Abstract: An electronic latching device having a solenoid, latch, locking piece, and a pivot arm. One end of the pivot arm is connected to the solenoid actuator and the other end is connected to the locking piece. Upon electronic activation, the solenoid actuator moves in a lateral direction, which causes the end of the pivot arm connected to the actuator to move in the same direction. This movement causes the pivot arm to pivot about the pivot point, resulting in the movement of the opposite end of the pivot arm to move in a second and opposite direction. This movement of the second end of the pivot arm in the second direction causes the locking piece to move in the same second direction, unlocking the device and allowing for the latch to freely move to an open position.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a frame, a float, and first and second dock posts. The frame has a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal that define a slip there between. The dock posts are operatively secured to and project upward from the frame and are on opposite sides of the slip. The posts have self-adjusting line systems including a slide, an elongate member, an upper stop, a lower stop, and a line. The slide is slidable along the elongate member between the upper stop and the lower stop. The line is coupled to the slide. The line is adapted to tether the slide to a watercraft. The slides are capable of moving independently to allow vertical translation, pitch, and roll of the watercraft while the watercraft is secured within the slip.

Abstract: A pygmy goat and small breed livestock birthing aid to assist in the positioning of the newborn during the birthing process. The birthing aid includes a flexible cable, at least one flexible sleeve, and a cable clamp. The flexible cable is slideably inserted into the at least one flexible sleeve, such that there is a loop portion and a handle portion of the flexible cable opposite each other along the at least one flexible sleeve. The loop portion is placed over the neck of the newborn in the birthing process and the user pulls gently on the handle portion tightening the loop portion about the newborn. After gently guiding the newborn into the correct birthing, the user removes the birthing aid and manually assists the birthing process if necessary.

Abstract: An assembly and method for the use of a float in a pool. The assembly provides a stable platform to place food, drink, and decorations. Additionally, the assembly reduces the number of small animals drowning or dying in a pool by providing a stable platform in which to climb onto to get out of the water. The assembly includes a foam float, tether, and anchor. The anchor and tether confine the area the float can travel. The anchor is attached to the pool wall, eliminating a tripping hazard next to the pool.

Abstract: A towing apparatus is provided. The towing apparatus includes a clamp. The clamp includes a first arm and a second arm. Each of the first and second arms includes a handle portion and a gripping portion. The first and second arms are pivotally secured together in between the handle portions 12a and the gripping portions. A spring biases the gripping portions together. A first lock plate is pivotally secured to a distal end of the gripping portion of the first arm and a second lock plate is pivotally secured to a distal end of the gripping portion of the second arm. The towing apparatus further includes a rope attached to the clamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension system configured for distributing forces impinged on a body. The suspension system may include a plurality of tubes, each including a hollow space configured to accommodate a shaft. Additionally, the suspension system may include a plurality of shafts corresponding to the plurality of tubes. Further, the suspension system may include a plurality of pulleys comprising one or more counterpoised pulleys mounted on one or more ends of one or more shafts of the plurality of shafts and at least two adjunct pulleys mounted on the body. Furthermore, the suspension system may include one or more conduits of tensile force operationally coupled to each of the one or more counterpoised pulleys and the at least two adjunct pulleys. Accordingly, a force acting upon a shaft may be transmitted, via counterpoised pulleys and the one or more conduits of tensile force, to one or more other shafts.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a safety chain tool for use with gooseneck trailers. Various embodiments of the tool allow the user to remotely affix the safety chains of a gooseneck trailer, and are configured so as to be left in the bed of the truck during transport so as to allow for easy removal of the chains. In certain implementations, the tool comprises an elongate shaft with a handle at one end and a coupling mechanism at the other, wherein the coupling mechanism is fixedly attached to a chain and a clasp. In certain embodiments, the shaft contains a operational mechanism configured to actuate the clasp. In certain embodiments, this actuation is achieved by extending the ends of the shaft relative to one another.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements of releasably mooring a ship in a definite position at a distance from land with an ability to return later to the same place. The mooring is accomplished by means of a substantially ring-shaped mooring unit, which can be raised and lowered and which has a gap along its periphery, which can be connected to and disconnected from the ship by a connectable part located below the surface of the water. The mooring unit enables a ship carrying a downwardly protruding load to pass by after disconnection and lowering of the mooring unit, and to be rotated round an essentially vertical imaginary axis.

Abstract: A mooring system for a personal watercraft includes a bow bracket, a console bracket and a stern bracket. The bow bracket is secured to the bow of the craft. The console bracket is secured to the console of the craft. The stern bracket is secured to the stern of the craft.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a power cable to a marine vessel which is subject to pitch, heave, roll and yaw motion includes a ball and socket device for decreasing the twisting and bending of the power cable. The socket is attached to the vessel and the ball can rotate freely Within the socket but its up down motion is restricted. The power cable's outer protective sheath is attached to the ball while its conductors pass through the ball and are connected to an internal connector. A flexible cable (wire) is connected between the internal connector and electrical equipment internal to the marine vessel.

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: A mooring leg connector for use with a mooring leg extending up from the sea floor to connect a floating structure to be moored to the seabed wherein disconnection and connection of the mooring leg is done by pulling in and out a connector elongated body extending in the mooring leg direction. The connector has a latch mechanism for fixation of the mooring leg to the floating structure to be moored and preventing movement in the direction of the seabed, and a flexible part with a double articulation axis located at the bottom of the connector body above the attachment member, the connector body being received in a housing which is fixed to a part of the structure to be moored, wherein the latch mechanism includes guiding elements and followers or orientation pins between the body of the connector and the housing.

Abstract: A rope handling device for handling a length of rope comprises a receiving part and a manipulating member, in which the manipulating member has an elongate portion, the elongate portion having opposite ends, and at least one of these ends an engagement portion. The receiving part has a rope mounting portion, attachable to a part of a rope to be manipulated, and a receptacle for engaging with the engagement portion. The receiving part when engaged with the engagement portion at one of the ends of the elongate portion permits a user of the device to hold the manipulating member at an opposite end of the elongate member in order to handle a rope attached to the rope mounting portion. The rope handling apparatus further comprises a rope guide for self-aligning the manipulating member with a rope prior to engagement of the engagement portion with the receptacle.

Abstract: A cleat attachable device for attachment to a cleat with horns. The device includes a frame having a base end, a distal end, a center post, and lateral posts. The lateral posts are disposed opposite one another and connected to the center post. The lateral posts each have a respective outer edge opposite one another. The outer edges are spaced apart at the base end at a distance. The distance is at least as great as a length of the horns. The center post has a mounting end projecting beyond the lateral sides at the base end. The mounting end is configured for mounting to the cleat.

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: A mooring pendant apparatus for releasably coupling and decoupling a boat, the apparatus having a clip comprising hook and ring sections, with an opening therebetween defining a mouth. The ring section consists of a pair of loaded holes and an access of rotation hole. A movable arm is biased such that the mouth is kept closed, and it only opens upon activation by a boater who pulls on a cable causing a functional retractor arm to create a greater force on the movable arm that the force keeping it shut, therein causing it to open. A mooring rope is attached to the apparatus which operates as an extension of the boater's arm, and it can be utilized either by keeping the apparatus on the boat or leaving it connected to the mooring line and also to the mooring ball.

Abstract: A mooring pendant apparatus for releasably coupling and decoupling a boat. The apparatus having a clip comprising hook and ring sections, with an opening therebetween defining a mouth. A spring loaded movable arm tension biased such that the mouth is kept closed, and it only opens upon activation by a boater pulling on a cable. A functional retractor arm for exerting a greater force on the movable arm than exerted by the internal spring such that the clip opens upon the boater pulling on a cable line. The mooring pendant apparatus operates as an extension of the boater's arm, and it can be utilized either by keeping the apparatus on the boat or leaving it connected to the mooring line and also to the mooring ball.

Abstract: The invention relates to a threading device (1) for the threading of a line through a ring member or the like that comprises a body (2), a rotatable arc-shaped element (14) suspended in the body and having an opening (26), and a line holding means (16) arranged to slide on the arc-shaped element, where the arc-shaped element is adapted to assume a first position with the opening in a first direction and a second position with the opening in a second position, and where the threading device further comprises transfer means (18) adapted to transfer a movement to the outer surface of the arc-shaped element in order to rotate the arc-shaped element between the first and the second position. The advantage of the invention is to provide a threading device that is easy to operate, that can be used by both pushing and pulling and that can be manufactured in a cost-effective way.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: An improved boat docking line and related method for docking a boat, comprising: a first line section at least three feet in length; a second line section at least three feet in length; a juncture at which the first and second line section meet; and a fixed-circumference docking loop at said juncture. An alternative embodiment further comprises a boat fender attached to the second line section.

Abstract: A mooring chain connector assembly for a floating device), such as for example a FPSO vessel or a floating offshore structure, is described, the connector assembly comprising a chain connector having a first pivot axis and a coupler for coupling a mooring chain to the chain connector. The assembly further comprises a channel assembly attached to the floating device. The channel assembly have an upper end and a lower end, wherein mooring chain locking device is provided at the upper end of the channel assembly. The channel assembly extends in the floating device from its bottom side to a higher level in the floating device which can be located above sea surface. A bearing location for the first pivot axis of the chain connector is provided at the lower end of the channel assembly.

Abstract: A structure for underwater placement on a sea, lake or river bottom. The structure has tunnels to allow water and water currents, as well as marine organisms, to pass freely therethrough and infiltrate and colonize the openings. One or more hitch points are provided on the structure for attaching mooring lines to ships, boats, floating wind turbines or other floating objects, thereby allowing the structure to serve as a mooring to anchor such objects. The hitch points can be recessed within a depression in the surface of the structure and the hitch bar ends can also be recessed, providing an exterior surface free of protuberances.

Abstract: A mooring (10) for connecting an ocean energy capturing device (51) to a seabed (16) is disclosed. The mooring (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for connection to the ocean energy capturing device (51). A plurality of anchor bolts (18) are each connected at a first end to the base (12) and have a second end adapted to be embedded in the seabed (16) for attaching the base (12) to the seabed (16). A method of securing the ocean energy capturing device (51) to the seabed (16) is also disclosed. The method involves passing a tensile transmission line (46) through a guide opening (44) in the base (12) and drawing the tensile transmission line (46) through the guide opening (44) to drag the ocean energy capturing device (51) toward the base (51).

Abstract: An adjustable line for securing a watercraft to a structure having a closed cleating system may include a line body having first and second ends, a coupling system having a first portion and a second portion, each adapted to releaseably couple to one another, wherein the first portion is coupled to the first end and the second portion is disposed between the first and second ends a predetermined distance from the first end, and wherein the predetermined distance is sufficient to form a docking loop when the first and second portions are coupled to one another. A method may include maneuvering a watercraft alongside the structure, securing the second end of the line to the watercraft, threading the first end through an opening in the closed cleating system, and coupling the first and second portions to one another.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a threading device (1) for the threading of a line through a ring member or the like that comprises a body (2), a rotatable arc-shaped element (14) suspended in the body and having an opening (26), and a line holding means (16) arranged to slide on the arc-shaped element, where the arc-shaped element is adapted to assume a first position with the opening in a first direction and a second position with the opening in a second position, and where the threading device further comprises transfer means (18) adapted to transfer a movement to the outer surface of the arc-shaped element in order to rotate the arc-shaped element between the first and the second position. The advantage of the invention is to provide a threading device that is easy to operate, that can be used by both pushing and pulling and that can be manufactured in a cost-effective way.

Abstract: A boat mooring device adapted to secure a watercraft to a mooring post with a rope. The device includes a rigid member forming a loop circumscribing a central opening. A passageway for receiving a rope within the rigid member extends between first and second ports. The rigid member prevents direct contact between the mooring post and a rope positioned within the passageway. A locking member moveable between first and second positions is disposed on the rigid member. In the first position, the locking member allows sliding movement of the rope through the passageway in a first direction from the first port toward the second port and inhibits sliding movement of the rope in a second direction from the second port toward the first port. In the second position, the locking member allows sliding movement of the rope in both the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A boat mooring device adapted to secure a watercraft to a mooring post with a rope. The device includes a rigid member forming a loop circumscribing a central opening. A passageway for receiving a rope within the rigid member extends between first and second ports. The rigid member prevents direct contact between the mooring post and a rope positioned within the passageway. A locking member moveable between first and second positions is disposed on the rigid member. In the first position, the locking member allows sliding movement of the rope through the passageway in a first direction from the first port toward the second port and inhibits sliding movement of the rope in a second direction from the second port toward the first port. In the second position, the locking member allows sliding movement of the rope in both the first direction and the second direction.

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.

Abstract: A mooring chain connector assembly for a floating device), such as for example a FPSO vessel or a floating offshore structure, is described, the connector assembly comprising a chain connector having a first pivot axis and a coupler for coupling a mooring chain to the chain connector. The assembly further comprises a channel assembly attached to the floating device. The channel assembly have an upper end and a lower end, wherein mooring chain locking device is provided at the upper end of the channel assembly. The channel assembly extends in the floating device from its bottom side to a higher level in the floating device which can be located above sea surface. A bearing location for the first pivot axis of the chain connector is provided at the lower end of the channel assembly.

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.

Abstract: An anchor system 12 is shown and described. The anchor system 12 consists of a boat plate 18 to which are rotatably attached a plurality of boat shackles 24. The boat shackles 24 are affixed to boat lines 14 that secure the boat B to the boat plate 18. The boat plate 18 is attached with a swivel 22 to an anchor plate 20. The anchor plate has a plurality of anchor shackles 26 to which are attached anchor lines 16. The anchor lines 16 are then attached to anchors which are secured to the sea or lake bed. This anchor system 12 can be used to secure a boat B in a harbor or in the water to the sea or lake bed. The system as described helps prevent the boat lines 14 or the anchor lines 16 from crossing over one another during undesirable weather thus helping to prevent chafing and premature line failure. This system can help prevent failure of the lines 14, 16 and boat loss or catastrophic damage to the boat B.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating offshore structure anchored to the sea bed. The floating offshore structure comprises a hull having longitudinal sides and transverse sides, bow and stern anchoring points for mooring a tanker vessel alongside the offshore structure, a deck at a predetermined hight above sea level, hydrocarbon storage and/or processing devices being placed on the deck, a spacer member attached to the structure and projecting transversely from the sides for contacting a tanker vessel moored alongside the structure. The anchoring points of the structure comprise of quick release members, wherein the bow and/or stern anchoring points of the structure are situated on a deck which projects transversely from the hull of the structure substantially at the heights of anchoring points of the tanker vessel.

Abstract: A bridal plate is shown and disclosed where the bridal plate is secured to a mooring ball or other static object with a jaw. The bridal plate has a plurality of shackles attached to the plate and lines are attached to the shackles. The lines are then secured to the boat or floating object. This allows multiple lines between the floating object and static object and reduces the possibility of the lines crossing and chafing of lines against one another helping to prevent premature failure of the lines or connectors.

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.

Abstract: A novel mooring line device is described and illustrated. The mooring line device is designed to engage a mooring line, the mooring line having a free end for attachment to a watercraft and a looped end for attachment to the mooring line device. The inventive mooring line device comprises two tubes, secured adjacent to one another, through which the mooring line is threaded. Once the mooring line is wrapped about a piling, the looped end of the mooring line may be engaged within a locking component of the mooring line device, and the mooring line subsequently tightened about the piling and secured thereto via the inventive mooring line device.

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.

Abstract: A method of mooring a vessel to a subsea anchoring element (1) connected to the seabed, and comprising a chain section (3) which is not longer than half the water depth, and which is at or near its free end provided with a coupling member (4), is characterised by the steps of: lowering a multi-strand anchor line (9) from a vessel (8), the multi-strand anchor line (9) being at its free end attached to a connector (10), and attaching the connector (10) to the coupling member (4). The present disclosure also provides an anchor line repair or exchange method comprising the steps of: disconnecting the first multi-strand anchor line (16) from the chain section, lowering a second multi-strand anchor line (9) from a vessel (8), the second multi-strand line (9) being at its free end attached to connector (10), and attaching the connector (10) of the second multi-strand line (9) to the coupling member (4).

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.

Abstract: A temporary boat latch for use on a surface having spaced boards. The latch having a rod connecting a first crossbar having a length greater than the distance between the spaced boards and a width less than the distance between the spaced boards to an attachment device. A slideable connection sleeve, which has a generally perpendicularly connected second crossbar configured to fit over the spaced boards. In use, the first crossbar is inserted between the spaced boards and is oriented so that the crossbar cannot be withdrawn from between the boards by pulling the device upward. The sleeve is then lowered into the space between the boards so that a portion of the sliding means attaches to the boards and prevents the securing device from falling through the space between the boards.

Abstract: An arrangement and pull-in method for fluidly coupling a steel riser to a flowline of a turret on a FSO/FPSO. The riser is pulled into a connector by a pull-in line inside the flowline. A pull-in head is releasable secured inside the upper end of the riser. The pull-in head is released from the riser after the riser is locked into the connector. A flex joint is placed above the connector to provide alignment of the connector to the riser during installation.

Abstract: A mooring device for mounting freely around a mooring post for making fast a boat, the device comprising a collar for mounting around the post in a manner that the collar can move up and down according to the tide along the post, with one stem connected to the collar and freely movable around the collar and a buoy in the stem for keeping the collar and stem floating in the water, the stem including a distal ring for connecting a rope for making fast the boat.

Abstract: A vertical, flexible, fiberglass pole extending vertically upward from a mooring buoy, said pole having a resilient line holder attached near to the top of the pole. Reflective tape is applied to the pole. The line holder retains a mooring line, which is secured at one end to a chain anchoring the mooring buoy. In an alternate embodiment, a resilient line holder is attached to a piling by means of a vinyl base. The hook is arranged vertically, but can rotate in a horizontal plane 180 degrees. A label of reflective tape is applied to the vinyl base for increased visibility, even during nighttime. The line holder retains a mooring line, which is secured at one end to a cleat attached to the piling, in a coil until removed when mooring.

Abstract: A mooring system for watercraft for use with an anchor, the mooring system having an elongated anchor line which is attachable to an anchor; a connection member which is connected to the elongated anchor line; one or more shore lines which are connected to the connection member; and a watercraft attachment line which is connected to the shore line. The watercraft attachment line is then attachable to watercraft, preferably small and/or personal watercraft such as a “jet-ski(R)” watercraft or the like to moor the watercraft in offshore water.

Abstract: An anchoring system for the production of hydrocarbons at sea by employing a moored production vessel or ship in which the ship is equipped with a mooring apparatus, preferably at the bow portion, and with at least one connection unit for a production riser from the seabed. Included is an anchor located at the seabed, as well as at least one anchor line adapted to connect the anchor to the mooring apparatus on the ship. There being provided a permanent anchor, preferably in the form of a suction anchor, gravitation anchor, or pile anchor. The anchor being provided with a swivel mechanism for the anchoring line, preferably with a buoyant body attached at a middle portion of the anchoring line, and whereby the riser is in the form of at least one flexible hose, the lower end of which is connected to said swivel mechanism. The flexible hose contains at least two passages for hydrocarbons and possibly other fluids.