Of Extensible Length Patents (Class 114/230.17)
  • Patent number: 11861552
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for managing liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanking safety based on location matching and an Internet of Things system. The method includes that an intelligent terminal perceives and acquires terminal operation information, generates a request for tanking, and sends the request to a management platform; the management platform obtains vehicle information of an LNG tanker after receiving the request, generates a task plan for tanking and sends the task plan to the LNG tanker and the intelligent terminal respectively; the LNG tanker drives to a location of the terminal according to the task plan, and the management platform performs real-time tracking and monitoring on a driving path of the LNG tanker; the LNG tanker completes a two-way location matching authentication with the intelligent terminal through the management platform after arriving at the location of the terminal and performs tanking for the LNG distributed energy intelligent terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: CHENGDU PUHUIDAO SMART ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lin Fu
  • Patent number: 11834803
    Abstract: A docking assist assembly for assisted boat docking. The docking assist assembly may include: a mounting portion configured to be supported by an upper surface of a dock; an arm portion extending transverse to the mounting portion; and a bow retaining portion including a first side defining a first surface facing at least partially toward the second side and a second side defining a second surface at least partially facing toward the first side, said first side and said second side configured to receive a bow of a boat at least partially between the first side and the second side; wherein at least one of the arm portion and the bow retaining portion is movable relative to the mounting portion so as to at least partially absorb a docking impact force of a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Richard Gregory Farrell
  • Patent number: 11760446
    Abstract: An offshore LNG processing plant includes a first module including a personnel accommodation facility on a first vessel, a second module including a gas treatment facility on a second vessel, and a third module including a gas liquefaction facility on a third vessel. Each of the first, second, and third modules are assembled on the corresponding vessels, and then transported to an offshore location in a body of water, such as a river, a lake, or a sea. At the offshore location, each vessel deploys legs to the bed of the body of water to raise a hull of each vessel out of the water. The first module is then coupled to the second module, and the second module is coupled to the third module. A fourth module on a fourth vessel is coupled to the third module to provide LNG storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: New Fortress Energy
    Inventors: Alapkumar R. Shah, Shawn D. Hoffart, Christopher Michael Windeler
  • Patent number: 11649011
    Abstract: A mooring device including: a strut with a first end and a second end; a first head; a pivot mount; a first suction cup; a rotating mount; a second head; a second suction cup; a rod; and a flotation cover sleeve. The pivot mount allows the first head to pivot about a first head axis and therefore to rotate relative to the strut. The rotating mount allows the suction cup to rotate about a second axis relative to the strut. The flotation cover sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: The HookCups Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Brant Gonzales, J. Scott Roberts
  • Patent number: 11649012
    Abstract: A mooring device including: a strut with a first end and a second end; a first head; a pivot mount; a first suction cup; a rotating mount; a second head; a second suction cup; a rod; and a flotation cover sleeve. The pivot mount allows the first head to pivot about a first head axis and therefore to rotate relative to the strut. The rotating mount allows the suction cup to rotate about a second axis relative to the strut. The flotation cover sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: The HookCups Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Brant Gonzales, J. Scott Roberts
  • Patent number: 11414159
    Abstract: A mooring device with a rod having a first rod end and a second rod end. There is a suction cup assembly having a first suction cup mount with a first mount end and a second mount end. The first mount end is coupled with the first rod end. The assembly also has a first suction cup coupled with the second mount end. The mooring device includes a coupler engaged with the rod. The coupler is configured for at least one of lateral movement with respect to the rod, rotational movement with respect to the rod, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: The HookCups Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Eric Vanberg, John Scott Roberts, Sandeep Aare, Pankaj V. Pednekar
  • Patent number: 11358682
    Abstract: A mooring device including: a strut with a first end and a second end; a first head; a pivot mount; a first suction cup; a rotating mount; a second head; a second suction cup; a rod; and a flotation cover sleeve. The pivot mount allows the first head to pivot about a first head axis and therefore to rotate relative to the strut. The rotating mount allows the suction cup to rotate about a second axis relative to the strut. The flotation cover sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: The HookCups Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Brant Gonzales, J. Scott Roberts
  • Patent number: 8959694
    Abstract: A bridge apparatus to transfer persons between a moving structure such as a vessel and a second structure such as an offshore installation, for example, to span gaps between work boats and fixed offshore installations such as wind turbines. The bridge comprises a platform supported by a line, the platform being moveable in a vertical direction by movement, of the line, wherein the line extends in a vertical direction from the platform to a capstan, and from the capstan to a counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ensco 392 Limited
    Inventor: Derek William Frank Clarke
  • 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: 8683823
    Abstract: A system for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a moored floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a floating liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Patent number: 8646289
    Abstract: A method for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant of the liquefied natural gas transport vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Patent number: 8640493
    Abstract: Method for processing, treatment and liquefaction of natural gas proximate offshore gas fields with a gas floating production storage and offloading vessel with a primary processing unit, a gas treating unit, and a natural gas compressor. The liquefaction is split between a liquefied natural gas transport vessel moored on a disconnectable turret and the floating production storage and offloading vessel. High pressure liquefied natural gas inlet quality gas from the vessel is sent through conduits to the liquefied natural gas transport vessel(s) then back through the disconnectable turrets to the vessel. A separate nitrogen refrigerant on the transport vessel provides final stage liquefaction while being powered by the transport vessel's propulsion plant. When the transport vessel is full, the transport vessel disconnects from the disconnectable turret, and motors to a transfer terminal located in sheltered water for transfer of liquefied natural gas cargo to a standard trading tanker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Patent number: 8566992
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an extendable and retractable work platform from a work vessel is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of first and second platform support frames with associated decking surfaces. These support frames are configured so that second support frame may be slidably received within the first support frame. The first support frame is mounted to the deck of a work vessel so that the second support frame with associated decking may be moved or “telescopically” extended from the first support frame away from the side of the vessel. The work platform is provided with a plurality of detachable deck extensions as well as detachable hand railing sections. A means to extend and retract the platform is also provided. The decking surface of the work platform may have an opening to provide access to areas below the work platform such as to a well bore or the piping and valve superstructure of a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Stokes
  • Patent number: 8490564
    Abstract: A method for processing a dry gas into a liquefied natural gas and offloading the liquefied natural gas, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to: attach and hold the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and enabling an inner walkway to extend and retract from an outer walkway of the connecting device to accommodate for motions. The method can include receiving and cooling dry gas to form liquefied natural gas for transfer to the transport vessel. The method can include transferring personnel and equipment within walkway on the connecting device. The method can include using a transport vessel controller to continuously monitor receipt, storage, and offloading of the liquefied natural gas. The method can include dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel using computer instructions and motions measured by sensors or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490565
    Abstract: A method for receiving and processing dry gas into liquefied natural gas, offloading the liquefied natural gas, and transporting the liquefied natural gas to another location, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to: attach and hold a transport vessel to a floating liquefaction vessel. The connecting device can have an inner walkway configured to extend and retract from an outer walkway to accommodate for motions. The method can include receiving and cooling dry gas to form liquefied natural gas, and transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel. The method can include dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel using motions measured by motion sensors and the like. The method can include storing the liquefied natural gas on the floating transport vessel, releasing the transport vessel from the connecting device, and transporting the liquefied natural gas to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490563
    Abstract: A floating liquefaction vessel and connecting device system for receiving a dry gas, forming a liquefied natural gas, and offloading the liquefied natural gas, wherein the system can include a floating liquefaction vessel for receiving the dry gas, cooling the dry gas to form liquefied natural gas, flowing the liquefied natural to a transport vessel, and receiving a hydrocarbon vapor from the transport vessel. A floating liquefaction vessel controller can monitor offloading of the liquefied natural gas. A connecting device can connect the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel. The connecting device can include an inner walkway telescopically contained within an outer walkway and configured to extend and retract from the outer walkway in response to motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490566
    Abstract: A method for offloading a liquefied natural gas from a floating liquefaction vessel to a transport vessel for storage and transport, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to attach and hold the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and using a ram to move a telescoping walkway of the connecting device from a transport position to a deployed position. The method can include connecting the telescoping walkway to a variety of bow configurations of transport vessels by securing an inner walkway to the transport vessel. The inner walkway can extend and retract from an outer walkway to accommodate for motions. The method can include transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel. The method can include monitoring receipt, storage, and offloading of the liquefied natural gas and dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490562
    Abstract: A floating liquefaction vessel and transport system for receiving, storing, and transporting a liquefied natural gas, wherein the system can include a transport vessel for monitoring, receiving, storing, and transporting the liquefied natural gas. A transport vessel controller can dynamically position the transport vessel in proximity to a floating liquefaction vessel using motion sensors, fan beams, and dynamic global positioning systems. The floating liquefaction vessel can include receive a dry gas, and cool the dry gas to form liquefied natural gas for transfer to the transport vessel across a connecting device. The connecting device can connect the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and can include: an inner walkway telescopically contained within an outer walkway. The inner walkway can extend and retract from the outer walkway in response to motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130160691
    Abstract: A shock absorbing docking spacer for connecting a vessel to a mooring structure and which includes first and second sections relatively telescopically movable longitudinally relative to one another so as to define a variable effective overall length for the docking spacer and wherein one section contains an airtight air bag and the air bag is connected to the other section such that as the first and second sections move relatively inwardly relative to one another the air bag provides a buffer for absorbing impact forces between the first and second sections brought about by ambient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: John Thomas WEBB, Beverly Joanne WEBB
  • Patent number: 8408153
    Abstract: A mooring system for receiving and exercising at least partial control over the approach of a vessel approaching a mooring facility. An array of mooring robots are mounted to the mooring facility. Each robot has at least one vessel contact member supported by a moving mechanism in a manner to thereby be (i) movable relative to the mooring facility and (ii) presentable to engage the side of said vessel. A sensor can sense the position of the vessel relative the mooring facility. A processor can calculate movement instructions based on information received by the processor to calculate instructions for the movement of the contact member during the receipt of the vessel by the mooring system. A controller can preposition the contact member and then control the condition of each mooring robot such as to reduce the approach speed of the vessel at least in a direction towards the mooring facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cavotec Moormaster Limited
    Inventor: Peter James Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8375878
    Abstract: A method for use in deep water, for dynamically connecting a fixed for floating vessel to a floating transport vessel using at least one telescoping mooring arm, and for flowing a fluid that forms a hydrocarbon vapor to the moveable floating transport vessel with offload flexible conduits that adjust to accommodate vessel motion, wave motion, current motion, and other weather motion without disengaging is disclosed herein. The method can include using telescoping mooring arms to maintain a nominal distance between the fixed or floating vessel and the transport vessel while forming an enclosed gangway. The method can include monitoring offloading and return of hydrocarbon vapor, providing quick connect/disconnect engagements to the transport vessel, and using an adjustable vapor return flexible conduit. The method can include releasing the transport vessel from the fixed for floating vessel to transport the fluid to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120114422
    Abstract: A mooring system for a vessel includes an attachment unit configured to be detachably attached to a hull of the vessel; a robot arm including a plurality of arms, the arms being coupled to each other to turn in a vertical direction, the robot, arm extending by an arm actuator provided thereto to transfer the attachment unit to an attachment position of the hull; a rotation unit connected to the robot arm and allowing the robot arm to turn in a horizontal direction; and a mooring winch for winding a mooring cable to draw the attachment unit. A floating body or a quay wall may include the mooring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Phill-Seung LEE, SoonHung Han, Hyun Chung, Yong-Yook Kim, Kook-Jin Choi, Sang-Il Kim, Young-Hee Cho, Young-Su Kim
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7673578
    Abstract: A mooring device for mooring a boat at a selected nominal distance from a mooring point, with the boat being movable resiliently toward and away from the mooring point while biased into the selected nominal distance. First and second members are engaged with one another for movement relative to one another in longitudinal directions along the mooring device, and are resiliently biased, by a resilient biasing arrangement, into a nominal length which establishes the nominal distance. A band couples the first and second members for selected relative movement and enables ready adjustment of the length of the mooring device to any desired length within a range of length. A locking arrangement secures the band against movement to retain the first and second members at the selected length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Richard James Shanahan, III
  • Patent number: 7665170
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making a walkway from a vessel to an object which is more or less stationary relative to the vessel and has a gangplank attached to the vessel. The gangplank has a top surface and near the end of the gangplank a coupling element for enclosing a horizontal pipe attached to the stationary object. According to the invention, the coupling element is fitted below the top surface, and near the coupling element on the underside in the longitudinal direction of the gangplank the gangplank has a narrow supporting edge for supporting the gangplank on the pipe. The invention also comprises a method for the use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fabricom Oil & Gas BV
    Inventor: Hendrik Pieter Stapel
  • 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: 20090139439
    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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Steven Doig, Tracey J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 7493868
    Abstract: A system is provided for rigidly attaching a supply ship to a receiving ship to facilitate efficient transport of materials there-between even when the vessels are subject to heavy seas and weather. A telescoping truss assembly is provided on the first ship, and has a distal end configured to mate with a receptacle assembly on the second ship. Cables are disposed within the truss and are used to draw the truss and receptacle assemblies into engagement with each other. Once the assemblies are engaged, a hydraulic system is used to draw the two ships together, rigidifying the truss assembly and fixing the two ships in a “catamaran” arrangement. Subsequent transfers of materials between the ships can be carried out without the need to compensate for the relative dynamic vertical and horizontal displacements between the ships due to wind and waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Arnal, Dana L. Day, Edward M. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20080314304
    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: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: William Jayne
  • Patent number: 7418913
    Abstract: A kit features two arm assemblies, each of which features a longitudinal member with a padded portion extending from proximate one end thereof toward the other end and a connection at each end allowing horizontal and pivotal motion of the arm assembly about. A method of mooring a watercraft involves connecting each arm assembly between a respective connection point on the watercraft and a respective securing point on a body distinct therefrom, allowing horizontal pivoting of the arms to horizontally move the watercraft toward a vertical plane in which the securing points lie and blocking further horizontal pivoting of the arms by contact between the watercraft and a respective one of the arm assemblies before the watercraft reaches the vertical plane. The arm assemblies bind due to contact with the watercraft, thereby blocking impact of the watercraft with the body to which the securing points are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Robert A. Dowd
  • Patent number: 7089877
    Abstract: A standoff mooring bar for a vehicle such as a boat or a floating aircraft featuring an adjustable mooring bar body that is automatically locked at the desired mooring length when a guying rope and a mooring rope are tensioned. This body has an inner cylindrical tube telescoping within an outer cylindrical tube, and a pair of end caps closing the telescoping pair of tubes. The mooring rope extends through the pair of tubes by passing through openings located in both end caps. An automatic locking mechanism fixes the adjustable length of the telescoping pair of tubes when the tie ends of the mooring rope and guying rope are secured during mooring. When used in pairs on a craft, the guying ropes maintain the craft from moving forward or backward parallel to the docking structure; the locked telescoping tubes keep the craft from hitting and rubbing against the docking structure, or from moving away perpendicularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Duff M. Hay
  • Patent number: 7021231
    Abstract: A system configured to auto pilot and dock automatically a vessel (108), the system comprising: one or more distance detectors (106): at least one extendable arm (104), the arm including attachment elements (112) located at a far end thereof; and a control system (102) configured to activate the arm (104) and attachment elements (112) to link with a dockside (110). The present invention provides a method and system for auto piloting and docking automatically a vessel (108). This invention enhances safety and enjoyment in open seas, rivers, channels, harbours, marinas and the like for vessel operators and for others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Billy-Jay Smart
  • Patent number: 6962122
    Abstract: This invention is a docking apparatus for small boats which secures the boat to a pier without use of ropes and fenders having two dock mounts securely affixed spaced apart to the pier and each having an elongated sleeve. Two docking poles each include a first end and a second end, and each have an extension arm which telescopes outwardly to reach the boat. The first ends are inserted within the elongated sleeve of the two docking mounts the second ends have a spring loaded snap clamp having an insertion opening. A stabilizer bar is secured centrally between the two docking poles. A pair of boat mounting cleats are attached to the boat and each have a hole. The insertion openings of the spring loaded snap clamps attach securely to the holes of the boat mounting cleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Alfred Bouldin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6955134
    Abstract: A vessel provided with a telescopingly extendable gang plank mounted thereon for movement about a vertical axis. A coupling device provided at the free end of the gang plank is adapted to enclose a vertically directed engagement rod on an offshore pole body and thus connect the ship to the pole body. With tile ship manoeuvred in a certain position the gang plank may be either directed and extended towards tile engagement rod or be manoeuvred while taking its extended position laterally into contact with the engagement rod and subsequently (partially) retracted again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: P&R Systems
    Inventor: Reinout Klaar Norfolc Jaap Prins
  • Publication number: 20040237869
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon transfer system comprising a first structure (8) carrying an articulated arm (4,5,61,62). The system has at a free end (64) a first connector part (13,43,65), and a vessel (7) comprising a second connector part (47,48,70), wherein each connector part comprises a housing (72,73) with at least two fluid ducts (66,67,68,69) within said housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Leendert Poldervaart, Jack Pollack, Jean-Pierre Queau, Rene Perratone