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 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 docking system includes a mobile robotic device and a charging station to which the robotic device is to dock. The robotic device is comprised of sensors to capture a homing signal emitted by the charging station, docking logic that processes the homing signal so that it can be used to control the movements of the robotic device towards and dock with the charging station, and it is comprised of a mechanism for receiving a cylindrical charging post. The charging station is comprised of a circular platform in the center of which is located the charging post that is generally cylindrical in shape. The charging post includes a charging contact, ground contacts and an IR emitter. The geometry of the receiver mechanism elements and the shape of the charging post and geometry of the charging station generally permits the robotic device to approach the charging station and to dock with the charging station from any angle.

Abstract: A docking system includes a mobile robotic device and a charging station to which the robotic device is to dock. The robotic device is comprised of sensors to capture a homing signal emitted by the charging station, docking logic that processes the homing signal so that it can be used to control the movements of the robotic device towards and dock with the charging station, and it is comprised of a mechanism for receiving a cylindrical charging post. The charging station is comprised of a circular platform in the center of which is located the charging post that is generally cylindrical in shape. The charging post includes a charging contact, ground contacts and an IR emitter. The geometry of the receiver mechanism elements and the shape of the charging post and geometry of the charging station generally permits the robotic device to approach the charging station and to dock with the charging station from any angle.