Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular electrically motorized watercraft (10), the watercraft comprising a hull module (20) and a driveline system (60). The driveline system (60) comprises an electric power module (50) and a driveline module (30). The driveline module (30) is configured to be arranged at an underside of the hull module (20).

Abstract: A pushing tool for propelling cable into a duct. The pushing tool includes a drive wheel that is coupled with a base and a rotatable handle. A first cable guide and a second cable guide are configured to hold the cable. A duct guide is configured to hold the duct. Furthermore, a tension wheel is configured to interact with the drive wheel such that an orifice is formed between the tension wheel and the drive wheel, the orifice being configured to receive the cable. Upon rotation of the rotatable handle, the drive wheel interacts with the tension wheel to propel the cable into the duct.

Abstract: A method to extract and refine metal products from metal-bearing ores, including a method to extract and refine titanium products. Titanium products can be extracted from titanium-bearing ores with TiO2 and impurity levels unsuitable for conventional methods.

Abstract: A barge-coupling device that is operable to assist in the tightening of cables that are utilized to secure two marine vessels together in preparation for towing. The barge-coupling device further includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end. A hollow bore is present through the tubular body extending between the first end and second end. A first shaft and a second shaft are movably mounted to the tubular body. A handle is included having a lower portion wherein the lower portion has disposed therein a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is operably coupled to the tubular body and the second gear is mounted above the first gear and operably coupled thereto. A keeper rotatably mounted the second gear and is configured to couple with a power tool so as to rapidly rotate the second gear.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system for detecting the tensile force of a guy rope in a pneumatic fender capable of preventing the breakage of the guy rope, and a pneumatic fender. Tensile force data detected by a tensile force sensor detecting the tensile force of a guy rope is transmitted by a wireless transmitter, and is inputted to a computation device through a receiver. An alerting device issues an alert when the tensile data is at least equivalent to reference data previously inputted to the computation device.

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 manually actuated hydraulic cylinder with a retractable piston for varying the distance between two cables secured to a barge attachment ring on the end of the cylinder and a pelican hook and keeper disposed on the end of the piston as used in the marine industry for coupling barges.

Abstract: A tender towing system for motor yachts employing a retractable tow line coupled to a rotatable spool. The rotatable spool is controlled by an operator of the motor yacht by a centralized hydraulic or electrical system. A harness is placed between the tow line and the towed tender to absorb excess shocks. A skeg is located on the transom of the tender to provide proper tracking of the tenders that do not have integrated rudders. A docking port is positioned on the transom area of the motor yacht which in combination with the line retrieval system is used to secure the tender to the transom area of the motor yacht thereby allowing close quarter operation such as that required in marinas and the like docking situations.

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 device and a method for engaging and disengaging of a towing line from a tow boat to and from a ship. At the ship there is a hawse hole (5), a bollard head (1) and a working for inhauling of a messenger rope (4), attached to the lop of the towing line (3). The device is especially characterized in that a guide means, like a hook (2), is attached to the ship in such a way, between the bollard head (1) and the working (7), so that the messenger rope (4) guided by the second guide means (2) can pull the loop of the towing line (3) near and above the bollard head (1) so that this easily can be engaged around the bollard head (1), whilst the messenger rope (4), free from the second guide means (2), by the working (7) can lift the loop inwardly, up above the bollard head (1) so that the towing line can be taken on board by the tow boat.

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 stern arrangement for a ship where the stern of the ship is made modifiable or convertible for at least two different purposes by moving or by replacing at least a part of the stern. The stern of the ship is convertible to be a towing notch or to be equipped with a stern roller. The invention provides an icebreaker which is equipped with a towing notch in wintertime and with a stern roller in the summertime for open water operations.

Abstract: A transom link for a tugboat is used to rescue an escorted ship that has lost the ability to maneuver. A transom link is a high-strength, oblong member, having a pivot arm that pivots open to allow a closed eye of a line to be captured by the transom link. The tugboat maneuvers close to the escorted ship so that a member of the tugboat's crew can seize a pennant line attached to the ship. The transom link is attached to the tugboat's tow line and the ship's pennant line is brought to the transom link. The tugboat's crew member forces open the pivot arm of the transom link and captures the closed eye of the ship's pennant line in the transom link. The tow line of the tugboat is let out to distance the tugboat from the escorted ship and then the tugboat maneuvers as needed to complete the rescue of the escorted ship.

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: 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: An electro-magnetic coupling apparatus for use with a tug and barge tow includes a bumper frame which is pivotally carried by the tug. The bumper frame includes a bearing surface that is positioned to bear against the barge so that a load transfer between the tug 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 tug 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 towing system adapted for quick and safe release of a towing tug from a barge string. Cable cleats and bits are mounted on the tug and on the barge string to position and support a cable which is connected into a winch apparatus to tightly connect the tug and the barge string together. A cable loop is looped around and retained by a cable retainer arm pivotably connected into a frame mounted to retain the cable. The retainer arm forms a distal finger retained to latch the arm into cable retaining position by a latch lock device. The latch lock device is pivotably mounted in the frame to retain the distal finger. A catch device forming a catch hook is pivotably mounted to the latch block device. A retainer bar is fixably mounted with the frame to engage the catch hook for keeping the latch block in position to retain the finger. A lever arrangement is pivotably connected to the frame for pushing the catch hook free of the retainer bar device.

Abstract: A mooring device for barges includes elastic mooring bodies attached to the barges. The elastic bodies are hollow and are adapted for the accommodation of conduits for the transfer of oil, water, electricity, etc., between the barges.

Abstract: A quick wire coupling and release primarily adapted to provide a quick, safe and economical coupling of river barges into a tow by use of wire rope with the coupling and release also being capable of use in other applications. The quick wire coupling and release includes a wire latch and a rolling cam take-up assembly with one end of a wire rope having a socket and pin thereon which is coupled to the rolling cam take-up assembly and looped around the opposite timber head or fitting on an adjacent barge and brought back through the wire latch to remove slack from the wire rope with the cam assembly providing a final tension to the wire rope thereby securely retaining adjacent barges in abutting engagement to form a single unit.

Abstract: The burden from a tow of breast-tied strings of barges is unloaded by first mooring the tow to an access platform. The hard ties are removed from a first and then remaining string of barges after they are pulled against the platform. The barges of each string are provided with forward and aft soft ties and soft ties are provided between the forward and aft ends of successive strings. The softly-tied barges are advanced along a floating slip by a barge haul below two serially-arranged excavators. The burden is unloaded in two layers from each barge with each excavator removing one layer while the barges normally pass in only one direction continuously through the slip. After unloading, the empty barges are moored at a fleeting area where a tow is again formed by hard tieing the barges together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a pusher tug and one or more barge units, whereby each barge unit may comprise one or more barges coupled alongside each other. Between the barge units and/or between the rear-unit and the pusher tug, pivotable pushing connections are installed giving the combination an articulated character. Each of the pivotable pushing connections is only mounted to one of the units or to the pusher tug and is coupled to the opposite unit with usual connections, such as steel wires. The pivotable pushing connections are robust and easy to handle by the normal deck crew. Application of the pivotable and steerable pushing connections increases the safety of pushing traffic on waterways and allows more units per combination.

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: 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: By grasping a steel cable with a low cost portable self-tightening clamp that increases its holding force as the tensile pull force increases, one man can tighten steel cables of various lengths having bitter ends by using temporarily a single portable ratchet jack assembly to exert about 20 tons (20,000 KG) tightening force. Two similarly acting inexpensive clamps affixed to a barge deck hold the cable lines of various lengths without eyes in the end taut enough to bind barges together into one stiff unitary assembly, and permits the single ratchet (and portable clamp) assembly to be reused, thereby significantly reducing equipment inventory and cost.

Abstract: A water walker for enabling an individual to walk upon water including a pair of elongated buoyant water walker assemblies which can be attached to the feet of the user. Each assembly includes a buoyant flotation member which has a runner longitudinally extending along a substantial portion of the bottom of the buoyant member. The runner has a hollow section which is open at both longitudinal ends and is closed at the bottom by a cover member, thereby forming an effective jet water chamber through the hollow chamber. A control mechanism is arranged within this hollow section of the runner and is movable between a first position allowing water to pass through the hollow section when the assembly is moved in a forward direction and a second position blocking the passage of water through the hollow chamber and hence preventing slippage of the assembly in a rearward direction.

Abstract: This invention is for a winch having a drum for receiving a line. There are two species of the winch. In the first specie, the winch comprises a drum gear and a drum ratchet. There is a driving means for driving the drum gear and the drum. Also, there is a locking means cooperating with the drum ratchet for preventing the rotation of the drum and the unwinding of the line from the drum. In the second specie, the winch comprises a drum gear and means for driving the drum gear and the drum. Also, there are means for preventing rotation of the drum and the unwinding of the line off of the drum.

Abstract: A connector for barges and the like is provided in the form of a threaded ratchet tube, a central ratchet drive for rotating said tube, an annular drive wheel surrounding and connected to said tube for rotating the same, separate right and left hand threaded screw members having one end threaded into said tube, fastening means on the other end of each said screw members and removable anchor means adapted to engage a surface over which the ratchet tube extends engaging one of said fastening means and holding said tube above said surface a distance greater than the radius of said annular drive wheel.

Abstract: A multi-cell gas-filled bag adapted for a dock fender, a connector for lighters and a float for supporting sand-flash pipe in reclaiming can be produced in a simple manner by uniting an inner sleeve made of an elastic rubber, and an outer sleeve made of an elastic rubber, each including a reinforcing material embedded therein, at a plurality of adhering circumferentially spaced longitudinal contact portions of the inner and outer sleeves, and introducing gas into non-adhering portions formed between adjacent adhering portions of the inner and outer sleeves to form cavities filled with the gas by the deformation of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A thrust coupling connects the stern of a pushed vessel with the bow of a pushing vessel, allowing relative movement of the vessels about a vertical axis. A pair of elongated flexible ropes extend between the vessels, one on each side, and they each have one end portion connected to the pushed vessel and another end portion which is connected to one of a pair of coaxial winch drums that are rotatably mounted on the pushing vessel in the region of the stern of the latter. The end portion of one rope is convoluted about one of the drums in one direction and the end portion of the other rope is convoluted about the other drum in the opposite direction. A drive is provided which permits the drums to be jointly rotated, or individually rotated, at the option of a user.