Boom Type Patents (Class 114/230.15)
  • Patent number: 11920312
    Abstract: A docking guide for a boat includes a platform having front and back sides, a first lateral side for mounting to a dock, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. The platform has an opening, located between the first and second lateral sides, for receiving a front of the boat therein. The docking guide further includes at least one anchoring element secured to the platform on the second lateral side, a first deflector mounted to the platform thereabove to be partially in the opening near an intersection of the front and second lateral sides; and a second deflector mounted to the platform thereabove to be partially in the opening near an intersection of the front and first lateral sides. The second deflector is shifted towards the back side relatively to the first deflector so that, when the boat moves within the opening, it is forced in a parallel relationship with the dock by its contact with the first and second deflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: GESTION LOGISCASA INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Breton
  • Patent number: 11866130
    Abstract: A system for restriction of hawser movement in a tandem mooring and loading system is provided comprising a first floating structure being spread moored, a second floating structure, and a tandem mooring arrangement between the first and second floating structure. The tandem mooring arrangement comprises at least one hawser connected in a first end to a hawser connection arrangement on the first floating structure, and in a second end connected to a hawser connection point on the second floating structure and a loading arrangement, wherein the system further comprises a hawser guide arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: APL Norway AS
    Inventors: Christian W. Mosgren, Geir Olav Hovde
  • Patent number: 11713632
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to subterranean drilling, and more particularly to tools, systems, and methods used to measure torque applied by subterranean drilling machines, such as iron roughnecks, during the make-up and break out of drill pipe connections. Articles, systems, and methods herein relate to embodiments of a torque measuring tool including: a torque shaft; a torque sleeve; an upper torque arm; a lower torque arm; and a force sensor; wherein the torque shaft is disposed in the torque sleeve; wherein the upper torque arm is coupled to the torque sleeve; wherein the lower torque arm is coupled to the torque shaft; and wherein the force sensor is coupled to and disposed between the upper torque arm and the lower torque arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Hendrik Schalk Le Roux
  • Patent number: 11628910
    Abstract: The present invention provides a string-type mooring system. A support frame is provided on a dock. Two free guide rollers are provided at vertical corresponding positions that are respectively below a cross arm of the support frame and above the dock. The two free guide rollers are respectively wound with a cable. One end of each cable is connected to a platform arm fixed on a platform, and the other end thereof is horizontally connected with one end of a spring. The other ends of the two springs are respectively connected with a hydraulic device. The present invention provides an omnidirectional restoring force for the moored platform through the elastic deformation of the springs to control the movement response of the platform within a certain range. The present invention can adjust the slow change of the vertical position of the platform caused by tidal fluctuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Lei Sun, Chong Fu, Zhe Lin
  • Patent number: 11319036
    Abstract: Mooring systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, the system can include a first vessel support structure and a second vessel support structure, each disposed on a vessel. Each vessel support structure can include at least one extension arm can be suspended from each vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to each of the at least one extension arms. A first end of a yoke can be connected to the ballast tank and a second end of the yoke can include a yoke head disposed thereon. The system can also include a first mooring support structure and a second mooring support structure, each fixed in place. Each mooring support structure can include a pitch bearing. The yoke heads of the first and second vessel support structures can be connected to the pitch bearings of the first and second mooring support structures, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SOFEC, INC.
    Inventors: Arun Sanjay Duggal, Yonghui Liu, Yu Ding
  • Patent number: 10767704
    Abstract: A repair axial bearing system includes an arcuate rail coupled to a support, one or more bolts protruding upward from a raised portion coupled to a supported member, and a lever plate including at least one low friction bearing pad mounted in the lever plate. A first new bearing surface is formed on the arcuate rail. A second new bearing surface is formed on the at least one low friction bearing pad. The one or more bolts are tensioned with bolt tensioners to press the lever plate against the raised portion. The axial bearing system can include a hydraulic cylinder to slide the second bearing surface over the first bearing surface. The repair axial bearing system can be used to supplant a damaged axial bearing positioned between an FPSO and a turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE, INC.
    Inventors: James V. Maher, David Sverre, Daniel McCelvey, Russell Hegler, Ricky Brown
  • Patent number: 10723416
    Abstract: A mooring frame (26, 27) for mooring of a floating unit (10), the mooring frame (26, 27) being adapted for mounting on the floating unit (10) or a floating or non-floating structure and comprising an attachment unit (30) for attachment to the floating unit (10) or the floating or non-floating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Connect LNG AS
    Inventors: David Mikal Knutsen, Stian Tunestveit Magnusson
  • Patent number: 10118673
    Abstract: The adjustable dock handle is a device that is adapted to be attached to a top surface or a side surface of a dock, and which includes a handle that is used to help manipulate a boat during a docking process. The end user may easily reach the handle in order to pull the boat into position for mooring, and which will provide the support and stability needed to independently control the boat while docking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Carlucci, Nga Le
  • Patent number: 9908591
    Abstract: A hull assembly is configured to connect a plurality of standup paddleboards. The hull assembly includes a forward hull further comprising a forward hull topside having generally semi-ovular shape. A port hull is tethered to the forward hull further comprising a port hull topside which is generally hexagonal. A starboard hull is tethered to the forward hull further comprising a starboard hull topside which is generally hexagonal. An aft hull is tethered to the port hull and the starboard hull and further comprising an aft hull topside having generally semi-ovular shape. Each of the forward hull, the aft hull the port hull and the starboard hull are adapted to accommodate additional standup paddleboards at substantially the same distance from the standup paddleboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Shaine Shahin Ebrahimi
  • Patent number: 9797203
    Abstract: A system for transporting hydrocarbons from reserves located under the sea floor to a turret connected to a hydrocarbon production vessel floating at the sea surface, the hydrocarbons being transferred through at least one rigid catenary riser extending from the sea floor to a buoy, the system for transporting hydrocarbons includes an upper section of the at least one substantially rigid riser directly attached to the buoy and provided with fairings, a middle section of the rigid riser is provided with buoyancy modules so to give it a lazy wave shape and a lower section of the substantially rigid riser is in contact with the seafloor at a distance X from the buoy vertical axis that is smaller than a distance Y between the buoy vertical axis and the mooring lines anchoring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Peimin Cao, Philippe Lavagna
  • Patent number: 9468809
    Abstract: An attachment device for attaching two mechanical connectors includes a strap and a protective enclosure. The strap includes opposite first and second ends folded so as to define first and second loops separated by a central part to which the first and second ends are secured, each loop being configured to allow a connector to pass. The protective enclosure includes main flanges and side flanges connected in a permanent manner, the main flanges covering main surfaces of the strap and the side flanges covering lateral surfaces of the central part so as to define a first closed loop forming a first opening around the first loop and a second closed loop forming a second opening around the second loop. Each opening is configured to allow passage of a connector, and at least one of the openings is configured to enable the strap to be inserted in the protective enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ZEDEL
    Inventor: Antoine Coursimault
  • Patent number: 9452700
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a suspension mat 1, the suspension mat 1 comprising at least one wire 10 for mounting the suspension mat 1 to a seat frame 100; the method comprising the steps of (a) pushing a plastic tube 20 in a first direction 52 onto an initially straight end portion 12 of the wire 10, while setting free an uncoated outer end 14 of the straight end portion 12; (b) bending the uncoated outer end 14 of the straight end portion 12 to form an uncovered hook 16; and (c) shifting the plastic tube 20 in a second, reverse direction 54 onto the bent hook 16, such that the plastic tube 20 surrounds the bent hook 16 and forms a plastic covered hook 18. The present invention also relates to a suspension mat 1 produced in accordance with the method and an apparatus 70 for manufacturing a suspension mat 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: FICO CABLES LDA
    Inventors: Pedro Joao Da Silva Lopes, Manuel Antonio De Castro Faria
  • Patent number: 9038558
    Abstract: A mooring system for a floating structure (1) in which a floating structure or fixed tower is provided with a turntable (80). A floating structure is moored to the turntable via at least one rigid arm (51,51?) and two tension members (41, 41?). The rigid arm is provided on one end with a ballast weight (61, 61?) and includes a damping system formed of least two separated liquid tanks (70, 70?) that are partly filled with liquids and placed at the same distance from the horizontal center line (100). The tanks (70, 70?) are fluidly connected with each other so that liquid can be exchanged between the tanks damps a swinging yaw motion of the rigid arm (51, 51?) around the vertical axis of the turntable (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Balleraud, Jean-Robert Fournier
  • Patent number: 9027496
    Abstract: A portable bracket is removably attached to a structure, such as a tree, for the purpose of relieving the strain on a hunter who is holding and aiming their firearm. A bracket comprising a back plate and a horizontal plate is secured to a tree using a strap and binder arrangement. The firearm support is portable and lightweight and maybe useful for other purposes within a campsite, such as holding a lantern and a like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Doug Zucco, Jamie McNally
  • Publication number: 20150047545
    Abstract: Mooring device for mooring a ship and comprising a base, a movable arm construction supported by the base, and at least one magnet mounted in a frame, which frame is supported by the movable arm construction, wherein the frame is provided with at least one leaf spring, and at least one magnet is supported by the at least one leaf spring. Further there is a hinge connected to the movable arm construction, and the frame comprises two beams on opposite sides of the hinge, wherein each beam supports at least one leaf spring and a magnet mounted on said at least one leaf spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Johan Marlon Boerleider, Gerardus Antonius Jozef Mampaeij, Constantinus Wilhelmus Leenders, Wouter van Reenen
  • Publication number: 20150000580
    Abstract: A device for coupling a boat to a boat mooring. The device comprises an elongate shaft which has first and second ends and the first end has a coupling mechanism for coupling the device to a mooring while the second end supports a hook member having a C-shaped hook base with a first end thereof integrally formed with the shaft and a free second end which curves back toward the shaft. The second free end of the C-shaped hook base comprises an elongate retaining and guide section which extends parallel and adjacent to the shaft. An unobstructed entrance is formed between the elongate retaining and guide section and the shaft. The shaft has a thickened transition section where the shaft transitions into the hook member so as to provide additional strength to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Albert C. BLAKE
  • Patent number: 8857359
    Abstract: A universal mounting interface for rope cleats on water vessels, docks, or other fixed structures. The current invention provides a cleat saddle from which spars or poles are extended and linked at a flexible but resilient arch connection to fend off the vessel from a dock or another vessel. The mounting interface may be seated in overlying relation to a boat cleat and held in place by any mounting means. The current invention further provides elbows connecting the mounting interface to the spars and acts as a juncture of resilience to external forces. Rotation channels in one or more of the components allow rotation and flexibility to resisting the external forces. Additionally, one or more of the components can have strength enhancing aspects to prevent bending or manipulation of the components in response to external forces. The goal is to provide a constant, though relatively flexible, distance between two objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Ariel Gonzalez, Daniel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8800461
    Abstract: A boat separator comprising a boat extender having a first cross member attached to a first end of the boat extender, and a second cross member attached to the second end of the boat extender. The boat separator preferably has an adjustable length such that the boat extender can be extended between 20 and 30 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: James Lawrence Gagan, II
  • Patent number: 8763549
    Abstract: A single point mooring includes a yoke-shaped articulated arm assembly, which is affixed to the seabed by a fixed foundation or mooring base assembly, and a mooring support structure, which is retrofitted to a vessel. The articulated arm is connected to the base by a triaxial articulation joint for accommodating yaw, pitch and roll. To moor the vessel, the arm is connected to the mooring support structure with weighted pendants on port and starboard sides. The pendants are suspended at an adjustable elevation with respect to the mooring support structure, thus allowing the mooring system to be used at varying water depths. A combined connection bracket hosts both pendant linkages and umbilicals or hoses for speeding the process of connecting and disconnecting a vessel from the mooring system. A removable anchor, such as a suction pile, fixes the mooring system to the seabed, allows the system to be easily redeployed to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: SOFEC, Inc.
    Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Cheng-Pen Kwei
  • Patent number: 8689718
    Abstract: A rigid mooring system that instantly secures pontoons, float planes, boats, and other forms of craft to a variety of dockage types and consists of two identical, yet separately positioned devices which together moor a craft safely away from the dockage. Barrel plate hinges permanently secure the two devices to the dockage allowing both the devices and the attached craft vertical motion but prohibit parallel or lateral movement. Each device has two reinforced arms coming together to form a right triangle shaped rigid body with one arm projecting further, bending into a curved attaching end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jerome Cichoski
  • Patent number: 8646398
    Abstract: This invention is mounted to a boat and consists of a tee, a pipe, a mooring rope, and a mooring buoy or a pipe, a mooring rope, and a mooring buoy. A mooring rope connected to the tee or to the dock extends through the interior channel of the standoff to a boat mooring cleat located on the side of the boat furthest from the dock. A mooring buoy secures the device to the boat. A rope, chain or cable mounted vertically to the dock and passed vertically through the tee allows the boat to move freely to compensate for movement caused by large waves or tidal changes while holding the boat away from the dock or a mooring rope attached to the dock allows the boat to move freely to compensate for movement caused by large waves while holding the boat away from the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Irvine Legare Ansel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140014017
    Abstract: A mooring system for a floating structure (1) in which a floating structure or fixed tower is provided with a turntable (80). A floating structure is moored to the turntable via at least one rigid arm (51,51?) and two tension members (41, 41?). The rigid arm is provided on one end with a ballast weight (61, 61?) and includes a damping system formed of least two separated liquid tanks (70, 70?) that are partly filled with liquids and placed at the same distance from the horizontal centre line (100). The tanks (70, 70?) are fluidly connected with each other so that liquid can be exchanged between the tanks damps a swinging yaw motion of the rigid arm (51, 51?) around the vertical axis of the turntable (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Single Buoy Mooring Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Balleraud, Jean-Robert Fournier
  • Patent number: 8601968
    Abstract: This invention is mounted to a boat instead of a dock and consists of two straight tee fittings and three straight pipes or two straight tee fittings and two straight pipes and a mooring buoy extending from a point between the dock and the side of the boat closest to the dock to a point between the side of the boat closest to the dock and the side of the boat furthest from the dock. A dock mooring rope connected to the first tee fitting extends through the interior channel to a boat mooring cleat located on the side of the boat furthest from the dock. A straight pipe or a mooring buoy mounted vertically secures the device to the boat when the dock mooring rope is secured to a boat mooring cleat located on the side of the boat furthest from the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Irvine Legare Ansel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8561563
    Abstract: A mooring system may comprise a station keeping apparatus having a turntable rotatably mounted thereon. The station keeping apparatus is operable to movably couple to a first vessel and to a second vessel in a side-by-side configuration. The turntable is operable to freely rotate both the first and the second vessel about the station keeping apparatus. The station keeping apparatus is securable to the second vessel using a head mooring line having a length which is adjustable for aligning a heading of both the first and the second vessel with a prevailing weather direction. Further, the mooring system may comprise a rigid yoke or a soft yoke movably coupling the turntable to the first vessel for angular adjustment between the station keeping apparatus and a longitudinal center line of the first vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Zong Yao, Wen Sin Chong, Hee Yan Yip, Kok Seng Foo
  • Patent number: 8539970
    Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a platform and a manifold, the latter being intended to be connected to a fluid tank. The manifold comprises a length of rigid tube defining a pipe of approximately horizontal axis and a length of connecting tube for connection to a transfer line connected to the length of rigid tube. The length of connecting tube is permanently attached to the length of rigid tube and is hinged to the length of rigid tube to allow movement relative to the length of rigid tube between: —a retracted rest position in which the length of connecting tube extends entirely inside the inner edge; and —a first or filling position, in which the free end of the length of connecting tube projects out from the outer edge of the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Pierre-Armand Thomas, Jean-Pascal Biaggi, Jean-François Patinet
  • Publication number: 20120285359
    Abstract: A rigid mooring system that instantly secures pontoons, float planes, boats, and other forms of craft to a variety of dockage types and consists of two identical, yet separately positioned devices which together moor a craft safely away from the dockage. Barrel plate hinges permanently secure the two devices to the dockage allowing both the devices and the attached craft vertical motion but prohibit parallel or lateral movement. Each device has two reinforced arms coming together to form a right triangle shaped rigid body with one arm projecting further, bending into a curved attaching end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Cichoski
  • Publication number: 20120285358
    Abstract: A mooring system may comprise a station keeping apparatus having a turntable rotatably mounted thereon. The station keeping apparatus is operable to movably couple to a first vessel and to a second vessel in a side-by-side configuration. The turntable is operable to freely rotate both the first and the second vessel about the station keeping apparatus. The station keeping apparatus is securable to the second vessel using a head mooring line having a length which is adjustable for aligning a heading of both the first and the second vessel with a prevailing weather direction. Further, the mooring system may comprise a rigid yoke or a soft yoke movably coupling the turntable to the first vessel for angular adjustment between the station keeping apparatus and a longitudinal center line of the first vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: KEPPEL OFFSHORE & MARINE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Zong Yao, Wen Sin Chong, Hee Yan Yip, Kok Seng Foo
  • Patent number: 8308517
    Abstract: A method for receiving dry gas and forming liquefied natural gas on a floating vessel, and offloading the liquefied natural gas using telescoping mooring arms to a floating transport vessel is disclosed herein. The method can include mooring the floating vessel to a seabed with a mooring spread, using a soft yoke to moor the transport vessel to the floating vessel, receiving a dry gas, cooling the dry gas forming a liquefied nature gas, transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel, transferring personnel and equipment over a gangway, returning hydrocarbon vapor to the floating vessel, cooling the hydrocarbon vapor, and using the hydrocarbon vapor as a fuel for the floating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8308518
    Abstract: A method for receiving dry natural gas, cryogenically cooling the gas, then forming liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The method can include flowing the liquefied natural gas to a moveable floating transport vessel. The method can include using mooring arms that maintain a nominal distance between the station and the vessel while simultaneously forming an enclosed gangway and monitoring offloading and return of hydrocarbon vapor. The method can include providing quick connect/disconnect engagements to the transport vessel and storing the liquefied natural gas on the transport vessel at a cryogenic temperature. The method can include recycling hydrocarbon vapor formed during offloading to the floating station and maintaining a cryogenic temperature using a flow rate substantially the same as the floating station uses fuel. The method can include releasing the transport vessel from the floating station to transport the liquefied natural gas to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8286678
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for transferring fluids such as, for example, liquefied natural gas between a source structure such as a floating storage vessel and a receiving structure such as a floating transport vessel utilizing a controllable deployment system to deploy a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit end is supported by a mooring device which is positioned by the controllable deployment system. A transfer vessel is also provided which utilizes the controllable deployment system to position and support a fluid conduit for connection with a manifold on a receiving vessel. The deployment system operates in active mode during positioning and in passive mode during fluid transfer. The fluid transfer system disclosed allows safe, controlled operation and fluid transfer in open sea conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie Dean Adkins, Donald Gregory Danmeier, John S. Hartono
  • Patent number: 8117980
    Abstract: A rigid mooring system that instantly secures pontoons, float planes, boats, and other forms of craft to a variety of dockage types and consists of two identical, yet separately positioned devices which together moor a craft safely away from the dockage. Barrel plate hinges permanently secure the two devices to the dockage allowing both the devices and the attached craft vertical motion but prohibit parallel or lateral movement. Each device has two reinforced arms coming together to form a right triangle shaped rigid body with one arm projecting further, bending into a curved attaching end. This attaching end is integrated with a self closing latch. The latch opens when pressed against the craft's mooring fixture then automatically snaps back into place capturing the craft. Pressing the release button opens the latch, freeing the craft. Each device also provides a place for a separate lock to be installed preventing theft or unauthorized use of the craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jerome Cichoski
  • Patent number: 8109222
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for fixing floating bodies (1), in particular boats, to a landing body (2) with at least two holding booms (5) which are fixed to respective moorrings (4) by fittings (3) functioning as coupling elements, in each case at one end on the floating body (1) and at the other end on the landing body (2). In order to create advantageous conditions, it is proposed that at least one of the holding booms (5) be fixed, at least at one end, to the respective moorrings by the fitting (3) functioning as a coupling element so as to be rotationally fixed or rotationally resilient about an at least approximately vertical axis (7) with an adjustable and fixable angular offset (?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 8104417
    Abstract: A device for dynamically positioning a ship, assisting in offload of a processed hydrocarbon fluid, and assisting in return of hydrocarbon vapors is disclosed herein. The device can be a soft yoke that is pivotable and collapsible with at least two telescoping mooring arms having a boom and jib in a nested arrangement to safely hold floating stations to transport vessels. The boom and the jib can form a gangway to move personal and loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8104416
    Abstract: A floating natural gas processing station for receiving dry gas and forming liquefied natural gas for offloading is disclosed herein. The station can use a station heat exchanger, a natural gas liquefaction train, and an offloading device having a primary quick connect/disconnect device, a secondary emergency disconnect device, and a tertiary emergency disconnect device to allow quick connect/disconnect or emergency disconnect of the floating natural gas processing station from a transport vessel. At least two telescoping mooring arms with a boom and a jib in a nested arrangement can hold the transport vessel at a nominal distance from the floating natural gas processing station, while forming a gangway to safely move personnel and loads between the floating natural gas processing station and the transport vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8100076
    Abstract: A station and transport system for receiving, storing, and transporting liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The system can include a transport vessel, a floating liquefied natural gas processing station with a heat exchanger for receiving the dry gas from a pretreatment source and forming liquefied natural gas using a natural gas liquefaction train, a primary quick connect/disconnect device, a secondary emergency disconnect device, and a tertiary emergency disconnect device mounted to a station hull to allow quick connect/disconnect or emergency disconnect of the floating natural gas processing station from the transport vessel. The system can include a soft yoke with at least two telescoping soft yoke mooring arms, a boom, and a jib that form a gangway to safely hold the floating station to the transport vessel and to move personal and loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • Patent number: 8091499
    Abstract: A mooring device is disclosed for securing a boat to an object. The boat has a first cleat. The object has a second cleat. The mooring device comprises a coupling bar having a proximal end and a distal end. A first arcuate arm extends from the proximal end of the coupling bar. A second arcuate arm extends from the distal end of the coupling bar. A first C-clamp engages the first cleat. A second C-clamp engages the second cleat. A first clamp pivot pivotably couples the first C-clamp to the first arcuate arm of the coupling bar. A second clamp pivot pivotably couples the second C-clamp to second arcuate arm of the coupling bar. The first arcuate arm and the first clamp pivot define a first pivot wedging stop and the second arcuate arm and the second clamp pivot define a second pivot wedging stop upon the first cleat offset relative to the second cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Angel V. Perez
  • Patent number: 8056491
    Abstract: A separation and guidance structure comprises an arm having an inner end with a crosspiece secured in use to a pontoon or the like, and an outer end provided with fenders extending above and beyond the end of the arm. Flotation is provided to support the outer end of the arm, and may be in the form of a flotation member or be provided by the fenders. In use a number of such structures are secured in parallel to a pontoon or dock to form a berthing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Easyberth Limited
    Inventors: Peter McLean Wright, James Dickson
  • Patent number: 8047150
    Abstract: A swingable spacing dock is configured to berth a ship spaced from the shoreline and includes a support positioned on shore, a swingable dock arm pivotally mounted on the support, and a powered drive. The dock arm is driven by the powered drive to swing between a ship docking position where the dock arm extends outwardly beyond the shoreline to engage the berthed ship and a storage position where the dock arm is positioned substantially entirely over the shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tex-Mex Management, LLC
    Inventor: John Stapp
  • Publication number: 20110135397
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses for an offshore connection between a floating vessel and seabed pipelines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Jacob de Baan
  • Patent number: 7870829
    Abstract: A securement assembly is provided. A support has a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is coupled to the securement assembly. A spear has a leading end and trailing end with a central extent between the leading and trailing ends. A cylindrical member has a passageway slidably receiving the spear between the leading and trailing ends. Adjustment components couple the cylindrical member to the upper end of the support. The adjustment components are adapted to move the cylindrical member and spear between any of a plurality of orientations. The plurality of orientations include a generally horizontal orientation for storing and transportation and a generally vertical orientation for deploying and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: Heath A. Perry, Kathryn E. Perry
  • Publication number: 20100329824
    Abstract: A swingable spacing dock is configured to berth a ship spaced from the shoreline and includes a support positioned on shore, a swingable dock arm pivotally mounted on the support, and a powered drive. The dock arm is driven by the powered drive to swing between a ship docking position where the dock arm extends outwardly beyond the shoreline to engage the berthed ship and a storage position where the dock arm is positioned substantially entirely over the shore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Tex-Mex Management, LLC
    Inventor: John Stapp
  • Patent number: 7827924
    Abstract: A mooring device is disclosed for securing a boat to an object. The boat has a first cleat and the object has a second cleat. The mooring device comprises a bar having a proximal end and a distal end. A first clamp integral to the proximal end of the bar engages the first cleat. A second clamp integral to the distal end of the bar engaging the second cleat. The first clamp and the second clamp couple the bar between the first cleat and the second cleat for securing the boat to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Angel V. Perez
  • Patent number: 7814855
    Abstract: A swingable spacing dock is configured to berth a ship spaced from the shoreline and includes a support positioned on shore, a swingable dock arm pivotally mounted on the support, and a powered drive. The dock arm is driven by the powered drive to swing between a ship docking position where the dock arm extends outwardly beyond the shoreline to engage the berthed ship and a storage position where the dock arm is positioned substantially entirely over the shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Tex-Mex Management, LLC
    Inventor: John Stapp
  • Patent number: 7810442
    Abstract: A snap hook device comprises a detachable pole attached to a snap hook having a side link for securing a rope. The snap hook is generally U-shaped with a sloped spring closure having a first end attached to a first end of the hook and a second end of the spring closure being coiled and resting against a side of a second end of the snap hook. The second end of the U-shaped hook comprises a collar for receiving the detachable pole. The snap hook device enables a boat operator when alone in the boat to remain in the cockpit area of the boat, and capture a chain under a mooring buoy. The operator then maneuvers the boat with a rope attached to a link of the snap hook wherein the rope extends via the bow to the boat operator in the cockpit, so that by pulling the rope, the bow is easily and safely turned to be adjacent to the mooring buoy for attaching a mooring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Helder F. Duarte, Anthony A. Duarte
  • Patent number: 7793605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mooring system with a first vessel for containing hydrocarbons having at its bow and/or stern a transverse arm and a fluid transfer mechanism of a duct connected to a tank on the first vessel and a coupling end for connecting to a second vessel. The second vessel is moored alongside the first vessel and is attached via at least one cable, extending from its bow in the length direction of the vessel, to a mooring end of the arm. The mooring end of the arm is situated at or near a longitudinal centerline of the second vessel. The arm, during use, is in a fixed position and a pulling force element is attached to the cable for applying a pulling force on the cable upon relative movement of the second vessel with respect to the arm. The force element allows a predetermined maximum displacement of the second vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Leendert Poldervaart, Jack Pollack, Hein Wille, Hein Oomen
  • Patent number: 7789033
    Abstract: A portable boat mooring system is provided that includes a base removably or non-removably attached to a pier. An arm assembly can extend from the base outwardly beyond an edge of the pier. A mooring line that has a resiliently flexible portion thereof attaches a boat to the system while mooring the boat to the pier and maintaining a space therebetween. A tool-less hardware assembly can be utilized which allows users to manually install the base to the pier while they remain on top of the pier or above an upper surface of the pier during the entire installation. An anchoring device can selectively hold the mooring line at a predetermined length or state of tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: White Bear LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Steven Doig, Tracy J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 7717053
    Abstract: A mooring device including two telescoping tubes, a pair of ropes for securing a boat to a dock or piling, and a spring biasing the ropes and/or tubes with respect to one another to adjust to changes in waves and/or tides, while maintaining the boat at a safe distance from the dock or piling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: William Jayne
  • Publication number: 20100107954
    Abstract: A boat docking unit for small boats secures a boat to a dock structure without use of ropes, anchors or fenders. The unit has a pair of docking arms each having an elongated tubular housing, a telescoping member capable of telescoping movement within the housing. A pair of compression springs mounted in the housing in contact with the telescoping member dampens the wave force so as to restrict yaw of the boat docked at the pier. The docking arms pivotally secure the boat to the dock structure allowing a limited pitch motion of the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: David Hall
  • Patent number: 7637222
    Abstract: A mooring device is adapted for holding fast a water craft on a body of water. The mooring device includes a base designed for engaging the water craft, and an elongated rigid mooring pole. The mooring pole has a proximal end attached to the base, and a free end extending away from the base. The free end of the mooring pole is releasably anchored to an anchoring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Sean Keely
  • Publication number: 20090272307
    Abstract: A swingable spacing dock is configured to berth a ship spaced from the shoreline and includes a support positioned on shore, a swingable dock arm pivotally mounted on the support, and a powered drive. The dock arm is driven by the powered drive to swing between a ship docking position where the dock arm extends outwardly beyond the shoreline to engage the berthed ship and a storage position where the dock arm is positioned substantially entirely over the shore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: TEX-MEX MANAGEMENT, LLC
    Inventor: John Stapp