And Line Winding Means Patents (Class 114/230.23)
  • Patent number: 12030591
    Abstract: A recessed and retractable mooring line device includes a housing having a mooring head that is configured for projecting through an opening or recess of a mounting structure so that an upper surface of the mooring head does not project from an outer surface of the mounting structure. A reel assembly is coupled to the housing and positioned below the mooring head to take up a flexible mooring line. The reel assembly includes a rotatable spool for winding the line. A ratchet wheel and spool that is engaged by a pawl prevents rotation of the ratchet wheel and spool when engaged. A moor head assembly that includes a pawl actuator actuates the pawl. An actuator lock of the moor head assembly engages the pawl actuator to keep it engaged with the pawl. A line anchor is used for securing to an end of the mooring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Inventor: Damon Jones
  • Patent number: 11691705
    Abstract: An automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel. The system can include a boat trolley. The boat trolley can include a frame that couples to and rides on rails of a track that extends between the boat garage and the dock channel. The boat trolley can also include bunker supports for supporting the hull of the boat. A dock lift mechanism can lower the trolley frame into the water, from which the boat can be deployed. Once done using the boat, the user can navigate the boat onto the trolley frame, and the dock lift mechanism used to lift the trolley frame and boat out of the water, and the boat trolley operated to move the boat from the dock to the boat garage for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald E. Peterson, Arnold E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11407610
    Abstract: A tether includes a housing defining a cord aperture, a spool located within the housing and configured to rotate about a spool axis in either an extending direction or a rewinding direction, a cord wound around the spool and configured to pass through the cord aperture, a biasing member coupled to the spool, and a retractor lock. The biasing member biases the spool to rotate in the rewinding direction to retract the cord into the housing. The retractor lock is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The retractor lock prevents rotation of the spool when in the locked position and allows rotation of the spool in the unlocked position. The retractor lock is moves from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to a threshold cord force on the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: FISKARS BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Grant Denton Bessac, Charles Hartzell
  • Patent number: 11236728
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein provide an airborne power generation assembly comprising an airborne power generation unit, a submersible platform, an electrified tether winch attached to the submersible platform, an electrified tether connecting between the electrified tether winch and the airborne power generation unit, and a power output exiting from the submersible platform. Embodiments include an underwater docking station with a docking station tether connecting the submersible platform to the underwater docking station. The submersible platform or the underwater docking station may be anchored to the sea bed. Other embodiments include winches for the sea bed anchor tethers and docking station tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: WINDLIFT LLC
    Inventors: Rob Creighton, Andrew Stough
  • Patent number: 10836456
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for passively preventing a marine floating body from twisting during mooring by controlling tension in ropes connected to the marine floating body within a predetermined allowable limit. The apparatus includes: a floating main body connected to the ropes, fixed on the sea, and providing a space for marine work; winches disposed on the floating main body and retracting or releasing the ropes fixing the floating main body; fairleads disposed on portions of the floating main body and guiding the ropes to the winches through themselves; and braking units disposed on portions of the floating main body at a predetermined distance from the fairleads, with the ropes passing through the fairleads and themselves, and controlling a speed of the ropes that are retracted to the winches at a predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology
    Inventors: Kang Su Lee, Byoung Jae Park, Min Suk Ki, Hyun Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 10450173
    Abstract: A gypsy is disclosed, adapted for mounting in a windlass for hauling and/or veering anchor rode. A chain-engagement region (12) of the gypsy comprises chain link pockets (18) sized and spaced around the chain-engagement region to engage with chain of the anchor rode. A line-engagement region (24) is provided, with an array of rope grip features (26) spaced around the line-engagement region. The chain-engagement region of the gypsy is formed from a polymeric material and the line-engagement region is formed from a metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: LEWMAR LIMITED
    Inventors: Nigel Christopher Smith, Sean Daniel Wilson, Philip David Roberts, Andrew Palmer
  • Patent number: 10155570
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a turret system for use in a floating vessel. The turret system may comprise a turret body and windlass subsystem. The turret system may comprise top and bottom surfaces, first and second mooring line storage sections, and first and second mooring line channel sections. Each mooring line storage section may include an opening and cavity. Each opening is operable to receive a mooring line. The first and second mooring line channel sections may be separate elongated passageways for first and second mooring lines, respectively, to be directed through the turret body and an exterior of the floating vessel without coming into contact with one another. The windlass subsystem may comprise a rotatable member, and configured to be transportable between locations. When the windlass assembly is configured to be secured to the turret body, the windlass assembly is configurable to control a movement of a mooring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited
    Inventor: Manit Aimcharoenchaiyakul
  • Patent number: 9989038
    Abstract: The wind turbine includes a wind driven turbine wheel rotatable about a central axis that has sail wings that catch the wind and rotate the turbine wheel. An anchor has its anchor line attached to the turbine wheel at its axis of rotation to prevent tilting the wind turbine in response to high wind conditions. A set of streamers attached to the spokes at one end and including a free end wherein the free end is disposed in a space defined between two adjacent spokes when the turbine wheel is rotating. A trolley removably and slidably attached to a main anchor line, a secondary anchor line attached to the trolley and a secondary anchor; and, a drop line removably attached to the secondary anchor configured to lower the anchor to the main anchor so that the trolley, secondary anchor line and secondary anchor is configured to provide an anchor support structure for the main anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
  • Patent number: 9981755
    Abstract: A mooring device is disclosed for an airship. The mooring device comprises a lower module including a plurality of resting structures configured to sustain the mooring device to a substrate; and an upper module mounted to the lower module along a vertical axis of the upper module and configured to rotate with respect to the lower module, the upper module including: (1) a winch with a shaft configured to rotate; (2) a support structure supporting the winch; and (3) a cable passing member, the cable passing member having first and second arms mounted to the shaft and configured to pivot independently with respect to the shaft; (4) a drum mounted to the shaft between the first and second arms and configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the shaft, thereby enabling a cable to be wound and unwound as the drum rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ALTAVE INDÚSTRIA, COMÉRCIO E EXPORTAÇÃO DE AERONAVES LTDA-ME
    Inventors: Bruno Avena de Azevedo, Leonardo Mendes Nogueira, Christian Lima Do Amaral
  • Patent number: 9834294
    Abstract: A system for offshore production of LNG from an FLNG vessel includes a floating LNG vessel including a hull and a deck, a topsides hydrocarbon processing facility installed at or above the deck of the hull of the FLNG vessel, an FLNG vessel cargo containment system including one or more insulated FLNG vessel cryogenic storage tanks installed within the hull of the FLNG vessel, a dynamic positioning control system operatively associated with a system of thrusters onboard the FLNG vessel where the dynamic positioning control system maintains the FLNG vessel at a desired heading around a station keeping point during LNG production operations, and a computer processor for receiving a set of real-time monitored environmental data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: WOODSIDE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Steve John Cooper, William David Hartell
  • Patent number: 9776688
    Abstract: A tethering device for use in securing a boat to a dock is mounted to the underside of the dock decking with its deck trim assembly flush with the top of the dock and only the looped, running end of the tethering line extending from a hole in its deck trim assembly. Threaded studs welded to the underside to the deck trim assembly enable its line retraction mechanism and line locking mechanism to be supported below the decking leaving the deck surface free of tripping hazards and excess line. Below the decking, an assembly cover houses a self-retracting reel and a line-locking mechanism for control over the line, retracting excess line but enabling the user to set and hold the length of line needed for tethering a boat to the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Rock N. Underwood
  • Patent number: 9162734
    Abstract: A method of installing a production buoy at a subsea anchoring location is disclosed. The method includes floating a production buoy over a subsea anchoring location. Then, hanging at least a tether off the production buoy such that the or each tether extends from the production buoy towards the subsea anchoring location occurs. The method includes submerging the production buoy to a depth which allows connection of the or each tether to the subsea anchoring location. An apparatus suitable for use with this method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventors: Julek Romuald Tomas, Arnbjorn Joensen
  • Patent number: 8967066
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use on aquatic vessels for automatically retracting a docking line released from the vessel when undocking so that it is stored out of the water next to a fixed structure such as a piling, initiated with one simple manual operation; and extending the line when docking the vessel by engaging said line and attaching it to the vessel, also all with one simple manual operation. The means for generating the retraction forces acting on the docking line can be a spring-actuated reel mounted on the fixed structure, causing tension in a thin retrieving line attached to the docking line. Alternatively the forces can be generated by sets of weighted blocks and pulleys, or elastic cords. Use of the embodiments will avoid undocking stresses of using long boathooks to hang docking lines on pilings, and reaching them when docking; or throwing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Ivan Bekey
  • Publication number: 20150000581
    Abstract: A traction system (11; 60) for operating lines (18), in particular mooring lines and/or riser lines, of a vessel (1), includes at least two work stations (26) distributed along at least two sides of the vessel (1) and engaged by respective operating lines (18). The traction system includes a main traction device (14; 15, 17; 15A, 17) and a transmission device (36) having a duty line (28) connected to the main traction device and at least one guide member (24) for selectively routing the duty line (18) to each work station (26) for attachment to a respective operating line (18). A line storing space (22; 42, 44) is provided for storing parts of the duty line and/or hauled in moorings lines; the main traction device, the transmission device and the line storing space are placed together at or near a side of the floating production unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: SBM SCHIEDAM B.V.
    Inventor: Michiel Giovanni Mol
  • Publication number: 20140305362
    Abstract: An anchoring device is provided that is adapted to tether a structure to a fixed support, such as a dock or floating kelp. The anchoring device comprises a reel assembly that enables a user to secure their boat without the use of an anchor. The assembly includes a reel housing, a retractable line, a clamp assembly, and a line guide. The reel housing comprises a pair of control buttons, a gripping handle, and an attachment strap. The first button is adapted to unlock and lock the retractable line in place, whereas the second button is adapted to retract the line back into the housing. The clamp assembly is adapted to secure the anchoring device onto a fixed or floating surface, whereby the clamp assembly comprises a first and second clamp member in biased relationship with one or more of peripheral teeth, inner tines, and a high friction inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip Padick
  • Publication number: 20140305361
    Abstract: A system of lashing a tender assist drilling unit (TADU) to a floating production platform includes a plurality of lashing lines reeved over a hydraulic-pneumatic tensioning system sheave assembly and a plurality of fixed anchor points to the above water line section of the production platform hull structure. The hydraulic-pneumatic tensioning device will, when in tensioning mode, compensate and control the relative movement between the two floating bodies. The hydraulic-pneumatic tensioning system will also enable lashing pre-tension adjustments during operations and fine-tuning of system performance can be done site-specific based on lessons learned. The hydraulic-pneumatic tensioning device will, when in hydraulic lock mode, enable a fixed lashing line system. This will by the means of the first units mooring winch system enable; a winch-in for close proximity during heavy lifting; or an efficient lashing pay put during extreme weather preparation for increased separation between the two units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Terje W. Eilertsen
  • Patent number: 8689719
    Abstract: BOATBABY, a portable, auto retractable marine line (rope) reel, attachable, spring loaded receptacle for marine line (rope) used in docking, trailering and launching a boat is disclosed. No current device exits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Crawford Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140014018
    Abstract: Disclosed are platforms adapted to be mounted onto anchor handling vessels (AHVs) and AHVs useful for replacing a used wire rope segment or for installing a new wire rope segment in a mooring line which can be used for mooring a floating vessel such as a floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Kai-tung Ma, Peter Waerness
  • Publication number: 20130319309
    Abstract: A hull that is part of a system for producing energy through the action of waves. The hull's shape, dimension and orientation make the system less costly and increase the energy provided by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Glenn L. Beane
  • Patent number: 8446026
    Abstract: A system for mooring a floating plant for the production of energy from currents in a body of water, comprising a plant (10) floating in the body of water and having at least one generator (7) for energy production, and at least one elongate first mooring element (24) which at a first end is connected to one end of the plant (10). The first mooring element (24) at its second end is attached to one buoyant element (50) floating in the body of water and anchored to a bottom (B) below the body of water, and the second end of the first mooring element (24) is connected to the buoyant element (50) at a level (d) in the body of water that corresponds to the level in the body of water at which the first end of the first mooring element (24) is connected to the floating plant (10), whereby the first mooring element (24) runs horizontally or almost horizontally in the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Hydra Tidal Energy Technology AS
    Inventor: Svein Dag Henriksen
  • Patent number: 8413599
    Abstract: A tethering device for a boat may be mounted to a dock so that the top surface of the tethering device is flush with the top of the dock. Inside the housing is a retraction reel storing a sufficient length of line to provide tethering of the boat to the dock while retracting excess line back for out-of-sight storage but leaving the pre-selected length of line extending from the tethering device. The housing also has a line locking mechanism to hold the line at the pre-selected length so as to prevent the boat from drifting away taking line with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Rock Underwood
  • Patent number: 8267620
    Abstract: A boat lift with a rotatable head attached to a bracket securable with respect to environmental structure such as a pier which to be capable of lifting a watercraft from the water and while rotating thereof to a position above an adjacent area such a dock area. The lift includes a rotating head assembly having a mounting fin extendable into the interior of a vertically reciprocating mast. A watercraft supporting cradle is secured to the mast to be movable therewith and includes vessel support members for facilitating retaining of a watercraft thereupon. Vertical movement between the mounting fin and the reciprocating mast is facilitated by sliding wear pads positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hi-Tide Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Wood, II, Ryan Hyde
  • Patent number: 8230648
    Abstract: A utility land anchor for mooring a water craft to a shore or beach or to act as a ground anchor to pull an object, such as an ATV, thereto, that includes a straight shaft that is pointed on one end and is arranged for connecting to a torque producing device, such as a handle or sided driver, on its other end. The shaft includes an auger secured adjacent to the pointed end, and is to loosely fitted into a cylindrical tube wherefrom blades or fins are attached to extend oppositely outwardly from the cylindrical tube sides that are sloped outwardly to facilitate travel into the shore, beach or ground, and a mooring line connector is secured to the cylindrical tube, adjacent to a lower end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Scott E. Bulloch
  • Publication number: 20120186506
    Abstract: A large capacity, rotating horizontal carousel for deployment and storage of synthetic rope located below the main deck of an anchor handling vessel or other vessel. The system includes a transfer system of rollers and sheaves for transferring the lines to deployment winches. According to one aspect, the system is mounted on a dedicated anchor handling vessel, but can also be adapted to mount on other vessels such as barges, cargo vessels, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Ottar Antonsen
  • Publication number: 20120060740
    Abstract: A boat mooring line dispenser comprises a reel onto which a mooring line or a respective mooring line (if there is more than one reel) can be wound. The reel has resilient biasing means urging it to rotate in a direction such as to wind in the line. A unidirectional clutch mechanism acts, when engaged, in opposition to the resilient biasing means so that the line can be drawn out and will remain in its extended condition. The unidirectional clutch can be released selectively to cause the line to be withdrawn automatically by winding it onto the reel by the resilient biasing means. A cleat, or jamming cleats secure the line when extended so that the moored vessel is held securely. A damper or brake prevents rewinding of the line at excessive speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Nichola Eve Stevens, David Oliver
  • Patent number: 7997223
    Abstract: A mooring buoy includes a buoyant shell that defines a chamber and has a channel extending from the chamber through the outer surface of the shell. The channel accommodates a pendant line therethrough. Within the chamber is a rotating takeup/payout that rotates about a drive axle and a drive mechanism coupled to the takeup/payout device that can drive the rotating takeup/payout device to rotate in a first direction to take up pendant line slack. The drive mechanism permits the takeup/payout device to rotate opposite the first direction in order to pay out pendant line under tension. Suitable takeup/payout devices include pulleys and spools. Suitable drive mechanisms include gravity-driven mechanisms, spring-driven mechanisms, and pendulum-driven mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Peter K. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20110146557
    Abstract: A tethering device for a boat may be mounted to a dock so that the top surface of the tethering device is flush with the top of the dock. Inside the housing is a retraction reel storing a sufficient length of line to provide tethering of the boat to the dock while retracting excess line back for out-of-sight storage but leaving the pre-selected length of line extending from the tethering device. The housing also has a line locking mechanism to hold the line at the pre-selected length so as to prevent the boat from drifting away taking line with it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Rock Underwood
  • Patent number: 7891309
    Abstract: A self contained integrated mooring system configured to contain items within a payload container in a water body is disclosed. The self contained integrated mooring system may include components for conveniently collecting and storing the components of the self contained integrated mooring system. The self contained integrated mooring system may be formed from the payload container, a mooring line handling and storage module, an anchor and a system container in a single system that eliminates having to work and rework anchor lines on a deck of a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Florida Atlantic University
    Inventors: Frederick R. Driscoll, Pierre-Philippe Beaujean, John Charles Frankenfield
  • Patent number: 7798085
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventor: Blake Burnette
  • Publication number: 20100192828
    Abstract: The invention provides a tether connection apparatus for remotely interconnecting respective free ends of two portions of a mooring tether, such as that used to moor a floating production vessel to the seabed. The apparatus comprises: pull-in means that are operable to pull-in to said apparatus the free end of one of the portions of mooring tether, subsequent to deployment of the apparatus. Said apparatus also comprises means for releasably mounting a connector, said connector being designed to interconnect the respective free ends of two portions of the mooring tether, once the pull-in means has pulled in to said apparatus the free end of a first of said portions of mooring tether, said means being operable to release the connector subsequent to interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Hallgeir Lenes, Christian Wathne, Marius Tungseth, Kenneth John Whyte
  • Publication number: 20100101473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for loading of hydrocarbons from a floating vessel, such as a FPSO or FSO vessel, to an export tanker, where the floating vessel is spread moored to a sea bottom, and where the export tanker during the loading phase is moored in such a way that the export vessel to a greater or less degree can weathervane dependent upon the prevailing weather, wave and/or wind conditions. According to invention the floating vessel at least at one end is provided with a rotatable deck which can be turned when the heading of the export tanker changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: STATOILHYDRO ASA
    Inventors: Kare G. Breivik, Harald Kleppesto
  • Patent number: 7694639
    Abstract: A retractable mooring line device comprising a reel for storing and paying off a mooring line, having side walls each comprising a series of notches for receiving a releasable latch. A latch simultaneously engages between notches in both side walls at a substantially right angle to provide a secure, positive locking engagement between the latch and the reel while permitting the latch to be released under the application of relatively little force. In the preferred embodiment the latch may be actuated by a user's hand or foot and is biased toward the reel by a spring which bears against the housing. The mechanism can be exposed for maintenance or repair simply by removal of the gunnel plate and reinstallation of the gunnel plate does not require special loading of the latch spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Leslea C. Gordon, Darrell C. Knight, Farhat Hanna
  • Patent number: 7690319
    Abstract: An apparatus for docking and/or mooring vehicles, particularly water craft and for restraining loads in truck beds or trailers. The apparatus utilizes ropes or cables in housing unit that provides for the extension and retraction of the rope or cables preferably without the need of electrical or manual cranks. The housings are adaptable to be mounted on the vehicle or at an attachment or docking location and are biased to retract but may contain stops or cleats for manually tying off and thus stopping the extension or retraction of the rope or cable. The housings may be further adapted to be flush mounted in relation to surrounding surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: John Russell Wingate
  • Publication number: 20100068955
    Abstract: An anchor holds a variety of mooring system elements, including processor-controlled cable brakes, prior to deployment of the anchor. The anchor is configured to automatically deploy the elements of the mooring system into a desired underwater configuration. A method of deploying an ocean anchor includes controlling cable brakes and results in the elements of the mooring system being deployed into a desired underwater configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wiggin, David A. Sharp, Marc A. Brown, Christopher C. Mello, Frank H. Hitzke, David A. Giroux, Douglas L. Veilleux, II, Emily J. Pikor, Edward M. Gaboriault, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100024704
    Abstract: Mooring system for a tanker, i.e. a mooring of a conventional tanker to an installation with fixed orientation, wherein a conventional tanker (3) which is to be moored to the installation is arriving in a direction favourable to wind, current and waves. By mooring a conventional tanker (3) in four points (A, B, C, D) on a tanker (3), wherein the hawsers to the points (C, D) are connected on board a platform (1) and hawsers to the points (A, B) are connected to two separate buoys (4, 5) and then tightening/slackening the hawsers until the tanker (3) has arrived in the desired/correct position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: SEVAN MARINE ASA
    Inventor: Fredrik Major
  • Publication number: 20090308299
    Abstract: Apparatus for recovering a surface marine vehicle or an underwater vehicle, in particular an AUV, the apparatus comprising a frame (14) defining a housing into which the vehicle (1) can penetrate via an entrance, and further comprising: reception means (18) for receiving the nose of the vehicle (1), reception means being capable of moving along said housing when the vehicle penetrates therein, said reception means (18) possessing sufficient freedom of movement relative to the frame (14) to be able to follow the movement of the vehicle while the reception means and the vehicle are situated in the vicinity of the entrance of the housing; and guide means (58, 60) for guiding the reception means (18) when the vehicle penetrates into the housing, and for causing the reception means (18) and the vehicle (1) to become aligned therealong by progressively limiting their freedom to move relative to the frame as the vehicle penetrates into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Ifremer-Institut Francais de Recherche pour L'Exploitation de la Mer
    Inventors: Marc Luccioni, Viorel Ciausu, Vincent Rigaud, Laurent Artzner
  • Publication number: 20090260559
    Abstract: A traction system for operating lines, in particular mooring lines and/or production lines, of a floating production unit has a number of work stations distributed along the unit, at least at two ends of the unit, and engaged by respective operating lines; a main winch; and a cable transmission device having a duty cable connected to the main winch, and guide means for selectively routing the duty cable to each work station for attachment to a respective operating line; at least one auxiliary winch, having an auxiliary cable connectable to the duty cable, is used to unwind the duty cable off the main winch and run the duty cable, along paths defined by the guide members, into a number of positions close to respective work stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: SAIPEM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Fenini, Gianfranco Gamba
  • Publication number: 20090255454
    Abstract: A mooring system for stabilizing a vessel for handling offshore structures includes at least one mooring unit, a connection mechanism for connecting the mooring unit to the vessel, and a tractive mechanism for stabilizing the vessel by establishing permanent tension in the connection mechanism. Furthermore, the tractive mechanism includes a mechanism for lowering the connected vessel's position in relation to the water level. A method of stabilizing a vessel, a vessel for handling offshore structures and use of a mooring system are also contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: ANDERS SOE-JENSEN
  • Publication number: 20090158987
    Abstract: A spar-type offshore platform includes a buoyant upper hull structure having a lower end to which is detachably connected a buoyant lower module. A plurality of mooring line assemblies is connected to the lower module, the total weight of the mooring line assemblies being sufficient to sink the lower module. A method of separating the upper hull structure from the lower module includes disconnecting the lower module from the lower end of the upper hull structure, and then allowing the weight of the mooring line assemblies to sink the lower module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Manoj Ramachandran, James O'Sullivan, Anil Sablok, Jang W. Kim
  • Publication number: 20080163809
    Abstract: A retractable mooring line device comprising a reel for storing and paying off a mooring line, having side walls each comprising a series of notches for receiving a releasable latch. A latch simultaneously engages between notches in both side walls at a substantially right angle to provide a secure, positive locking engagement between the latch and the reel while permitting the latch to be released under the application of relatively little force. In the preferred embodiment the latch may be actuated by a user's hand or foot and is biased toward the reel by a spring which bears against the housing. The mechanism can be exposed for maintenance or repair simply by removal of the gunnel plate and reinstallation of the gunnel plate does not require special loading of the latch spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Leslea C. GORDON, Darrel C. KNIGHT, Farhat HANNA
  • Patent number: 7325509
    Abstract: A retractable mooring line device comprising a reel for storing and paying off a mooring line (2), having side walls (22, 24) each comprising a series of notches (60) for receiving a releasable latch (54). A latch simultaneously engages between notches in both side walls (22, 24) at a substantially right angle to provide a secure, positive locking engagement between the latch and the reel while permitting the latch (54) to be released under the application of relatively little force. In the preferred embodiment the latch may be actuated by a user's hand or foot and is biased toward the reel by a spring (70) which bears against the housing (18). The mechanism can be exposed for maintenance or repair simply by removal of the gunnel plate (16) and reinstallation of the gunnel plate does not require special loading of the latch spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Leslea C. Gordon, Darrel C. Knight, Farhat Hanna
  • Patent number: 7299835
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a fluid product between a fluid transport vessel and a storage vessel includes a tubular arrangement for conveying the fluid between the two vessels. The tubular arrangement includes a flexible transfer pipe hanging freely between ends in its transferring position and connected to a manifold of the transport vessel. Each of the ends of the transfer pipe has a pivoted connection with a vertical pin to avoid torsional stresses in the transfer pipe. The invention is useful to transferring liquefied natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Bernard Dupont, Stéphane Paquet
  • Patent number: 7168385
    Abstract: A tethering apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated flexible line, a spool and a biasing member adapted to urge the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible line. A locking device is attached to an end portion of the elongated flexible line to assist in tethering the watercraft to a mooring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Paul C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7104215
    Abstract: A deck mounted fitting provides for extraction and retraction of a mooring line for a vessel. A container below deck may be used to store the mooring line. Extraction of the mooring line may be manually carried out and retraction of the mooring line may be carried out manually or by a selectively actuatable electric motor or wound spring rotating a wheel in engagement with the mooring line. A collar is disposed within the fitting to maintain the mooring line available for manual extraction during mooring of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Ramon J. Von Tersch
  • Patent number: 7104213
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hawser guidance system, adaptable to a quick release mooring hook assembly, which is provided with a hook and a vertical arm supporting a rope carrier that can orient itself aligned with the direction of an incoming hawser or mooring cable, and, optionally, with a righting bar located in front of the hook for righting the eye, in such a way as to guide the eye of the hawser or mooring cable to the hook and to engage the hook of a quick release mooring hook assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Dibblee Tools Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7096813
    Abstract: A mooring device for a water craft capable of storing and dispensing a line used to moor a boat or the like is disclosed. A spring biased reel assembly carrying a mooring line is rotatably mounted on a surface of the craft. The reel assembly is urged by the spring toward a line take-up direction. The free end of the line passes through a lock assembly mounted on the water craft housing. In one position, the lock assembly selectively inhibits travel of the line and hence rotation of the reel assembly so that the paid-out line remains of a fixed length. In another position, the line travels freely and can be taken up by the spring action of the reel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Bill Luck
  • Patent number: 7007623
    Abstract: A mooring yoke and method for using same to connect or disconnect a shuttle vessel to a body, such as an LNG liquefaction and storage vessel (LNG/FPSO). The yoke is pivotably connected at one end to the LNG/FPSO. The other or tip end of the yoke includes a buoyant element and a male connector element to be received in a female receiver element carried by the shuttle vessel. A tension element is arranged and designed to run through the male connector element and to be clamped on the shuttle vessel. A yoke windlass, alternatively mounted on the yoke or the LNG/FPSO pulls on the tension element thereby pulling the tip end of the yoke out of the sea and the male connector element into the female receiver element. A locking mechanism selectively locks the male element to the female receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Terry Boatman, Stephen P. Lindblade, Jane C. McCollum, legal representative, Jerry L. McCollum, deceased
  • Patent number: 6651577
    Abstract: A portable marine outhaul has a closed loop of line strung between pulleys attached to a pair of anchors, e.g. sea and land anchors, and used to keep a boat moored off a temporary shore. The outhaul uses a reel rotatably mounted inside a housing. One half or run of the line, preferably fed through one hole in the housing, is wrapped on one half of a spool of the reel. The other half or run is fed through a second hole in the housing, spaced from said first hole a sufficient distance to control tangling. This other run is wound in the same direction onto the other half spool of the reel. In a manually-operated form, a crank turns an axle attached to the center of the spool. Initially attached to either anchor, the outhaul unwinds until reaching the other anchor where it is attached. The two lines of the outhaul are then cleated or otherwise secured, preferably to the side of the container. This completes the outhaul loop. The boat is then attached to the loop and can be pulled off shore and on shore at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher C. Gates
  • Patent number: 6651580
    Abstract: A mooring system that uses combination traction winch/windlass units is improved by adding an additional fairlead at each combination unit location and by increasing the strength of existing combination units, their foundations and the foundations of associated equipment such as fairleads and turning sheaves. By these relatively simple upgrades, the mooring capabilities of the system can be economically augmented in those situations where additional lines are desired, such as in areas subject to tropical revolving storms. Normal mooring, when there is no threat of hurricanes, has the anchor and chain attached to the floating structure by wire deployed from the traction winch. When storm season threatens, additional anchors attached to chain run over the windlass can be added, allowing the number of lines to be doubled. The additional anchors can be installed if the floating structure is conventionally moored or if it is attached to pre-set moorings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: GlobalSantaFe Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Lay, Charles Springett
  • Publication number: 20020162497
    Abstract: An anchor assembly for watercrafts in general, characterized in that said anchor assembly comprises a heavy body, which is removably coupled to a vessel of a said watercraft and connected to a coupling cable, and that said heavy body, as said watercraft has been anchored, provides a “dead body”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Caprioglio Enzo