Abstract: A floating weir assembly for controlling the discharge of fluid from a fluid reservoir. The weir assembly includes a buoyant body preferably comprising a sidewall surrounding a central bottom opening. A weir is provided on the inside surface of the sidewall, and a gauge is provided on the opposite side of the sidewall's inside surface. The sidewall may provide a ballast chamber for holding ballast, such as sand. By adjusting the amount of the ballast, the depth to which the body is submerged can be varied. By distributing the sand circumferentially, the body can be leveled in the fluid to ensure accuracy of the weir. Because the sidewall is partially submerged, undesirable surface matter, such as oil and debris, is prevented from entering the weir. While there are many applications for this floating weir assembly, a preferred application is in the field of sewage treatment systems.

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 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: An improved system and method for storing and conveying (e.g. towing) fluids are provided. In general, the system comprises a collapsible fluid container 100 with an elongate shape and a first and a second end; a flexible fluid conduit 400 fixedly attached to the front end of the container; towing/mooring means 420, 440 attached to said conduit; retarder/mooring means 310, 320 attached to said container second end; and container retrieval, storage and deployment means 910, 911.

Abstract: An oil storage vessel (10) comprises a hull (12) of generally tubular form having a double wall defining one or more ballast chambers (14). The orientation of the hull (12) relative to water in which it is floated is controllable by adjusting the content of some or all of the ballast chambers (14). Thus, by suitable manipulation of the ballast chambers (14) the barge (10) may be caused to float generally horizontally, that is, with its longitudinal axis parallel to the surface of the water. In this position, it is particularly useful for transportation of the hull contents. Alternatively, the hull (12) may, be manipulation of the ballast chambers (14) be arranged with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the surface of the water so that it can be used for collection and storage of liquids such as oil.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for constructing an offshore platform by mating a self-floating deck structure with a self-floating substructure. The self-floating deck structure may be a floating pier or barge, on which the desired equipment has been mounted. Mating is achieved by at least partially submerging the substructure, positioning the pier or barge above it, and deballasting the substructure to create a vertical bearing force between the substructure and the pier or barge. Horizontal force may be transmitted between the deck and substructure by a variety of mechanical, structural, and magnetic means.

Abstract: A sea faring transshipper for transferring cargo from a bulk carrier to a secondary vessel comprises a pair of units provided with mutually engaging connectors for connecting the units together along a direction of travel of the transshipper. Each unit comprises a pair of spaced buoyant vessels, a platform supported by the buoyant vessels in a raised position above the buoyant vessels through wall members extending upwardly from the buoyant vessels and a hull contacting member extending between the buoyant vessels for contacting the underside of a bulk carrier being unloaded. The platform, wall members and hull contacting member define an opening for surrounding the bulk carrier being unloaded. The transshipper also includes a ballasting system for maintaining the hull contacting member in contact with the hull of the bulk carrier being unloaded. A method of unloading cargo from a bulk carrier using the transshipper is also provided.

Abstract: A novel barge structure for transporting fresh water from one marine environment location to another is described having critical parameters. The barge is constructed of flexible material and preferably is filled to less than 50 percent of its capacity, typically greater than about 25,000 tonnes, so as to float with flat upper and lower surfaces and to have a relatively shallow depth as compared with its length and width. The flexible nature of the structure enables waves to be accommodated without significant stresses which otherwise would require the use of high strength materials. A system of heavy straps acts to prevent propagating rips and to distribute the concentrated tow force over the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transporting fluent cargoes through liquid are provided, the apparatus including one or more units arranged in substantially linear alignment, in which at least one of the units includes two or more non-internally reinforced containers close-coupled in a side-by-side manner.

Abstract: A hollow plastic body, particularly a plastic ball, has antistatic properties and a melting temperature above that found in floating covers of petrochemical storage tanks, therefore, enabling use of the body in flotation of oil tank covers without danger of melting and without danger of developing a static charge followed by subsequent hazardous discharge. The balls are constructed of a non-foamed high-density plastic resin, HDPE (high density polyethylene), mixed with an antistatic additive or agent. The antistatic agent is effective to convert the electrically insulating plastic to an electrically conductive material which does not develop a static electrical charge. Only a relatively small amount of the antistatic agent, less than one percent by weight, is sufficient to provide the desired antistatic property to ball while having no more than a minimal effect on the melting temperature, thereby to retain the integrity of the flotation in the presence of the elevated temperature.

Abstract: A marine terminal has a cargo crane for directly transferring cargo between two marine vessels or between a marine vessel and a land-side vehicle. The marine terminal may comprise a wharf having a docking side along which marine vessels dock, and a cargo crane movable lengthwise along the wharf for directly transferring cargo from a vessel docked alongside the wharf to a land-side vehicle, such as railcars or trucks. The marine terminal may comprise a pier having opposed docking sides, and a cargo crane movable lengthwise along the pier for directly transferring cargo from a vessel docked along one docking side of the pier to a vessel docked along the other docking side of the pier.

Abstract: A deep draft semi-submersible offshore structure suitable for conducting mineral exploration and production operations in deep waters of the oceans. The structure uses three or more caissons or columns equidistantly spaced from adjacent columns. The weight distribution and provision of liquid or solid permanent balance in the lower ends of each column make the structure stable without reliance upon water line displacement or tendons, as compared to conventional vessels. The center of gravity of the structure is maintained below its center of buoyancy, thus imparting an inherent absolute stability to the structure. The columns are retained in spaced relationship to each other by a plurality of horizontal braces or a combination of horizontal braces and diagonal braces. The major part of the structure is positioned below the water surface at sufficient depth to minimize the reaction to surface changes, thereby greatly reducing heave and angular response to surface wave action.

Abstract: A floatable fuel tank that is capable of serving as a barge or lifeboat/dingy. Tank comprises a plurality of bladders with each having a fuel chamber and air chamber running longitudinally from stern to a forward bladder. If used as a fuel storage device, tank is attached to boat using towing lines and fuel lines so boat consumes fuel held by fuel chambers. In emergency situations, tank is capable of use as a lifeboat by detaching towing lines, air lines and fuel lines and pumping fuel out of fuel chambers with air so that persons may reside on top of tank. Under normal conditions in this configuration, it could be used as a dingy for normal transportation to and from a boat at anchor.

Abstract: A maritime dock structure including a plurality of hollow modules each having a buoyancy force associated therewith. A plurality of anchors are coupled to the modules and embedded in an underwater bed. Each anchor opposes the buoyancy force of its associated module as well as lateral forces and load forces directed into the underwater bed.

Abstract: A novel barge structure for transporting fresh water from one marine environment location to another is described having critical parameters. The barge is constructed of flexible material and preferably is filled to less than 50 percent of its capacity, typically greater than about 25,000 tonnes, so as to float with flat upper and lower surfaces and to have a relatively shallow depth as compared with its length and width. The flexible nature of the structure enables waves to be accommodated without significant stresses which otherwise would require the use of high strength materials. A system of heavy straps acts to prevent propagating rips and to distribute the concentrated tow force over the bag.

Abstract: Improvements to a ring pontoon semisubmersible vessel. The centerlines of the corner columns ar displaced with respect to the axial centerlines of the forward and aft portions of the ring pontoon. Additionally, the centerlines of the corner columns may be displaced with respect to the axial centerlines of the starboard and port portions of the ring pontoon. The superstructure deck may be supported by radial braces extending from the ring pontoon to locations on the superstructure deck which are inward of the ring pontoon.

Abstract: An automated marine refueling facility for effecting marine fueling transactions includes a buoyant platform that is adapted to float above a water level in a body of water such as a lake and a storage tank that is mounted to said platform for storing a quantity of fuel. A pumping system is provided for permitting a customer to refuel a boat from fuel that is extracted from said storage tank. The pumping system is grounded so as to avoid electrical discharges. This facility is advantageous in that it permits a fueling transaction to be performed without an excess of unprotected piping between the storage tank and the boat, thereby reducing the potential for accidents and marine pollution.

Abstract: A ship has a stern with a facility for docking and undocking tenders. Preferably, the facility is a rearwardly opening bay in the stern of the ship which has a hoist therein. Alternatively, the hoist projects rearwardly from the stern. In practicing the invention, tenders shuttle between the ship and shore while docking and undocking from the ship while the ship is underway. Since the ship is underway, a relatively flat sea is created in the wake of the ship which allows the tenders approaching the stern of the ship to dock and undock while floating in either the flat sea or in a calm pond within the bay.

Abstract: The method of moving fresh water via the sea, that includes providing a bag to float in the sea, and filling fresh water into the bag at a fill location; towing the bag in the sea, to a fresh water removal location; providing an apparatus floating in the sea at the location and having a sump, and transferring fresh water from the bag to the sump; providing a floating fresh water transfer duct to extend from the location to a water-receiving point, and transferring fresh water from the sump to the water-receiving point by flowing the fresh water through the floating transfer duct; and towing the bag from which fresh water has been transferred away from the water removal location for reuse as by fresh water refilling into the bag.

Abstract: Flexible fabric barges are connected together in a string for towing. The barges are interconnected by fabric sleeves which have zipper connections. A fabric towing cone is zipper connected to the lead barge. Each barge includes an elongated opening that allows cargo to be efficiently discharged from the barge. The elongated opening can be a circumferentially elongated opening that divides the barge into front and rear sections or the elongated opening can be a longitudinal opening which divides the barge into right and left sections.

Abstract: A flexible barge containing fresh water is unloaded on a dry dock which is gradually raised from a submerged condition as the fresh water is pumped out of the barge. The deck of the dry dock is formed with a basin adjacent one end thereof and the dry dock is tilted near the end of the unloading operation so that water will drain in the barge toward the basin and collect in the barge in the basin to be pumped out.

Abstract: A floatable cooler device including a hull, the hull having a forward storage compartment, a central cooler compartment and a fuel compartment below the cooler compartment and to the rear thereof. The device is tri catamaran-shaped at both the forward end or bow thereof and the rear end or stern thereof.

Abstract: Flexible fabric barges are connected together in a string for towing. The barges are interconnected by fabric sleeves which have zipper connections. A fabric towing cone is zipper connected to the lead barge.

Abstract: A submersible cage system for cultivating aquatic animals comprises a rigid frame defining a geodesic enclosure, a net supported by the rigid frame to define a water permeable enclosure for the aquatic animals, the rigid frame being rotatable about a horizontal axis, flotation chambers disposed at opposite sides of the rigid frame, the flotation chambers being alternately fillable with a gas or a liquid to increase or decrease, respectively, the cage system's buoyancy, and a mooring for anchoring the frame in a fixed position in a marine environment.

Abstract: A system for transferring fluids from a piping system in a ship'hull (2) to a turning device (5) which is rotatably connected thereto, during offshore produciton of oil or gas. The turning device is arranged for being anchored to the sea floor and for connection with at least one flexible riser (12, 13) and with hoses (56, 57, 76, 77), which are connected with the piping system via a manifold (14, 15) for each flow of fluid.In order to permit unlimited mutual rotation of the turning device and the hull, sets of first coupling halves (54, 55, etc.) are provided along the periphery of the turning device (5), and are connected with manifolds (14, 15).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural form consisting of a hollow member (48) with alternate convex (32) and unstiffened concave (34) surfaces and an internal framing arrangement (36) required to support such a structure such that it is capable of resisting external pressure. This structural configuration reduces the weight and simplifies the construction of such structures in relation to conventional stiffened fixed curvature cylindrical external pressure vessels. Use of such forms is envisaged particularly where external pressure is the dominant loading, for example in the offshore marine and subsea environments.

Abstract: An on-board oil disposal and recovery system for emergency response to an oil spill comprising one or a plurality of wheeled oil disposal bladders, one or a plurality of bladder support brackets disposed about the periphery of the vessel and means to interconnect the oil transfer system of the vessel and a bladder of the system.

Abstract: A floating raceway includes a raceway portion formed of a tough and flexible film material to define a space for accommodating water, and a floating bank portion surrounding the raceway portion for imparting buoyancy to the raceway portion and shutting off the interior of the raceway portion from the exterior. Therefore, the raceway stays afloat on the water surface to allow water in the raceway portion to be transported. The raceway portion can be set afloat on the water by way of the floating bank portion. Therefore, it can be advantageously employed to transport water. By a similar arrangement it is possible to provide a floating water storage tank so that a large amount of water can be made available at sea.

Abstract: A vessel is provided, adapted for operating at the surface of the ocean, useful for a combination of functions, including providing food, fiber for clothing, living space, fresh water, transportation, and domestic energy for at least one person, as well as excess energy, food, fiber and fresh water for sale. The vessel comprises at least two hulls coupled with streamlined struts, the upper hull vertically aligned with the lower, the lower hull being fully submerged and the upper hull being fully unsubmerged, and both hulls having substantially the same volume. The vessel is stabilized by a combination of passive lift and stabilization surfaces while the vessel is in motion, and laterally mounted stabilization reservoirs for use when the vessel is not moving. The vessel is controlled and stabilized against wave-generated motion by a combination of actively controllable moveable surfaces, and is propelled by a sail and a water propellor.

Abstract: This invention teaches that when a section of a tanker is damaged, the ship being far from shore-based help, it is imperative that the liquid cargo be transferred from the ruptured tank to an undamaged tank on the ship as quickly as possible. By doing so, the contents of the damaged tank are less likely to escape in a sufficiently voluminous quantity to seriously befoul the environment. To that end, a normally-empty emergency holding tank is provided on the ship with means to provide for emergency transfer of the liquid cargo from the damaged section into the emergency holding tank. At the same time, the ruptured tank is enshrouded by a flexible barrier curtain to entrap whatever liquid cargo that may have leaked from the damaged tank.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel floating storage facility for fluid-like materials which can be used to store products in a water related environment. The floating storage facility module includes a waterproof pressure compensating diaphragm which is suitable for retaining a fluid-like product within the diaphragm, and (b) a flotation collar associated with the diaphragm to enable the diaphragm to be immersed in a designated manner in the body of water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing excess electricity generated during off-peak periods. The electricity is used to run compressors which compress the air in a plurality of stages. The air is cooled after each stage to remove the heat of enthalpy. The air is stored in bags on the bottom of the sea. To recover the energy, the compressed air is run through turbines and the heat removed during compression is reintroduced.

Abstract: A semi-submersible marine craft for operation on the surface or in a semi-submerged condition has a pair of spaced parallel tubular water ballast floats disposed horizontally on either side of a vertical middle plane. The floats are disposed symmetrically relative to a central nacelle incorporating the power unit for propelling the craft and comprising a watertight cabin for the passengers. Control apparatus are provided for submerging and surfacing the craft, and the necessary control and safety apparatus for operating the craft. The floats and the nacelle have a frame structure made of an assembly of stainless steel sections which are covered by a skin of synthetic material. The nacelle has a cabin with a transparent semi-spherical front portion and side windows. On top of the cabin is hingedly mounted a dome for entry into the craft. Releasable ballast are disposed under the nacelle.

Abstract: A catamaran and related hull configuration. The hull of the current invention has two generally curved indentations which run most of the length of the hull. Running down the center of the underside of the hull, and separating the two indentations, is a slightly elongated keel section. While the hull is moving through the water the indentations act as hydrofoils, lifting the hull out of the water and reducing the water resistance. At the same time the elongated keel provides stability. The hull may be incorporated into a catamaran which easily collapses for storage and transportation, or for use as a fishing boat.

Abstract: A modular offshore hydrocarbon production, storage, and loading system, which includes an assembly of cylinders rigidly connected together, with the cylinders including at least one metal floatation cylinder adapted to occupy a vertical position in use. A bottom of the cylinder is situated below a level of the water and a floatation cylinder surrounded by several metal peripheral cylinders which descend below the floatation cylinder and define, with the bottom of the floatation cylinder, a free space for accommodating at least one member for rigidifying the system. The peripheral cylinders include metal oil storage cylinders, with the storage being effected on a water column communicating with the water surrounding the system, and metal ballast cylinders or parts of cylinders filled with oil, water, air or inert gas.

Abstract: A semisubmersible water surface navigation ship with even draft comprising at least two lower hulls, which can be submerged under water to reduce resistance and have a shape affording low friction resistance, and which are equipped with lifting and diving planes, at the bow and stern parts, and an upper hull above the water surface being connected to the lower hulls by way of water breakers. In order to keep an even draft or trim during navigation, the lifting/diving force capacity of the lifting and diving planes is designed to be greater than the buoyancy change of the water breakers owing to loads such as waves and wind. Steering rudders, propellers and water ballast tanks are installed in order to cause the ship to navigate or lie to under any one of a shallow draft state, a semisubmerged state and a deep submerged state. The upper hull is provided with superstructures with sufficient reserve buoyancy for maintaining the stability of the ship under the deep submerged state.

Abstract: A vessel includes two or more barge form hulls disposed apart vertically one above the other and multiple spaced connecting structural members rigidly inter-connecting the hulls with a gap therebetween. The upper hull provides the necessary buoyancy to support the vessel with the other hull or hulls flooded with sea water and/or other liquids. Waves acting on the vessel may cause a water flow in the space between the hulls and the wave energy may be at least partially dissipated by the action of the water flow between the hulls and on the connecting members.

Abstract: A modular offshore hydrocarbon production storage, and loading system, which includes an assembly of cylinders rigidly connected together, with the cylinders including at least one metal floatation cylinder adapted to occupy a vertical position in use. A bottom of the cylinder is situated below a level of the water and a floatation cylinder surrounded by several metal peripheral cylinders which descend below the floatation cylinder. The peripheral cylinders include metal oil storage cylinders, with the storage being effected on a water column communicating with the water surrounding the system, and metal balast cylinders or parts of cylinders filled with oil, water, air or inert gas.

Abstract: A drilling, production and oil storage caisson for use in deep water offshore well operations in which the caisson has such a deep draft that its bottom end is subject only to minimal excitation forces caused by wave, wind and current acting on the caisson, the caisson including a plurality of oil storage compartments, a plurality of water ballast compartments above said oil storage compartments, a through axial passageway through said compartments; a riser system including a plurality of riser pipes in concentric circular arrangement within the through passageway or center well, each of the riser pipes being supported and tensioned by a buoyant flotation unit connected thereto; a drill string extending axially through said passageway between said riser pipes; and mooring lines connected to the bottom portion of the caisson extending therefrom with relatively low scope of 1:1 or less and providing a small watch circle for anchors for said mooring lines, the mooring lines being tensioned so that the mooring li

Abstract: A sea-shipping system includes one or more substantially spherical vessels which may be towed behind a water going vehicle. The vessels are submergible for storage purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering viscous fluid such as asphalt, which utilizes an elongated insulated buoyant housing with an elongated heating element disposed therein. The heating element extends through the elongated housing and out at an open end thereof to heat the viscous fluid. A pump located at a second end of the elongated housing is utilized to draw the heated viscous fluid through the housing. The insulated nature of the housing concentrates the output of the heating element into the fluid within the housing and prevents heat loss.

Abstract: A submerged multi-purpose facility is optimally located with respect to lateral forces and hydrostatic forces. Lateral force readings are first observed for the geographic location under consideration at a plurality of depths. From these readings, a lateral force curve is developed which is exponential in shape. The mid-range of this curve and just below the mid-range are the depths where the facility is ideally to be located. The facility can then be structured with respect to wall strength to withstand the hydrostatic forces at the depth location determined by the above technique.

Abstract: A stabilized spar buoy construction for deep sea operations including an elongated submerged hull having a selected volume and a selected water plane area, mooring lines connecting the bottom portions of the hull with the sea bottom, said hull having oil storage chambers and variable ballast chambers to establish and maintain a constant center of gravity of the spar buoy at a selected distance below the center of buoyancy of the spar buoy, a riser system extending through a through passage-way in the hull, a riser float chamber having pitch oscillations of the same amplitude as the hull and maintaining tension on the riser system and minimizing pitch motions therein, the bending stresses in the riser system between the sea floor and the riser float chamber being minimized by maintaining a selected constant distance between the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy under different load conditions of the spar buoy, said variable ballast chambers in the hull extending above the oil storage chambers.

Abstract: A buoyant marine storage vessel for fluids, such as oil, includes a flexible containment bag having at least a controllable inlet and outlet for fluids and a wire rope cage for the bag which is attached to the bag in such a manner that emptying of the fluid content of the bag is enabled by the buoyant pressure of water in which the vessel is located. The vessel can be anchored at a desired location and may include a buoyant support and protective frame having sections articulated on two perpendicular axes. Clusters of vessels may be created for storing large volumes of fluid with economy.

Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore platform comprises an operating deck carried by four cylindrical columns supported by a pontoon structure comprising four-sided boxes formed into a square ring. Each pontoon box is subdivided into two compartments by a longitudinal centerline bulkhead, the compartments being further subdivided into tanks by transverse bulkheads. Tanks outside the centerline bulkheads are used for ballast water, and tanks inside the centerline bulkheads are used to store the oil produced.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of loading cargo-carrying barges into an ocean-going ship having a self-lowering capability and having facility for flooding at least one cargo-carrying space with water up to a Loading Water Line corresponding with the ballasted water line of the ship. The carrying barges are closed against entry of water, and each barge, such as B1, after being floated into the cargo-carrying space, is upended in the water and conveyed into a storage location where it is retained, for example by retaining rails 42,43. In consequence, a relatively large number of barges can be carried in the storage space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for the ground material removed by a ground working device, for example, a mud plough or a suction device from the bottom of a watercourse. Such a container is known in the form of a compartment trough moved by the tugboat of the mud plough or the hopper barge. A disadvantage of such a container is that it is heavy and hence transportable only with difficulty while it is expensive and cannot be emptied by a simple procedure. The invention has for its object to obviate these disadvantages and provides to this end a container of the kind set forth in the preamble constructed in the form of a flexible bag that can be connected with the ground working device.

Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbon oil having a pour point higher at least than the environmental temperature is loaded into a storage vessel in a state heated up to a temperature above its pour point and is cooled down to a temperature below the pour point to be stored in a solidified form in the vessel. In unloading the heavy hydrocarbon oil stored in the solidified form in the vessel, the upper portion of the oil in the vessel is heated up to a temperature above its pour point, and the successively fluidized oil portions are pumped out of the vessel.

Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbon oil having a pour point higher at least than the environmental temperature is loaded into a storage vessel in a state heated up to a temperature above its pour point and is cooled down to a temperature below the point to be stored in a solidified form in the vessel. In unloading the heavy hydrocarbon oil stored in the solidified form in the vessel, the upper portion of the oil in the vessel is heated up to a temperature above its pour point, and the successively fluidized oil portions are pumped out of the vessel.

Abstract: A hollow reinforced concrete sphere can be used as a container for transporting compressed gas, such as natural gas. Such containers can be interconnected and towed from one place to another by an ocean-going tugboat. Each container is formed with three band-like groups of reinforcing rings. Each group has its reinforcing rings disposed at right angles to the reinforcing rings in the other groups. The inner and outer surfaces of the container walls can be covered with a desired coating. In constructing the containers, they can be built at the water's edge and then rolled into the water.