Abstract: One general aspect includes a buoy position analyzer system. The buoy position analyzer system also includes a transceiver interface. The buoy position analyzer system also includes a memory storage. The buoy position analyzer system also includes circuitry may include one or more processors configured to: receive node unit data via the transceiver interface, generate an operational movement envelope for a buoy based on the received node data, store the operational movement envelope in the memory storage, and monitor additional node unit data via the transceiver interface.

Abstract: A fastener status detection system is presented. The fastener status detection system comprises a primary fastener, a secondary fastener, and a sensor. The secondary fastener is configured to be a back-up to the primary fastener. The sensor is positioned to measure at least a portion of a load between the primary fastener and the secondary fastener.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method of monitoring a mooring system for a floating vessel using the time of the natural period independent of environmental conditions. The natural period can be calculated and/or established experientially over time by measuring movement of the vessel to establish the natural period at given geographical positions of a secure and intact mooring system. The natural period can be monitored based on the time to complete a natural period. A change in a mooring line stiffness, whether by a failure, stretching, a degradation of the mooring line integrity, or a significant displacement of the anchoring point, will be translated into a different natural period with a different time.

Abstract: A mooring apparatus that includes an actuator connected to a mooring hook and the mooring base. The actuator provides translational movement of the mooring hook towards the mooring base. The mooring apparatus also includes a vessel motion detection system and a mooring apparatus control system. The mooring apparatus may include a mooring line tension gauge. The vessel motion detection system provides an input indicative of vessel motion to the mooring apparatus control system. The mooring apparatus control system then provides an output signal to the appropriate mooring system(s) which results in adjustment of the mooring line tension in the appropriate mooring system(s). Methods for use thereof thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for mooring an offshore structure includes: providing a mooring line having one end connected to the sea bed and a connector at a free end; lifting the free end onto a deck of an anchor line handling vessel; connecting on the anchor line handling vessel a chain tensioner with a connection side to the connector; providing a working chain having a short tensioning part and a long installation part into the entry side of the chain tensioner; holding a free end of the installation part while lowering the chain tensioner below water level; picking up a free end of a pendant attached to the offshore structure, and attaching it to the free end of the installation part in an interconnect position on the anchor line handling vessel; placing the interconnect position overboard; connecting a lifting cable on the anchor line handling vessel to the tensioning part below water level; and exerting an upward tensioning force on the tensioning chain part.

Abstract: A cable containing an optical fiber is used to transmit data between an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a support vessel floating on the surface of the water. The ROV pulls the cable through the water and as the ROV dives away from the support vessel, the optical fiber is released from the support vessel. Excess tension in the cable can damage the optical fiber and the tension can be highest close to the ROV. To prevent potential damage to the optical fiber, the ROV can store a portion of the cable and release the cable if the detected tension approaches the maximum working load. When the tension drops to a lower safe level, the release mechanism can stop releasing the cable.

Abstract: A mooring loop is provided for use with connecting a mooring line to a bollard. The mooring loop may stretch and function as a time delay fuse when excessive loads are applied to the mooring line. The mooring loop is comprised of a reactive fiber component in the shape of a continuous loop that includes a plurality of at least one of: an undrawn hydrophobic polymer fiber or a substantially undrawn hydrophobic polymer fiber. At least two jackets are in surrounding relation to portions of the reactive fiber component. The at least two jackets include respective end portions which overlap. As the mooring loop stretches, a visual indicator on an end portion of one of the jackets pulls out of and away from the end portion of the other one of the jackets. The visual indicator serves as a warning that excessive loads are being applied to the mooring line.

Abstract: An electrically driven mooring includes a winding drum (101), an alternating current motor (103) arranged to drive the winding drum, a frequency conversion unit (104) connected to the alternating current motor, and a control unit (105) arranged to control the frequency conversion unit on the basis of an indicator for tension of the mooring rope. The control unit is arranged to compute a flux space vector for modelling a stator flux of the alternating current motor, to compute a torque estimate on the basis of the flux space vector and a space vector of stator currents, and to use the torque estimate as the indicator for the tension of the mooring rope. Hence, a need for a force sensor on the mooring rope and a need for a speed/position sensor on the motor shaft can be avoided.

Abstract: A restraint of elastic cord includes a loop for securement about a fixed object. A lock on the cord is positionable therealong to vary loop size. Tensioning of the cord by momentarily applied manual force permits positioning of the lock along the cord.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for disconnecting at least one elongated member extending between a waterborne vessel and at least one other object includes a cable extendable between the waterborne vessel and the other object. When the distance between the waterborne vessel and the other object exceeds a certain distance, the cable causes the at least one elongated member to be released from the vessel or other object.

Abstract: An electrically driven mooring includes a winding drum (101), an alternating current motor (103) arranged to drive the winding drum, a frequency conversion unit (104) connected to the alternating current motor, and a control unit (105) arranged to control the frequency conversion unit on the basis of an indicator for tension of the mooring rope. The control unit is arranged to compute a flux space vector for modelling a stator flux of the alternating current motor, to compute a torque estimate on the basis of the flux space vector and a space vector of stator currents, and to use the torque estimate as the indicator for the tension of the mooring rope. Hence, a need for a force sensor on the mooring rope and a need for a speed/position sensor on the motor shaft can be avoided.

Abstract: A method and a device for detection of physical or approximately physical bottom contact for objects, for instance fishing tackles, which are dragged closely above or on a sea bottom, said method consisting of sensoring an alteration of a force acting on a tension sensor (4) as a consequence of a mass (7) coupled to the tension sensor (4) coming into physical contact with the bottom, said alteration being used as indication of bottom contact, and that frictional forces (F2) being due to the dragging of the mass (7) along the bottom mainly are taken up by means of a tension release means (8). The device comprise the mass (7) being suspended in a tension sensor (4) in such a manner that the sensor (4) is actuated by bottom contact, and at least one tension release means (8) connected to the mass (7) and adapted to take up forces caused by dragging of the mass above the bottom.

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.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling system, damping device and method are provided for enhancing the stability of an elongate hose extending from a tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation. The various embodiments of the system, device, and method provide a passive, integrated damping device that may generate electrical energy from changes in disposition of the elongate hose and then using the electrical energy generated to impart mechanical damping forces to a portion of the elongate hose. Thus, the embodiments may minimize the occurrence of oscillations in the elongate hose as it extends from the tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation.

Abstract: A docking system for vessels employing at retractable docking line coupled to a rotatable spool. The rotatable spool is controlled by an operator of the vessel by a centralized hydraulic or electrical system. The retrieval systems allows for free wheeling line deployment and variable speed line retraction. Solenoid valves and relays are used to allow an operator to retrieve lines at various speeds allowing the vessel to be moved fore or aft for proper docking alignment. A weighted end cap allows for passing of the docking lines and further provides for sealing of the docking system when placed in a storage position.