Abstract: A heat exchanger module for thermally coupling a first fluid and second fluid is disclosed. The heat exchanger module comprises a plurality of heat exchangers, each of which is fluidically coupled to a common seawater inlet and a common seawater outlet. The heat exchanger module is dimensioned and arranged for integrating with an OTEC system located on an offshore platform that is deployed in a body of water. The heat exchanger module physically and fluidically couples with ports included in pontoons attached to the offshore platform. The ports are individually controllable so that the module can be added or removed from the OTEC system without interrupting operation of other heat exchanger modules integrated with the OTEC system.

Abstract: A pontoon that includes infrastructure for fluidically coupling a heat exchanger or heat exchanger module into each of the seawater and working-fluid distribution systems of an OTEC power generation system is provided. In some embodiments, a pontoon comprises: (1) a first passage for conveying seawater between a first port and a second port at which a heat exchanger module can be connected; and (2) a conduit and connectors for connecting the heat exchanger module and the working fluid circulation system—even while the heat exchanger module is submerged. In some embodiments, pontoons in accordance with the present invention enable heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules to be added or removed to an OTEC system without disrupting the operation of other heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules in use in the OTEC system.

Abstract: A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.

Abstract: A dry fabric seal for use with tooling for liquid resin molding processes and a method for creating the seal are disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the seal comprises an annular resin reservoir, a level of resin within the reservoir, a device for controlling the resin level, and a perforated pressure plate that forms one wall of the reservoir. The seal is created by controlling the level of resin between the tooling (e.g., the inner and outer molds, etc.) so that air cannot leak in (for vacuum processes) or out (for pressurized processes) between the fibers in the fabric near the top of the molds.

Abstract: A vessel for towing a towed body in or on a body of water is disclosed. The vessel includes a vessel, a tow arm mechanism carried by the vessel, a towed body linked to the tow arm mechanism, and at least one sensor carried by either the vessel or the towed body. The sensor generates sensor data, and a towing mechanism controller receives the sensor data and positionally adjusts the tow arm mechanism based on the data.

Abstract: A heat exchanger module for thermally coupling a first fluid and second fluid is disclosed. The heat exchanger module comprises a plurality of heat exchangers, each of which is fluidically coupled to a common seawater inlet and a common seawater outlet. The heat exchanger module is dimensioned and arranged for integrating with an OTEC system located on an offshore platform that is deployed in a body of water. The heat exchanger module physically and fluidically couples with ports included in pontoons attached to the offshore platform. The ports are individually controllable so that the module can be added or removed from the OTEC system without interrupting operation of other heat exchanger modules integrated with the OTEC system.

Abstract: A pipe comprising a flexible membrane that is disposed over a plurality of spaced-apart tendons is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a large diameter and very long pipe comprises forming a plurality of pultruded segments via pultrusion and joining the segments along the lengthwise edges thereof.

Abstract: A pontoon that includes infrastructure for fluidically coupling a heat exchanger or heat exchanger module into each of the seawater and working-fluid distribution systems of an OTEC power generation system is provided. In some embodiments, a pontoon comprises: (1) a first passage for conveying seawater between a first port and a second port at which a heat exchanger module can be connected; and (2) a conduit and connectors for connecting the heat exchanger module and the working fluid circulation system—even while the heat exchanger module is submerged. In some embodiments, pontoons in accordance with the present invention enable heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules to be added or removed to an OTEC system without disrupting the operation of other heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules in use in the OTEC system.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.

Abstract: A method for forming a large diameter and very long pipe comprises forming a plurality of pultruded segments via pultrusion and joining the segments along the lengthwise edges thereof.

Abstract: A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports.

Abstract: A pipe comprising a flexible membrane that is disposed over a plurality of spaced-apart tendons is disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-hulled vessel for upward ice-breaking is disclosed. The vessel has side hulls that are at least partially submerged while the vessel is underway. The side hulls each have a ridge on their upper surface. To break through ice at sea, the side hulls are positioned under the ice and the trim is adjusted for an upward trim angle. As the vessel moves forward, the ice is lifted and force concentrates along the ridge on the side hulls. The ice breaks along this force concentration, aided by the weight of the ice itself.

Abstract: A dry fabric seal for use with tooling for liquid resin molding processes and a method for creating the seal are disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the seal comprises an annular resin reservoir, a level of resin within the reservoir, a device for controlling the resin level, and a perforated pressure plate that forms one wall of the reservoir. The seal is created by controlling the level of resin between the tooling (e.g., the inner and outer molds, etc.) so that air cannot leak in (for vacuum processes) or out (for pressurized processes) between the fibers in the fabric near the top of the molds.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.

Abstract: A vertical translation mechanism for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable vessel having independently movably side hulls and a center hull is disclosed. The vertical translation mechanism includes a hydraulic-force actuator and a nonmetallic bearing. The hydraulic force actuator comprises a rod that is disposed within a hydraulic cylinder. Responsive to changes in hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, the rod is extended or retracted therefrom. Movement of the rod controls the vertical translation of the center hull and its rotational attitude relative to the side hulls.

Abstract: A ship-to-shore interface includes a shipside ramp and a shoreside ramp. The shoreside ramp is securely fixed to the shoreline. The shoreside ramp has one or more physical adaptations that enable it to passively engage the shipside ramp. In the illustrative embodiment, the physical adaptation is a plurality of recesses that receive a lug that depends from the shoreside end of the shipside ramp.