Abstract: A sacrificial impact-absorbing and energy-dissipating structure for protecting marine facilities from the destructive force of an accidental impact by a marine vessel is constructed from a plurality of inexpensive steel pipes or tubular members that are permanently secured together as by welding to form an open three-dimensional rectilinear framework of plastically deformable material in which the interior of some or all of the tubular members are in fluid communication. One or more of the tubular members forming the structure can be filled with water, a rigid foam material and/or wooden elements that will provide additional energy-dissipation capabilities in the event that the containing tube is subjected to a deforming impact. Optionally, filler ports, discharge ports, pressure relief plugs, and valves can be provided on one or more of the tubular members.

Abstract: A multi-gimbal configured transition protectively interfaces a mooring and communication cable to a communication ocean buoy. The transition interface contains a segmented, flexible sheath formed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected gimbal rings having mutually adjacent interior apertures through which one or more communication link members pass. Successive gimbal rings are orthogonally pivotally interconnected with one another so as to make the flexible sheath flexible in three dimensions. Upper ends of one or more communication link members are connectable with a communication cable connection fixture of the buoy. Lower ends of the communication link members are connectable to communication cable terminal connectors of a terminal end of the mooring cable.

Abstract: There is provided a buoyancy system for a structure having at least one component being substantially stationary with respect to the bottom of a water covered area. The system comprises a set of buoyancy modules of engineered materials to apply an identified amount of buoyancy. The set of buoyancy modules is attached to the structure at a set of buoyancy load transfer locations. The set of buoyancy modules comprises layers of the engineered materials. The engineered materials comprise a substantially reinforced axial layer, a substantially reinforced hoop layer; and a leak prevention layer.

Abstract: A device for shoring trenches having rails, panels and articulated trusses such that pairs of opposite rails are upheld vertically by trusses and spaced along the trench to support shoring panels which slide past each other vertically within guides of adjacent rails; the rail having a back flange welded on a main rectangular tube which is provided on either side with two lateral rectangular tubes welded offset and inward past the main tube such that with a front flange welded on each lateral tube shape two vertical guides on either side of rail, the front flanges being projecting into the space between lateral tubes creating a guide contouring the edge of articulated truss which slides interlocked within; the panel being provided with special edges that interlock within vertical guides of rail, the truss being articulated and provided with roller to displace along the front flanges of the rails.

Abstract: A sediment control roll includes a threshold member having large apertures therethrough, a hollow sediment collection chamber, and an outflow filter having small apertures therethrough. The sediment control roll can be used to collect sediment in runoff from a construction site, or to reduce removal of sediment from an existing mass of soil, sand or other sediment. The sediment control roll can for example be made by rolling up extruded polymeric netting with filter cloth attached thereto.

Abstract: A bedding is designed so that a cushion body may not be in direct contact with affected part. The bedding includes a cushion body and a cover enclosing. The cushion body formed of an elastic material and defining at least one through hole for removably receiving therein at least one cushion member. The cover defines take out opening which can be opened and closed.

Abstract: An apparatus transforms a motorized frame mounted on crawler tracks and having a rotatable horizontal platform, into a pipeline laying machine or the like. A first structure is hinged to the platform on a horizontal axis at one end, at its other end, has a coupling intended to be secured to a track guide carriage. A second structure which, at its free end carries a lifting member, is hinged on a horizontal axis to the coupling.

Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.

Abstract: A modular flood control panel is provided having a base and supporting “A”-frame structure. The base locks into the ground, or supporting wall of sandbags, with a series of four adjustable angle stakes per each panel. The invention folds flat when not in use, for storage and for transportation on a truck to flood water areas. The panels are joined together with the use of a five inch wide joining slat that slides down into a channel on each side of each panel.

Abstract: A marine plough includes twin, complementary steering mechanisms, one or more soil-engaging fins, which are able to be steered, and a tow rope attachment mechanism that enables adjustment of the position of the tow rope retention point relative to the plough. This alters the position at which the line of a tow rope crosses the longitudinal axis of the plough, so that the plough can operate at offset tow positions. The tow rope attachment mechanism includes a bridle having two bridle limbs terminating at respective bridle limb retention points. The adjustment of the position of the tow rope retention point relative to the plough is done by moving the bridle rope retention points or adjusting the relative length of the bridle limbs. The bridle limb retention points can be moved, using cylinders, from towing positions to lifting positions at which the tow bridle can be used to lift plough in a substantially level attitude.

Abstract: In order to facilitate, and largely to automate, the installation of cable supports on a duct wall, an installation vehicle can be displaced in the duct. The vehicle has a basic body which contains a storage battery and on which are mounted wheels. At least one of the wheels is driven by an integrated wheel-hub motor. Carriers for supporting seats for the operators are provided on opposite end sides of the basic body and the individual subassemblies are controlled via a control box on the basic body. A platform, which can be raised by a hydraulic cylinder carries pivoting brackets. The pivoting brackets carry slides for percussion drills, which can be displaced into their operating position, in the direction of the duct wall, by way of a pneumatic spring and moved, counter to the force of the spring, into a rest position.

Abstract: A floating plant for liquefying natural gas having a barge provided with a liquefaction plant, member for receiving natural gas and with member for storing and discharging liquefied natural gas. The liquefaction plant involves a heat exchange in which heat is removed when liquefying natural gas is transferred to water. The barge is further provided with a receptacle; an open-ended water intake conduit having an inlet; a connecting conduit extending from the outlet of the water intake conduit to the receptacle; a pump for transporting water from the receptacle to the heat exchanger and a water discharge system for discharging water removed from the heat exchanger. The connecting conduit has the shape of an inverted “U” of which the top is located above the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of making artificial barrier islands or break waters. The method consists of driving a series of piles in the shape of the island, attaching a number of wire mesh sections, to form a fence around the perimeter of the piles, connecting the tops of the piles with cables, and then filling the formed enclosure with riprap (rock) material. Once the rock has reached the water surface, it is covered with suitable soil and vegetation to create the island. The piles and mesh are hidden below the water surface and the formed island takes on a natural appearance. In this way, the artificial island is a barrier to storms, thus protecting the shoreline and wetlands from erosion. Moreover, the artificial island creates an ideal habitat for birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. In certain environments one island can protect approximately 10 times the amount of shoreline that lies behind it.

Abstract: A barrier to exclude trash and debris from storm drains wich includes a pivoted gate moved by a vane-type rotor. The rotor is actuated to open an entry to the storm drain by flow of water at a rate above and agreeable minimum, and to maintain it closed at no or low flow rates.

Abstract: A structure has a foundation positionable on soil over bedrock. A hollow cylindrical supportive tube has a closed bottom end, an open top end and a plurality of spaced apertures along the length. A bracket coupled to the tube is adapted to be securely placed under a foundation of a structure. A pressurized grout dispensing unit is coupled to the upper end of the filling tube.

Abstract: An open modular ditch liner includes a plurality of open liner sections and at least one alignment key. A substantially concave shape is formed in a top of each open liner section. At least one key slot is preferably formed on at least one side of each open liner section to receive at least one alignment key. The key slot may have an interference fit. An angle may be formed on at least one end of each open liner section. A key block with the same length of a open liner section may be used as an alignment key. A riser block may be used to terminate at least one side of at least one open liner section.

Abstract: A piering device includes a shaft having interspaced threaded portions and unthreaded portions extending axially along at least a portion of its length. The unthreaded portions of the shaft are radially recessed with respect to the threaded portions. A helical plate with a threaded passageway can engage the threaded portions of the shaft at any desired location along the shaft. A key is then inserted into the passageway between the helical plate and an unthreaded portion of the shaft to hold the helical plate at the desired location on the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing and lifting subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations of buildings or other structures, and, in particular, to the slab pier and bracket which are used in the repair and support of said subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations of building or other structures. The apparatus is advantageous in situations where extra support is needed for raising the subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations or buildings or other structures. In a specific embodiment, the subject method and apparatus can include a bracket, top piece, and pier column. In this embodiment, the subject apparatus can use these components as the means for lifting the subsided slab.

Abstract: A saltwater intrusion prevention system for use at an interface between a fresh water body and a saltwater body includes a water recovery subsystem for recovering fresh water from a fresh water body. A retention reservoir in fluid communication with the water recovery subsystem receives and redirects the recovered fresh water. A saltwater intrusion barrier subsystem in fluid communication with the retention reservoir is positioned at an interface of the fresh water body and the saltwater body. The saltwater intrusion barrier subsystem includes a plurality of submerged return discharge ports for vertically ejecting the recovered fresh water for providing a hydraulic mounding zone, and a fine air bubbler header for creating a mixing zone. The hydraulic mounding zone and the mixing zone increase the density of the fresh water for offsetting saltwater from the saltwater body.

Abstract: A loading arrangement includes a riser that extends from a subsea structure to a coupling element for coupling the riser to a vessel. The coupling element includes a buoy body which is connected to a retention member via a flexible connection part. The retention member, such as a submerged buoy, is attached to anchor lines which at or near their end parts are provided with buoy. The connection part, which can be a cable or a frame structure has a relatively high tensile strength to anchor the vessel to the sea bed and to prevent drift of the vessel when tension is exerted on the connection part and the anchor line.