Abstract: Disclosed is an energy-saving bidirectional ship lift by gravity balancing, including: a ship lift body. A first support is provided in a middle of the ship lift body. A second support is provided at a side of the first support. A third support is provided at the other side of the first support. A space between the second support and the first support forms a first shaft. A space between the first support and the third support forms a second shaft. A first ship-carrying chamber and a second ship-carrying chamber are respectively provided in the first shaft and the second shaft to allow two ships to be transported at the same time. An entry water tank and an exit water tank are provided at two sides of each ship-carrying chamber to adjust the weight of the two ship-carrying chambers.

Abstract: The invention is an immersion system for decontamination of ship outer surfaces while a ship is located in a lock structure. The lock structure is modified with an inflatable bladder and shortened containment gates. When the ship enters or exits the lock structure, the inflatable bladder is deflated before opening the containment gates. When the inflatable bladder is deflated, a lower treated fluid layer sinks and water adjacent to the lock structure enters the lock through wall ports to create an upper fluid layer on which the ship enters. When the ship is located in the lock structure and the containment gates are closed, the inflatable bladder is inflated. When the inflatable bladder is inflated, the lower treated fluid layer rises and surrounds the ship surface to kill invasive aquatic species.

Abstract: A hydraulic ship lift, including: a mechanical synchronizing system; a stabilizing and equalizing hydraulic driving system; and a self-feedback stabilizing system. The stabilizing and equalizing hydraulic driving system includes first resistance equalizing members arranged at corners of branch water pipes or/and second resistance equalizing members arranged at bifurcated pipes, circular forced ventilating mechanisms arranged at front of water delivery valves of a water delivery main pipe, and pressure-stabilizing and vibration-reducing boxes arranged behind the water delivery valves. The self-feedback stabilizing system includes a plurality of guide wheels; each guide wheel of the self-feedback stabilizing system is fixed on a ship reception chamber through a supporting mechanism.

Abstract: Some examples provide methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus related to reducing and/or restricting water from entering underground transportation system, and more Specifically, to reducing and/or restricting water from entering underground transportation systems via vents based on the weight of the water, while not restricting ventilation airflow when water is not present. Some example systems for restricting water flow in a surface vent may include a frame that receives water, a door pivotally coupled to the frame(where the door may pivot between a first position and a second position), and a reservoir pivotally coupled to the door. The reservoir may collect the received water and may cause the door to pivot between the first position and the second position based on weight of the collected water.

Abstract: A system and method for hydraulic displacement is described which can provide an improved method for raising or lowering a fluid level. The system and method has direct application to inland waterway transport and in particular to canal locks where canal boats traverse inclines through a series of locks. In addition, the invention can provide the access to a marina, which may be raised up above sea level or behind a sea wall defence. The method enables the formation of an improved hydraulic displacement lock capable of a greater vertical displacement with greatly reduced flow of fluid through the lock. The hydraulic displacement lock comprises an enclosed central channel, having sequential fluid storage tanks connected to the central channel. When the central channel is closed at its lower end, opening and closing connecting channels to the sequential storage tanks allows fluid to flow under the force of gravity into or out of the central channel, thereby raising or lowering the level of fluid.

Abstract: A system for lifting ships from one waterway to another waterway. A convex basin is constructed between the waterways and slidably receives a pair of inter-connected chambers movable transverse to the direction of the waterway.

Abstract: A boat transfer system (1) includes a launching cradle (2) and a conveyor (5) supporting it and intended to be installed along a continuous and non-vertical linear profile of any structure (10) abutting at least one water body (11), which boat transfer system is capable of immersing the launching cradle (2) under the surface of the water body, removing it from the water, and moving it out of the water so as to enable it to pass over the structure (10); it therefore includes a frame (4) intended to be attached to the structure (10) and rotating about a vertical axis (X, X?), and a set of arms (3) connecting the frame (4) to the launching cradle (2) and holding it in the horizontal position regardless of its position in rotation about the frame (4) and with a height corresponding to the track of the conveyer (3).

Abstract: A system for transferring a vessel between a first body of water having a first water level and a second body of water having a second water level includes a barrier separating the first body of water from the second body of water. The system also includes a transfer structure adjacent the barrier for receiving the vessel to be transferred between the first and second bodies of water, and a transfer apparatus adjacent the barrier for moving the transfer structure between a first position and a second position. The upper portion of the barrier includes a barrier door that is movable between an opened position when the transfer structure is in the second position to allow the vessel to move into and out of the transfer structure, and a closed position when the transfer structure is in the first position.

Abstract: The invention employs the principle that the force of buoyancy received by a body immersed in a liquid is determined by the density of the liquid and the extent or depth of immersion in the liquid and is unrelated to the displacement of the liquid by the body, thereby reducing the total size and weight of devices providing buoyant support. Buoyant support is provided to bodies in a manner that permits devices to be made for the measurement of both small and large weights and for support of the human body for the purpose of relieving the pressure induced trauma and skin abrasion otherwise incurred by bedridden patients, such as burn victims and those requiring extended or continual bed rest. A tub-like cavity that closely conforms in size and shape to the part of the body to be immersed is made to contain and float a human body on a volume of liquid that equals only a fraction of the body's weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift 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 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: An apparatus for the adjustment of the water level in a lock comprises at least one fluid chamber arranged on a bottom or a bottom and a sidewall of a lock room between lock gates. The adjustment of the water level is performed by the supply and discharge of air in the fluid chamber through an air supply and discharge pipe.

Abstract: The installation enables an internal waterway to pass through a changing level by means of a water ramp connecting through a channel two water reaches respectively situated upstream and downstream and including basins for the storage of boats awaiting their turn before entering the water ramp. The upstream reach is provided with a tilting gate for the retention of the water, while a pusher provided with a transverse mask retaining a water-wedge on which the boat to be moved floats is movable along the channel to ensure the transfer of this boat from the downstream reach to the upstream reach and vice versa. The retaining gate for the upstream reach is located at a certain distance beyond the upstream end of the water ramp and a second retractable gate is arranged substantially at the end of the water ramp, these two gates bounding between themselves an intermediate horizontal reach, separating the upstream end of the water ramp and the upstream basin.