Abstract: A floating marine barrier is provided whose main components all have substantially equal elastic characteristics, enabling the barrier to better absorb and arrest an impacting vessel. Embodiments include a floating marine barrier including barrier modules each having a flotation device, a supporting framework attached to the flotation device, and impact net support posts attached to the supporting framework. An impact net is attached to each of the support posts and extends between the barrier modules along a longitudinal axis of the barrier; and a main tension strength element is attached to each of the barrier modules and extends between the barrier modules along the longitudinal axis of the barrier to space the barrier modules from each other. The impact net has a first elasticity, and the first main tension strength element has a second elasticity which is substantially equal to the first elasticity.

Abstract: A compliant net support system for supporting a net of a marine barrier is provided. Embodiments include a floating marine barrier module comprising a flotation device; a supporting framework attached to the flotation device; a plurality of impact net support posts; and an impact net attached to each of the support posts and extending between the plurality of support posts along a longitudinal axis of the barrier module. At least one of the impact net support posts is a compliant net support post having a unidirectionally elastic spring element attached between a bottom of the support post and the supporting framework; and the spring element is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module, and substantially inflexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module.

Abstract: A floating marine barrier is provided whose main components all have substantially equal elastic characteristics, enabling the barrier to better absorb and arrest an impacting vessel. Embodiments include a floating marine barrier including barrier modules each having a flotation device, a supporting framework attached to the flotation device, and impact net support posts attached to the supporting framework. An impact net is attached to each of the support posts and extends between the barrier modules along a longitudinal axis of the barrier; and a main tension strength element is attached to each of the barrier modules and extends between the barrier modules along the longitudinal axis of the barrier to space the barrier modules from each other. The impact net has a first elasticity, and the first main tension strength element has a second elasticity which is substantially equal to the first elasticity.

Abstract: A compliant net support system for supporting a net of a marine barrier is provided. Embodiments include a floating marine barrier module comprising a flotation device; a supporting framework attached to the flotation device; a plurality of impact net support posts; and an impact net attached to each of the support posts and extending between the plurality of support posts along a longitudinal axis of the barrier module. At least one of the impact net support posts is a compliant net support post having a unidirectionally elastic spring element attached between a bottom of the support post and the supporting framework; and the spring element is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module, and substantially inflexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for presence based automatic operation of a marine barrier gate for protecting a secured area. Embodiments include a system having RFID sensors outside and inside the secured area, and proximal the gate. A controller verifies that a user is authorized to enter the secured area when one or more of the RFID sensors communicate with a user identification unit carried by the user; opens the gate or causes the gate to remain open when the user's authorization to enter the secured area is verified; tracks a location of the user identification unit using the RFID sensors while the gate is open and the user is transiting the gate; and closes the gate when the RFID sensors are no longer in communication with the user identification unit.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatic operation and status indication of a marine barrier gate. Embodiments include a system having a buoyant barrier gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator moves the gate between the open and closed positions, and a sensor is operably connected to the actuator to generate data relating to a position of the barrier gate between the open and closed positions. A processor receives the data from the sensor and processes the data to move the gate between the open and closed positions, and detect the position of the gate. A human-machine interface is operably connected to the processor for communicating the detected position of the barrier gate to a user.

Abstract: A marine barrier system is provided with two elongate buoyant members, a net support member between and above the two buoyant members, an elongate load bearing member spaced from and between the buoyant members, and a lower ballast member between the two buoyant members and below the buoyant members. Stanchions extend between the members to support them and maintain the spacing between them. An impact net is attached to the net support member and the load bearing member. When a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to the net support member, the stanchions, the load bearing member and the buoyant members, which engage the water to transfer the impact force to the water and arrest the motion of the vessel. The ballast member provides a force to restore the barrier to an upright position when the barrier rotates from vertical.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatic operation and status indication of a marine barrier gate. Embodiments include a system having a buoyant barrier gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator moves the gate between the open and closed positions, and a sensor is operably connected to the actuator to generate data relating to a position of the barrier gate between the open and closed positions. A processor receives the data from the sensor and processes the data to move the gate between the open and closed positions, and detect the position of the gate. A human-machine interface is operably connected to the processor for communicating the detected position of the barrier gate to a user.

Abstract: An open water marine barrier system is provided. Embodiments include a marine barrier with two elongate buoyant members, an elongate net support member between the two buoyant members and above the buoyant members, and an elongate lower ballast member between the two buoyant members and below the buoyant members. Stanchions extend between the members to support them and maintain the spacing between them. An impact net is attached to the net support member and a stanchion extending between the two buoyant members. When a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to the net support member, the stanchions, and the buoyant members, which engage the water to transfer the impact force to the water and arrest the motion of the vessel. The ballast member provides a force to restore the barrier to an upright position when the barrier rotates from vertical.

Abstract: A marine barrier has a line of buoyant column modules, and an impact net attached to and extending between the column modules. First and second lines of buoyant flotation modules are respectively disposed parallel to and on opposing sides of the line of column modules, and are connected to the column modules by legs such that each of the flotation modules is retained between two adjacent ones of the center column modules. When the barrier is floating in a body of water and a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the impact net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the column modules and flotation modules, which in turn engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.

Abstract: A marine gate has a buoyant variable length barrier and a cable management system employing two cables or lines. An opening line extends through the barrier to move the barrier from an expanded position (gate is closed) to a retracted position (gate is open) via a winch. A closing line moves the barrier from the retracted position to the expanded position using a winch. A weight is attached to the closing line for moving a submerged portion of the line to the seafloor when the barrier gate is retracted and the closing line is payed out by operation of its winch. The weighted line allows a portion or the entire cable system to be under tension at all times. The resulting cable geometry allows vessel operators confidence in knowing the cable location in the water depths at the gate, whether the gate is fully or partially opened.

Abstract: A marine barrier has a plurality of column modules, each having a vertical column, and an impact net attached to and extending between the column modules. Each of the columns has four buoyant horizontal legs extending from its lower portion. A distal end of each of the legs is attachable to a distal end of a corresponding leg of an adjacent column module to form a series of diamond-shaped supports between the columns to support the columns and the impact net. When the barrier is floating in a body of water and a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the impact net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the column modules, which in turn engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.

Abstract: A marine barrier has buoyant panels elastically connected with an included angle therebetween, to form a pleated row of panels with hinges arranged in first and second rows. An impact net having cables is attached to a net connection portion of each hinge in the first row. The net connection portions are attachable to the cables with a tension such that, when the barrier is floating and a moving vessel impacts the net, an impact force causes the cables to move relative to the net connection portions, transferring a portion of the force of the impact to the net connection portions, until cable stops on the cable ends engage net connection portions adjacent the cable stops. The force of the impact is then transferred to the panels, which engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.

Abstract: A marine barrier has substantially vertical panels, each having a buoyant portion, and a plurality of hinges, each hinge for elastically connecting a side of a first one of the panels to a side of an adjacent second one of the panels with an included angle therebetween, to form a buoyant continuous pleated row of panels, with the hinges arranged in first and second substantially parallel rows. An impact cable is attached to opposing ends of the pleated row of panels passing through each of the hinges in the first row of hinges. When the barrier is floating in water and a moving vessel impacts the impact cable, the impact cable deflects to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the panels, which in turn engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.

Abstract: A marine barrier gate includes a pleated row of buoyant panels movable between an expanded position where the panels have an angle therebetween, and a retracted position where the panels are substantially parallel. A first buoy is attached to a first end of the panel row, and a second buoy is remote from the panels when the panels are in the retracted position. The second buoy has a tow winch and cable attached to a second end opposite the first end, for moving the panels from the retracted position to the expanded position. The first buoy comprises a catenary winch and cable movably engagable with the panels and attached to the second buoy. When the panels are in the retracted position, the catenary winch sets a length or tension of the catenary cable such that it absorbs catenary loads on the barrier when the panels are moved to the expanded position by the tow winch.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving a floating or submerged marine structure. Embodiments include a track fixedly mounted near or under the waterline surface, extending from a first point to a second point for defining a path of motion of the marine structure. A riser cable has a first end movably attached to the track between the first and second points, and a second end fixedly attached to the marine structure. A trolley is attached to the first end of the riser cable between the first end and the track, and has a roller for engaging the track for distributing environmental forces of the marine structure to the track. A drive unit is attached to the marine structure (or to the trolley) for moving the marine structure (or the trolley) such that the marine structure or one end of the marine structure moves along the path of the track.

Abstract: A marine barrier gate includes a pleated row of buoyant panels movable between an expanded position and a retracted position, where the panels are substantially parallel. A first buoy is attached to a first end of the panel row, and a second buoy is remote from the panels when the panels are in the retracted position. The second buoy has a tow winch and cable attached to a second end opposite the first end, for moving the panels from the retracted position to the expanded position. The first buoy comprises a catenary winch and cable movably engagable with the panels and attached to the second buoy. When the panels are in the retracted position, the catenary winch sets a length or tension of the catenary cable such that it absorbs catenary loads on the barrier when the panels are moved to the expanded position by the tow winch.

Abstract: A marine barrier gate includes a pleated row of buoyant panels movable between an expanded position and a retracted position, where the panels are substantially parallel. A first buoy is attached to a first end of the panel row, and a second buoy is remote from the panels when the panels are in the retracted position. The second buoy has a tow winch and cable attached to a second end opposite the first end, for moving the panels from the retracted position to the expanded position. The first buoy comprises a catenary winch and cable movably engagable with the panels and attached to the second buoy. When the panels are in the retracted position, the catenary winch sets a length or tension of the catenary cable such that it absorbs catenary loads on the barrier when the panels are moved to the expanded position by the tow winch.

Abstract: A security barrier for use in a water location includes a plurality of barrier units, each having a plurality of individual panels; toppers attached between the barrier units for connecting the barrier units to one another and for disengaging the barrier units from one another when an impact occurs on the security barrier; butt plates attached between the toppers; a rope and a tube containing the rope for connecting individual panels; and a vertical pin for engaging the toppers and the butt plates.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention describe a float for use with a running gear entanglement system (RGES) deployed on water, in addition to an improved system and method for using an RGES deployed in water. The floats lock securely onto the RGES mainline rope. The floats may be stacked for additional buoyancy or to allow for multiple RGES ropes in the same deployment. The floats are designed to permit the RGES to be retrieved/stored on and deployed from a reel. The floats may be constructed of any color and may also be luminescent. The floats may be ballasted to assist in anchoring the RGES.