Abstract: A system and method transports a load across an expanse between first and second locations. The first and second locations can be on land and/or water and having a base surface of ground, waterbed, and/or vessel between them. The system includes supports, ramps, and a bridge assembly. The supports mounting on the base surface and are disposed on first and second sides of the expanse. The ramps mount on adjacent ones of the supports and/or on at least one the supports and the base surface. The bridge assembly has one or more longitudinal girders configured to extend parallel to one another across the expanse. Each girder has beams being modular and being hingedly connected end-to-end. Each girder has a first end supported on a first support, has a second end supported on a second support, and has an entire length between the ends that is self-supported. The entire self-supported length supports and transfers weight of the load to the ends supported on the supports.

Abstract: The present invention is a deployable climate blanket system for regulating temperature of a water surface, including two or more climate blanket secured one to another, each blanket configured with an interior air-filled cavity and a plurality of weights for maintaining the system into a desired position. When use of the blankets is no longer desired, the blankets can be lowered beneath the water surface so as not to interfere with boat traffic or other surface use of the water.

Abstract: An access mat comprises a single unitary body having a generally planar upper wall, a bottom wall and side walls joining side edges of the upper wall and the bottom wall, formed by pultrusion from composite material comprising longitudinally continuous fibers and a set resin so as to define an elongated tubular body enclosing a hollow interior. The unitary body includes integrally formed parallel reinforcing ribs bridging the hollow interior in a thickness direction. The bottom wall has recessed channels therein receiving pultruded elongate connector members each shaped to fit into a respective one of the recessed channels with a bottom surface of the connector member coplanar with the bottom surface and a top surface of the connector member in engagement with a raised surface of the respective recessed channel for connecting of an end of the body to an adjacent end of another body by bridging between the bodies.

Abstract: A pet ramp system has a central pier and at least one ramp with an axle that is received in at least one axle receiver disposed near the top of the pier. The pier's axle receiver(s) permit installation of the ramp axle when the ramp is oriented at less than a predetermined angle from vertical, but the axle receiver(s) will not permit separation of the ramp from the pier when the ramp is lowered to any of a plurality of use positions that each are at more than the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A landscaping block having a block body with at least a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer projection extending outwardly from each of the at least first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer locator positioned along each one of the first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The at least one spacer locator positioned along each side surface has a retaining surface shaped to receive a spacer projection, at least a portion of the retaining surface extending outwardly from the side surface.

Abstract: A buoyant element includes an elongate buoyant body that defines: (i) a major side; (ii) a minor side that is parallel to the major side; (iii) axial ends connecting the major and minor sides at an angle of substantially 45° from the orthogonal spanning the major and minor sides; and (iv) means for connecting adjacent buoyant elements together. The length of the major side is twice the length of the minor side.

Abstract: A modular frame structure that can accept buoyancy members for construction of floating structures such as boats, rafts, barges, bridges and other platforms includes generally L-shaped planar sheet form drop gussets having horizontal and vertical leg portions provided with respective upper and lower receivers for connection to upper and lower tubular frame members.

Abstract: A device for a floating bridge 15 which is fastened at two anchorage points on the shore (18) is described and it is characterised in that it comprises at least one passage float (1) which is inserted as a part of a bridge construction for the passage of ships, and it forms a passage channel (200) for ships and also forms a foundation for a carriageway (111) which stretches across the passage channel. The floating bridge (15) is fastened ashore and to each side of the passage float (1) with the help of structure boxes (10,10?).

Abstract: A floating, self-propelling, self-ballasting, pivotable bridge system is described. The bridge has a main bridge body with a pontoon-like structure. One end of the bridge has a pivoting system comprising complementary pivot plates, one attached to the bridge and the other on land with a pivot pin attaching them at a pivot point. The other end of the bridge has a releasable locking mechanism. The bridge has ballast tanks for raising and lowering its level in the water. The bridge also has thrusters for propelling itself through the water when it pivots from a closed position spanning a waterway to an open position allowing boat traffic through a waterway.

Abstract: A flexible, floating walkway (10) is described to make it possible to securely transport people and/or goods between installations at sea, such as ships, and land (30,20). The walkway is characterized in that it comprises bridge elements (50) coupled in between floating elements (60A, 60B, 60C) fitted with horizontal and vertical segments, so that the floating elements can be pulled out during use to couple the installations (30,20) (20) and folded up when the walkway (10) is not in use. The bridge elements (50) are designed, together with the floating elements (60A, 60B) to be unfolded and folded up in a zigzag concertina type formation. The invention also relates to applications of the construction to combine with land areas separated by a strait or a river where there is, for example, heavy traffic.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle includes caissons, floats, and ramps stored on top of one another on a self-propelled rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for driving over firm ground. The elements can be deployed transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, forms a pontoon or a ferry to breach a water-filled opening. The vehicle includes a deployment device to deploy the elements on one side before beginning to deploy the elements on the other side of the rolling base. The elements are deployed in at least three different configurations. The elements on each side, include respectively, from the inside outwards, in the deployed configuration, a caisson, a float, and a ramp which are hinged together in a Z-configuration.

Abstract: A flexible, floating walkway (10) is described to make it possible to securely transport people and/or goods between installations at sea, such as ships, and land (30,20). The walkway is characterised in that it comprises bridge elements (50) coupled in between floating elements (60A, 60B, 60C) fitted with horizontal and vertical segments, so that the floating elements can be pulled out during use to couple the installations (30,20) (20) and folded up when the walkway (10) is not in use. The bridge elements (50) are designed, together with the floating elements (60A, 60B) to be unfolded and folded up in a zigzag concertina type formation. The invention also relates to applications of the construction to combine with land areas separated by a strait or a river where there is, for example, heavy traffic.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

Abstract: A method for transferring fluids and personnel between a work vessel and an offshore marine platform includes the placement of an elongated self-supporting frame between the work vessel and the marine platform. A walkway is provided on the frame. Pipe racks are provided on the frame, one pipe rack on each side of the frame so that a pair of pipe racks are on opposing sides of the frame. Hand rails are mounted in between the walkway and each pipe rack. A fluid holding pan extends under the walkway and the flowlines. In this fashion, fluid that falls from either a pipe rack or a walkway to the pan can travel through a common drain or collection area.

Abstract: A durable, quickly deployable temporary floating breakwater (FBW) can protect areas in austere locations. A plurality of inflatable modules is encapsulated within a common cover, which holds the modules together and in some embodiments supports a causeway thereupon. A separate floating causeway can be included. Embodiments include a semi-permeable “sloping beach” section which causes waves to break before reaching the FBW. A bed of wave-energy-absorbing synthetic kelp can be attached to the sloping beach. The beach and/or kelp can include low-surface-energy fibers and films, such as olefins and polypropylenes, to remove oil from the water in case of an oil spill or accident. In embodiments, the FBW can be temporarily sunk to avoid extremely high seas, ice, and/or other surface hazards. The FBW is lightweight, can be quickly and compactly stowed, and in some embodiments can be transported and deployed from the deck of an LCU 1610.

Abstract: A modular bridging system comprising modules (10) which inter-link to form a deck suitable for use as a buoyant walkway or roadway; and in which the means for causing successive modules to interlink comprises pegs (61; FIG. 6A-6D) which, in use, joint the facing surfaces of adjacent modules allowing the modules a limited relative up-and-down linked movement and, which are readily detachable when the deck is to be dismantled.

Abstract: A floating latticework is suitable for a latticework, a truss-frame structure and a net-shell structure over water. The floating latticework is the combination of a latticework (1) and a floating structure (2), or members of the latticework (1) in themselves are able to float. The floating structure (2) makes the latticework (1) floated over water, the surface of upper chords of which is in form of a platy structure or covered and fixed with a platy structure, as a plane used for loading. There is an advantage that the space-structure floating body is less influenced by wind and wave, which go through its space. A ship structure and a cofferdam structure are parallel solutions with the above solution. Their skeletons are net-shell structure, wherein they are provided with high structural strength.

Abstract: A floating platform system comprises first and second outer longitudinal beam members securing a truss frame having a plurality of truss elements. The floating platform system may further include at least one biasing device exerting a force on the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a platform interface and/or at least one flotation device secured to the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a plurality of inner longitudinal beam members interposed between the platform interface and/or the flotation device and the outer longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle which has elements, such as caissons, floats, and ramps, arranged on a self-propelled rolling base, oriented essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for movement on land, and which are deployed to form a track or bridge portion oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, is used to form a floating bridge or ferry. The vehicle has a deployment device for deploying elements by pivoting of four groups of the elements around four vertical shafts spaced from one another, according to at least three different configurations, each group of elements including at least one caisson.

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 rapidly constructed floating bridge for emergency deployment to minimize the time required to restore vehicular traffic where a structure crossing over a waterway has been rendered unusable or unsafe due to natural forces or acts of terrorism. The bridge is modular in nature and may be constructed from parts, including assemblies and/or subassemblies, that can be delivered to a staging area from which the bridge is assembled and deployed. The floating bridge can also be constructed as a temporary detour floating bridge at a location where a permanent structure is being repaired, removed or replaced by a new structure. The bridge is also a low cost option for a new location where a useful life of 25 to 30 years is required. The bridge may be continuous without a span that opens or may include one or more spans that pivot to open and provide a navigation channel, and/or the bridge may include an elevated span at a shore side to provide a navigation channel below the elevated span.

Abstract: A transportable modular flotation system with sections incorporating a decked supporting structure that is buoyed by heavy duty flotation tubes. The sections are coupled together with pre-tensioned ropes, straps or cables of High Modulus Fiber. The system is suitable for off-loading items from cargo ships in small harbors and onto remote beaches. One embodiment is a heavy-duty lightweight modular causeway system (LMCS™) that is rapidly deployable and recoverable from a Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). Other embodiments of the present invention may be deployable floating piers or docks; modular commercial causeways, and expedient means to cross environmentally sensitive areas such as marshes or wetlands without employing major earthmoving equipment. Embodiments may also be used for wet-gap crossings, such as currently served by modular bridges, such as the Army Dry Support Bridge (DSB).

Abstract: A bridge for long, deep water crossings is supported between spans by narrow, transverse, semi-submersible pontoons. The pontoons are oriented to present minimal cross section to tidal currents under the bridge. The pontoons are pivotally attached to the bridge allowing them to be turned a few degrees right or left as tidal currents change. During fabrication, a module of bridge deck/roadway can be assembled for transport upon each pontoon deck. After remote fabrication two or more complete bridge modules can be linked pontoon-to-pontoon into a seaworthy vessel that can be towed to the erection site. At site the roadway modules are rotated transverse to the pontoon, elevated to final position and joined to other modules, completing the bridge.

Abstract: Floating structures are provided. The floating structures are suitable for use as floating runways for aircraft, floating roadways, and supports for other facilities. The floating structures include a deck and one or more pontoons attached to the deck. The pontoons, with the deck attached, are caused to float in water contained in a basin, which in turn floats in a body of water. The basin provides damping or isolation of forces due to currents in the body of water, or prevailing winds, to reduce undesired or excessive motion of the deck. The deck supports are preferably capable of limited lateral movement relative to the pontoons, thereby permitting some movement of the pontoons independently and reducing stresses on the structure.

Abstract: The structural or bridge element is constructed from a sheath (1) made of textile fabric, preferably of low extensibility, which is covered in an airtight manner with a flexible plastic. Secured longitudinally within the sheath 1 are a plurality of textile webs of low extensibility in an assembly of mutually parallel planes. The thread profile of first layers 4 of the fabric of the webs 3 is turned through approximately 45° in relation to the longitudinal axis of the bridge element. Second layers 5, each arranged within the same web 3 as the first layer 4, have a thread profile which is selected to be parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bridge element. Bars 6 are arranged on the outside of the sheath 1, respectively in each plane of the webs 3, and are secured within shackles on the sheath 1. The sheath 1 is supplied with compressed air within the range of a few 100 mB.

Abstract: An automatic level-control floating apparatus supports a pontoon bridge, a floating floor or another superstructure floating on the sea, where the height of tide or the sea level varies. It is difficult to maintain the level of such a superstructure, which the floating apparatus can keep at a constant level without using motive power. The floating apparatus includes a supporting tank 3, which rests on the water bottom. The top of the supporting tank 3 is open to the atmosphere. A piston body 1 can reciprocate vertically in the supporting tank 3. The apparatus also includes floating tanks 2, which are integral with and positioned outside the piston body 1. The tops of the floating tanks 2 are open to the atmosphere. The floating tanks 2 are floating on the water. A floating body 4 can move vertically in each floating tank 2 and supports the superstructure.

Abstract: An automatic level-control floating apparatus supports a pontoon bridge, a floating floor or another superstructure floating on the sea, where the height of tide or the sea level varies. It is difficult to maintain the level of such a superstructure, which the floating apparatus can keep at a constant level without using motive power.

Abstract: A temporary platform or roadway is created using one or a plurality of optionally connected support components to form a top surface upon which panels are placed. The support components are comprised of gabion containers having one or a plurality of compartments into which a filler material is inserted. The filler material can optionally be composed of a buoyant material such as expanded polystyrene to enable flotation. A method for constructing the roadway or platform of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A floating modular bridge has a plurality of modules of two types. Most modules are flexible fabric envelopes having a parallelogram profile that attains shape and strength when filled on site with a rigid foam that is injected into the envelope. The other module is a keystone that has a trapazoidal profile. These modules are strung together by cables to make a lightweight bridge.

Abstract: A floating bridge includes at least two pontoons adjoining one another in a longitudinal direction of the bridge. Each pontoon includes two outside floats and at least two inside floats hinged together in a transverse direction of the bridge. Each float includes an upper roadway section and at least the inside floats each include a bottom plate having an integrated tension chord. Connecting elements connecting the inside floats of the two adjoining pontoons. The connecting elements are arranged in a region of the tension chords integrated into the bottom plates of the inside floats and respectively connect the tension chords of the two adjoining inside floats. Each connecting element comprises a bolt coupling including a horizontally arranged bolt.

Abstract: A beaching bow for use on watercraft, water vessels and landing craft. The beaching bow has a substantially wedge shape, and is connected to the watercraft by a flexible hinge joint near a top surface. The beaching bow includes a center of buoyancy forward to the flexible hinge joint, allowing the beaching bow to float upward and assume a proper angle depending on the floating displacement of the watercraft, and the hydrodynamic effect when the watercraft moves through the water. Upon reaching a beach or other landing surface, the beaching bow rotates down to securely interface with the beach, and allow the loading and unloading of equipment, vehicles and personnel from the watercraft.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a roadway for supporting vehicular traffic and which can be used over a wide variety of terrains comprises a network of interconnected modular components for supporting a road bed over which vehicles can travel and a plurality of prefabricated panels, overlaying the network of interconnected modular components, which form a road bed. The network of interconnected modular components includes a first layer of interconnected, prefabricated concrete cylinders placed over the terrain to be traversed. The concrete cylinders are formed into a number of rows whose longitudinal axes are parallel to the direction of the road. The network further includes a second layer of interconnected, prefabricated concrete cylinders placed over the first layer and joined to the first layer by a number of intermediate support devices. The concrete cylinders in the second layer have their longitudinal axes extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the road.

Abstract: The articulated pontoon floating bridge arrangement comprising plurality of pivotably interconnected pontoon modules. The actuation means installed inside of each module facilitate rapid folding and unfolding operation. Pontoon modules when unfolded in extended position provide articulated pontoon bridge arrangement used for vehicular traffic applications. When transported, the pontoon modules assembly is folded together in upstanding vertical juxtaposition and towed or transported rapidly and safely in a pontoon carrier to the operating site.

Abstract: A composite structure suitable for a floating or portable dwelling composed of a plurality of units connected together by loose connections to links usable for being walked on.

Abstract: A module for constructing a modular bridge suitable for use in both a dry span and a floating role comprising a buoyant structure having interconnection apparatus for connecting the module end to end to an adjacent similar module to form a bridge and having one or more link members which are releasably securable to the underside of the bridge module by link securing apparatus. Each link is provided at one end with a double limb connection member and at the other with a complementary single limb connection member, both provided with holes for insertion of a pin to connect two links from adjacent bridge modules together. The releasably securable link members are removed from a bridge assembled for a floating role to reduce redundant weight.

Abstract: A dock float having a sealed elongated buoyant hollow housing with at least one longitudinal channel for securing a joist to which decking is supported. A floatable marine dock is constructed by interconnecting two similar floats by securing header boards in laterally extending recesses in the ends of each float. The width of the floatable dock is determined by the length of the header boards and decking. The length of the floatable docks may be varied by juxtapositioning in an end to end manner any required number of floats.

Abstract: The swing bridge for the spanning of watercourses, defined by a first bank and by a second bank on which there are tracts of road surface, is constituted by a first mobile plane restable, at its first end on the said first bank and is supported, at its other end in proximity to the said second bank with possibility of free rotation about its vertical axis passing through its own longitudinal axis of symmetry and defined by a vertical hinge pivot; the second end of the said mobile plane being hinged about its horizontal transversal axis to the said hinge pivot and having hinged to itself a connecting plane of the mobile plane with the second bank; between the mobile plane and the connecting plane there being envisaged movement organs of the said connecting plane and the mobile plane bearing inferiorly at least one floating hollow body with adjustable trim which raises or lowers the said first end and nautical propulsion organs which move the said mobile plane in rotation about the said hinge pivot after the sa

Abstract: The invention provides an inflatable rescue ramp having a pair of spaced inflatable tubes which join at one end to define a bow. A flexible web is mounted between and connects to the tubes at outside seams. That is, the web passes under each tube and is attached thereto on outside longitudinal seams, such that downward pressure on the web or ramp floor will cause adjacent portions of the tubes to axially rotate outwardly from each other to provide and enhance passageway on the web between the tubes. The rescue ramp is carried to the scene in a folded and compact state, with the above tubes being connected to a compressed air source. The rescue ramp is positioned on or near a firm surface and pointed toward a victim on an unfirm surface e.g. in an icy pond and the tubes inflated causing the ramp to pop or snake out of its packed condition and extend toward the victim with anchor lines from the tubes trailing.

Abstract: A device for opening a pontoon unit to form a pontoon bridge, in which two inner pontoons and two outer pontoons are connected by hinges such that they can be opened in the shape of a W. In the collapsed state, the two inner pontoons are connected to an upper middle hinge and the two outer pontoons are joined to the adjoining inner pontoons by a lower hinge each. The lower hinge is formed by two pins which are arranged in the adjoining corners of the inner pontoon and outer pontoon. The pins are pivotably connected by a projecting lever, and the freedom of movement of the projecting end of the lever can be limited by stops. The end of the lever facing the outer pontoon is attached to a tension spring. The outer pontoons are opened by the tensioned tension springs against the buoyancy acting on them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ramp section or assembly for a collapsible floating bridge or ferry. The ramp section comprises two inner and two part outer float elements, connected together by joints. The two parts of the float element are, according to the invention, composed of a pair of partial constant and partial transversely convering cross section and a pair movable relative to the part of partial constant and partial transversely converging cross section, which are pivotably connected by first joints. Through the first joint the movable part can be brought into aligned arrangement or juxtaposition with the part of constant cross section when picking up from or setting down on a transport vehicle, so that guiding by the rollers connected with the transport vehicle is achieved.

Abstract: A bridging set for use by infantry personnel for the passage of water obsles. The set comprises at least one bridge unit, a float adapted for connection to a bridge unit from below and a roller unit adapted to support loosely a bridge unit. The bridge units are adapted for fast-locking coupling in alignment so as to form an extended bridge assembly. With the aid of the float and roller, a bridging unit or an assembly of such units is advanced from one bank of a water obstacle to the other.

Abstract: A pontoon includes a plurality of side-by-side arranged buoyant bodies articulated to one another to allow the pontoon to be placed in a collapsed or in an extended state. Each flanking buoyant body has a bottom face sloping upwardly in an outwardly direction, a top face and a wall element arranged at an outer portion of the flanking buoyant body. The wall element has a position in which it slopes upwardly and projects beyond the top face in an upward direction.

Abstract: A temporary or permanent bridge is constructed to enable transportation across a waterway. In wartime such a bridge constitutes a bombing target. The object of the present invention is to draw attention to said bridge by creating one or more false bridges one beside the other, each consisting of a frame provided with floating elements (11,16,19 and 22) and a covering layer (23) which, seen from above, give the impression of a roadway.

Abstract: A cable stayed bridge is constructed as having approach deck spans and at least one cable stayed deck bridge section assembled as a unit by employing the deck surfaces of the approach spans as in situ work surfaces for erecting equal deck lengths of the unit. A bridge pylon is supported on a floatable support and extends through an open gap provided in an approach span deck, and cable stays are extended from the pylon for supporting the deck lengths. The completed unit is moved away from the work surfaces and into alignment with a last of the approach spans, and is permanently anchored in place.

Abstract: A transportable pantograph truss bridge structure. The pantograph truss is in the form of an inverted triangle with deck sections incorporating gratings utilized as parallel tracks for wheeled vehicles. The bridge is suitable for rapid deployment in military applications and is portable on a wheeled trailer including erecting masts, cables, and winches. The pantograph truss is formed of sealed tubular elements, so as to be neutrally buoyant. The deck panels are formed in sections with grating formed of metal or of resin impregnated Fiberglas, carbon filaments or the like.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, which can be used as a water-crossing ferry or can be assembled with other such vehicles to form a pontoon bridge, includes a hull section hinged to two ramp sections. The hull section includes two lateral inflatable floats, having a length equal to that of the hull, connected to flaps hinged to the hull, the flaps having a length slightly less than that of the hull in order to leave visibility through side portholes located near the ends of the hull. In the inflated position, these lateral flaps form a horizontal extension of the upper surface of the hull, extending over the lateral floats. Each ramp section is equipped with two lateral floats of equal length with the ramps and of equal width with the lateral hull floats. The ramp floats are connected to ramp flaps, hinged to the ramp which extend the horizontal surface of the ramp when inflated and unfolded. Each ramp section is further equipped with a central float which extends between the two lateral floats.

Abstract: There is disclosed an interlocking assembly for floating dock units of quadrangular section, comprising eye lugs, outwardly projecting from the four corners of the floating units. The lugs are superposable one over the others at the junction of four adjacent floating units. A bolt is provided, including a head and a threaded spindle with an associated nut. The bolt spindle is engageable through the eye of each lug for connecting the four adjacent floating units. The nut has inturned guide flanges releasably engaging the lowermost lug for holding the nut in register with the lug and for preventing its rotation when the bolt is screwed within the nut. Bumpers and cleats are also provided and secured to exposed lugs around the dock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a marine transfer device (10) having a ramp (18) which is connected at its inboard end to a stationary offshore platform (14) by a mount assembly (28) that allows the ramp to pivot about horizontal and vertical axes and restrains torsional ramp movement. The outboard end of the ramp (18) includes a landing pad (22) and support frame (26) which support the outboard end of the ramp on a ship's deck or similar surface when the transfer device is lowered into position by a crane or service derrick. A movable carriage assembly (20), which is located between the support frame (26) and the outboard end of the ramp (18), extends and retracts as the movement of the ship causes the support frame (26) to move away from and toward the ramp. Stairs (24) extend from the support frame to the ship's deck. The carriage assembly (20) provides a continuous, stable surface for the passage of personnel from the stairs to the ramp.

Abstract: A foldable, multi-hull pontoon suitable for use in bridging or as a ferry, has a sequence of trapezoidal hull plates (1) successively hinged to one another at their parallel edges so as to fold in concertina fashion, alternate pairs of the plates being mutually and transversely webbed at each end with collapsible triangular bulkheads (7) which define with the hull plates a series of triangular section hulls (13). Gunwale spacing beams (40) are provided to stabilise the opened pontoon and to provide trackways.