Abstract: The ferry boat has a rectangular main deck with superstructure above and hull structure below. The superstructure is essentially rectangular in all views and has one or more decks with a plurality of traffic lanes on each deck in addition to those on the main deck. The lanes are straight and parallel and there are no deck-to-deck ramps. The hull structure has two sidewalls, one along each of the long sides of the main deck and two dams, one at each end of the main deck. The dams extend between the sidewalls and have vertical aft surfaces and front surfaces which slope downward and aft. The lower extremities of the sidewalls are further from the main deck than the apexes of the dams. The volume enclosed by the sidewalls, dams, main deck and water surface is filled with entrapped air which will compress to provide a major part of the support of the boat. There are two hydrofoils, one forward, one aft and extending between the sidewalls. Each foil is supported from the deck structure by several struts.

Abstract: The subject system includes a ramp subsystem and a mooring subsystem and is intended for use with multi deck ferry boats with ramp service directly to each deck. The ramp subsystem is carried on a float which is connected to the shore by a ramp hinged to the shore and to the float. A second ramp is hinged on the float and is adjustable to serve each deck of a multi deck boat in sequence. In an alternate embodiment there are as many decks on the float as there are decks on the boats and no adjustment is needed. The mooring subsystem involves mechanism which connects an end of the boat to the float and allows lateral translation of the boat relative to the float, enabling the boat to be moored at one location on the float for unloading and to be moved to a second location for loading. This allows for one boat to be loading while a second is unloading simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an unpowered watercraft which is releasably fastenable to an engine-powered jet-ski-type watercraft, a combination of the unpowered and engine-powered watercraft. The invention includes an L-shaped, pivotally-mounted transom connected to a U-shaped hull defining a completely open area into which a jet-ski-type watercraft will snugly fit. The pivotally-mounted transom is movable between a raised position for placing a jet-ski-type watercraft within the open area of the U-shaped hull, and a lowered locking position wherein the transom securely retains the jet-ski-type watercraft within the open area. The seating area of the jet-ski-type watercraft is available for passenger seating when the jet-ski-type watercraft is fastened to the U-shaped hull.

Abstract: A launching ramp for boats, float planes and the like has several ramp segments that are in normal use of the ramp, generally aligned and sloping downwardly into a body of water. To enable the easy removal of the ramp from the body of water, the ramp segments are hinged and equipped with stops so that when a cable is connected to the outermost end of the ramp, pulling in on the cable will pivot the outermost end segment upwardly until the stops limit this pivotal movement with respect to the next segment, whereupon the second segment will pivot upwardly to its stop position and so on. As the cable is drawn in, the ramp is rolled up towards the shore. The installation of the ramp is a reverse process of unrolling the ramp into the water. With appropriate modification the ramp may be used as a roll-up dock.

Abstract: A superport/vessel is disclosed that is capable of quickly and efficiently handling off shore cargo transportation and oil production problems. The super port/vessel is modularly constructed.

Abstract: A hydro-propelled ship is provided which consists of a hull having a double wall, so as to float on a top surface of a body of water. A pair of propulsion turbines are each affixed to a starboard side and a port side of the hull of the ship in a catamaran configuration below the top surface of the body of water. A mechanism is carried within the hull of the ship for generating power to operate each of the propulsion turbines to produce a water jet to propel the ship along the body of water. A pair of adjustable rudders extend downwardly into the body of water from the stern of the hull for steering the ship.

Abstract: Method for launching and recovering a water borne vehicle from a surface ship in water having a turbulent surface while the surface ship is drifting or underway. The water borne vehicle is stored in a portable standard container van which is generally stored on land when not in use and attached to the deck of the surface ship when the vehicle is to be deployed.

Abstract: An Operating At Sea Island Station (OASIS) for deployment in an area of wr a preselected distance from a body of land includes a plurality of discrete, self-sufficient operating units. Each operating unit being operable to perform a specialized function and operable in combination with other units to perform an overall task or mission. The plurality of operating units are dispersed in an area of the open sea measuring up to ten nautical (10) miles on a side. Each of the operating units includes mooring and dynamic positioning systems for maintaining the plurality of operating units in spaced apart relation within the OASIS so that any activity taking place relative to one of the operating units may progress without interference from any of the other operating units. If utilized for naval applications, the OASIS may serve as an advanced logistics support base, a critical node base or a forward operating base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for erecting and removing offshore structures including a jacket and a platform is disclosed. The system of the invention includes a platform-lifting unit, a jacket lifting unit, and a control unit. The platform-lifting unit includes a laterally and vertically movable truss member, which is hingedly connected to a barge with lifting beams, and a means for positioning the truss member at desired height and at lateral displacement above the barge. The jacket-lifting unit contains a ballast tank structure connected to a strong back that has a plurality of grappling members. The control unit contains all supporting and controlling systems for the other units. To remove the platform, the truss member of the platform lifting unit is moved underneath the platform, the truss is raised to exert force on the platform, the platform is severed from the jacket, and the platform is moved on top of the barge.

Abstract: An offshore harbor including a first support structure firmly fixed to the sea bed, a first flat slab supported by the first support structure, and a plurality of vertical sidewalls resting on the first slab and being joined together to form a hollow shell which defines an inside portion. The inside portion of the shell houses a portion of the sea, and one of the plurality of vertical sidewalls is provided with an opening so that the inside portion of the hollow shell is in communication with the rest of the sea through the opening. The offshore harbor further includes an assembly of blocks disposed on the first flat slab between an edge thereof and one of the vertical sidewalls. The assembly of blocks includes a plurality of horizontal layers stacked upon each other to form a staircase configuration.

Abstract: An artificial island structure which is constructed on land can be conveyed to and placed in a vertical standing position on an underwater base site by loading the island structure, while horizontal, on a floating buoyant carrier, transporting the carrier with island structure thereon to a large displacement buoyant vessel, journalling one end of the carrier to the vessel, transporting the vessel with carrier and island structure to a position over the underwater base site, ballasting the carrier until it swings to an upright position, suspending the upright island structure from the vessel, disconnecting the carrier from the island structure, and lowering the island structure onto the underwater base site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in production and laying a pipeline or a cable under water, comprising production of the pipeline/cable in a desired length, winding it onto a drum, transporting the drum and laying ramp on board a vessel and laying from the drum while the vessel is moving. Winding onto drum (9) is carried out with the drum being mounted in and carried by a drum carrier (10) on land. At a desired time the drum with wound pipeline is taken on board the vessel (13) by sliding drum carrier (10) on a pier (12) or the like, which in the horizontal plane has an overlapping positional cooperation with the correctly ballasted vessel (13,14) to a position in which drum carrier (10) can be taken over by the vessel (13) by a vertical relative movement between drum carrier (10) and a supporting structure for it on the vessel. Drum carrier (10) can then, if desired, be slid onto a supporting structure (15) to a desired position on the vessel and be made fast there.

Abstract: An apparatus for employing and retrieving a seaborne vehicle having a frable surface includes a muzzle and a cylindrically shaped cocoon. The muzzle is clamped to the vehicle and then pulled by a rope into the cocoon. Bladders within the cocoon are inflated with pressurized air to retain the vehicle. The vehicle can then be safely retrieved by hoisting the cocoon out of the ocean. Vehicle deployment is achieved by placing the vehicle in the cocoon, pressurizing the bladders with air, lowering the cocoon and attendant vehicle into the ocean, exhausting the air from the bladders, and then towing the cocoon so that water passing through apertures in the bow of the cocoon push the vehicle into the open ocean.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a marine superstructure on a vessel floating in a body of water to a working site, placing the semi submersible part of the apparatus into a body of water, lowering the semi submersible into a stable position, moving the marine superstructure from the vessel and onto the semi submersible, elevating the semi submersible with the marine superstructure over the marine structure, lowering the semi submersible vessel and the marine superstructure, causing the marine superstructure to rest on the marine structure, pulling the semi submersible away from the marine structure and marine superstructure and placing the semi submersible back onto the vessel. To remove the marine superstructure from the marine structure and place the marine superstructure onto the vessel the same method is used in reverse.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovery and launch of secondary watercraft such as SALM bases, barges and the like onto and from the deck of a host ship, comprising a pair of elongated inclined skid beam assemblies extending transversely across the host ship defining a pair of parallel skid paths spaced apart longitudinally of the ship, each skid beam assembly comprising a stationary skid beam section and a hinged skid beam section. The stationary skid beam section has a substantially rectilinear skid surface spanning a major portion of the width of the ship's deck and extending in an inclined plane relative to the deck defining a wedge-like skid formation converging toward a side of the vessel for slidably supporting the secondary watercraft during launch and recovery thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out operations under water having a twin hull autonomous submarine which in the space between two pressure hulls is provided with a cargo hold having an apparatus for receiving and carrying cargo units. The compartment between the pressure hulls is outwardly limited by inward hatches in the submarine's hydrodynamic outer hull (form hull). In the hold longitudinal running levels on both of the pressure hulls for at least one traverse crane and at least one cargo carrying wagon, as well as, preferably, a belly manipulator. The apparatus is used to carry out various operations in an underwater production system.

Abstract: The present helicopter deck makes use of a passive fire-fighting system. Extruded aluminum beams on a base support an upper platform for supporting the helicopter. The support beams provide a space between the base and the upper platform. The upper platform is a grating, which permits fuel to pass through it. The support beam support batts of thin, spaced strips of high-heat conductive material below the upper platform. The support beams also supports deck plates below and spaced from the batts. The material of the batts conducts localized heat from one location of the batts to a more even, lower temperature spread generally through the batts. The deck plates catch fuel that passes through the batts and slopes to cause the fuel to flow away from the deck.

Abstract: A system and method for ocean transport of prefabricated offshore structures includes a self-propelled sea-going vessel having a submergible mid deck and one or more raised decks. Ballasting equipment is provided in the vessel for submerging the mid deck to a level at least deep enough to permit the floating of a shallow draft barge over the mid deck. The shallow draft barge carries a prefabricated offshore structure such as a drill jacket. The barge with the offshore structure loaded thereon is floated over the submerged mid deck, and the vessel is then deballasted to raise the mid deck. With the barge lifted out of the water, the barge is fixed to the vessel which may then transport the barge and its cargo over an ocean to any offshore drilling site.

Abstract: A plurality of modules (66) are connected together to define a multi-story annular building (10) of honeycomb cells (C). The cells (C) of the building are hexagonal in cross section and taper horizontally as they extend radially inwardly. A turntable/elevator (36) is located in a shaft opening at or near the center of the building (10). A tunnel (48) extends through a side of the building (10). The building includes flotation cells at its bottom, some of which are air tight. Water is pumped into and out from the others, for regulating the vertical position of the building (10) in a body of water. An annular ring (66) of flotation material extends about the building (10) immediately below the water line. Each cell (C) is reinforced by a reinforcing ring (R1) extending about the girth of the cell (C). The rings (R1) are connected together vertically and horizontally to form a wall (RW1) of rings constituting a basic skeletal part of the building (10).

Abstract: A watercraft stabilizing flotation structure comprising two hulls (23) (25) that surround the outside perimeter of a single-person ski-type powered watercraft to extend the surface area in contact with the water. A seat (36) located at the stern allows the operator to sit during operation of the craft. A removable pin (34) secures the placement of the watercraft at the bow and a pair of straps and buckles (27) hold the hulls (23) and (25) together. The hulls are hollow and watertight providing a flotation chamber for the structure. In another embodiment a set of running lights (48), (50) and (52) are provided for operation in navigable waters. The lights are wired integral with the structure and are energized either by the watercraft's ignition system or an independent battery. A mechanically operated thrust reverser (54) may also be incorporated adjacent to the back of the seat assembly (36), behind the water discharge, to allow the watercraft to reverse direction or add braking capability.

Abstract: An offshore marine structure setting and recovery device and method that can lift great loads offshore. The unit consists of a conventional deck cargo barge fitted with one or more rails running almost the entire length of the barge. A horizontal jacking unit runs along the rail or rails. Pivotally attached to the horizontal jacking unit is an inclined jacking unit that is connected to the grappling arm by a rack and pinion. The grappling arm has attached to it grappling devices that will grab and hold the vertical or inclined members of the marine structure. At one end of the grappling arm is a buoyancy tank that can be filled with either water or air to make the grappling arm and buoyancy tank float or sink. The device will be moved up to a marine structure, clamp itself onto the structure and then pull the structure over. The buoyancy tanks will then be filled with air, transporting the marine structure to the surface. The horizontal jacking unit will then pull the unit up and onto the deck of the barge.

Abstract: A marine vessel for amphibious operations carries a land military vehicle which is secured by a cable and winch arrangement to the deck of the vessel and also positioned by means of a torsion bar. The military vehicle can be moved fore and aft to vary the longitudinal center of gravity of the vessel as a function of water speed so as to a transition the hydrodynamic hump of the vessel to obtain maximum speed with minimum power. The movement of the vehicle is controlled by the vehicle operator who manipulates the recovery winch. The vessel is under the control of the vehicle operator by means of a flexible control cable and a control box which is disposed within the vehicle.

Abstract: A pivotable safety railing for a platform such as a helicopter landing pad is disclosed. The safety railing includes a suitable hand railing of sufficient height to protect a person on the landing pad, and mounted on a pivot shaft extending along an edge of the platform. The pivot shaft allows the railing to pivot downwardly to a horizontal position while a helicopter is landing or taking off, and to pivot upwardly to an upright, or vertical, position, when a helicopter is resting on the landing pad. The pivot shaft is driven by a suitable electric motor which is controlled by sensors located on the landing pad, the sensors causing the pivot shaft to be driven in a direction to move the railing to its horizontal position whenever there is no helicopter present on the pad, and causing the shaft to be driven in a direction to raise the railing to its vertical position whenever a helicopter has landed.

Abstract: A plurality of modules (66) are connected together to define a multi-story annular building (10) of honeycomb cells (C). The cells (C) of the building are hexagonal in cross section and taper horizontally as they extend radially inwardly. A turntable/elevator (36) is located in a shaft opening at or near the center of the building (10). A tunnel (48) extends through a side of the building (10). The building includes flotation cells at its bottom, some of which are air tight. Water is pumped into and out from the others, for regulating the vertical position of the building (10) in a body of water. An annular ring (66) of flotation material extends about the building (10) immediately below the water line. Each cell (C) is reinforced by a reinforcing ring (R1) extending about the girth of the cell (C). The rings (R1) are connected together vertically and horizontally to form a wall (RW1) of rings constituting a basic skeletal part of the building (10).

Abstract: A load moving system, for moving articles such as a helicopter (18) form a port hangar (19a) to a starboard hangar (19b) or vice versa, wherein four trolleys (2 and 13) run on two rails (R) and are cabled to two after winches (3) and two forward winches (14). Vertical roller fairlands (12) act as cable runners. Two control positions (4 and 15) are provided from which the system may be operated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a U-shaped arrangement of floats which are ballastable and deballastable so as to raise and lower their height in the water. On each parallel leg of the float arrangement, are mounted supporting beams that are movable along their longitudinal axes so that they may extend into the center of the U-shaped arrangement of floats and also be retracted therefrom. The device may be used for lifting and transporting large loads by placing the load in the center of the U-shaped arrangement of floats while the floats are ballasted so that they sit low in the water, extending the supporting beams into the center of the arrangement of floats so that they are underneath the load, and then deballasting the floats so that they rise higher in the water while lifting the load.

Abstract: A stable offshore platform for surface or undersea work is provided by connecting a semisubmersible trailer unit with a workboat. Preferably, two columns of the trailer are joined by a beam member or truss, and this assembly is linked to the workboat via a truss-like trailer tongue with a ball swivel joint. When in transit, the semisubmersible unit is deballasted to a shallow draft condition and towed by the workboat.

Abstract: A buoyant plant especially for the off-shore manufacturing of concrete structures, as e.g. oil platforms, comprises two substantially parallel, spaced, elongated side sections 1,2, a roof sections 3 extending from the forward to the backward ends of said sections and connecting the top of said side sections to each other, a stem section connected to the forward ends of said side and roof sections, a substantially rectangular bottom section 5, the forward short side end of which is connected to said stem section and the backward short side end of which is situated spaced apart forwardly of the backward ends of said side sections, said bottom section being connected along its long side ends to the lower parts of said side sections, and a buoyant stern section 6 situated, and connectable and disconnectable, respectively, in the opening between said roof and side sections, said stern section 6 extending from the inner face of one side section to the other.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing or deflecting surface debris (D) from the moorage site of, e.g., a hydrofoil watercraft (5) having a water-jet propulsion system. Debris (D) is diverted away from the hull inlet (72) of the propulsion system and/or cooling water inlets and/or positions proximate the craft (5) which may interfere with the operation of a forward and an aft strut assembly (15,20) by means of a catamaran pontoon (95). The pontoon (95) is provided with an open-ended debris-conducting channel (100) into which surface debris (D) is guided by a pair of fixed debris guides (105B, 105F). A plurality of elevated stand-offs (115) are supported by the pontoon (95) precluding damage to the craft (5) and the accumulation of surface debris (D) proximate the craft (5). Optionally, retractable debris guides (120B, 120F) may be pivotably attached to the guides (105B, 105F) affording the moorage site greater isolation from surface debris (D).

Abstract: Floating platform structure comprising a deck section and a support section supporting the deck section. The floating structure is manufactured in the shape of a trussed girder having an upper chord and a lower chord which are connected with one another by girder members and having a vertical cross section substantially in the shape of a triangle having an apex pointing downwardly, the deck section of the platform structure being provided by the upper chords of the girder. The buoyancy means of the platform structure are found in the upper portions of the girder members and the ballast means in the lower portions of the girder members and optionally in the lower girder chord. The support section comprises groups of at least three girder members each, said members converging from the deck downwardly towards a common point and being fixedly connected with one another in a junction point in or adjacent the convergency point.

Abstract: A helicopter deck (1) preferably for use on offshore oil drilling/production platforms and provided with a fire extinguishing system. The periphery of the deck is provided with a gutter (2) having one, and preferably several, down pipes (3) distributed around the periphery of the deck. Centrally in the deck, water discharge orifices (4) are provided, supplied with water under pressure for flooding the deck surface (5). Control levers (6) are arranged at the periphery of the deck for controlling the supply of water under pressure to the water discharge orifices (4) via valves. On the surface of the deck (5), a grate (7) is provided, preferably subdivided into grate sector units (10') comprising parallel diagonal ribs (8) which together with diagonal ribs in adjacent grate sector units (10') surround the water discharge orifices (4).

Abstract: The derrick barge comprises a pair of laterally spaced elongated hulls having a plurality of upstanding columns spaced therealong supporting a working platform and a heavy duty derrick or crane in spaced relation above the hulls. The hulls bouyantly support the vessel including its deck load in the floating condition with the hulls having freeboard. The hulls have ballast compartments to submerge the hulls and portions of the stabilizing columns to a distance of approximately one-half the effective height of the stabilizing columns to maintain the vessel in a semisubmerged floating condition with the platform and derrick elevated above the waterline. However, the vessel also may be ballasted or deballasted to submerge or emerge to a greater or lesser extent from the semisubmerged condition such that the distance between the mean water surface and either the underside of the deck or top side of the hull is not less than 0.75 of the mean wave height.

Abstract: A boat is disclosed which is particularly adapted for operation in rough seas. It includes a closed support hull, open support structure extending upwardly from the support hull, a deck mounted above the support hull and on the open support structure, a closed stabilizer hull laterally spaced from the support hull, and open connecting structure between the stabilizer hull and the support hull thereby permitting tall waves to pass over the hulls and through the support structures to provide a vessel for transporting motor vehicles, passengers and the like through open, rough seas.

Abstract: A diving bell deployment structure includes a launch tube for a diving bell, the bell having a supporting bell hoist wire. A boom is positioned from the structure to a point vertically above the desired underwater deployment position, and carries a boom hoist wire which is capable of connecting to the bell through the base of the launch tube. Differential pay out of the boom hoist wire and bell hoist wire allows exit of the bell from the launch tube and lateral deployment of the boom and launch tube.

Abstract: The derrick barge comprises a pair of laterally spaced elongated hulls having a plurality of upstanding columns spaced therealong supporting a working platform and a heavy duty derrick or crane in spaced relation above the hulls. The hulls bouyantly support the vessel including its deck load in the floating condition with the hulls having freeboard. The hulls have ballast compartments to submerge the hulls and portions of the stabilizing columns to a distance of approximately one-half the effective height of the stabilizing columns to maintain the vessel in a semisubmerged floating condition with the platform and derrick elevated above the waterline. However, the vessel also may be ballasted or deballasted to submerge or emerge to a greater or lesser extent from the semisubmerged condition such that the distance between the mean water surface and either the underside of the deck or top side of the hull is not less than 0.75 of the mean wave height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and/or unloading water vessels including providing a pair of floating elongate pontoon members and locating the same substantially parallel to and spaced from each other substantially perpendicular to the edge of a dock or quay so as to define an area between the pontoon members for accommodating a water vessel. The vessel which is to be loaded or unloaded is directed between the pontoon members. Mobile crane apparatus is supported on the pontoon members on either side of the vessel and travels along the length of the pontoon members, and has hoisting apparatus which horizontally extends over the width of the vessel. In another embodiment, an elongate pontoon member is located substantially parallel to the edge of the dock or quay defining a vessel accommodating area between them. Mobile crane apparatus is movably supported on the pontoon member and quay on either side of the vessel and has a hoisting apparatus horizontally extending over the width of the vessel.

Abstract: A heavy submersible object is deployed from or retrieved to a floating vessel in rough water. The connection or release point is sufficiently far below the water surface that surface waves have little if any effect on the object. Deployment and retrieval are made to an arm which depends from the vessel and which has a variable stiffness connection, ranging from free-swinging to rigid, to the vessel. Deployment and retrieval are made with the arm free-swinging from the vessel so the arm has no motion due to pitch or roll of the vessel. In retrieval, the connection is progressively stiffened to rigid after the object has been connected to the arm, and the arm is then raised with the retrieved object.

Abstract: A combination floating breakwater and wave energy collecting system in which a pair of joint floating spread wings are provided between which a vessel can be moored. The spread angle of the wings is adjustable and the wings can be jointly swung about their juncture so as to extend from the juncture generally in the direction of wave and wind travel so that the vee-shaped area between the wings is on the lee side. The wings have rows of improved wave energy collecting cells used to drive air turbines coupled to electric generators without intermediate compressed air storage and this energy conversion assists in dampening the wave action in the moorage zone between the wings.

Abstract: A lock means for one end of a tension line for securing said tension line to a subsea installation and particularly for securing one end of an umbilical line carrying hydraulical and electrical control circuits to a subsea installation. A lock means cooperable with a guide and locking cylindrical member secured to the subsea installation, the cylindrical member having a lock dog receiving recess, and a cylindrical locking device receivable within the cylindrical member and secured to the end of the tension line. The locking device includes a cylindrical housing having a lock dog port and a cylindrical chamber, an elongated annular or sleeve-like piston member within the housing and longitudinally slidable relative to the tension line.

Abstract: This apparatus is for use in the launching of battered leg jackets for offshore platforms. The jacket is transported on at least one barge resting on its lower battered legs and, during launching, the apparatus guides the jacket by its lower battered legs to maintain the center line of the jacket on the launching center line. The apparatus uses a pair of dollies on a beam, and at least two beams on a barge. The beams are mounted transverse to the launching center line. The dollies can move along the transverse beam and position coordinating means are used to control the relative positions of the dollies on each beam such that the two dollies are maintained essentially the same distance from the launching center line with one dolly on either side of the launching center line. When either dolly is moved, the other dolly on the same beam will move the same distance in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a maritime assembly comprising the steps of stabilizing a foundation raft alongside a quay, moving at least a part of an erect tower structure from the quay onto the foundation raft, securing the tower structure to the foundation raft, and floating the assembly so formed away from the quayside site. Additionally a particular method for fabricating a tower structure is described, and a particular foundation raft and a method of constructing such foundation raft are outlined. The method of the invention is not limited to particular method for fabricating the tower structure, or the particular foundation raft.

Abstract: Ship or similar floating installation, equipped with a working deck, a lower intermediate deck and below this a bottom below water level. The intermediate deck is provided with spaces for the assembly of apparatus, which can be lowered through an opening. On the bottom and next to the opening the ship is provided with a dock with gates at the side of the opening and accessible from the intermediate deck, which gates can be opened and when closed allow the dock to be pumped dry.

Abstract: A mobile jack-up drilling rig for offshore use is uniquely designed to greatly reduce the weight of the entire assembly by using a light, openwork body or superstructure thereby eliminating the requirement that the rig be seaworthy and either partially or totally eliminating the requirement that the rig be buoyant. The jack-up rig requires assistance to be carried to the drill site. The system includes a truss design with little or no hull, using structural shapes for a superstructure whose sizes are dependent on weights and spans. The superstructure is supported by cylindrical, trussed, or other suitably shaped legs. Preload pods, which may be of any shape such as round, may be provided at each of the legs to attach to the superstructure. The preload pods, preferably, support the jacks used to raise and lower the legs.

Abstract: Precision hover is necessary when one must position a load precisely on the deck of a ship. Manual precision hover is possible under very light wind gust conditions and a calm sea. The techniques described here are directed to those special windy days when a mission must be accomplished. The technique is to unload a containerized cargo onto a platform kept level regardless of the rolling motions of the ship. The platform is a resilient net of the proper strength to absorb the cargo's impact upon its contact with the net. During night operations under adverse weather conditions it is desirable to remove the cargo from the hoisting mechanism manually unaided. This is accomplished by an automatic sling detachment device. Usually the container will approach the net at an angle. This is desirable, enabling one or two of the devices to detach themselves first and permitting the reduction in loading upon the helicopter to be less abrupt.

Abstract: Subsea cable apparatus adapted to extend from a floating structure to a subsea wellhead apparatus or stack with a marine riser pipe extending from the floating structure to the subsea wellhead, such apparatus including a cable supported on the floating structure, by a multiple roller sheave with an integral load cell for measuring tension in the cable, a clamp on the riser pipe adapted to engage the cable to support it, the cable between the clamp and the floating structure forming a free catenary loop, means for engaging and disengaging said clamp on said cable, remote, diverless means for disconnecting said clamp from said riser pipe, a telescoping connection in the lower end of said cable to absorb the shock of landing control pod attached to the lower end of the cable on the pod receptacle on the subsea wellhead apparatus and to compensate for relative movement between the cable and the subsea wellhead stack, a pod connector on the lower end of the cable, a mating pod receptacle connector on the subsea we

Abstract: An at-sea buoy and anchor retrieval apparatus utilizes a vessel having a catamaran hull with a buoy catcher apparatus disposed between the hulls of the vessel. The buoy catcher is vertically movable so that it can be placed at the appropriate water depth to capture the buoys when the vessel is underway. A lift is provided to elevate the buoy catcher containing the buoy to the vicinity of an opening in the deck so that access to the buoy may be had from the deck.

Abstract: A ship comprising a hull in which vehicles can be readily loaded and unloaded from at least two ramps at about the same level, the ramps communicating with a cargo-carrying portion extending through two decks and comprising fully separated cargo volumes, in which straight blind alleys emanating from lobbies within the hull at opposite ends of the hull communicate with mutually inclined decks extending upwardly and downwardly forward-aft and aft-forward, respectively, and in communication with respective opposite lobbies.