Abstract: A cylinder stroke system with a laser proximity detector including a pressure containing tube. The pressure containing tube can include a first tube end and a second tube end. A cylinder rod can be movably disposed within the pressure containing tube. The system can also include a piston disposed on the cylinder rod first end; a first fluid port formed in the pressure containing tube; a second fluid disposed within the pressure containing tube; a blind end cap and mount; a laser secured to the pressure containing tube; at least one optic guide; a lens separating the at least one optic guide from the second fluid. The cylinder stroke system can also include a camera in communication with a main controller. The camera can receive the reflection from the piston and convert the reflection into a reflection signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ship or floating support (1) for transporting or storing liquid (3) constituted by a liquefied gas, preferably selected from methane, ethylene, propane, and butane, cooled in at least one large tank (2), preferably a cylindrical tank of polygonal cross-section, that is thermally insulated (2a) and of large size, with at least its smallest dimension in the horizontal direction, in particular its width, being greater than 20 m, preferably lying in the range 25 m to 50 m, and a volume greater than 10,000 m3, said large tank (2) being supported inside the hull (4) of the ship by a carrier structure (11), the ship being characterized in that it includes a plurality of devices for detecting the roughness of the liquid within said large tank(s), said devices being referred to below as “beacons” (5, 5-1, 5-2), and comprising: a) a vibration sensor of the vibratory accelerometer type suitable for measuring the amplitude of the acceleration (g) as a function of time (t) of the vibr

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a maritime vessel that uses a solid or semi-solid material to enclose substantially natural gas storage vessels in the hold of the vessel.

Abstract: A spar hull centerwell arrangement wherein an adjustable buoyancy centerwell device (ABCD) is disposed within the centerwell of the structure. The adjustable buoyancy centerwell device is rigidly connected to the interior walls of the hard tank and defines an adjustable buoyancy centerwell device within the centerwell. The adjustable variable buoyancy unit is a water and airtight buoyancy chamber that allows the interior ballast to be changed as required. This device can also be used as a storage unit for on board fluids and other produced hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A floating oil storage system and associated methods for storing oil are disclosed. In some embodiments, the floating oil storage system includes a storage cell, a floating member disposed within the storage cell, whereby the storage cell is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment disposed below the first compartment, a pump operable to deliver oil under pressure into the first compartment, whereby the first compartment expands and the second compartment contracts expelling seawater from the second compartment, and a suction tank operable to receive oil expelled from the first compartment under hydrostatic pressure of seawater in the second compartment, whereby the first compartment contracts and the second compartment expands receiving seawater.

Abstract: The float structure is constructed with a bottom structure providing buoyancy to the float structure, an upper deck and a number of support columns that connect the bottom structure and the equipment deck which is to be positioned above the surface of the water in which the float is arranged to operate. The float structure is characterised in that at least one of said support columns comprises a liquid storage column which is placed in the middle section of the float structure with the remaining support columns are positioned in the outer sections of the float structure. Active ballast tanks are disposed in the middle section of the bottom structure adjacent the liquid storage column and secondary ballast tanks are disposed in the outer part of the bottom structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system of a deep-draft semi-submersible hydrocarbon, such as for liquefied natural gas (LNG), floating production and storage vessel that can include a pontoon containing hydrocarbon tanks, fixed ballast at the bottom in a double-bottom portion, and segregated ballasted tanks with variable ballast located generally above the fixed ballast portion that can assist in keeping the pontoon submerged during various storage levels. Multiple vertical columnar supports can penetrate the pontoon from top to bottom and extend above the water surface to support a deck, including various topside structures. An intermediate double-deck on the top of the pontoon can provide access to the tanks, for example, through the vertical columnar supports. The double bottom structure, deck, and vertical columnar supports can provide overall structural integrity.

Abstract: An offshore fresh water reservoir disposed a distance from the mouth of a river. The reservoir includes a flotation portion in the salt sea that supports a downwardly extending tubular skirt that defines a barrier. A transverse intermediate-density interface having a bulk density greater than fresh water and less than salt water is provided. The interface floats on the salt water and sinks in fresh water. In an embodiment the interface includes a plurality of balls filled with a liquid having a density corresponding to a mixture of salt water and fresh water. The reservoir is anchored in position, and includes a pumping means. In a reservoir system a curtain assembly directs the fresh water effluent to a floating blanket assembly, which further directs the effluent to a pipe that transports the effluent to the reservoir.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an efficient system to obtain a pile from a storage location on a vessel and shift the pile across the vessel without significant rotation of the pile. The pile can be transferred into an assembly that can lower the pile and launch the pile. The disclosure provides a method of translating and launching a pile for a marine application, comprising: storing at least a first pile on a rack located on a vessel; transporting the pile to an installation site; lifting the pile from the rack with a cart; supporting the pile on the cart; shifting the cart and the pile to a launch arm assembly; transferring the pile from the cart to a first portion of the launch arm assembly adjacent a side of the vessel; lowering the first portion with the pile; and releasing the pile from the first portion into a marine environment.

Abstract: A lightweight towed submersible water transporter and storage system for liquids and solids, which employs a streamlined towable hull with exterior ballast/buoyancy cells and optional air and liquid storage bladders used not only to adjust buoyancy, but to allow the simultaneous transport and storage of different solids and liquids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas composition. The composition contains methane, ethane and propane and butane. The composition contains a substantial amount of butane while being substantially free of hydrocarbon molecules larger than butane.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel (FFCV) including at least one segment made up of a fabric. Two ends of the fabric are beaded and are joined together so as to form a generally cylindrical section. The interface along which the ends of the fabric are joined form a keel that serves to stabilize the completed FFCV when the FFCV is placed in water.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods and techniques by which a wind-powered energy generating platform, secured to an anchor, can pull (or winch) itself beneath the surface of the water and thereby avoid most of the significant effects of storms and waves. In more particularized aspects, a variable-buoyancy anchor is utilized, thereby facilitating the construction and transportation of the entire assembly.

Abstract: A seamless, woven, flexible fluid containment vessel or vessels for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water, having beam stabilizers, beam separators, reinforcing, and the method of making the same.

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving liquefied natural gas (LNG) and delivering vaporized natural gas to a pipeline in fluid communication with onshore equipment and methods for importing LNG. In one embodiment, an open-sea berth import terminal includes a platform, which is fixed to the sea floor and includes two or more sets of berthing structures. LNG carriers berth at the open-sea berth import terminal to transfer LNG to a storage vessel moored at one of the berthing structures. LNG vaporization facilities, either on the storage vessel or the platform, vaporize the LNG prior to delivery to the pipeline. The storage vessel may include a barge or another LNG carrier. In other embodiments, the open-sea berth import terminal may have no storage facilities, but two LNG carriers may berth at the berthing structures to concurrently perform offloading operations, with one transferring LNG and the other performing other offloading operations to enhance operations.

Abstract: A floating oil storage system and associated methods for storing oil are disclosed. In some embodiments, the floating oil storage system includes a storage cell, a floating member disposed within the storage cell, whereby the storage cell is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment disposed below the first compartment, a pump operable to deliver oil under pressure into the first compartment, whereby the first compartment expands and the second compartment contracts expelling seawater from the second compartment, and a suction tank operable to receive oil expelled from the first compartment under hydrostatic pressure of seawater in the second compartment, whereby the first compartment contracts and the second compartment expands receiving seawater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas composition. The composition contains methane, ethane and propane and butane. The composition contains a substantial amount of butane while being substantially free of hydrocarbon molecules larger than butane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the method comprises the steps of: placing a hull in a body of water, the hull comprising an opening for receiving an end piece, the end piece constituting at least a portion of the side wall; lowering the hull into the body of water, and connecting a deck structure to the hull to form a semi-submersible unit. The present invention also relates to a kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the kit comprises hull comprising an opening and a deck structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to a semi-submersible unit constructed according to the method and/or from a kit according to the present invention.

Abstract: An embodiment of a launch/recovery device for both surface and underwater vehicles includes a plurality of driven wet-traction members arranged to form a low drag (e.g., water flow-through) ramp design. The wet-traction members provide traction even when wet between the water vehicle and the launch/recovery device. As a result of utilizing driven wet-traction members, the use of conventional hoists, special capture devices such as hooks and tow lines, and personnel located within the water to attach the capture devices to the water vehicle is eliminated. The wet-traction members provide both strength and flexibility to the launch/recovery device. That is, while the wet-traction members are strong enough to support the weight of the water vehicle, they are at the same time flexible enough to deflect a distance (e.g., about 6 to 15 inches) to accommodate a soft landing of the water vehicle on the ramp, while providing recovery forces and motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system of a deep-draft semi-submersible liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating production and storage vessel that can include a pontoon containing LNG tanks, fixed ballast at the bottom in a double-bottom portion, and segregated ballasted tanks with variable ballast located generally above the fixed ballast portion that can assist in keeping the pontoon submerged during various storage levels. Multiple vertical columnar supports can penetrate the pontoon from top to bottom and extend above the water surface to support a deck, including various topside structures. An intermediate double-deck on the top of the pontoon can provide access to the tanks, for example, through the vertical columnar supports. The double bottom structure, deck, and vertical columnar supports can provide overall structural integrity.

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

Abstract: A lightweight towed submerged water transporter and storage system for liquids and solids, which employs a streamlined towable hull with optional air and liquid storage bladders used not only to adjust buoyancy, but to allow the simultaneous transport and storage of different solids and liquids.

Abstract: A floating hydrocarbon treating plant containing a vessel having a hull and a deck and having tanks located below the deck for storing hydrocarbons, and a plant for treating hydrocarbons located at the deck of the vessel is provided. The plant for treating hydrocarbons includes spaced-apart modules, wherein each module has related plant equipment mounted on a module floor, and the modules rest on closed support girders that extend under the module in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the deck, and wherein the module floor is secured to one of the closed support girders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for delivery of commercial cargo containers shore side without container terminals. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. These improvements allow the containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, to approach a shore autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location and in a specific order of arrival, thereby reducing the number of cargo handlers required, speeding the delivery process to the shore, and eliminating the need for high-technology pier-side equipment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a buoyant fluid comprising a liquid and a plurality of rigid containers, the rigid containers each having a sealed void containing a gas. A particular use is to transport heavy objects subsea. The gas in the rigid containers provides buoyancy but does not compress at different subsea pressures. Therefore effective buoyancy control subsea is much easier compared to known methods. For certain embodiments, a secured supply container may be provided subsea to supply the liquid and rigid containers to a lifting device having a container therefor and an attachment mechanism secured to the object being transported. The liquid is preferably a biodegradable substance such as vegetable oil.

Abstract: A system for the storage of crude oil, natural gas and/or refined petroleum products at an offshore location includes a group of tanker vessels or concrete structures on the ocean floor attached to a manifold. The manifold is connected to sources of crude oil, natural gas and/or refined petroleum products. Each vessel includes a security system and a moving arrangement which allows the vessel to weathervane in response to wind and wave forces.

Abstract: A floating terminal for offloading an LNG carrier vessel in the sea. The floating terminal of open frame construction is moored toward its front end with a rotatable mooring arrangement so that the terminal may weathervane in response to environmental forces. Marine thrusters are provided at the aft end of the terminal for swinging the terminal away from and back toward a line defined by the path toward the terminal of an approaching LNG carrier. Offloading equipment and heat exchangers are provided on a deck of the floating structure. When an LNG carrier vessel approaches the terminal, the thrusters swing the floating terminal away from the carrier vessel approach line while a hawser at the front end of the terminal pulls the vessel close to the terminal. The floating terminal swings back toward the carrier vessel in response to operating the marine thrusters in an opposite direction until the carrier vessel and floating terminal are side-by-side.

Abstract: A submersible surface-planing vessel has the capability to operate with a lowered profile on surface propulsion to lessen the visibility of the vessel, and sink to the bottom for temporary storage, followed by resurfacing and dewatering to operate as a planing craft. Surface propulsion is provided by an engine system which can be totally sealed when the vessel submerges. A buoyancy system, which may include both open and closed ballast tanks, permit the vessel to sink, refloat or to be of neutral buoyancy as required. The vessel is constructed to maintain the center of buoyancy above the vessel's center of gravity irrespective of the degree of fill of the ballast tanks to maintain the vessel in an upright orientation at all times when under water and transitioning between surface and submerged states.

Abstract: A tank installation for the storage of liquids, especially oil in a floating storage or production installation, including a number of tanks which are connected to pipe systems for supply of liquid to or removal of liquid from the tanks. The installation includes a central section around which the tanks are arranged in such a manner that each tank has an inner sidewall portion bordering on the central section, and the pipe systems are arranged in the central section and include radially extending pipe lengths that are connected to respective tanks.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to large waterborne, towed flexible fluid containment vessels for the transportation of cargo comprising a fluid or fluidisable material and a method of fabricating the vessels. The flexible fluid containment vessel includes an impervious, elongated flexible tubular structure comprised of fabric having a first circumference. The vessel also includes a sealed front end and rear end and a means for filling and emptying the vessel of cargo. The front end or the rear end of the tubular structure is formed by weaving, knitting or braiding in such a manner to have a taper that terminates in a second circumference that is less than the first circumference.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hull with a four-cycle engine installed thereon can perform engine stop processing by quickly detecting a turnover state of the hull while suppressing a turnover determination delay due to noise superposition. The apparatus includes a turnover determination part that determines, based on a detection signal from a turnover detection switch, whether the hull is in a turnover state, and an engine stop part that stops the engine upon determination of a final hull turnover state. The turnover determination part increments a detection ratio counter each time a detection signal indicative of a hull turnover state is input thereto, counts up a continuous turnover counter each time the detection ratio counter value indicates a predetermined determination ratio value or above. When the continuous turnover counter value reaches the predetermined determination value or above, the turnover determination part determines that the hull is in the final turnover state.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel fabricated out of a fabric for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water, having a tapered front and/or rear portions on which an end portion is affixed in the form of a clamping mechanism sealing the same.

Abstract: Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy is a new approach to oil and gas platform design with superior construction and performance characteristics compared to state-of-art off-shore drilling and production platforms. Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy platforms capitalize on low cross sectional area of the portion of the platform exposed to waves. The low cross sectional area reduces buoyancy forces that result from vertical platform movement, enabling the platform to oscillate at a low natural frequency. The low cross sectional area also minimizes the cyclical vertical forces induced by waves. Compare to current designs, application of the Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy concept will result in a lower natural frequency of oscillation, lower overall weight of platform, or both. Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy offers an attractive alternative with improved platform stability, fatigue considerations, lower construction and installation costs, and shorter implementation schedule.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for delivery of commercial cargo containers shore side without container terminals. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. These improvements allow the containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, to approach a shore autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location and in a specific order of arrival, thereby reducing the number of cargo handlers required, speeding the delivery process to the shore, and eliminating the need for high-technology pier-side equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating structure to receive maritime production or drilling installations that is provided with means to reduce movement caused by the action of environmental forces on it. These means confer a more stable behavior on the structure's movements.

Abstract: An offshore hydrocarbon production system in which gases are economically stored for transport. After the produced hydrocarbons are separated into liquid (crude oil) and gases, the gases are separated into heavy and light gases. The heavy gases, which consist primarily of propane and butane, are stored as LPG (liquid petroleum gas) in a refrigerated LPG tank. The light gases (methane and other light gases) are hydrated and the ice crystals are stored in a refrigerated hydrate tank.

Abstract: A fuel depot and method autonomously and clandestinely provide fuel for transiting ships. An elongate streamlined flexible bladder member has flexible hull walls and divider walls separated by uniform spaces to form fuel compartments having a fuel valve and fuel pump. The bladder member can transit submerged to a remote destination. A fuel and water tight composition in and along the spaces prevent fuel and water leaks to ambient water and between the compartments. A submersible propulsion system has propulsive machinery and steering gear for towing the bladder member. A command/control system on the submersible propulsion system generated and couples driving signals to the propulsion system to tow and steer the bladder member to the remote destination using the preprogrammed computer, inertial navigation system (INS), global positioning system (GPS), and RF transceiver of the command/control system.

Abstract: A marine buoy for the offshore support of subsea production and drilling activities that has a closed-bottomed base section with a solid ballast and variable ballast chambers, a chamber in the base section for storing equipment and supplies, and an upper section with a smaller cross-sectional area than the base section having an elevator shaft leading from the top of the upper section to the chamber in the base section. The upper section supports a deck for housing process equipment for operations that the marine buoy is supporting.

Abstract: A seamless, woven, flexible fluid containment vessel or vessels for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water, having beam stabilizers, beam separators, reinforcing, and the method of making the same.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel or vessels fabricated out of segments of fabric clamped together for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel fabricated out of fabric for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water, having tapered front and/or rear portions formed out of the intermediate tubular structure, including a method of making the same.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel fabricated out of fabric for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water, having tapered front and/or rear portions formed out of the intermediate tubular structure, including a method of making the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for transporting fresh water by sea. Said container comprises a flexible covering (3) for receiving fresh water and a pulling device joined to the covering (3) and made of a tubular support body (2) which is used for coupling bridle lines (6). The aim of the invention is to enable the container to be quickly filled and emptied whereby the tubular retaining body (2) is at least partially enclosed by the flexible covering (3) and filling and emptying openings (12) arranged in the tubular retaining body (2) open directly into the space enclosed by the flexible covering (3). The invention also relates to a method for filling or emptying said container.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel or vessels fabricated out of spirally wound strips of fabric for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water, having beam stabilizers, beam separators, reinforcing, and the method of making the same.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for sea transport of liquids including a first enclosure, an at least partially flexible second enclosure disposed within the first enclosure and being adapted when filled, to generally fill the first enclosure, one of the first and second enclosures being a light liquid enclosure and the other of the first and second enclosures being a sea water enclosure, a light liquid port coupled to the light liquid enclosure for selectably filling it with a liquid lighter than sea water and a sea water port coupled to the sea water enclosure for selectably allowing sea water to fill it, thereby causing light liquid to be expelled against the force of gravity from the light liquid enclosure.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel or vessels fabricated out of Segments of fabric clamped together for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and conveying (e.g. towing) fluids. The system includes a collapsible fluid container with an elongate shape and a first and a second end. A flexible fluid conduit is fixedly attached to the front end of the container. A towing/mooring device is attached to the conduit. A retarder/mooring device is attached to the container second end. The system also includes container retrieval, storage and deployment devices.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel fabricated out of fabric for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water, with the fabric being made from coated thermoplastic yarns or fiber such that its respective sides have coatings so formed thereon that are different from each other or the fabric is coated with voids such that its overall density of the coated fabric is less than 1 g/cm3 allowing it to float.

Abstract: A flexible fluid containment vessel or vessels fabricated out of spirally wound strips of fabric for transporting and containing a large volume of fluid, particularly fresh water, having beam stabilizers, beam separators, reinforcing, and the method of making the same.