Abstract: A floating structure includes an elongate caisson hull and at least one plate set coupled to the hull. The plate set includes multiple heave plates located about an outer edge of the hull so as to form a discontinuous pattern generally symmetric about a vertical axis of the hull.

Abstract: A floating offshore structure has a buoyant hull with sufficient fixed ballast to place the center of gravity of the floating structure below the center of buoyancy of the hull. A support structure coupled to an upper end of the hull supports and elevates a superstructure above the water surface. A soft tendon is attached between the hull and the seafloor. A vertical stiffness of the soft tendon results in the floating structure having a heave natural period of at least twenty seconds.

Abstract: A load bearing apparatus includes a first container having enclosed ends and at least one expansion segment. The expansion segment includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder of diameter smaller than the first cylinder disposed along a longitudinal axis of the first cylinder. An elastomer seal is connected between the first and second cylinders to form a fluid tight seal between the cylinders. The elastomer seal further permits translation of the first cylinder with respect to the second cylinder in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the first cylinder.

Abstract: A tensile system for attachment between a first body and a second body having relative movement with respect to each other includes at least one tensile element attached to the first body and at least one collapsible energy cell coupled between the tensile element and the second body. The collapsible energy cell includes a buckling elastomer spring and has a normal state when the buckling elastomer spring is unbuckled and a collapsed state when the buckling elastomer spring buckles. The tension variations in the tensile element apply a compressive force to deflect the buckling elastomer spring.