Patents Examined by Anthony D Wiest
  • Patent number: 11745831
    Abstract: A bar gripping assembly is configured to join a bar to a marine accessory on a marine craft. The bar gripping assembly has a single piece housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. A marine accessory is formed as part of the upper housing portion. A first wall slot and a second wall slot are arranged through the lower housing portion. A hollow portion adjacent to a weakened wall on the lower housing portion that has a lower portion opening and an upper portion. A strap is arranged through the first wall slot, the second wall slot, and around the lower portion opening. The strap compresses the lower housing portion against the bar to join the marine accessory to the marine craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: GET A DRIFT OUTDOORS LTD
    Inventors: Zakary Pine, Timothy Drummond
  • Patent number: 11745837
    Abstract: A storage structure is configured to be buoyant or retained above a water line. The storage structure includes a frame having a back beam, a left beam attached to the back beam, a right beam attached to the back beam and a front beam attached to the left beam and the right beam to form a substantially rectangular configuration, wherein prior to a last of the beams being secured together an interior space accessible through an opening. The storage structure includes a bladder configured to be positioned through the interior space though the opening wherein the bladder is sized to be retained within the interior space whether the storage structure is above the water line or buoyant, the bladder including a vent, a fill port and a drain wherein an amount of water within the bladder is manipulated to provide ballast or buoyancy to the storage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Zierke Built Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Zierke
  • Patent number: 11739732
    Abstract: An off-shore wind turbine system is assembled using a platform or jack-up vessel, and a first base anchored to the seafloor at a bade assembly off-shore location. A buoyant tower is attached to the first base. A crane provided on the platform or jack-up vessel is used to lift blades and blades, which are then coupled to a turbine held in a nacelle provided at the top of the buoyant tower. The buoyant tower, the nacelle, and the blades are detached from the first base. The buoyant tower, the nacelle, and the blades are towed to a wind farm and connected to a second base provided in the wind farm. The buoyant tower, the nacelle, and the blades are further stabilized using mooring lines spanning between the buoyant towers and other bases provided in the wind farm. The first base and/or the second base include anti-rotation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE, INC.
    Inventors: James Maher, Kim Mittendorf
  • Patent number: 11731747
    Abstract: A technique facilitates detection of gaseous emissions in a marine environment via a vessel or vessels traversing a region of the marine environment. Environmental data is collected via a detection system on each vessel and communicated to a processing system. The processing system processes various environmental data such as location data, emission detection data, wind data, and/or other data to determine an emissions result. This emissions result is output in a form to facilitate decision-making with respect to potential corrective actions to reduce the gaseous emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Emil Pomerantz, Iain Michael Cooper
  • Patent number: 11724778
    Abstract: Methods and systems for handling a tail chain of a mooring line are provided. A fairlead stopper having a tail chain support is provided for removing and reconnecting tail chain to the mooring line. The tail chain support is positioned to receive the tail chain of the mooring line, and includes a first chain coupler to secure a first portion of the mooring line, a second chain coupler to secure a second portion of the mooring line, and a working zone between the chain couplers for removing and reconnecting the tail chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Bardex Corporation
    Inventors: Nick Atallah, Tony Cepeda, Kanghua Sun
  • Patent number: 11713098
    Abstract: A multiline ring anchor and a method for installing the multiline ring anchor is disclosed herein. The multiline ring anchor can be used for mooring systems for including, but limited to, arrays of offshore floating offshore wind turbines, wave power, and floating barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Charles Aubeny, Brian Diaz, Sanjay Arwade, Don DeGroot, Melissa E. Landon, Casey Fontana, Spencer Hallowell
  • Patent number: 11702177
    Abstract: A propulsion unit includes a housing supported on a vessel. A propeller shaft extends in the housing. The propeller shaft is rotatably supported with a first bearing and a second bearing. A propeller is attached to at least one end of the propeller shaft. The first bearing includes a first radial bearing and a first thrust bearing. The first radial bearing is a sliding bearing positioned axially inside the first thrust bearing. The first bearing is positioned at the first end of the housing and the second bearing being positioned at the second end of the housing or vice a versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Petri Pellinen, Ari Turunen, Sakari Siipilehto
  • Patent number: 11691696
    Abstract: A device for launching and recovering a box sampler includes a suspension coop, a rail assembly, a moving mechanism, a power unit, and a lifting frame. The rail assembly is fixedly arranged on a deck. The moving mechanism is arranged on the rail assembly and can move along the rail assembly. A fixed end of the power unit is articulated with a top end of the moving mechanism, and an extending end of the power unit is articulated with an open end of an upper frame of the lifting frame. A closed end of the upper frame of the lifting frame is articulated with a front end of the moving mechanism. According to the device for launching and recovering a box sampler, the box sampler can be smoothly launched and recovered. The sampler in the suspension coop can be kept horizontal and is prevented from severely shaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Zhiyuan Li, Qijun Yu, Daojian Zhang, Haiquan Zhang, Binbin Zhang, Jiaheng Zheng
  • Patent number: 11685498
    Abstract: There is provided a ship maneuvering system including: a turning operation device configured to output a turning operation signal corresponding to a turning operation; a turning control device configured to change a direction of each of ship propulsion machines based on the turning operation signal; an output operation device configured to output an output setting signal indicating an output of a power source of each of the ship propulsion machines set by an output setting operation; and an output control device configured to increase or decrease the output of the power source of each of the ship propulsion machines based on the output setting signal. When the turning control device fails, the output control device turns a ship by making outputs of power sources of the ship propulsion machines different from each other based on the turning operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Namba, Takashi Kawata
  • Patent number: 11685486
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a resilient bumper that comprises an arc-shaped spring member that extends from a first end to a second end along a spring axis and includes an impact surface arranged between the first and second ends; and a support member that includes an attachment interface that extends in parallel to the spring axis of the spring member and is configured to releasably engage the first and second ends of the spring member. A bumper system and a marine structure are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Rabih A. Khodr
  • Patent number: 11679844
    Abstract: Mooring support structures, systems for mooring vessels, and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure than can include a post connected at a first end to a turntable disposed on a base structure. The post can extend out from the turntable and a yoke head connector can be connected to a second end of the post. A distal end of the yoke head connector can provide a disconnection location such that when a yoke head is disconnected from the yoke head connector, the yoke head can fall by gravity from the yoke head connector without contacting the mooring support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Stephen Lindblade
  • Patent number: 11679843
    Abstract: An energy absorption arrangement for reducing peak mooring loads between a mooring structure with a turret rotatable around a vertical axis, and a floating structure is disclosed. The energy absorption arrangement comprises a rigid yoke horizontally rotatable in two axes and connected to the turret, a weighted pendulum member arranged on the end of the yoke and at least one mooring tether connected to the weighted pendulum member, and at least one energy absorption device for reducing peak mooring loads, comprising a fixed part connected to the floating structure, a movable rod and an absorption medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: APL NORWAY AS
    Inventors: Anders Lie Eide, Geir Olav Hovde
  • Patent number: 11667360
    Abstract: A hard shell boat cover is disclosed herein. The hard shell boat cover includes a plurality of boat cover sections, the plurality of boat cover sections configured to interlock with one another so as to form the hard shell boat cover, and one or more of the plurality of boat cover sections configured to engage with a top peripheral edge of a boat; and at least one securement element attached to one of the plurality of boat cover sections, the securement element configured to be coupled to a securement strap for securing the hard shell boat cover to the top peripheral edge of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Tommy Lee Moss
  • Patent number: 11661153
    Abstract: A release system for a tether line includes a housing having a side that is at least partially open. A tether lead within the housing is adjacent to the side of the housing. A release mechanism in the housing includes a shackle having a closed end and an open end. The shackle is disposed in the housing at a portion therein that is lower than that of the tether lead. The release mechanism also includes a hinge for mounting the shackle within the housing. In a tether-retention mode, the open end of the shackle faces the top of the housing and the shackle is prevented from rotation about the hinge. In a tether-release mode, the shackle is free to rotate about the hinge under gravity wherein the open end of the shackle rotates to face the side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Demetrious T. Kutzke, Gustavo E. Miranda Lopez, Robert J. Herman
  • Patent number: 11661152
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for anchoring a submerged vehicle to a stationary object. The assembly includes a telescoping tube having a hollow inner tube and a hollow outer tube, each the inner tube and the outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the inner tube slidably received within the outer tube through its proximal end. A snap button configured at the proximal end of the outer tube that can engage with a hole near the distal end of the inner tube for locking the movement of the inner tube within the outer tube. A rope having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rope attached to the inner tube near its proximal end. The second member passes through the eye of the spring hook and into the proximal end of the inner tube to form an anchoring loop. The second end of the rope exits the telescoping tube through the distal end of the outer tube and forms a boat hook loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Bickham
  • Patent number: 11661151
    Abstract: Mooring tensioning arrangement (10) on a vessel (60), comprising a moonpool (20) having a through miming vertical channel with an upper moonpool opening (22) in proximity to a deck (62) of the vessel (60), and a bottom moonpool opening (24) open to surrounding sea (30). A winch (14) is located above the moonpool (20), wherein a first anchor wire pennant (42) runs from the winch (14), over a stern (64) of the vessel (60) and into sea (30), and a second anchor wire pennant (46) runs from the winch (14), through the moonpool (20) and into the sea (30). A wire/chain stopper (18) securing the second anchor wire pennant (46) is placed in the moonpool (20), and the bottom moonpool opening (24) is curved to match bending 0radius and to provide a transition in direction of the second anchor wire pennant (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: KONGSBERG MARITIME CM AS
    Inventors: Tor Sævik, Johnny Lorgen, André Larsen, Martijn De Jongh
  • Patent number: 11655010
    Abstract: An assembly of vessel and turret is provided. The vessel comprises a moonpool and the turret is mounted in said moonpool for a rotation around a turret axis relative to the vessel. The turret comprises a chain table to which mooring lines are connected and through which risers are conveyed, and a turret table vertically spaced above the chain table and connected therewith by a connecting structure. The connecting structure comprises at least three vertically extending columns positioned such at angular intervals that radially outer sides of the columns are located in the vicinity of an outer circumference of the turret. The risers are conveyed through the chain table in such a way that riser sections above the chain table extend towards the turret table within an internal space of the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: BLUEWATER ENERGY SERVICES B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Anton Daniel Meyer, Patrizio Giovanni Matia Ottolini
  • Patent number: 11655007
    Abstract: A floating wind power platform for offshore power production, comprising: a floating unit, wherein the floating unit comprises a first, a second and a third interconnected semisubmersible column each being arranged in a respective corner of the floating unit, wherein a tension leg device is arranged to the third semisubmersible column, wherein the tension leg device is adapted to be anchored to the seabed by an anchoring device, and wherein the third semisubmersible column provides a buoyancy force adapted to create a tension force in the tension leg device, wherein the floating wind power platform is further adapted to weather vane in relation to the wind direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FREIA OFFSHORE AB
    Inventors: Niklas Hummel, Magnus Rahm, Eduard Dyachyk
  • Patent number: 11649016
    Abstract: The men's eight according to the invention has an elongated hull that ends in a pointed bow and a pointed stern. Given a total weight of 938 kg, the waterline is 17,211 mm±5%, preferably ±3% and most preferably ±2%. Given division into 15 segments of equal length and in the case of a total weight of 938 kg, particular values are also presented in table form for the respective cross-sectional area below the waterline WL, the respective circumference below the waterline WL, the respective width at the waterline WL, and the respective width ratio based on the middle segment 7, each having a tolerance of ±5%, preferably ±3% and most preferably ±2%. The women's eight according to the invention is designed with similar lines for a total weight of 858 kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Empacher Verwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Empacher
  • Patent number: 11649023
    Abstract: An escape system comprises a passage (1), a platform (3) and at least one craft (4), the platform (3) and the craft (4) being deployable from a structure (2) to water to facilitate evacuation of the structure via the passage. The passage is mounted to the platform such that the platform is urged towards the structure when deployed. The passage may be mounted to the platform such that movement of the passage relative to the platform is restricted in at least one direction. A plate (64) may support the passage, platform and/or craft during deployment, and/or stabilises the passage, platform and/or craft after deployment in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SURVITEC GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Maxime Boyer, Stewart Gregory, Michael Luck, Duncan McCaughan