Patents Assigned to Makai Ocean Engineering
  • Patent number: 8567194
    Abstract: A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Makai Ocean Engineering
    Inventors: Stephen L. Bailey, Joseph Van Ryzin, Patrick D. Grandelli, Natalie Levings, John E. Halkyard