Abstract: Systems and methods useful in maintaining the position of a platform along three or more legs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system useful in stabilizing a vessel. The vessel includes, but is not limited to, a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a platform coupled to the first, second, and third legs. The system can include a first brace coupled to the first leg at a first location along the first brace. The first brace can form an acute angle with the first leg. The system can also include an anchoring structure coupled to the first brace at a second location along the first brace. The first and second locations along the first brace can define a first brace length between them. At least a portion of the first brace length can be located beneath the platform. Also disclosed is a system useful in stabilizing a vessel, where the vessel includes, but is not limited to, a first leg having an upper end and a lower end, a second leg having an upper end and a lower end, a third leg having an upper end and a lower end, and a platform coupled to the first, second, and third legs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system useful in stabilizing a vessel. The vessel includes, but is not limited to, a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a platform coupled to the first, second, and third legs. The system can include a first brace coupled to the first leg at a first location along the first brace. The first brace can form an acute angle with the first leg. The system can also include an anchoring structure coupled to the first brace at a second location along the first brace. The first and second locations along the first brace can define a first brace length between them. At least a portion of the first brace length can be located beneath the platform. Also disclosed is a system useful in stabilizing a vessel, where the vessel includes, but is not limited to, a first leg having an upper end and a lower end, a second leg having an upper end and a lower end, a third leg having an upper end and a lower end, and a platform coupled to the first, second, and third legs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for increasing the low speed maneuverability and the stability of sea-going vessels. The apparatus includes a linkage assembly which connects a primary vessel or sub-vessel to a secondary, steering vessel or sub-vessel such that the steering vessel or sub-vessel may yaw with respect to the primary vessel. In preferred embodiments, the linkage assembly includes a pair of linkage arms that are pivotally connected to the primary and secondary vessels, one linkage arm on each side of the secondary vessel. The apparatus may further provide elements to actuate and control the yawing motion of the steering vessel or sub-vessel.

Abstract: A linkage is provided for connecting a first vessel and a second vessel such that the vessels are inhibited from rolling or yawing relative to one another but are permitted to pitch and heave relative to one another, when the first vessel is pushed by the second vessel via the linkage. The linkage also provides a streamlined transition from the rear of the first vessel to the second vessel to reduce drag and thereby reduce power requirements of the pushing vessel. The linkage is also adapted to function as a skeg to decrease the yaw of the first vessel when the first vessel is pulled by a second vessel. When used to link a pushing vessel with a pushed vessel, the linkage of this invention provides a pedestrian walkway and apparatus for transferring fluids between the two vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for coupling first and second vessels wherein the apparatus minimizes roll of one vessel relative to the other while permitting freedom of movement for pitching and heaving of one vessel relative to the other. The apparatus comprises a linkage frame pivotally secured to one end of the first vessel along a substantially horizontal axis. The frame defines a recess generally facing the second vessel and having inner elongated opposing surfaces. Outer opposing surfaces are included, typically mounted on the second vessel, for aligning one end of the second vessel between the inner opposing surfaces of the linkage frame such that roll of the second vessel is minimized relative to the first vessel. Additionally, a connector for securing the second vessel to the linkage frame may be included, the connector being such that freedom of movement of the second vessel relative to the first vessel for pitching and heaving is permitted.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for decreasing yaw of a first vessel when the first vessel is pulled by a second vessel which may alternatively be positioned to lessen water resistance when the first vessel is pushed by the second vessel. The apparatus includes a fin movably secured to the first vessel such that the fin may be moved from a first position wherein the fin is in the water to decrease yaw to a second position wherein water resistance is lessened. The apparatus may further provide a linkage for coupling the first and second vessels wherein the apparatus permits freedom of movement of the first vessel relative to the second for pitching, heaving, and, if desired rolling motions when the vessels are coupled and further functions as a skeg for the first vessel when the first is pulled by second vessel.