Abstract: A boat strap is described herein, as well as a system and method of attaching two boats with the boat strap. The boat strap is made up of a main strap, a free cam, a lower cam strap, and a lower cam. The free cam is mechanically connected to the main strap, where the main strap loops through a free cam strap connector. Additional stitching connects the main strap to itself forming a free cam loop to connect the free cam to the main strap. The lower cam is mechanically connected to the lower cam strap. The lower cam strap loops through a lower cam strap connector, and a primary stitching connects the lower cam strap to itself forming a lower cam loop to connect the lower cam to the lower cam strap, wherein the primary stitching further connects the lower cam strap to the main strap. The main strap loops through a connector on one boat and runs through the lower cam to attach the boat strap to the rail. The main strap then is run through the cam on a second boat strap on the other boat, attaching the boats.

Abstract: A ski tow for a boat having a tow post and a ski rope connected to the tow post. The ski tow includes a pedestal shaped body having a lowermost foot spaced apart from an uppermost cap by an intermediate die; a camera mount located on the cap and configured for receiving a camera; and a chase extending vertically through the pedestal body and open on both ends. The pedestal shaped body pivots or rotates such that the camera mount remains aligned with the ski rope as a skier connected to the tow rope moves relative to the tow post and moves the tow rope relative to the tow post.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.

Abstract: A device for rapidly remotely coupling together two vessels, in particular a first ship or floating support and a second ship, comprises: at least one floating and docking structure fastened to or suitable for being releasably fastened to the side and/or the keel of the hull of a second vessel; and at least two actuators spaced in succession from one another in the longitudinal direction of the first vessel. The actuator cylinder of each the actuator is arranged to be fastened to the side of the hull of the first vessel, using a first fastener and pivot hinge device. The end of the rod of each actuator is arranged to be fastened to or suitable for being fastened to the floating and docking structure via a second fastener and pivot hinge device.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding to a select surface and a method of use thereof is provided. The apparatus comprises a body, a flexible member, and a recess. The body has a proximal surface configured with a fluid port. The flexible member has a cavity therein and is operatively coupled to the body to form a seal with the body. The flexible member is configured to expand responsive to an expansive pressure within the cavity. The recess is formed by the proximal surface and the flexible member. The fluid port is configured to facilitate generation of a binding pressure within the recess.

Abstract: A device for holding and aligning a component includes a first and a second housing part and a tilting device. The first housing part is arranged on a first end for stationary arrangement on a carrier and the second housing part is arranged on a second end for connection to the useful component. The first end and the second end are on opposite sides of the device in relation to a longitudinal axis. The tilting device mechanically connects the first and the second housing parts to one another and enables a defined alignment and holding of the relative position of the second housing part in relation to the first housing part. The actuator of the tilting device is a number of wires made of a shape-memory alloy. A length of each of the number of wires is individually adjustable by a respective determination of the resistance, which can be processed as a control variable in a control loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing a personal watercraft, including a towing member and a stabilizing member. The towing member is configured to attach a rear portion of the towing watercraft to a front portion of the personal watercraft. The stabilizing member comprises an elongated rigid body configured to attach to the rear portion of the towing watercraft and to extend to a stabilization point above a rear portion of the personal watercraft, and a flexible line member extending from the stabilization point of the elongated rigid body for attachment to the rear portion of the personal watercraft. The flexible line member is configured to limit lateral movement of the rear portion of the personal watercraft relative to the towing watercraft.

Abstract: An example suction gripper is disclosed that includes a contacting pillow including a plurality of particles inside a non-rigid membrane that allow the contacting pillow to conform to a shape of an object when the contacting pillow is pressed against the object, a plurality of suction cups arranged on the non-rigid membrane of the contacting pillow, and a vacuum system coupled to the contacting pillow and to the plurality of suction cups. The vacuum system may be configured to apply suction to the object through at least one of the plurality of suction cups that is in contact with the object when the contacting pillow is pressed against the object and increase stiffness of the contacting pillow by removing air between the plurality of particles inside the non-rigid membrane of the contacting pillow.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a rope tender is rotatably affixed to the center pull on the tower to carry the rope over wakeboard racks. The rope tender is clamped to the center pull on the tower by a clamp. The rope is then pulled through an end loop on the rope tender and attached to the center pull on the tower. In one embodiment, the rope tender is looped one or more times in the middle to achieve a flexible, spring effect for the rope tender. The rope may also be pulled through the middle loop for support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a floating station, attached to and remote from a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a probe and the floating station includes an opening for receiving the probe therein. The floating station includes a fuel-delivering arrangement for feeding fuel from the parent ship to the water vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a fueling block, connected to and remote from a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be a manned or an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a probe for securing the water vessel to the fueling block and also for receiving fuel from the parent ship at the fueling block. The fueling block includes an opening for receiving the probe therein.

Abstract: A vessel for towing a towed body in or on a body of water is disclosed. The vessel includes a vessel, a tow arm mechanism carried by the vessel, a towed body linked to the tow arm mechanism, and at least one sensor carried by either the vessel or the towed body. The sensor generates sensor data, and a towing mechanism controller receives the sensor data and positionally adjusts the tow arm mechanism based on the data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a surface water vessel to a floating station. The surface water vessel may be an unmanned surface vehicle, and the floating station may be attached to a larger parent ship. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a forwardly projecting elongated probe and the floating station includes a receiver having a receiver opening for receiving the elongated probe therein. The elongated probe includes a spherical tip having a circumferential groove. The receiver includes movable spheres that are moved into engagement with the circumferential groove, thereby locking the probe within the receiver. This locking arrangement secures the surface water vessel to the floating station.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a universally adaptable, collapsible, adjustable boom designed for selective attachment and detachment to any configuration of a boat tower, and which provides multiple support points to counteract the downward force exerted by a water sport participant. Attachment and detachment of the boom is efficiently accomplished with the use of adjustable clamps and lynch pins, and the boom further secured by a cabling system.

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 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: A towing assembly for use in towing personal watercrafts. The assembly has a yoke, a leading bar, and a pair of trailing bars, the bars being pivotally attachable to the yoke. The leading bar is selectively attached to an eye hook at the bow of the boat being towed and the trailing bars are selectively attached to eye hooks at the stern of the towing boat. The free end of each bar has an attachment mechanism for securing the bars to the respective boats. Each attachment mechanism is secured to the respective bar with a swivel joint, thereby allowing the attachment mechanism to move independent of the bars.

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: An connection apparatus is provided for connecting a ram of a pusher vessel with a receiver installed in a stem notch of a barge, the connection head for mounting on the ram having a generally pentagonal shape and the receiver having two opposed side walls with one side wall being flat and the other side wall having projecting teeth.

Abstract: An autonomous marine vehicle is disclosed, the vehicle comprising a rigid hull having an interior and a periphery, a deck joining the rigid hull at the periphery; and a rigid mast pivotally attached to the deck, the mast housing a plurality of sensors capable of effecting communication to and from said vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the vehicle further comprises various sensors and mission-specific hardware. Sensors include mast-mounted audio/video devices, radar, GPS and RF antennas, and other positioning and collision avoidance devices. Mission-specific hardware include refueling probes, fire protection systems, towing assemblies, flame thrower assemblies, liquid spray assemblies, and work pup assemblies.

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 towing arm assembly for use with a towing vessel has a towing arm support affixed to each side of the towing vessel. Each towing arm support receives in sliding engagement in a horizontal channel therein a pin connected to a proximal end of a towing arm. Each pin can be locked within the channel to prevent fore and aft motion of an associated towing arm. Each towing arm is connected at a distal end to a forced air dredging apparatus. The towing arms can be slid aft to allow any substantial amount of forced air from the dredging apparatus to remain clear of any stern propeller of the towing vessel. The towing arms can be slid forward to allow the dredging apparatus to be stowed near the stern of the vessel.

Abstract: A mooring device for boats comprising an elongate arm having first and second ends. The arm has a transverse slot therein adjacent the first end, and dimensioned to received a cleat. The slot is in effect a fixed hook which opens to the side of the arm. A rotatable is mounted to the second end of the arm for rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm. The hook is rotatable between a closed position in which its free leg opposes the second end of the arm and an open position in which its free leg is spaced from the second end. In the closed position, the hook lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the slot. The hook is dimensioned to engage a cleat. A locking mechanism such as a sliding bolt is provided for locking a cleat in the slot. The arm can be telescopic, or provided with hinges which are pivotable in opposite directions, so that it can be adjusted for boarding and deboarding.

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: An apparatus for towing a multi-hull watercraft includes a pair of spaced, rigid, tubular members extending between the rear of a towing craft to a location between the two hulls of the towed watercraft. Swivel connectors having mating members mounted on the towed watercraft and the multi-hull watercraft and on the ends of the first and second tubular members connect the two craft together at a fixed longitudinal distance; but allow vertical, independent movement of the two watercraft relative to each other. A plurality of flexible cables are movably coupled between diagonally opposed ends of the tubular members and a centrally located ring connector to enable each of the watercraft to roll about their respective yaw axis independent of each other and to maintain the spacing between the tubular members constant along their length from the first ends to the second ends.

Abstract: An improved pylon clamp for a boom assembly is disclosed for use in conjunction with a skiboat having a pylon. The clamp is attached to the pylon and supports a boom so that it extends laterally outwardly from the boat. The clamp includes a first portion adapted for connection with the pylon and a second portion adapted for connection with one end of the boom. The first clamp portion has a pair of arcuate legs with an inner surface which flatly abuts against the pylon and a threaded fastener which, upon tightening, compresses the arcuate legs together and clampingly engages the pylon. The second portion of the clamp includes a pair of spaced apart legs which are adapted to receive one end of the boom therebetween. A fastener extends through the spaced apart legs to secure the boom to the pylon clamp.

Abstract: The specification describes a tow bar assembly for coupling an auxiliary watercraft to the stern of a larger towing craft. The tow bar assembly comprises a socket member especially designed for attachment to the swim platform of the towing craft when one is provided or, alternatively, directly to the transom of the towing craft. The socket is designed to receive one end of a generally longitudinally incompressible but vertically flexible bar member. The other end of the bar member is provided with a suitable coupling device for facilitating connection to the bow of the craft to be towed.

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: An apparatus for supporting a seismic transducer under water adjacent a towing vessel includes an elongated substantially rigid towing arm. A lower connector assembly is operably associated with the towing arm for connecting a lower end thereof to the transducer. An upper connector assembly is operably associated with the towing arm for connecting an upper end thereof to the vessel. The upper connector assembly includes a first pivot arrangement for permitting the lower end of the towing arm and the connected transducer to be lowered into the body of water. The upper connector assembly further includes a torsional support structure for resisting rotation of the towing arm about a longitudinal axis thereof. Preferably the upper connector assembly also includes a second pivot arrangement for permitting the lower end of the towing arm and the connected transducer to move laterally relative to the towing vessel.

Abstract: A pair of identical rigid arms are each pivotably attached at one end to a pair of identical brackets, one bracket attached to a boat and the other bracket attached to a dock, and an elongated helically wound spring is threaded on to each end of the arms to connect them together. The arms are held in place at the bracket by pins or rods which, particularly at the boat bracket, can be quickly and easily removed to free the boat.

Abstract: A manipulator apparatus carried by a remotely operated vehicle is provided with a suction device capable of gripping underwater objects. The suction portion of the manipulator apparatus utilizes suction chambers isolated from the body of water. When fluid is removed from the suction chambers an appropriately shaped moveable wall moves inwardly thereby forming a suction cavity between the suction device and the object to be moved.The moveable wall may take the form of a rubber-like flexible membrane wall or a piston moveable within the suction portion of the manipulator apparatus.

Abstract: A manipulator apparatus carried by a remotely operated vehicle is provided with a suction device having a flexible membrane wall capable of gripping underwater objects. The suction portion of the manipulator apparatus utilizes expansion chambers isolated from the body of water in combination with the flexible membrane wall which when expanded outward contacts and forms a suction cavity between the manipulator object and the object to be manipulated.

Abstract: An arrangement consisting of coupling elements allowing both pitch and yaw pivotal motion between two coupled modules or coaches, is disclosed. A transverse rod located at the end portion of one module is rigidly secured to a pair of arms and is supported thereby. These arms are rigidly connected to a king-post located in a casing. The king-post is adapted to pivot about its vertical axis. The end portion of the other module is provided with a pair of longitudinally-oriented shafts, each having an outer end provided with a pair of jaw members. The latter can open and close to effect coupling of the modules and are adapted to pivotally grip jaw-receiving portions on the transverse rod.

Abstract: A boom formed by spring biased telescoping tubes is gimbaled at one end to a docking or probe space vehicle and at the opposite end to an electromagnet probe with the gimbaled joints spring biased to axially align the assembly. A light weight conical drogue fixed to the captive space vehicle mounts a passive iron target at the cone apex. The electromagnet guides itself into contact with the target during space coupling. The tubes telescope against springs which dampen impact along with columb dampening created by the telescoping tubes. A switch mounted to the electromagnet automatically energizes the retraction motor upon contact with the passive iron target. A retraction wire functions to initially pivot a plurality of radial rigidizing struts into contact with the circular edge of the light weight drogue cone to automatically align the spacecraft for pitch and yaw.

Abstract: A system for joining or docking large structures in space under remote, automatic control. As the two structures approach each other, a telescoping rigid boom on one structure is extended toward a socket on the other. The boom mount includes mechanisms providing a multidegree of freedom in pointing the boom. The end of the boom is directed into the socket whereupon a locking device holds it in place. Damping apparatus damps the relative motion between the structures. Boom retraction brings the structures together so that a final latching device can clamp the structures rigidly together.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting in which a self-propelled surface vessel tows a submergible elongated cargo container by means of a semi-rigid boom extending from the stern of the vessel to the nose of the cargo container. The position of the boom is controlled from the stern of the vessel to hold the nose of the container at a level below the wake of the towing vessel.

Abstract: This invention is a mechanical coupling for lashing marine vehicles together or to a dock. The coupling includes male and female members secured respectively to different vehicles or to a dock and a vehicle, which members may be quickly and easily connected and disconnected as desired. The female member includes a vertical track of substantial length in which the male member is movably positioned, thereby permitting relative vertical movement of the male member in the female member in order to compensate for the rise and fall of the vehicle in the water.