Abstract: A mooring ball system comprising: a mooring ball; a collar attached to the top of the mooring ball; an extendible, retractable, and lockable mast attached to the collar, and extending from the top of the mooring ball; a hook attached near or at the top of the mast; a chain attached to the mooring ball; a mooring line attached to the chain; a loop located at one end of the mooring line; and where the loop is configured to removeably attach to the hook, and where the loop is further configured to be removed from the hook and attached to a watercraft. A mooring apparatus comprising: a collar configured to attach to the top of a mooring ball; an extendible, retractable, and lockable mast configured to attach to the collar, and configured to extend from the top of the mooring ball; and a hook attached near or at the top of the mast.

Abstract: An assembly for installing an object under water at a desired location, including a vessel arranged to carry the object; a submersible frame; and a connection between the object and the submersible frame. In use the vessel is spatially separated from the submersible frame along the direction of the water surface. The object, the connection and the submersible frame are arranged such that, when releasing the object from the vessel, the object becomes submerged and carries out a pendulum motion until the object is suspended from the submersible frame.

Abstract: A mooring apparatus (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) comprising a socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) having a seat (15a, 15a?; 15b, 15b?; 15c, 15c?; 15d, 15d?) and a connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d), wherein the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) is receivable, such as removably receivable, in the socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) and rotatable on the seat (15a, 15a?; 15b, 15b?; 15c, 15c?; 15d, 15d?). A method of configuring a mooring apparatus (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) wherein the method comprises providing a mooring apparatus (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) and locating the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) in the socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) and/or on the seat (15a, 15a?; 15b, 15b?; 15c, 15c?; 15d, 15d?), and rotating the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) until the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) is retained by the socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d).

Abstract: A device for pumping water and powered by ocean waves, a wave farm including multiple devices and a process for capturing energy from waves in the form of hydraulic power. The floating device pitches in waves and includes one or more water filled coiled pipes, connected via valves to feed and discharge manifolds and to a hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mooring tensioning arrangement for a floating structure or a vessel (11), comprising -a mooring line (3, 5, 7) having a first mooring part (3) and a second mooring part (5, 7), divided by a midwater coupling (4, 40, 400, 111), said at least a portion of the mooring line (3, 5, 7) is made of synthetic material, -said mooring line (3, 5, 7) is extending between an anchor (2) arranged on the seabed and a pulling unit (9, 10, 42) arranged separate from the floating structure or vessel (11), said mooring line (3, 5, 7) is extending at least via a fairlead pulley or a chain wheel (8, 80) arranged on the floating structure (11) between the anchor and the pulling unit (9, 10, 42) when the mooring line (3, 5, 7) being pre-tensioned, -a chain stopper (6, 60) being arranged in connection with the mooring line (3, 5, 7) between the anchor (2) and the floating vessel or structure (11) for tensioning the part of the mooring line (3, 5, 7) situated between the floating structure (11) and the ancho

Abstract: A mooring connector assembly (3) has a body (10) arranged to be pivotally mounted to a structure (1), such as a tethered buoy, to be moored for movement about a pivot axis. At least a part of the body extends below the pivot axis when so mounted and oriented for use. A line stopper (17) is mounted to the part of the body which extends below the pivot axis in use and is operative to retain a mooring line (2) relative to the body. The body is configured to receive a tensioner (20) for tensioning a mooring line (2) retained by the stopper such that the tensioner urges the line at a point which is below the pivot axis when the body is oriented for use. The body may be an elongate tube (10) pivotally connected to a structure to be moored (1) at one end and fitting with a chain stopper (17) at the opposite end. The tube is configured to receive a chain tensioner (20) between the chain stopper (17) and pivot axis.

Abstract: A method of mooring a floating vessel having a fairlead stopper coupled thereto is provided. The method includes retrieving a line pre-reeved on the fairlead stopper, connecting the line to an upper end of a mooring line, retrieving a second end of the line, connecting the second end to a winch of the AHV, and hauling in the mooring line to apply tension thereto. Also disclosed are mooring lines and systems, including lines having tensioning connectors thereon, such as tri-plate connectors, for stretching lines.

Abstract: A buoyant support (1) for an object (2), with at least the following components: a floating body (3), an insertion sleeve (7) for holding the object (2) and a clamping device (4) with at least one upper-side clamping part (5) and at least one lower-side clamping part (6), Due to the modular construction, the support can be dismantled into its individual parts, in order to thus facilitate the transport thereof. The components of the support are dimensioned such that these can be easily accommodated and stowed in a carrying bag.

Abstract: A self-retracting extension limiting device. It is designed to be attached between a first object and a second object, where the distance between the first and second objects is variable. The device exerts a restoring force tending to draw the two objects together. A first, relatively weak restoring force is exerted over a range of distance. Then, when the objects have been separated to a defined limit of travel, the device exerts a much greater restoring force. The invention includes overlapping and self-contained elements so that unwanted slack is minimized.

Abstract: A mooring system for offshore vessels uses a chain stopper within a preset mooring line. The chain stopper has means for attaching a removable hydraulic chain jack actuator which may be used to stroke the chain through the stopper assembly while both the stopper and the mooring line remain under load.

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.

Abstract: A fabric shielding tube protects an elastic end portion of a stretchable segment of a mooring rode from abrasion, water, and marine life, without inhibiting extension of the stretchable segment. The ends of the tube are attached to the rode at the ends of the elastic end portion, with the tube extending beyond the elastic portion and folding back on itself in a rolling wall configuration. The tube thereby adapts to extension of the rode by partially unrolling the rolling wall. At its distal end, the tube is attached only to an outer braid of the rode by a means that does not inhibit extension of the braid or of an elastomeric core within the braid. The distal end attachment can be by sewing, or by interweaving of a strap such as a cable tie through the shield and the braid. The fabric shield can include nylon.

Abstract: A system and method for offshore loading of large cargo vessels, or motherships. The system includes a plurality of mooring stations, which may be mooring buoys, positioned in an offshore mooring field proximal an onshore cargo loading facility. A mothership is positioned within the mooring field and moored via bow and stern lines to two or more different mooring stations. Environmental data, including wind, wave, and current data, as well data regarding the physical characteristics of the mothership and movement (roll/pitch/heave) of the mothership are collected by remote transmitting and sensing devices. This data is processed by numerical analysis in a digital processor, namely a computer, to determine optimum mooring line length and tension, and mooring station locations, in order to minimize mother ship movement and create an optimum “lee” loading area adjacent the mothership. Cargo is transferred to the mothership by a trans-shipper moored to the mothership.

Abstract: The method of mooring buoyant equipment at the surface of a body of water in a controlled position using a single line by connecting a first line from the buoyant equipment to a first diameter drum on a subsea mooring tower, connecting the first diameter drum to a second diameter drum, connecting a second line from the second diameter drum to a weight, such that when the depth of the body of water changes the tension on the first line remains the same and the vertical distance travelled by the weight is less than the change in the depth of the body of water.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a boat includes a multi part anchor line adapted to attach to the boat; a lead line having a first end and a second end; a first hook attached to the first end of the lead line adapted to releasably attach to a bow eye of the boat; and a second hook attached to the second end of the lead line adapted releasably attach to the anchor line. The anchor line and lead line cooperate to anchor the boat.

Abstract: Self-tensioning load-equalizing mooring systems and methods (of mooring a ship) that employ at least one mooring line and at least one counter-weight.

Abstract: A mooring system for offshore vessels uses a chain stopper within a preset mooring line. The chain stopper has means for attaching a removable hydraulic chain jack actuator which may be used to stroke the chain through the stopper assembly while both the stopper and the mooring line remain under load.

Abstract: A fabric shielding tube protects an elastic end portion of a stretchable segment of a mooring rode from abrasion, water, and marine life, without inhibiting extension of the stretchable segment. The ends of the tube are attached to the rode at the ends of the elastic end portion, with the tube extending beyond the elastic portion and folding back on itself in a rolling wall configuration. The tube thereby adapts to extension of the rode by partially unrolling the rolling wall. At its distal end, the tube is attached only to an outer braid of the rode by a means that does not inhibit extension of the braid or of an elastomeric core within the braid. The distal end attachment can be by sewing, or by interweaving of a strap such as a cable tie through the shield and the braid. The fabric shield can include nylon.

Abstract: Self-tensioning load-equalizing mooring systems and methods (of mooring a ship) that employ at least one mooring line and at least one counter-weight.

Abstract: Described is a boat mooring assembly and method for preventing a boat from being damaged during docking and mooring. The boat mooring assembly can be used to moor a boat while allowing the boat to adjust to rising and falling tides. The latter advantage is of particular benefit when a boat is being moored in bodies of water that experience large tidal changes.

Abstract: The Seafloor Power Station is one or more unmanned electric power generating Units (2) sending power to and operated from existing coastal sites by a manned facility (1) by connecting lines and hoses (3) delivering power to a grid by lines (4). Each Unit's hull (11) maintained in a vacuum, contains both nuclear steam and electricity generating systems. The hull functions as overpressure containment and as condenser in the event of a loss of coolant accident or other steam release. The Units operate submerged in very cold water, with depth set by remotely controlled vertical mooring systems, mounted on gravity mats (27). A Unit must be surfaced by its mooring system to refuel the reactor, an action both conspicuous and public, enabling international oversight of the fuel disposition.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a mooring compensator not needing any rope threading; instead, even after the boat is moored, it can effortlessly be fastened onto any rope (6) with a simple loop (7, 8). The special characteristic of the mooring compensator is that, when pulled, the openings (9, 9A) at the end elements (2, 2A) of the mooring compensator close, thereby efficiently preventing the loop (7, 8) in the boat rope (6) from sliding out of the opening (9, 9A) and from opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damper for damping the reactionary motion of a wave energy conversion device to wave motion, comprising a damping energy absorber (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, arranged to damp the reactionary motion of the WEC. According to a first aspect, there is provided a damping structure (2) for a wave energy conversion device (1). The structure comprises a fixed member (6), and a damping member (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response. The present invention also relates to a mooring component (2) for a mooring system (1) and to a method for manufacturing a mooring component (2). The component comprises a deformable element (6) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, wherein the response is a composite reversible non-linear stress-strain response.

Abstract: A mooring system and/or a rigid harness (2) for a floating aquatic structure (1) includes first and second ends, and the first end is pivotably attachable to the structure (1) such that in use the harness (2) may pivot about a single pivot axis (23) through a range of angles relative to, and including, the vertical. The harness (2) further includes one or more mechanical and/or umbilical connections (28,30,32) adjacent the second end thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring and supporting mooring lines deployed on offshore structures, e.g. Spar-type platform, are provided with recessed portions that are located around the splash/ice zones for “cutting” through waves. An offshore structure may be provided with a chain tensioning mechanism that applies a desired tension to a hull chain and mooring line during mooring. Upon mooring the offshore structure, a chain lock mechanism maintains the tension in the hull chain and mooring line, while the chain tensioning mechanism releases a portion of the hull chain which is to be stored in a chain housing which is fully submerged underwater. This way, the recessed portions of the offshore structure around the splash/ice zones would be substantially free of the hull chains. Additionally, a disconnect mechanism may be provided to allow quick and safe disconnection of the offshore structure from the mooring position.

Abstract: A mooring system for securing a floating vessel to the sea floor comprises a plurality of mooring legs, at least one of which includes separate first and second mooring lines. The first mooring line comprises a first end which is connected to the vessel and the second mooring line comprises a first end which is secured to the sea floor. The mooring system also comprises a connection and tensioning device which includes a body, a bore which extends through the body, a chain stopper for adjustably securing the first mooring line to the body, and a connector for connecting a second end of the second mooring line to the body. In use, a second end of the first mooring line is inserted into the bore and the first mooring line is pulled through the bore while the body is subject to an opposing pulling force. Once the first mooring line is pulled through the bore a desired distance, the chain stopper maintains the first mooring line in position relative to the body to thereby secure the vessel to the sea floor.

Abstract: A mooring system for securing a floating vessel to the sea floor comprises a plurality of mooring legs, at least one of which includes separate first and second mooring lines. The first mooring line comprises a first end which is connected to the vessel and the second mooring line comprises a first end which is secured to the sea floor. The mooring system also comprises a connection and tensioning device which includes a body, a bore which extends through the body, a chain stopper for adjustably securing the first mooring line to the body, and a connector for connecting a second end of the second mooring line to the body. In use, a second end of the first mooring line is inserted into the bore and the first mooring line is pulled through the bore while the body is subject to an opposing pulling force. Once the first mooring line is pulled through the bore a desired distance, the chain stopper maintains the first mooring line in position relative to the body to thereby secure the vessel to the sea floor.

Abstract: A mooring strap for vessels includes a first loop for engaging a dock mounted cleat and a second loop for engaging a cleat on a vessel. A strap extending from each of the two loops is interconnected with a cam lock to permit drawing the two loops toward one another to draw the vessel toward the dock and to secure the vessel with the dock. A sleeve attendant each loop is slid toward a loop engaged cleat to reduce the functional size of the loop and thereby prevent the loop from becoming inadvertently disengaged from the cleat. Upon release of the cam lock and drawing the sleeves away from the respective engaged cleats, the mooring strap may be disengaged from the cleats.

Abstract: A spring device which operates in tension to be used in attenuating shock loads in a flexible tension element, which can be used, for example, on the mooring rope of a floating vessel. Also a spring device acting in compression which can serve as shock attenuating standoff for use, say, in holding a floating vessel away from contact with a mooring structure. Also, a device to provide slack or give in a mooring rope to allow a moored floating vessel to freely rise and fall with varying water levels such as caused by tides. Secondly, a device, which by virtue of its shape, creates a retarding force when slid along a flexible tension element, such as a rope. This force is easily modulated by varying the tension in the element. A possible use would be to control, from below, the rate of descent of an object being lowered down a rope.

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.

Abstract: A mooring system (28) of a floatable unit (20), such as life raft or platform, the floatable unit (20) having a first side (21) facing a vessel side (22) and a second side (23) facing away from the vessel side (22). The mooring system (28) comprises at least two back springs (2) which are in connection with the first side (21) of the floatable unit (20), and at least one strap (1) which is in connection with the second side (23) of the floatable unit (20), the back springs (2) and the strap (1) being connected to the vessel (30). The back springs (2) are adapted to control the floatable unit (20) in a longitudinal direction in relation to the vessel (30), and the strap (1) is adapted to control the floatable unit (20) in a transverse direction in relation to the vessel (30). The floatable unit is held in secure and fixed position alongside the vessel side, thereby enabling people evacuating from the vessel to enter the floatable unit without any high risk of injury or damage.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a boat mooring system for stabilizing a boat while docked which allows the effective length of the mooring line to vary for substantially greater distances than that of the prior art. The boat mooring system contains a multi pulley arrangement such that a small movement in a spring tensioning device results in a substantial change in the effective length of the mooring line. Thus, a change in tide, or weather conditions results in a substantial compensating effect.

Abstract: A shock absorbing and adjustable-length mooring and utility securing line for mooring a boat to a dock in a marine environment utilizes a hollow flexible tubing constructed of substantially inelastic fabric material and a bungee cord disposed within the tubing. The hollow tubing has a central section disposed between the opposite ends of the tubing, and the fabric material of the central section is movable lengthwise between a gathered condition and a fully-stretched condition to accommodate a lengthening of the line as the opposite end portions of the central section are moved farther apart from a condition at which the central section is in a gathered condition and to accommodate a shortening of the line as the opposite end portions of the central section are moved closer together from a condition at which the central section is in a fully-stretched condition.

Abstract: A bi-directional shock absorbing apparatus for attenuating undesirable dock movement, wherein two independent rods, one associated with a dock and the other with a fixed object, receive forces from the raising and lowering of the dock and transfer these forces to the respective ends of a coiled spring providing a balanced, bi-directional dampening affect.