Abstract: A shiplift transfer system for moving a ship between a shiplift platform and a shipyard is disclosed. The system includes transition rails coupled with the shipyard that are pivotable about trunnion pins between a position that bridges a gap between the shipyard and the shiplift platform and a position that is clear of the gap and of the shiplift platform. The pins are positioned such that the load is not transferred to the pins. Load on the transition rails is reacted at curved surfaces of the transition rails that are engaged with curved surfaces on the yard. The transition rails are accessible for maintenance and replacement via removable plates. The rails include beveling to accommodate misalignment between the yard and platform.

Abstract: Vessel transfer systems are provide herein. The systems include bogies, including a pivoting bogie and a rack and pinion bogie, as well as associated cradles, carriages, and power and control units. The pivoting bogie includes a first side frame, a second side frame, at least one wheel coupled with each of the first and second side frames, and a lift member coupled with each of the first and second side frames. The lift member is pivotably coupled to the first side frame. The rack and pinion bogie includes a frame and pinion gears coupled with the frame. The pinion gears can be selectively coupled with a gear rack, such as at a shipyard. Also provided herein are methods of use of one or both of the bogies and associated equipment, such as for moving vessels within a shipyard.

Abstract: Vessel transfer systems are provide herein. The systems include bogies, including a pivoting bogie and a rack and pinion bogie, as well as associated cradles, carriages, and power and control units. The pivoting bogie includes a first side frame, a second side frame, at least one wheel coupled with each of the first and second side frames, and a lift member coupled with each of the first and second side frames. The lift member is pivotably coupled to the first side frame. The rack and pinion bogie includes a frame and pinion gears coupled with the frame. The pinion gears can be selectively coupled with a gear rack, such as at a shipyard. Also provided herein are methods of use of one or both of the bogies and associated equipment, such as for moving vessels within a shipyard.

Abstract: Described herein includes a puncture mechanism for a beverage appliance or machine that can be configured to puncture a pod containing a beverage medium (e.g., a flavoring agent). The puncture mechanism can be configured to induce lateral movement of one or more engagement members to securely hold a beverage pod. The puncture mechanism can be configured to induce relative axial movement between an anvil and the secured beverage pod to puncture a seal of the beverage pod.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tensioning mooring lines are provided. The systems include an in-line tensioner that may include a removable chainwheel, a tail chain disconnecting table configured for disconnection of a tail chain and docking of an ROV, a chain guide having low-friction pads that reduce frictional engagement between the in-line tensioner and mooring chains, and a target link stopper that is configured to stop movement of the mooring line at a predetermined location, such that the mooring line has a predetermined length and such that a predetermined link of the mooring line is positioned within a gripping zone of latches of the in-line tensioner.

Abstract: A rotary chain jack may include a frame, a dual chain wheel rotatably coupled to the frame, and a stopper assembly mechanically coupled to the frame. The stopper assembly may include latches. The stopper assembly may be positioned to selectively engage a chain passing over the dual chain wheel. The rotary chain jack may be used to moor offshore structures.

Abstract: A rotatable chain stopper includes a base, an actuator operatively coupled to the base, and a pair of latches pivotably coupled to the base. The orientation of the base and position of the latches are responsive to extension of the actuator. The rotatable chain stopper may be used as a portion of chain jack assembly, such as on an offshore vessel. The rotatable chain stopper may used in a method of pulling-in, paying-out, and positioning of an anchor chain, such as for mooring an offshore vessel.

Abstract: Described herein includes a puncture mechanism for a beverage appliance or machine that can be configured to puncture a pod containing a beverage medium (e.g., a flavoring agent). The puncture mechanism can be configured to induce lateral movement of one or more engagement members to securely hold a beverage pod. The puncture mechanism can be configured to induce relative axial movement between an anvil and the secured beverage pod to puncture a seal of the beverage pod.

Abstract: Vessel transfer systems are provide herein. The systems include bogies, including a pivoting bogie and a rack and pinion bogie, as well as associated cradles, carriages, and power and control units. The pivoting bogie includes a first side frame, a second side frame, at least one wheel coupled with each of the first and second side frames, and a lift member coupled with each of the first and second side frames. The lift member is pivotably coupled to the first side frame. The rack and pinion bogie includes a frame and pinion gears coupled with the frame. The pinion gears can be selectively coupled with a gear rack, such as at a shipyard. Also provided herein are methods of use of one or both of the bogies and associated equipment, such as for moving vessels within a shipyard.

Abstract: A fairlead includes a chain guide support structure and a clump weight engagement member. A clump weight assembly includes a clump weight body, a clump weight coupled to the clump weight body, and a spring housing. The spring housing includes an upper housing wall and at least one spring operatively coupled between the upper housing wall and the clump weight. The clump weight body may be selectively engageable and disengageable with the fairlead to form a fairlead and clump weight assembly. A method of installing and using the clump weight includes engaging the spring housing with the clump weight engagement member, and latching the clump weight body to the clump weight engagement member.

Abstract: A rotatable chain stopper includes a base, an actuator operatively coupled to the base, and a pair of latches pivotably coupled to the base. The orientation of the base and position of the latches are responsive to extension of the actuator. The rotatable chain stopper may be used as a portion of chain jack assembly, such as on an offshore vessel. The rotatable chain stopper may used in a method of pulling-in, paying-out, and positioning of an anchor chain, such as for mooring an offshore vessel.

Abstract: A chain mooring windlass may include a frame, a wheel, and an axel extending through the wheel and rotatably coupled to the frame. Drive assemblies may be coupled to the axel via a first stage gear reduction including reduction gears. The axel may be coupled to the wheel via a second stage gear reduction including reduction gears. A movable drive mechanism may include reduction gears, and drive assemblies coupled to the reduction gears. The drive assemblies may drive the reduction gears. A drive gear may be coupled to the reduction gears. The reduction gears may drive the drive gear. The drive gear may be configured to couple to a chain wheel of a chain mooring windlass to drive the chain wheel. A chain wheel coupler may be configured to selectively couple the movable drive mechanism to a chain wheel of a chain mooring windlass.

Abstract: A continuous baling method comprising conveying crop material on a rotating conveyor toward a baler while the baler is traversing a field, the conveyor comprising a conveying surface having an entire crop material-carrying width of a first distance; narrowing the flow of the crop material to transition the crop material flow from the conveyor to the baler; and receiving the narrowed flow at an inlet to a baling chamber of the baler, the inlet comprising a width having a second distance smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A continuous round baler system has a baler and an accumulating system. The accumulating system includes a conveyor configured to convey crop material extending from a pickup mechanism to a bale formation chamber in the baler. A screed is positioned adjacent the end of the conveyor and is configured to be movable by a lifting mechanism between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the first conveyor. In the raised position, a gap is formed between the screed and the first conveyor so that crop material passes into the bale formation chamber. In the lowered position, the gap is closed thereby preventing the crop material from passing to the baler causing the crop material to remain on the conveyor.

Abstract: A self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead latch device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead latch device further includes an upper retainer component that is coupled to an upper support structure and a lower support structure. The coupling of the upper retainer component to the support structures allow the fairlead latch device to be relocated by lifting of the device from the support structures.

Abstract: A self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead latch device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead latch device further includes an upper retainer component that is coupled to an upper support structure and a lower support structure. The coupling of the upper retainer component to the support structures allow the fairlead latch device to be relocated by lifting of the device from the support structures.

Abstract: A self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead latch device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead latch device further includes an upper retainer component that is coupled to an upper support structure and a lower support structure. The coupling of the upper retainer component to the support structures allow the fairlead latch device to be relocated by lifting of the device from the support structures.

Abstract: An accumulating method comprising conveying crop material on a rotating first conveyor past a screed toward a baler while the baler is traversing a field, the screed configured in a raised position; and obstructing the flow of the crop material to the baler by lowering the screed while the first conveyor is rotating, the obstructing implemented while the baler continues traversing the field.

Abstract: A continuous baling method comprising conveying crop material on a rotating conveyor toward a baler while the baler is traversing a field, the conveyor comprising a conveying surface having an entire crop material-carrying width of a first distance; narrowing the flow of the crop material to transition the crop material flow from the conveyor to the baler; and receiving the narrowed flow at an inlet to a baling chamber of the baler, the inlet comprising a width having a second distance smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a starter roll for a baler includes a continuous chevron-shaped rib provided on a contact surface of the starter roll. The rib may include a center portion arranged generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the starter roll and outwardly and rearwardly extending wings. A plurality of ribs may be provided to form guide channels for guiding wrapping material that is provided to the bale and engaged by the starter roll outward to cover the edges of a bale and distribute the wrapping material over the lateral surface of the bale.