Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a combination boat lift and dock 10 is described having two spaced pontoons with an intermediate boat support 18. Pivot arm structures 20, 22 pivotally interconnect the boat support 18 with the pontoons. A drive mechanism 24 is connected to the pivot arm structures 20, 22 for pivoting the arm structures downward and inward to move at least one of the pontoons laterally inward toward the other pontoon to raise the boat support to lift a stored boat out of the water. The drive mechanism 24 is also designed to pivot the arm structures upward and outward to move at least one of the pontoons away form the other pontoon to lower the boat support 18 and lowering the boat into the water. The arm structures are pivotally connected to the underside of the pontoons. The dock 10 further includes a pontoon stabilizing mechanism 26 for preventing the pontoons from rocking or tilting.

Abstract: A boat lift motor and drive assembly includes a rigid mounting plate supporting a boat lift motor, a drive shaft thereof carrying a drive pulley, a pulley belt entrained about the drive pulley and a driven pulley, the driven pulley being connected to a shaft of a worm gear, the worm gear being in mesh with a drive gear, and the drive gear being connected to an output shaft which is in turn connected to a reel having wound thereon a boat lift cable which is connected to a boat platform for lifting and lowering a boat resting thereon. The lift motor and drive assembly as covered by a housing defined by first and second housing bodies with a first of the housing bodies including a recess for receiving the driven pulley and accommodating the same and also including a frusto-conical wall defining a protective shroud for the winding reel shaft.

Abstract: A boat lift locking apparatus is disclosed for releasably fastening a cable to a structural component of a boat lift. The apparatus includes a bracket secured to the structural component and having a channel, which has a relatively wide portion and a relatively narrow portion. A locking element is slidably mounted in the channel. The cable extends through the channel between the locking element and the bracket. The locking element is urged selectively toward the narrow portion of the channel to frictionally lock the cable between the locking element and the bracket and toward the wide portion of the channel to unlock the cable and permit the cable to slide longitudinally through the channel between the locking element and the bracket.

Abstract: A boat lift method and design which enables a boat to be efficiently stored above water at a dock location to prevent algae and dock damage to a boat. The design minimizes listing of the boat lift during use and thus reduces potential damage to the dock and the lift itself. Listing is minimized via a dual system which uses a specially designed buoyant tank and a jackscrew at one end of the boat lift. The system may be easily used for wide-spread commercial appeal in the boat storing arts.

Abstract: A boat lift apparatus includes a support structure located proximate to a body of water. An elongate threaded shaft is located adjacent to the support structure and extends in a substantially vertical direction. A nut threadably engages the shaft. A boat accommodating platform is connected to the nut. The shaft is rotatably mounted to the support structure and selectively driven rotatably relative to the nut in a first direction to raise the nut relative to the shaft and in an opposite, second direction to lower the nut relative to the shaft. As a result, the platform and the boat accommodated thereon are selectively lifted and lowered relative to the body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift comprised of a housing in which a boat is able to enter and exit with little difficulty. The boat lift allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a efficient and safe manner by vertically lifting the boat out of one body of water, translating the boat horizontally over a desired barrier, and then vertically lowering the boat into a second body of water.

Abstract: A watercraft support structure formed from a plurality of rigid platforms that are coupled together by the use of linking pins or insertion plugs. Each platform having independent buoyancy formed integral therein for support of most any size watercraft. The structure includes multiple ramp, cradle, and flat platforms, allowing an individual to customize a support structure for a particular sized watercraft. The platforms allow the structure to raise or fall with each tidal change. One embodiment of the dock assembly 110 includes a hinge-type connection that promotes ease of loading and unloading of a watercraft. The dock assembly 110 may also be configured to provide a surface to which watercraft may be moored.

Abstract: A combination boat lift apparatus and piling securable to the bottom of a body of water. The boat lift apparatus includes an elongated upright outer tubular member preferably of p.v.c. tubing which has its lower end portion secured into the bottom and filled with concrete or like curable strengthening material. A drive motor is operably mounted within an upper portion near an upper end of the outer tubular member operably connected to a moveable plate mounted for slidable translation within the upper portion. An elongated longitudinally extending slot is formed through a wall of the outer tubular member for receiving a connecting portion of a boat support which is dependently connected to the moveable plate. An inner tubular member may also be provided and is preferred for added strength. The entire arrangement provides a long-lived piling structure which protectively houses the drive equipment for boat lift and support.

Abstract: A hydraulic boat lift is mounted in a body of water by adjustable legs which penetrate the bottom for lateral stability. Each leg has a vertically adjustable foot to engage the bottom for maintaining a base frame horizontal. A pair of boat supporting elements are swingably mounted to the frame by pivoting rigid arms. Diagonally mounted hydraulic cylinder or cylinders driven by water pressure from a pump or municipal supply swing the support elements and a boat thereon up out of the water. A pawl on the cylinder engages recesses in the shaft of the piston to lock the elevated position. The only way to unlock is to advance the piston which forces the pawl out. The pawl must be held out while the piston is retracted. A water aspirator withdraws water from the cylinder to lower the support elements for low tide lifting.

Abstract: A positive drive boat lift apparatus includes a support structure located proximate a body of water. There is an elongate threaded shaft disposed adjacent to the support structure and extending in a substantially vertical direction. A nut threadably engages the shaft. There is a boat accommodating platform and one of the shaft and the nut are attached to the platform. The other of the shaft and the nut are rotatably mounted to the support structure. The shaft and the nut are rotated relative to one another in a first direction to raise the shaft relative to the nut and in an opposite second direction to lower the shaft relative to the nut, whereby the platform and a boat accommodated thereon are selectively lifted and lowered relative to the body of water.

Abstract: A method of dry docking vessels comprising: (i) providing a floating dock (1) comprising: a main balast vessel (3); a load supporting raft (2); the load supporting raft (2) and the main ballast vessel (3) being selectively attachable to each other, the main ballast vessel (3) and the load supporting raft (2) having separately variable buoyancy; (ii) submerging the main ballast vesse (3) and the load supporting raft (2) (iii) positioning a vessel (30) to be dry docked over the load supporting raft (2); (iv) increasing the buoyancy of thee main ballast vessel (3) and the load supporting raft (2) so as to raise the vessel (30) out of the water, the main ballast vessel (3) at least in part stabilising and supporting the vessel (30), the raising of the load supporting raft (2) occuring simultaneously or alternatively at least in part subsequent to raising the main ballast vessel (3); and (v) optionally attaching or securing the vessel (30) to the load supporting raft (2).

Abstract: A watercraft lift having raised and lowered positions is provided. The lift includes a substantially rectangular base (10) with longitudinal side beams (34) and front, rear, and intermediate transverse beams (28), (30), (32) connected to the longitudinal beams. The intermediate transverse beam (32) is located between the front and rear transverse beams (28), (30) and at a height lower than the front and rear transverse beams. Forward booms (12) are pivotably connected to the base (10) at a location near the front transverse beam (28). Rear booms (14) are pivotably connected to the base at a location near the intermediate transverse beam (32). A watercraft support platform (24) is pivotally connected to the forward and rear booms (12), (14). The raising and lowering of the lift of the present invention is accomplished by an actuation assembly (26).

Abstract: A hydraulic lift for raising a boat out of water into a raised storage position is proposed. Pivoting booms are connected to a frame that is supportable by a bed of a body of water. A boat rack is provided at an upper portion of the pivoting booms. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and a lower portion of the pivoting booms. The pivoting booms are selectively adjustable between a lowered position wherein the rack is submerged in the water and a raised storage position wherein the rack is raised above the water. The position of the pivoting booms is controlled by a ram of the hydraulic cylinder. Importantly, the pivoting booms are maintained in the raised storage position when the ram is in a retracted position which protects the ram from corrosion and fouling. In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting booms are rotated over center when they are in the raised storage position.

Abstract: A walking hoist has a pair of elongated parallel laterally spaced side members with opposite ends. A downwardly extending leg with upper and lower ends is rigidly secured to the ends of each side member. A pair of U-shaped crank members are rotatably secured to and extend between adjacent ends of the side members. The U-shaped cranks each have a bearing member secured to the upper ends of the legs. The crank arms are secured to the bearings and extend radially therefrom in a parallel direction and terminate in an outer end. A horizontal shaft extends between pairs of said crank arms at each end of the legs of the side members. The crank arms are longer than the legs. A circular drive disk is rigidly and operatively secured to the lower ends of the crank arms adjacent the opposite ends of at least one of the side members. A rotational drive assembly is operatively connected to the drive disk to rotate the drive disk in unison in the same direction.

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

Abstract: A lift is provided for a personal watercraft and includes two relatively elongated channel members each of a generally C-shaped transverse cross-section. A carriage carrying a platform upon which the personal watercraft can be supported is mounted for sliding movement between the elongated channel members through a cable, winch, reversible electric drive motor and associated gears and pulleys. When the carriage is located within the upper channel member, the latter, the platform and the personal watercraft can be swung about a vertical axes to rotate the personal watercraft between two different positions 180.degree. removed.

Abstract: A boat lift motor and drive assembly includes a rigid mounting plate supporting a boat lift motor, a drive shaft thereof carrying a drive pulley, a pulley belt entrained about the drive pulley and a driven pulley, the driven pulley being connected to a shaft of a worm gear, the worm gear being in mesh with a drive gear, and the drive gear being connected to an output shaft which is in turn connected to a reel having wound thereon a boat lift cable which is connected to a boat platform for lifting and lowering a boat resting thereon. The lift motor and drive assembly as covered by a housing defined by first and second housing bodies with a first of the housing bodies including a recess for receiving the driven pulley and accommodating the same and also including a frusto-conical wall defining a protective shroud for the winding reel shaft.

Abstract: Boat lift apparatus comprises vertically oriented upper and lower box beam track members mounted adjacent a dock for the upper track member to extend above the deck of the dock. The upper track member is rotatable relative to the lower track member, and the two track members support a boat cradle for vertical displacement therealong between a lower position in which the cradle is partially submerged in water for loading and unloading a boat thereon and an upper position in which the cradle is on the upper track member and pivotal therewith to overlie the deck. The cradle is provided with upper and lower bearing arrangements by which the cradle is supported for vertical displacement along the track members, and the lower bearing arrangement is comprised of opposed pairs of bearing blocks having planar surfaces for sliding engagement with the track members, and the upper bearing arrangement is comprised of opposed pairs of bearing rolls in rolling engagement with the track members.

Abstract: A watercraft support structure formed from a plurality of rigid platforms that are coupled together by the use of linking pins. Each platform having independent buoyancy formed integral therein for support of most any size watercraft. The structure includes multiple ramp, cradle, and flat platforms, allowing an individual to customize a support structure for a particular sized watercraft. The platforms allow the structure to raise or fall with each tidal change and include a hinge-type connection that promotes ease of loading and unloading of a watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft lifting apparatus utilizing a lifting beam vertically movable within a frame preferably including pile members defining a watercraft receiving slot. The lifting beam is vertically movable to contact preferably the lower surface of the watercraft for moving it upwardly. The movement of the lifting beam is powered by a main drive connected through the lifting apparatus by two winching and cable devices. First an outer winch powers retraction and extension of an outer cable connected through a pulley configuration to the distal end of the lifting beam. Also an inner winching device is operable to extend and withdraw an inner cable operatively connected through a pulley configuration to the proximate end of the lifting beam to assure that the lifting beam is lifted vertically in a horizontal orientation to facilitate lifting of the watercraft such as for cleaning and/or storage thereof.

Abstract: An adaptable boat lift for use in raising and lowering boats having a weight of up to about sixty thousand pounds. The boat lift is able to safely support heavy boats with an upgradeable design that is adaptable to boats of varying weights and sizes by adding or changing the components of the boat lift. The boat lift has a plurality of support pilings, one piece extruded support beams, a drive shaft enclosed within the support beams, bearings attached to the support beam and surrounding the drive shaft, a mechanism for rotating the drive shaft, cradle beams to support the boat, and lifting members attached to the support beam, cradle beam and drive shaft so that when the drive shaft is rotated the boat is raised or lowered. In one embodiment, the support beams are formed as a one piece extrusion of an aluminum alloy suitable for marine use.

Abstract: A boat lift for lifting a boat above the water adjacent to a wharf on a water bed comprises a wharf attachment mounted to the wharf above the water; a frame having a wharf end portion hinged adjacent to the wharf attachment; a footing seated on the water bed beneath the outer end portion of the frame; and scissor arms one having a top end portion which is hinged to the outer portion of the frame; the other having a top end portion which is hinged to the lower end portion of the upper scissor arm and a lower end portion which is hinged to the footing therebelow; and opening/closing means to alternatively fold the scissor arms together and open them to a straight in-line position; whereby when the scissor arms are in a closed position the outer end portion of the frame is in a lowered position beneath the water so that a boat may be driven above the frame onto the wharf end portion thereof, and then when the scissor arms are straightened to an in-line position the boat is first fully seated on the frame and the

Abstract: A watercraft lift of the type which is connected to a mooring location comprises a mounting and a guide. The guide mounts an elongate reciprocating member which is raised and lowered by means of a winch. At the lower end of the reciprocating member is a support bracket which is adapted to receive the watercraft. In an alternate embodiment of the invention the mounting and the guide means are hingedly connected so that the lift pivots approximately one hundred and eighty degrees so that the watercraft may be moved into and out of the water and also may be placed on the support bracket when not in use.

Abstract: A lift device for use in raising and lowering personal watercraft, often known as jet-skis, and small boats having a weight of up to about 2000 pounds. The lift device, which is portable and weighs less than about five pounds, has a pair of engaging members, shaped so as to securely engage the gunnels or upper edge of each side of a personal watercraft or small boat. Lifting members are connected to each end of the shaped engaging members forming a pair and are connected on the other end in an inverted V-shape to an attaching mechanism. The attaching mechanism allows the lift device to be removably attached to a raising or lowering device such as a winch. In its method of use, the attaching mechanism is attached to a raising or lowering device, the shaped engaging members are placed securely around the gunnels of each side of the personal watercraft or small boat, the raising or lowering device is activated, and the personal watercraft or small boat is raised out of or lowered into the water.

Abstract: A boat hoist and cover assembly apparatus and method uses a boat hoist having a rotatable lift shaft having a plurality of ropes or cables coiled therearound in one direction of rotation and extending therefrom for removably coupling to a boat for lifting a boat by the rotation of the hoist lift shaft. A boat cover has a plurality of cables or ropes attached thereto and coiled around the boat hoist lift shaft in a second direction of rotation from that of the boat hoist ropes to thereby lower the boat cover when hoisting the boat and to raise the boat cover when lowering the boat so that a boat cover covers a boat whenever the boat is hoisted by the boat hoist. The method uses the selected boat hoist and cover assembly and rotates the boat hoist shaft to lift an attached boat while lowering the boat cover onto the boat. Grease cups attach over the boat hoist lift shaft sleeves or bearings to catch the grease while preventing lubricants from dripping on the boat cover or boat.

Abstract: A boat lift having as its major components, a vertical rigid support column, a boat cradle and a carriage assembly interconnecting the boat cradle to the column support allowing the boat cradle to travel up and down the length of the support column to lift and lower the boat, by means of a winch assembly, out of and into a body of water and then rotate, once lifted, to a position above the boat dock to which the boat lift is connected.

Abstract: Single acting water hydraulic cylinders are used to raise floor platforms in aquatic environments. A first cylinder with a vertically raisable piston is positioned on one side of a platform while a second cylinder with a vertically raisable piston is positioned on an opposite side of the platform. Each cylinder controls two corners of the platform through wire ropes that pass through plural sheaves. The single acting water hydraulic piston can use city water pressure to raise the platform, while three way valves allow gravity to allow the platforms to be lowered. The platforms can include a grid type grate that can be used to raise and lower marine mammals (i.e. whales, dolphins, manatees, walrus), aquatic animals (i.e. hippo) and marine fishes (i.e. sharks, stingrays) from an artificial habitat such as as a park pool. The platform can alternatively be fired with pivotable pads for lifting vessels such as small crafts from slips.

Abstract: A transportable boat lift having a base and a boat support frame that is mounted on the base for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. The boat lift is installed in a lake or river so that the boat support frame supports the boat in a desired location, either above the water level or close to it. In a lowered position, the boat that is supported on the boat support frame will be floating for use. The boat lift includes a transport mechanism that permits easily installing and removing the boat lift by having one or more float rollers that are actuated to float the boat lift when the boat lift is moved from its lowered position to its raised position. The float rollers are forced downwardly relative to the base to float the boat lift in the water, and when the boat lift is moved toward shore the rollers act as wheels for permitting the boat lift to be easily moved up the shore to a storage position.

Abstract: A floating boat lift having 2 side support frames and a front frame with a central region for docking a boat therein with flotation devices attached to the side support frames, flotation devices having sufficient flotation to floatingly suspend the boat lift and a boat carried entirely by the boat lift in a body of water without the aid of lake-bed supports for the boat lift or the boat and a boat lift mechanism carried by the support frames, the boat lift mechanism having U-shaped members with a first side being carried by the first side frame and with a second side carried by the second side frame with a boat lift bar located in a vertically sliding relationship in a first portion of the U-shaped members proximate the first side frame and a second end located in a vertically sliding relationship in another portion of the U-shaped members located proximate the second side dock.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a boat from water and storing in a position above water includes a stationary frame with a pivoting frame attached thereto. An end of the pivoting frame extends into the water, allowing engagement with a boat. The stationary frame is secured to the side of a floating dock or marina so that it extends laterally therefrom. Flotation devices keep the stationary frame level with the dock or marina when not storing a boat, while minimizing the amount of tilt by the dock or marina when a boat is in the stored position. Angled rollers positioned on the pivoting and stationary frame guide the boat to a central position. An alternative preferred embodiment has the stationary frame secured to pilings by a plurality of rings that slidingly fit thereover.

Abstract: A water vehicle lift includes a winch which is operable to extend and retract an elongated flexible cable to lower and raise a platform on which a small water vehicle may rest. The winch is preferably mounted on a piling with the platform moving up and down adjacent the piling. On the face of the platform immediately adjacent the piling, a wheel is provided which rolls on the surface of the piling to maintain the platform slightly spaced away from the piling.

Abstract: A boat hull support has a pair of support members each pivotally attached to a respective upright. The inner ends of the support members oppose each other. One of the inner ends mounts a pair of cam plates having aligned banana-shaped cam openings. The other inner end mounts a follower rod received in the cam openings. The cam openings are shaped so that movement of one of the support members about its pivot will be translated into an equal and opposite movement of the other. The support members are urged to a generally horizontal position by leaf springs or elastomer blocks bearing against the underside of the support members.

Abstract: A boat lift control system may be programmed so that with a push of a button, either remotely or adjacent the system, the lift may lift or lower a boat to a pre-programmed elevation. Plural elevations may be programmed into the system including those corresponding to, for example, low tide, high tide, a loading elevation and a storage elevation. The inventive system also includes a manual override allowing manual operation of the lift to any desired elevation. Upper and lower limit stop mechanisms prevent movements of the lift beyond pre-set upper and lower limits.

Abstract: The elevator construction of the invention includes adjustable length elongated posts and tubes to allow for the simple launching and recovery of personal watercraft by lowering and raising a support cradle without the need for any special order, parts or fabrications for situations where wide variation exists in the distance between a dock or seawall and the ground bottom beneath the water.

Abstract: Transport system for boat lifts which includes a plurality of wheeled strut assemblies for attachment to the operating struts of a conventional boat lift frame for controllable actuation with the operation of the boat lift to project the transport wheels downwardly into engagement with the surface of the ground and elevate the stationary supporting pads of the boat lift to permit transportation from one location to another.

Abstract: A watercraft lift is disclosed herein having an optional support (10) for anchoring the lift to the floor of a body of water. The support (10) comprises a leg (12) having a first end (14) releasably attached to the load member (48) and second end (18) for anchoring in the floor of a body of water. The second end (18) includes a foot (20) to hold the support (10) in position and prevent further sinking into the floor. The first end (14) is slideably mounted on the load member (48) and fixedly held in place by a pair of elongated bars (36) threadably attached to a plate (16) mounted on the first end (14). The support (10) of the present invention is particularly adaptable for use with portable docks.

Abstract: Front and rear lifts (10) of the present invention are secured to the platform (14) of a pontoon boat (12) intermediate the flotation units (20). A U-shaped lift module (32) including first and second legs (36) extending from a central spindle (34) is pivoted about pivot pins (64) relative to first and second mounts (26) by actuators (74) extending between the mounts (26) and the legs (36) between a retracted position generally parallel to and adjacent the platform (14) and a lift position extending at an acute angle to the platform (14). The legs (36) each include first and second C-shaped posts (38) extending from the central spindle (34) and slideably received in first and second tubes (42). Bolts (52) extend through an aperture formed in the outer side wall (46) of the tubes (42), extend through one of a series apertures (40) formed in the C-shaped posts (38), and are threaded into sleeves (48) secured to the inner side walls (44) of the tubes (42) by bolts (50).

Abstract: The invention is a hydraulic boat lift having improved, reinforced concrete pilings, wherein the lift operates with static cables and moving blocks (sheaves) guided by grooves formed in the prestressed, concrete piles. Hydraulic cylinders are fastened to the top of a first pair of piles, An extra heavy block is affixed to each of the hydraulic cylinders and the blocks are adapted to run in the grooves. Stainless strand core cables are affixed to the tops of a first pair of piles, and run through pipes molded in the piles and through blocks affixed to lifting brackets. Lifting brackets are affixed to a first end of structural tubing. A second set of cables are affixed to the top of the first pair of piles, run through a second set of pipes molded in the piles, through the lifting means, to a second pair of piles. A hydraulic system powers the lift.

Abstract: A free floating fully self contained boat lift has two floats which support a cantilever lifting device. The floats support the weight of the lift and the boat and always remain afloat. The cantilever lifting device has two hydraulic rams operated by water at household pressure. The rams raise and lower a cantilever which supports the boat hull. Once the lift is raised, it is locked in place by a locking mechanism. A pair of control valves regulate water to the rams.

Abstract: The present invention features an adjustable corner assembly for a boat-lift. The corner assembly of this invention may be designed to replace corner posts of other boat-lift mechanisms. It can also be designed as part of a boat-lift frame. In either capacity, it is very flexible in its adjustment, so that the lifting frame may be raised from the water without the need for adjusting and/or securing the posts below the water level. In one embodiment, the corner assembly has a footing that is placed to rest on the bottom of a body of water. One leg extends upwardly from the footing. A small plate is welded to otherwise secured inside the leg. The plate has a threaded hole in the center for receiving and rotatively securing a worm drive. The worm drive is rotatably placed through a cap affixed atop a sleeve. The sleeve slides upon the leg, as the worm drive is rotated.

Abstract: A boat lift having opposite sides with a pair of air bladders secured to the sides, respectively. An air bladder enclosure surrounding each air bladder. The enclosures defining the size and shape of the bladders when the bladders are inflated. The lift is more buoyant when the bladders are inflated whereby the lift may be floated to and from position and sunk as desired.

Abstract: A boat mooring station comprises frame members connected to define a mooring station frame. The mooring station frame is positioned above a waterline of a body of water and oriented generally parallel to the surface of the body of water. An extensible front leg is connected with the frame near a front end and a pair of back legs are connected with the frame near a back end. The back legs extend at least generally downward to stand on a bottom of the body of water and support the frame. The front leg extends to raise the mooring station front to a launch position for launching or receiving a boat and retracts to lower the mooring station front to a storage position for storing the boat. The mooring station includes a boat support connected with the frame to receive and support the boat.

Abstract: A boat lift includes a vertical main post mounted on a dock, the lower end of the main post inserted into a body of water adjacent the dock and with the lower end spaced above the floor of the water. A frame includes an outer guide post having a base mounted on the water floor with an upper end above the water level; the frame connected by a single member to the main post. A platform unit for supporting a small boat is slidably connected at both ends to the main post and the guide post, and a cable and winch unit is interconnected among the foregoing elements for effecting a level lifting and lowering of the platform unit into and out of the water.

Abstract: A small boat lifting device for use between two substantially parallel docks includes two substantially cylindrical longitudinal cable winding reels. Attached to the substantially cylindrical longitudinal cable winding reels are flexible cables which are in turn are secured to a small boat lifting cradle. As the substantially cylindrical longitudinal cable winding reels are rotated the flexible cables are wound therearound thus causing the small boat to be lifted from the water into the space between the two substantially parallel docks.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for transporting a boat and elevating the boat above a body of water utilizing a lightweight combination boat trailer and lift. A lightweight support frame carries the boat during transporting and elevating. Positioning members attached to the lightweight support frame position the boat upon the lightweight support frame in a detachable manner. Three adjustable support legs are adjustably secured to the lightweight support frame. A cable and winch assembly is utilized for elevating the lightweight support frame and is connected to the adjustable support legs to simultaneously move the adjustable support legs in the same direction. This enables the lightweight support frame to be elevated to carry the boat above the body of water or lowered to carry the boat into the body of water.

Abstract: A ship lifting installation (1) comprises a platform (3) for docking ships (2), which platform (3) can be lifted and lowered by means of lifting mechanisms (13). Mass-production lifting mechanisms (13) comprising a grooved cable drum (16) with a planetary gear unit located in the cable drum (16) are used in the ship lifting installation (1) and are provided with an electric motor (27) having an integrated brake, at least one upper cable pulley block (14) which is arranged separately from the cable drum (16) on a cable pulley support (20), and at least one lower cable pulley block (15) which is built into the platform (3).

Abstract: A carriage assembly, 20h for a lift truck upright assembly, 12, has pivotally mounted forks, 30, controlled by hydraulic cylinders, 36, that are operated by side shifter circuit, 110, having a single operator control, 124, for manipulating the forks in unison, opening or closing the forks, or shifting them right or left in a coordinated fashion.

Abstract: A method of distributing the loads generated between a ship and a supporting dry dock which comprises a platform comprising a number of articulatedly joined sub platforms and connected for lifting/lowering by opposed pairs of hoist winches, comprises moving certain combinations of the sub platforms by activating appropriate hoist winches, so as to alter forces to portions of the ship's hull, which forces may be evenly distributed, or concentrated so as to change the shape of local portions of the ship, or bring into alignment hatches and their covers.

Abstract: A method of operation of marine locks includes the steps of supporting a first column of water within a lock chamber upon a vertically movable first floor, supporting a second column of water within a balance chamber upon a vertically movable second floor, supporting the first and second floors upon a confined volume of compressed air communicated between the lock chamber and the balance chamber and causing the first floor to rise or fall by application of upward or downward hydraulic pressure on the first floor while causing the second floor to move in the opposite direction by application of contrary hydraulic pressure on the second floor. Lock systems to perform the new methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A lift for water vehicles comprising a pair of vertical pipes or tracks attached adjacent their upper ends to one side only of a dock structure which is positioned alongside a body of water, a tank assembly having a roller assembly thereon for engaging the sides of the pipes for rolling upwardly and downwardly thereon, the tank assembly having a tank mounted thereon and an upper opening for introducing air into the tank to displace water therefrom through a lower opening at the bottom of the tank so as to cause the tank to rise, the tank assembly having a pair of spaced padded blocks for supporting a water vehicle thereon, the roller assembly having roller thereon adapted to rise along the inboard sides of the pipes when the tank assembly moves vertically in response the introduction of air to and removal of air from the tank, whereby, when a water vehicle is supported on the padded blocks and the tank assembly is in its lowermost position, air can be introduced into the tank while water is forced outwardly f