Abstract: In summary, described herein is a mooring device for mooring a first structure to a second structure, the device comprising: an engagement member for releasably engaging the first structure; a dampener having a first portion movably connected to a second portion, the first portion being connected to the engagement member and the second portion being connected to the second structure, wherein the dampener is configured to damp load transfer between the first and second portions of the dampener and thereby damp relative motion between the first and second structures.

Abstract: A method of operating a mooring system exemplified by active mooring devices having attractive attachment elements fixable to a ship's hull. Each mooring device includes active means for moving the attachment element vertically and in the horizontal plane, and the method involves repositioning the attachment elements in a stepwise manner. The mooring devices also includes a seal for a vaccum attachment element.

Abstract: A mooring robot releasably fastening a first moveable object (S) to a second nearby object. The first moveable object (S) moves in response to the application of external forces to the object (S). The robot operates to restore the first object (S) to a predetermined operating position. With the particular reference to the mooring of a vessel (S), the mooring robot has attractive attachment element(s) fixable to a ship's hull and includes a movement unit with active three-degree-of-freedom translation, for controlling the position of the attachment element(s). The movement includes a restorative means associated with each of the two degrees of translation freedom in the horizontal plane which provide a restorative force acting to return the attachment element(s) to the predetermined operating system.

Abstract: A mooring robot (100, 200) for releasably fastening a first moveable object (S) to a second nearby object (51) is disclosed. The first moveable object (S) moves in response to the application of external forces to the object (S). The robot (100, 200) operates to restore the first object (S) to a predetermined operating position. With particular reference to the mooring of a vessel (S), the mooring robot (100, 200) has attractive attachment element(s) (1) fixable to a ship's hull and includes a movement unit (10, 210), with active three-degree-of-freedom translation, for controlling the position of the attachment element(s) (1). The movement unit (10, 210) includes a restorative means associated with each of the two degrees of translational freedom in the horizontal plane which provide a restorative force acting to return the attachment element(s) (1) to the predetermined operating position.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention consists in a heat absorber for a solar heating system, said absorber including a support member, a flexible heating bag having inlet and outlet connections and arranged to be supported in use by said support member, and a retaining member positioned in use on the opposite side of said bag from said support member so as to control the depth of said heating bag therebetween when said heating bag is filled with fluid, said retaining member being adapted to allow at least a substantial portion of the face of said heating bag adjacent thereto to be exposed to sunlight in use.