.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling.

Abstract: A sectional barge assembly and a hydraulic thruster apparatus for maneuvering the sectional barge assembly. The hydraulic thruster apparatus includes a hydraulic power unit and a thruster unit. The hydraulic power unit includes an engine and a hydraulic pump connected to the engine. The thruster unit includes a hydraulic motor and a propeller drivingly connected to the hydraulic motor to provide a thrust force that acts to move the sectional barge assembly. The sectional barge assembly includes a plurality of barges interconnected by connector devices that are also used to interconnect the thruster unit to the sectional barge assembly. Further, a hydraulic connection panel is mounted on the thruster unit and includes a plurality of hydraulic connectors which allow a plurality of hydraulic lines to be removably connectable thereto, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating concrete body and to a floating assembly using the same, comprising: a main body having a buoyancy space to provide buoyancy; and a buoyancy member which has a lower specific gravity than water and fills the buoyancy space in such a way that it can block water from flowing into the buoyancy space. The floating concrete body and the floating assembly using the same according to the present invention have the advantage that buoyancy can be provided even if cracking occurs in an outer wall of the floating concrete body, since water is blocked from flowing into the flotation space of the floating concrete body because the flotation space is filled by the buoyancy member. The floating concrete body and the floating assembly using the same according to the present invention which are constituted in this way can be employed in offshore fishing sites, offshore lodges, floating breakwaters, floating roadbridges and non-magnetic enclosures.

Abstract: A concrete floating dock can be formed using a form that has an inner and an outer form. Concrete sections can be cast such that they include a deck portion and two longitudinally extending side walls that extend downwardly from the deck portion. The concrete sections can be removed from the form and coupled together to form a concrete floating dock. One or more buoyancy elements can be positioned in the cavities of the fully cured concrete sections before or after the concrete sections are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A floating security barrier and method of use includes a plurality of buoys that are placed on a water surface and about a marine structure or platform to be protected. A plurality of trusses are provided, each truss spanning between a pair of buoys. A connection joins each truss at its end portion to a buoy. In one embodiment, the connection is above the center of gravity of the truss. A curtain depends downwardly from each truss, spanning between the truss and the water surface area. The curtain can extend below the surface of the water. The method includes encircling a structure to be protected with a plurality of buoys, each buoy connected with a truss that spans between a pair of buoys. Each truss preferably connects to a buoy at a position that is above the center of gravity of the truss. The method includes hanging a curtain downwardly from its truss, the curtain spanning between the truss and the water surface area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floating dock system, the floating dock system comprising at least two dock sections, said dock sections said dock sections comprising substantially horizontal slots along at least one edge; and at least one coupling member configured to engage a horizontal slot in at least two dock sections; whereby the at least two dock sections are retained together by the at least one coupling member.

Abstract: “DISPOSITION INTRODUCED INTO ASSEMBLING SYSTEM FOR FLOATING PLATFORMS” is a new disposition of assembling system for floating platform, which presents rectangular blocks (1), rings (2), cavities (3), couplings (6), caps (7), slits (9), semicircles (11), chamfers (17) and finishing pins (19).

Abstract: A dual column semisubmersible floating platform for use in offshore applications has a hull configuration including vertical support columns, pontoons connecting the lower ends of the vertical support columns by way of the connecting nodes, and a deck structure supported at an upper end of the columns. The vertical columns are arranged in pairs with one of the pair of vertical columns disposed a distance outward from the second of the pair. Arranging the columns in pairs provides for improved motions, more efficient deck structures and an improved opportunity to optimize the overall system for a particular application. The dual column semisubmersible can support offshore hydrocarbon drilling and production, including the use of wet trees or dry trees for hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: This invention relates to the creation of man-made islands and other like floating structures using composite materials, such as plastic foam coated with a Fiber Reinforced Coating (FRC), such as Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).

Abstract: A catamaran-type boat suitable for handling, assembling, and/or transporting off-shore wind turbines, the boat having two side floats constituting a U-shaped floating structure, the open space between the two branches of the U-shape constituted by the two side floats being suitable for receiving a base, the floats being fitted with grippers suitable for gripping the base between the two side floats, and the grippers being suitable for gripping the base and at least two grip levels of different heights.

Abstract: An improved barge system comprises a barge with a connecting system built into the barge. The connecting system includes several recessed areas about the periphery of the barge with upper and lower tubes about the peripheral edges of the barge. A connecting system with a vertical post having a lower connecting member and an upper connecting member is attached within each recessed area. The vertical post and upper connecting member are separated hinged within the recess for rotation into position to connect an adjacent barge by connecting the upper and lower connecting members to adjacent upper and lower tubes on the adjacent barges. An adjustable hinge and wedged lower end of the connecting member is provided for alignment of the upper connecting member with the vertical post. A liner on the upper connecting member provides load absorption and noise abatement, and torsion bars on the barge provide structural control.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a three dimensional shaped body with a buoyant inducing element incorporated therein body and which is deployed in order to support the body upon a body of water. In one variant, the buoyant inducing element further includes a plurality of bladders deployable into an end-to-end perimeter extending arrangement relative to the body. In a further design, a pressurized tank is contained within the body and holds a volume of a compressed gas and in communication with the deployable bladders. In a further variant, the body includes upper and lower vertically displaceable halves, with the elevation of the upper half causing one way air inlet valves disposed within a bottom surface of the lower halve to fill an expanded interior defined between the halves, via vacuum inlet pressure acting upon the one way valves.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system includes a barge support frame having a frame superstructure and a plurality of frame support legs selectively extendable from the frame superstructure, a barge carried by the barge support frame and at least one wave energy conversion pump comprising a water transfer conduit carried by the barge support frame and having a filter port and an inner water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the filter port, a pressure conduit mounted for displacement on the water transfer conduit and having an outer water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the inner water transfer space and a buoyancy vessel carried by the pressure conduit. Also disclosed are a power generation pumping system and a river or stream fed system having tanks to contain and pressurize water to a force sufficient to drive turbine generators for electric power production and potable water use.

Abstract: A floating module and fastening system for interconnecting a row of modules while allowing relative movement of the modules resulting from wave action. The present invention provides a system for interconnecting floating structures to form breakwaters and other integrated floating structures. The interconnection system includes one or more cables or other securing lines extending longitudinally through a row of floating structures and fastened at the ends of the row. Two or more socket members, through which the cables pass, are secured in and project outwardly from each end wall of the floating structures. Each of the socket members defines a recess, which extends into the end walls of the floating structures. Opposed socket members projecting from adjacent floating structures are sized so that an end of a first of the socket members fits within an opposed end of a second of the socket members.

Abstract: A method of assembling an offshore support system for use with a wind turbine. The method includes coupling a damper to a wind turbine tower. A counter-balance system is coupled to the damper for suspending at least a portion of the wind turbine above a water surface. The damper is positioned at least partially below a water surface to facilitate reducing movement of the wind turbine in at least one direction. The counter-balance system is positioned at least partially below the water surface to stabilize the wind turbine when subjected to wind and tidal forces.

Abstract: A floating base for a building, the base comprising at least one buoyant basement unit defining a basement level, and a reinforced concrete transfer slab atop the or each basement unit. The basement level provides habitable or functional space for the building, and the transfer slab has at least one access opening giving access to the basement level. Preferably, the base comprises at least two buoyant basement units, wherein each of the basement units is independently buoyant for assembly with at least one other basement unit during construction of the base, said basement units thereby assuming a final position in which said units are closely adjacent or in contact to define a basement level comprising two or more of said units. The invention also extends to a method for constructing a floating base for a building, and a method for launching a buoyant basement unit.

Abstract: Ship (1) of the type comprising a control bridge (2) with a direct view of the ship's environment, and an operations control room (3) receiving information in real time on the situation of the environment of the ship, prepared by analysis means (4) for analysing the environment of the ship, of which the operations control room (3) comprises means for the panoramic display of the ship's environment.

Abstract: A process for the production of a frame for a construction adapted to float includes the steps consisting in: forming a flotation element (12) whose upper portion includes a network of grooves adapted to form formwork for beams (14) of concrete as well as wells, passing through the flotation element (12), adapted to form formwork for concrete columns (16); preferably, arranging reinforcing iron in the formworks and adding at the periphery a formwork to form a belt; and pouring the concrete.

Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore structure for offshore operations. In an embodiment, the structure comprises a buoyant hull. The hull comprises a first elongate horizontal pontoon having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The pontoon includes a first node disposed at the first end of the pontoon, a second node disposed at the second end of the pontoon, and an intermediate section extending axially from the first node to the second node. Moreover, the first node has a width W1, the second node has a width W2, and the intermediate section has a width W3 measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in bottom view. The width W3 varies moving axially from the first node to the second node.

Abstract: By efficiently lowering a water temperature of a sea surface to thereby suppress an evaporation of a water vapor from the sea surface by lowering the water temperature of the sea surface, a generation of an atmospheric depression is prevented or its strength is weakened. Further, by suppressing a rise of the sea surface temperature, a generation of a red tide or a blue tide is prevented or reduced.

Abstract: A floating cement terminal includes a floating pontoon, at least one ship docking station, a cement storage warehouse, a cement packing station, a bulk cement loading station and at least one vehicle ramp. The floating pontoon is retained adjacent a land mass. The at least one vehicle ramp allows vehicles access to the floating pontoon from a land mass. Each ship docking station includes at least one ship unloader. The ship unloader removes cement from a docked ship and transfers the cement to the cement storage warehouse. Cement in the cement storage warehouse is transferred to the cement packing station and the bulk cement loading station. The cement going into the cement packing station is loaded into bags. The cement going to the bulk cement loading station is transferred to a plurality of silos for loading into tanker trucks. Electrical power is preferably supplied from a self-contained power source.

Abstract: A floating module and fastening system for interconnecting a row of modules while allowing relative movement of the modules resulting from wave action. The present invention provides a system for interconnecting floating structures to form breakwaters and other integrated floating structures. The interconnection system includes one or more cables or other securing lines extending longitudinally through a row of floating structures and fastened at the ends of the row. Two or more socket members, through which the cables pass, are secured in and project outwardly from each end wall of the floating structures. Each of the socket members defines a recess, which extends into the end walls of the floating structures. Opposed socket members projecting from adjacent floating structures are sized so that an end of a first of the socket members fits within an opposed end of a second of the socket members.

Abstract: A floatable hunting blind shaped like a muskrat but includes a roof portion pivotally attached to a base portion to rotate between a closed position and an open position. A biasing member urges the roof portion towards the open position. A latch is provided that can be adjusted to retain the roof in the closed position or release the roof to be pivoted to the open position by the urging of the biasing member.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

Abstract: The present invention reduces loads and saves steel on topsides and grillage of a catamaran system by creating a counteracting moment to offset a sagging bending moment of its self-weight on the topsides during transportation. The present invention can reduce the span of the supports on the topsides on the catamaran float-over barges and move the reaction forces toward inner edges of the float-over barges. The counteracting moment can cause a reduction of stress on the topsides' and grillage's members caused during the topside offloading and transportation. The stress reduction can result in the members withstanding the additional dynamic load caused by a catamaran system without increasing member sizes adequate for an offloading operation. The reduction results in a significant savings, given the size of a typical topsides for a Spar hull.

Abstract: A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports.

Abstract: The proposed invention is the building design application of a foundation system that is flood and wind resistant. The foundation system consists of a building superstructure 1, foundation raft assembly 2, and steel pole anchor with bent steel plate guide assembly 3. The foundation raft assembly 2 typically bears on grade 4, but floats at water level 5 during a flood. The steel pole anchor with bent steel plate guide assembly 3 has a shaped bent steel plate that wraps around a steel pole anchor, and attaches to the foundation system corners.

Abstract: A modular floating construction comprises one or more floating bodies having platforms including removable latching means, thereby providing floating stages, wharfs, working platforms to be used on water surfaces in general.

Abstract: A configurable, multi-function vessel that comprises first and second pontoon barges and a plurality of interconnecting barges. The first and second pontoon barges have a plurality of connection members disposed on the inboard sides thereof. The plurality of interconnecting barges are disposable between the inboard sides of the first and second pontoon barges so that a plurality of connection members disposed on opposite sides of the interconnecting barges are adjacent to the connection members on either said first or second pontoon barge. A plurality of connectors releasably couple adjacent connection members so that the pontoon barges and the interconnecting barges form a unitary, oceangoing vessel.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. The primary and secondary frame members are formed of a fiber-reinforced resin material. The primary frame members extend parallel to a primary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Likewise, the secondary frame members extend parallel to a secondary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Each secondary frame member is connected to the pair of primary frame members. The dock also includes a plurality of cross members. Each cross member is connected to and extends between the pair of primary frame members. Each cross member includes an upper platform contact face disposed within a common upper platform contact plane.

Abstract: A device for modifying a hull of a floating body of a floating vehicle or floating bridge, having a base floating body, with an upper surface forming a principal rolling path, and first and second lateral surfaces. On each side of the base floating body, a first movable wall which is mounted so that it pivots on a lower part of the corresponding lateral surface of the base floating body, a second movable wall is mounted so that it pivots on the first movable wall, and a third movable wall is mounted so that it pivots about the second movable wall The three movable walls are arranged with respect to each other so that, in a folded position, the first movable wall is essentially parallel to the first lateral surface of the base floating body, and the second and third movable walls partially cover the upper surface of the base floating body.

Abstract: A modular buoyant support apparatus is comprised of buoyant support modules of inflatable pontoons. The pontoons comprise inflatable cylindrical tubular chambers, typically fabricated of polymer coated fabric sheet material. Pontoons are fashioned so that they may be connected directly, in a modular fashion, to the underside of an appropriately configured dock platform. In some embodiments, a pontoon presents a relatively planar surface to the underside of the dock platform. The pontoons connect with attachment mechanisms depending from the dock platform via attachment points integral to or connected to the pontoons. Advantageously, the pontoons may be shipped deflated to the location for the dock and, in situ, both inflated for deployment and deflated for maintenance or relocation.

Abstract: A semi-submersible structure. The hull includes four columns that are supported by two pontoons. The columns support the topsides and the topsides structural framing serves as horizontal framing between the columns. A truss frame is attached to the columns. The truss frame preferably includes heave plates. The truss frame extends downward below the pontoons a sufficient distance in the water such that it minimizes motions caused by environmental forces. The hull section and the truss space frame are constructed separately and assembled together at the offshore site where the structure is used for drilling and/or production.

Abstract: A coupling to engage and retain two adjacent buoyant marine bodies in a side to side abutting relationship, is described. The coupling has two coupling portions (9), one each on one of the two adjacent buoyant marine bodies. The coupling portion (“first coupling portion”) including a downwardly directed receiving recess that includes at least one bearing surface (7) that faces away from a plane of abutment of the two marine bodies and that increases in distance away from the plane of abutment from top to bottom. The coupling also having a locking bar to be retained by the other coupling portion (second coupling portion) in a manner to allow it to move vertically thereto and to project from the second coupling portion for engagement with the first coupling portion, the locking bar including a receiving surface (16) to abut with the bearing surface (7).

Abstract: Disclosed is a watercraft for use in combination with a PWC or suitable shallow draft propulsion system. The watercraft is designed to operate in emergency conditions where flood waters leave an uncharted bottom that may be as little as twelve inches deep or conceal a submerged object. The watercraft includes a ramp allowing for the ease of loading including wheelchair bound and bed-bound patients as well as supplies such as water, food, medical supplies, generators, and water filtration systems. The watercraft is based upon two pontoons having a storable floor and support structure, the support structure overlays a portion of each pontoon.

Abstract: A dual column semisubmersible floating platform for use in offshore applications has a hull configuration including vertical support columns, pontoon structures connecting the lower ends of the vertical support columns, and a deck structure supported at an upper end of the columns. The vertical columns are arranged in pairs with one of the pair of vertical columns disposed a distance outward from the second of the pair. Arranging the columns in pairs provides for improved motions, more efficient deck structures and an improved opportunity to optimize the overall system for a particular application. The dual column semisubmersible can support offshore hydrocarbon drilling and production, including the use of wet trees or dry trees for hydrocarbon production. Risers can be supported on the pontoon and extended to the deck, and the structure can be anchored by mooring lines extending along the outboard face of the outboard columns extending radially outward and downward from their lower ends.

Abstract: A float assembly means that includes platform consisting of a plurality of floats adjoined to float on the surface of a body of water; a bottom base below the water surface consisting of a plurality of floats adjoined that are submerged in the water; and a surrounding wall disposed between the platform and the bottom base consisting of a plurality of floats stacked together that are submerged in the water. The surrounding wall is formed of a plurality of wall surfaces, each wall surface collectively closing off a sealed area. The sealed area, at its lower extent, is closured by the bottom base and an opening is formed over the recess in its upper extent. The resulting structure is capable of, on a water surface, covering a specific body of water to form a safe swimming and water recreation area.

Abstract: A configurable, multi-function vessel that comprises first and second pontoon barges and a plurality of interconnecting barges. The first and second pontoon barges have a plurality of connection members disposed on the inboard sides thereof. The plurality of interconnecting barges are disposable between the inboard sides of the first and second pontoon barges so that a plurality of connection members disposed on opposite sides of the interconnecting barges are adjacent to the connection members on either said first or second pontoon barge. A plurality of connectors releasably couple adjacent connection members so that the pontoon barges and the interconnecting barges form a unitary, oceangoing vessel.

Abstract: A deep draft semi submersible structure wherein the semi-submersible has a center of gravity below its center of buoyancy and the structure is a floating vessel with at least three vertically oriented buoyant columns. Each of the vertically oriented buoyant columns have at least one ballasted compartment and the columns are spaced apart at a sufficient distance to reduce vortex induced vibration amplitude. There are at least two connecting structural sealed trusses connected to the columns below sea level, they are positioned to minimize hydrodynamic wave action on the trusses and to transfer shear loads between the columns while remaining transparent to wave and ocean current motion.

Abstract: The present application relates to a marine buoy featuring a novel bracing assembly disposed within a marine buoy and featuring a plurality of bracing members extending between and connecting to a first fastening member and a second fastening member.

Abstract: A floating module, particularly for providing modular floating structures, comprising a tubular body open at its lower end, which is designed to be directed toward the seabed, and provided, at its upper end, with a closure element which is provided with at least one opening for injecting compressed air into the tubular body, connection elements being provided in order to connect the tubular body to one or more adjacent tubular bodies.

Abstract: A flexor connector drive system for mechanical flexors of a modular causeway system includes a linear slide mechanism coupled to a linear drive located within a well on a first section of the causeway system. The linear slide mechanism is adapted to be driven out of the well by the linear drive and couple to a flexor located within a well on a second section of the causeway. Upon reversal of the linear drive, the linear slide mechanism pulls the flexor into the well on the first section, for interconnecting the two sections. The linear drive includes a high helix screw that provides high torque under high speed conditions for quickly moving the heavy flexor between the two sections.