Abstract: The present invention relates to houseboats and powerboats. More particularly, this invention is directed to utilize electronic circuitry and controls, in combination with boat docking technology, that will allow a fully functional powerboat to be efficiently and functionally integrated into the stern of a houseboat. The powerboat functions normally as a stand-alone unit. When the powerboat is locked into the houseboat's stern docking station, and electronics connected, it functions as the drive and navigational component for the houseboat.

Abstract: An improved small boat that allows various brands of narrow motorboats or jet propelled personal watercraft to enter a docking bay between twin rear hulls and be secured in the docking bay. The boat of this present invention is an open hull, fiberglass reinforced plastic unit with high, protective walls and comfortable seats to provide an enjoyable ride for passengers, and storage for their possessions. A U-shaped channel receives the bumper of a personal watercraft. A boomerang shaped ride plate assists in eliminating turbulence in the docking bay that might slow the boat down.

Abstract: A self-powered icebreaker attachment for connection to a parent vessel. In the preferred embodiment, the icebreaker attachment includes a spoon-shaped bow, an ice knife positioned aft of the bow, and a propulsion system including fully rotatable Z-drives. Preferably, the icebreaker attachment is itself a flotable vessel whose propulsion system can be coordinated with the propulsion system of the parent vessel to minimize ice-breaking-related forces on the parent vessel. The propulsion systems of the two vessels can be controlled by either the crew of the parent vessel or of the icebreaker attachment vessel.

Abstract: A personal watercraft mooring system is set forth which includes a vessel, such as a pontoon boat, houseboat or deck boat and a mooring at the vessel's stern adapted to berth at least one personal watercraft. According to one embodiment, the mooring can also be displaced to reduce drag imposed by it on the system. In another embodiment, the mooring can be raised from the water to stow the watercraft.

Abstract: A multi-use watercraft wherein one or more bays are formed in the aft portion thereof for respectively docking one or more personal watercraft (PWC). The PWCs are connected to provide propulsion for the multi-use watercraft when so docked in the bay. The multi-use watercraft and the PWCs may be separated and used independently while on the water. The PWCs may also be docked in the bay of the multi-use watercraft while on the water. A scoop proximal to the jet pump nozzle of each PWC is provided to enable the multi-use watercraft to go in the reverse direction. Also provided is the ability to sail the multi-use watercraft. Mast, rudders and dagger board may be installed while on the water thus allowing the multi-use watercraft to use wind for propulsion. The multi-use watercraft may be converted to sailing mode with or without the PWCs being docked. An inboard motor may also power the multi-use watercraft.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of docking watercraft, each embodying at least one cabin adapted to contain at least one bunk for accommodating a lying passenger. The cabin is disposed relative to the berthing area so that an operator on the smaller watercraft in the berthing area can operate the combined watercraft without his view being substantially obstructed by the cabin. Both forward and side position cabins are disclosed, and in some embodiments, the berthing area extends beneath a seat in a forward passenger's compartment so as to reduce the overall length of the watercraft.

Abstract: A berthing type of watercraft having a main hull that is devoid of any propulsion unit and which defines a passenger compartment to receive a plurality of passengers and a berthing area to receive a smaller watercraft having a propulsion device for powering the watercraft when received in the berthing area. There is provided a pair of storage compartments on the opposite sides of the berthing area where riders may sit with their feet in the berthing area. A detachable table can be stored in a storage compartment on one side of the berthing area for use by the seated riders. A bridge also extends over the rear portion of the berthing area and provides an arrangemen for lifting the rear of the small watercraft out of the water. In addition, a canopy may be attached to the bridge to afford protection for the berthing area and the passengers' area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an unpowered watercraft which is releasably fastenable to an engine-powered jet-ski-type watercraft, a combination of the unpowered and engine-powered watercraft. The invention includes an L-shaped, pivotally-mounted transom connected to a U-shaped hull defining a completely open area into which a jet-ski-type watercraft will snugly fit. The pivotally-mounted transom is movable between a raised position for placing a jet-ski-type watercraft within the open area of the U-shaped hull, and a lowered locking position wherein the transom securely retains the jet-ski-type watercraft within the open area. The seating area of the jet-ski-type watercraft is available for passenger seating when the jet-ski-type watercraft is fastened to the U-shaped hull.

Abstract: A watercraft for extending the utility of a small personal watercraft designed to accommodate only one or two riders. The watercraft is comprised of a main hull that is devoid of any propulsion device and which defines a berthing area into which the smaller watercraft may be driven. The berthing area and the smaller watercraft are designed so that the propulsion device of the smaller watercraft may power the main hull when it is in the berthing area. A fuel supply system is provided in the main hull for transferring fuel to the smaller watercraft to extend the range of the combined watercraft.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of watercraft of the type having a main hull which is generally devoid of any independent power unit and which defines a berthing area that is adapted to receive a smaller jet propelled watercraft for propelling the main hull. The berthing area of the main hull is defined by an opening that registers with the opening of the jet propulsion unit of the smaller watercraft in such a way so as to avoid turbulence. The lower wall and the smaller watercraft hull have complimentary configurations so as to assure good support but in one embodiment a plurality of smaller openings are provided so as to permit water to enter any voids and avoid cavitation of the smaller watercraft's jet propulsion unit in operation. A combined ladder and hold down assembly is also disclosed for holding the smaller watercraft in the berthing area and for facilitating boarding of the main hull.

Abstract: A multi-use watercraft wherein a bay, or bays, is formed in the aft portion for docking a personal watercraft (PWC). The PWC are connected to provide propulsion for the multi-use watercraft when so docked in the bay. The multi-use watercraft and the PWC may be separated and used independently while on the water. The PWC may also be docked in the bay of the multi-use watercraft while on the water. Also provided is the ability to sail the multi-use watercraft. Mast, rudders and dagger board may be installed while on the water thus allowing the multi-use watercraft to use wind for propulsion. The multi-use watercraft may be converted to sailing mode with or without the PWC being docked.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of watercraft of the type having a main hull which is generally devoid of any independent power unit and which defines a berthing area that is adapted to receive a smaller jet propelled watercraft for propelling the main hull. The berthing area of the main hull is defined by an opening that registers with the opening of the jet propulsion unit of the smaller watercraft in such a way so as to avoid turbulence. The lower wall and the smaller watercraft hull have complimentary configurations so as to assure good support but in one embodiment a plurality of smaller openings are provided so as to permit water to enter any voids and avoid cavitation of the smaller watercraft's jet propulsion unit in operation. A combined ladder and hold down assembly is also disclosed for holding the smaller watercraft in the berthing area and for facilitating boarding of the main hull.

Abstract: A linkage is provided for connecting a first vessel and a second vessel such that the vessels are inhibited from rolling or yawing relative to one another but are permitted to pitch and heave relative to one another, when the first vessel is pushed by the second vessel via the linkage. The linkage also provides a streamlined transition from the rear of the first vessel to the second vessel to reduce drag and thereby reduce power requirements of the pushing vessel. The linkage is also adapted to function as a skeg to decrease the yaw of the first vessel when the first vessel is pulled by a second vessel. When used to link a pushing vessel with a pushed vessel, the linkage of this invention provides a pedestrian walkway and apparatus for transferring fluids between the two vessels.

Abstract: A construction system for ships utilizing three basic units which are attached together to form an integrated streamlined hull design suitable for navigation. The hull unit has an open area or slot in the stern portion with two side arms or wings into which the propulsion unit is placed and to which the propulsion unit is securedly attached. The accommodation/navigation unit is fixedly attached to the deck of the propulsion unit and secured by self hardening material, such as concrete, polyurethane and the like. The basic three units are originally constructed as independent units and are integrated in accordance with ship's specifications to be used as cargo vessels or passenger vessels.

Abstract: A barge transport system comprises one or several barges and at least one powered push vessel connectable to each of said barges for the transport thereof by pushing. The push vessel as well as each of the barges are provided with means for connecting the push vessel rigidly to a selected barge. The connecting means comprise connection members in the front portion of the push vessel as well as in its stern portion. The connection members in the stern portion of the push vessel are movable in the transverse direction of the push vessel into a mechanically positively locking connection position. The connection members and their counterparts are formed to exert a wedge effect on the connection, thereby minimizing any movement inducing connection clearance between the push vessel and the associated barge.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a pusher boat and a barge, having a notch in the stern portion for receiving the hull of the pusher boat, such that a three-point supported rigid connection is formed which utilizes three axially movable connecting pins. One of the pins is mounted at the bow end of the pusher boat to form a multi-step tooth-engagement with a centerline pin-end receiving member consisting of concavities arranged along the barge's centerline at the deepest point of the notch. The other two pins are mounted on opposing sides of the pusher boat to form a combined friction- and multi-step tooth-engagement with side-pin-end receiving members defined by vertical slots, in the side walls of the notch, with concavities arranged along the centerlines of the slots' base surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting a pair of barges, or other waterborne vessels, to facilitate hookup and release of barges in an "on-hip" arrangement with a powered vessel. Oriented on the bow of each barge, coincident with the barge's longitudinal center line, is a bracket terminating in a socket. A pivot shaft with an upper ball adapted to fit in the socket is provided with a lower trunion to support a bridge element whereby two barges may be connected. The bridge element is free to rotate in a horizontal plane about the pivot shafts to allow swinging movement of the barges and the ball-in-socket fitting allows a limited range of independent movement for the barges such as in swells. Movement limiting fenders and chains are provided to control swing of the barges. Such an apparatus allows a single tug or dredge to rapidly make up a dual barge push towing arrangement.

Abstract: A high speed vessel system comprises a surface-craft, a sub-craft, a pair of main foils, at least a pair of auxiliary foils, a narrow strut connecting the sub-craft with the surface-craft. The main propeller and main rudder are located at the stern end of the sub-craft hull. When the vessel system is cruising at a high speed, the surface-craft will be lifted above the water line mainly by the buoyant force of sub-craft hull. The foils will control rolling and pitching of the vessel system. The surface-craft and sub-craft will be connected by a separable ball joint (first embodiment) or a plurality of rotatable links (second embodiment) when the vessel system is in sea operation. The sub-craft can be raised up to the water surface level to minimize the draught of the vessel system when the system is resting in a harbor. The present vessel system is specifically designed for a sea going vessel of big size and large tonnage, which needs to cruise at high speed constantly.

Abstract: A device for connecting a pusher boat to a barge the bow of the pusher boat is received in a notch formed in the stern portion of the barge, and axially movable connecting pins mounted on both sides of the bow of the pusher boat are inserted into vertical channels formed within the notch. A tooth on the rearward side of a helmet mounted at the outer end of each connecting pin engages with any one of several concavities formed on the rearward side wall of the channel on the corresponding side and an oblique flat forward face of the helmet may simultaneously come into contact with an oblique flat forward side wall of the channel. In this way the pusher boat and the barge are easily and firmly to each other.

Abstract: A watercraft stabilizing flotation structure comprising two hulls (23) (25) that surround the outside perimeter of a single-person ski-type powered watercraft to extend the surface area in contact with the water. A seat (36) located at the stern allows the operator to sit during operation of the craft. A removable pin (34) secures the placement of the watercraft at the bow and a pair of straps and buckles (27) hold the hulls (23) and (25) together. The hulls are hollow and watertight providing a flotation chamber for the structure. In another embodiment a set of running lights (48), (50) and (52) are provided for operation in navigable waters. The lights are wired integral with the structure and are energized either by the watercraft's ignition system or an independent battery. A mechanically operated thrust reverser (54) may also be incorporated adjacent to the back of the seat assembly (36), behind the water discharge, to allow the watercraft to reverse direction or add braking capability.

Abstract: Tug/barge apparatus comprises a barge with a notch in the stern shaped to receive the bow of a tug, and the barge being coupled to the tug by a rigid coupling member on the barge which is adapted to be releasably retained in a bearing socket member formed in the bow of the tug. The coupling member is made buoyant enough to float on the water and the bearing member is located in the vicinity of the water line at the bow of the tug so that the two are at essentially the same level when the tug moves into the notch in the stern of the barge to effect a coupling operation. The coupling and bearing members are releasably retained in coupled relation and prevented from inadvertent uncoupling thereof.

Abstract: A method for transporting goods by freighter over a route from an arctic port to an ice-free port, using ice-breaking freighters, the route including an ice-edge, the method characterized in that the ice-breaking freighters are used only for the route run between the arctic port and the ice-edge, the location of which varies according to the time of the year and wherein ice-strengthened freighters are used for the route run between the ice-edge and the ice-free port, the goods being transshipped, in the ice-edge area, at sea, from the ice-breaking freighters directly to the ice-strengthened freighters.

Abstract: Shunter with which forces can be exerted on the bow and/or the stern of a ship in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ship, so that the longitudinal axis of the ship can be brought into a desired position, such as is especially desirable when entering or passing through a relatively narrow passage, which shunter has a stern of substantially U-form, on the innerside of the U-form at least one suction head is present which can attach itself to the ship to be maneuvered.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cover rolling mechanism for barge covers an inverted U-shaped bar is welded to the push knees of the tugboat and the sheave is supported on top of such bar. A winch is supported nearby on the floor of the tugboat. A cable is entrained over the sheave and pulled by the winch after the end of the cable has been hooked on a double top cover of the barge, which cover, together with other covers protects the lime, or other load in the barge, from rain or other elements of weather. The cable may be re-attached to other covers to affect nesting on top and bottom covers which roll along tracks on the barge. An even central pull is thus affected on the covers.

Abstract: An improved barge and tug connection apparatus comprises a barge having a V-notched portion for receiving a tug into the V-notch. A tug for pushing the barge is disposed during operation within the notch allowing the tug to pitch and heave in the notch relative to the barge responsive to wave action. An articulated bow fender attached normally to the bow of the tug and disposed during operation between the bow of the tug and a portion of the notch of the barge longitudinally spaces the barge from the bow of the tug. The articulated bow fender maintains a substantially constant horizontal spacing of the barge with respect to the tug in a longitudinal direction while allowing both the tug along its entire length to pitch and heave with respect to the barge responsive to wave action.

Abstract: A Cargo Torpedo comprises a floating semi-submerged vessel attached to a prime mover vessel by a stud installed in the center of the stern of a cargo vessel to match into an opening in the center into the bow of a prime mover vessel; the opening consists of a bushing to rotate with the motion of the cargo torpedo introduced by a plurality of mobile fins installed around the outer circumference of the cargo vessel whereby remote-controlled fins put in different angle positions synchronized in motion so the pitch of the fins will determine rotation or when put in neutral position stabilize the cargo torpedo, therefore, rotation of the cargo torpedo is transferred through the stud to a bushing of the prime mover vessel, whereby the bushing penetrates into the interior of the prime mover vessel to activate one or a series of generators or alternators to produce electricity needed to assist propulsion of the prime mover vessel.

Abstract: A barge with an open bottom well at the stern for receiving a tug for propelling the barge further includes a flexible seal which extends rearwardly into the open bottom of the well to engage the bottom portion of a tug propelling the barge to close the bottom of the tug recess well and reduce or eliminate hydrodynamic water resistance within the well.

Abstract: The integrated tug-barge vessel consists of a separable barge and tug; the stern of the barge is formed of a pair of rearwardly extending projections defining a notch therebetween; the inside wall of each stern projection displays a buttress that engages into a longitudinal guideway, defined by a pair of rails on each sidewall of the tug, when the tug approaches the stern notch of the barge; the engagement of this buttress into a constricted portion of the guideway controls the vertical and torsional movements of the tug as it engages the stern of the barge; the disclosure herein is also concerned with describing a coupling device for snugly linking the tug to the barge; it includes a housing located at the stern of the barge and a linkage assembly mounted at the bow of the tug consisting of an hydraulic cylinder that actuates an arm and lever arrangement for the engagement and the disengagement of the tug to and from the barge.

Abstract: A tug and v-notched barge connection apparatus provides an elastic rope which connects the tug and the v-notched barge together, the rope stretching during operation to allow relative movement between the barge and the tug. Each end portion of the rope attaches respectively to the stern of the barge and the stern of the tug. At the stern deck portion of the tug is provided a pair of hydraulically actuated pistons and (in the preferred embodiment) a pair of movably mounted levers. Each lever provides at its outboard end portion a hook which is adapted to attach to a provided eye at the tug end portion of the elastic rope.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for decreasing yaw of a first vessel when the first vessel is pulled by a second vessel which may alternatively be positioned to lessen water resistance when the first vessel is pushed by the second vessel. The apparatus includes a fin movably secured to the first vessel such that the fin may be moved from a first position wherein the fin is in the water to decrease yaw to a second position wherein water resistance is lessened. The apparatus may further provide a linkage for coupling the first and second vessels wherein the apparatus permits freedom of movement of the first vessel relative to the second for pitching, heaving, and, if desired rolling motions when the vessels are coupled and further functions as a skeg for the first vessel when the first is pulled by second vessel.

Abstract: A hydraulic quick release system for tightening and releasing tug and barge cable connections in the event of a breakage of a cable. The system comprises a novel hydraulic circuit comprising a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted on the stern of the tug with apparatus for attaching the barge cable connections to the hydraulic cylinders. Each cylinder has an apparatus for actuating the cylinders simultaneously and independent of each other to tighten and loosen the cable connections. There is provided in the system by-passing apparatus whereby each cylinder may be independently actuated as required by conditions. Controlling apparatus permit the cylinders to be quickly actuated to tighten and loosen the barge cable connections as desired with apparatus being provided for increasing the extending speed of the cylinders in order that the cables can be quickly released from the cylinders by a quick extending thereof.

Abstract: An integrated and separable tug and barge unit of the Catamaran type is provided which constitutes a material improvement in operational efficiency and economy over the separable tug and barge assembly forming the basis of U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,349 granted on Oct. 17, 1972 to John N. Stevens. The tug and barge assembly of the present invention is characterized by providing a materially improved hull design for the twin hulls of the tug unit, both fore and aft, and material design changes with respect to the interfitting of the tug unit with the barge unit which will materially decrease the open area between the twin hulls of the tug unit when the units are in an interfitted relationship.

Abstract: A marine push towing combination having a first vessel with a notch at one end, a second vessel having a bow portion and sides, and a coupling apparatus for coupling the vessels together, the coupling apparatus including a first coupling assembly having at least one bearing member with opposed, substantially vertical bearing surfaces and a second coupling assembly including first and second gripping members, the gripping members having surfaces which can be urged into gripping engagement with the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A waterway cleaner comprising a hull supporting an extendable and swingable ladder mounted at one end, or bow, of the hull, a power driven endless chain of spaced scoops mounted on the ladder for scraping and excavating material from the bottom of a waterway and a belt conveyor on the deck of the hull extending beyond the stern of the hull for moving material dumped from the scoops to a dump scow. A pair of cables wound on power-driven winches, mounted one on each side of the hull, are used to displace the hull to a selected location on the waterway. A scraper is mounted vertically swingable around a pivot proximate the stern from a raised position to a submerged position in engagement with the waterway bottom. A pair of vertically movable legs positioned one on each side of the hull are adapted to engage the waterway bottom to stabilize the hull and maintain it in a fixed position. The scoops, conveyor and winches are operated by hydraulic motors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigational system and in particular, provides for the use of one or more vessels as shunters for maneuvering larger vessels in restricted waterways, each shunter comprising a body portion, a pair of clamping arms with each arm being pivotably connected at one end thereof to the body of the shunter with the opposed end of each arm being adapted to engage the hull of the vessel to be maneuvered to thereby exert a lateral force on the hull. Preferably, hydraulic jet thrusters are employed for powering the shunters and the shunter and the vessel to be maneuvered are inter-connected by mooring lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transmittal of thrust from a powered watercraft having a ship-shaped bow to a powerless cargo-carrying watercraft having a bifurcated stern and a recessed well defined thereby may be fabricated from an elongated thrust transmitting apparatus horizontally mounted to the bow of the powered watercraft, complementary retaining apparatus mounted to the powerless watercraft within the recessed well and adjustable coupling apparatus mounted between the two watercraft in the proximity of the thrust transmitting apparatus and the complementary retaining apparatus for holding the thrust transmitting in retaining contact with the complementary retaining apparatus such that a horizontal pivotal axis, substantially transverse to the length of the two watercrafts is formed between the thrust transmitting apparatus and the complementary retaining apparatus.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for releasably joining two relatively movable bodies, such as floatable vessels, in which a first coupling assembly having a bearing member with opposed bearing surfaces is secured to one of the vessels and a second coupling assembly, secured to the other of the vessels, has gripping members for frictionally engaging the opposed bearing surfaces. Force modules such as hydraulic rams are provided to effect engagement and disengagement of the gripping members with the bearing surfaces. The apparatus can be used in an articulated marine transportation combination in which the vessels are rigidly coupled or flexibly coupled, the latter allowing certain relative movements of the two vessels.

Abstract: A composite barge-tug vessel is provided which comprises a detachable tug and barge which when brought into full engagement form an integrated vessel capable of use on the high seas. The barge includes, at the aft end thereof, a pair of spaced rearwardly extending stern fins the upper surfaces of which form inclined mating or aligning planes. The tug includes laterally extending wings whose undersurfaces form aligning planes that mate with the aligning planes of the barge, the sliding engagement between the pair of aligning planes enabling the wings of the tug to be driven up onto the stern fins of the barge. A prow tongue on the tug engages in a slot formed between the stern fins and projections at the tip ends of the stern fins engage in connection apertures formed at the sides of the tug. Wedging surfaces at the connections between the tug and barge prevent lateral movement while a wedging assembly located at the aligning planes fixes the longitudinal positions of the tug and barge.

Abstract: Thrust transmittal means for push tug and barge comprises, on the barge, a rearwardly projecting thrust receiving member having a hemispheric convex rear surface and, on the tub, a concave hemispheric thrust exerting surface. Preferably, a plurality of such thrust exerting members are disposed at vertically spaced points along the bow of the tug. An articulated joint to permit relative pitching of tug and barge is thus provided with no coupling device other than the normal chains, cables or lines, suspended in tension between the tug and barge to prevent separation thereof. Preferably, such chains, cables or lines include a hook and eye link with releasable retainer to facilitate unhooking of same, even under emergency conditions. At the rear of the barge, a deep notch with sidewalls is provided to receive the bow of the tug with fenders between these sidewalls and the adjacent tug sides to prevent relative roll between tug and barge.

Abstract: A device for coupling a barge unit to a pusher-tug for sea transport, comprising guiding rollers mounted on the barge on a line perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the pusher-tug. Two coupling cables pass on the rollers and the cables are connected at one end to shock absorbers at the stern portion of the tug and at opposite ends to hydraulic power devices at the bow portion of the tug. The cable has an inclination angle .alpha..sub.1 with respect to the symmetry plane of the tug at the connection with the shock absorber and an inclination angle .alpha..sub.2 at the connection with the hydraulic power devices. The angles are selected such that for a preload in the cable equal to force P developed by the hydraulic power devices, the difference between P cos.alpha..sub.1 and P cos.alpha..sub.2 is at least equal to one-half of the force tending to separate the tug and the barge.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting a barge and a pusher tug in which the stern of the barge is provided with a groove having a cross-section complementary to that of the bow of a pusher tug which it is to receive in mating engagement. The mated vessels define a clearance zone and are held together by a connecting rod. The two vessels are provided in the said clearance zone with support plates and inflatable compression devices such as inflatable cushions.