Abstract: An aquatic device (10) for providing manoeuvrability to a user (11) moving in water. The aquatic device (10) may be propelled through the water in any appropriate way, such as by being towed through the water or propelled through the water by the user (11). The aquatic device (10) comprises a handle means (20) adapted to be grasped by the user (11) with arms extending forwardly, and two fins (21, 22) movable one with respect of one to the other to manoeuvre the aquatic device. The aquatic device (10) can be manoeuvred through movement of the fins (21, 22) to provide directional control or variation to the orientation of the aquatic device. The directional control may include both steering and depth control. The handle means (20) are operably connected to the two fins (21, 22) whereby the user can manually control movement of the fins one with respect to the other.

Abstract: A system is provided for rigidly attaching a supply ship to a receiving ship to facilitate efficient transport of materials there-between even when the vessels are subject to heavy seas and weather. A telescoping truss assembly is provided on the first ship, and has a distal end configured to mate with a receptacle assembly on the second ship. Cables are disposed within the truss and are used to draw the truss and receptacle assemblies into engagement with each other. Once the assemblies are engaged, a hydraulic system is used to draw the two ships together, rigidifying the truss assembly and fixing the two ships in a “catamaran” arrangement. Subsequent transfers of materials between the ships can be carried out without the need to compensate for the relative dynamic vertical and horizontal displacements between the ships due to wind and waves.

Abstract: A hitching device permits towing a cargo transport device behind a kayak. The cargo transport device comprises a watertight container and a connection member extending along a longitudinal axis between the container and the watercraft. The connection member includes a swivel such that the container and watercraft on opposite sides of the swivel are freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to one another. This free pivoting allows relative rotation between the container and watercraft such that each can react to outside forces, for example those exerted by waves, independently. As a result, rolling of the container does not tend to induce rolling of the watercraft and so the ride quality of the watercraft is not significantly reduced by the hitching device.

Abstract: There is disclosed, apparatus for securing a mooring line (5) of a vessel, the mooring line having an eye (6), said apparatus comprising a hook (10) around which the eye (6) of the mooring line (5) can be secured, the hook (10) having a pair of hook members (11a, 11b) defining a gap therebetween, and guide means (15, 17, 9) configured to guide a heaving line attached to said eye along a path which passes through said gap whereby when said heaving line heaves the eye past the hook, the eye locates over the hook.

Abstract: A system (10) for coupling first and second vessels (12,14) to minimize movement therebetween while allowing for lightering. The system (10) comprises rams (20,22) and coupling heads (36,38) associated with the first vessel (12), and receivers (24,26) associated with the second vessel (14) for receiving the coupling heads (36,38). The system (1) allows for at least three configurations: a first configuration in which the rams (20,22) are extended and the coupling heads (36,38) are rotated such that first faces (42) interlock with the receivers (24,26); a second configuration in which the rams (20,22) are extended and the coupling heads (36,38) are rotated such that second faces (44) abut the receivers (24,26); and a third configuration in which the rams (20,22) are retracted such that the coupling heads (36,38) do not interact with the receivers (24,26). Lightering is accomplished by a series of short-duration switches between the second and third configurations.

Abstract: A towing device for towing watercraft comprising a plurality of arms wherein each of these arms has a first end and a second end. There is at least one stabilizing bar coupled to a first end of these arms, and a coupling connection at the second end of these arms wherein this coupling connection is for coupling to a towed watercraft. To control the longitudinal expansion and contraction of this towing device, a plurality of hinge connections are disposed in a coupling connection between these arms in a region where these arms are coupled to each other. These arms are coupled together in a rotatable manner such as in a scissor like connection. At least one of these hinge connections also connect at a center connection point between at least two of these arms. Thus, these arms rotate around these hinge connections to form a towing device that is adjustable in length wherein these arms are collapsible into a storage platform as well.

Abstract: A mooring robot which can be dock-mounted, and can also include vacuum cups for engagement with the freeboard of a ship. The robot can position the vacuum cups within a three-dimensional operating envelope. A parallel arm linkage having two parallel arms pivoted about respective axes which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship are fixed to the dock for extending and retracting the vacuum cups in the transverse direction. The parallel arms are fixed to a vertical elongate guide to which the vacuum cups are slidably fixed, the parallel arms raising and lowering the vacuum cups and maintaining the guide substantially vertical. The vacuum cups are mounted for sliding in substantially horizontal track aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the ship for fore and aft movement of the vacuum cups. A mooring system can also include a plurality of the mooring robots being remotely controlled.

Abstract: Watersport towers provide various features including legs that rotate relative to a cross-member of the tower that the legs are hingedly attached to such that the tower may adjust to various boat sizes and mounting locations, so that the tower may fold down in a first manner, and so that the tower is more compliant. Other features include leg attachment points of the cross-member that rotate to further allow the tower to adjust to various boat sizes and to allow the tower to fold down in an alternative manner. Other features include mounting bases that hingedly connect to the ends of the tower legs enabling the mounting bases to rotate relative to the legs such that the mounting bases can adapt to various boat mounting locations ranging from horizontal to vertical. Additionally, pads with recessed areas surrounding mounting holes may be utilized at the point of attachment to a boat to remove stress at the mounting holes of the boat.

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 distributed fiber strength member tow cable termination assembly (DTCTA) having a strength member termination area which is spaced from a signal conductor termination area, and which includes a seal area having a plurality of sealing members is disclosed. The strength member termination area preferably includes a strength member termination wedge having a curved outer face which allows for higher termination efficiency. The strength member termination area and signal conductor termination area are distributed, or separated, a predetermined distance by an interface section, for example a length of hose. The separation of the strength member termination area from the signal conductor termination area allows for several improvements in the DTCTA not possible in the prior art due to the previous need to terminate the signal conductors co-located with the strength termination member.

Abstract: A distributed fiber strength member tow cable termination assembly (DTCTA) having a strength member termination area which is spaced from a signal conductor termination area, and which includes a seal area having a plurality of sealing members is disclosed. The strength member termination area preferably includes a strength member termination wedge having a curved outer face which allows for higher termination efficiency. The strength member termination area and signal conductor termination area are distributed, or separated, a predetermined distance by an interface section, for example a length of hose. The separation of the strength member termination area from the signal conductor termination area allows for several improvements in the DTCTA not possible in the prior art due to the previous need to terminate the signal conductors co-located with the strength termination member.

Abstract: An emergency towing system for vessels. This system comprises a return guide fitted to the vessel to be towed; a closed ring-cable is fitted around this return guide, wherein this ring-cable comprises a coupling-member which, when the ring-cable is heaved around, establishes a connection with a contra-coupling-member on the vessel to be towed.

Abstract: A connecting device for a push-barge system in which an engine driven pusher vessel is connected to a pushed barge vessel, the connecting device including a cylinder in combination with a piston, the cylinder being fastened to a side of the pusher vessel and operated by a pressure medium, and a counterpart connected to barge vessel and to which a connecting member is connected due to the effect of the movement of the piston of the cylinder, where the connecting device includes a pressure restricting valve through which the pressure medium can be discharged from the cylinder when, due to the effect of mutual approaching movement between the barge vessel and the pusher vessel, the counterpart transmits to the piston via the connecting member a force, which is so high that the pressure caused by the piston will at least partially open the pressure restricting valve.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for coupling a tug boat to a barge having a notch in its stern is provided. Coupling units mounted on the opposite sides of the tug have extendable and retractable rams which engage with channels on the opposite sides of the stern notch. Each ram includes two portions. The first portion can be non-rotatable and is extended and retracted by an actuator screw driven by a motor. The second portion can rotate relative to the first portion. Additionally, the second portion is capable of axial movement relative to the first portion. A load cell can be positioned between the first portion and the second portion to provide axial extension of the second portion to provide sufficient engagement force to couple the tug and barge.

Abstract: A flexible nose assembly for an underwater vehicle provides increased energy-absorbing capabilities and facilitates recovery and handling of the vehicle. The flexible nose assembly includes a flexible nose cap, at least one retrieval device, and at least one cable that is strong in tension, yet weak in compression which is coupled between the retrieval device and the UUV body. The flexible nose cap has a gap formed therein allowing the communication of environmental water into the region between the vehicle body and the nose cap. Optionally, the retrieval device may be recessed into the flexible nose assembly, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and overall vehicle length. Energy-absorbing ballast can be positioned within the nose cap in order to further enhance survivability.

Abstract: A swivel/quick release device having a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end operated associated with a bearing means at its other end; a housing in which said shaft is slidably mounted.

Abstract: A reciprocating barge coupling device for removably coupling adjacent barges floating on a water body and allowing vertical movement of the barges with respect to each other typically due to the wave-induced rise and fall of the barges. In a preferred embodiment the reciprocating barge coupling device is characterized by a pair of coupling units of substantially identical construction mounted on the responsive barges, each of which coupling units is fitted with an elongated, vertical coupling channel and a T-bolt. In application, the barges are positioned in adjacent, end-to-end relationship to each other, with the vertical coupling channels of the respective coupling units in substantially aligned, facing relationship with respect to each other.

Abstract: Towing apparatus for towing a personal watercraft at a desired distance behind a tow boat includes towing units having straight tubular walls, the towing units diverging from the personal watercraft toward the tow boat, each towing unit including a central tow line tensioned between the ends of the tubular wall, with each tubular wall in compression, enabling managed flexing of the wall of each towing unit for controlled lateral and altitudinal movements of the personal watercraft relative to the tow boat while maintaining the desired towing distance between the personal watercraft and the tow boat.

Abstract: Apparatus for gripping and moving underwater craft and the like (101,102) comprising a crane (103) mounted on-board a ship (100) and provided with articulated arms (1,2) and a crane cable (214), said crane being connected at its free end to a device (200) for gripping the craft to be recovered, wherein said device (200) essentially consists of:

Abstract: There is provided a sea going barge train or modular tanker vessel for ocean transportation of cargo, such as oil or other dry or liquid materials, consisting of a forward traction unit, a rear powered caboose unit and a series of modular units or barges interposed therebetween wherein the units are serially and flexibly interconnected by means of a universal type coupling which permits relative limited yaw, pitch and roll movement between units. The hull of each barge unit is substantially semi-cylindrically shaped so that the hull immersed section is circular and the barge units are detachably coupled to each other fore and aft and to the traction and caboose units at the circle center of the circle segment defined by the hull cross section so that hull continuity of the barge train is maintained as the barge units roll relative to each other.

Abstract: A suspension system (10) for mid-span connection of a paravane (P) or other article to a cable (C1) of a towed cable array (A) includes first and second hanger assemblies (20a,20b) connected to the cable (C1) in an axially spaced relationship. In particular, the hanger assemblies (20a,20b) are connected respectively to first and second bulbous cable regions. The bulbous cable regions are formed on the cable using inner insert elements (40), a first set of preformed helical rods (22), outer insert elements (42) positioned over the first set of helical rods (22) in the region of the inner insert elements (40), and an outer set of preformed helical rods (24). Each hanger assembly (20a,20b) includes a housing (30a,30b) and a rotatable collar (52a,52b) connected to the housing. An attachment member (80a,80b) is pivotally connected to the collar and rotates therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably connecting floating barge sections or other construction components includes a fluid actuated cylinder and piston assembly disposed in an open-ended sleeve in a first component with the piston connected to the construction component and the cylinder movable between a retracted position within the sleeve and an extended position such that a portion of the cylinder extends into and is releasably locked in place within a socket in a second construction component.

Abstract: The mooring line quick release device for quickly releasing a mooring line comprising a chamber, a mooring line support shaft and a mechanical system. The chamber, which is compact and sealed, has a first compartment and a second compartment separated by an open channel bounded by a wall of the first compartment, having formed therein a first aperture, and a wall of the second compartment, having formed therein a second aperture. The mooring line support shaft supports a mooring line wherein the mooring line support shaft has a longitudinal surface which passes through the first aperture to the second apertures via the open channel when the mooring line support shaft is changed between a first state to a second state thereof. The remotely control mechanical system serves to change the mooring-line support shaft from the second state to the first state via a third state for quickly releasing mooring line.

Abstract: A combined towing and docking hitch for watercraft. The hitch includes an elongated frame with a cable winch, a rearward yoke subframe, and a forward coupler. The coupler is adapted for mating with a complementary receptacle or receiver, mounted either on the stern of a towing boat or a boat dock. A cable or fiber web extending from the winch is attached to the bow eye of the towed or docked watercraft. The cable is advanced forwardly to draw the bow into nested engagement with the yoke. The yoke includes a pair of rearwardly diverging stabilizer arms having resilient bumpers on each end. A V-shaped roller is provided adjacent the converging region of the arms to accommodate the front bow stem of the towed watercraaft. The frame is pivotally attached to the coupler to accommodate wave-induced pitching movement, between the two vessels or between the moored watercraft and the dock.

Abstract: A barge linking system which includes a pair of flexible connector assembs stored on board a rear pontoon of a pair pontoons to be connected at sea. Each flexible connector assembly has a forward housing and a rear housing which are connected by a shear pin and rotate about the shear pin. Attached to the front end of the forward housing is flexible rubber sleeve which encases a substantial portion of a chain sling. The front end of the chain sling, which extends from the rubber sleeve, has a master link which allows the chain sling to be connected to a cable from a winch on board the forward pontoon. The rear housing of the flexible connector assembly has a chain shackle which allows the rear housing to be connected to a cable from a winch on board the rear pontoon. The forward housing has a pair of slots which align with a pair of slots in the forward pontoon, while the rear housing has a pair of slots which align with a pair of slots in the rear pontoon.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a watercraft using a boat including a frame shaped for receiving one end of a personal watercraft, means for securing the frame to the aft of a boat, and means for securing the personal watercraft to the frame. A housing is connected to the frame to allow for storage of cargo or fuel. Latches are provided on the frame to allow for quick engagement and disengagement of the trailer and the watercraft. A flexible or rigid member is attached to the latches to allow for remote operation.

Abstract: The power surfer is a simple device that is used to convert most of the wind driven sailboards or windsurfers being produced these days into a surfboard which can easily be pulled behind a boat or other type of watercraft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for increasing the low speed maneuverability and the stability of sea-going vessels. The apparatus includes a linkage assembly which connects a primary vessel or sub-vessel to a secondary, steering vessel or sub-vessel such that the steering vessel or sub-vessel may yaw with respect to the primary vessel. In preferred embodiments, the linkage assembly includes a pair of linkage arms that are pivotally connected to the primary and secondary vessels, one linkage arm on each side of the secondary vessel. The apparatus may further provide elements to actuate and control the yawing motion of the steering vessel or sub-vessel.

Abstract: A vacuum operated mooring device consisting of a telescopic and lockable connecting arm, to connect and hold apart at a distance, one boat from another or a boat from a dock. At both extremities of the connecting arm are single and multiple axes connected to manually operated vacuum devices that produce a continuous supply of vacuum, within limits, and supply the vacuum to rubber suction cups attached to the boats. By means of the multiple axes extremities of the mooring device, these suction cups can be connected to a multitude of connecting points, either on the side of the hull or on top of the deck of the boat. By the unique use of the vacuum device and rubber suction cups there is no need to have permanent brackets installed on any boat that this device is to be used upon, thus the vacuum device and vacuum cups of this invention allow for quick and easy installation and removal.

Abstract: A tri-joint coupling for enabling the streaming and retrieving of a towed ray system having a single towcable and multiple towed array lines without disconnecting the lines from the towcable. The system is capable of being used on state-of-the-art inboard submarine handling systems. The tri-joint coupling is circular in cross-section at the single towcable end and elliptical in cross-section at the multiple towed array line end. The elliptical end of the coupling has three coupling inserts that are circular in cross-section and have electrical/optical connectors that connect individual electrical/optical conductors on the cable side to individual electrical/optical conductors on the multiple array side.

Abstract: An integrated tug/barge (ITB) for carrying cargo, including: a cargo carrying barge having no means of propulsion; and a tug boat mounted on top of the barge such that the tug boat and the barge will experience identical motion when the ITB is operated, the tug boat including apparatus for propulsion and maneuvering of the ITB. In a further aspect, a method of launching a tug boat from the ITB, the method including: pushing the tug boat aftward until the center of gravity thereof is aft of a knuckle point formed by horizontal and sloped portions of the floor of a recess in which the tug boat is mounted; and permitting the tug boat to slide down the sloped portion of the bottom of the recess into water in which the barge is floating.

Abstract: A non-turbulent, retractable pull-down eye assembly for use in hauling a yant test vehicle down to a release depth. The assembly is contained within the tail housing of the vehicle and is extended from the tail housing when the vehicle is to be hauled down. A hook and cable is attached through an eye in the extended portion of the assembly and the cable is winched to pull the vehicle below the surface. When the buoyant test vehicle reaches the prescribed depth, an acoustic signal is used to release the hook. The assembly is spring loaded within the tail housing such that, upon release from the hook, the extended portion retracts back into the tail housing as the vehicle rises to the surface. The exposed surface of the assembly when in the retracted position is shaped to conform to the shape of the buoyant test vehicle tail housing. The pull-down eye assembly thus retracted does not contribute to any turbulence around the tail housing during vehicle ascent.

Abstract: A shock absorber is incorporated into a tether line to provide a take up device for adjusting the effect of certain instantaneous stress forces in the tether line. This shock absorber is formed as part of an assembly and is positioned in transverse orientation to the longitudinal axis of the tether, to control a designated payout of the tether itself. The tether remains as one continuous lineal structure. The shock absorber, while operating on lineal stress forces in the tether, does not become a necessary support link of the tether. The tether may be of flexible line and the shock absorber structure is comparatively compact, thereby allowing the flexible tether line to be coiled and easily stored without the removal of the shock absorber mechanism. Upon reuse, care is not needed for orientation of the shock absorber, as stress is applied to the tether line.

Abstract: An improved method for conducting offshore well operations is disclosed in which a compliant platform is installed adjacent a selected well site and an auxiliary vessel is temporarily docked to the compliant platform to provide for support for the well operations which will be produced through the compliant platform. In the practice of the improved method, the compliant platform is isolated from vertical loads upon the auxiliary vessel docked thereto during the performance of well operations conducted for the compliant platform by the offshore auxiliary vessel. Another aspect of the present invention is an improved system for restraining an offshore drilling vessel temporarily to a compliant platform which uses a slide-connection for isolating the compliant platform from vertical loads upon the offshore drilling vessel during the well operations.

Abstract: A submarine trails one fiber optic cable and an undersea vehicle is contred by this first cable. A missile/torpedo trails a second cable that is to be coupled to the first cable. The second cable has a segment suspended vertically underwater between a buoyant pod and a sea anchor type buoy. The undersea vehicle, or Autonomous Undersea Vehicle, (AUV) hunts for the pod by conventional homing components, and cable capturing arms on the vehicle direct the cable's movement relative to the vehicle into a pod mating position that achieves optical coupling of the two cables. In one embodiment two arms are pivotably mounted to the vehicle's sides so one arm captures the suspended cable segment directing it into a slot so a male socket in the underside of the pod mates with a female socket in the slot. Another embodiment accomplishes the same result with a device in which the arms are formed as the offshoots of a forked cable pickup device in the nose of the AUV.

Abstract: A water rescue sled for towing an incapacitated victim behind a personal watercraft has a buoyant body configured to support a recumbent victim thereupon. A coupling attaches the buoyant body to the personal watercraft in a manner providing at least two degrees of freedom so as to minimize stresses to both the personal watercraft and the water rescue sled during use thereof. The water rescue sled preferably further comprises a plurality of ties for facilitating securing of a victim disposed upon the buoyant body thereto. Ropes, straps, webbing, etc. may be attached to the ties and placed over the victim so as to maintain the victim safely upon the upper surface of the buoyant body. The ties are preferably configured as handles so as to facilitate carrying of the water rescue sled and victim. Thus, the water rescue sled of the present invention may optionally function as a backboard for maintaining the spine in a straight and immobile configuration during transport.

Abstract: A raft for an amusement ride is provided. The raft has at least one passenger support having accommodations sufficient to accommodate at least one passenger thereon. At least one link is provided on the raft, and is compatible with a link on another raft to allow the interconnection of a plurality of rafts to form the amusement ride. The passenger support is connected to a buoyant portion of the raft through a rotary connector to allow rotation of the passenger support relative to the buoyant portion of the raft.

Abstract: A built-up watercraft includes a body consisted of three base boards hinged together and bilaterally supported on two floats by two wings, two propeller runners bilaterally coupled to a transmission mechanism mounted on the body at the back, a rudder assembly fastened to the body below the transmission mechanism, a steering wheel assembly mounted on the body at the front and driven to adjust the direction of the rudder assembly. The three base boards of the body and the wings are folded up and formed into the shape of a case as the watercraft is not in use. Connecting tubes are made on the wings and the body for permitting a plurality of watercrafts of the same structure to be connected in series as well as in parallel by flexible connecting rods.

Abstract: Marine propulsion apparatus comprising an engine mounted within a buoyant enclosure, which is adapted to be connected to a marine vessel, which requires propulsion. The engine drives a propeller through a simple drive system. The apparatus is adapted to be fitted into position on pivotal mountings for steering purposes, and may itself be fitted with steering apparatus such that it may be maneuvered independently of the marine vessel for positioning relative to it. The enclosure is sized to permit access around the engine for in-situ maintenance and repair.

Abstract: Hydraulic system for controlling tug-barge cables. A closed hydraulic loop is connected to a cylinder and includes a pump to reciprocate the piston and to apply constant tension through the cylinder and piston to the cables.

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: A dinghy is towed from the stern of a sailboat or power boat with the stern of the dingy and associated motor forward and raised from the water. An associated towing mechanism includes a pair of rigid tubular members which are connected between the stern of the boat and the transom of the dinghy. Pivot connections permit upward and downward pivoting of the tubular members relative to the boat and permit pivoting of the dinghy upwardly and downwardly relative to the tubular members. A pair of rope lines support the tubular members against downward pivoting. The lines are releasably retained against paying out by a pair of line retainers adapted for installation on a pre-existing rail commonly mounted at the stern of many boats. An additional line permits the bow of the dinghy to be raised from the water and pivoted upwardly against the stern of the boat thereby permitting both dinghy and motor to be stored entirely removed from the water.

Abstract: An interconnection apparatus between a riverboat and a shuttleboat is disclosed that provides for the equalization of the vertical distances between the deck surfaces of the riverboat and a shuttleboat docked alongside. An uppermost and a lowermost docking member functions to adhere the respective hulls in close proximity one to another while a sensor sub-assembly, `reads` the displacement of the shuttleboat hull in the water and communicates this data to an on-board control system that, in turn, actuates a number of hydraulic lifters. As the respective deck elements of the riverboat and the shuttleboat(s) are equalized, sliding doors are opened on the shuttleboat and the riverboat allowing pedestrian traffic to move, en mass from one vessel to another. Subsequent to the re-activation of the doors, as the respective doors are closed, the elevating deck descends to thereby allow passengers to move freely about the riverboat/shuttleboat vesseles, to thereby complete the transfer process.

Abstract: A watercraft mooring system that is fully resistant against the forces generated by wind and wave action, and its operation is extremely easy and reliable. The invention is composed of four main components: (1) a dock that is selectively releasable from firm anchorage with respect to footings in the lake bottom, (2) a two axes articulation system mounted to the dock, (3) a coupling system that includes a dock-side coupling member that is pivotable and tiltable with respect to the dock via the two axes articulation system and further includes a vessel-side pair of coupling members that interface selectively with the dock-side coupling member to couple the boat to the dock, and, finally, (4) a coupling release mechanism mounted to the vessel for selectively releasing the aforesaid coupling of the boat to the dock. The invention is particularly well suited for use with pontoon boats.

Abstract: A towing release system provides an improved user-actuated quick-release towing device for use in water sports, and comprises a wire bail member for installation into the leading edge of a water sports implement such as a kneeboard, and a separate receiver element for installation on the towline near the towline handle. The wire bail member includes a bar portion releasably engageable into a complementary rearward-oriented slot portion on the bottom side of the receiver element. Thus, the water sports implement rider can initially ride through the water without having to bear the pulling force of the towline, and can later release the receiver element connection from the wire bail member by manually pulling rearward and upward on the towline handle, to continue his ride in the traditional manner.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic coupling apparatus for use with a tug and barge tow includes a bumper frame which is pivotally carried by the tub. The bumper frame includes a bearing surface that is positioned to bear against the barge so that a load transfer between the tub and the barge occurs at the bearing surface. A magnetic coupling preferably in the form of a plurality of coil members is carried at the load transfer surface for developing a magnetic field which can form a connection between the barge and the tug. An electrical power source is carried by the tub for energizing the magnetic field and a powered guide comprising a powered sheave and a pair of lines extending from the sheave to the barge defines a steering mechanism for angling the bumper frame and tug with respect to each other when maneuvering to each barge while making up a tow of several barges, for example.

Abstract: A barge connecting system for connecting a first vessel to a second vessel omprising three spaced parallel rectangular shaped plates, the first plate of which is attached to the stern of a lead vessel, and the third plate of which abuts or may be attached to the bow of a following vessel. Bracing for the second and third plates is provided by plurality of diagonal wire cables each of which has one end connected to a corner of the first rectangular shaped plate and the opposite end connected to either a corner of the second rectangular shaped plate or a corner of the third rectnagular shaped plate. Positioned vertically between the first and second plates are a first pair of pneumatic fenders which are rotatably mounted on the first plate by wire cables. There is positioned horizontally between the second and third plates a second pair of pneumatic fenders which are mounted on third plate by wire cables.

Abstract: A float tube and a separate power unit floater combination wherein the power unit floater includes a toroidal shaped float tube and a power unit shaped to fit in a central cavity of the float tube. The power unit further includes a battery and electric motor for turning the propeller. A switchbox, used to control both the speed and direction of the propeller is placed forward on the fisherman's float tube at a location convenient for the fisherman to manipulate. The power unit being attached to the float tube behind the fisherman to allow the fisherman to have a clear area in front of him.

Abstract: A latching mechanism used to couple external devices to marine seismic streamer cables is disclosed. The latching device universally couples to collars predominantly used in the seismic industry. A mounting bracket or shank is provided which is coupled to the external device. The shank has a lug or finger fixed therein which extends from a mounting surface. Adjacent the lug is a latching device which is comprised of a cylinder having a cam defined at the upper end. The cylinder is recessed within the shank so that the cam and the lug are engaged with an aperture defined in the collars attached to the streamer cable. A lever extends from the cylinder through the exterior of the shank so that an operator may rotate the cylinder, turning the cam in the aperture to a locking position. A spring applies a tensile force to the cylinder, drawing the cam down against the aperature, and pulling the shank tight against the collar.